During this time of crisis, as our world scrambles to contain the spread of COVID-19, and as even our churches are suspending public Masses and other gatherings, we wanted to share with you a beautiful passage from one of the letters of St. Paul of the Cross. May his words, springing from his burning love and devotion for Jesus in the Eucharist, whom he often called his “Sacramental Spouse,” and from his own experience of uniting his sufferings with Jesus’ Passion, be a balm and encouragement to your hearts and souls!

Strive to hear Mass daily. When prevented by necessity, hear it in your heart, that is, by desire. While I am speaking of desire, desire often to unite yourself with the Lord in a holy spiritual communion.

To sum up, do all you can to be true servants of God. Suffer tribulations willingly; remember they are pledges of God’s love. The greatest sufferings are reserved for the greatest servants of God. Have courage and do not fear the multitude of your afflictions. Make a bundle of them and place it on the bosom of your soul, perfuming it with the fragrance of patience.

Finally, I beg you always to remember that holy precept of love which Jesus taught his disciples at the Last Supper before going to his death: “My beloved apostles, a new commandment I give you, that you love one another as I have loved you.” Oh, what gracious words! The example is clear. Love one another, love one another, my dearest brothers and sisters.

Letter #12, Feb. 21, 1722

Dear Holy Father St. Paul of the Cross, pray for us and our world in this hour of need! May our hunger for Jesus, our Eucharistic Spouse, grow ever more fervent, until it sets the whole world on fire with His Love!