Today, we remember the Carmelite martyr Titus Brandsma.
He was born in Bolsward (The
Netherlands) in 1881. Became a real scholar in spirituality and mysticism, but
bravely spoke up against the Nazi regime about the freedom of the press, the
right of life for the Jews and the evil of Nationalism. He was arrested and
eventually was killed in Dachau in 1942 by a lethal injection.
Recently we
have prayed to him for all the sick in the parish and beyond. Many had recourse
to pray to him for me and, as my health has been rather poorly of late. So, I have decided
to pray a novena to him.
The prayer for his canonisation reads, “Loving God, your servant Titus Brandsma,
laboured zealously in your vineyard (i.e.wijnaard!) and gave his life freely because of his faith in you. Through his
intercession I ask for your mercy and help. Father, Titus never refused when he
was asked for help by your people. In his name, I come to you with my needs
[Mention requests]. Lord, help me always to imitate the great faith, generous
love, and burning zeal of Titus Brandsma. Glorify your servant as he wished to
glorify you. Amen. Mary, Mother of Carmel, pray for us. Titus Brandsma, Carmelite
and Martyr, pray for us. Amen.”
A couple of days after we have commemorated
Titus I will get the results of my recent important CT scan. Your prayers to
Titus would be very appreciated.
A beautiful image of Titus can be found at the National Shrine of Saint Jude - the image is below.
A beautiful image of Titus can be found at the National Shrine of Saint Jude - the image is below.
Fr Piet Wijngaard, O.Carm
Fr Piet is a member of the Faversham community, former chaplain at the Shrine and now Parish Priest at the church
Fr Piet is a member of the Faversham community, former chaplain at the Shrine and now Parish Priest at the church
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| Icon of Bl. Titus Brandsma (left) and St. Edith Stein (right) in the National Shrine of Saint Jude |
