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Dona Lucilia
Msgr. João Scognamiglio Clá Dias, ep
2013Città del Vaticano
LIBRERIA EDITRICE VATICANA HERALDS OF THE GOSPEL
International joint publication of:
Dona Lucilia
Msgr. João Scognamiglio Clá Dias, EP
Libreria Editrice Vaticana© Copyright 2013 – Libreria Editrice Vaticana00120 Città del VaticanoTel: (06) 69885003 – Fax: (06) 69884716www.libreriaeditricevaticana.com
Declaration
In conformity with the decree of the Supreme Pontiff Urban VIII, of March 13, 1625, and of June 5, 1631, we declare that we do not wish to anticipate the judgement of the Holy Church in the use of words or in the evaluation of the edifying facts found in this book.
In employing eulogistic terms, it is our intention to attribute nothing but their ordinary sig-nificance, and in everything we submit, with filial love, to the decisions of the Holy Church. • In the letters reproduced in this book, some passages have been omitted, as well as the names
of various persons, in order to protect their privacy.• The first Portuguese edition of this work was published in 1995. This English edition is a trans-
lation, without prior review by the author, of the second Portuguese edition: Dona Lucilia. Città del Vaticano/São Paulo: Libreria Editrice Vaticana/Instituto Lumen Sapientiæ, 2013.
• The photographs in this book without credit are either of unknown authorship or in the public domain.
• To communicate graces received: E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 55-11-2256-9396
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Index
Preface ................................................................................................................... 16
Antonio Royo Marín, OP, Master of the Spiritual Life, Brilliant Orator and Renowned Author ....................................... 25
Introduction ........................................................................................................ 33
CHAPTER I
“Mama Taught Me to Love Our Lord Jesus Christ” ..................... 38
What seemed to be the end was really the beginning... The last Sign of the Cross ...................................................................................... 39
A gentle death .................................................................................................. 40“She was a truly Catholic lady... No one can imagine
the good she did me” ............................................................................... 41A most moving scene ....................................................................................... 42Last respects ..................................................................................................... 43Dr. Plinio’s peace and serenity after Dona Lucilia’s death .......................... 45Exemplary preparation for the entrance into eternity:
Dona Lucilia receives the Last Rites ..................................................... 45The final day of a long life ............................................................................... 46Seventh Day Mass—A ray of light illuminates the orchids .......................... 47
CHAPTER II
Birth and Childhood - Growing Up in Early Rural Brazil ................................................................................... 50
Our Lady was her Godmother ........................................................................ 51Premature death of Dr. Antônio’s mother .................................................... 53An aristocratic family settles in Pirassununga ............................................... 55The quietness and monotony of life in the outlands ..................................... 56The admiration of an upright soul .................................................................. 58A childhood illuminated especially by the figure of her father .................... 59The last coin goes to a beggar ......................................................................... 61The visit of the Emperor ................................................................................ 62
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Index
Daily life enlivened by trips to the capital...................................................... 64A young girl feared by the devil ...................................................................... 65Santo Antônio das Palmeiras Ranch ............................................................... 66The Baron of Araraquara administers Dr. Antônio’s farm ......................... 67Chanting the Salve Regina during night rides .................................................. 68The demise of the little lamb .......................................................................... 68The cloak of the gypsy chief ............................................................................ 69Dr. Antônio helps a political opponent ......................................................... 70Saving an enemy’s life ...................................................................................... 71The last will of a dissolute woman .................................................................. 72A dishonest deal rejected ................................................................................ 72Dona Veridiana’s party .................................................................................... 73A cry of “Long live the Republic!” breaks a friendship ................................ 75The family moves to São Paulo ....................................................................... 76
CHAPTER III
Dona Lucilia’s Youth in “São Paulinho” During the Golden Age of Coffee ...................................................................... 78
Aristocratic São Paulo ..................................................................................... 79Evening in Campos Elíseos ............................................................................. 81Longings for some good gallops ..................................................................... 83Visits to the Imperial city ................................................................................ 84Lucilia’s qualities were crowned by the gold of virtue .................................. 86Unshakable goodness ...................................................................................... 87A deceased girl in a wedding dress ................................................................. 88Showing respect for those unaware of their own foolishness ....................... 89Suffering at a young age .................................................................................. 90An oasis of peace and prayer ......................................................................... 91The little shrine of the Immaculate Conception ........................................... 92“Protect me with Thine inexhaustible goodness” ......................................... 93The Sacred Heart of Jesus; a lifelong devotion ............................................. 94
CHAPTER IV
Establishing a Home ....................................................................................... 96
The choice of a vocation in God’s hands ....................................................... 97Wedding pomp ................................................................................................. 99The long-awaited encounter with the Eucharistic Jesus ............................ 100A descendant of the sugar mill lords ............................................................ 102Memories of Pernambuco ............................................................................. 103Affability and temperance amid nature’s plenty ......................................... 104Dona Lucilia’s piety increases with her marriage ....................................... 105
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Index
“Teach me to honour my husband as thou didst honour Saint Joseph” ................................................................... 106
“That is not a question you ask a mother!” ................................................. 107Perhaps her happiest photograph ................................................................. 109“Where is Jesus?” .......................................................................................... 110A fever vanishes at a simple touch ............................................................... 111“Partir c’est mourir un peu. Mourir...” ............................................................ 111An occasion for greater spiritual progress ................................................... 113Solicitude in her little son’s insomnias and illnesses ................................... 114“I won’t restrict his affection” ....................................................................... 116Her patience toward a deaf-mute nephew ................................................... 117Incomparable love and goodness; principles upheld .................................. 118Order and compassion ................................................................................... 120Dona Lucilia’s fascination with the scenery during trips to Santos ........... 122
CHAPTER V
Voyage to Europe ........................................................................................... 124
A trip determined by illness rather than pleasure ....................................... 125A painful voyage ............................................................................................ 126Crossing the seas in the direction of Europe ............................................... 127“Don’t worry, my child” ................................................................................. 129In the Kaiser’s university hospital ................................................................. 129A successful operation ................................................................................... 131Pardoning those who mistreated her ............................................................ 131Her love for Brazil ......................................................................................... 133Avoiding all discouragement ........................................................................ 134The hot springs of Wiesbaden ....................................................................... 135The Polish Count and Countess ................................................................... 138On the Rhine to Cologne .............................................................................. 139Paris ................................................................................................................. 142The puppet theatre of Rond Point ............................................................... 143The “theft” of the Marquise de Sévigné cake .............................................. 144The boy who wanted to buy the palace of the Sun King ............................. 145Unforgettable soirées at the Théâtre de l´Opéra ......................................... 148A French writing desk .................................................................................... 148Cotillons for the children ............................................................................... 149Solving complicated problems calmly and efficiently ................................. 150Meeting with Princess Isabel ......................................................................... 151The “incurable” disease of a Russian princess ............................................ 152Doctor and serf of a Russian magnate ......................................................... 153The portrait of Dona Gabriela ..................................................................... 155Photographs in gala attire ............................................................................. 156On a garden bench ......................................................................................... 156
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Index
On a staircase ................................................................................................. 159A governess for the children ......................................................................... 160Abiding patience ............................................................................................ 162A tearful farewell to France .......................................................................... 162
CHAPTER VI
The Children’s Upbringing ......................................................................... 166
Arrival in São Paulo ....................................................................................... 167The bronze chandeliers ................................................................................. 168A serene gaze, a smooth voice, a luminous smile........................................ 169A visit to a great statesman of the Empire ................................................... 171Preparing for life in society ........................................................................... 172Attention to proper attire.............................................................................. 173Maternal care with nutrition ......................................................................... 174Stimulating the children’s sense of the marvellous ..................................... 175Preparing her children to follow the path of duty ....................................... 177A German governess ..................................................................................... 178How Dona Lucilia treated Fräulein Mathilde ............................................. 179“I miss Mama’s scoldings” ............................................................................. 179The smacks with the silver hairbrush ........................................................... 181In sickness: suffering and joy ........................................................................ 183Plinio at the brink of death ........................................................................... 184Love for others takes first place ................................................................... 186“I also pray so much for you...” ..................................................................... 187Encouragement in loving the Holy Roman Catholic and
