Gabon 1845 - The opening of the first catholic school in Gabon at the mission of Sainte Marie. Mgr. Bessieux gives lessons in French and religious instruction. | Gabon

Madagascar 1964 - An inter-denominational prayer service took place in the cathedral of Majunga, marking the beginning of the ecumenical movement in the country. | Madagascar

Brazil Province 1969 - The first Spiritan candidate from the junior seminary at Salete arrives in San Paolo and starts philosophy with the Redemptorists. | Brazil

Brazil South West 1990 - Fr Hugh de Blacam, ap-pointed to the parish of St Alfonso, in the diocese of Juazeiro, Bahia, becomes an affiliated member of the new Brazilian Province while continuing to participate in the meetings of the Brazil South West District. | Brazil

"This desire to be in a constant state of prayer is a great blessing from God and you should pursue it seriously. But be careful that it is not simply an effort or an exercise of your mind alone; for it to be genuine, it has to come from your heart or by a raising up of your spirit or by letting your soul rest in God by directing all your facul-ties to him, or by a simple looking towards God who is present, for whom we do everything in order to please him. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the Kingdom of God is theirs! Your soul must be poor, empty and naked before God, and then it will be capable of possess-ing God with his overwhelming light and graces" (Libermann writ-ing to Grillard, 23.01.1838. L.S. 1, p. 404-408).