It was Pauline Marie Jaricot pronounced (Jeri-coe) who lit the match. This true daughter of the Church is worthy of new legitimate praise. Her vision has been shown to be truly prophetic. The source of this flame was her profound interior life, completely open to the love of God, characterized by a child-like spirit. It was this almost mystical generosity which allowed her to find and to enact, without delay, concrete and courageous actions. It is true that, Pauline, like so many others within the Church who have responded whole-heartedly to an exceptional vocation, did not hesitate to shock and even provoke her fellow Christians, particularly those who surrounded her. Those fellow Christians who did not agree with Pauline, did not hesitate to voice their disapproval in ways often, harsh, unjust and even violent. The genius and holiness of Pauline matured and crystallized into a reality of extreme simplicity- the Living Rosary.
"The universal propagation of the Faith in all its purity" was the lifetime prayer of this holy foundress.
"The universal propagation of the Faith in all its purity" was the lifetime prayer of this holy foundress. Let us make this our prayer. In this modern age of freedom and godlessness, with the 'spirit' of the world sowing corruption within family and Church, let us pray all the more fervently for the preservation of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church
The universal success of the work of Pauline is to be found in the furnace of charity within her great heart. No matter how great the persecution or injustice she suffered, never was she heard to complain. Pauline was altogether consumed by a great love of God. Before her death she had a very close friend gather up all the letters she had received throughout the years from priests, prelates and hierarchy which contained any compliment or flattery and commanded that they be burned. The letters that were left for others to see would be the ones which had criticism and condemnation. The following prayer was found on her person after her death. It dates from 1856.
"My hope is in Jesus, my only treasure is the Cross...I will bless the Lord at all times and His praise shall be always in my mouth. I adore the will of my God. What does it matter to me' O beloved and loveable will of God, if you take from me all earthly goods, reputation, honor, health, and life; what does it matter that you make me descend into the depth of humiliations. What does it matter - if, I find the hidden fire of Thy heavenly love? How happy I should be if I could die for Thee and for my fellow creatures. Jesus, Priest and Victim, I unite the sacrifice of my life and the cross I carry to Thy blood shed for me. I shelter myself in Thy wounds and I expect all strength from Thee. My heart is ready, O Lord, my heart is ready. I only wish to do all for Thy greater glory. I rely upon Thy strength when the supreme moment comes and not upon my own. I have put my hopes in Thy mercy. I recommend to Thee all to whom I may die indebted, and I beg Thee, that having given my life and my blood for them, my friends will pay my debts after my death".
Mary, O my Mother, I am Thine!
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