February 15. May 17. April 1

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1 Jules Chevalier was born in Richelieu, France on March 15, 1824 to Louise and Jean-Charles Chevalier. He was ordained a priest on 14th June, 1851 when he was already in heart, mind and soul a person who strove to be "like our Lord" in relating to others. He founded the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart on Dec. 8th, 1854 so that the love of the Heart of Jesus may be known and responded to throughout the entire world. On August 30, 1874 he founded the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart and inspired them with his charism, the way in which he followed the Jesus he saw in the Gospels and the way he wanted to serve Jesus in others. This charism was also given to the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart founded on March 25th 1900 by Hubert Linckens, MSC. The extracts chosen for this Calendar are only glimpses of a very great charism incarnated also in the lives of the many people who follow Jules Chevalier's vision through a charism that has been given to the Church and to the world. February 15 The fire of love in our hearts must burn incessantly. Let us offer everything to Christ and Christ in his turn will offer everything to God. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 65. April 1 It is natural that those who spread a work dedicated exclusively to the love of the heart of Jesus should share in his sufferings. Jules Chevalier, Annals of the Little Society, p. 29. May 17 The heart of Christ - that is the last word. Everything leads to Jesus Christ. "I am the First and the Last", he says, and in Jesus everything leads to his heart. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 76.

2 November 16 Despite my unworthiness, God has used me to found the little Society MSC. I have received an abundance of the most precious graces but I have not profited from them as I should have. Jules Chevalier, Spiritual Testament MSC, Very grateful acknowledgement is made to the MSC Fathers particularly to Fr. J. Bovenmars, MSC for his book: Jules Chevalier, Daily Readings. Special thanks is also given to Fr J. Bertolini, MSC for his invaluable presentation of the writings of Fr. Jules Chevalier, especially: Notes Intimes, Annales de la petite Société and Fr. Piperon's work: Writings on the life of the Founder. Grateful acknowledgement is made to Most Rev J. Lescrauwaet, MSC for his work: Triptych for a Spirituality of the Heart; to Most Rev E.J. Cuskelly, MSC, for his writings on the Founder especially: Man with a Mission and his paper: The Spirituality of Father Founder; to Fr. J. Savage, MSC, for his paper: The Charism of Jules Chevalier and to Fr. D. Murphy, MSC, for his papers: The Charism of the Founder. Without such help, the publication of this calendar would not have been possible. MSC Sisters, Australian Province, (Reprinted 1997) August 16 After Jesus, the Blessed Trinity made Mary the jewel of creation and enriched her with every grace. Jules Chevalier, Méditations II, p. 668 f. October 1 The Divine Heart is infinite goodness, love itself, mercy incarnate. We should love him because all possible perfection is his and we should love him with a love that is profound. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 324 f.

3 January 1 February 16 When we call Mary the Mother of God no greater praise of her is possible and at the same time we exalt the greatness of the Most High. Jules Chevalier, Méditations II, p. 682 f. May we understand that humility wins graces and that the love of our littleness lifts us up to God. These two virtues must be the distinctive mark of our Society. Jules Chevalier, Régles Communes, (after 1877) p. 36. April 2 May 18 When Jules Chevalier suffered persecution from enemies to whom he had done only good, he repeated again and again, "Father, forgive them. They do not know what they are doing." C. Heriault, MSC, Notes sur le T.R.P. Chevalier, Ms. We know that Jules Chevalier's whole life was sealed with his love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus and that fidelity was his outstanding characteristic. E. J. Cuskelly, MSC, The Spirituality of Father Founder, Ms, 1959

4 November 15 December 31 In the heart of Jesus God gives himself completely, for God is wholly love. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p Wash me more and more from my sinfulness, purify me from my sin so that I may be worthy to dwell in your heart all the days of my life. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 21 f. August 15 September 30 If the angel called Mary full of grace before she became the Mother of God, what expression would be used in greeting her at the end of her life? Jules Chevalier, Méditations II, p. 668, f. Let us speak to one another with kindness and cordiality, avoiding everything that speaks of affectation or self-centredness. Régles MSC, 1855, Ms.

5 January 2 February 17 Our prayer is that the divine heart of Jesus will give us great fidelity in seeking only what can bring him glory! Jules Chevalier, Les Missionnaires du Sacré-Coeur de Jesus, From the day of his ordination to the sub-diaconate Jules Chevalier strove to be "like Our Lord" in his relationships with others. He knew that without this everything else would be a mere illusion. J.Savage, MSC, Charism of Jules Chevalier, Ms., Rome, April 3 May 19 The pleasures of this world will never satisfy our hearts; they will only weary us and we will find the memory of them bitter. Jules Chevalier, Ecole du Sacré-Coeur, p. 78 f. Above all, let us practice meekness which is prescribed by Jesus as the outstanding virtue of his heart. This virtue is indispensable for we cannot be truly meek without being humble. Jules Chevalier, Méditations II, p. 95.

