Agnes De La Gorce

This book left me with PEACE. He is inspiring as a layman who was rejected by the Cistercians and Carthusians due to their concerns about his frail-framed body, but it was God's will. As it would be, St. Benedict Joseph Labre was able to leave a legacy for all of us who for whatever reasons are not admitted into the religious life but are called by God to live lives as hermits, ascetics, and strive for union with Christ without canonical approval, yet with the love of the Church, in full obedience to the Church, and coming to become "nothing" for Christ and His Church. St. Benedict Joseph Labre lived in mid-18th century France but realized his vocation was to be a pilgrim, to wander, to learn love and suffering for Christ's sake, and to be nothing in the eyes of men. He made his way eventually to Rome where he remained the duration of his relatively short life. But what a life it was, and how his life influences my deeper desires and determination to live my lay hermit life to a higher degree of sacrifice. The style and artistry of the book is excellent, well-written.… (más)

2142 Saint Benedict Joseph Labre, by Agnes De La Gorce translated by Rosemary Sheed (read 12 Apr 1988) This is a book published in 1952--a life of Saint Benedict Joseph Labre. He was baptized Mar 27, 1748, in Amettes, in Artois, northern France, and died on the Wednesday in Holy Week in April 1782. He was beatified May 20, 1860, and canonized Dec 8, 1882. I was extremely impressed by this book. This saint is an extremely interesting study. One cannot help but be repelled by his letting lice live in his clothes, but he was utterly a saint. I supposed he'd be institutionalized by force today, but in his day and in Italy--where he spent most of his final years--he got along. He is buried in the Madonna dei Monti church in Rome--I would dearly love to visit the places he went to, including Loreto. Reading this book has been a most exceptional experience, and I am surely glad I read this very moving book.… (más)