Sunday, July 27, 2008

Blessed Titus Brandsma



Here he is in his prison uniform. Blessed Titus was a towering intellect as well as a man of humor, wit and sanctity. He stood up to the Nazis; they put him in Dachau and performed experiments upon him. Before he died, he handed his rosary to the prison nurse and she was converted. He is a saint for our time.
Although neo-paganism no longer wants love, history teaches us that, in spite of everything, we will conquer this neo-paganism with love. We shall not give up on love. Love will gain back for us the hearts of these pagans.

~ Bl. Titus Brandsma, from the Carmelite Proper of the Liturgy of the Hours
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3 comments:

EC Gefroh said...

Elena, I first read about Bl. T.B. in Fr. Boniface Hanley's Ten Christians or his second book. Thanks for posting a little more on him.

elena maria vidal said...

You are welcome, Esther! Our Carmelite spiritual director just lent me the most wonderful biography of Bl. Titus, including many of his writings! I can't wait to read the whole thing!

Unknown said...

I remember first reading about this wonderful Carmelite priest as a young boy. Bl. Titus was certainly an inspiring sight with his round spectacles, ever-present pipe and briefcase.

Likewise, I was saddened when I first learned just how bad the general state of things was in the Netherlands, but felt strongly compelled to pray to Bl. Titus for the conversion of his beloved homeland and for all of Europe, and to encourage others to do so, as well.