6 November 14 From a supernatural point of view, without the Holy Spirit, the book of the truths of our faith and the book of nature remain closed to our eyes. He is the key; he can open them for us. December 30 Jesus wishes that one day we possess the place he has prepared for us. Since his heart is full of love for us let us ask him to bless and protect us forever. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, 609 f. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p. 576 f. August 14 September 29 Through her faithful response Mary made God's grace bear fruit minute by minute from the first moment of her existence until her blessed death. Jules Chevalier, Méditations II, p. 668 f. God did not die on the Cross to reap a small harvest. His harvest will be rich and superabundant. This fills us with the most consoling hope for Jesus is mercy incarnate. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 299 f.

7 January 3 February 18 May the Divine Heart of Jesus bless us more and more. We have no other goal than to make his love known everywhere. Jules Chevalier, Histoire Religieuse d'issoudun 1899, p Even if all others should abandon you remain in peace and confidence. The faithful love of the heart of Jesus will not deceive you nor abandon you. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p April 4 To maintain unity and to increase mutual love let us meditate on these words continuously, "If God so loved us, we should love one another." Constitutiones MSC, 1877, May 20 Mary's profound humility is the reason for her incomparable greatness. Jules Chevalier, OLSH, p. 95.

8 November 13 December 29 Like all outstanding people Jules Chevalier had his enemies. He was criticised a lot but his spirit of self-denial sustained him in the midst of the greatest trials. C. Piperon, MSC, Testimony, Issoudun, God is already present everywhere but in an invisible way. In glory we shall see God in himself, see him in us, see him in everything else. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 287, f. August 13 September 28 The love of the heart of Jesus gives the martyr the strength to endure. Each one owes to him everything that has been received. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, The love of the heart of Jesus is the remedy destined to save the world at this crucial moment of time. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 237.

9 January 4 February 19 There can be no genuine spirituality in the spirit of our Founder which does not incorporate Mary in a very special way. D. Murphy, MSC, The Spirituality of our Founder, Ms., Issoudun, How can we love too much when the model we have to follow is infinite love! Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p April 5 The Word, coming from the heart of his Father made the world emerge from nothing and from the heart of the Incarnate Word pierced on Calvary I see a new world emerging. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 145, f. May 21 Naturally trials are inevitable; supernaturally they are necessary. Father Chevalier encountered them on his way. He was neither surprised by them nor discouraged by them. Abbe J. Belleville, Testimony, L'Univers, Nov

10 November 12 December 28 Let us set the love of the heart of Jesus before us as our model and advance ever more and more in the virtues which he teaches us. Let us rely on his most powerful support. Constitutiones MSC, What a gift is God! Who could ever merit this - to live from grace in grace! Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p. 92. August 12 September 27 Jesus told his disciples: It is for your own good that I am going to my Father because I go to prepare a place for you and to send you the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, who will teach you everything. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p. 609 f. The Christian religion can be reduced to those words, "We believe in God's love for us; we believe in the love of the heart of Jesus." Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 148 f.

11 January 5 February 20 From the cradle to the cross gentleness and strength appear in Jesus in an incomparably striking way. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 200 f. The love of God descending to the whole of creation and the love of the whole of creation rising to God meet in the heart of Jesus. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 80. April 6 May 22 Those who take the glorious name of Missionary of the Sacred Heart can consider themselves worthy of it only in so far as they succeed in living the very life of the heart of Jesus. If after Jesus, there is no creature of greater dignity than Mary it is because no one was ever more humble than she is. Constitutiones MSC, Jules Chevalier, OLSH, p. 95, f.

12 November 11 December 27 The love of the divine heart of Jesus is inexpressible; everything is beyond comprehension because it is the love of the heart of a God. Let us ask St. John to obtain the grace to become like him a faithful and special friend of Jesus. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p. 92. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p August 11 All his life Jules Chevalier strove for the greatest simplicity. He was very far from "taking himself too seriously". Modesty and simplicity were characteristics of the spirituality he lived and he tried to form others in the same way. J. Savage, MSC, The Charism of Jules Chevalier, Ms. Rome, September 26 Jesus comes from the heart of God. He is eternal, infinite love. This love is basic to the very nature of God. It is basic to the very nature of Jesus. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 146 f.

13 January 6 For Jules Chevalier, devotion to the heart of Jesus was something far more than various practices of piety. It was for him a whole way of life, a special way of responding to the Christian vocation. J. Savage, MSC, The Charism of Jules Chevalier, 1976, Ms. February 21 The Eucharist is an outpouring of the immense love which the heart of God has for us. It is here that we find the heart of our Saviour, real and living, awaiting our adoration and reparation. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 50. April 7 If the love of the heart of Jesus is neglected among us, in the garden of the Church we are like a flower that no longer has colour nor perfume. Jules Chevalier, Circular, MSC May 23 The Holy Spirit purifies the soul, enlightens the mind and banishes darkness like a healing fire that gently moves into the heart. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p. 671 f.

14 November 10 December 26 Jesus asks us to love our enemies. This is essential if we want to be Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p. 322 f. Everything in the stable breathes humility, simplicity and poverty. This is one reason for choosing the shepherds to be the first adorers of God's Son Jules Chevalier, OLSH, p August 10 September 25 As Missionaries of the Sacred Heart we should have the simplicity to say things as they are and to know when to speak and when to be silent. Régles Communes, p. 35 f. The love of his heart inspired Jesus to heal the many sick people who appealed to his power. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 9.

