Spirituality
Reflection 2
Finding Examples,Mentors and Patrons
About Frederic
Frederic acknowledged the need for,and influence of,many people,living and deceased,as examples,mentors and patrons in his life.
In 1831,as a young student in Paris,Frederic went to visit the home of the noted physicist Ampere.The elder Ampere invited Ozanam to reside in his home as a boarder while Ampere’s own son was travelling in Germany.Frederic enjoyed the meals,the amiable conversations and the more serious work that took place in this household.But one day,weary from his own studies,Frederic was out for a walk and stopped by the parish church of Saint Etienne du Mont.There he saw Ampere kneeling,saying his rosary ,rapt in attention.The effect of this scene was profound.Frederic later wrote,”The rosary of Ampere….did more for me than all the books and sermons put together”(Des Rivieres,Ozanam.P34)
Sr Rosalie taught Frederic that above all,he was not to judge the poor.
Sr Rosalie Rendu
Frederic sought out SR Rosalie Rendu,a Daughter of Charity of Saint Vincent De Paul who worked with the poor in the Mouffetard district of Paris.She became the mentor for his apostolic work as a layman.She taught him how to minister to the poor with love,respecting their dignity as human beings created in God’s image and likeness.She instructed him that,above all,he was not to judge the poor.It was Sister Rosalie who fostered Frederic’s knowledge of and devotion to Saint Vincent De Paul and who first exemplified for him Vincentian spirituality,
Fr J.B.Marduel
Another of Frederic’s outstanding mentors was his spiritual director Fr. J.B.Marduel,a priest of deep sanctity who was apparently gifted with the ability to read people’s souls.Marduel was able to penetrate the clouds of darkness and confusion to a clearer,truer reality.He was of great benefit to someone of Frederic’s sensitivity.
Pause: Who are your current examples,mentors and patrons ?
Professional psychologists and spiritual writers encourage us to think about good role models.These are people who are highly developed in the stages of growth in faith.In the 21st century we have enough knowledge to develop beyond fundamentalist faith.Now we know how to stand as independent and mature Christian adults.
This means we are skilled in prayer AS WELL AS being skilled in social work practise required in New Zealand today even as members,workers and volunteers.
These two important areas we will continue to learn about in the SVDPNZ bi-monthly reflections.
REFLECTION
Inspired by the founders from the past,let us begin our journey to mature faith by naming our current role models,mentors,patrons and even the good people we find challenging.
Write their names down the margin of a piece of paper.
Prayers and Meditation
Imitation is one of the primary ways Christians learn,live and pass on the Gospel.Reflect on those persons that you have imitated in your life using the following passages form Scripture as a background :
“Be Imitators of me as I am of Christ” (1 Cors 11:1)
But we also called to be mature Christians in our own right inspiring others by our good works :
“Be examples to the flock to follow” (1 Peter 5:3)
Two prayerful activities to do:
- Write your own litany honouring those who have been models for you.This is an amazingly telling activity.The litany could go like this : For the compassion of John,I thank you God.For the wisdom of Marlene,I thank you God.For the serenity of Charles,I thank you God.For the zeal of Ann,I thank you God……
- Perhaps there is something distressing or particularly overwhelming in your life right now that you are being invited to disclose to another wise and mature person in order to receive some guidance.Maybe your Parish Priest or local Spiritual Director or a local counsellor.(see under Counselling services in the Yellow Pages)Or alternatively SVDP National has a Marist Priest Spiritual Advisor who you can call confidentially on 021 523 320.
Take some time to pray for those closest to you or you have met in your Vincentian work.Write down their names,or gather a picture.Ask these questions :
How am I an example of (name an important quality) to this person ?
What does this person need from me,as a compassionate mentor, at this time ?
What things am I pleased about in our relationship ?
What dimensions need improvement ?
As you finish with a prayer,recall each person and say a special prayer for them.