Blessed Karl Leisner

The Ordination Card of Bl. Karl Leisner done by a fellow prisoner

Germany was to have a troubled history, especially under the leaderships of Bismarck, Kaiser Wilhelm and Adolph Hitler. These troubles would have disastrous outcomes for the entire world but also for the people of Germany itself.

Germany prided itself on its power, industry and culture, and through various wars it swallowed smaller countries into its borders, making a second Reich, by overcoming Prussia, Silesia and other territories. This would lead Germany into a belief that it was invincible, thereby leading the country into the first world war with devastating consequences for the entire world.

It was the humiliating defeat at the closure of the first world war when the Treaty of Versailles was signed that would lay the ground work for the rise of the National Socialist party as the depression hit Germany as well as most of the world.

During this period many German people became desperate for a way out of their poverty, as many resented the terms of the Versailles Treaty, which would become music to the Nazi's ears. The Nationalist Socialist party used this aspect to further their own agenda, and while the Nazi party did not gain a majority vote at the polls, it was enough to allow Adolph Hitler to be named Chancellor by President Hindenburg. Under Hitler’s Chancellery he orchestrated a 'national emergency' and thereby shut down any processes of dissension. In this way Hitler became a Dictator, and there was very little the German people could do to stop the Nazi onslaught.

But this was not to say that all Germans were silent, nor that all Germans consented to this evil regime, for there were some Germans who recognised the evil intent of Adolph Hitler and his regime of tyranny!

One of these men was Karl Leisner, who was born in 1915, in the midst of the First World War. Karl was born into a large Catholic family of devout parents and he got on well with his siblings, which was just as well as Karl was always a strong natured young man with leadership potential. And though times were tough for the Leisner household, he was raised to be strong and resourceful and also to love his Faith which was instilled within him at an early age.

Karl though an introspective young man, much taken with deep thoughts, he was also robust and athletic, this natural but also sensitive nature led him to be noticed by his Parish Priest, who encouraged Karl to become a leader of the youth in his area. This was to be a happy time for Karl as he led his fellow friends on camping trips and climbing parties, and also into moments of prayer and reflection on their Faith and love for God and Church.

But unfortunately for Karl, the government of the day sent him to work in a labour camp this would have devastating consequences for him as he lived in damp conditions. It was during this time as his body weakened that he felt drawn to take the first steps in becoming a Priest by at first, becoming a Deacon.

Upon becoming a Deacon, he spent his time organising the youth in the area to take them on camping trips well away from the ever watchful Gestapo, he could instruct the boys in the Faith, and this also enabled the boys to attend Mass. But it was also during this time that the hacking cough he had developed became serious, and Karl was diagnosed with tuberculosis.

In 1939 he left for a mountain sanatorium in the Black Forest to help him overcome this deadly disease, but the Nazi's were not going to let this young man off so lightly and upon raiding his home they arrested Karl and placed him in jail. For the frail Karl this was not good news, and the Nazi machine was merciless to him and showed this brave young Deacon no mercy!

They sent him to the concentration camp at Sachsenhusen, and whilst there he tried his best to not only lift his spirits but the spirits of all those he came in contact with. But Karl was only there a short while before being transferred to the dreaded concentration camp at Dachau. Karl was going through a dark time spiritually but he held on to his love of God in full trust that God was in control, and also helped organise for himself and others to receive the Eucharist through Masses which were held in the greatest secrecy.

But Karl's tuberculosis was ravaging his body and there were many times he was taken to the terrifying 'infirmary' where the Nazi's did their 'experiments'. But through all of this Karl remained pleasant and tried his utmost to relieve the sufferings of all those around him, he often shared his meagre rations with others in order to show compassion in hellish conditions. And though the men felt themselves in hell, love could still abound in such souls as Karl Leisner.

Then in 1944 a Bishop was interred at the infamous Dachau alongside Karl. Through the imprisonment of Bishop Piquet, Karl would be able to embrace and fulfil his great passion and love, to become a Priest and serve his beloved Church. In great secrecy his fellow inmates made Vestments, a Mitre and a stole which was truly a miracle in such a dangerous environment. One of the prisoners had written on the stole this creed, "Victor in Vinculis"(Victor in Chains), this was to be a true Motto for though evil men may enchain a man's body they cannot enchain a man's soul.

