Bicentenary

2011-12-22T04:55:00.000-08:00

December22

22 December 1870

In what is religious, nations unite with the apostasy of their kings - the El Ermitaño writes. The Pope is held prisoner at the Vatican;

Bishops are subjected under the government of their respective countries; the church is attacked. And what awaits us now?

May evil be discovered and fought through faith. The Lord Jesus willl end it. What a joy!

2011-12-21T04:56:00.000-08:00

December 21

Sunday, 21 December 1851

The next conference will be on the "seed of virtue, its birth and growth in our soul." It has its origin in God. He is the Lord of the virtues. Nature comes from discretion to judge rightly. The Spirit infuses the supernatural. God is the author of the supernatural order, the Lord of nature.

Published in Áncora and in Diario de Barcelona

2011-12-20T05:12:00.000-08:00

December 20

Lerida, December 1868

To Fr. Mariano Puigllat y Amigó, Bishop of Lerida

Tired of waiting for the reply of the bishop, he sends again this letter. He cannot accept expulsion from his diocese, uprooting him from the recesses of his family and depriving him of all his priestly functions...he is being attacked in what is sacred to him: his freedom and honour. He appeals to the tribunal of nation. He says to the bishop: Decide. I have given the first step before the courts. It will not be possible to turn about and retract.

2011-12-19T05:40:00.000-08:00

Sunday, 19 December 1852

All churches are Schools where sound and true doctrines are taught. The team of directors has given the name "School of Virtue"

to this method of teaching. One of our pupils will speak on a person's need to practice virtue. A conference is not the same as a sermon: in the former, there is a discussion or in a catechetical form.

2011-12-18T05:39:00.000-08:00

December 18

18 December 1864.

IV Week of Advent

The Eucharist is a revelation and an event of welcoming. Fr. Palau is aware that the purer the truths of the faith received...the greater is the bonding with the members of the church. He discovers the word of God in that of his beloved, capable of transcending his own limitation. He asks for it this advent: Come, O Orient! Come, O Emmanuel! Come, O God of love!

2011-12-17T05:39:00.000-08:00

December 17

Rome, 17 December 1866

To his Holiness Pius IX.

He addresses this letter to the Pope as a missionary, sending him a commentary on the report submitted. He strongly asks for authorization to perform the ministry of exorcism. He adds: The procurator of the Order is in the Eternal City tasked to do what is appropriate. He finally asks the blessing of the Pope for the people of Barcelona whom he serves in his preaching ministry.

2011-12-16T05:37:00.000-08:00

December 16

16 December 1864.

Vigils of Christmas: cave of Sta. Cruz.

Is this dark night a reflection of one's own? It has been days that Fr. Palau has been engulfed by darkness in recognizing his beloved. Turmoil increased. This is what Palau projects in his own soul. I see in me a power to offend you, a freedom to do my own will. This is what frightens me - he groans of his intrinsic poverty. Save me against my own will !

2011-12-15T05:42:00.000-08:00

15 December 1864.

Octave of the Immaculate Conception, 1864

Fr. Palau contemplates her beauty in his heart although momentarily, and said: Illusion! It is not a beauty worthy of love. The next day that beautiful flower had faded and wilted. Palau sought her in the sepulchre...The shadow became as bright as the sun. He joyfully receives the message: I represent the eternal beauty of God communicated to all creatures who make up His Church, His chosen people.

2011-12-02T07:16:00.000-08:00

Barcelona, 2 December 1870

To Juana Gratias in Estadilla

He writes her from the jail where he had been detained for one month, a whole long month...He gives her instructions in case they will be called because of him; she has to answer: that they do not constitute a congregation; that the do not have superior authority other than the Pope and the parish priest; that they voluntarily engage in teaching and in the care of the sick; that they help one another in a voluntary association.

2011-12-01T05:54:00.001-08:00

Tarragona, 1 December 1867

To Juana Gratias in Salas Altas (Huesca)

Fr. Palau confirms the receipt of her letter and of his response. Some sisters wait for the decisions of Juana. He gives her some hints exposing the situation of the religious family; he tells about the unbecoming attitude of some members, so that she would know how to act. He also communicates to her of the recent death of his niece Rosa.

2011-11-30T16:56:00.005-08:00

Sunday, 30 November 1851

Virtue and its Nature

The conference will be on: "Virtue and its nature." It is defined as a quality that does good to the one who possesses it and it makes all his actions good. There are the natural and supernatural, acquired and infused. The natural virtues are sub-divided into moral and intellectual. With the theological virtues, the life of the spirit flourishes.

