Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the HIGH PRIEST, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, LENT 2026, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, The WORD, Thomas Aquinas

The First Sunday of Lent – 22 February – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas – Christ willed to be tempted

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The First Sunday of Lent – 22 February – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), Doctor of the Church

The First Week of Lent – Sunday

It was fitting that Christ should be tempted

“Jesus was led by the spirit into the desert,
to be tempted by the devil.”
Matt iv. i

Christ willed to be tempted:

  1. That He might assist us against our own temptations.
    St Gregory says: “That our Redeemer, Who had come to earth to be killed, should will to be tempted, was not unworthy of Him. It was. indeed but just that He should overcome our temptations by His own, in the same way that He had come to overcome our death by His death.”
  2. To warn us that no man, however holy he be, should think himself safe and free from temptation.
    Whence again, His choosing to be tempted after His Baptism, about which St Hilary says: “The devil’s wiles are especially directed to trap us at times when we have recently been made holy because the devil desires no victory as much as a victory over the world of Grace.”
    Whence too, the Scripture warns us, “Son, when thou comest to the service of God, stand in justice and in fear and prepare thy soul for temptation” (Ecclus ii. i).
  3. To give us an example of how we should overcome the temptations of the devil, St Augustine says: “Christ gave Himself to the devil to be tempted that, in the matter of our overcoming those same temptations, He might be of service, not only by His assistance but too, by His example.”
  4. To fill and saturate our minds with confidence in His Mercy.
    “For we have not a High Priest Who cannot have compassion on our infirmities but One , without sin but ttempted in all things, like as we are, (Heb iv. 15).

ST THOMAS AQUINAS (1225-1274)
Priest, Theologian, Dominican
Doctor Angelicus (Angelic Doctor)
Doctor Communis (Common Doctor)
Added by Pope Saint Pius V in 1568

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOD ALONE!, GUARDIAN ANGELS - Prayers etc, In the PRESENCE of GOD, LENT 2026, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 22 February – Begone, Satan!

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Quote/s of the Day – 22 February – The First Sunday of Lent – 2 Corinthians 6:1-10, Matthew 4:1-11

“Begone, Satan!
for it is written:
The Lord thy God shalt thou adore
and Him only shalt thou serve.”

Matthew 4:10

“Do not, therefore, lose your confidence,
which has a great reward.
For you have need of patience that,
doing the Will of God,
you may receive the promise.
For yet a very little while
and He Who is to come,
will come
and will not delay.”

Hebrews 10:35-37

“It might even be said that we are fortunate
to have temptations, for these are the times
of spiritual harvest when we gather up for Heaven. …
If we were thoroughly saturated
with God’s Holy Presence,
it would be easy for us to resist the enemy.
With the thought ‘God sees you!’ we would never sin!

There was a Saint who complained to our Lord
after being tempted and said to Him:
“Where were Thou, my most loveable Jesus,
during that awful storm?”
Our Lord answered:
“I was in the centre of thou heart…”

St John-Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859)
The Curé of Ars

“When tempted,
turn immediately to your
Guardian Angel and ask him,
with all your heart,
“My Guardian Angel help me now.
Do not let me offend my God!”

St John Bosco (1815-1888)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, St PETER!

Our Morning Offering – 22 February – O Prince of the Apostolic Senate!

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Our Morning Offering – 22 February – The Chair of St Peter at Antioch

O Prince of the Apostolic Senate!
Hymn to the Prince of the Apostles
By St Peter Damian (1007-1072)
Cardinal Bishop of Ostia
Doctor of the Church

O Prince of the Apostolic Senate!
Herald of our Lord!
First Shepherd of the Faithful!
watch over the Flock intrusted to thee.

Lead us through verdant pastures,
feeding us with the nourishment of the Word
and lead us, thus fed, into the heavenly fold,
whither thou hast already gone.

To thee, Peter, have been delivered
the Keys of heaven’s gate
and all things, both in Heaven and on earth,
acknowledge thy authority.

Tis thou that choosest the City
where is to be established the Rock of the True Faith,
the foundation of the building,
on which the Catholic Church stands immoveable.

Thy shadow, as thou passest by, heals the sick
and Tabitha, who made garments for the poor,
was raised to life
at thy bidding.

Bound with two chains,
thou wast set free by an Angel’s power;
he bids thee put on thy garments and thy sandals
and lo! the prison door is opened.

To the Father unbegotten
and to the Only-Begotten Son
and to the co-equal Spirit of them both,
be praise and kingly highest power.
Amen.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 22 February – St Paschasius (Died c441) Bishop of Vienne

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Saint of the Day – 22 February – St Paschasius (Died c441) Bishop of Vienne, in modern France, a learned man of great erudition but equally a man celebrated for his holy and virtuuous life. Also known as – Paschase, Pascase, Pascasio.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Vienne, St Paschasius, the Bishop, celebrated for his learning and holy life,”

Unknown Bishop Saint

Paschasius appointed as the Bishop and governed the See of Vienne in the early 5th Century.

In the official chronology of the Diocese’s Bishops, he is listed 11th, as indicated by Adonis’ “Universal Chronicle.”

He was part of that first group of ancient Bishops of Vienne, all of whom are considered Saints.

There is no certain date of his reign. We know that he succeeds Saint Simplicius, mentioned in 400 and precedes Saint Claudius, the Bishop before 441.

He is remembered for his integrity and erudition.
Furthermore, Saint Paschasius is known as a famous confessor.

