the secret of sanctity

Last weekend in my homily, I mentioned Cardinal Désiré-Joseph Mercier of Mechelen, Belgium, who died in 1926 and his method of prayer which he called the secret of sanctity and happiness. A number of people asked for me to print it in the bulletin, which I gladly do below for your own prayer. I hope you find it as help as I have over the years.
 
Cardinal Mercier was a noted scholar, especially of Thomism (that is, of the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas). He obtained a license in theology and a doctorate in philosophy from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, taught philosophy at the university, and was named chair of Thomism there. He was a staunch opponent to the German occupation of Belgium in World War I and he was kept under house arrest by the Germans. He died on January 23, 1926.

Cardinal Mercier’s Secret of Sanctity
 
“I am going to reveal to you the secret of sanctity and happiness. Every day for five minutes control your imagination and close your eyes to all the noises of the world in order to enter into yourself. Then, in the sanctuary of your baptized soul (which is the temple of the Holy Spirit) speak to that Divine Spirit, saying to Him:
 
O Holy Spirit, soul of my soul, I adore You.
Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me.
Tell me what I should do; give me Your orders.
I promise to submit myself to all that You desire of me
and to accept all that You permit to happen to me.
Let me only know Your Will.
 
If you do this, your life will flow along happily, serenely, and full of consolation, even in the midst of trials. Grace will be proportioned to the trial, giving you the strength to carry it and you will arrive at the Gate of Paradise, laden with merit. This submission to the Holy Spirit is the secret of sanctity.”