SAINT GERMAINE COUSIN

 A MEDITATION ON HOW WE HAVE LOST TOUCH WITH OUR MYSTICAL FAITH

A REVIEW OF THE BOOK: 

GERMAINE: REQUIEM OF A SOUL/The True Story of Cinderella

February 11/2018

GERMAINE: Requiem for a Soul / Cinderella's True Story arrives at an opportune time today, as we are tired of fables and hungry for real inspiring stories of people whose heroism has beautifully defied their lives. Germaine: Requiem for a Soul is one of those stories. The story of Cinderella is known, it is said, from the first century Greece, but we think that the most famous version that we read as children is that of Charles Perrault published in 1697 as Cendrillon in Tales of the Past time. Cendrillon or as we know her, Cinderella, has a difficult and painful life, but by the intrusion of magical powers she is delivered from the infernal grip of her stepmother and step-sisters. A tragic if not hopeless tale in which belief in magical powers appears as the condition of salvation for all the difficulties and tragedies of life. Subtle but effective, these fantasies, while entertaining, create a disorder in the soul that clings to their deceptive beauty, delaying the ascension to a greater understanding of its purpose. With time, however, we come to feel that the fairy tales no longer excite the intellect and the imagination or satisfy the soul. So what then? Over time, life is perceived more realistically and we soon give up on our dreams. We finish by attaching ourselves to a more pragmatic notion of life, to finally abandon the false hopes conveyed by these enchanting fables. But how did it happen that for a time these tales have us so much enchanted? How did we become so vulnerable to such fantasies?

Because in the inner depths of our souls we all have a hunger for the reason of things, the truth and the natural order that invites the soul to a mystical ascendancy that brings it closer to God; it's in our nature. It is sad that our culture does not aspire to tell stories rooted in the truth that comfort suffering in this way. We must all grow up one day and face the tragedies of life one by one when they are thrown at us. It is not surprising that we never really fall back on Cinderella's fable to provide us with the real comfort the soul needs when the weather turns gray and cold. There is, in a real sense, a natural tendency to return to this order that the mind desires: a penchant for the supernatural. Instead, we have given peddlers of magic fantasies permission to spread their fabulous stories on which nobody can find a real comfort; after the imagination is temporarily excited, the fatigued soul continues its trek, empty and stripped of meaning, in search of that order which gives the human a sense of mission and destiny. The calamity is that we have not managed to cultivate in our children the belief in an order that directs towards the supernatural. The book, Germaine: Requiem of a Soul does exactly that.

Cinderella's tale and her tragedies show us quickly enough that there is no way out of our misfortunes because magic does not exist. The tragedy is that parents and educators, long ago, stopped murmuring the sweet stories of angels and refused to nurture, in children, any form of mystical life. Thus, this generation robed its children, like the two previous generations, of a deep and rich interior life; suffering can not vanish by magic, never could, and never will. Suffering has been a part of our lives from the beginning. However, few would admit it, but while reading our wonderful fantasy books, we do sometimes secretly wish that fairy godmothers really exist.

What went wrong? Currently, the rise of immorality and a strong sense of desperation are defining the North American culture - times are indeed gray. A front-page article from the February 10, 2014 issue of the UK's Daily Mirror reads: "The Generation Stress: The Scandal of Our Depressed Children". Andrew Gregory investigated the crisis. He described children under 10, tormented, anxious and worried about everything: homework, bullies, friends, appearances, sexualization and consumerism. Lucie Russell, head of the Young Minds campaign, a mental health charity, expressed her concern about these statistics. She admits, "An increase in the number of young people under 11 in need of mental health services is a sad indictment of the society we live in and the pressures that children face."

Children face pressures, but who protects them from the onslaught of demands that saturate their schedules, and the worries and fears that consume them? It can certainly be argued that a social malady in some way is at the root of the break-up of our national culture and spirit; it is symptomatically revealed in our broken families, broken relationships, and dark faces. Psychologists, Twenge and Campbell - authors of the narcissistic epidemic - have argued that narcissism also crept into our culture from the 1970s. Therefore, we boastfully strut about, prideful of our own gifts, sure of ourselves, incapable of sacrificing ourselves for others; unable to love. We live in a time when hope is a rare commodity; depression, anxiety and mood disorders prevail and afflict a large number of people who are eager to understand what is happening to them, and who are hungry for inner peace. Germaine Requiem for a Soul delivers a lot of hope, because the main theme of the book is that we are loved by God; that he is close to us, despite an apparent and disturbing absence, and that we have a mission. This book, because it describes an authentic historical figure, conveys a message of hope that changes everything. Nothing can be the same after reading Germaine's story; indeed, how we see reality can only change and engage us to love more deeply. What makes this story particularly salient and shocking is that it is true. It is indeed a beacon of hope for the most courageous who want to read every page of her painful life.

