Fabiano de Cristo

Fabiano of Christ

In Soengas, on the banks of the river Minho, Portugal, in a poor family, as many of the people who lived in the care of the sheep and, when there was a harvest, were the grapes, which helped to put a few cents in the houses very poor, so that they could eat better and nurture their children, on the 8th of February, 1676 was the brand new "the shepherd of the sheep of Jesus", the child received the name of João Barbosa, later Fabiano of Christ, reincarnation of father José de Anchieta.

As an adult, João Barbosa wanted to thrive. I thought to get out of this place to find other occupations. So, he moved to the city of Porto. He became a merchant. Everything was going well, but the rumors that Brazil had much gold and many had already been enriched with him, did that João decides to leave for Brazil. It was the state of Minas Gerais. He worked hard and earned a good fortune. He decided to move to Paraty, Rio de Janeiro.

He tried to help all members of your family, friends, and the needy in all possible ways, with money, food and medicine. But Barbosa was not satisfied, something inside him prevented him from doing other things. What would it be? Why is that dissatisfaction if you had everything you wanted? In business, your luck was infinite, it was enough to put the hands and the money is multiplied. Barbosa comes to the conclusion that there must be something beyond the gold. Your soul asked for other ways. I was pretty sure that his real task in the Earth had not yet begun.

It is the year 1704. Barbosa walked thoughtfully through the deserted streets of that cold night. I had just meet a request of a family that needed food and warm clothes. And now what to do? I still felt an emptiness inside. Suddenly, he sees that a lot of people spend dodging something that lies on the sidewalk. What would it be? Why not stopped to see what was going on? Up the pace and found with a person writhing on the cold ground. It seems that his suffering was very painful. Crouches down and picks you up in his arms. That body was shaking and the sweat running down your face. Barbosa says:

– Come on, friend, do not be afraid, I will try to help.

Barbosa feeling something strange, and it seems that a light goes out of your heart. Suddenly, the eyes of the unknown are opened and, with difficulty, says:

– I have been the victim of robbers.

– Don't talk now. Near here there is an inn. There'll be more comfortable and it will be easier to assist you.

Barbosa is not moving and spends the night trying to lower the fever of the poor man. In the midst of his delusions, this looks with tenderness Barbosa, and, trying to hold one of his hands, he says:

—Finally you come to my lap.

—But who are you, who seems to know me?

—I am the one who you serve for many centuries. You have returned to me because you were tired of accumulating material goods, but that you have come to me because you are looking for meet the afflicted, appeasing the hunger of the body. But your heart flooded with light reaches much more. To continue serving me, go where the pain is immense. The tears dry maternal, teaches the way of the Good to those who deviate by drag and temptations lower. He sees that the time has come to find the true treasure that is in the Laws of our Father.

—But, who are you in reality? —question Barbosa afflicted.

Therefore, give all that you have and you will have eternal life. I have completely, and so we will work together in the service of our Father. Great tears rolled from the eyes of Barbosa, who now would have much to reflect on. Had already dawned, and Barbosa left the inn feeling that the sun wanted to enlighten your mind. The day was distressing to Barbosa. The night had been sleepless. Everything was confusing. The words that he had heard of the man were still visible in their eyes and ears. Give up everything he had asked. He claimed to be Christ. So, Barbosa achieved, almost at dawn, falling asleep. Looks in the spirituality. A figure with a sweet and bright, with a franciscan habit, is about, and, smiling, he holds out his hand. Barbosa, fell on her knees and says, excited:

—I am the Christ, my son, and I have returned to seek you, and remind you of your true mission. To all who serve, it will be me who you're serving.

– ¡Francis of Assisi! – recognizing the great friend of yesteryear.

– Very well, my brother says Francis of Assisi -if your heart longs to succor the afflicted, and to serve the Lord Jesus, come with me.

– But I have to despojarme of earthly goods.

The "poor God," he spoke gently:

– The goods of the eternal life are the ones that should be enjoyed, Barbosa. From now on, the Gospel will be your greatest treasure. Don't waste any more time. Apply it in the practice of the greater charity among all. You'll no longer have to go many places to talk about the peace and love of Christ. Many will seek you out and you will lead that they will find the Kingdom of God. So that you can work with peace of mind, your work will be simple. Your heart will be patience and resignation. Your body will suffer for your spirit free from the temptations of the flesh.

Little by little, the words of Francis of Assisi became incomprehensible, and the figure disappeared. Barbosa opened his eyes, waking up and not knowing why the Convent of Santo Antonio, right there in Rio de Janeiro, appeared in his memory. It was there where he would continue his mission on Earth. And a happy smile spread across his face.