Published in Áncora and in Diario de Barcelona

2011-11-30T16:56:00.003-08:00

Barcelona, 29 November 1867

The unevangelical behaviour of a hermit urges Fr. Palau to write to the secretary of the Bishop. At the same time he describes the good accomplishments done in the hermitage of San Honorato, in both material and spiritual dimensions. Adding to the initiative of the prelature they have blended to the heremitical life works of charity, teaching and assisting the sick under the orders of His Excellency, the bishop.

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Es Cubells (Ibiza), 28 November 1859

To Fr Antonio Mª Claret, in Madrid.

He writes him from an irresistible voice of his conscience, asking him advice on the small book entitled The School of Virtue Vindicated. He adds a simple history of the School, and asks for the mediation of the Queen for his own freedom. However, as a Carmelite, as a son of Saint Teresa...I kiss these keys that confined me within those walls of the Mediterranean waters. The chains of my exile are precious to me!

2011-11-30T16:55:00.003-08:00

Sunday, 27 November 1853

The School has ended its school year. The doctrines presented have been the material used to outline the image of virtue; of that beautiful quality that transformed in God by participation of graces and gifts. Jesus Christ, who is the Word and expression of the Father, master and infallible truth and uncreated wisdom, makes his voice heard through his ministers. Gratitude imposes on us a duty and tomorrow we will all fulfill it - he cheerfully adds.

Published in Áncora

2011-11-30T16:55:00.001-08:00

26 November 1868

The shadow of El Ermitaño goes to Vatican. Upon the pontifical throne it discovers a woman, surrounded by governing princes. Her glory and beauty was so great that she cannot be contemplated by the mortal eye. It is surprising to see her so confident even when surrounded by enemies. She entrusts her projects to the shadow: I will awake and set my throne in the prison cells, tribunals, scaffolds. She concretizes the predilection of God for the needy.

2011-11-30T16:54:00.001-08:00

25 November 1869

An intriguing question is formulated by El Ermitaño. What does God think of the council? Why is He the one who convoked the bishops? He is sure. He knows that evil is the enemy of man: armed with the cross I went to meet him...I fought with them. I appealed to God and His Church. And God issued a decree: Go far! I give you my power! and now I am waiting for the council to confirm its sentence.

2011-11-24T04:53:00.001-08:00

24 November 1866.

Rachel on the mountain, at the herd of her father. A secret.

The climbing up and the journey are two frequent symbols in the palautian pages. Today we find both of them. Palau goes up and continues his journey. The environment draws him to his beloved: The struggling Church. Palau's response coincides with that of the great biblical archetypes: Here I am. The Beloved invites him to contemplate his flock fighting against evil. At the same time he asks their enlistment in him.

2011-11-24T04:52:00.003-08:00

Barcelona jail, 23 November 1870

To Rev. Fr. Juan Palau y Soler, capitulary vicar of Barcelona.

His writes from the prison of Barcelona, and with the sick of Vallcarca as background. Palau defends the ministry of exorcism.

He is sure that he has received this mission from God. He cites the gospel text as emphasis: In my name they will cast away demons. He asks the vicar not to oppose this mission.

2011-11-24T04:52:00.001-08:00

22 November 1858

The ecclesiatical governor D. Rafael Oliver (Ibiza), approved the book THE SCHOOL OF VIRTUE VINDICATED. The said book was published in Madrid the following year, with imprimatur of the ecclesiastical vicar of the capital, D. Manuel de Obesso (16 May 1859) (Positio, p. 309).

2011-11-24T04:51:00.003-08:00

Sunday 21 November 1852

Some virtues are for beginners and others for the integrated - says Palau.

The degree of perfection of virtues in a person is one of the circumstances which in their practice must be considered both by the masters who teach them and by the pupils who are learning them. the subject should take into account his state, office and strength; if he does not do this, he exposes himself to commit excesses. Palau shows himself to be a master in this line.

2011-11-24T04:51:00.001-08:00

Sunday 20 November 1853

Virtue is so important that the School will continue its reflections on its practice, in a

way that a building can be finished or only begun - Palau reflects loudly - goodness and virtue can be eradicated in man, in greater or lesser degree. Seeing the tendency of the century to materialize those doctrines that spiritualizes it, we believe them with greater importance.

2011-11-21T13:22:00.003-08:00

Es Cubells (Ibiza), 19 November 1857

To Juana Gratias in Gramat, France.