In writing this book, the author consulted Jean-Pierre Jouffreau, archivist of the diocese of Toulouse in France, about the official historical facts concerning the life of Germaine Cousin. Rest assured that the story of Germain Cousin, recounted by Andrew St-James, and the important facts of her life have been verified and confirmed. The author, for his part, did not hesitate to fictionalize the empty hours of her story for which the documentation was silent, thus filling in gaping voids in such a short life. This author's license in no way hinders the historical character of Germaine's life nor does it invalidate the many miracles; the reader can rest assured that the hope proposed by book is directed to those who are seeking the joy and assurance that he is not alone, and his suffering is not in vain. LINK TO BOOK

UNE MEDITATION SUR L'IMPORTANCE DE S'OUBLIER--BASE SUR LA VIE DE SAINT GERMAINE COUSIN DE PIBRAC

UNE MEDITATION SUR L'IMPORTACE DE L'OUBLI DE SOI 

"Il y a, en chacun de nous,  un pouvoir instinctif qui aide les personnes  a vouloir guider, de manière decisive, leur vie. Par contre, rapidement la personne prend conscience que ses choix  ont amenés des conséquences qui auraient pu être évitées. Le dicton populaire "nous apprenons de nos erreurs" est souvent exprimé à la suite de ces types de bévus. L’histoire de germaine cousin, raconté dans le roman historique GERMAINE; REQUIEM D UNE ÂME; LA VRAI HISTOIRE DE CENDRILLON parle d’une âme précieuse qui a apprise à faire confiance complètement à la volonté de Dieu. Le fondement de cette histoire dépasse toutes théories conventionnelles  à propos de Dieu et du concept moderne de l’empowerment  individuel. Notre culture et notre société ont-elles nourries, dans notre jeunesse, de mauvais préceptes et valeurs qui les eloignent de cette confiance au divin? Avons-nous échoué  à reconnaitre  que Jésus n’encourage pas la force du pouvoir individuel , comme l'affirme les évangélistes protestants, mais plutot, comme l'écrit Jean-Pierre de Caussade, «quand le Seigneur approche, il affaiblit» David James

A MEDITATION ON SELF EFFACEMENT

A Meditation on the importance of self-forgetfulness

There is, in everyone, an instinctual reflex that gives the self-will power to decidedly guide the individual's life. Many times, however, the person quickly discovers that such a decision leads to consequences that otherwise should have been avoided. The popular dictum "we learn from our mistakes" is often voiced in the wake of these kinds of errors. The story of Germaine Cousin, recounted in the newly released historical novel, GERMAINE: REQUIEM OF A SOUL/ The True Story of Cinderella, tells the story of a precious soul who learned to surrender her self-will completely to God. This inspirational story shatters all the conventional theories, modern man may have, about God and about the more contemporary concepts of self-empowerment. Has our culture and society nurtured, in our youth, the wrong precepts and values? Have we failed to recognize that Jesus, when he approaches, does not strengthen and empower the individual, as most protestant evangelists claim, but instead, as Jean-Pierre de Caussade writes, "when the Lord approaches, he weakens." Let Germaine Cousin's story touch your soul to the core, and shake its very foundation. David James

A NEW BOOK ABOUT THE LIFE OF SAINT GERMAINE COUSIN

Author Andrew St-James brings to life one of the most remarkable stories I have ever read. GERMAINE: REQUIEM OF A SOUL/The True Story of Cinderella is being released March 31 2017, right on time for the last two weeks of lent. This historical novel, set in the late 16th century, is most certainly a lenten meditation of the highest order.

St-James does a wonderful retelling the true story of Cinderella. The original Cinderella fable was written by Charles Perrault in 1697, under the title “Cendrillon,” a story in Histoires ou contes du temps passé. In the fable Cinderella, has a difficult life plagued with abuse, but, through the power of magic, is delivered from the grip of her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. The fable of Cinderella is but child’s play compared to the true story recounted by Andrew St-James. Indeed, the dark, sinister treatment this little sixteenth-century French shepherdess received on a regular basis, at the hands of her stepmother and three stepsisters, is so appalling that it scandalizes anyone who reads the accounts of her life. This poor little shepherdess is, however, not left completely defenseless, for mysterious and mystical phenomena surround her life, but unlike the fable, these events are true.
In writing this story, the author investigated the official documents describing her life, in consultation with Jean-Pierre Jouffreau, the archivist of the diocese of Toulouse in France. The author assures the reader that the story of Germaine's life is real, and the main events of her life have been verified and confirmed. Saint-James does admit, however, to taking artistic license in filling in the gaps in her life so that a seamless story of her life could be told.

Although this story appears, from the outset, to be disturbing, it is nevertheless a real and hopeful beacon of light for those souls who have encountered or who are experiencing suffering.  The reader, we are told by the author, can rely on the historicity of Germaine’s life story and feel confident and assured that they are not alone, and that they suffer not in vain.  I think the world needs more books like this.

