It’s the Feast of St. Peter Nolasco, 3rd Class, with the color of White. In this episode: the meditation: “The Visit to the Priest”, today’s news from the Church: “Record Number of Abortions in in the UK in 2023”, a preview of the Sermon: “God's Will and Holy Indifference”, and today’s thought from the Archbishop.

• “The Visit to the Priest” – From Epiphany to Lent
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• https://fsspx.news/en/news/united-kingdom-record-number-abortions-2023-56718

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Saint Peter Nolasco and Saint Macarius stand at opposite ends of the Christian world, one moving constantly toward suffering humanity, the other withdrawing steadily into silence. Placed side by side, their lives show how charity and contemplation are not rivals, but two necessary movements of the same love.

Saint Peter Nolasco lived in the thirteenth century in a world scarred by captivity and fear. Born around 1189 in southern France, he settled in Barcelona at a time when raids and wars left thousands of Christians enslaved. Peter was a merchant by trade, but his heart was drawn relentlessly toward those who had no freedom. Tradition tells that after a powerful vision of the Blessed Virgin, he founded the Order of Mercy, the Mercedarians, dedicated to the redemption of captives. The order took a striking fourth vow, pledging to offer themselves in exchange for prisoners if necessary. Peter himself participated in ransom missions, negotiating in hostile lands and risking his life to bring the enslaved home. His holiness was active, concrete, and costly. Charity for Peter meant entering danger willingly and refusing to turn away from human suffering. He died in 1256, having spent his life moving outward, crossing borders of fear, language, and violence for the sake of love.

Saint Macarius of Egypt moved in the opposite direction, though toward the same God. Born in the late third century, Macarius withdrew into the Egyptian desert seeking purity of heart. He lived as a hermit for decades, enduring heat, hunger, isolation, and constant spiritual struggle. His wisdom was not academic but experiential. Those who came to him found a man who understood the human heart deeply. Macarius taught that the greatest battles are interior, and that true freedom comes from humility and repentance. He emphasized watchfulness, patience, and mercy toward others, insisting that harsh judgment was a sign of unresolved pride. Though he fled attention, disciples gathered, and his sayings became foundational texts of desert spirituality. Macarius shows holiness shaped not by dramatic action, but by long obedience in silence.

Together, these two saints reveal the Church breathing with both lungs. Peter Nolasco teaches that love must act, that Christ is encountered in chains, fear, and injustice. Macarius teaches that love must also descend inward, purifying the heart so that action is not driven by ego or restlessness. One redeemed captives by crossing seas. The other sought freedom by staying still. Both believed that Christ demands everything, whether that means ransom or renunciation.

Tradition honored Saint Peter Nolasco as a patron of prisoners and those working for human freedom. Saint Macarius became a guide for monks and all who seek interior conversion. Their shared witness reminds us that the Church is sustained by hands that serve and hearts that pray, and that neither can survive long without the other.

Saint Peter Nolasco and Saint Macarius, servants of mercy and masters of the interior life, pray for us.

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