3865(I)_St. Versiglia in Union of prayer with the Carmelite in Florence

By Cl. Anthony Pun, SDB

Florence, Itlay, 9 January 2016 - The Carmelite saint, St. Teresa of Baby Jesus, is the patroness of the Mission in spite of being a cloistered nun. St. Versiglia built a church in Shiuchow, China named after the Saint. He also knew the importance of prayers for the difficult mission in China. He wrote letters to a Carmelite monastery in Florence, asking for their spiritual support. The first letter was dated 21st November 1923:

"Reverend Mother Superior and sisters in Jesus Christ - wrote St. Versiglia - I think that a nice agreement has been made with the Carmelites in Florence. We are doing to have people behind who support, help and encourage us to work. We will have those who make up for our dissipation and sanctify our miserable work, wandering life, dangers and difficulties.

We will also be comforted in painful moments of loneliness and isolation. In those moments, which unfortunately are not few, thinking that we have sisters, distant and hidden but felt right next to us, of hearts that beat in unison with us, pray with us, suffer with us, and offer sacrifices for us, these will be valuable balm for our poor hearts."

A visit was made to the Carmelite sisters recently. Thanks to Fr. John Baptist Zen, who is now residing in Taiwan, that he has maintained contact with the sisters. The prayer for the mission is never forgotten. The commitment of spiritual support is again affirmed in this face-to-face meeting.

And let us all keep the Salesian missions, particularly the missionaries, in our prayers!