Apostolic Church ................................................................................... 189“By paying attention to the Salve Regina, I understood
Mama entirely” ...................................................................................... 190Sweetness, intransigence, admiration .......................................................... 191Never giving in to comparison or self-praising ............................................ 193“See how He is crying for you” ..................................................................... 193Easter Sunday in Antarctica Park ................................................................. 195Christmas innocence ...................................................................................... 197“Remember: When you return, you may not find
your mother alive” ................................................................................. 198“Plinio bleibt bei Mutter” ................................................................................ 199Little Plinio sleeps...on a balcony ledge ....................................................... 200“We want Aunt Lucilia to tell us stories!”.................................................... 201Marvellous fairy tales ..................................................................................... 202Puss in Boots, the Marquis of Carabas and Cinderella .............................. 202The lame nobleman ....................................................................................... 204The Three Musketeers .................................................................................. 204A little marquis and marquise at the carnival .............................................. 207
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Index
The maharaja and the Persian princess ....................................................... 210A most un-sinister wizard .............................................................................. 212Outings ............................................................................................................ 212Bécassine, in Águas da Prata ......................................................................... 214“My son, your words should be kinder!” ...................................................... 216Dona Lucilia disapproves of teasing ............................................................ 217Preparing the children for First Holy Communion .................................... 218“Do not be thinking of the party” ................................................................. 219
CHAPTER VII
The Children’s Formation in a World of Profound Crisis .......... 222
Years of great transformation ....................................................................... 223Revolution in mentalities .............................................................................. 224A new, so-called “modern” mentality .......................................................... 226Dona Lucilia refuses to follow the new fashion .......................................... 227Streetcars serve as a pretext for shortening dresses .................................... 228The “cattle stampede” ................................................................................... 228Unpretentiousness, serenity, and perfection ............................................... 230Fidelity, even at the cost of isolation ............................................................ 231She prefers to see him dead than gone astray ............................................. 232Authority with affection ................................................................................ 232Imparting horror of evil by speaking almost exclusively of the good ........ 233A stolen husband ............................................................................................ 234Another lesson on evil ................................................................................... 234The first letters ............................................................................................... 236Concern over Dr. Bier’s fate ......................................................................... 239An interminable illness .................................................................................. 240A mark of endearment .................................................................................. 241A failed venture .............................................................................................. 241Rosée at the Municipal Conservatory .......................................................... 242Plinio at São Luís School ............................................................................... 244Maternal apprehension ................................................................................. 245An unjust grade for behaviour ...................................................................... 249“He did himself justice!” ............................................................................... 251Inflexibility and sweetness ............................................................................. 253Savoury sandwiches ....................................................................................... 253The Child Jesus among the Doctors of the Temple .................................... 254“Why do you have to be so mean?” .............................................................. 254Upholding the Fräulein’s authority .............................................................. 255Relics of the past ............................................................................................ 256“Only three medals, my son?” ...................................................................... 257Dona Lucilia’s care for Plinio’s health introduces
him to French literature ........................................................................ 258
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Index
A tranquil Brazil............................................................................................. 259Learning to judge events through Dona Lucilia’s eyes ............................... 259A historic personage ...................................................................................... 260The last costumes ........................................................................................... 261“I seem to hear you and see you all day long” ............................................. 263Affectionate and wise counsel ...................................................................... 265Guiding her children’s entrance into society ............................................... 265Preserving ceremonial customs at the height of the
Hollywood age ....................................................................................... 267“You and Rosée were entrusted to God before birth” ............................... 268“You should have faith in the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
Who will certainly not abandon us” ..................................................... 273
CHAPTER VIII
Passing the Half-Century Mark ............................................................. 276
Joys, sorrows, and apprehensions ................................................................. 277Her daughter’s marriage ............................................................................... 278A letter kept in her oratory ........................................................................... 279“I must use the time that is left me to guide and counsel you” .................. 280Blessing and crosses on the forehead ........................................................... 285A controversial Stations of the Cross ........................................................... 286A singular counsel .......................................................................................... 288When temptation strikes, “fly leagues away, clutching a crucifix!” ........... 289The Sacred Heart of Jesus “will be your safeguard and protector” .......... 293“I insist that you come as soon as possible” ................................................. 295A debt of gratitude ......................................................................................... 298A revolution rocks Brazil .............................................................................. 302“If it were a Crusade, I would be the first to send Plinio to battle” ........... 303“God demands Hope from those to whom He gives Faith” ....................... 303“I do not cease praying for you, and only feel at ease
when I do so, and much!” ..................................................................... 307A sign from the Sacred Heart of Jesus? ....................................................... 307Plinio unintentionally causes Dona Lucilia distress .................................... 308“One of the greatest trials of my life” .......................................................... 310Firm defence of the Faith .............................................................................. 315The “midnight chat” ...................................................................................... 316Dona Lucilia’s New Year’s Eve ..................................................................... 317Dona Lucilia senses a design of Providence ................................................ 318Dr. Plinio’s polemical defence of the Catholic Cause ................................ 319“Don’t get too carried away with your ‘plotting’” ....................................... 321 “It is because I love you so much that I want to perfect you” ................... 323
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Index
CHAPTER IX
Loss of the Family Patrimony .................................................................. 330
The profound transformations of the 1930s ................................................ 331The convoking of the Constituent Assembly and the founding of
the Catholic Electoral League .............................................................. 332Discussions in Rio de Janeiro ....................................................................... 334Dr. Plinio’s election ....................................................................................... 338Dona Lucilia discerns a threat to the Marian Congregations .................... 340In Rio for the opening of the Constituent Assembly .................................. 341Sparse but expressive correspondence ......................................................... 344The death of Dona Gabriela ......................................................................... 344Drinking the bitter chalice with resignation ................................................ 346Dona Lucilia’s solitude draws to a close ...................................................... 347Another test of confidence ............................................................................ 350“I will never forget your phone calls to Mama” .......................................... 352The joys of homecoming ............................................................................... 352Generous gift to the Catholic Cause ............................................................ 354Another move: the house on Itacolomy Street ........................................... 356Dona Lucilia takes care of her sick “filhão” ................................................ 358Two other examples of maternal discernment ............................................. 360Another visit to Águas da Prata .................................................................... 362A duty of charity: consoling the afflicted ..................................................... 365The visit of a Japanese admiral ..................................................................... 369A loving artifice .............................................................................................. 371“Poor thing! Don’t do that!” ......................................................................... 373Gentle admonitions ....................................................................................... 374Authority and justice in running the household .......................................... 375Recollections of a nephew ............................................................................. 376Days of rest... and absence ............................................................................ 379
CHAPTER X
Maintaining Fidelity Amidst the Tempest ........................................ 384
The Second World War: the end of an era ................................................... 385The defeat of France and the capture of Paris ............................................ 387Intransigence in the defence of principles ................................................... 389Worrisome delay ............................................................................................ 389Posthumous homage ..................................................................................... 392The magnanimous spirit of bygone days ...................................................... 394Dona Lucilia’s soothing presence ................................................................. 394Another move................................................................................................. 396Evocative memories ....................................................................................... 397
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Index