15 January 7 In the holy name of Jesus I see all the mysteries of love that the heart of a God has for his creatures. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p February 22 When anyone spoke ill of someone in Jules Chevalier's presence, he would say, "We all have our defects. Let those who are without fault throw the first stone." C. Hériault, MSC, Notes sur le T.R.P. Chevalier, Ms., p. 9. April 8 May 24 Let us be prepared to suffer everything for the love of the heart of Jesus and for the salvation of others: hunger, thirst, poverty, dangers, persecutions, death itself if necessary. Constitutiones MSC, As Jesus was lifted up on the Cross, he gave Mary to us as our mother and placed in her heart an immense love for us. Jules Chevalier, Méditations II, p. 671 f.

16 November 9 December 25 The love of the heart of Jesus multiplies promises so as to make us more confident in asking for the graces we need and to prepare us to receive them. Jules Chevalier, Ecole du Sacré-Coeur, p. 145 f. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." Let us then give love for love. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 148 f. August 9 September 24 Everything leads back to Jesus and in Jesus everything leads back to his heart. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 143, f. In order to live in the love of the heart of Jesus it is essential to know him who is the sole source of light, of truth and of life. Régles, MSC, 1857, Ms.

17 January 8 February 23 We owe the gift of Heaven to the love of the heart of Jesus. This thought fills us with the most consoling hope because Jesus is mercy incarnate. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 299 f. After so many signs of love, could we hesitate in giving him our boundless trust? Jules Chevalier, Méditations II, p April 9 May 25 By his incarnation the Son of God gave himself to the world. He appeared among us full of compassion, love and mercy. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 209 f. The weaker we see ourselves, the more tempted we find ourselves, the more we should trust in the love and protection of Mary. Jules Chevalier, OLSH, p. 121.

18 November 8 O most loveable heart of Jesus, who will ever be able to comprehend the ardour of your zeal for the glory of the Most High God and your submission to his divine will. December 24 The humiliations that Mary had to endure in Bethlehem should inspire us to suffer anything joyfully in order to accomplish the will of God. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p. 84. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p August 8 When you pray to Jesus believe that from him you will draw into your own heart his spirit, his grace, his virtues and everything that is holy. The love of the heart of Jesus will grant us all these treasures. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur p. 26 f. September 23 In the glory of Heaven we will see God in himself, We will see him in us and in everything else. Seeing him as he is we will love him with all our strength. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Couer, p. 287.

19 January 9 The Church and society have no hope except in the love of the heart of Jesus. It is he who will heal all our ills. Jules Chevalier, Personal Notes, p. 33. February 24 If we Missionaries of the Sacred Heart want to make our work and words effective we must imitate Jesus and begin by living what we preach. Régles MSC, 1855, Ms, p. 119 f. April 10 In the life of Jules Chevalier there was a quality of fidelity to God and to his own vocation in a measure which was certainly out of the ordinary. E. J. Cuskelly, MSC, Man with a Mission, p May 26 Each of us will receive the name of our being, a personal name different from every other that will say for all eternity the essence of who we are. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 83.

20 November 7 December 23 Let us have the same mind as in Christ Jesus and we shall be able to exclaim: It is no longer we who live, but the heart of Jesus lives in us. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur p. 194 f. The only Son of God has come completely from the heart of his Father. From there he received his life. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 143 f. August 7 _ September 22 Place an image of Jesus in a place you often pass. It will rouse the love of God within you and will remind you to do everything for him. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 26 f. Let us accept whatever happens to us as coming from the loving hand of God, no matter if it is pleasant or painful, being truly abandoned to the designs of God. Régles MSC, Ms.

21 January 10 February 25 God is infinite. He can give himself for ever. Since he is infinitely good, God wishes to give of himself forever. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur p Let us not close our hearts to pity when along life's road we come across a person wounded by sorrow, bruised by ingratitude, calumny or sin. Jules Chevalier, Méditations II, 259. April 11 Let us be ready to undertake any kind of apostolic ministry, but let us be most willing to remain unknown and as it were hidden from the world. Constitutiones MSC, May 27 _ On the day of Pentecost Jesus sends the Holy Spirit and Mary is there to support and perfect the prayers of the disciples. Jules Chevalier, OLSH, p. 121.

22 November 6 "They shall look on him whom they have pierced." This is absolutely essential in our understanding of the missionary spirituality that Jules Chevalier willed for his followers. D. Murphy, MSC, The Charism of our Founder, Ms., Issoudun, December 22 In his incarnation, the Son of God gave himself to the world. He appeared among us with a heart full of compassion, love and mercy. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 209 f. August 6 Who will ever understand the greatness, the immensity of the love of the heart of Jesus! Who will make known his love and gentleness, his compassion, patience and mercy. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p September 21 How many favours Jules Chevalier granted to these disgruntled officials. In repayment they turned him out of his presbytery and had him thrown out on to the street. But his charity towards them never wavered. C. Hériault, MSC, Le T.R.P. Chevalier, Ms. p. 11, f.

