Friends of the Cross

St. Louis de Montfort on a theme closely related to both Lent and chivalry:

Friends of the Cross, you are like crusaders united to fight against the world; not like Religious who retreat from the world lest they be overcome, but like brave and valiant warriors on the battle- field, who refuse to retreat or even yield an inch. Be brave and fight courageously.

You must be joined together in a close union of mind and heart, which is stronger and far more formidable to the world and to hell than are the armed forces of a great nation to its enemies. Evil spirits are united to destroy you; you must be united to crush them. The avaricious are united to make money and amass gold and silver; you must combine your efforts to acquire the eternal treasures hidden in the Cross. Pleasure-seekers unite to enjoy themselves; you must be united to suffer.

Quite a different standard than that of the chivalry of the world.

Off to help preach a retreat to post-abortive women with the Sisters of Life. Please pray for the 23 women and for those conducting the retreat this weekend. Theme for the retreat:   In the Cross is Salvation.

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5 thoughts on “Friends of the Cross

  1. This happens to be what I have been reading for Lent! Thank you for this, Father.

    Promise of prayer for the retreat!

    Please pray for my safe travels. It is very windy on this train!

    Ave Maria

  2. Thanks, Father, for the link to St. Louise de Montfort’s letter to the Friends of the Cross. Superb advice for chivalrous discipleship.

  3. Jeff,

    Yes, I was pleasantly surprised to find that passage in St. Louis—not because it was St. Louis, but just because I had not expected it.

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