To The Celestial Court

I do not know to whom I could more appropriately offer these Days of Joy than to you, oh Favored of Jesus Christ, who possess eternal Beatitude. I humbly offer you this modest labor in the name of people of goodwill here on Earth who strive to attain happiness in this world by the resignation of their will to the will of God, just as you find your happiness in Heaven by the transformation of your souls in the Divine. The invariable length of your joy, which we in this life meditate upon without ceasing, causes us to constantly suffer the miseries of The World with the assurance that we will rejoice in an eternity of blessings in your company after having rendered all of our moments joyful by Christian patience. Please obtain from our Lord perseverance for His servants, who having begun our beatitude by our conformity to the good pleasure of God in the desolation of this valley of tears, we will finally be taken up and affirmed with you until the end of time.

Spark also the conversion of those who are totally opposed to facing the truth, choosing instead to endure continuous worries and misfortune amongst their honors, the bounty of their table, and their wealth where they attempt to find their happiness; so that they may no longer look upon the Cross as an agony, but as a triumph, and can lay the cornerstone of their happiness and walk in the way that leads to celestial glory.

What you just read is the dedication of Les Jours Heureux, or Days of Joy, written by R.P. Jean-Marie de Vernon, Brother of Penance of St. Francis, in the mid-17th century. The author himself explains the purpose of his book better than I can. You can read my translation of Father Jean-Marie's preface by clicking on the corresponding link to the left. I strive to translate the entire book one day at a time. I would be delighted if you walked this journey with me, although I will likely never know if anyone ever reads this. Please pray for me. I assure you that I am praying for you daily.