lily

had the overwhelming blessing to visit a dear friend of my family's, 

role model, 

philosopher, 

and woman extraordinnaire 

Alice von Hildebrand 

I have been a passionate student of her husband's work 

and in fact it is quite ironic that I am working for Heart's Home in Vienna considering that Dietrich lived there for many years writing against Hitler until he fled for his life (he was the first on the list to arrest, right after the government in Vienna) and Vienna has always held a special place in his heart. 

My grandmother and Dr. Lily were very close friends and by their relationship I have been able to keep a friendship of my own with her. But today was the first time I had seen her in person in about 10 years! Fr. Gonzague and I drove up from Brooklyn to spend a couple hours with her which were altogether calming and passionately inspiring. I cannot tell you how beautiful, strong, truly feminine this woman is--how she makes you feel honored to be a woman, and instills in you sincere and deep respect for men. 

I could go on and on about this woman. I was speechless the entire car ride home. I had a lot to think about because she was the one talking for the majority of the two hours, but when she speaks with such love and firmness you are calmed but so convicted, as if you are assured of the truth in her every word. I can only think to equate it to a serenity that comes with truth conveyed through love. 

Anyways, please keep her work and her health in your prayers 

And I just wanted to share a couple of treasures from our conversation that I cannot get out of my mind. 

+

Telling of the first spark of her husband's conversion to Catholicism:

Max Scheler and my husband were sitting at coffee when Max firmly stated that the Catholic Church contains the Truth. Of course, my husband asked how he could know and why he would make such a bold definite statement. Scheler responded, 'Because it produces saints.'"

+

The greatest apostolate is to radiate joy and peace. You do not need to preach, in fact there is such a thing as bad preaching. You should only preach in those moments when the Holy Spirit leads you to. Otherwise you must constantly be focused on radiating joy and peace. Then everyone will want to know your secret.