It was during this miraculous occasion where divisions of religion no longer existed as many religions joined forces in helping Karl Leisner to become ordained into the Catholic Priesthood. Many from the Protestant denominations made a small party for Karl and a Russian Orthodox provided the Bishop with his ring. It was a truly awesome moment shared by all for love of God and for their fellow man.

Though this lifted the spirits of Fr. Karl, enough for him to hold his first Mass it was not enough to turn back the all encompassing tuberculosis. And though he was to see the allies win a victory against the Nazi tyranny, Karl did not live long enough to celebrate this joyous moment for long, as he slowly succumbed to the disease ravaging his emaciated frame.

Father Karl Leisner died in 1945.

Karl was beatified in 1991 by Pope John Paul ll.

Peace of Christ to you ALL

Copyright © 2005 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

St Madeleine Sophie Barat

France during the 1700's was to play an important part on the world stage, by helping the Americans to fight for independence from England. This would cause major ructions in the diplomatic arena between England and France, and in 1778, an incensed England declared war on France.

This alliance would prove to be problematic ones for France, as it help supply the American revolutionaries to fight on against the English troops, by providing military and weapons. The American Revolution also brought other countries into this conflict, as Spain allied itself to France and the burgeoning United States. And Holland also came under fire from the English for supporting the French in this conflict. There would be much fighting and even more negotiations before this conflict came to its conclusion, with the overthrow of British rule in the America's, and the birth of a new nation.

But it is 1779 that a little baby was born to France, she would be baptized with the name Madeleine Sophie Barat, as she showed signs of a premature birth and was very frail, her parents had her baptized very quickly.

But Madeleine would surprise all members of her family by her exuberant and extrovert nature, as she got up to high jinx and laughed and played with her siblings, much to the disapproval of her parents. Her family though not wealthy were able to provide a good living for their family as Madeleines father was in the wine business. And many times the children would help their parents pick the grapes to make the wine, which they then sold to their region.

Though Madeleines parents could be austere, this did not prevent their little one from enjoying life around her as she bubbled over with the latest excitements and little joys of life. It was thought best to place Madeleine’s education into the hands of their son, Louis, who was also studying to become a Priest. Though Madeleine's temperament was extroverted, she took to study like water on a ducks back, for underneath all the exuberance was a deep and growing love for her Faith.

Unfortunately the French Revolution would intrude upon Madeleine’s studies, so she was forced to delay her education and look for employment; she eventually found work as a seamstress which she excelled at. But it was the imprisonment of her beloved but austere brother Louis which would leave an impact on Madeleine as she prayed unceasingly for her brothers release from the bloody thirsty revolutionaries!

Her prayer was heard and upon the fall of the despotic Robespierre, Louis Barat was a free man, he then asked for Madeleine's help to further her education but also to continue a life of service to God. Upon completing her education, Madeleine started teaching the little children of her area, the rudimentaries of the Catholic Church. She enjoyed this immensely as her heart was overjoyed to be amongst little ones who had suffered much under the dreadful revolution!

But it was in 1800 that Madeleine would be introduced to Brother Varin who would change the course of her life, and influence her in turning her many gifts to help found a religious Order to educate the poverty stricken children of the area. After much prayer Madeleine chose to help Brother Varin and formed a small society called, Society of the Sacred Heart, of which she became its superior.

The Sacred Heart movement took wing and it spread to many different regions of France, this made life very busy, but for an extrovert like Madeleine, this proved no problem. During this time as Mother Madeleine traversed all over France, she also opened orphanages and schools where education would be free to those who could not afford to pay a school fee.

But Mother Madeleine knew that without prayer, nothing could be achieved, so Mother Madeleine led all those around her to rely totally on prayer and the Providence of a Loving God to help them in their needs. Prayer was to vital to Mother Madeleine that she spent several hours a day on her knees in deep prayer for her community and for the poor they were helping.

During all her mission work, Mother Madeleine overlooked any personal inconvenience and sufferings and worked to establish her Convents, orphanages and other enterprises. This required a great deal of diplomacy on Mother Madeleine’s part as France recovered from the reign of terror brought on by the revolutionaries. Mother Madeleine showed great skill in dealing with the civil authorities, Church authorities and people within each region, this took a heavy toll on her health, but Mother Madeleine persevered to help maintain her Order and its good works.

It was during this period that Mother Madeleine welcomed in a lady by the name of Rose Philippine Duchesne. This sister later would go to the America's and help establish the Order and to alleviate the sufferings of the poor in America.