Despite her own health concerns, she worries about her children ............ 400Dr. Plinio’s first book ..................................................................................... 402“What has happened to Mama?” ................................................................. 403Ardent prayers for her son’s battle ............................................................... 404Dona Lucilia witnesses a change in her son’s situation .............................. 407Nothing can break Plinio ............................................................................... 408Serenity at all cost .......................................................................................... 409Baccarat Crystal ............................................................................................. 410On the cusp of old age ................................................................................... 412Exceptional piety ............................................................................................ 413Gift from a generous friend .......................................................................... 415“Your clock is Plinio!” ................................................................................... 418Avid expectation... ......................................................................................... 419“A silvery halo seen in an upper window...” ................................................. 420“My son, why don’t you come speak with me?” .......................................... 422“By thinking so much about Itaicy I get
the feeling of having been there!” ........................................................ 423
CHAPTER XI
A Long and Painful Separation .............................................................. 428
A plan to ease the farewell ............................................................................ 429The leave-taking ............................................................................................. 430“My heart seeks Plinio’s...” ........................................................................... 431A birthday marked by a great absence ......................................................... 437News from Spain ............................................................................................ 441“What saudades... my God!!...” ..................................................................... 443“I pray for your immediate return as much as I pray
that you may stay a little longer!” ......................................................... 452“How long, how very long this month of May seems!” ............................... 458News from Rome ........................................................................................... 462Audience with the Holy Father ..................................................................... 465“Filhão, thank God, you are the same!”....................................................... 468“To live is to be together, to look upon and to love one another” ............. 469The film of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation .................................................. 472The ideal setting for Dona Lucilia’s last years ............................................ 474
CHAPTER XII
A New Home, a New Separation ........................................................... 476
A visit to Dona Lucilia’s apartment ............................................................. 477Recollection, distinction, and harmony ....................................................... 479The perfect homemaker in her ideal setting................................................ 482Back to Europe .............................................................................................. 483
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Index
Letters “from São Lourenço” ....................................................................... 484“The Divine Holy Spirit will always be in you” ........................................... 487Maternal advice from Dona Lucilia ............................................................. 489“Paris lacks only one thing...” ....................................................................... 492Written chats ease the saudades.................................................................... 496“Wherever my heart goes, you go within it...” ............................................. 503“Christ’s words do not pass away” ................................................................ 507The “distant blood” of the Rodriguez Camargoses and the Ortizes ......... 510“I selfishly thrilled with joy” .......................................................................... 515Final requests as the return approaches ...................................................... 518
CHAPTER XIII
Serene Pilgrimage Along the Paths of Old Age................................ 524
The gentle glow of Lucilian kindness ........................................................... 525Maternal care ................................................................................................. 526Much appreciated for her culinary skill ....................................................... 527“This lady is very Spanish!” ........................................................................... 528The crystal vase .............................................................................................. 529An unexpected visit ........................................................................................ 530“If you were to lose the Faith, it would be to me as if you had died” ........ 530The white-haired lady .................................................................................... 531Two complementary sides to the same ogival arch ..................................... 533An observatory for viewing the stars ............................................................ 535Incidents from daily life ................................................................................. 536Nothing could shake her inner equanimity .................................................. 537Dona Lucilia turns 80: three photographs;
three facets of her soul .......................................................................... 538A sweet and gentle presence ......................................................................... 543A deep and restorative sleep ......................................................................... 544“Her eyes were home to me” ........................................................................ 544“My mother is much better than yours!” ..................................................... 545Amusing herself with a speaker from Portugal ........................................... 546“Ooh, Plinio... an explosive mixture!” .......................................................... 547The enchantment of a Spanish “hidalgo” ..................................................... 547Contemplative gaze with the heavens in their depths................................. 549A lamp at the feet of the Sacred Heart of Jesus .......................................... 550Conversing with the Divine Redeemer ........................................................ 552Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the True Cross........................... 553Reflections of devotion to Our Lady in Dona Lucilia’s soul ...................... 554A pact for eternity .......................................................................................... 555“Filhão, Mama bought this for you” ............................................................. 556“What would most please Plinio?” ............................................................... 558The death of Dr. João Paulo ......................................................................... 559
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Index
The noble duties of widowhood .................................................................... 559Steady march toward nightfall ...................................................................... 561“Filhão, I only have you” ............................................................................... 561
CHAPTER XIV
A Soul Conformed to the Sacred Heart of Jesus ............................. 562
A lady of the nineteenth century in mid-twentieth century ....................... 563Dona’s Lucilia’s resignation in face of death ............................................... 564Farewells at the elevator ................................................................................ 567The prospect of complete isolation .............................................................. 570“What a beautiful gaze!” ............................................................................... 571Perfect emotional control .............................................................................. 572“No, my son, I did not want to bother anyone” ........................................... 573Balance between justice and mercy .............................................................. 573The virtue of vigilance ................................................................................... 574A premonition by way of a dream ................................................................ 5751962: A new separation... .............................................................................. 576“If you only knew how sad life becomes when you travel so far!” ............. 582Sparse correspondence .................................................................................. 584Laboriously composed letters ....................................................................... 587“If it is God’s will... then let it be done!” ...................................................... 590A leap over the ocean .................................................................................... 594A period of confusion and uncertainty ........................................................ 595Ah, my tree! .................................................................................................... 596The red maroquin jewellery case .................................................................. 596The visit of a “journalist” .............................................................................. 597The last letter ................................................................................................. 599Dona Lucilia’s rejection of the horrendous ................................................. 601“How good she is!” ........................................................................................ 602The last box of ties presented to her son ..................................................... 602Olga’s marriage .............................................................................................. 603The last outings on Alagoas Street ............................................................... 604Final visit to “her” Sacred Heart of Jesus Church ...................................... 605She lived within the atmosphere of the Sacred Heart ................................ 608“Dear soul, she has nothing to confess” ....................................................... 608“If I were treated like that, I would want to live another 400 years” ......... 610A funeral for her memories .......................................................................... 610To diminish her son’s grief at her death ....................................................... 611“What is the design of Providence concerning the two of us?” ................. 612She seemed to be made to have thousands of children .............................. 613
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Index
CHAPTER XV
Unforgettable Months of Ineffable Conviviality .......................... 616
The final trials of her advanced old age ....................................................... 6171967: a storm breaks over Dr. Plinio ............................................................ 617“Should I recommend that, if I die, Mama not be told?” ........................... 619Excruciating silence ....................................................................................... 621“She surprised everyone and enchanted their souls” ................................. 621Gentle manners, filled with kindness ........................................................... 623New habits disrupt the old routine in Dona Lucilia’s home ...................... 626A memorable invitation, followed by others ............................................... 628Cookies which seemed to have come from Paradise... ............................... 630A flexible and expressive voice ..................................................................... 632Seen through the “brise-bise” fingering her rosary ...................................... 634“What blessing there is in this house!” ........................................................ 635Contemplating a rose..................................................................................... 635The perfect commentary ............................................................................... 637In the throes of ill health, manners imbued with kindness ......................... 639The glow of both sunset and dawn in her smile........................................... 643Small gestures reflecting eminent virtue ...................................................... 643“The poor girl...” ............................................................................................ 644Other amusements ......................................................................................... 645The time for talking with her “filhão” .......................................................... 646Solely concerned with doing good in her old age ........................................ 648The last photographs ..................................................................................... 649Her final days, spent in calmness and tranquillity ....................................... 652Entreaties of an anguished son ..................................................................... 652Sustained by confidence in God up until the very last moment... .............. 653Glory, light, and joy........................................................................................ 654
Post-scriptum .................................................................................................... 667
16
PREFACE
The author, together with Dr. Plinio, the son of Dona Lucilia, on a visit to Rev. Fr. Antonio Royo Marín and his sisters, Doña Isabel,
Doña Gloria and Doña Maria Teresa, in November of 1988
1
17
Preface
M 1y dear and esteemed friend Mr. João Clá Dias,2 the au-thor of this splendid biography of Dona Lucilia Corrêa de Oliveira, was so kind as to ask me to write a Pref-
ace that would serve as a presentation or brief introduction. For this purpose, he gave me the entire typewritten text, ready to be sent for printing.
