Part 111, Chapter X (*): An Effective Way to Convert Sinners

An Effective Way to Convert Sinners

IN CONCLUSION I shall set down an instruction imparted by the Most Blessed Mother of God,(1) concerning the manner in which one should deal with sinners, in public and private, in order to effect their conversion.

When you preach, go into the pulpit bearing with you the cannon, the fire and the terrible weapons of the Word of God, to combat sin and destroy it in the souls of men. When you must address a sinner to bring him back to God, treat him with gentleness, patience, kindness and charity. Deal with him as if he were a sick man covered with wounds and ulcers. Do not show anger towards him, but act like the wise physician who, treating a very sick patient, would display no impatience and anger but rather understanding and pity.

The first thing to be done to effect the cure of the sick soul, that is, the sinner, is to arouse him to the point where he will discover the seriousness of his condition. Help him as much as possible, showing him kindness and compassion.

When the penitent realizes his true condition, you must bathe his injuries with warm wine, that i s , you must shower him with every affection, speak to him with patience and charity, and at the same time make him understand that you seek only the glory of God in bringing him back to his Maker. Impress upon his mind the great love and mercy which Christ cherishes for those sinners who return to Him.

(*). In the French edition a number of chapters are devoted to a very detailed examination of conscience. Cf. Oeuvres CompIètes, Vol. IV, P. 294 ff. These chapters have been omitted in the present English edition. (1). This effective way of converting sinners was given to St. John Eudes by the Blessed Virgin Mary through Marie des Vallées, a saintly woman of Coutances. See footnote, P. 136.

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Recall the conversion of St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Mary Magdalen, St. Augustine, the good thief and countless others.

Anoint his wounds with oil, that is, with the words of Sacred Scripture and the living examples of Christ, His Mother and the Saints. For example, if there be question of inducing one to forgive an enemy, show him the charity of Christ forgiving His enemies even at the hour of death.

Above all else, banish bitterness from your own life. Never bring the vinegar of bitterness to a sinner, but show patience and kindness at all times, even if the one you are trying to help should become angry with you.

If all these expedients should fail, exhort him to pray to God for strength and grace to triumph over self and to be converted. At least, have him allow you to pray in his name. As an effective prayer the "Hail Mary, Daughter of God the Father" is suggested.(2) (2). The prayer that St. John Eudes mentions here is a beautiful salutation to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It i s recited daily in the two religious orders founded by him, the Congregation of Jesus and Mary and the Order of Our Lady of Charity. Priests and religious will find this prayer very helpful, especially when dealing with hardened sinners.

Ave, Maria, Filia Dei Patris, Hail Mary, Daughter of God the Father, Ave, Maria, Mater Dei Filii, Hail Mary, Mother of God the Son, Ave, Maria, Sponsa Spiritus sancti, Hail Mary, Spouse of the Holy Ghost, Ave, Maria, templum totius Divinitatis, Hail Mary, Temple of the Divinity, Ave, Maria, candidum lilium fulgidae sem- Hail Mary, Immaculate Lily of the re perque tranquillae Trinitatis, splendent and ever-peaceful Trinity, Ave, Maria, rosa praefulgida caelicae amae- Hail Mary, Radiant Rose of Heavenly Fra nitatis, grance, Ave, Maria, Virgo virginum, Virgo fidelis, Hail Mary, Virgin of Virgins of whom the de qua nasci, et de cujus lacte pasci King of Kings did will to be born, Rex caelorum voluit, Ave, Maria, Regina Martyrum, cujus ani- Hail Mary, Queen of Martyrs, whose soul mam doloris gladius pertransivit, was pierced with a sword of sorrow, Aye, Maria, Domina mundi, cui data est Hail Mary, Queen of the Universe, to omnis potestas in caelo, et in terra, whom all power has been given in

heaven and on earth,

Ave, Maria, Regina cordis mei, Mater vita, Hail Mary, Queen of my Heart, My dulcedo, et spes mea carissima, Mother, My life, My consolation, and

my dearest hope,

Ave. Mada, Mater amabilis, Hail Mary, Mother Most Amiable, Ave, Maria, Mater admirabilis, Hail Mary, Mother Most Admirable, Ave, Maria, Mater misericordiae, Hail Mary, Mother of Mercy,

If in spite of your efforts the sinner still remains hardened in heart, then be sure that God will reward your efforts and will repay you just as truly as if you had succeeded.

Ave, Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum; Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is wit thee; Benedicta tu in mulieribus; Blessed art thou amongst women; Et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus; And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus; Et benedictus sponsus tuus Joseph; And blessed be thy spouse, St. Joseph; Et benedictus pater tuus Joachim; And blessed by thy father, St. Joachim; Et benedicta mater tua Anna; And blessed by thy mother, St. Anne; Et benedictus filius mus Joannis; And blessed be thy adopted son, St. John; Et benedictus Angelus tuus Gabriel; And blessed be thy angel, St. Gabriel; Et benedictus Pater aeternus, qui te elegit; And blessed be the Eternal Father who chose thee; Et benedictus Filius, que te amavit; And blessed be the Divine Son who loved thee; Et benedictus Spiritus sanctus, qui te spon- And blessed be the Holy Ghost who es savit; poused thee; Et benedicti in aeternum omnes qui bene- And blessed be forever all those who bless dicunt tibi, et qui diligunt te. Amen. and love thee. Amen. 173-