Mods, I know that St Augustine is the board's official patron saint, but perhaps there's room for a second? I read some selections from the life of Saint Gemma Galgani today, and her behavior is utterly endearing. For example:
>From her infancy she had become mistress of her eyes, and kept them habitually lowered. When traveling to Church for Mass or on errands, she constantly kept her eyes downcast.
>In order to make her look at you, a formal command was needed. She then obeyed but only for a few seconds and again, modestly blushing, lowered her eyes once again.
>Without thinking evil of anyone she normally feared all company, and desired to remain alone, and if it had not been necessary to go out to church and sometimes to the city on errands, she would never have left the house. The same may be said of talking, mixing in the affairs of others, making friends, writing letters and suchlike.
>from her earliest childhood she shrank from being touched by others, and from the most innocent caresses. In her childhood, she endeavored not even to allow her father to kiss her.
>the poor child, not knowing what else to do, used to shut her eyes and keep them so until the angel of impurity had gone. She also seized her Crucifix, called for aid to her dear Guardian Angel, to her patron Saints and above all to her Heavenly Mother.
I have a feeling this pseudo-autistic behavior rings familiar to some people here. In addition, she was tremendously dedicated to spiritual and bodily chastity, something which many of us struggle with. Thoughts?
Saint Gemma Galgani, pray for us!