The Practice of Humility

I will strive to get a great contempt for myself, and to pray and desire that others may do the same. I have nothing which God has not given me; I can do nothing without God’s grace and help. In a few, very few, years my name will be forgotten, What would people think of me if they knew me as I know myself? My pride and desire for praise; my mean uncharitable thoughts about others; my fear of humiliation; the imperfect way I have lived in the society; the sins I have committed, the scandal given, the terrible harm done to others by making them tepid, breaking rules etc

COMMENT: What a refreshing list from one who is proposed for canonisation! The saints were holy, but they were not perfect. They were sinners. They had a fallen human nature. But they did not compromise with this; they struggled, they fought and, with God’s grace, they overcame their weaknesses in varying degrees. We see the same progression in the life of Fr Willie. It is a sign of hope for us all.