Around the 10th Century, a false privilege was invented about him, according to which Pope Sylvester, in an autograph letter, appointed him Primate of all the Bishops of Gaul.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

The First Sunday of Lent, The Chair of Saint Peter at Antioch, Vigil of St Matthias, Apostle, Notre-Dame de Rennes / Our Lady of Miracles and Virtues, Rennes, France (1357) and the Saints for 22 February

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The First Sunday of Lent

The Chair of Saint Peter at Antioch – where the disciples were first entitled “Christians.” The Chair/Throne or Cathedra itself is a Relic conserved in St Peter’s Basilica although it seems not to be the original Chair. This Antioch is where the disciples were first called CHRISTIANS.
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/22/the-feast-of-the-chair-of-saint-peter-at-antioch-22-february/

Vigil of St Matthias, Apostle

Notre-Dame de Rennes / Our Lady of Miracles and Virtues, Rennes, France (1357) – 22 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/22/our-lady-of-of-miracles-and-virtues-rennes-france-1357-feast-of-the-chair-of-st-peter-and-memorials-of-the-saints-22-february/

St Abilius (Died c98) Bishop of Alexandria
St Angelus Portasole
St Aristion of Salamis
St Athanasius of Nicomedia
St Baradates of Cyrrhus

Blessed Diego Carvalho SJ (1578-1624) Priest and Martyr of the Society of Jesus, Missionary to Japan. Patronage Japanese miners. Beatified on 7 May 1867 by Pope Blessed Pius IX.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/22/saint-of-the-day-22-february-blessed-diego-carvalho-sj-1578-1624-priest-and-martyr/

St Elwin

St Isabella of France (1225-1270) Virgin, Founder Nun, Sister of Saint Louis IX; Aunt of Saint Louis of Toulouse.
Previously done on 26 February (post 1969 Feast Day):
https://anastpaul.com/2017/02/26/saint-of-the-day-26-february-blessed-isabellae-of-france/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/22/saint-of-the-day-22-february-saint-isabella-of-france-1225-1270-virgin/

St John the Saxon
St Limnaes
Bl Mohammed Abdalla
St Papias of Heirapolis
St Paschasius (Died c441) Bishop of Vienne
St Raynerius of Beaulieu
St Thalassius

Martyrs of Arabia – A memorial for all the unnamed Christians Martyred in the desert and mountainous areas south of the Dead Sea during the persecutions of Emperor Valerius Maximianus Galerius.

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, LENT 2026, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT, The WORD, Thomas Aquinas

Saturday after Ash Wednesday – 21 February – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas – Saturday : The Grain of Wheat

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Saturday after Ash Wednesday – 21 February – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), Doctor of the Church

Saturday : The Grain of Wheat

“Unless the grain of wheat falling into the ground die, itself remaineth alone.”
John xii. 24

We use the grain of wheat in two ways, for bread and for seed. Here the Word is to be taken in the second sense, grain of wheat meaning seed and not the matter out of which we make bread. For in this sense it never increases, so as to bear fruit.
When it is said that the grain must die, this does not mean that it loses its value as seed but that it is changed into another kind of thing. So St Paul (i Cor xv. 36) says, “That which then thou sowest is not quickened, except it die first.”

The Word of God is a seed in the soul of man, insofar as it is a thing introduced into man’s soul, by words spoken and heard, in order to produce the fruit of good works.
The seed is the Word of God (Luke viii. II). So also the Word of God garbed in Flesh is a Seed placed in the world, a Seed from which great crops should grow, whence it is compared in St Matthew’s Gospel (xiii. 31, 32) to a grain of mustard seed.

Our Lord, therefore, says to us, “I came as Seed, something meant to bear fruit and, therefore, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falling into the ground die, itself remaineth alone” which is, as much as to say, “Unless I die, the fruit of the conversion of the Gentiles, will not follow.”
He compares Himself to a grain of wheat because He came to nourish and to sustain the minds of men and to nourish and sustain are precisely what wheaten bread does for men. In the Psalms it is written, That bread may strengthen man’s heart (Ps ciii. 15) and in St John, The bread that I will give is My Flesh for the life of the world(John vi. 52).

  1. “But if it die it bringeth forth much fruit” (John xii. 25). What is here explained is the usefulness of the Passion. It is as though the Gospel said, Unless the grain fall into the earth through the humiliations of the Passion, no useful result will follow, for the grain itself remaineth alone. But if it shall die, done to death and slain by the Jews, it bringeth forth much fruit, for example:

(i) The remission of sin.
This is the whole fruit, that the sin thereby should be taken away (Isaias xxvii. 9). And this is the fruit of the Passion of Christ as is declared by St Peter – Christ died once for our sins, the just for the unjust that He might offer us to God (i Pet iii. 18).

(ii) The conversion of the Gentiles to God.
“ I have appointed you that you shall go forth and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain” (John xv. 16). This fruit the Passion of Christ bore, if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all things to myself (John xii. 32).

(iii) The fruit of Glory.
The fruit of good labours is glorious (Wis. iii. 15).
And this fruit too, the Passion of Christ brough forth; We have, therefore, a confidence in the entering into the Holies by the Blood of Christ – a new and living way which He hath dedicated for us through the veil, that is to say, His Flesh (Hebr x. 19).

ST THOMAS AQUINAS (1225-1274)
Priest, Theologian, Dominican
Doctor Angelicus (Angelic Doctor)
Doctor Communis (Common Doctor)
Added by Pope Saint Pius V in 1568

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, LENT 2026, The WORD

Quote of the Day – 21 February – Isaias 58:9-11

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Quote of the Day – 21 February – The First Saturday of Lent – Isaiah 58:9-14, Mark 6:47-56

“Thus says the Lord God:
If you remove from your midst oppression,
false accusation
and malicious speech.
if you bestow your bread
on the hungry
and satisfy the afflicted;
then light shall rise
for you in the darkness
and the gloom
shall become for you,like midday;
then the Lord will guide you always
and give you plenty,
even on the parched land.
He will renew your strength
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring whose water never fails.”

Isaiah 58:9-11

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, LENT 2026, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, Quotes Self-Oblation

Our Morning Offering – 21 February – Lord be Blessed! By St John of God

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Our Morning Offering – 21 February – Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Lord be Blessed!
(A Prayer of Thanksgiving and Self-oblation)
By St John of God (1495-1550)

Lord be blessed!
for in Thy great kindness to me,
who art such a great sinner,
having performed so many wicked things,
yet Thou seest fit to set me free,
from such a tremendous temptation
and deception into which I fell,
through my own sinfulness.
Thou hast brought me into a safe harbour,
where I shall endeavour to serve Thee
with all my strength.
My Lord, I beg Thee, with all my might,
give me the strength of Thine grace
and always let me see Thine clemency.
I wish to be Thy slave,
so kindly show me what I should do.
Give peace and quiet to my soul
which greatly desires this.
O most worthy Lord,
may this creature of Thine,
serve and praise Thee.
May I give my whole heart
and mind, to Thee.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 21 February – St Peter Mavimenus (Died c737) Martyr

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Saint of the Day – 21 February – St Peter Mavimenus (Died c737) Martyr and probably the Bishop of Damascus.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Damascus, St Peter Mavinemus, who was killed by some Arabs who visited him in his sickness because he said to them “Whoever does not embrace the Christian and Catholic Faith is lost, like your false prophet, Mahomet.”

