Over the last few days, I have sought to echo the voice of our Heavenly Father through short passages from the Message addressed to Mother Eugenia Ravasio. I believe it is very important that, as far as it depends on us, we strive to fulfill His wishes without delay. In this reflection, I would like to address one of them, which will one day become a reality throughout the Church and the whole world:
Showing all posts dated November 27, 2025
Saint Barlaam and Josaphat: The true King
As we approach the end of the liturgical year, I would like to tell you about two saints who are likely unfamiliar to us today, but whose story was so popular in the Middle Ages that it was said some knew it better than the Holy Scriptures.
They are the hermit Saint Barlaam and the Indian prince Josaphat. Saint John Damascene, a Church Father born around 650, is considered the author of their story.
Ancient Indian chronicles recount that some hermits from the desert of Thebaid traveled to the land of the Hindus, where they converted people of all castes to Christianity. Many of them imitated the example of the apostles of Egypt and devoted themselves to contemplation in solitude. Their numbers were considerable, so the “new religion” attracted the attention of kings. Then Abener, a powerful king of India whose kingdom bordered Persia, rose up and began to persecute Christians. He worshiped the god Brahma and indulged in every sensual pleasure. But no matter how rich the treasure of his palace was, and no matter how much his clothes were adorned with gold and precious stones, his soul was poor in wisdom.