When I began to read these pages, I had no idea of the lofti-ness of their content. What started out as mere curiosity before the unknown quickly developed into a decided liking, which then grew into true admiration and wonder. What I was reading was not just the biography of an extraordinary woman; it was the life of a real saint, in the full sense of the word. The charm of the writing and its freshness did not wane for an instant. The division of the extensive text into short paragraphs, with headings in boldface presenting the idea about to be fully savoured by the reader, contributed wonder-fully to this achievement.
I believe that the best way to give the reader some notion of the documentary wealth in this superb biography of Dona Lucilia is to simply compile the titles of each of its fifteen chapters, together with a brief summary of the corresponding text, which I will now proceed to do.
1. Mama Taught Me to Love Our Lord Jesus Christ — These are words of her son, Dr. Plinio. They are followed by the narration of the last moments and holy death of Dona Lucilia. According to Saint Thomas, the end, although last in execution, should always be first in intention.3 It was most fitting, therefore, to begin with the end.
2. Birth and Childhood — We learn about her parents, Dr. Antônio and Dona Gabriela, and the domestic setting of this family of aristocratic ancestry. Lucilia was born April 22, 1876, the second of five children of this gentry couple. Her childhood unfolded pleasant-ly and serenely, illuminated mainly by the formative influence of her
1) Extracts from the preface of the first edition.2) The present preface was written in 1994, when the author had not yet been or-
dained a priest.3) Cf. Summa Theologiæ, I-II, q.1, a.4.
18
Preface
dear parents, Dr. Antônio and Dona Gabriela. It would be impossible to cite here the thousand delightful little stories of those unforgettable years.
3. Dona Lucilia’s Youth in “São Paulinho” During the Golden Age of Coffee — Her youth unfolded against the aristocratic backdrop of São Paulo of that time, in tune with her family’s social status, and the splendid and prominent mansion that was their home. But this worldly environment in no way jeopardized the spiritual life of the young Lu-cilia. She made noticeable progress, especially in her deep devotion to the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Conception, centred on a pious statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that she had received from her father. Her home was a “veritable oasis of peace and prayer.”
4. Establishing a Home — A vocation comes from God, Who calls each person in a distinct manner. Dona Lucilia was called to the vocation of matrimony, which she fulfilled by marrying Dr. João Pa-ulo Corrêa de Oliveira, a “very refined and intelligent” descendant of an illustrious family from Pernambuco.4 The wedding was celebrated on July 15, 1906, when Dona Lucilia was thirty years old. On the eve of the marriage, accompanied by her bridegroom, she made her First Holy Communion, an event absurdly delayed in those times preceding the pontificate of Saint Pius X, who opened the Tabernacle to chil-dren for all time. With marriage, Lucilia’s religiousness was further deepened. She asked the Blessed Virgin “to teach her to honour her husband as she had honoured Saint Joseph.” The Lord blessed Lucilia’s home with the wonderful gift of two children: Rosenda, who was born in 1907, and Plinio, who came into the world in 1908. From that time on, the life of the mother was fundamentally fused with that of her two dear children.
5. Voyage to Europe — Voyages to the Old Continent attracted all the lovers of tradition among the aristocratic class of the Belle Époque to which Lucilia belonged; yet this was not the reason for her lengthy trip to Europe in 1912. She made good use of it to foster her piety in numerous churches and other holy sites. There was Berlin, where she forgave those who mistreated her; Cologne, where she ad-mired the marvellous cathedral; Paris, where she quickened her ten-der devotion to the Sacred Heart at Montmartre, in Sainte-Chapelle, Notre-Dame, and Our Lady of Victories. From Paris she continued on to Italy, hoping to visit and be blessed by Saint Pius X in Rome,
4) A state in the northeast of Brazil.
19
Preface
but as this was not possible, it was from Genoa that she returned to Brazil.
6. The Children’s Upbringing — Rosenda and Plinio learned from their mother the intricate task of balancing refined simplicity and sweetness with a healthy awareness of their high social standing, which, apparently at least, distanced them from an egalitarian treat-ment with common people. Formed for a society meticulous about attire, jewellery, and ceremonial, they also acquired from Dona Lu-cilia a strong sense of Christian courtesy, of compassion and gener-osity toward the needy. When it was a question of duty, her approach was inflexible, although filled with gentleness and sweetness. She was especially adamant about their religious formation, which was prin-cipally centred on charity and on a deep-rooted love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Virgin, and the Holy Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church.
7. The Children’s Formation in a World of Profound Crisis — The terrible First World War engulfed the world in a deep moral crisis that endangered even the most sacred values of Christian tradition. To the shock of the whole world, the spectre of communism reared itself tri-umphantly in Russia, bent on the total destruction of Christian Civiliz-ation. A new, so-called “modern” mentality ridiculed and scorned all that was truly traditional. Dona Lucilia energetically opposed these aberrant tendencies and heroically suffered the social ostracism to which she found herself subjected by numerous bad Christians, who were flippantly receptive to the new destructive tendencies. Mean-while, Plinio, an outstanding student at São Luís School, was prepar-ing himself, through an intense life of piety, for the great apostolic mission that Providence had predestined for him.
8. Passing the Half-Century Mark — When Dona Lucilia turned 50 in 1926, little did she imagine that she would live another 42 years to reach the age of 92. She wrote to her son Plinio: “I must use the time that is left to me to guide and counsel you.” He was setting out on his arduous public life in defence of the Church and Christian trad-ition. Having joined the Marian Congregations, Plinio would soon be-come an undisputed leader and a congressman for the Catholic Elec-toral League. This entire chapter is filled with gripping details about Dr. Plinio’s activities. Dona Rosenda married, and presented Dona Lucilia with a dear granddaughter, Maria Alice. It is impossible to register here the depth of documentary wealth.
