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St Conrad
Feast Day April 21
(Holy Thursday in 2011)
Patron of Doorkeepers
MMG members take St Conrad as a patron because, through our prayers for our
prodigals, we strive to stand in the doorway so that when our loved ones decide
to return, they will find the door to Jesus and His Church standing open and
waiting to welcome them. His example of a humble approach to those around
him , and his taking Mary as his guide, encourage us who attempt to meet others
with that same humility while we heed Mary's words to the servants at Cana, "Do
whatever He tells you."
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Who
was Saint Conrad?
St.
Conrad had a great love of God and a great devotion to Mary.
He lived a humble life as a Capuchin lay brother who answered the door at
the monastery. He was always busy because many thousands of people
stopped at his door having come there on pilgrimage. For over 40
years, he was kind and gentle to all who stopped no matter what their
attitude. Conrad held great reverence for the Eucharist. The Mass was his
greatest joy. His spare time was spent with the Blessed Sacrament. Conrad
had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother who he claimed as his advocate
and guide. In her honor, he distributed many rosaries to spread devotion to
her.
From Saint Conrad's
writings
"It was God’s will that I
should leave everything that was near and dear to me. I thank him for having
called me to religious life where I have found such peace and joy as I could
never have found in the world. My plan of life is chiefly this: to love and
suffer, always meditating upon, adoring and admiring God’s unspeakable love for
his lowliest creatures"
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Spiritual communion
by Saint Conrad
I have
come to spend a few moments with Thee, O Jesus, and in spirit I prostrate myself
in the dust before Thy Holy Tabernacle to adore Thee, my Lord and God, in
deepest humility. Once more a day has come to its close, dear Jesus, another day
which brings me nearer to the grave and my beloved heavenly home. Once more, O
Jesus, my heart longs for Thee, the true Bread of Life, which contains all
sweetness and relish. O my Jesus, mercifully grant me pardon for the faults and
ingratitude of this day, and come to me to refresh my poor heart which longs for
Thee. As the heart pants for the waters, as the parched earth longs for the dew
of heaven, even so does my poor heart long for Thee, Thou Fount of Life. I love
Thee, O Jesus, I hope in Thee, I love Thee, and out of love for Thee I regret
sincerely all my sins. May Thy peace and Thy benediction be mine now and always
and for all eternity. Amen.
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