The life of communion with God is the content of the message. He tells how to prolong the moments of prayer: Look at Christ in this body that is his Church, wounded and crucified, poor, needy, persecuted, rejected and scorned. Offer yourself to take care of it and render it services that are within your ways and means.

For the periods of prayer, he recommends the use of mantras that will calm her and strengthen her commitment.

2011-11-21T13:22:00.001-08:00

Sans, 18 November1864

To Rev. Fr. Ildefonso Gatell

Barcelona's suburbs expand; there, mission develops. People are hardworking. Major factories and companies are established. Workers come from all parts of Spain. The bishop accompanies the missionaries. He strengthens the baptismal content with his reflections.This is seen by the enthusiasm of the people which is a consolation for us - Palau concludes.

2011-11-17T06:12:00.000-08:00

Masllorens (Tarragona), 17 November 1862

To Juana Gratias in Ciudadela.

The content of the letter contains the vocational path of his family. Juana was formed for the contemplative life and now, Fr. Palau asks her to launch herself to active life, giving a qualitative force which he has carried out in a progressive way. Being aware of the suffering it does upon her, he alleviates her saying: My daughter, I cannot follow any other way but the one that is already opened by providence...Perfection lies in the fulfillment of the two precepts of love.

2011-11-16T11:05:00.000-08:00

16 November 1871

The reflection on the feasts of Barcelona is prolonged. The city, since the inauguration of the first spanish railway, is escalating the level of the main European cities, which means huge work, and businesses are flourishing. The feasts have increased this aspect. However, one preoccupation is that the profile of the religious decays. The acts do not satisfy the expectations even of a mediocre Christian.

2011-11-15T13:11:00.002-08:00

15 November 1833

Francisco Palau pronounced his solemn vows on 15 November 1833, at the time when Spain sensed a tragic outcome of events and the religious orders relived days of persecution and pain.

This novice of Aytona was well aware of the act he undertook and the consequences which he would certainly embrace, derived from his self offering and commitment. Fortunate are the words of Francisco Palau, enabling us to know his sentiments in such a transcendal moment of his life.

"When I made my religious profession, the revolution had already held in its hand the incendiary torch to burn the religious establishments, and the dreadful dagger to put to death all those seeking shelter in them. I was not ignorant of the pressing danger to which I was exposing myself nor of the rules of caution to avoid it. Nevertheless, I committed myself, through solemn vows, to a state of life whose rules I believe I could fulfil until death, independent of all human events and circumstances. To live in Carmel I needed only one thing, that is, vocation. (Positio, p.45 - 46).

2011-11-15T13:11:00.000-08:00

Sunday 14 November 1852

The content for reflection is anticipated. It affirms that a state is a way of living that brings stability, firmness, constancy. The person must be free to choose it. Any coercion is horrible. If we are attentive to our tendencies, we can discover where we are called to. Furthermore, when God calls for a purpose, He procures the necessary dispositions which the state requires. He knew it so well.

Published in Áncora

2011-11-15T13:10:00.003-08:00

Sunday, 13 November 1853

The School will give lessons that will guide the just, when the beautiful and sublime theories go down to the practice and exercise of virtue. According to the state of man, virtue is formed in the sanctuary of his spirit, accordingly shaped by his inner acts. With a singular beauty, the person presents himself before God and goes outside for external practices, richly clothed - Palau adds.

Published in Áncora and in Diario de Barcelona

2011-11-15T13:10:00.001-08:00

12 November 1860

One afternoon I was in a Cathedral waiting for the service to begin. The final blessing was to be given as usual after having done a mission. My spirit was lifted to the throne of God: a respectable old man was there, with myriads of angels administering to him. One of them came to me and brought in his hands a cloth as white as snow, and dressed me with it. He gave me a band of purest gold, a kind of stole. Dressed up as such, I was called by the one seated on the throne, and I presented myself standing, upon the altar. The old man made a sign and gave me the blessing in his name.

2011-11-11T05:06:00.001-08:00

11 November 1869

El Ermitaño discusses and defines magic. It is an art through which a person hurts another. It therefore serves evil. There exists in the church a stream of preachers who deny the existence of this spell. Disastrous affirmations, ignoring the deeds that occupy the important pages in the history of human society. Safety and liberty in work can be obtained by denying its existence.

November 10

2011-11-10T05:24:00.000-08:00

10 November1870

The detailsof the housing in Vallcarca is described extensively. It consists ofresidences, churches, school and hospital, presented as a family organization.Conflict arose upon legalizing the sector dedicated to the sick. It wassubjected to inspections and itsuffered a breaking of dwelling. Detainees were held in the prison of the city.Fr. Palau is charged for attending to the mentally sick people.

