This year begins the 330 anniversary of Blessed Maria
Celeste Crostarosa’s birth. Born on
October 31, 1696, on All Hallows Eve. She as baptized on All Saints Day, and
given the name Julia.
From an early age Julia delighted in God’s creation. Seeing Mount Vesuvius towering over the city
and port of her home in Naples must have inspired awe in the young girl. At a tender age Julia heard the voice of her
Beloved in her heart. But, “He is like a hart which leaps rapidly over
mountains...” 1st Dialogue
And so, “her soul began to run after Him to seek the face of her Beloved.”
Reflecting years later on her younger self, Celeste recalls her warm young love which in mature years became almost volcanic as she cries out in her poetry, “Come, Come because You love me so! Come, Come because I love You so!”
In Scala above the Amalfi Coast, where she becomes a nun, Celeste declares, “In the sun, I see your splendors. In the moon, the stars, the sky, the earth and the sea, in the variety of plants, of grasses, of trees and of fruits, in the animals, the birds and the fish, in the air and all the elements, it is You I see, I love, You in whom I take great pleasure. It is You whom I possess in a complete joy. 9th Dialogue
When Celeste experiences of trials, the Lord warns, “It will be like an ocean washing over you. You will be slandered, abandoned by her dearest friends...” But, in union with Jesus, the Suffering Servant, she is, “...a drop of water that falls into this vast ocean of perfect and infinite Good and is transformed” to be like her Redeemer.
Celeste taught her community, “Those who are pure of heart know the Father because they gaze fixedly with affection and love on the eternal Sun of Justice; as an eagle gazes on the sun.” She also instructed her Sisters to be living images of Jesus, saying, “He also placed the stars in the night sky, and these are all the virtues of Jesus Christ, our Savior. And these virtues (are to also) adorn your soul like jewels which shine like stars in the heavens." 7th Degree of Prayer
As the beauty of Autumn fills our eyes as we contemplate the beauty of the earth and skies, let us join Blessed Celeste in celebrating the wonders of God about us and within us.
