Excerpts from Bl. Fr. Moreau’s Spiritual Exercises for Holy Cross religious and his Christian Meditations,
found in “Basil Moreau: Essential Writings“
Beg this divine savior to let you penetrate the mystery of his resurrection and to let you find in it not only a means to reawaken your faith, hope, and love, but especially to find the model of the new life you ought to be living…
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is true, observable by the senses, and enduring. Such ought also to be the characteristics of your new life. (pg. 249)
Consider why Jesus Christ appeared [to his disciples]. It was to strengthen the fragile faith of his apostles, to prepare them for a long separation, and to encourage them to do everything henceforth for his glory. St. Thomas gave a vivid proof of this. Although he had the greatest doubts of them all, he was among those who exhibited the liveliest faith. Having become an apostle on fire with zeal, he preached the Gospel to the most foreign and distant peoples, going as far as India, where he was martyred. (pg. 253)
[The love of the Savior] is a selfless love. What need did he have of us and of our worship? Oh, how inexhaustible are the divine mercy and charity! Can love ever go further? Gould we ever refuse our gratitude to a God who loves us with such generosity, tenderness, and selflessness?
May our hearts catch on fire as we walk along with him just as it happened to the disciples on the way to Emmaus. May we in turn be able to say with them: “Were not our hearts burning inside us as he was talking to us?” (Lk 24:32) Oh, if we truly love him, how fervent will be our prayer, how infrequent and minor will be our distractions, what a great many things we will have to tell him! (pg. 324-325)
Ask also through the intercession of Mary, by rejoicing with her and with the Church, in the resurrection of her divine son. Meditate on each word of the prayer Regina coeli, laetare and resolve to avoid henceforth every occasion of slackening off. (pg. 251)
Regina coeli, laetare, Alleluia!
Quia quem meruisti portare, Alleluia!
Ressurexit sicut dixit, Alleluia!
Ora pro nobis deum, Alleluia!
Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, Alleluia!
Quia surrexit Dominus vere, Alleluia!
Queen of Heaven, rejoice, Alleluia!
The Son whom you merited to bear, Alleluia!
Has risen as he said, Alleluia!
Pray for us to God, Alleluia!
Rejoice and be glad, Virgin Mary, Alleluia!
For the Lord has truly risen, Alleluia!
The Regina Coeli is traditionally sung as the Marian Anthem after Compline (Night Prayer) throughout the Easter Season until the Solemnity of Pentecost.
