Let Me Introduce You…
Blessed Joan of Toulouse
I am going to assume that you have never heard of this woman before. In honor of her upcoming feast day (March 31st), let me introduce you:
In 1240, some Carmelite brothers from Palestine started a monastery in Toulouse, France. The great Carmelite priest, St. Simon Stock, passed through Toulouse twenty-five years later. A devout woman asked to see him. She introduced herself simply as Joan. She asked the priest earnestly, “May I be part of the Carmelite order as an associate?” St. Simon Stock was the head of the order. He had the authority to grant the woman’s request. He said “yes.” Joan became the first lay associate. She received the habit of the Carmelite order. In the presence of St. Simon Stock, Joan made a vow of perpetual chastity.
Joan continued her quiet, simple life right in her own home. She tried to be as faithful as possible to the rules of the Carmelites for the rest of her life. Joan went to daily Mass and devotions at the Carmelite church. She filled the rest of the day with visits to the poor, the sick and the lonely. She trained the altar boys. She helped the elderly and infirm by performing useful tasks and running errands. Joan prayed with them and brightened many lives with her cheerful conversations.
Blessed Joan carried a picture of the crucified Jesus in her pocket. That was her “book.” Every now and then, she would pull out the picture and gaze at it. Her eyes would light up. People said that Joan read some new and wonderful lesson every time she studied the picture.
(This description is borrowed from: http://www.daughtersofstpaul.com/saintday/m3.html)
What I Wish Every Catholic Knew: The story of Blessed Joan.
What I Wish Every Catholic Would Do: Make an effort to learn about our brothers and sisters who are enjoying the beatific vision, and are ready and willing to intercede on our behalf.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my mother: to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
