Quote of the day, 6 September: Père Jacques de Jésus

“We are in Carmel only for this: to love!” #PèreJacques

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To love, of course, requires that we give proof of our love. This love expresses itself in constant prayer. I say “constant,” because this state of prayer must be our life not for only two hours a day, but all day long.

Our life must be a constant, silent prayer that rises unceasingly to God. That is what constitutes our duty in life. Prayer is our primary duty. Prayer is the reason why God has placed us on earth.

We learn truly to pray when we are in the presence and company of Christ. Therefore, we must contemplate Christ for long periods of time and seek him out persistently.

Servant of God Père Jacques de Jésus

Conference 2, Christ the Object of Our Prayer
Retreat for the Carmel of Pontoise
Monday Evening, 6 September 1943

Jacques, P 2005, Listen to the silence: a retreat with Père Jacques, translated from the French and edited by Murphy F, ICS Publications, Washington DC.