20
Preface
9. Loss of the Family Patrimony — This absorbing chapter narrates the great tribulations brought upon Dona Lucilia and her family by the loss of a large part of their fortune (which markedly diminished their standard of living) and, above all, by the persecu-tions Dr. Plinio suffered for reasons to be explained later. In these and in many other tribulations, Dona Lucilia and her son maintained admirable Christian serenity, and forgave all their enemies with im-pressive magnanimity.
10. Maintaining Fidelity Amidst the Tempest — The title aptly expresses the content of this excellent chapter. It continues the account of the difficulties and obstacles that Dr. Plinio encoun-tered in his ceaseless apostolate in favour of the Church and of authentic traditional Christian life. The highlight of this chapter is the admirable correspondence between mother and son. Their let-ters overflow with Christian wisdom and confidence in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, from Whom they seek and implore the remedy for a host of evils. Dr. Plinio’s book, In Defence of Catholic Action, ap-pears, which, in 1949, would garner a letter of praise written to the author on behalf of His Holiness Pope Pius XII by the Substitute Secretary of State of the Holy See, Archbishop J.B. Montini, later Pope Paul VI.
11. A Long and Painful Separation — A series of circum-stances led Prof. Plinio to make an extended trip to the Old Con-tinent in 1950. Although saddened by her son’s long and painful absence, Dona Lucilia encouraged him in his demanding under-taking and effectively helped him with excellent advice, through her lengthy and affectionate letters. The correspondence between mother and son makes for highly enjoyable reading and the collec-tion is a real treasure of authentic Christian prudence and wisdom. Dr. Plinio experienced the great joy of receiving a special blessing from Pope Pius XII, who took his hand in his. Dr. Plinio’s journey through Europe spanned a little over two months (from April to June of 1950).
12. A New Home, a New Separation — In their excellent new apartment on Alagoas Street, where they had moved from their for-mer residence on Vieira de Carvalho Street, life unfolded pleasant-ly for mother and son, who were closely united in dedication to their apostolic ideals and profound spiritual life. But Dr. Plinio was soon obliged to travel to Europe again to strengthen ties established on the previous trip and to forge new contacts. Dona Lucilia, then over 76
21
Preface
years of age, accepted the separation and continued helping her son with her marvellous letters.
13. Serene Pilgrimage Along the Paths of Old Age — The years went by, filling Dona Lucilia’s old age with joy and sorrow: joy at see-ing the growth of her son’s apostolic movement at the service of the Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church; sorrow and affliction at seeing the unjust persecution that hovered over Dr. Plinio and his work from those who should have most helped him. Dona Lucilia endured every-thing, strengthened by prayer and confidence in the Sacred Heart and the Blessed Virgin. Her interior life was that of a true saint.
14. A Soul Conformed to the Sacred Heart of Jesus — Mr. João Clá writes: “The 1960s opened a new and deep chasm of horrors, which would culminate in the anarchist revolution of May 1968. During the last years of her life, Dona Lucilia’s graciousness and her respectful manner shone more than ever, in contrast with the increasing vulgarity of the mod-ern world.” With perfect dominion over her own emotions, she reso-lutely accepted recurring separations from her son due to his frequent departures for apostolic trips. Dona Lucilia’s spiritual life was a con-tinuous prayer and a losing of herself in the adorable Heart of Jesus under the maternal gaze of the Immaculate Virgin, to which the biog-raphy gives ample testimony.
15. Unforgettable Months of Ineffable Conviviality — In her ex-treme old age—she was then 91—Dona Lucilia suffered, beyond the many aches and discomforts inherent to aging, new and painful trials, mostly brought on by the torrent of reversals that suddenly befell Dr. Plinio in 1967, including a serious illness that threatened his life, as well as persecutions and calumnies. She bore everything with super-human heroism, fully and joyfully accepting the will of God. Finally, the eternal day dawned for her. As she completed exactly 92 years, on the morning of April 21, 1968, Dona Lucilia, “with eyes wide open, fully conscious of the solemn moment that was approaching, she raised herself slightly, made a large Sign of the Cross, and with utter peace of soul and trust in divine mercy, fell asleep in the Lord,” to awaken among the An-gels.
* * *Our concise index of the chapters in Dona Lucilia’s biography
written by Mr. João S. Clá has brought us up to this point. This brief synopsis cannot possibly present the vast documentary wealth the au-thor succeeded in gathering firsthand (many of its pages contain per-sonal accounts of contact with Dona Lucilia). We have in hand an au-
22
Preface
thentic and complete Life of Dona Lucilia on par with the finest “Lives of the Saints” that have appeared to this day. Particularly noteworthy is its invaluable written correspondence between Dona Lucilia and her children, especially Dr. Plinio. In her magnificent letters, Dona Lu-cilia frequently expresses such sublime spiritual truths that the read-er experiences sentiments similar to those produced by the inimitable epistolary writing of St. Teresa of Avila.
For this very reason, I dare to frame in concrete terms a ques-tion that naturally and clearly comes to mind with the reading of this marvellous Life of Dona Lucilia: Was Dona Lucilia a true saint, in the full sense of the word? Or, to put it differently, did her Christian vir-tues reach the heroic degree indispensably required for a person to be recognized by the Church with beatification and canonization?
In view of the rigorously historical data that this biography of-fers us in such abundance, I dare to answer, without the least hesita-tion, with a resounding yes.
Far be it from me to ridiculously and irreverently presume to place myself ahead of the infallible judgment of the Church! The role that befits me is to present an opinion that is totally sincere, but com-pletely fallible. We can always err; the Church never does.
Nevertheless, my opinion—while always susceptible to error—would seem to be firmly grounded on the following theological rea-soning. It is well known that in the long and painstaking process for the beatification and canonization of a servant of God, it is first neces-sary to demonstrate, with absolutely clear and unequivocal proofs and testimonies that the person in question practiced the Christian virtues to a heroic degree, that is, the theological virtues (faith, hope, and char-ity) and the moral virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temper-ance, with all the other virtues derived from them). A canonization is not possible without thoroughly verified heroic virtues. Contrary to what many hold, candidates need not have performed a miracle during their mortal life. This has no relevance and does not add to the heroic virtues, which are the sole fundamental and substantial element. As we know, a miracle is a grace gratis data, which the Lord gives to whom He pleases, independent of their being true saints or not. The over-whelming majority of canonized saints performed no miracles during their mortal lives, although they must do so after their death, as we shall see. Fitting proof of this is that the Queen of Saints, the Immacu-late Virgin herself, worked no miracle during her earthly life. It is true that at the wedding feast of Cana, Jesus performed His first great mir-
23
Preface
acle at His Mother’s request, changing water into the finest wine, but the miracle was His and not hers; she was content to simply request it of Him, without performing it herself.
However, after a holy death, a miracle clearly obtained through the intercession of the canonizable candidate is needed. Why after death and not before? Not before, because it is not necessary for sanc-tity, as we have just explained; but rather after, so that the Church may have irrefutable proof that God wills the beatification (or canoniza-tion, if there is a second miracle) of the servant of God, who is known to have practiced the Christian virtues to a heroic degree, the funda-mental and essential point. The miracle after death is like a divine seal that guarantees the certitude of the Church in proceeding with the be-atification or canonization.
