Inspiring, enriching others

Today is the feast of Sr Eusebia Palomino FMA, someone about whom I just can't stop reading and admiring. The first thing that comes to my mind is her serenity and joy in spite of the misery she had to endure because of poverty. It is said that certain times of the year little Eusebia and her father had to go begging in nearby villages, but they did so with joy and singular faith.

Later in life the school girls always wanted to be near her, attracted by her spirituality. She began to work in the Oratory. Seminarians, adults and priests asked her advice, encouraged by her spirit of prayer and convinced and convincing faith. To reach that stage of sanctity was a really God-given gift. How else than can one explain a little 5 year old girl enjoy the begging trips with her father. It was not that she was not aware of the family situation and therefore she could 'enjoy' the 'outings' but she 'saw' greater things than the misery and poverty that surrounded her and her family. Now that 'seeing' is what I envy in her.

Lost in the drudgery of life and living, we fail to see the bright and joyful side of things. Living then becomes such a bore. But here is one person who made her living so joyful and spiritual that she was like a fragrant flower enriching the lives of those around her.

May her tribe increase!