During all the tumult of the French revolution, her own suffering and pain, Mother Madeleine always kept her spirit of joy and her love for all, shone in her face. The children adored this dear woman, who brought them not only love, but also a way out of their own impoverished circumstances, Madeleine was truly a mother par excellence to these poor children.

Mother Madeleine worked right up till her body could work no more, her love for the poor far outweighed any concern for her own health or comfort.

Mother Madeleine Sophie died in 1865.

Madeleine Sophie Barat was canonised in 1925 by Pope Pius Xl.

Peace of Christ to ALL

Copyright © 2005 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne

The 1700's were volatile years for France, as it waged war against the bourgeoisie in the name of 'freedom' and fought alongside those countries who were also struggling for their independence from Britain. It was France's support of the America's which would infuriate the British Government, as France willingly entered the war in 1778 by sending troops and other military aid to America to help the independents in its defiance of British rule.

But 1769 was to be a providential year for France as both Napoleon Bonaparte and Rose Philippine Duchesne were born. One was to bring untold tragedy upon the French people, as he grew to lust after power at any cost, while the other, Rose Philippine through her great Faith in God would become yet another Saint of France, this nation of tears.

Philippine began her life with ease as her Father was a prosperous business man and her mother was a devout Catholic. It was her mother Rose, who taught all her children a love for their Faith and fired their hearts with zealousness as she read them stories of the lives of previous Saints and martyrs, never knowing that one of her very own would one day become a Saint.

Philippine listened to all her Mothers stories with great attention and with her siblings she would re-enact the previous nights stories of Saintly heroism, during their play time. For Philippine was a born leader, and she thrived on hearing and then reading about these heroic Saints.

But being that Philippine was born into a prosperous family she was sent to school with the Visitation Nuns, where she thrived on its spirit of helping and educating the poor. It was then that she felt a calling to enter the Religious life, upon hearing this, her Father immediately withdraw poor Philippine from the school she so loved.

Philippine was saddened at such a response, but she did not give in and simply obeyed her parents till she came of age. During this time her education was not ignored as she was taught privately at home, excelling in many subjects.

Though Philippine was a model child, upon reaching maturity her independent spirit shone through and she rejected the attempts made by her father to marry her off to a man of suitable means. For Philippine still longed above all to serve her Lord through the Church and most especially the mission field.

But Philippine was to prevail and she entered the Religious Order of the Visitation Sisters at the age of 19. Unfortunately this broke the hearts of her parents and neither attended the ceremony of Profession, still Philippine would not be deterred.

But the French revolution would soon be upon them and during this great destruction Philippine did all she could to assist the poor in her area, despite the governing powers, who were trying to destroy the Church!

Sadly Philippines parents died during this period in time and left their daughter a substantial sum of money which helped her to distribute it to the sick and the poor. But it was in 1801 that Philippine once again re-entered the Order of the Visitation Sisters, once the blood lust of the mob had been sated, and the French revolution became a part of France's tragic history.

Though Philippine returned to her Order it was not the same as it had been before and it was with the intercession of Father Varin that led Philippine to the Order of the Society of the Sacred Heart, in which Mother Madeleine Sophie Barat welcomed her.

All through these troubling times Philippine kept a strong spirit of prayer and a love of solitude as well as a longing to help the poor. No matter the price Philippine was determined to pay it as she longed to be a Saint, not for any honour of self but to proclaim her love of God to all.

So it was that in 1818, Sister Philippine came to New Orleans to help Bishop Du Bourg. Upon settling down, Sister Philippine was then sent in a small group to Missouri, where she commenced to opening a school. These were interesting times as America was very different from her beloved France, its landscape was much harsher and less yielding. It took Sister Philippine time to adjust to this dramatic change in landscape and peoples.

But in every country the poor were everywhere, and Philippine was determined to help educate the dispossessed to become self sufficient. This was to produce a zealous and formidable workload where Sister Philippine seemed to be everywhere, opening orphanages, starting new schools in a never ending attempt to be of assistance to those who needed her help.

She worked diligently to improve the lot of the poor but also to try and help the Native Americans in the terrible injustices she would witness being perpetrated against them. Therefore Philippine also educated and trained Native American girls to help her in her mission hospitals and to help them establish a decent life for themselves.

And though born in the same year as Napoleon Bonaparte who tried to rule the world it was Rose Philippine Duchesne who ended up ruling the hearts of all those she came in contact with, in a spirit of mutual love and respect.

Rose Philippine Duchesne died in 1852.