We have little confirmed information on our Saint today but have gleaned that he was probably the Bishop of Damascus.

Peter was Martyred in Damascus (in modern Syria) by the Muslims who, visiting him when he was on a sickbed, had openly said to them :
“Whoever does not embrace the Christian and Catholic Faith is lost, like your false prophet, Mahomet.”

Writing on his life one historian states:

“Peter, the most holy Bishop of Damascus, killed at the orders of Valid, Prince of the Arabs; imitator and namesake Peter willingly underwent a famous Martyrdom at Maiuma in these times.”

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Notre-Dame de Bon-Port / Our Lady of Bon Port/Good Haven, France (1838) and the Saints for 21 February

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FERIAL DAY Saturday after ash Wednesday

Notre-Dame de Bon-Port / Our Lady of Bon Port/Good Haven, Paimpol, France (1838) – 21 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/21/the-first-sunday-of-lent-2021-our-lady-of-bon-port-good-haven-paimpol-france-1838-and-memorials-of-the-saints-21-february/

St Avitus II of Clermont
Bl Claudio di Portaceli
St Daniel of Persia
Bl Eleanora
St Ercongotha
St Felix (4th Century) Bishop of Metz
St George of Amastris
St Germanus of Granfield
St Gundebert of Sens

St Maximian of Ravenna (c499-556) Archbishop of Ravenna and Confessor. completor of the immensely renowned Basilica of St Vitalis and many more Churches. He was a man of creative talents who ordered the creation of many famous and very beautiful artworks of various types, for his See, as well as, a great lover of Books and literature, (being a prolific Writer himself) ensuring the acquisition of many illuminated manuscripts. Maximian may have been the first Latin Bishop to use the title ‘Archbishop.’
Biography – his Feast Day was changed after 1969 to 22 February. Being rather confused, I have revisted him today again: Talented St Maximian:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/21/saint-of-the-day-21-february-saint-maximian-of-ravenna-c499-556-bishop-and-confessor/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/22/saint-of-the-day-22-february-saint-maximian-of-ravenna-499-556-bishop/

Blessed Noel Pinot (1747-1794) Priest and Martyr. During the French Revolution, he refused to take the oath of the Civil Constitution of the Clergy unlike his superio! He wore his Mass Vestments to execution and died reciting the opening words of the Mass. He was Beatified by Pope Pius XI on 31 October 1926.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/21/saint-of-the-day-21-february-blessed-noel-pinot-1747-1794-priest-and-martyr/

St Paterius of Brescia (Died 606) Bishop of Brescia Italy, Monk. Friend and spiritual student of Pope Saint Gregory the Great, prolific spiritual writer.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/21/saint-of-the-day-21-february-saint-paterius-of-brescia-died-606-bishop/

St Pepin of Landen
St Peter Mavimenus (Died c737) Martyr
St Randoald of Granfield
Blessed Richard Henkes

St Robert Southwell SJ (1561-1595) Martyr, Priest of the Society of Jesus, Poet, Hymnodist, Writer, clandestine missionary – Additional Memorials: 25 October as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales and 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai.
St Robert’s Biography::
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/21/saint-of-the-day-21-february-st-robert-southwell-s-j-1561-1595-martyr/

St Severian of Scythopolis
St Severus of Syrmium

Blessed Thomas Pormort (c1560-1592) Priest Martyr
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/21/saint-of-the-day-21-february-blessed-thomas-pormort-c-1560-1592-priest-martyr/

St Valerius of San Pedro de Montes
St Verda of Persia

Martyrs of Sicily – 79 Saints: Sevent nine Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. They were Martyred in c 303 on Sicily.

Martyrs of Hadrumetum – A group of 26 Christians Martyred together by Vandals. We know little more than eight of their names – Alexander, Felix, Fortunatus, Saturninus, Secundinus, Servulus, Siricius and Verulus. c 434 at Hadrumetum (modern Sousse, Tunisia).

Posted in LENT 2026, The SEVEN PASSION Feasts, Thomas Aquinas

Friday – 20 February – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas – 

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Ash Friday – 20 February – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), Doctor of the Church

Friday : The Crown of Thorns

“Go forth, ye daughters of Sion and see King Solomon in the diadem, wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals and in the day of the joy of his heart.”
Cant iii. n.

This is the voice of the Church inviting the souls of the faithful to behold the marvellous beauty of her Spouse. For the daughters of Sion, who are they but the daughters of Jerusalem, holy souls, the citizens of that City which is above, who with the Angels enjoy the peace which knows no end and, in consequence, look upon the glory of the Lord?

  1. Go forth, shake off the disturbing commerce of this world so that, with minds set free, you may be able to contemplate Him Whom you love. And see King Solomon, the true Peacemaker, that is to say, Christ Our Lord.

In the diadem wherewith his mother crowned him, as though the Church said, “Look on Christ garbed with Flesh for us, the Flesh He took from the flesh of His Mother.” For it is His Flesh which is here called a Diadem, the Flesh which Christ assumed for us, the Flesh in which He died and destroyed the reign of death, the Flesh in which, rising once again, He brought to us the hope of resurrection.

This is the Diadem of which St.Paul speaks, We see Jesus for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honour (Heb ii. 9). His Mother is spoken of as crowning Him because Mary the Virgin it was, who from her own flesh gave Him Flesh.

In the day of His espousals, that is, in the hour of His Incarnation, when He took to Himself the Church not having spot or wrinkle (Eph v. 27), the hour again when God was joined with man.
And in the day of the joy of His heart. For the joy and the gaiety of Christ, is for the human race, salvation and redemption. And coming home, He calls together His friends and neighbours saying to them, Rejoice with Me because I have found My sheep which was lost (Luke xv. 6).

  1. We can, however, refer the whole of this text simply and literally, to the Passion of Christ. For Solomon, foreseeing through the centuries the Passion of Christ, was uttering a warning for the daughters of Sion, that is, for the Jewish people.

Go forth and see King Solomon, that is, Christ, in His Diadem, that is to say, the Crown of Thorns, with which His Mother, the Synagogue has crowned Him; in the day of His espousals, the day when He joined to Himself the Church and in the day of the joy of His heart, the day in which He rejoiced that by His Passion, He was delivering the world from the power of the devil.
Go forth, therefore, and leave behind the darkness of unbelief and see, understand with your minds, He Who suffers as Man is really God!

