Address of Fr Chevalier to the Daughters of Our Lady

of the Sacred Heart, 1903

From the book of Sister Mary Venard fdnsc (1996)

Sent by the Spirit: Jules Chevalier, his personal relationship with the

Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart 1886-1907, 34-36

The only extant verbatim copy of a talk that Fr Chevalier gave to the Daughters of our Lady of the Sacred Heart on April 14, 1903, the occasion of his delayed feast. The copy is in the handwriting of an unidentified Sister. But from the internal evidence of the document, as also from the proven fact that Father Chevalier was in the habit of making preliminary notes of his discourses, the conclusion is that the text is an authentic copy of the personal notes lent by himself to be copied.

I am very grateful to you for your prayers to the Heart of Jesus and to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. You expressed the hope of one day being united with me in heaven, but it is rather for me to find myself in your company. For here you lead a life withdrawn from the world, a life of obedience and sacrifice under the eyes of Jesus, a life ful1 of merit. Hence I am convinced that you will have a beautiful place in heaven. You also expressed good wishes for my health and holiness. It is the latter which is the essential.

The situation resulting from the persecution is becoming graver every day. Well, then, you will go into exile. That will have the advantage of taking you abroad. But have no fear. God will provide for your every need. He will procure for you all that is necessary. Whatever is still to happen should not cause us too much anxiety. Then let us leave Divine Wisdom to act. As for the rest, all that he permits is for our good.

Since the measures now taken by the government have reached the last extremity, this state of violence will not last. We have daily experience that violence is of its very nature for a time only. Then let the storm pass. I admit that it is terrible. But the more the thunder roars, the more the lightning flashes, the more speedily the tempest spends itself.

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart has not yet spoken her final word. It is she herself who has inspired this title so expressive of her relation with the Heart of Jesus. A day will come when the devotion to Mary under this title will be seen to embrace all other Marian titles. It is beginning to spread. The persecution may, it is true, hinder its diffusion, but this will be only for a time.

You see what happens when grain is sown. It rots. Buried in the soil, all seems lost. Winter comes. The snow covers it. But let the cold pass. Springtime arrives. The grain shoots up vigorously and produces ears of wheat. So will it be with your little Congregation. It is not numerous. But after maybe a few months, a year, perhaps two years in exile during which you will grow strong through prayer and through the elimination of whatever faults you may have, you will come back rejuvenated to take up again your works. You will work with a new vigour. Then your little Congregation will do as the bees. From here you will go forth everywhere. Many girls, attracted by the devotion to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, will want to come and share the way of life of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, to share also your merits. You will have flourishing works and numerous houses.

I have just made a prophecy. I trust that it will be realised. I have the presentiment that it will be. Therefore, do not be afraid. Our Lord said: "Happy are those who suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven". I believe that these words are addressed to you in a particular way and to all of us (Missionaries of the Sacred Heart). Therefore, instead of being saddened by what is happening, I would almost tell you to rejoice, since Our Lord has said that the disciple is not greater than his Master. He has communicated his life to the Church. That is why for eighteen centuries she has not ceased to struggle. But she will never be overcome. Satan is jealous of the progress which she is making throughout the world. He is doing his utmost to hinder her development. But she will come through it all victorious. We, her children, must not allow ourselves to be cast down.

Moreover, persecutions are good. They are even necessary to purify religious Congregations. I do not say yours since you have the reputation of being holy religious. May you remain so. In many Congregations there were many who were not what they should have been. Persecution is like a wind which shakes the tree of religious life. The old, dried-up fruits will fall off of their own accord. There will remain only those generous souls who wish to be for God whatever the cost.

Persecution has also several other advantages. It strengthens faith; it fortifies charity; it makes one strong in one's vocation and so forth. You have asked for my blessing. I am going to give it to you with my whole heart, not only to everyone here, but also to your Sisters in Sydney, Thursday Island, the missions and Belgium. A blessing is like the word of God. Nothing can halt it.