Saint Rose Philippine was canonised in 1988 by Pope John Paul ll.

Quotes from St. Philippine Duchesne:

"Learn to let others do their share of the work. Things may be done less well, but you will have more peace of soul and health of body. And what temporal interest should we not sacrifice in order to gain these blessings?"

...." the dear Lord has favored us with a share of His cross. The greatest and undoubtedly the hardest to bear is the lack of success in our work here. If a saint had been in charge, all would have gone well. "

"You may dazzle the mind with a thousand brilliant discoveries of natural science; you may open new worlds of knowledge which were never dreamed of before; yet, if you have not developed in the soul of the pupil strong habits of virtue which will sustain her in the struggle of life, you have not educated her, but only put in her hand a powerful instrument of self-destruction."

"Humility is the virtue that requires the greatest amount of effort."

St. Philippine Duchesne

Peace of Christ to ALL

Copyright © 2005 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

Saint Angela Merici

Italy in the fifteenth century was one of division as noble families fought for supremacy in order to rule over all Italy. But it became a place of different factions, where some cities prospered and flourished, whilst others floundered. The larger cities would later amalgamate to form a pact of non aggression as they subsisted beside each other.

During these years Italy was a place of political intrigue, which required many leaders to become accomplished diplomats. But as the course of history runs, peace was always under threat as the French invaded Italy in an attempt to capture for themselves the prosperous city of Florence.

Once again the Pope came under threat and fled to Castel, to elude the French invader Charles Vlll, who upon capturing Florence endeavoured to make himself its King. Under the guidance of Pope Alexander Vl, the neighbouring cities unite to defeat Charles Vlll, which was successful, as the King fled back to his homeland, France.

But it was in the year 1474 that a young child would be born, to parents, Giovanni and Caterina Merici, but it was her mother Caterina who came from a more prosperous family. So though Angela was not born into poverty still they were also not overly wealthy.

Both parents were devout and instilled a great love for their Faith into their children, often reading them stories of the great Saints when the evening meal had been finished and the family gathered around the hearth. Angela particularly loved to hear her Father read the stories of these heroic Saints and in her young heart she longed to become a Saint too, her longing would be fulfilled.

But tragedy was to strike the Merici family when both of Angela's parents died leaving them orphans, they then went to live with their Uncle who did his best to raise them as good children and to love their Faith. Angela and her siblings missed their loving parents dreadfully, this was a heartbreaking time for Angela as she turned to a deeper prayer life to help her cope with such a loss.

Both her Aunt and Uncle took the children to attend the local Church run by the Franciscans, where Angela in particular was drawn to the austere spirituality of the Franciscan Order, with a love for poverty and prayer. This would become the corner stone of Angela's life, and one which her Aunt and Uncle encouraged.

Once Angela had come of age she returned to Desenzano, where she lived a life of deep prayer and mortification, and practiced the works of mercy in her region. It was also during this time that Angela was to be the recipient of Divine Visions, which was to set her on the path to fulfil the Lords Will for her life.

Angela's holiness was to draw many young people into her life who like Angela wished to serve the poor and to love God with all their hearts and minds. It was in 1542 that Angela embarked on a journey to the Holy Land, it was during this trip that Angela was to suddenly suffer from loss of vision but unperturbed she continued with her journey and on her return she regained her sight.

Angela's great concern was for the lack of knowledge of young people in her home area of Desenzano and she sought to remedy this situation by teaching young women the faith. Angela would soon be joined by other ladies who also wished to improve the lot of the poor and to instil in them a love for the Church.

Angela would also visit Rome, even meeting the Pope Clement Vll, who was impressed with her level of devoutness to our Lord and Savior. For Angela harboured in her heart a desire to found a new Order to teach young girls the Faith and to educate them to live holy and responsible lives.

So it was that in 1535, Angela and some female companions made Vows of poverty, to serve God through helping to educate the poor girls of their region. And through Angela's divine visions she placed her Order under the protection of Saint Ursula, who had appeared to her in one of her visions. So even though war was in the air Angela persevered to fulfil God's Will in helping the poor, despite the hardships she was encountering nothing would deter Angela from this course.

Angela and her companions worked hard to educate the young girls, even though they had no formalised Order still they worked diligently while observing a life of prayer, poverty and mercy towards all who came into their path.

Angela Merici's Order was to be formally recognised by the Church by Pope Paul lll four years after Angela's death.