Go forth, beyond the gates of your City, that you may see Him, on Mount Calvary, Crucified.

ST THOMAS AQUINAS (1225-1274)
Priest, Theologian, Dominican
Doctor Angelicus (Angelic Doctor)
Doctor Communis (Common Doctor)
Added by Pope Saint Pius V in 1568

Posted in LENT 2026

Quote/s of the Day – 20 February – Planting a Lenten Garden (Last minute Ideas)

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 20 February – Ash Friday

Planting a Lenten Garden

Five Rows of Squash:

  1. Squash gossip
  2. Squash indifference
  3. Squash unkindness
  4. Squash temper
  5. Squash the idols of greed and lust

Six Rows of Peas:

  1. Prayer
  2. Penance
  3. Perseverance
  4. Purity
  5. Patience
  6. Politeness

Seven Heads of Lettuce:

  1. Let us be unselfish
  2. Let us be charitable
  3. Let us be obedient
  4. Let us be truthful
  5. Let us be gentle and kind
  6. Let us be repentant
  7. Let us be renewed

No garden is complete without Turnips:

  1. Turn up for Daily Mass
  2. Turn up for Special Devotions and The Rosary
  3. Turn up for Daily Morning and Night Prayer

Conclude with Thyme:

Thyme with God, thyme for fasting, thyme for generosity and care of the poor, the sick, the suffering.

Water daily with patience
Feed with love
The Beloved Saviour will provide the growth.

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, HYMNS, LENT 2026, Our MORNING Offering, The SEVEN PASSION Feasts

Our Morning Offering – 20 February – Christ’s Peerless Crown – The Feast of the Sacred Crown of Thorns

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 20 February – Friday after Ash Wednesday – The Feast of the Sacred Crown of Thorns of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Christ’s Peerless Crown
Unknown Latin Author
Trans. Fr Edward Caswell CO (1814–1878)

Christ’s peerless crown is pictured in
The figures of the Law.
The Ram entangled in the Thorns;
The Bush which Moses saw.

The rainbow girding round the ark,
The table’s crown of gold;
The incense that in waving wreaths
Around the Altar rolled.

Hail! Circlet dear! that did’st the pangs
Of dying Jesus feel,
Thou dost the brightest gems outshine.
And all the stars excel.

Praise honour, to the Father be
And sole begotten Son;
Praise to the Spirit Paraclete
While endless ages run.
Amen

Posted in Uncategorized

Saint of the Day – 20 February – Blessed Amata (c1200-c1254) OSC Virgin, Nun of Assisi,

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 20 February – Blessed Amata (c1200-c1254) OSC Virgin, Nun of Assisi, a Poor Clare Nuna and one of Saint Clare of Assisi’s original followers and her niece Born in Assisi as Amata di Caran. Her name means “beloved” in Latin and is now a common religious name among the Poor Clares.

Amata was born into a noble family in Assisi, Italy; her father was Martino di Carano and her mother Donna Penenda, Clare’s oldest sister.

Amata was destined to marry a nobleman from her hometown and being proud of her beauty, she led a frivolous life. Visiting her aunt, she was enlightened by the humble and serene poverty of the Nuns. She repented, renouncing her previous worldly ideals, refused marriage and in 1213 entered the Monastery of San Damiano.

The Franciscan Martyrology remembers her with this eulogy:
“Destined to marry a nobleman from her hometown, proud of her beauty, she led a frivolous life. Visiting her aunt, she was enlightened by the humble and serene poverty of the Damianites later known as the Poor Clares. She repented and changed her worldly ideals, renounced marriage and in 1213 entered the Monastery of San Damiano.

The Franciscan Martyrology remembers her with this eulogy:
“What a purified and innocent life fervent in Christ’s will, love excelled.”

Due to her harsh penances, she fell ill for thirteen months she suffered from a violent cough and was finally cured by her holy aunt with a simple Sign of the Cross.

Amata was present at St Clare’s death, she was addressed by her St Clare, as Celano recounts, with these words:
“Did you, daughter, see the Kingdom of glory to which I aspire?”

Amata herself died around 1254. When, in 1260, the Damianites abandoned the old Monastery to enter the City, Amata’s remains were brought to the convent of San Giorgio. In 1602, Crescenzio, the Bishop of Assisi, transferred her Relics, those of Blessed Agnes (sister of St Clare) and those of Blessed Benedetta (the first Abbess after St Clare), to a stone urn under an Altar in the Church.

Posted in franciscan OFM, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The SEVEN PASSION Feasts

Friday after Ash Wednesday – A Day of Fasting and Abstinence, The Feast of The Sacred Crown of Thorns, Notre-Dame de Bolougne-sur-Mer / Our Lady of Bolougne-sur-Mer, France (633) and the Saints for 20 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Friday after Ash Wednesday – FASTING and ABSTINENCE

THE FEAST OF THE SACRED CROWN OF THORNS One of the “Seven Passion Feasts” – celebrated on the the Friday after Ash Wednesday.
The first Feast in honour of the Sacred Crown of Thorns (Festum susceptionis coronae Domini) was instituted at Paris in 1239, when Saint Louis IX of France brought there the Relic of the Crown of Thorns which was deposited later in the Royal Chapel, erected in 1241–1248 to guard this and other Relics of the Passion.
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/16/feast-of-the-sacred-crown-of-thorns-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-friday-after-ash-wednesday/

Notre-Dame de Bolougne-sur-Mer / Our Lady of Bolougne-sur-Mer, France (633) – 20 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/20/our-lady-of-bolougne-sur-mer-france-633-and-memorials-of-the-saints-20-february/

Blessed Amata (c1200-c1254) OSC Virgin, Nun of Assisi
St Bolcan of Derken
St Colgan

St Eleutherius of Tournai (c 456-532) the first Bishop of Tournai, France, Martyr. Confessor.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/20/saint-of-the-day-20-february-saint-eleutherius-of-tournai-c-456-532-bishop-martyr/

St Eucherius of Orleans OSB (c 687-743) Bishop Orléans, Benedictine Monk, Confessor.
About St Eucherius:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/20/saint-of-the-day-20-february-saint-eucherius-of-orleans-c-687-743/

