Health, Suffering, and Holiness

“The teaching of Brother Immacolato was implicit in the very condition of his life. He demonstrated, and continues to say to men, especially if they are suffering or in any way invalid, that, in the plans of Divine Providence, such a state of life is no less rich in fruits for eternal life for oneself and for others than that of one, who in good physical health, expends his energies in the active apostolate, even if he were to cross skies, and seas, and mountains. Life is a gift of God, one of incommensurable value, and in the plans of Providence, though they be unknown to us, life has a specific finality even in suffering and in the most absolute physical inactivity. . . . What matters is to remain united to God in the perfect accomplishment of His will. If only we knew how to understand this! May the intercession of Brother Immacolato help us also in this.” (Witness of Msgr Luigi Giuliani, 21 March 1992)