Hello, I'm Father Joe Roche of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception.

Thank you for joining us as we continue with our year-long journey,

reading the diary of St. Maria Faustina Cavalska from beginning to end.

Today we take up from where we left off, beginning with diary entry number 346.

December 24, 1934. beginning with diary entry number 346.

December 24, 1944, The Vigil of Christmas.

During the morning mass, I felt the closeness of God.

Though I was hardly aware of it, my spirit was drowned in God.

Suddenly, I heard these words, You are my delightful dwelling place.

My spirit rests in you.

After these words, I felt the Lord looking into the depths of my heart,

and seeing my misery, I humbled myself in spirit and admired the immense mercy of God that the

Most High Lord would approach such misery. During Holy Communion, joy filled my soul. I felt that I am

closely united to the Godhead. His omnipotence enveloped my whole being.

Throughout the whole day I felt the closeness of God in a special manner.

And although my duties prevented me throughout the whole day from going to chapel even for a moment,

there was not a moment when I was not united with God.

I felt him within me more distinctly than ever.

Unceasingly, greeting the mother of God and entering into her spirit,

I begged her to teach me true love of God.

And then I heard these words, I will share with you the secret of my happiness this night during Holy Mass.

We had supper before six o'clock.

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