St Falco of Maastricht

St Leo of Catania (c720-789) Bishop, Defender of Sacred Images for which opposition he was forced to flee into exile for some years, Hermit. Born in c720 in Ravenna, Italy and died on 20 February 789 in Etna, Sicily, Italy, natural causes. St Leo was the 15th Bishop of Catania, Sicily, famed for his love and care for the poor, his brave opposition to the iconoclastic Government of the time and for his Miracles.
Courageous St Leo:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/20/saint-of-the-day-20-february-st-leo-of-catania-c720-789-bishop/
St Nemesius of Cyprus

St Nemesius of Cyprus

Blessed Pietro of Treia OFM (1214-1304) Friar of the Friars Minor. Renowned and eloquent Preacher, Mystic and Ecstatic who levitated and experienced visions. Pope Pius VI, on 11 September 1793 approved the cult and Beatified him.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/20/saint-of-the-day-20-february-blessed-pietro-of-treia-ofm-1214-1304/

St Pothamius of Cyprus
St Serapion of Alexandria
St Silvanus of Emesa
St Valerius of Courserans

St Wulfric (c1080-1154) Priest, Penitent, Hermit, Ascetic, Advisor to Kings, gifted with the charism of prophecy and healing, Miracle-worker.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2025/02/20/saint-of-the-day-20-february-st-wulfric-c1080-1154

An Unknon Hermit

St Zenobius of Antioch

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, LENT 2026, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, Thomas Aquinas

Thursday – 19 February – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas – Fasting

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Ash Thursday – 19 February – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), Doctor of the Church

Thursday : Fasting

  1. We fast for three reasons.

(i) To check the desires of the flesh. So St Paul says in fastings, in chastity (2 Cor vi. 5), meaning that fasting is a safeguard for chastity. As St Jerome says, “Without Ceres and Bacchus, Venus would freeze,” as much as to say, lust loses its heat through spareness of food and drink.

(ii) That the mind may more freely raise itself to contemplation of the heights. We read in the book of Daniel that it was after a fast of three weeks that he received the revelation from God (Dan x. 2-4).

(iii) To make satisfaction for sin. This is the reason given by the Prophet Joel, Be converted to me with all your heart, in fasting and in weeping and in mourning (Joel ii. 12). And here is what St Augustine writes on the matter. “Fasting purifies the soul. It lifts up the mind and it brings the body into subjection to the spirit. It makes the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of desire, puts out the flames of lust and shines the true light of chastity.”

  1. There is a commandment laid on us to fast. For fasting helps to destroy sin and to raise the mind to thoughts of the spiritual world. Each man is then bound, by the natural law of the matter, to fast just as much as is necessary to help him in these matters. Which is to say, fasting in general is a matter of natural law. To determine, however, when we shall fast and how, according to what suits and is of use to the Catholic body, is a matter of positive law. To state the positive law is the business of the Bishops and what is thus stated by them is called Ecclesiastical fasting, in contradistinction with the natural fasting previously mentioned.

ST THOMAS AQUINAS (1225-1274)
Priest, Theologian, Dominican
Doctor Angelicus (Angelic Doctor)
Doctor Communis (Common Doctor)
Added by Pope Saint Pius V in 1568

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOMINICAN OP, LENT 2026, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FASTING, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRAYER, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN

Quote/s of the Day – 19 February – Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 19 February –Ash Thursday

“Fasting cleanses the soul,
raises the mind,
subjects one’s flesh to the spirit,
renders the heart contrite and humble,
scatters the clouds of concupiscence,
quenches the fire of lust
and kindles the true light of chastity.
Enter again into yourself!”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

“Arm yourself with prayer
instead of a sword;
be clothed with humility
instead of fine raiment.”

St Dominic OP (1170-1221)

“What great profit you gain from God
when you are generous!
You give a coin
and receive a Kingdom;
you give bread from wheat
and receive the Bread of Life;
you give a transitory good
and receive an everlasting one.
You will receive it back,
a hundred times more
than you offered.”

St Thomas of Villanova (1488-1555)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, LENT 2026, Our MORNING Offering, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on WATCHING, QUOTES on WISDOM, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, Thomas Aquinas

Our Morning Offering – 19 February – Grant Me, My God By St Thomas Aquinas

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 19 February – Ash Thursday

Grant Me, My God
By St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Angelic Doctor, Common Doctor

Make my heart watchful, O God,
so that no vain thoughts may distract it from Thee.
Make it noble,
so that it may never be seduced by any base affection.
Make it steadfast,
so that troubles may not dismay it.
Make it free,
so that it may not yield to the onslaughts of passion.
Grant me, my God,
the intelligence, to understand Thee,
the love, to seek Thee,
the wisdom, to find Thee,
words, to please Thee,
the perseverance, to wait faithfully for Thee
and, the hope of embracing Thee, at last.
Grant that I, a repentant sinner,
may bear Thy chastisements with resignation.
Poor pilgrim which I am,
may I draw on the treasury of Thine grace
and may I one day,
be eternally happy with Thee in Heavenly glory!
Amen.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 19 February – St Zamudas (Died 3rd/4th Century) Bishop of Jerusalem

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Saint of the Day – 19 February – St Zamudas (Died 3rd/4th Century) Bishop of Jerusalem
Also known as –Zambdas, Zabdas, Bazas

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Jerusalem, St Zamudas, Bishop.”

Unknown Bishop

Zamudas was the 37th Bishop of Jerusalem. There are divergent dates on the period of his Episcopate, with some sources placing it between 276 and 283, while one source dates it to as late as 302.

He succeeded Hymenaeus as Bishop. He is connected with the legend of the Theban Legion as being the one who brought them to Christ and Baptised them.

