Joseph Engling
learned to develop his inner life during the difficult days of war (WWI). Towards the beginning of the wartime, Joseph formulated a clear schedule of spiritual life. This is what we, in Schoenstatt, call a Spiritual Daily Order or SDO. Among the points he covered we see how he addressed the difficulty of not being able to attend Holy Mass and receive holy communion. These were some of the elements he stressed in his itinerary:
- Morning prayer
- Prayer of a soldier
- Spiritually participate in Holy Mass
- Spiritual communion
- Special resolution for the day
- Spiritual reading
- One decade of the Rosary
- Shrine guard hours (spiritually remain in the shrine before the MTA)
- Spiritually ask for the priestly blessing (of Father J. Kentenich)
- Night prayer
He kept track of these points in written form. It allowed him to add new points, remove others–as time went by–and to evaluate his progress. Joseph would periodically report to Father Kentenich about his spiritual life.
Today, Joseph Engling becomes for us a model of spiritual life in the midst of a totally different schedule and rhythm of life. We, too, like him can formulate our spiritual itinerary.
Just like Joseph Engling, these points are the contributions to the capital of grace which we can bring to our Mother and Queen in this time of need.
Suggested Prayers for Spiritual Communion
Lord Jesus, I believe that you
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.