Vol. 7, No. 4, November, 2002

From the Editor
Sr. Jan Nattermann, S.N.C.

Holiness! What is it? Webster (as in the dictionary) says it is the quality or state of being holy which means that one is characterized by perfection. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2013 states that "All Christians in any state or walk of life are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of charity." All are called to holiness. "Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Mt. 5:48).

Help! How is this perfection possible? Read Part 5 of Sister Brigid's series (in this issue) and get acquainted with the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of holiness. Another help to 'becoming perfect', to growing in sanctity and thus happiness is the following by Cardinal Merciar;

Prayer To The Holy Spirit

"I am going to reveal to you the secret of sanctity and happiness. Every day for five minutes control your imagination and close your eyes to the things of sense and your ears to all the noises of the world, in order to enter into yourself. Then, in the sanctity of your baptized soul (which is the temple of the Holy Spirit) speak to that Divine Spirit, saying to Him:

"O, Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, ...I adore you. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me. Tell me what I should do...give me Your orders. I promise to submit myself to all that You desire of me and to accept all that You permit to happen to me. Let me only know Your will."

"If you do this, you life will flow along happily, serenely and full of consolation, even in the midst of trials. Grace will be proportioned to the trial, giving you the strength to carry it and you will arrive at the gate of paradise, laden with merit. This submission to the Holy Spirit is the secret of sanctity."

After all is said and done, sanctity is the perfection of love. Thank God for the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of holiness, so that it is possible for us to live up to our calling as Christians.