It seems…
I am always talking to You,
That I am always with You,
And have no doubt
You are with me,
Listening and silent.

I am an endless monologue.
You, hovering Spirit,
Wordlessly eloquent
Abide.
You are Presence and Truth,
Listening and silent,
Thunderously silent,
Save for the stirring of my heart,
And the sometime rush of thought,
Coming, as it were,
From the bowels of my being
With frightening conviction,
And challenging my reticence
To speak aloud
The thoughts of solitude.

Reluctant always
To go about,
And leave the cloister of my heart,
Where in Your chambers I find,
And hold dear,
Private audience with the King.

Joann Nelander

Memorial

St. John Neumann was born in 1811 in Bohemia, in the modern day Czech Republic. He graduated from college and seminary, but wasn’t ordained until he traveled to America. Once in New York, he joined the Redemptorist Order and faithfully served the poor in Buffalo. In 1852, he was elected the bishop of Philadelphia. During his term, he established over 50 churches, 100 schools and began the building of a cathedral. He is the first American bishop to be canonized.

Written by Sarah Ciotti
Reviewed by Fr. Hugh Feiss, OSB, STD

Via divineoffice.org