We have little further information on his life.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Ash Thursday, Notre Dame-de-Bonne Nouvelle / Our Lady of Good Tidings, Lempdes, France (1500’s) and the Saints for 19 February

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Ash Thursday : Ferial Day

Notre Dame-de-Bonne Nouvelle / Our Lady of Good Tidings, Lempdes, France (1500’s) – 18 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/19/saint-of-the-day-19-february-blessed-alvarez-of-cordova-op-c-1350-c-1430-priest/

Blessed Alvarez of Cordova OP (c 1350–c 1430) Priest of the Order of Preachers, Confessor, Ascetic, Royal Advisor and Tutor, founder of many Churches and Convents, miracle-worker.
A Zealous and Fruitfil Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/19/saint-of-the-day-19-february-blessed-alvarez-of-cordova-op-c-1350-c-1430-priest/

St Auxibius (Died c102) Bishop.
His Shepherd’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2025/02/19/saint-of-the-day-19-february-saint-auxibius-died-c102-the-1st-bishop-of-soloi-on-the-island-of-cyprus/

St Baoithin

St Barbatus of Benevento (c610-682) “Apostle of the South” Bishop of Benevento, Preacher, Reformer, Confessor.
About St Barbatus:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/19/saint-of-the-day-19-february-st-barbatus-of-benevento-c-610-682-apostle-of-the-south/

St Beatus
St Belina
St Boniface of Lausanne
St Conon of Alexandria

St Conrad of Piacenza TOSF (c 1290-1351) Hermit, Pilgrim and Penitent, Member of the Third Order of St Francis.
The Life of St Conrad:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/19/saint-of-the-day-19-february-st-con

St Mansuetus of Milan (Died c685) Archbishop of Milan, Confessor, an active Defender of the Faith against heresy. Born in Rome and died in Milan in c685 of natural causes.
Holy Shepherd Manseuetus:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/19/saint-of-the-day-19-february-saint-mansuetus-of-milan-died-c685-archbishop-of-milan-and-confessor/

St Odran
St Proclus of Bisignano

St Quodvultdeus (Died c450) Bishop, Confessor, Father of the Church, Writer and Theologian, spiritual student, friend and correspondent of St Augustine, who dedicated some of his works to St Quodvultdeus. Name Meaning – “What God wants.”
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Naples, deposition of St Quodvultdeus, Bishop of Carthage, who was sent into exile together with his clergy by the Arian king Genseric and placed on disused ships without sails or oars. Against all hope he landed in Naples, where he died. Confessor of the faith.”
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/19/saint-of-the-day-19-february-saint-quodvultdeus-died-c-450-f/

St Valerius of Antibes
St Zamudas (Died 3rd/4th Century) Bishop of Jerusalem

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, LENT, LENT 2026, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on SUFFERING, Thomas Aquinas

Ash Wednesday – 18 February – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas Begins

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Ash Wednesday – 18 February – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), Doctor of the Church

Ash Wednesday : Death

“By one man sin entered into this world and by sin death.” – Romans v. 12.

  1. If for some wrongdoing a man is deprived of some benefit once given to him, that he should lack that benefit is the punishment of his sin.

Now, in man’s first creation he was divinely endowed with this advantage that, as long as his mind remained subject to God, the lower powers of his soul were subjected to the reason and the body was subjected to the soul.

But because by sin man’s mind moved away from its subjection to God, it followed that the lower parts of his mind ceased to be wholly subjected to the reason. From this there followed such a rebellion of the bodily inclination against the reason, that the body was no longer wholly subject to the soul.

Whence followed death and all the bodily defects. For life and wholeness of body are bound up with this, that the body is wholly subject to the soul, as a thing which can be made perfect is subject to that which makes it perfect. So it comes about that, conversely, there are such things as death, sickness and every other bodily defect, for such misfortunes are bound up with an incomplete subjection of body to soul.

  1. The rational soul is of its nature immortal and, therefore, death is not natural to man insofar as man has a soul. It is natural to his body, for the body, since it is formed of things contrary to each other in nature, is necessarily liable to corruption and, it is in this respect, that death is natural to man.

But God who fashioned man is all powerful. And hence, by an advantage conferred on the first man, He took away that necessity of dying which was bound up with the matter of which man was made. This advantage was, however, withdrawn through the sin of our first parents.

Death is then natural, if we consider the matter of which man is made and it is a penalty, inasmuch as it happens through the loss of the privilege whereby man was preserved from dying.

  1. Sin – Original Sin and actual sin – is taken away by Christ, that is to say, by Him Who is also the remover of all bodily defects. He shall quicken also your mortal bodies because of His Spirit Who dwelleth in you (Romams viii. II).

But, according to the order appointed by a wisdom which is Divine, it is at the time which best suits, when Christ takes away both the one and the other, i.e., both sin and bodily defects.

Now it is only right that, before we arrive at that glory of impassibility and immortality which began in Christ and which was acquired for us through Christ, we should be shaped after the pattern of Christ’s sufferings.
It is then only right that Christ’s liability to suffer should remain in us too, for a time, as a means of our coming to the impassibility of glory in the way He himself came to it.

ST THOMAS AQUINAS (1225-1274)
Priest, Theologian, Dominican
Doctor Angelicus (Angelic Doctor)
Doctor Communis (Common Doctor)
Added by Pope Saint Pius V in 1568

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on FASTING, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on PRAYER

Quote/s of the Day – 18 Februaryr – Ash Wednesday – Prayer, Fasting and Mercy

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Quote/s of the Day – 18 Februaryr – Ash Wednesday

Prayer, Fasting and Mercy
St Peter Chrysologus (c400-450)
Bishop of Ravenna
“Doctor of Homilies”
Father and Doctor of the Church

“There are three things, my brethren, by which faith stands firm, devotion remains constant and virtue endures. They are prayer, fasting and mercy. Prayer knocks at the door, fasting obtains, mercy receives. Prayer, mercy and fasting: these three are one and they give life to each other.

Fasting is the soul of prayer, mercy is the lifeblood of fasting. Let no-one try to separate them; they cannot be separated. If you have only one of them, or not all together, you have nothing. So if you pray, fast; if you fast, show mercy; if you want your petition to be heard, hear the petition of others. If you do not close your ear to others you open God’s ear to yourself.

When you fast, see the fasting of others. If you want God to know that you are hungry, know that another is hungry. If you hope for mercy, show mercy. If you look for kindness, show kindness. If you want to receive, give. If you ask for yourself, that which you deny to others, your asking is a mockery.

Let this be the pattern for all men when they practice mercy – show mercy to others in the same way, with the same generosity, with the same promptness, as you wish others to show mercy to you.