The final word belongs to the Holy, Roman, Catholic and Apos-tolic Church, the infallible mistress of the truth. But to us falls the sweet duty and the sacred right to humbly beseech Divine Providence to heed our heartfelt petition, for the glory of God and the greater good of souls.
Madrid, June 29, 1994.
Fr. Antonio Royo Marín, O.P.
24
Biography
The Rev. Fr. Antonio Royo Marín, in front of the main door of the Basilica of Our Lady of Atocha, in Madrid
25
Biography
Antonio Royo Marín, OP, Master of the Spiritual Life, Brilliant Orator and Renowned Author
B orn on January 9, 1913 in Morella, a tranquil village in the ancient Kingdom of Valencia, pedestal for an ele-gant castle that was the scene of bloody battles in the
time of El Cid, Antonio Royo Marín was the son of a Spanish Catholic family.
The life path that this child was to follow would be far from a se-rene journey steeped in fleeting pleasures. Nor would it be a foray into the agitation of the pagan megalopolises of the twentieth century. He would experience hardships and profound perplexities, some almost overwhelming, but always illuminated by the Faith, and nurtured, often in a sensible manner, by the maternal caress of divine grace and the powerful protection of the Blessed Virgin.
His father, Antonio Royo Ortí, endowed with great natural cap-acity, was a man of considerable learning. With his robust common sense and political finesse, he was elected Mayor of Morella by popu-lar vote for seven years. Afterwards, he was President of the Patriotic Union (of a decidedly right-wing leaning) for another seven years. His ardent Catholic Faith and particularly his devotion to St. Joseph are the fondest memories that Fr. Royo cherished of him.
His mother, Doña Isabel Marín Bonell, was a devout lady and exemplary wife. She brought nine children into the world, whom she promptly had baptized and then nurtured devotedly, bringing them up with the example of her virtues.
When he was only four years old, death came knocking at little Antonio’s door. He was struck down by scarlet fever, which three doc-tors were incapable of controlling, declaring it incurable. Neverthe-
26
Biography
less, thanks to a few sips of Lourdes water and his mother’s confident and fervent prayers, the child was restored to full health.
After completing his primary education with the Consolata Sis-ters, he completed secondary school at the college of the Piarist Fath-ers.
On one occasion a renowned religious preacher, Fr. Calasanz Rabaza, visited Morella and was lodged in the mayor’s home. Struck by the vivacity of the young Antonio, he took him along as a guide when he went out sightseeing. Upon his return, he could not help but congratulate Doña Isabel: “Madam, I am very impressed with your son; he is gifted with a great intelligence. If he succumbs to evil he will be horrendous. However, if he follows the good path, he will give much glory to God. With his eleven years of age, he asked me some philosophical questions that left me dumbfounded.” When he turned fourteen, Antonio entered the preparatory course for the Faculty of Medicine in Valencia. He seriously considered being a good doctor.
During one of his student days, seated at a desk filled with books on hydrocarbons and ethers, the vocation snatched him away. Sudden-ly (“like a thunderbolt,” he would later say) a thought came to mind: “Why could I not be a physician of souls, instead of bodies? Why not become a priest?”
Thus, in 1928, at 15, he returned to Morella, ready to follow the path that would lead him to the altar. He did not suspect that before being able to follow his vocation, he would brave an eleven-year-trial, five of which were spent in painful illness, and another three in a vio-lent civil war.
A few months after his return to his birthplace, his family moved to Madrid. Providentially, they took up residence in the “Paseo de la Reina Cristina,” near the Dominican monastery in Atocha.
Before long, Antonio, together with some companions of the same parish, founded the “Catholic Union of Our Lady of Atocha.” From within this group of young men, which proved to be a wellspring of religious vocations, seventeen martyrs would emerge during the bloody religious persecution that ravaged Spain, set in motion by the communist-socialists.
In this association, he stood out for his devotion, learning, com-bative spirit and gift of oration. He always spoke during solemn ses-sions. Some excerpts, conserved until today, give witness to his fiery eloquence.
27
Biography
His diligent visits to the Dominican monastery were decisive for the future of his vocation. But, stricken by a serious pulmonary infec-tion, he was not able to enter the novitiate right away. While waiting, he studied philosophy in the Diocesan Seminary, receiving excellent grades.
On July 18, 1936, armed communist-socialists invaded the cap-ital and other cities and set up prisons.
Shortly thereafter, Antonio’s father was incarcerated, and then he himself was imprisoned. Certain that he would be shot, he sought to sum up martyrdom in these terms: “If being Catholic is a crime to you, then don’t bother interrogating me, because I am Catholic, and I am not about to give up being one. I am ready to die if necessary!”
They cast him into a dark cellar, and thinking it was the place of execution, he repeated his profession of Faith. When called for an-other interrogation, he again proclaimed his Catholicity. Impressed, one of the militiamen exclaimed: “If we are not careful with the ser-mons of this prisoner, we’ll all end up in church.”
In the wake of a new and powerful divine intervention, he was freed from prison. Until the end of the conflagration, his family enjoyed incredible tranquillity.
In April of 1939, the communists were expelled from their last strongholds. On May 2, Antonio Royo, with his health restored, began the novitiate in San Esteban of Salamanca. After years of dauntless intellectual labour, brilliantly rewarded, he was ordained a priest, on July 9, 1944.
He then departed for Rome, where he studied at the famous Pontifical University, the “Angelicum”, obtaining a licentiate in theol-ogy, with the highest honour (summa cum laude), in just one year.
He completed his doctorate at the Faculty of Theology of San Esteban Monastery, during the time in which the Magnificent Rector was the illustrious Fr. Santiago Ramírez, O.P. He defended his thesis “Theology of Christian Perfection,” a veritable programme for apos-tolate. In light of the convocation of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect (Mt 5:48), he clearly and masterful-ly demonstrated that God’s call to perfection is universal and, at the same time, by the simplicity of his explanation, he made the paths that lead to it accessible and attractive.
From 1947 to 1950, he went out into the streets of Spain to bring souls to God. His preaching was so successful that the largest cath-
28
Biography
edrals could not hold the multitudes eager to hear him. Immense bull-ring stadiums were then made available, and were filled to capacity with faithful, at times exclusively men, eager to hear the fervent words of a true son of St. Dominic. Many conversions accompanied his cap-tivating preaching and, without ever seeking it, all of his sermons were interrupted by applause. He himself recently affirmed: “Employing tactics to procure applause from the pulpit is a sacrilege. I have always dreaded this.”
Without a doubt, alongside Fr. Laburu, S.J., he was the most famed preacher in Spain during this period.
However, it was not long before he received an unexpected or-der:
“Reverend Father, you must go to the monastery of ‘Santo Do-mingo el Real.’ Father Provincial has summoned you.
Obedience led him to assume the Chair of Moral Theology in the Faculty of San Esteban in Salamanca, where he formed hundreds of preachers.
He would be, successively, professor of Dogmatic, Mystical, Moral and Spiritual Theology. He would also occupy the Chair of Sacred Oratory.