23 January 11 February 26 Let us keep in mind that in the heart of Jesus all Missionaries of the Sacred Heart form but one heart and one soul. Constitutiones MSC Let us shun our own glory as an enemy of the glory of God. Constitutiones MSC, April 12 Jules Chevalier's view of mission was clear and simple. If we are to find meaning and happiness in life we must learn to believe in God's love for us and let it transform our lives. Christ's whole mission was to bring us to this belief. Jules Chevalier was convinced he was called to share in Christ's mission. E. J. Cuskelly, MSC, Jules Chevalier, Man with a Mission p. 10. May 28 Let us not forget that gentleness wins hearts and that according to the Holy Spirit the world belongs to the gentle. Régles Communes, after 1877, p. 36, f.

24 November 5 December 21 Today we were expelled from our house in Issoudun and from our Novititate. Poverty will be sweet for us if we bear it with Jesus who was poor and out of love for him. Jules Chevalier, Personal Notes, 1880, p. 34. Let us prepare ourselves to receive the great gift of his coming among us. He will be our light, our strength, our support. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, 25 f. August 5 September 20 Our well beloved institute has a beautiful future if it continues always in its fervour and its faithful observance of our spirit. Jules Chevalier, Spiritual Testament MSC, Jesus places humility first among all the virtues because it is the root of all others and it was through humility that he taught the world. Jules Chevalier, Ecole du Sacré-Coeur, 1892.

25 January 12 Everything in this world, yes, life and death belong to humanity. Let us offer them all to Christ to whom we belong and Christ will offer them to God to whom everything must return. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 65. February 27 The work of reparation did not stop on Calvary. It continues on our altars and from the tabernacle where Jesus offers to his Father the same sacrifice he offered on the cross. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p April 13 May 29 The love of the heart of Jesus unites us together and he alone unites us also to God. As soon as we separate ourselves from him, we separate ourselves from one another. Jules Chevalier, Messager du Sacré-Coeur, June 1865, p Everything that God does is to win the love of our hearts. He gives everything through love and wishes that everything be given to him with love. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 65.

26 November 4 December 20 In and through the light of glory, every creature will become transparent and God will appear as he is. We shall see him face to face. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 287, f. What does our Saviour want in coming among us? He wants to make us live with his life, to communicate his Spirit; he wants to give us his heart. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p. 25, f. August 4 September 19 The infinite mercy that Jesus shows towards sinners and the tender compassion for those who suffer find their source in his heart. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 9 The works of God are born, kept in existence and grow on Calvary in the shadow of the Cross. C. Piperon, MSC, Le T.R.P. Chevalier, p. 256 f.

27 January 13 Let us not forget that the love of the heart of Jesus is the source of all graces, a centre of light and love, an abyss of mercy. Régles MSC, 1857, Ms., p. 53 f. February 28 The Christian religion is a work of love in its beginning, development and end. Its history is found wholly and entirely in that sublime statement, "God so loved the world." Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p April 14 May 30 Divine Providence seems to want to recall Religious to their first vocation - the continuation of the life of Jesus in the world and a participation in his sufferings. Jules Chevalier, Letter to Fr. Meyer, MSC, Let us often have recourse to the love of the heart of Jesus in our sorrows and temptations, in our worries and difficulties. Régles MSC, 1857, Ms., p. 53 f.

28 November 3 In Heaven we will love with a special love those whom we have loved in this world. This happiness of mind and heart will grow forever. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p December 19 Jules Chevalier wanted his life to be a life of love. He wanted to be carried along by the Holy Spirit in a twofold movement - from Jesus to the Father and from Jesus to humanity. J. Lescrauwaet, MSC, -Triptych, p. 19. August 3 The heart of Jesus stands for the whole Jesus. It is the centre of all the human and divine acts that make up the very life of Jesus. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p September 18 Our heart has not only the need to love; it also experiences the need to be loved. Jesus greatly desires to be our friend, to make us live with his life. Let us turn to him in all our needs. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p. 414, f.

29 January 14 If Jules Chevalier had been asked about his ultimate hopes for the world and for the Church he would have repeated with great conviction, "Nothing is stronger than love." February 29 Our love for Jesus should therefore be generous, active and constant. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 233 f. J. Lescrauwaet, MSC, Triptych, p. 28. April 15 Jules Chevalier's feeling of powerlessness was removed by the realization that he was an instrument of Christ's saving power, to be sent as Christ was sent in the power and love of the Father. E. J. Cuskelly, MSC, Jules Chevalier, Man with a Mission, p May 31 In the mystery of the Visitation Mary is the first apostle of the Word Incarnate, the first Missionary of the Sacred Heart. Jules Chevalier, OLSH, p. 172.

30 November 2 _ December 18 God is not pleased if we dare to put limits to his mercy and want to scrutinise the unknowable designs of the Lord. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p In the storms that come our way we should call on Jesus. He alone can calm them. The love of his heart is so kind, so compassionate and he will always respond to our call. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p August 2 Jules Chevalier knew that if his missionaries wanted Christ to work through them then, through prayer and contemplation they must have Christ before their eyes and in their hearts. E. J. Cuskelly, MSC, Jules Chevalier, Man with a Mission, p September 17 Through a completely gratuitous act of love, God has called us to a sublime and everlasting destiny - an unending and intimate union with himself. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 282.

