Ep01 Père Jacques: Silence

Today's quote comes from Père Jacques de Jésus, O.C.D., the Discalced Carmelite friar who served as the headmaster of a boarding school in Avon, France. During the Nazi occupation, he courageously sheltered Jewish students, risking his own life to protect others. Silence was a hallmark of Père Jacques' life, so deeply devoted to Our Lady. One of his fellow prisoners in the concentration camp testified to his contemplative spirit: I can still see Père Jacques kneeling on the floor of that poor barrack, without a kneeler, without any support—his whole soul concentrated and united with God. This vision of Père Jacques alone was a great comfort to me. Remember to subscribe to the Carmelite Quotes podcast for more inspiring quotes and reflections. Check out the Carmelite Quotes blog for more quotes from Père Jacques and other Carmelite saints and authors. | Music credit: Sean Beeson