The day of a memory which cannot be lost! The veiled Face has been uncovered. The “Unknown One” has made Himself known. The Master called out, “Maria”... and Maria became John. My tears dried by your kiss and your promise...! And “rebirth” in the spirit by your will.
People do not know. But I know. You, Father, know. Can I fail to celebrate this date...? And I celebrate it in the service of God, blessing the exertion and distress of this service because.... Oh, that hour on March 1, 1943 is such that even the cross is nothing.16
16 We pass over twenty-eight handwritten pages dated March 1 and March 3, 1945 pertaining to The First Year of the Public Life.