Séraphin de Sarov
1759-1833 18th century Feast day: January 2
Paschal joy as the climate of an entire life, the fruit of long hidden prayer.
Who was Séraphin de Sarov?
A Russian monk of Sarov monastery, fifteen years a hermit in the forest, a thousand days of prayer on a rock. Back among people, he welcomed every visitor (peasants, the sick, the powerful) with the words "my joy." His conversation with Nicholas Motovilov, one snowy morning, remains one of the great texts on life in the Spirit.
In their own words
The true aim of our Christian life consists in the acquisition of the Holy Spirit of God.
Prayer, fasting, vigils and all other Christian practices are not the aim of the Christian life, but the indispensable means of acquiring the Holy Spirit.
My joy, Christ is risen.