A wealthy couple, in spite of all their riches, lived in constant discord and daily disputes. The married state was anything but a happy state for them; the wife especially often shed bitter tears.
One day she happened to come across a manuscript book which was entitled “Simple Remedies for the Household.” It was in her grandmother’s handwriting.
As she idly flipped through the pages, to her surprise her eye fell upon the heading: “A household remedy against discontent.”
Intrigued by the entry’s title, she read on:
“Whenever you feel miserable or are out of temper, go to the picture of the ‘Ecce Homo’ and place yourself at its feet. Contemplate it attentively for the space of three minutes, and recite three Our Fathers before you go away: this will restore peace and content to your mind. My confessor advised me to do this. I have tried the remedy for thirty years, and I have never found it to fail.”
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The lady remembered that by a mere chance she had kept the picture in question, which had belonged to her grandmother; it was upstairs in the attic.
She went up at once, dusted it carefully, and placed it in her room.
Whenever she felt that a quarrel was near, she tried the simple remedy her grandmother recommended.
Through gazing at the countenance of Our Lord, so sorrowful and yet so gentle, she became so much more forbearing and complaisant that her husband soon commented on the change.
She answered him with a smile: “I have found an excellent teacher.”
He wanted to know who that teacher was. She told him everything quite frankly.
Before long, her husband also had recourse to this same remedy, when he foresaw some household annoyance was in store for him.
Thus in the course of time, peace and happiness prevailed in that family circle.
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Taken from Anecdotes and Examples Illustrating the Catholic Catechism by Fr. Francis Spirago, pp. 336-337.
This year, it is more crucial than ever that we turn to prayer and intercession to increase devotion to Our Lady across our country. That’s why you’re invited to join us in the Three Hail Marys Pledge, a powerful devotion that can bring personal spiritual benefits and national transformation. By reciting three Hail Marys daily, you honour the Immaculate Heart of Mary and seek her intercession for the conversion of sinners, the salvation of souls and the restoration of Ireland’s Catholic Faith. This ancient devotion, revealed to Saint Mechtilde, promises spiritual benefits including protection from mortal sin and the assurance of a good death. Your daily prayers will contribute to an increase in devotion to Our Lady, the conversion of sinners and the moral renewal of our country. Let us commit to this powerful devotion and seek the guidance and protection of Our Lady.
