Pope Francis has asked all Catholics to pray the rosary daily during the month of October. We pray asking Mary and St. Michael the Archangel to intercede for the protection of the Church and family life in a moment of “spiritual turbulence.” Pope Francis affirmed that the Rosary “is the weapon against the Great Accuser who ‘goes around the world seeking to accuse.’ Only prayer can defeat him.” By praying and living the Mysteries of the Rosary, we develop a more intimate relationship with Jesus and Mary. Filled with peace and joy, we want to share our gift with those we love and serve.
Saint Francis de Sales teaches us: “The measure of love is to love without measure.” The Flame of Love is the burning love radiating from our loving Father, merciful Son and God’s Powerful Spirit (GPS). To repair the effects of Original Sin, Jesus pays our debt on the cross and Mary becomes our Spiritual Mother. The best way we can enjoy this gift of freedom is by becoming a Missionary Disciple of Jesus through Mary’s example and intercession.
Praising God overcomes sin and frees us to see the face of God in all that we love and serve. Jesus became one of us to show us the way and the truth and to have faith and hope in eternal life. Our destiny is to rejoice always and join the Communion of the Saints. The Holy Spirit consecrates us to be a channel of peace, while the devil condemns us for our sins. By trusting in the infinite love and Mercy of Jesus, He enables us to forgive others as God forgives us.
Elizabeth Kindelmann experienced suffering and rejection in promoting the Flame of Love. By praying to our Blessed Mother, Elizabeth rejoiced in the birth of Jesus, embraced his wounds, offered her life and shared the glory of our Risen Lord. By sharing her writings, Elizabeth kindles the fire of the Flame of Love in many restless souls. Saint John Paul II and Elizabeth challenge us to become an Apostle of Light to blind Satan and promote the Gospel of Joy heart-to-heart.
We are all sinners striving to be saints. Christian witnesses forgive others as God forgives us. As we repent and reconcile with the Lord in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, so we must forgive one another heart-to-heart. As precious children of God, we must obey his will and plan for us in good times and bad. By embracing our crucified Savior, we transform our human love into divine love. The glory of God is that we become the best version of our self. True love is willing the good of others. Our Mission is to inspire new disciples of Jesus and Mary. As we pass on the Flame of Love in our hearts, we ignite restless hearts to rest in the peace and joy of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Remember, each time we receive Holy Communion, we become who we receive the Body of Christ. By trusting in His Will, we can encourage our family and friends to build a culture of life and love. Is Jesus and Mary calling you to pray and live the Mysteries of the Rosary with the graces flowing from the Flame of Love?
Love and prayers,
Monsignor Ralph J. Chieffo
National Spiritual Director of the Flame of Love
