1900-05-16
"Always derived from experience, never tied to a system, personal holiness was for Libermann the key of life. In a sheltered seminary setting, it took the shape of a personal project of perfection. It has a private character, which greatly appealed to the shy and reserved Libermann. Yet it was only when it went public that Libermann was able to give it its full embodiment, its full statement with an obvious ecclesiastical ring. Then it was characterised by great gentleness and compassion. Then, too, the worst enemy was clearly identified: the deadly danger was discouragement" (Bernard Kelly: Life began at Forty, p.111-113).
« Toujours dépendant de l’expérience, jamais attaché à un système, la sainteté personnelle était pour Libermann la clé de la vie. Dans un séminaire bien à l’abri, la sainteté était un projet personnel de perfection. Elle paraissait toute personnelle, ce qui attirait grandement Libermann, timide et réservé qu’il était .Ce fut seulement quand il devint un homme public qu’il fut en mesure de lui donner sa pleine substance, son plein sens en référence à l’Eglise. Elle se caractérisa alors par une grande amabilité et une grande compassion. C’est alors qu’il identifia clairement le pire ennemi de la sainteté : le danger mortel du découragement. (Bernard Kelly, Life began at Forty, pp.111-113).
Sempre dependente da experiência, nunca ligada a qualquer sistema, a santidade pessoal era para Libermann a mola real da vida. Num ambiente protegido de seminário, a santidade era um projecto pessoal de perfeição. Ela parecia toda pessoal, o que atraía grandemente Libermann, tímido e reservado que era. Foi só quando ele se tornou um homem público que esteve em condições de lhe dar a sua total substância, o seu pleno sentido em referência à Igreja. Caracterizou-se então por uma grande gentileza e grande compaixão. Também então claramente se identificou o pior inimigo: o perigo mortal do desânimo. (B. Kelly, Life began at Forty, p.111-113).