Therefore, let prayer, mercy and fasting be one single plea to God on our behalf, one speech in our defence, a threefold united prayer in our favour.” – (An excerpt from his Sermon 43)

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, LENT, LENT 2026, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 18 February – The Glory of These Forty Days By St Gregory the Great

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Our Morning Offering – 18 February – Ash Wednesday

The Glory of These Forty Days
By St Gregory the Great (540-604)
Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church

The glory of these forty days
we celebrate with songs of praise,
for Christ, by Whom all things were made,
Himself has fasted and has prayed.

Alone and fasting Moses saw
the loving God Who gave the law.
And to Elijah, fasting, came
the steed and chariots of flame.

So Daniel trained his mystic sight,
delivered from the lion’s might.
And John, the Saviour’s friend, became
the herald of Messiah’s Name.

Then grant, O God, that we may, too,
return in fast and prayer to Thee.
Our spirits strengthen with Thy grace
and give us joy to see Thine Face.

( Translator: Maurice F Bell 1862-1947)

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 18 February – Saint Angilbert (c750-814) Abbot

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Saint of the Day – 18 February – Saint Angilbert (c750-814) Abbot of Saint-Riquier at Centula, Poet, Official, Advisor and close friend at the Court of Charlemagne, Count of Ponthieu. He married Charlemagne’s daughter but by mutual consent both entered the Religious Life. Born in Aachen, Kingdom of the Franks [now in Germany] around 750 and died on 18 February 814 at the Monastery at Centula, Picardy, France. Also known as – Angilbert of Saint-Riquier, Angilberto…Enghelberto…Homer… (this latter name relates to his great talent as a Poet).

Angilbert, born into a noble family, became an important figure at Charlemagne’s Court. Educated at the Court by the great St Alcuin, he became the Emperor’s friend, confidant, advisor and secretary.

In 781, when the young Pepin was crowned King of Italy, Angilbert became his Attaché, with the title of Primicerius (Chief Administrator) of the Palace. Later, he was named Count of Ponthieu and Abbot of Saint-Riquier.

Angilbert led a dissolute life and fell in love with Princess Bertha, Charlemagne’s daughter. The two had two children, Armida and Nithard. Charlemagne, who was not a paragon of morality, did not at first allow the two lovers to marry but granted Angilbert the commendation of the Abbey of Saint-Riquier.

Abbey of Saint-Riquier

After a serious illness and a victory over the Danes, Angilbert decided to embrace Religious life. He became a Priest and then Abbot of Saint-Riquier.

In 792, Angilbert brought Felix, Bishop of Urgel, condemned for heresy, to Rome. In 794, he submitted the “Carolingian Books” to the Pope which reiterated the condemnation of iconoclasm. In 796, he presented to the Pope, part of the treasures captured by the Frankish army.

After his last mission to Rome, Angilbert retired to his Abbey, where he devoted himself to religious life and the reconstruction of the building.

In 800, Angilbert followed Charlemagne to Rome for his Coronation as Emperor.

Angilbert died on18 February 814, 22 days after Charlemagne’s death. He was buried before the main door of the Basilica of Saint-Riquier. In 1100, Pope Paschal II Canonised him.

St Angilbert Statue at Abbey of Saint-Riquier
Posted in LENT 2026, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Ash Wednesday +2025 – Obligatory FAST and ABSTINENCE, Notre-Dame de Laon / Our Lady of Laon, Rheims, France (500), St Simeon of Jerusalem, Martyr, St Bernadette, Virgin and the Saints for 18 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Ash Wednesday +2025 – Obligatory FAST and ABSTINENCE,

Notre-Dame de Laon / Our Lady of Laon, Rheims, France (500), founded by St Remigius – 18 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/18/our-lady-of-laon-rheims-france-500-and-memorials-of-the-saints-18-february/

St Simeon of Jerusalem (Died c 106) Martyr, Bishop of Jerusalem, Cousin of Jesus. Son of Cleopas, was a Jewish Christian leader and the second Bishop of Jerusalem (62 or 70–106).
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/18/saint-of-the-day-18-february-st-simeon-died-c-106-martyr/

St Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879) of Lourdes – Virgin, The Visionary of Lourdes, Consecrated Religious. Born on 7 January 1844 at Lourdes, Hautes-Pyrénées, France and died on 16 April 1879, Nevers, Nièvre, France of natural causes, aged 35. Her Body is incorrupt and is on display in Nevers, France.
She was Canonised on 8 December 1933 by Pope Pius XI.
St Bernadette!
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/04/16/saint-of-the-day-16-april-saint-bernadette-soubirous-1844-1879/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/18/saint-of-the-day-18-february-st-bernadette-soubirous-1844-1879-virgin/

St Esuperia of Vercelli
St Ethelina

St Flavian (Died 449) Martyr, Archbishop of Constantinople, Confessor, Defender of the Christ’s two natures, both divine and human.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/18/saint-of-the-day-18-february-st-flavian-of-constantinople-died-449-martyr/

Blessed John of Fiesole/Fra Angelico OP – The Angelic Friar Giovanni (1387-1455)
The Artist:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/18/saint-of-the-day-18-february-blessed-john-of-fiesole-fra-angelico-o-p-1387-1455/

Saint Angilbert (c750-814) Abbot Saint-Riquier at Centula

St Gertrude Caterina Comensoli

St Helladius (c566-633) Bishop and Confessor, Archbishop of Tiledo for 18 years, Abbot before that, Apostle of the poor and needy. Born in c566 in Toledo, Spain and died there in 632 of natural causes. For his charity towards the poor, he was called “A Sun which Illuminates the Darkness.” Also known as – Eladio, Eladius, Elladio, Heladio.
“A Sun which Illuminates the Darkness.”
https://anastpaul.com/2025/02/18/saint-of-the-day-18-february-st-helladius-c566-633-bishop-and-confessor-a-sun-which-illuminates-the-darkness/

Almsgiving of Saint Helladius (Eladius), oil painting by Francisco Bayeu c1770.

Bl John Pibush – one of the Martyrs of Douai
St Leo of Patera
St Paregorius of Patara
St Sadoth of Seleucia
St Tarasius of Constantinople

St Theotonius OSC (1082-1162) Priest of the Canons Regular, Reformer of religious life in Portugal, Royal Counsellor,, Apostle of the poor, Founder of the Canons Regular of the Holy Cross, now known as “The Crosiers.” He is the first Portuguese Saint.
His Life Story:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/18/saint-of-the-day-18-february-saint-theotinius-1082-1162/

Bl William Harrington

Martyrs of North Africa – 7 Saints: Group of Christians who were Martyred together, date unknown. We know nothing else but seven of their names – Classicus, Fructulus, Lucius, Maximus, Rutulus, Secundinus and Silvanus.
They were born and martyred in North Africa.