November 9

2011-11-09T05:24:00.001-08:00

9 November1871

El Ermitañoechoes the attacks and blasphemies against Jesus Christ and his Church in thecongregation of the nation. How much evil man is capable that, in his pride, heevaluates all things in the measure of his own reason! The redaction of ElErmitaño resolved to protest strongly against it and to renew its profession offaith: We believe in God and in what the Church believes.

November 8

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November 8, 1865

An issue ofEl Ermitaño, number 21, 25 March 1868, pp. 3-4[91-92], tells of a story of ayoung 13 year old girl, who lived near Barcelona around 1864. After having goneto many places, one of which was the place of Fr. Forns in the Church of S.Miguel in Barcelona, she was brought towhere Fr Palau was in November of 1865.

2011-11-09T05:19:00.000-08:00

Sunday 7November 1852

In the nextconference they will reflect on the proper virtues of a good government,because the social body requires directives in a way that a big machine is made up of numerous parts. They are theguiding spring that directs, moves and directs this body towardshappiness. Prudence, justice and charityare the virtues that must shine among the rulers.

Publishedin Áncora

2011-11-09T05:18:00.000-08:00

Sans, 6November 1864

To R. D. Ildefonso Gatell

Palau is infull swing in his mission around Barcelona. The Virgin of Carmel presides. TheBishop collaborates with them. His powerful speeches are rooted in profounddoctrine - Palau adds. Inspite of the bad weather, the mission was wellattended. The spacious churches were filled. The faithful welcomes the voice ofGod's messengers with eagerness and great silence. Everything was a testimonyof religiosity.

2011-11-09T05:10:00.000-08:00

5 November1868

Addressedto the people. Their cry is heard: Long live Freedom! It is made present toshow what it consists. It has been years since the hermit left the scene andretired to the desert. For what purpose? He saw his people in fraticidalstrife. Their cry for peace was rammed down by the roar of the cannon. I havecome back to join you in your fight for freedom. Glory to God! I am a defenderof the Church - he openly testifies.

2011-11-04T10:59:00.001-07:00

November 4

4 November 1869

El Ermitaño has taken a pertinent resolution: to prioritize the news referring to the Council, an Assembly formed by the principles of the Kingdom to judge evil. It is he who directs the battlefield of the enemy. Nevertheless, he shall be condemned to eternal confinement. The decree issued by the Assembly shall be confirmed by the heavenly council. Hope is full: it shall then be when the exorcists carry out their uncurtailed mission.

2011-11-03T11:30:00.000-07:00

November 3

Barcelona, 3 November 1870

To Magdalena Calafell, in Graus.

The message is written from the public jail of Barcelona, notifying of his arrest and the detention of the group in Els Penitents (Vallcarca). 39 of them in all: 22 women and 17 men. Yesterday, all were released except me, Juan, Biel and my sister Rosa. I think we will be released because there is no other crime than having a convent - Palau expresses his annoyance.

2011-11-02T07:14:00.001-07:00

November 2

2 November 1870

Motivated by the celebration of our departed brethren, El Ermitaño reviews the mystery of human existence. Vain illusions, grandeurs and miseries of life are buried in the cemetery. Man is born to live some few moments on earth. His existence is an unbroken chain of hope. Death comes and snatches him. The body is destroyed but the soul flies towards eternity.

2011-11-02T07:09:00.001-07:00

November 1

Palma de Mallorca, 1 November 1863

To Juana Gratias, in Ciudadela.
An important letter, taking up the activities and change of direction of the nascent family, putting into practice the mixed life, based on the following works: teaching, works of charity for the poor and the sick and the retreat house. One sister is assigned to each activity. He appropriates to Juana her own mission in the group: You, called to seclusion...must help Martha in her ministry.

2011-10-31T13:38:00.001-07:00

October 31

Sunday 31 October 1852
The contemplative life
We shall reflect on the contemplative life - says Fr. Palau and he gives a substantial reflection. For the practical knowledge of virtues, three circumstances should be present: the state, the duties and the strength of each person. Some are virtues of the active life while others of the contemplative life. Each one has to practice them according to his capacities and the surrounding circumstances.

