Quote/s of the Day – 7 March – The Memorial of Blessed Leonid Feodorov (1879-1935) Martyr
“When I feel overwhelmed by misfortune, the greatest joy that the Lord can give me, is to go to the altar, to put my forehead against it (as on the day of my ordination to the priesthood) and to feel the presence of the only reality. Not only does calm return but my body seems to be annihilated, the only true life begins, the life of that which is intangible.”
(Fr Paul Mailleux, SJ “Exarch Leonid Feodorov, Bridgebuilder Between Rome and Moscow,” page 166)
“If the Soviet Government orders me to act against my conscience, I do not obey. As for teaching the Catechism, the Catholic Church holds that children must be taught their religion, no matter what the law says. Conscience is above the law. No law which is against the conscience can bind.”
(Adressing the court during his political ‘show trial’ in 1923)
“My whole life has been based on two principles – the love of the Church to which I am united and the love of my country, which I adore. If I do not care, whether I am sentenced to ten years imprisonment or to be shot, it is not because I am a fanatic… Since I joined the Catholic Church, my sole object has been, to reconcile my country to that Church which I believe to be the One True Church.”
“Our hearts are full, not of hatred but of sadness. You cannot understand us, we are not allowed liberty of conscience. That is the only conclusion, we can draw from what we have heard here.”
(Addressing the court shortly before being sentenced to ten years in the GULAG)
“The true messianism of the Russian (Catholic) Church is not what the Slavophiles have imagined but it is the example of suffering. It is in this way that She shows, that She is the continuation of Christ in this world.”
(Addressing a friend and confidant who was imprisoned with him at Solovki prison camp)
Prayer for Unity by Blessed Leonid
O Merciful Lord Jesus, Our Saviour, hear the prayers and petitions of Your unworthy, sinful servants, who humbly call upon You and make us all to be one in Your One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. Flood our souls with Your unquenchable light. Put an end to religious disagreements and grant that we Your disciples and Your beloved children, may all worship You, with a single heart and voice. Fulfill quickly, O grace-giving Lord, Your promise, that there shall be one flock and one Divine Shepherd of Your Church and may we be made worthy to glorify Your Holy Name now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen
Blessed Leonid Feodorov (1879-1935) Martyr
(via Quote/s of the Day - 7 March by Blessed Leonid Feodorov (1879-1935) Martyr)