Fifteen years later, he would confess:“By the decision of my superiors, I had to verse myself in all
the aspects of the Dominican vocation: preacher, professor and writer. Yet I do not conceal that my main penchant was always for preaching the divine word.”
Indeed, the success he achieved in his ministry led his superiors to bestow on him the perpetual privilege of General Preacher of the Dominican Order, and Director of Spiritual Exercises.
Additionally, in order to satisfy, at least in part, his ardent desire to speak to souls, Providence granted him for more than ten years a pulpit to a very large audience. He was director of “Lenten Conferen-ces,” which the National Radio broadcast throughout all of Spain.
Over the course of his extensive and fruitful apostolic life, his activities as a confessor and director of souls were also very important, benefiting a great number of religious and laity.
From among the many nuns who, under his excellent direction, sanctified themselves in the anonymity of the conventual cloister, the venerable Dominican Sisters of the magnificent and fervent convent
29
Biography
of Olmedo merit special mention. This convent was especially beloved to Fr. Royo Marín.
His apostolic zeal also took him to Colombia, Puerto Rico and Curaçao, where he participated in great missions, and preached re-treats to university professors and religious. On two occasions he crossed the ocean to give conferences and meetings on the practice of Christian Perfection to capacity audiences in the United States.
During his twenty consecutive years in Salamanca, Fr. Royo Marín still found time to revise his doctoral thesis, “Theology of Chris-tian Perfection.” Thus, his first book was published by the famous Bib-lioteca de Autores Cristianos, BAC. Twenty-five other works would fol-low, in a series as yet incomplete.
These works have enjoyed worldwide success, with more than a half million copies printed. They have the special quality of being written with the theological insight of a professor of Salamanca, while using a didactic approach accessible to the common Catholic.
A life such as this, completely dedicated to the service and glory of God and His Holy Church, merited recognition by the Holy See. On June 25, 1986, Fr. Royo Marín was awarded the medal Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice1 by His Holiness John Paul II.
The following are the words addressed to him by the Father Assistant General of the Order of Preachers in Spain: “[This distinc-tion] extols and honours you and acclaims your fecund work at the service of the Church—a work that Your Reverence has carried out for so many years, in verbis et scriptis,2 with insight, competence and acceptance in the theological, apostolic and missionary fields.”
However, more than a great intellectual, he was a religious, sub-ject to obedience in the least things. Therefore, even when he was al-ready over eighty years of age, fifty of them in the priesthood, he con-tinued his intense apostolic labour as author, preacher and spiritual director, but also carried out humble tasks such as bell-ringer in the monastery of Our Lady of Atocha in Madrid.
Fr. Antonio Royo Marín died on April 18, 2005, in the Dominic-an monastery in Pamplona (Spain).
1) The full name of this medal is Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Egregia Opera Studioque Conspicuis Præcipue Constitutum; that is, “granted especially in view of excellent work and study on behalf of the Church and the Pontiff.”
2) By words and writings.
30
Biography
Works written by Fr. Royo Marín, O.P.
Teología de la perfección cristiana. Madrid: B.A.C.
Teología de la salvación. Madrid: B.A.C.
Teología de la caridad. Madrid: B.A.C.
Teología de la fe. Madrid: B.A.C.
Teología de la esperanza. Respuesta a la angustia existencialista. Madrid: B.A.C.
Teología moral para seglares. Madrid: B.A.C.
Espiritualidad de los seglares. Madrid: B.A.C.
Dios y su obra. Madrid: B.A.C.
Jesucristo y la vida cristiana. Madrid: B.A.C.
La Virgen María. Teología y espiritualidad marianas. Madrid: B.A.C.
La vida religiosa. Madrid: B.A.C.
Catecismo de la doctrina cristiana. (with Gaspar Astete, SJ) Seville: Apostolado Mariano
Los grandes maestros de la vida espiritual. Historia de la espiritualidad cristiana. Madrid: B.A.C.
El gran desconocido. El Espíritu Santo y sus dones. Madrid: B.A.C.
El misterio del más allá. Madrid: Rialp.
Los Cursillos de Cristiandad. Madrid: Euramérica.
Las siete Palabras de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo en la cruz. Salamanca: San Esteban.
Nada te turbe. Madrid: Palabra.
La oración del cristiano. Madrid: B.A.C.
Somos hijos de Dios. Misterio de la divina gracia. Madrid: B.A.C.
El sacramento del perdón. Madrid: B.A.C.
La fe de la Iglesia. Lo que ha de creer el cristiano de hoy. Madrid: B.A.C.
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Biography
Amarás al Señor, tu Dios. Seville: Apostolado Mariano.
Alabanza a la Santísima Trinidad. Madrid: B.A.C.
Una oración espléndida: elevación a la Santísisma Trinidad. Madrid: Palabra.
Teología de la Perfección Cristiana — Resumen Esquemático. Alcalá de Henares: Discalced Carmelitas.
Santa Teresa de Lisieux, Doctora de la Iglesia. Madrid: B.A.C.
Doctoras de la Iglesia: Doctrina espiritual de Santa Teresa y Santa Catalina de Siena. Madrid: B.A.C.
Doctoras de la iglesia. Santa Teresa de Jesús, Santa Catalina de Siena y Santa Teresa de Lisieux. Madrid: B.A.C.
Por qué soy católico. Confirmación en la fe. Madrid: B.A.C.
Ser o no ser santo… Ésta es la cuestión. Madrid: B.A.C.
El rosario de María: temas de meditación. Seville: Apostolado Mariano.
¿Se salvan todos?: estudio teológico sobre la voluntad salvífica universal de Dios. Madrid: B.A.C.
La caridad evangélica. Seville: Apostolado Mariano.
La Virgen María. Seville: Apostolado Mariano.
Tu salvación. Seville: Apostolado Mariano.
La devoción a María. Seville: Apostolado Mariano.
Los mandamientos. Seville: Apostolado Mariano.
El mundo de hoy. Madrid. Rialp.
Sentir con la Iglesia: la Iglesia de Cristo y la salvación eterna. Madrid: B.A.C.
The total of the various editions of these works reaches hundreds of thousands of copies.
33
Introduction
F ame is a precious commodity, and man is capable of mak-ing difficult sacrifices to attain it. On the other hand, its loss can jeopardize careers, harm business, and devastate
families. There is no harm that cannot spring from a bad name. And once lost, a good name is rarely fully recovered, because slander is to one’s reputation what a diamond is to glass; without managing to break it, it leaves indelible marks.
Accordingly, good or bad repute can be an effective psycho-logical arm, either for good or for evil. It is a social phenomenon that lends itself to fascinating studies, such as identifying the mechanisms by which people may be promoted or demoted through media ma-nipulation. The field of research is vast...
In the now distant time when honour and fame were indissol-ubly bound, decisive factors in winning the favour of public opinion were good works, and illustrious, heroic deeds. This approval undeni-ably implied a value judgment. And, in a sense, this was how the fame of holiness would arise during a person’s life, usually resulting in devo-tion to them.
The faithful often choose specific intercessors to attend to their needs, when they feel a special affinity with them because of relevant episodes in their lives. This is what happened with Don Bosco. Because of his charism as an educator of youth, seeing his zeal for their Chris-tian formation and sensing his paternal care, young people naturally seek his intercession in the difficulties that arise when embarking on life’s great struggles. Others, not so young, who hear of Don Bosco’s impressive knack of obtaining financial resources for his work, right-ly consider him the saint to turn to for help with the needs of their apostolate. It is, therefore, starting from a knowledge of saints’ biog-raphies, or facts from their lives, that devotion to them spreads among Christian people.