It was in 1568 that Angela's group of female companions would formalised into a cloistered Religious Order, which became world wide as The Ursuline Order of Religious.

Angela Merici died in 1540.

Saint Angela Merici was canonised in 1807 by Pope Pius Vll.

Peace of Christ to you ALL

Copyright © 2005 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

Venerable Mary Potter

The 19 century was a life changing century in that it gave birth to the industrial revolution, which rather than liberating the poor, it simply reinforced their abject poverty. For many who had lived in rural villages within England, now sought life in the industrial towns in the hope of making new lives for themselves and providing more opportunities for their families.

This was not the case and for many years, people lived in impoverished conditions with overcrowding and unsanitary conditions which brought on epidemics such as cholera, dysentery and many other diseases. And though the owners of mills, coal mines and other industrial plants grew in prosperity the ordinary man and woman in the streets did not.

Things would improve overtime with the founding of Unions in order to give the workers some say as to the conditions in which they worked under. But this came at a cost as the owners of the workplaces fought such an organisation which threatened their profits; this was to cause much bitterness between employee and employer!

Into this century was born one, Mary Potter in the year 1847. Mary was born into a loving family and was the only daughter of William and Mary Anne Potter, unfortunately Mary's father left the family and immigrated to Australia leaving his wife and children behind.

Being the only daughter Mary was to become a little spoiled by both her mother and brothers, but Mary Anne made sure that she provided her daughter with a strong Faith and a care for those less fortunate than themselves. Her Mother made the difficult decision to send Mary to a Catholic boarding school, this grieved Mary Anne considerably as she was devoted to her children but most especially her daughter, Mary.

Mary did well at the school though the education of girls basically consisted of cooking, sewing and running a household. Upon leaving school Mary returned home to her Mother and brothers in Portsmouth, where she was to live an ordinary life, socialising and helping her Mother take care of the home duties.

Though Mary was an extrovert by nature and much admired by both family and friends with her winning personality and charm still there was much spiritual depth ness and a restlessness within her spirit as to her calling in life. But Mary put this restlessness aside and became engaged to Godfrey King, but Godfrey personality was not compatible with Mary's more vivacious spirit and it soon became evident to them both that their union would not work. And much to her Mother chagrin Mary broke off her engagement to Godfrey.

But through Godfrey’s deep understanding of the Faith this was to move Mary even more into developing a longing to become closer to her Lord, by serving Him by helping the poor. Mary took to prayer as her heart was confused with which path she should take.

She tried to enter the Sisters of Mercy Order but find this was not to her benefit and feeling low and ill, she prayed even harder as to what to do. Till one day upon being given a book written by St. Louis de Montfort, this book was to change Mary's life forever, and she consecrated her life to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

And through this Consecration Mary began to see a clear path for her life, she began against her Mothers wishes to visit the poor and to try to alleviate their suffering and with the help of her Mother Mary also tried to start a school for the children of the poor. Though Mary did all this it was not a disciplined life and it was this longing for some sort of Rule that Mary once again sought Jesus in prayer.

God answered her prayer and in 1874, Mary knew within her own heart of hearts that our Lord was calling her into a Religious life, where she could work amongst the poor. Mary was deeply drawn to the suffering Christ and longed to comfort Him in by providing assistance to the poorest of the poor within her community.

She could observe first hand how the industrial revolution was having an adverse affect on the poor families, who though they worked long and arduous hours, still they remained impoverished and unable to provide for their families. These conditions took a heavy toll on the family unit and many were unable to look after their own children let alone their elderly parents.

Mary founded the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary in 1877, to try and help the sufferings of the poor and most especially the more vulnerable in society. So despite Mary's own ill health she persevered in defining her Order to assist the impoverished and alleviate their sufferings. Mary was to concentrate on all avenues to assist those in need which also included the spiritual, by listening to those who were suffering and affording them the dignity which they deserved.

Though she did not know it then, Mary was to found the hospice movement where if possible the sick could be given the assistance they needed within their own homes. But she also provided a place for the sick and dying within her own Mission. Mary's connection with the suffering Christ, helped all to share the vision which she encapsulated to serve the poor as if one were serving Christ Himself.

The Order which Mary founded 'The Little Company of Mary' still exists and thrives to this very day.

Mary Potter died in 1913.

Mary Potter was proclaimed Venerable Mary Potter by Pope John Paul ll in 1988.

Peace of Christ to ALL

Copyright © 2005 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.