GERMAINE COUSIN: A SAINT FOR OUR TIME

Germaine Cousin was a 16th century shepherdess who lived in Pibrac, France, from 1579 to 1601. Born with a lame right hand, and the disease scrofula (a non-tuberculous infection of the lymph nodes of the neck), she projected quite an unsightly appearance. She was the only child of Laurent Cousin and Marie Laroche, farmers and sheep herders who lived in the country side, about 1.5 miles north-west of Pibrac. Around the time that Germaine was 5 years old, the plague suddenly took her dear mother, Marie. Soon after, her father remarried, and so it was from that time, that her new stepmother (Armande de Rajols) began to physically and mentally abuse her. So intense was her hatred of little Germaine, that she forced her to watch the sheep near the wolf-infested La Bouconne forest, hoping the wolves would kill her. Miraculously, she was protected by God, but underwent, nevertheless, regular severe beatings by her stepmother. Though persecuted and ridiculed because of her piety, unsightly physical appearance, and her unfathomable trust in Jesus, she grew in holiness.  Isolated, cold and lonely, she embraced a life of prayer, penance and alms giving; she assisted the poor and hungry even though she was malnourished. She offered up her suffering, mystically joining her Lord on the most Holy Cross. It was while the abuses were taking place, that frequent miraculous wonders also surrounded Germaine. People from the village witnessed her, on several occasions, parting the turbulent spring waters of the Courbet, which she had to cross to get to mass in the morning. 

On another occasion, when Germaine had filled her apron with surplus bread from her daily piteous rations, so that she may feed the poor, her stepmother pursued her into town, hoping to expose her to the townspeople as a fraud who steals bread from the household pantry. She eventually caught up with her, in the public square, at which point she forced her to reveal what she was carrying in her apron. The stepmother was hoping to finally expose Germaine as the thief and miscreant she really was. To everyone's astonishment, when Germaine opened her apron, summer flowers came flowing out, and this despite being right in the middle of winter. Everyone was amazed and began to see Germaine in a different light. The stepmother, however, was unmoved, and  continued to persecute the young girl until her death.

Germaine died not long after, alone in the barn where she had been forced to live for 17 years. Mysterious lights enveloped the barn the night she died. Two monks, who were traveling from Toulouse, noticed the light from far off. Approaching cautiously, they witnessed virgins and angels descending upon the barn in large numbers, and taking a soul, robed in a virgin's gown, up to heaven. It was only at Germaine's death bed, that the stepmother had wept bitterly for her mistreatment of the girl; she eventually repented. It did not take long, however, for Germaine to be long forgotten.

In 1644, some 43 years following her death, the body of a noble woman was being interred in front of the sanctuary, when a workman accidently exhumed Germaine's incorrupt body from under the flagstone floor. Her body looked and smelled as fresh as the day she passed away. News spread like wild fire through the town, and so many believed in the sanctity of the young virgin who had been found. Her body was exposed in the church in the hopes of eliciting religious fervor. However, a prominent lady, Madame de Beauregard, complained to the parish priest about the disgusting exhibit of a corpse near her pew. She threatened to no longer give alms to the Church if her body continued to be exposed. The priest complied with her request and removed the casket. Not long after, Madame de Beauregard was stricken with a fatal disease; her husband, distressed by his wife's condition, pleaded for her life before the tabernacle of the Church, requesting that Germaine intercede. Moments later, Germaine appeared in spirit to Madame de Beauregard, and healed her instantly of her ailment.

Yet, despite the apparent signs of sanctity and several attempts at initiating the cause of her canonization, she wasn't beatified until May 7th 1854, or 210 years later. Her canonization had to wait until June 29th, 1867. This saint had been forgotten, neglected, and unloved throughout most of her life, and so, even after her death, it seemed as though the Lord purposely kept her well hidden. Most Catholics have never heard of her, and that includes religious and priests. In our rather complex and fast-paced world, Germaine's simplicity, charity and piety just don't seem to fit in anywhere.

We have now brought up entire generations of entitled young people who see themselves as deserving and central to the universe's purpose. They are the first to complain if things don't go their way. In recent news, is it not surprising to learn about a woman stabbing her fiance over the wedding color scheme (view article). We are witnessing the consequences of a narcissistic culture that pleasure seeks without any kind of moral compass to guide them and their conscience. These are the kids that were brought up on the idea that parents needed to build the "self-esteem" of children; we made an entire generation incapable of seeing their own darkness. These are the kids that can do no harm, and that are gifted in some remarkable and unique way. How else can you explain why a mother in her thirties would be sucker punched while walking with her daughter on the street (see article). No apparent reason was reported.  How about the knockout game that surfaced this year, in the New York area, as a rather sick and deprived form of entertainment for young people. The goal of the game is to try to knockout some unsuspecting pedestrian with one blow (view here).

