My Thoughts on 05/06/2020

A man who has had a good and lasting influence on me will soon be made a saint. Pope Francis made the announcement on 27th May that Charles de Foucauld also known as Brother Charles of Jesus. He was a soldier, explorer, a man who rediscovered his faith, a priest, hermit, and religious brother, who served among the Tuareg people in the Sahara desert in Algeria. Brother Charles was shot dead on the 1st December 1916.

I have, all my priestly life, been part of a Jesus Caritas Fraternity of Priests that is inspired by spirituality of Brother Charles. We meet once a month, for Adoration, Gospel reflection, a meal and review of life. The Spirit of Charles de Foucauld can be summed up in his prayer of Abandonment that I try to say every day.

Father,
 I abandon myself into your hands; 
do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me,
and in all your creatures –
I wish no more than this, O Lord.
Into your hands I commend my soul:
I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands without reserve,
and with boundless confidence,
for you are my Father.