The Annals of Saint Anne - Summary
January-February 2026
Editor's desk François-Marie Héraud
Being Patient
Each day, through the people we encounter, we are invited to listen, to speak and to share. Yet at times, our views and opinions do not align; sometimes, they may even collide. Tensions rise; suddenly patience feels fragile and it becomes difficult to safeguard our inner calm. Feeling cornered, we react instinctively, defending our position. Words quickly escalate in an effort to convince the one who, in an instant, now feels like an opponent. Patience then gives way to discord. The door to dialogue closes, if only for a moment.
What role can patience possibly play in such moments, in today’s world? What value does it hold in a world like ours, where immediacy replaces reflection, where wealth is exalted and humility dismissed, where success is celebrated and compassion pushed to the margins? Why invest so much effort in patience if it does not bring power, influence, or fame?
Some go so far as to say that patience belongs to the weak, whose voices carry little weight because they hold no authority.
What should we think of that? Does patience concern me personally? Am I patient when things do not go my way, or when something I do not want is imposed upon me? When faced with a choice, which am I more inclined to give up: my opinion or my patience?
Patience is never imposing. It simply knows how to wait and invites us to listen. Discreet, fragile and quiet, it refuses to dominate or coerce. Steadfast in hardship, unyielding at times, patience endures through pain, tears, illness, the voices of discouragement and even the weight of deep loneliness.
“Lord, our heart is restless until it rests in You.”
(Saint Augustine)
To be patient is to live from the depths of the heart. It reveals our inner world without masks or disguises. A faithful companion, patience seeks to follow the heart and place itself at its service. It knows what is precious, offering effort and time without counting the cost. Patience also expresses gratitude towards the Creator and becomes a steadfast companion to hope. As Saint Augustine so beautifully said, “Lord, our heart is restless until it rests in You.”
Patience is, therefore, a precious gift of the Holy Spirit, indeed, an invaluable one. (Galatians 5:22) Without it, countless wonders would pass us by. Without it, what would our lives become?
And Mary, what does she teach us about patience? A woman of prayer and decisive trust, Mary overcame her human frailty and moments of vulnerability by relying entirely on the Lord. Her whole life was rooted in and shaped by a faith that welcomed God without reserve. Mary, the Chosen One, full of grace, she becomes a privileged guide leading us to the Saviour.
May Mary, gentle and humble of heart, be our model of patience!
May Mary lead us to Him who is the Way, the Truth and the Life
May the Lord, who walks beside us each day, “Stay with us!”
United in prayer.
___________________________________________________
Charles Duval, C.Ss.R., – Archbishop of Grouard-McLennan
Being Patient... in God's Way
Let us take our example from the One who is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Psalm 103:8) He waits with infinite patience for our hearts to turn towards Him.