It is imperative that we begin, once again, to talk to our children about living virtuous lives of self-effacement and not self-empowerment. It is pressing that we get our children to buy into the idea of looking to live simpler lives that are rooted in love, penance, alms giving and prayer. This is why the life of Saint Germaine needs to be told. Our children need to hear that the Lord Jesus is drawn to those who are small, hidden, and pure. This is a story that is filled with incredible phenomenon, that most would be unable to believe. Yet, the events surrounding her life have been clearly documented, and can be regarded as a reliable historical record of her most remarkable life.

A new book about the life of saint Germaine was just released in April 2017 by Andrew St-James. This historical novel truly captures this most inspiring story. GERMAINE: REQUIEM OF A SOUL/The True Story of Cinderella will shock you and stir your soul to its very depths. We have been trying to bring the beautiful story of Germaine Cousin to the big screen for over 8 years. So much planning is needed, but the Lord is counseling us slowly as we complete the script and begin looking for financial support. He appears to want a small budget; small and simple just like Germaine. $150,000 will be sufficient to complete the 2 hour motion picture. If there are souls out there who are drawn to this story, please view the short we did about Saint Germaine's life.
View GERMAINE: Requiem of a Soul . Help us to spread her story
We make the money needed to fund this project through the sales of products we have already produced. Our organization does not want donations, but rather your joyful assistance in spreading the story about the life of saints like Germaine.

We also completed a 16 minute short about the Mystical Revelations of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque. This clip can be used for the catechizing the young people and old alike. It clearly describes all of Jesus' promises to those who venerate and honor His most Sacred Heart. View the TRAILER: MYSTICAL REVELATIONS OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

SWORD IN THE STONE

We recently produced a movie short titled: THE SWORD IN STONE. This is an 11 minute short that uses the sword as a metaphor for the word of God. Who can draw the sword from the stone? It is waiting. To draw the sword, we must prepare for battle...spiritual battle. Men are specifically called by our Lord to be protectors of the family. 'Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth.  I have not come to bring peace, but a sword" [Mathew 10:34]. For like a sword, the word of God divides; it cuts the shaft from the wheat, marrow from bone. This short DVD is a deep meditation on Jesus' call to be warriors for Christ, to be knights shining with the armor of virtue; strong, courageous and defiant before evil. Weak men cause very dangerous portals of evil to open into the family. These men become conduits for demonic infestation and torment to enter the family. This movie short is a call for men to gain spiritual strength through prayer and sacrifice. The remedy for America, is to ask for men to become virtuous, so that they may demand and protect the purity of their daughters and sons. Men are the gatekeepers, with sword in hand (word of God) they spiritually protect the family by leading them to prayer and acts of virtue. Here is an excerpt of a locution of Jesus to a hidden seer of our time: “My beloved child, what a world it would be if men lifted up their hands in prayer each day! Too few men are praying—and here I am speaking about the men. They are too easily discouraged from prayer, too easily distracted from making time for it. Now you see that the result is: argument, wars, skirmishes, and feuds, gang against gang. Those men who pray shine like polished diamonds in a coal bin. I am drawn to them and they quench my thirst to hear the voices of men at prayer. Let those men who will pray be a beacon in the darkness. I am calling the men today to take up the banner of prayer, to hold it high, to be an example in their families. I love you, my brothers, my sons. Live in me and you will be living soldiers of peace.” You can view the trailer on vimeo or also below on this page. This film is short enough to be viewed at a men's meeting, thus giving sufficient time to generate discussion. If there is anyone out there who is interested, contact me through this blog or through our email: ourladystears@hotmail.com. This film can be instantly purchased and downloaded here.

THIS IS ALSO A VIDEO ON DEMAND. Click here to rent or download:

DEPRESSION DOCUMENTARY: DEPRESSION: The Silent Epidemic

Our production company is currently producing a documentary on depression in collaboration with St. Jude Nutrition Medical Communications. This is a 2 hr documentary that explores why the prevalence of depression and mental disorders are climbing to worrisome levels in American society.
Our Lady's Tears Productions is investigating this crisis by looking at many different angles. What appears to be surfacing is that most of the depression is deeply rooted in a spiritual brokenness that is now drawing the young into a deep sense of hopelessness. In the spiritual realm, many are now agreeing that demonic tourment is on the rise worldwide, but in particular in America. The documentary will be exploring why demonic tourment, oppression and possession are on the rise, and how souls experience this kind of spiritual affectation. The visual effects of this production will be appealing and will capture the listener without any doubt. This esthetically pleasing production can be used as a valuable piece of instructional material for Newman Centers and adult catechesis in the US and Canada. Its release if planned for January 2013