31 May – Anniversary of Fr. Barré’s death

During his last illness, Nicolas Barré continued to say Mass almost daily. He lost none of the zeal that had always animated him in working for the salvation of his neighbour, whether by the ministry of confession or spiritual direction, or by frequent letters needed to support and guide the Charitable Schools of the Holy Infant Jesus, which were considered to be his masterpiece.

When asked by one of his fellow priests, ’is there any short prayer you would like’ he replied: My Lord and my God. During these last days he was often heard muttering the words: I believe, I hope, I want to love always’ A.D 8.

Pentecost was approaching and he felt that he would not be there to receive the Holy Spirit with the community, instead, he said ‘I will go to meet Him’.

When asked if he had any message for the Charitable Mistresses, he answered:

            ‘The Institute is a little cell in the church, I will tell the Holy Spirit that he must always be its source of life, always be at its head to lead it’

            ‘Show them how the Holy Spirit is to take possession of them and how they ought to take possession of the Holy Spirit’ A.D.10.

As we approach our General Chapter in June, we ask his guidance and direction so as to respond to the needs of our world today.