31 January 15 March 1 The love of the heart of Jesus unites all things to the One from whom everything flows. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p The ills of our time are linked to contempt of all authority, abandonment of prayer and ignorance of revealed truth. Jules Chevalier, La Société des MSC, April 16 Let us aim to spread the fire of his Love everywhere to combat egoism and indifference. This is the aim of our little Society. Régles MSC, 1857, Ms. p. 1. June 1 _ The love of the heart of Jesus is the centre where everything meets, the pivot on which Catholicism revolves. It is the way that I understand devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, it embraces everything, it answers everything. Jules Chevalier, Letter to Fr Ramiere, S.J., 1862.

32 November 1 To be a saint! It is only at that price that you will do good, that you will be a true Missionary of the Sacred Heart and that you will render service to others. Jules Chevalier, Manuel du Religieux du Sacré-Coeur, December 17 Let us thank Jesus for the honour given us when he chose us to work for him in this vineyard which he has destined for us. Let us do all we can to fulfil his expectations. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p August 1 For Jules Chevalier meekness is the strength that enables us conquer pride, impatience, fatigue - to be possessed by a faith that allows us to act towards all with an unfailing kindness and a total acceptance of them just as they are. E. J. Cuskelly, MSC, Jules Chevalier, Man with a Mission, p September 16 The love of the heart of Jesus is the love of God. The Incarnate Word of God loves us with a divine love. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 282.

33 January 16 March 2 As Missionaries of the Sacred Heart let us keep in mind that the blessings and trials of each are common to the whole body. Constitutiones MSC, God is love. He proved this by creation and more so by the mysteries of his life and death, but he never showed it more forcibly than in the institution of the Blessed Eucharist. Jules Chevalier, Retraite, 1904, p. 95. April 17 _ Jesus urges us to change our lives, to change our ideas. We should make ourselves a new heart by changing our sentiments. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p. 347 f. June 2 _ Just as within the Trinity there is the most sublime perfection, unity and conformity, so let us practice charity, unity and concord among ourselves so as to form together but one heart and one soul. Jules Chevalier, Méditations II, p. 4.

34 October 31 _ What I propose to you is complete renunciation of self. You have to take up your cross and walk along that road with courage and generosity. No cowards here! Jules Chevalier, Ecole du Sacré-Coeur, p. 19 f. December 16 Whatever our weakness, our temptations, even our failures, let us drive away all discouragement and open our hearts in trust to the love of Jesus' heart. "Why are you fearful?" Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p. 223 f. July 31 _ September 15 The charity of Father Chevalier towards his enemies was so great that he never refused to protect them nor to render them a service when they came to him. C. Hériault, MSC, Notes sur le T.R.P. Chevalier, Ms, p. 11. Mary does not leave Jesus if he is nailed to the Cross. She is strong and courageous in sharing his sufferings and in receiving his last testimony. Jules Chevalier, OLSH, p. 121.

35 January 17 _ March 3 We have to make the world know, love and accept the love of the heart of Jesus. That will give it everything it lacks. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 285 f. God's power knows no limits. He can draw from nothingness many worlds more beautiful and vaster than ours. Jules Chevalier, Méditations II, p. 682 f. April 18 June 3 _ Proclaim everywhere the love of the heart of Jesus. It cannot but bring about the salvation of the world. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p For Jules Chevalier, the need not to be left alone, the need to have Christ with him, was vital to his whole idea of mission. E. J. Cuskelly, MSC, Jules Chevalier, Man with a Mission, p. 125.

36 October 30 Jules Chevalier saw the Society of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart as being exclusively dedicated to the love of the heart of Jesus through the total devotedness of its members. C. Piperon, MSC, Le T.R.P. Chevalier. December 15 Jules Chevalier changed from a spirituality of fidelity to a spirituality of love. He had come to realize in the depth of his being, that the perfection of fidelity is the perfection of love. J. Savage, MSC, Charism of Jules Chevalier, Ms. Rome, July 30 _ If temptations assail me then I seek refuge in the depths of the loving mercy of my God. It is from there that I draw the remedy for all my ills. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 17 f. September 14 From the Cross, Jesus utters a cry, not of vengeance nor of justice but of mercy and pardon. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 217.

37 January 18 March 4 _ I have always admired Jules Chevalier's constancy and courage in times of trial, his charity and his capacity to forget offences. C. Piperon, MSC, Le T.R.P. Chevalier. We were on our own for two years. A few priests did come and try our way of life, but expecting something else, they soon left. Jules Chevalier, Personal Notes, p. 28. April 19 _ June 4 Let us strive by every means to root out the destructive spirit of fear and severity which has wrought so much havoc in the Church. Constitutiones, MSC, Our personal union with Jesus is not just a simple union of resemblance and love. It is a mysterious and deep union of life. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 145.

38 October 29 December 14 _ Let us always be united among ourselves with the greatest bonds of charity for Scripture tells us that division leads to ruin. Jules Chevalier, Spiritual Testament MSC, Because he gave his complete attention to anyone who talked to him, Jules Chevalier seemed to have no other business than the topic of conversation. Abbe J. Belleville Testimony, L'Univers, Nov July 29 September 13 _ Jesus invites us to lift up to him the cry of our distress, to lay before him our needs and he promises his help will never fail. Jules Chevalier, Ecole du Sacré-Coeur, p. 145 f. Jesus has made the Eucharist the summary of all his gifts, the supreme expression of his love for us. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 217.

