Finally, a decision:
Hush! dear Tempier, I speak to you softly yet loud enough for you to hear. Yesterday, the 15th of the month of February of the year of grace 1826, the Congregation of Cardinals, assembled under the presidency of Cardinal Pacca, prefect, has unanimously approved the Rules, except for slight modifications proposed by the Cardinal ponent, the judgement of the Congregation being that our Holy Father the Pope grant the brief of approbation in good and due form.
Although this is a signal grace that the Lord is granting us, one that calls for our entire gratitude, I think it is opportune to put limits on the exterior tributes of our rightful sentiments and to defer manifesting them until our Holy Father will have approved the decision of the Congregation and will have ordered the brief to be sent…
Let us acknowledge that the conduct of divine Providence in this matter has been admirable and that none of us should ever become oblivious of how evident his protection has been
Letter to Henri Tempier, 16 February 1826, EO VII n 224
“I have often thought with wonder of the great goodness of God; and my soul has rejoiced in the contemplation of His great magnificence and mercy. May He be blessed for ever! For I see clearly that He has not omitted to reward me, even in this life, for every one of my good desires.” Saint Teresa of Avila
I love this. Eugene seems to be telling Tempier that they can begin to prepare the celebration that will come fully once the Holy Father has given his final approval. And then goes on to add “there was never any doubt, because behind it all there is God”.
Focusing on that and what St. Teresa of Avila said, I have found myself reflecting on the many blessings (rewards) that God has given to me. And it has not been just for the good works that I have done, for even the desire to do good works, to be good, to love, to give have come not just from some personal goodness, but rather from God. It is truly that we are, that I am, simply a reflection of God, of God’s love. Pure gift. All from God. As Eugene said: “that none of us should ever become oblivious of how evident his protection has been.”
I head out this morning again with a small song in my heart. And while I know and believe that God and I are not separate but one I need, I want to sing praise to God for all that I am given, for all that I am. “I fall on my knees to the Father of Jesus, the Lord who has shown us the glory of God …”