Self-Conquest

The conquest of self is the grandest triumph that man can achieve.
_{Once a day, at least, recall very earnestly that} “You are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you.”

I Cor. iii. 15

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Ꚛ Third Day of November

The holy souls suffering in the prison of purgatory are incapable of helping themselves.
Out of the depths of torturing flame they call to us “Have pity on us!”

We have it in our power to help these suffering friends of God. We can do so by prayer, alms-deeds, works of mercy, holy communion, the Holy Mass, and indulgences, and to do so is certainly an act of charity. Understanding this full well, the saints, without exception, have been most earnest and constant in their efforts to help them. Some of them have made this devotion one of the strong characteristics of their sanctity, and we venture to say that no truly devout or sincere Catholic neglects this spiritual work of mercy.

Even the very poor make many sacrifices in order to secure for their departed relatives and others the special benefits of the Holy Mass. May the same enlightened piety ever remain firmly rooted in the hearts of our people, and may the day never come when they will cease to follow beyond the grave with tender solicitude the souls of those they loved in life.

St. Alphonsus Liguori

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<sub>Ask yourself: how does this matter affect me personally, what lesson does it convey to me, what suggestion for a better life, how can I improve my conduct; resolve to become a saint at any cost; think upon the eternal years; pray to the Holy Ghost that He may lead you in the way of perfection; finally recite attentively and devotedly the following Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit:

Oh Holy Spirit, divine Spirit of light and love, I consecrate to Thee my understanding, heart, and will, my whole being for time and for eternity. May my understanding be always submissive to Thy heavenly inspirations, and to the teaching of the Church, of which Thou art the infallible guide; may my heart be ever inflamed with love of God and of my neighbor; may my will be ever conformed to the divine will, and may my whole life be a faithful imitation of the life and virtue of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to Whom with the Father and Thee be honor and glory forever. Amen.</sub>

_{Self-Conquest. Rev. F. X. Lasance. 1936.} @selfconquest