39 January 19 _ March 5 Unless we fully live the life of the heart of Jesus, we should consider ourselves unworthy of the name Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. Constitutiones MSC, Our little community was not established without trials and sufferings. We thought everything would go ahead unimpeded. This was a delusion. Jules Chevalier, Personal Notes, p. 28. April 20 June 5 _ The first aim of the Society is to glorify the love of the heart of Jesus shown very specially in the Eucharist. Let us fulfil this aim motivated by a very deep veneration and by a burning love for him. Constitutiones MSC, The love of the heart of Jesus will be the bond of union between our life of prayer and our apostolic work - the strongest and the most gentle bond between ourselves and others. Constitutiones MSC, 1877.

40 October 28 The poorer we are, the further from salvation that Mary sees us to be, the greater will be her assistance. In this her sentiments are those of Jesus for their hearts are one. Jules Chevalier, OLSH, p. 206 f. December 13 Jesus Christ is the way we have to follow, the truth we have to believe, the life that animates us here and now and which we hope will still be ours throughout eternity. Jules Chevalier, Ecole du Sacré-Coeur, Introduction. July 28 As she stood at the foot of the Cross Mary freely associated herself with the work of our redemption by the total union of her will with the will of Jesus. Jules Chevalier, OLSH, p September 12 Mary is a mother for us. She is full of tenderness. None of our needs escape her. Whenever we suffer trials, sorrows or difficulties her heart is moved with pity. Jules Chevalier, Méditations II, p. 671.

41 January 20 March 6 It is through the love of the heart of Christ that the love of God, God himself, pours himself out on the world and on the human race. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p Knowing our weakness and the dangers we face here below, Jesus asks without ceasing for the graces we need. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p. 609 f. April 21 June 6 The second aim of the Society is to incarnate the love of the heart of Jesus within ourselves by uniting all our efforts and by relying on his most powerful support. Constitutiones MSC, In Jesus' prayer to the Father for his own - "Father may they be one as we are one", we see the goodness of his heart in their regard. Jules Chevalier, Méditations II, p. 4-5

42 October 27 December 12 Jesus needs special apostles. That is the principal purpose of our little Society. Each member must bring the love of the Sacred Heart everywhere. Jules Chevalier, Plan de la Société MSC, 1864, p. 2. The more vulnerable we are, the more wretched we are, the more we should trust in the love of Mary. She is our mother. Jules Chevalier, OLSH, p. 206 f. July 27 In Heaven each of us will be able to say, "I am this particular person. I am not and never will be anyone else." From all eternity this has made us very special to God. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 80. September 11 Merely to invoke the name of Jesus with faith and love is to obtain all the help we need. How can we fail to hope! Apart from Jesus, everything is weak and powerless. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p. 107 f.

43 January 21 March 7 Though we devote ourselves to the apostolate in the service of our neighbour, let us never neglect the contemplative aspect of our lives. Constitutiones MSC, May the love of the heart of Jesus enlighten my mind, strengthen my will and fill me with his love. I ask for this help through the intercession of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p. 36. April 22 The third aim of the Society is to bring the love of the heart of Jesus to the whole world. Constitutions MSC, June 7 Those who wish to aim solely at personal sanctification could indeed be truly religious, but they would not be Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. E. Meyer, MSC, Analecta, II, p. 487.

44 October 26 December 11 Jesus has a great desire to be loved perfectly by everyone. He desires to give them, in these later centuries this last effort of the love of his heart. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p By looking up to him "who took a cross on himself and now sits on the right hand of God's throne," Jules Chevalier let his faith grow into love. J. F. Lescrauwaet, MSC, Triptych, p. 18. July 26 Never in these sad years of expulsion did we hear a word of complaint or worry from Jules Chevalier. He reminded us how great our reasons were for confidence and abandonment to the will of God. C. Piperon, MSC, Le T.R.P. Chevalier, p September 10 May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved everywhere! This is the goal to which our strength and our life are totally dedicated. Constitutions MSC, 1877.

45 January 22 March 8 The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart have received their great mission from the Church. It can be summed up as: May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved everywhere! Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p There are days in our lives when we are invaded by sadness. Prayer will obtain from the heart of Jesus the grace to get our courage back again. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p. 685 f. April 23 What a Missionary of the Sacred Heart most needs is holiness of life. This we will achieve, in great faith, by being faithful every day, to the spirit of our Society. Jules Chevalier, Letter to E. Meyer, MSC, June 8 In themselves, the Gospels are the manifestation of the goodness, the love and the mercy of the heart of the Word Incarnate. They are the overflow of his infinite love. He dictated them, he inspired all their pages. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, Preface.

46 October 25 December 10 May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved everywhere! With these words we remind ourselves of our lofty mission and strive to dedicate our strength to it totally. Jules Chevalier, Circular MSC, Let us make every effort to follow Jesus in his gentleness and in his humility. Régles MSC, 1857, Ms. July 25 September 9 We should search for the obstacles that prevent us profiting from the many graces that the love of Jesus offers us at every moment. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I. p There is nothing we might not hope for if we love the Divine Heart of Jesus more perfectly in spirit and in truth. Constitutiones MSC, 1877.

