Walking with Claret. 7th Moment: Confessor of the Queen

Seventh Moment: Confessor of the Queen
March 18, 1857, Anthony was summoned to Madrid by Queen Isabel II and appointed to be the Queen’s confessor. At the age of 49 he accepted but with these conditions: he would not live in the palace, nor be involved in politics, nor have to wait in line to be received and he would have the freedom for apostolic action. He lived in Madrid for 11 years and by way of his position intensely preached in churches and convents and held missions and retreats for the clergy. He accompanied the Queen throughout all her trips in Spain and seized the occasion to carry out an intense apostolate. He preached missions everywhere, at times no less than 14 sermons in one day. He announced God’s Kingdom energetically and passionately. The people responded generously.
There may be times when we are asked to do things that we don’t want to do, because we may perceive them as limiting. But when moved by God’s creative spirit, we can find new ways of doing things while also remaining faithful to our duties. It is indeed the Word of God that instills energy and passion, zeal and kindness with endless possibilities.
Let us pray,
Lord send us stamina and love to encounter those things that hurt us and leave us without focus and passion. May we be determined and passionate about what we give and do. When we say “Yes”, may it be fiery and full of Spirit and determination in the manner of St. Anthony Mary Claret.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
St. Anthony Mary Claret, Pray for us.