Lk 2:39-40
“When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, he was filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.”From “The life of the Virgin Elisabeth Eppinger”
Upon the request of her Confessor, David Reichard, (Co-founder), Parish priest of Niederbronn (*October 17,1796 - +July 24, 1867), related by herself and written by the latter:“My parents had the laudable custom of praying the rosary and the litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary each evening, except on days when there was too much work, only the litany and five “Our Fathers” and five “Hail Marys” were said (Life …1 / 4 with 4 years).
One evening, when a neighbour came to chat with my father, he spoke of the sufferings of Christ … I listened carefully and began to cry about it (Life … 1/5).
Even at this tender age my parents, on my urgent request, took me to church (Life … 1/6). Already at the age of five, I loved to work. I wanted to help my mother and followed her everywhere (Life … 1/7)”.
Prayer
God, our Father, you created man out of love and called him to love.As you once through the covenant came towards your people, now Jesus, the Savior of humanity, and the head of the Church, found the sacraments of salvation. You have sanctified marriage and especially included it in your plan of creation.
Lord Jesus Christ, open our hearts and fill us with the Spirit which moved Your servant, Mother Alphonse Marie, already in her childhood, and make us listen to Your Word and live according to the precepts of God.
Meditation
Often there are views and suggestions offered to the man and woman of today in their genuine and profound search for an answer to the serious problems of their conjugal and family life. These may be tempting but violating more or less the dignity of human person and truth. Many are, already, conscious of this danger to the human person and seek truth. It needs daring and courageous believers declaring their support for Christian values and living according to the Gospel.Daily prayer
Heavenly Father,You gifted Mother Alphonse Marie
with the grace of being powerfully attracted
to the mystery of the Cross,
even in her most tender years.
In this mystery she perceived your merciful love
for all your children.
You inspired her to found a Congregation to manifest
that love through serving those
who suffer in body or in spirit.
Through the Eucharist you gave her the strength
to participate in the work of the Redemption.
May we be transformed by the love of Christ the Redeemer,
even as she was; and may our lives be a witness
of your great love to all those we encounter.
Hear the prayers that we present through her intercession...
and if it be your will, grant that we may soon venerate
Blessed Alphonse Marie as a Saint throughout the Church.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.