47 January 23 March 9 We who become part of this small Congregation will take the title Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and will make every effort to fulfil the full significance of that title. Jules Chevalier, Annals of the Little Society, p. 4. Jesus was often seen bending down with compassion over the sick and suffering who were waiting for a consoling or healing word. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p April 24 June 9 Are our words full of faith, love of God, zeal and commitment to our neighbour? Do our words reveal the sacred fire that penetrates, touches and converts? Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p The love of the heart of Jesus, only source of light, truth and life is not sufficiently known, is not sufficiently loved. Yet this love has saved the world. Régles MSC, 1857, Ms.

48 October 24 December 9 To be a Missionary of the Sacred Heart is to be an apostle of the love of Jesus. Jules Chevalier, Le Société MSC, Let us entrust to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart the success of all difficult and hopeless causes both in temporal and spiritual matters. Annales NDSC, 1874, p. 131 f. July 24 Despite Jules Chevalier's ardent nature and his intense desire to increase the number of workers for the Gospel, he stayed humbly abandoned to God's designs, waiting calmly for the time marked out by God's divine wisdom. September 8 Mary is the beautiful one without blemish. Every grace can and will flow into her whose depths can contain all. Jules Chevalier, OLSH, p. 54. C. Piperon, MSC, Le T.R.P Chevalier, 256, f.

49 January 24 March 10 Let us have a very special love for the adorable heart of Jesus. Let us work with all our might to make the love of this heart known and to make reparation for the outrages against him. Jules Chevalier, Annals of the Little Society, p. 4. Jules Chevalier's experience of adoration of Jesus was one of adoration of the Father with Jesus. J. F. Lescrauwaet, MSC, Triptych, p. 19. April 25 June 10 _ May the love of the heart of Jesus be forever blessed, in time and in eternity for all the graces that have been showered upon us. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 85. Let us publish everywhere the greatness of Jesus' love, make known the mercy of which he is the source, spread everywhere the sacred fire of his love to save those who are dear to him. This is the end of our little Society. Régles MSC, 1857, Ms.

50 October 23 December 8 In giving alms, Jules Chevalier would rather have been deceived than to run the risk of refusing someone who was suffering and deserving of his interest. The grace of the Immaculate Conception is not given to Mary in a negative sense as just as absence of evil, but she is entirely open to God who can come down and who fills her being with himself. C. Hériault, MSC, Notes sur T.R.P. Chevalier. Ms. Jules Chevalier, OLSH, p. 54. July 23 September 7 God is our Creator and has given us everything through love and he wishes that all we give him be given also through love. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 65. God does not create from a distance. He is in us, in our most intimate depths, more present to us than we are to ourselves. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 281 f.

51 January 25 March 11 In gratitude to Mary let us unite ourselves with her in all we do and make her loved in a special way. Jules Chevalier, Annals of the Little Society. p. 4. Why are we fearful? Without hesitation, let us throw ourselves into his heart. He will never fail us. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p. 223 f. April 26 June 11 As Missionaries of the Sacred Heart let us have much affection, a very great charity and a deep respect for each other, speaking with kindness, openness and cordiality. Régels MSC. 1857, Ms. Father Chevalier liked to remind his companions, "Let us not lose sight of Jesus who leads us in our faith and brings it to perfection." J. F. Lescrauwaet, MSC, Triptych, p. 18.

52 October 22 Heaven is the coming together of every possible joy for we shall love God with an indescribable love. With God, in God and for God we shall love all his works. December 7 Jules Chevalier sought to identify himself with the sentiments and the virtues, the love and the life of Christ's heart, thereby making them his own. J. F. Lescrauwaet, MSC, Triptych, p. 19. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p July 22 September 6 Divine love gives to Mary the dazzling whiteness of her perfect innocence and to Mary Magdalen that other whiteness of perfect repentance. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 85. Let us never imitate that hardness of heart of those in the Gospel who passed by the wounded man. Let us follow the example of the Good Samaritan. Jules Chevalier, Méditations II, p. 259.

53 January 26 March 12 Social and cultural aspects did not escape Jules Chevalier's concern, but his sermons and meditations, his fraternities and above all his religious foundations were aimed at the preaching of God's love for us and towards the God who asks for our love. J. F. Lescrauwaet, MSC, Triptych, p. 19. Jesus came to restore all things. He wanted to give us a remedy against the evils that exist everywhere. This remedy is the love of his heart. It contains a whole world of theology. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p April 27 The spirit of faith must animate our whole being, our thoughts, desires, our words and actions. It must be our motivation in everything. Régles MSC, 1857, Ms. June 12 Let us apply ourselves very carefully to prayer, making it our main delight, and consider it as the most precious time set apart for our conversation with God Régles MSC, 1857, Ms.

54 October 21 December 6 I believe I can declare that in everything I have sought nothing but the glory of the heart of Jesus and the good of our little Society and of its members. Jules Chevalier, Spiritual Testament MSC, As far as his pastoral interests were concerned, Jules Chevalier preferred to direct these to the deeper levels of human existence - God's love for us and our love for him. J. F. Lescrauwaet, MSC, Triptych, p. 19. July 21 September 5 Each step forward in Jules Chevalier's work was marked by trials. These trials were like storms that strengthen young plants, and give them deeper roots. C. Piperon, MSC, Le T.R.P. Chevalier, p. 256 f. The poor are privileged friends of the heart of Jesus. Can we remain insensitive to their spiritual and material poverty? We should see in them the living image of Jesus Christ. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p. 73.

