Inspired by Father Ralph de Hahn!

by Letters Editor · Published August 20, 2019 · Updated August 18, 2019

Fr Ralph de Hahn, seen on the right as a young man before his ordination in 1957.

Ron Maroun, Johannesburg – I was deeply inspired by Fr Ralph de Hahn reflection “Why the Sacred Heart of Jesus Matters” — so much so that I keep the article next to my bed, leaning on my Sacred Heart of Jesus card.

Fr de Hahn gives specific reasons why the Sacred Heart of Jesus matters and I find the details awesome.

He has been writing in The Southern Cross since he was 19 years old — which means, for 71 years. (Not bad Father. Keep your head down and don’t go for the boundaries!)

He would write at Christmas time, Holy Week, Pentecost, the Ascension.

Fr Ralph and my late brother, Fr Norman Maroun (1932-76), were great friends. Fr Norman used to pray: “I unite myself with the intercessions and afflictions of Our Lady of Sorrows on Calvary”.

So I was most inspired by Fr De Hahn’s article during Holy Week , “What Mary pondered at the Cross”. I always try to meditate as Mary stood at the foot of the Cross (Stabat Mater). Fr de Hahn says: “She will have thought how the prophecies of Scripture led up to this moment.”

Simeon told the young mother: “A sword will pierce your soul.” Mary treasured these things and pondered them in her heart.

But Mary also treasured the joyful memories, the call to Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). The visit by the shepherds who spoke of the angels’ message. Yes the prophets spoke of the great Shepherd (Is 40:11, Ps 23).

Her Son was to face rejection and humiliation as the Prophet Isaiah predicted.

The prophecies of old had come to pass; all is now accomplished in her Son, the unblemished Lamb of God.

Fr de Hahn’s articles are indeed very popular. You will be pleased to learn that next week’s edition will include an article by Fr de Hahn on the women in the Gospel of Luke.—Editor