34
Introduction
With St. John Bosco, the fame of his virtues and numerous mir-acles (including proven resurrections) became so widespread during his lifetime that he was showered with accolades, as happened for ex-ample, while he was on a trip to Paris. The illustrative story is told of a famous French writer, a contemporary of the saint, for whom an ad-mirer had predicted immortal fame. The reply of this man of letters—who had the good sense not to give credit to all words of praise—re-flects the finesse of the French spirit. Real fame, he said, belonged to Don Bosco and not to him. For after his own death, his literary works would be quickly forgotten; few would read them, and his name would fall by the wayside. But this would not be so for Don Bosco, since he would be canonized and the faithful of the whole world would invoke him with their prayers; churches would erect altars to his honour and, until the end of the world, at least once a year, his memorial would be celebrated in the Liturgy and his name recalled. Effectively, true fame belongs to the saints.
Other saints, however, follow a very different path. Their lives unfold in the shadow of anonymity and they are unknown even to those closest to them. St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus is among these. She entered the Carmel of Lisieux in the flower of her youth and left this world at age 24. She performed no miracles during life, nor did she stand out for her supernatural gifts. Even the sisters from her con-vent commented among themselves that there would be nothing to tell about her short life, when communicating the news of her death to the other convents of the same Order, for she never stood out in anything. St. Thérèse left only her letters and her autobiography, “The Story of a Soul.” Eventually, they decided to publish it. The work was an un-expected success, and the first edition quickly ran out. However, what was more surprising for the Carmelites of Lisieux, who had lived with Sœur Thérèse for eight years, was that crowds of faithful gathered to pray at the modest grave of the unknown Carmelite nun, and miracles were even recorded. Soon, several additional editions of “The Story of a Soul” were released. When the possibility of her canonization was first raised, there was astonishment in the convent of Lisieux. What! Sister Thérèse? A saint? Today, she is a Doctor of the Church for having re-vealed, through her autobiography, the foundations of a new spiritual way. The entire course of the post-mortem mission of this chosen soul may be said to have started with a hagiographical divulgation.
At this dawn of the twenty-first century, images sometimes say more than texts. Today, everything is photographed or filmed with
35
Introduction
such ease that, on journalistic sites, illustration is normally provided by video clip. Should not this shift in mental and behavioural habits also be reflected in evangelization methods? Since, for the younger generations, seeing is so important, how can Catholic doctrine be at-tractively and effectively presented?
All of these new circumstances of today’s world powerfully in-fluenced the spreading of Dona Lucilia’s biography that is now being published.
The author had the privilege of becoming more closely ac-quainted with her during the last months of her life, in the remote year of 1968. He was deeply awed by her eminent virtues—especially her overflowing kindness—and one day ventured to ask to take some pictures of her, as is narrated in the last chapter of this book. After her death, copies of these same images spontaneously multiplied among those who had received graces or obtained favours through her inter-cession. Even without being acquainted with her biography or any rel-evant episode from her long life—just by looking upon her face, so radiant with goodness—people feel drawn to invoking her as an inter-cessor, for they feel the strong inner certainty of being answered. Ex-periencing the benefits of Dona Lucilia’s heavenly assistance prompts them to find out about her life and the sublime virtues that adorned her beautiful soul.
This biography was published to meet the desires of the many faithful who continue to gather around Dona Lucilia’s tomb at Con-solation Cemetery in São Paulo, to request graces or to express grati-tude for benefits received. We trust that it will bring great benefit to numerous souls.
São Paulo, March 19, 2013Solemnity of St. Joseph
Msgr. João Scognamiglio Clá Dias, EP
36
A Note to the English Edition
A Note to the English Edition
T his book is a translation of Dona Lucilia, written origin-ally in Portuguese by Msgr. João Scognamiglio Clá Dias. Certain challenges are inherent to every translation. In
our case, these have been mainly centred on the ability to convey a series of realities. Which ones?
Primarily, the challenge of clearly describing the personality of the protagonist, Dona Lucilia Ribeiro dos Santos Corrêa de Oli-veira. Dona Lucilia was, above all, a fervent Catholic. Her soul was like a garden where authentic Christian virtue took root and produced abundant fruit.
But this prominent characteristic of her soul must be viewed in due perspective: she was fully Brazilian. Born in the largest nation of South America—already endowed with a characteristic personality of well-defined traits—Dona Lucilia belonged to one of the oldest and most aristocratic families of São Paulo. She therefore naturally per-sonified attributes of the Brazilian soul, in particular those of good-ness, warmth and amiability that became the dominant features of her way of being, without, nonetheless, ever transgressing in matters of principle.
To what has been said, it must be added that Dona Lucilia’s soul was formed in accordance with the mentality, moral rectitude and standards of former times. Though she lived the greater part of her long life in the twentieth century, the years of her youth were those that most influenced her. She was always and ever a lady of the Belle Époque.
Consequently, many usages, expressions and names have been retained in their original versions, with the intention of helping to
37
A Note to the English Edition
better immerse the English-speaking reader into this varied ensemble of realities forming Dona Lucilia’s soul. To understand her, one must comprehend an ambience, a country, a time… To the degree it was deemed necessary, explanatory notes have been added for enhanced comprehension of ideas and narrative.
Additionally, an endeavour has been made to maintain fidelity to the author, Msgr. João Scognamiglio Clá Dias, himself a disciple of Dr. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira. Stemming from his close and pro-found friendship with Dr. Plinio, the author became acquainted with, and acquired a tender affection for his mother, Dona Lucilia. And the volume written by Msgr. João Scognamiglio Clá Dias is really—far be-yond an investigative portrayal of a person—the fruit of deep admira-tion. Thus, retaining the author’s narrative style and form has perhaps been the most effective way of attaining the proposed objective and evading possible obstacles.
In this translation, the honorific Dona has been maintained throughout—a title that conveys a mix of warmth and distinction dif-ficult to convey in English. Words denoting family relationships have generally been translated into English: mother, father, son, etc. The more tender Mamãe and Papãe have been rendered as Mama and Papa. However, Portuguese diminutives and endearments—formed by adding inho or zinho to the root word (see p.54, n.7)—have been maintained where a simple translation and addition of the word “little” seemed to fall short. Likewise, the concept of saudades (see p.165, n.18) has been generally kept in the Portuguese, though occasional-ly substituted by the word “longing,” or even by periphrastic variants like “I miss you so much.” Wherever possible, spellings of names and places, as well as punctuation and dates have been transcribed as they appear in the original correspondence so as to maintain the unique flavour.
A last point to bear in mind. The Brazilian custom that gives the title “Doctor” not only to medical practitioners, but also to lawyers and engineers, has been respected in this translation. Ever since he received his Law degree, Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira was addressed with this title, and as such he has always been known both within and outside his own country. There is even a magazine, currently in circulation, entitled Dr. Plinio that publicizes the life and work of this illustrious Catholic think-er. For this reason, the title of “Doctor” has been kept—because to say “Dr. Plinio” is to mention an already famous name.