Barbosa rid of all of their earthly possessions. First donated to the Convent of San Bernardino of Siena, in Angra dos Reis, and then went to the Convent of Santo Antonio, Rio de Janeiro, this around 1705. With its simple look, wearing the franciscan habit and barefoot, knocks on the door of the convent and is received by the superior. This receives Barbosa with joy and thanks you for the dowry received. Barbosa, excited, he said that he would like to stay there for serve, learning to love others as Jesus taught in his lessons.

—If that is your wish, " says the— top, even knowing that the role here is more humble, because you are a layman. Your life will be completely different, without any luxury. Your room will be a simple cell, with only a cot and a small table with a chair and a pitcher with a glass of water, to quench your thirst. Their function will be the keeper of the convent of Santo Antonio.

—I am happy, sir! I appreciate that allows me to enter in this place and be able to do my life, in contact with the pain of others.

—Well welcome and God bless you. From now on, your name will be Fabiano of Christ, having renounced all in the name of jesus Christ.

Fabiano of Christ began his new life. There to listen to his peers, he would weep out with their physical and spiritual problems, but know that that way would be with the Master Jesus. The tears welled up once more down the cheeks of the now-fray Fabiano de Cristo, whose only flag enarbolaría from now on would be the "Charity". At the time of his elevation to the Lord, he felt the presence brotherly of its patron saint, Francis of Assisi. Fabiano was carrying out his task with all love. Consoled to all the afflicted, healing deep wounds, both physical and spiritual. To be composed of with ease, and she helped the sick at large distances.

Its fame is extended for all parties. Never complained of fatigue, was always ready, despite suffering deeply from a large wound in the leg which caused him intense pain, but Fabiano not complaining. None of his companions of the convent and saw him, never complaining of pain or fatigue. Despite not having knowledge of nursing, in 1708 was assigned the charge of a nurse, because the medication that was used for the diseases both physical and spiritual, was the water fluidized by your hands and your prayers to the Virgin Mary of Nazareth. This procedure Fabiano, which was simply to administer water to the sick and see them healed soon after, caught the attention of Dr. Fortes, who also served voluntarily in the convent and in the office. Fabiano helped him in everything, so that, on a certain occasion, Dr. Fortes called Fabiano and said:

– I see, fray, his dedication to the sick, and I know that the only thing that does is give them water and clean the wounds. I see that, shortly after, the sick get better and heal quickly. What's in that water? What medication you take?

—I do not do more than pray, lord. I pray to our Father and to Jesus, the real doctor, that help to heal the wounds of the soul and of the body of creatures. If it is the will of the Father, the sick person is healed also by their faith. I think that if you do the same, He will treat you with a lot more ease, since you are wiser than I in culture and medical knowledge. I am nothing.

It is known that, from that day on, Dr. Fortes was often seen with his hands on the glass of water before you give it to the sick. Much achieved the great Fabiano of Christ. He worked for 38 years with total dedication to the door of the convent and to provide assistance in all parts. He was deeply respected by all. Your humble presence was re-establishing the peace wherever he went. He predicted his death three days earlier. Warned his colleagues for this event. It was the 14th of October, 1747. Fabiano is directed to the superior of the convent to say goodbye and also to obtain permission to embrace them one by one to the sick and the friends he met there, and that now he would have to leave.

—Where will you go, dear Fabiano? Do you intend to travel?

—Yes, a long journey, but I would go happy. I believe that God wants me in other places.

The upper understood what he meant Fabiano. Deeply moved, embraces this old man, seventy years old, has lived alone for their peers. The next day, October 15, 1747, Fabiano still encouraged the sick, consolándolos with their prayers. On October 16 1747, they all wanted to enter the cell where it was Fray Fabiano of Christ. They wanted to give back, in some way, the affection that had always received that huge heart. Tears streamed down all faces. How to live without the presence of the one who only transmitting love and joy? Where do you find the joy to overcome the pain? And Fabiano replied:

—In God, my children. Seek to always be in the lap of Christ. Only He will be able to help you, don't forget you never!

October 17, 1747. Fabiano Christ dies. An immense procession heads towards the Convent of Santo Antonio. They all want to say goodbye to the one who, barefoot, entered that convent to change the course of those hearts and others at the door they found the seed of Love and the Light of the Master Jesus. Legions of spirits come to meet Fabiano. Leave this body, in spirit, spreading their perfume everywhere he goes, and wrapped in light, the hearts of many who raise their prayers to him, for the return of peace and renewed strengthening. "The Father of the Poor stemmed from the Land, but is eternally in each being", he replied with these words his eternal companion to Francis of Assisi.