55 January 27 March 13 We can always count on the love of the heart of Jesus. He will never fail us especially when we are suffering. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, p. 414 f. The love of the heart of Jesus is the centre of all the mysteries of faith. He is the living model of all virtues, the source of all grace. Jules Chevalier, Les Missionnaires du Sacré-Coeur April 28 June 13 Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Let us therefore rest firmly in the love of God and nothing will be lacking to us. Régles MSC, 1857, Ms. The love of the heart of Jesus seeks to change our inner sentiments to those of his own heart. Thus we will be sanctified for the sake of others. Manuel du Religieux du Sacré-Coeur, 1884.

56 October 20 December 5 Jules Chevalier was surrounded by great conflicts between the Church and society in the France of his day, and indeed by the whole European crisis, but he never lost confidence in the future of the Church's work. J. F. Lescrauwaet, MSC, Triptych, p. 28. Our personal union with Jesus surpasses imagination. It is not just a union through imitation and love. It is a mysterious becoming-one-in-life. The complete Christ consists of Jesus and us. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p July 20 September 4 Despite his ardent nature, Jules Chevalier remained humbly abandoned to the designs of God's providence, waiting calmly for the time marked out by his divine wisdom C. Piperon, MSC, Le T.R.P. Chevalier, p. 256, f. The love of the heart of Jesus is an effective remedy for healing the evils of a world that has grown cold and is afflicted with very serious evils. Constitutiones MSC, 1877.

57 January 28 March 14 Prayer becomes all powerful when united with the sentiments of Jesus' heart, and when we imitate the example he gave us. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p Let us put humility first among all virtues, because it is the root of all virtues. It is especially humility that Jesus teaches the world. Jules Chevalier, Ecole du Sacré-Coeur, p April 29 When we possess God by grace and share in his divine nature, we bear him within us without seeing him, like a hidden treasure. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 287 f. June 14 Humanity though made up of many members, forms only one body and the heart that gives life to all is the heart of Jesus. He alone unites us to each other. He alone unites us to God. Jules Chevalier, Letter to H. Leblanc, S.J., 1862.

58 October 19 Words cannot describe the anxiety of heart that I suffered in seeing all my brothers dispersed, in seeing the Basilica closed. But in the midst of it all, God sustained my by his grace. December 4 May we keep the love of the heart of Jesus always before our eyes and strive to please God in all things. Constitutiones MSC, Jules Chevalier, Personal Notes, p. 34. July 19 September 3 The love of the heart of Jesus will be our light, our strength, our guide and our support. Jules Chevalier, Méditations I, 25 f. To respond to the greatness of our call as Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, we must be apostles, we must be saints. Régles MSC, 1857, Ms. p. 1.

59 January 29 March 15 As Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, we must be marked as Jesus was with this two fold quality of gentleness and strength. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 200 f. It is at the foot of the Cross, from the pierced heart of Christ that the Church draws all graces. It is from here that all graces come. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p April 30 Jesus opposes the spirit of division with a love that is immense, and with a desire for unity which lives forever. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 239 f. June 15 When God wills a work, obstacles are for him a means of achievement; he brings to birth that which according to human reason could never have seen the light of day; he develops and strengthens that which was condemned to die. Jules Chevalier, Annals of the Little Society, p. 1.

60 October 18 December 3 The sentiments of the heart of Jesus are the exact opposite to the tendencies of the world. His deep humility is in opposition to all its pride. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p. 239 f. All the blessings that he bestowed, all the miracles that he worked are like the many generous outpourings of the love of the heart of Jesus. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p July 18 September 2 Others may surpass us in learning, mortification and poverty but let us not be outdone by anybody in obedience and mutual love. Constitutiones MSC, The greatest love, the most perfect unity should always prevail among the little community of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Régles MSC 1855, Ms. p. 16 f.

61 January 30 March 16 God who has always existed has always loved me and it is through love that he has decreed my creation from all eternity. Jules Chevalier, Retraite, 1904, p. 17 f. Who will ever be able to make known the love, gentleness and compassion, the patience and mercy of the heart of Jesus! Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p May 1 St. Joseph was the friend and guardian of Jesus and Mary. Let us place all our houses, now and in the future, under the outstanding care of St. Joseph. Constitutiones MSC, June 16 Humility is the foundation of a true Missionary of the Sacred Heart and the secret of the whole spiritual life. If we possess humility we possess every good. If we lack humility, we lack everything else. Régles Communes, p. 36 f.

62 October 17 Trials never caused Jules Chevalier to lose that serenity of soul and countenance that characterized him. He grew with his work as it grew; he reached perfection in trials. Abbe J. Belleville, Testimony, L'Universe, December 2 The love of the heart of Jesus instituted a sacrament in which he will be really and truly present until the end of time in order that he may give himself to us without reserve. Jules Chevalier, Le Sacré-Coeur, p July 17 September 1 The particular spirit of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart is love of the Heart of Jesus which is shown by working for his glory and for the sanctification of the world. Jules Chevalier, Les MSC, 1866, p. 10 f. We have been given the name Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. We have accepted the mission of making known the mystery of the love of Jesus. Constitutiones MSC, 1877.