Day 9: Love

Reflection

On this final day of our novena, we reflect on the quality of love in Philippine's life. Love is a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another. Love is shown through sacrifices. It is demonstrated in many different ways, depending on a person’s lifestyle. In Philippine's life, it is shown through her love for God and her love for all people.

Philippine always seemed to have a great love for children. She would have them gather around her whenever possible. Although Philippine spoke very little English after coming to America, she still loved to be around the students at her schools, even when she couldn't understand them. In return, the girls loved Mother Duchesne and enjoyed sitting by her and visiting her. Philippine showed her love by personally arranging little dramas to be acted in the school room. She seemed to believe in everybody having fun, which shows her love for the girls. Although there was not much extra food to go around, Philippine would have goûter for each girl every Sunday as a little treat. This showed her love for the students and how she wanted to share happiness with everybody around her.

Philippine helps me recognize that many people throughout my life display love and care to me, which I am thankful for. The love of my friends, family, classmates, and teachers brings light to my life every day. When I’m feeling down, an expression of love from someone can better my day in an instant. Even a small smile or playful nudge on the shoulder would suffice. Philippine managed to spread her love everywhere she went in her life, even as she faced unbelievable hardships.

Philippine's amazing example of love inspires me to try to be just as loving as she was. She teaches us to love others and she also teaches us how to be loved. Her example really showed me what love can do. Even a very small action can affect others in big ways. We should all follow in Philippine's footsteps and love each other as we would want to be loved.

Mia, Greta, Carys

Questions for Reflection

How would I define "love" in my own words?

When did I receive a small token of love and care that made a big impact upon me?

How can I demonstrate love for someone today?

Prayer

Loving God,

Philippine shared generously the infinite love she had received from the Sacred Heart.

Help us grow as people of love,

giving as freely as we have received.

We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord.

Amen.