The Infant Resting on the Cross.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

The Infant Resting on the Cross.

(Infant Resting in the Father’s Will)

Have you ever read “The Passion of the Infant Christ” by Caryll Houselander? It is very insightful

The National Catholic Register’ Christmas Gift Guide featured in a past issue the handmade item ‘the Infant Resting on the Cross’ from the on line Gift Shop of the contemplative Passionist nuns. The Sisters later reported.

We have been pleasantly surprised to find that the symbol of the Infant Resting on the Cross is quickly becoming a Pro-Life image.

One woman called from Nebraska wanting to give these to the sidewalk counselors who pray in front of abortion clinics.

A wheel-chair bound elderly woman from New York City wants to give these to some of the Sisters of Life for Christmas and

another woman bought some to give to her children who have suffered miscarriages.

This prayer symbol was actually “born” in the heart of our founder and 18th century mystic, St. Paul of the Cross. Having commissioned an original painting of an infant resting on a cross, Paul then gave the image to a woman under his direction who suffered from severe illness. He told her she was to learn from it how to sleep interiorly on the cross of suffering with a sweet silence of faith and patience. This image remains a powerful help today for anyone desiring to share the trustful attitude of Jesus. Trust in the Father’s love at work in the crosses and hardships of daily life, enables one to attain an interior “resting” in the will of God even when stretched on the cross.

“The Passion of the Infant Christ” by Caryll Houselander?

A comment on the Blog said, “We pray that image will continue to inspire you…Have you ever read “The Passion of the Infant Christ” by Caryll Houselander? It is very insightful - a perfect read for Advent”. A response followed, “No I have not read “The Passion of the Infant Christ”…hm, sounds interesting, I think I should look into it…”

Many years ago I circulated a leaflet of the tenth chapter from Houselander’s book. I have rediscovered it again so appropriate at Christmas.

See below

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