2011-10-31T13:37:00.000-07:00

October 30

Sunday 30 October 1853
Contemplative life
The School will continue its conference on the social virtues, among which are monastic virtues. We see some Orders teaching the people sublime truths of Catholicism; others praying for the living and the dead; others hearing confessions, preaching and correcting; others helping the poor and the sick. There is not a single religious institute whose statutes and works are not consecrated to helping the material or moral needs of the social body.
Published in Áncora

2011-10-31T13:29:00.001-07:00

October 29

29 October 1870
The civil authorities intervened drastically in Els Penitens and the situation of the spiritual director of the Centre was complicated further. On this day, the police arrived to arrest the inhabitants: 22 women and 17 men. All were held in the prison of Barcelona; Fr. Francisco was at the forefront, and was the main person accused.
(Positio LXV).

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October 28

Ciudadela (Menorca), 28 October 1860
To Juana Gratias, in Es Cubells.
He wrote her the other day but wrote again today, taking the opportunity. He tells her his spiritual experience: I see one thing, that God takes me by hand...and leads me where he wants. Hence, I will go where I do not know and will go where I do not want. God knows how ready I am to serve his Church; and in matters of his glory, I see everything plain and easy.

2011-10-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

October 27

Alcudia (Mallorca), 27 October 1860
To Juana Gratias, in Es Cubells.
After writing her on what the word of God means for him, he indicates his purpose: so that you may see the new path I take. He assures convincingly: The preaching will open to me the way to everything else. As regards Juana, he suggests: Forget yourself, place yourself in the hands of the providence and it will guide you. I do not fail you as a father who is solicitous about your spiritual progress.

2011-10-28T07:59:00.001-07:00

October 26

26 October 1871
El Ermitaño takes interest on all the aspects which comprise society especially the youth. Their situation is lamentable, referring to those who are in the state universities. Parents are encouraged to enroll their children in catholic schools of Madrid. There they will find wise and meritorious professors, who will teach and form them.

2011-10-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

October 25

25 October 1853

Response to the "Diario de la Tarde"

Fr. Palau responded to the redaction telling about the need for the delegates of the authorities to be present in the activities of the School of Virtues. Fr. Palau used his pen to confront the slanderers. What is the purpose of such presence? He avoids unedifying phrases. He asked the editors of the Diario to quote one single expression that was not conformable with Catholic and political dogma.

Published in Áncora and in "Diario de la tarde"

2011-10-24T14:27:00.001-07:00

October 24

Sunday, 24 October 1852

The true virtues

We shall consider the individual virtues in the following conferences. We will see how they bring happiness to the individual, to the family and to the whole society. The person can be considered as individual and as member of the social body. The perfection of this body requires that each member occupy his own place and exercise the functions and offices proper of him.

Published in the Áncora

2011-10-24T14:26:00.001-07:00

October 23

Barcelona, 23 October 1861

To Juana Gratias, in Ciudadela.

A twofold objective is proposed to her in this message: the defense of the contemplative life and to help them to grow as community. You are like one of those plants that if it will not grow will be choked. He perceives interferences: The wheel could not be moved with my force and pressure but with the force and pressure of those over you. He encourages them: You may be vile and despicable to the eyes of the world but loveable to the eyes of God. Mary...is the privileged one of Jesus.

2011-10-24T14:25:00.001-07:00

October 22

October 1853

A statement to the Bishop of Barcelona

It is proposed to the Bishop to elevate the School to the rank of a religious society. In order that the bishop can give his consent, the director explains the motives to realize such a claim: the philosophy that confuses the people, the devaluation of virtue, the privation of directors and places of formation in the Church. As a consequence, the materialization of the people. Palau, on the watch, seeks the momentum of the centre.

from the letter of Fr. Alejo

2011-10-21T11:08:00.001-07:00

21 October 1869

It is night; the sea was rough; the hurricane destroyed trees and its sound penetrated the womb of the earth. The storm discharged hails, lightning and thunder. A powerful voice commanded me to withdraw to the bossom of the mountain. I did it. There my ears were attuned, perceiving the cry of a mother, the lamentations of a spouse, the woes of a daughter...a compendium of the situation of the people.

2011-10-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

20 October 1870

El Ermitaño is convinced that Elijah, the prophet, has a big mission for the end times. He will bring back life to the Church, giving priority to what is fundamental. He will expel false prophets: phalanx of writers and doctors who seduce the people.

With his coming, faith will appear as a brilliant dawn and the cross will be elevated triumphantly upon Golgotha.

2011-10-19T06:22:00.000-07:00

October 19
San Honorato de Randa (Mallorca), 19 October 1862
To the Marías of Ciudadela.
A precious letter of intense vocational content directed to his daughters. It is about love of God and neighbour, these are the pillars that sustain all the desired perfection. On these two chapters, I have prepared two ample body of doctrines which must be your food, life and strength. Palau is a guide, yesterday and today.