Martyrs of Rome – 5 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know nothing else but their names – Alexander, Claudius, Cutias, Maximus and Praepedigna. They were martyred in 295 in Rome, Italy.

Posted in CARMELITES, LENT 2026, NOVENAS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY FACE

Lenten Preparation Novena to the Holy Face, The Ninth Day – 17 February, Shrove Tuesday

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Preparation Novena
in Reparation to the Holy Face
Day Nine

“All those who, attracted by My Love and venerating My Countenance, shall receive, by virtue of My Humanity, a brilliant and vivid impression of My Divinity. This splendour shall enlighten the depths of their souls, so that in eternal glory the celestial court shall marvel at the marked likeness of their features, with My Divine Countenance.” … Our Lord Jesus Christ to St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)

(Console the Holy Face

and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer) below.

DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER

O Most Holy and Blessed Trinity,
through the intercession of Holy Mary,
whose soul was pierced through
by a sword of sorrow
at the sight of the Passion of her Divine Son,
we ask Thy help,
in making a perfect Novena of Reparation with Jesus,
united with all His sorrows, love and total abandonment.
We now implore all the Angels and Saints
to intercede for us as we pray this Holy Novena
to the Most Holy Face of Jesus
and for the glory of the most Holy Trinity,
Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen

THE NINTH DAY
Psalm 50:18-19:
For in sacrifice Thou take no delight,
burnt offering Thou wouldst refuse.
A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit,
a contrite and humble heart, O God,
Thou wilt not despise.

Sacred Face of our Lord and our God,
what words can we say
to express our gratitude?
How can we speak of our joy?
That Thou hast deigned to hear us,
that Thou hast chosen to answer us
in our hour of need.
We say this because we know,
that our prayers will be granted.
We know that Thou,
in Thy loving kindness,
listen to our pleading hearts
and will give, out of Thy fullness,
the answer to our prayers.

Mary, our Mother,
thank you for your intercession on our behalf.
Saint Joseph, thank you for your prayers.

Through the merits of your precious blood
and your Holy Face, O Jesus,
grant us our petition………………
Pardon and mercy.
Amen.

Prayer to the Holy Face
By St Thérèse of the Child Jesus
and the Holy Face (1873-1897)

O Jesus, Who, in Thy cruel Passion
didst become, the ‘reproach of men
and the Man of Sorrows,’
I worship Thy divine Face.
Once it shone with the beauty
and sweetness of the Divinity
but now, for my sake,
it is become as ‘the face of a leper.’
Yet, in that disfigured Countenance,
I recognise Thy infinite love
and I am consumed with the desire
of making Thee loved by all mankind.
The tears that flowed so abundantly
from Thy Eyes are, to me,
as precious pearls which I delight to gather,
that with their worth,
I may ransom the souls of poor sinners.
O Jesus, Whose Face is the sole beauty
which ravishes my heart,
I may not see, here below,
the sweetness of Thy glance,
nor feel the ineffable tenderness of Thy kiss,
I bow to Thy Will—but I pray Thee,
to imprint in me, Thy divine likeness
and I implore Thee,
so to inflame me with Thy love,
that it may quickly consume me
and that I may soon reach the vision
of Thy glorious Face in Heaven.
Amen.

Pray (1) Our Father, three (3) Hail Marys, one (1) Glory Be

O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine,
be every Adoration Thine
(Three times)

Posted in The HOLY FACE

Quote/s of the Day – 17 February – The 8 Promises of Jesus to Those Who Honour His Holy Face

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Quote/s of the Day – 17 February – The Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus

The Eight Promises of Jesus
To Those Who Honour His Holy Face

  1. All those who honour My Face in a spirit of reparation, will by so doing, perform the office of the pious Veronica. According to the care they take in making reparation to My Face, disfigured by blasphemers, so will I take care of their souls which have been disfigured by sin. My Face is the seal of the Divinity, which has the virtue of reproducing in souls, the image of God.
  2. Those, who by words, prayers or writing, defend My cause in this Work of Reparation, I will defend before My Father and will give them My Kingdom.
  3. By offering My Face to My Eternal Father, nothing will be refused and the conversion of many sinners will be obtained.
  4. By My Holy Face, they will work wonders, appease the anger of God and draw down mercy on sinners.
  5. As in a kingdom, they can procure all that is desired with a coin stamped with the King’s effigy, so, in the Kingdom of Heaven, they will obtain all they desire, with the precious coin of My Holy Face.
  6. Those who, on earth, contemplate the wounds of My Face shall, in Heaven, behold it radiant with glory.
  7. They will receive in their souls, a bright and constant irradiation of My Divinity, that by their likeness to My Face, they shall shine with particular splendour in Heaven.
  8. I will defend them, I will preserve them and I assure them of Final Perseverance.
Posted in "Follow Me", ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, The HOLY FACE, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 17 February – ‘Receive Christ, receive power to see …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 17 February– “The Month of the Most Blessed Trinity” – Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus – Shrove Tuesday – Ferial Day –1 Corinthians 13:1-13 – Luke 18:31-43 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And immediately he saw and followed him, glorifying God.” – Luke 18:43

REFLECTION – “The commandment of the Lord shines clearly, enlightening the eyes. Receive Christ, receive power to see, receive your Light, that you may plainly recognise both God and man. More delightful than gold and precious stones, more desirable than honey and the honeycomb is the Word that has enlightened us. How could He not be desirable, Who illumined minds buried in darkness and endowed, with clear vision “the light-bearing eyes” of the soul? Sing His praises, then, Lord and make known to me Your Father, Who is God. Your Word will save me, Your song instruct me. I have gone astray in my search for God but now that You light my path, Lord, I find God through You and receive the Father from You, I become co-heir with You, since You were not ashamed to own me as Your brother. Let us, then, shake off forgetfulness of Truth, shake off the mist of ignorance and darkness that dims our eyes and contemplate the true God, after first raising this song of praise to Him: “All hail, O light!” For upon us, buried in darkness, imprisoned in the shadow of death, a heavenly Light has shone, a Light of a clarity surpassing the sun’s and of a sweetness, exceeding any this earthly life can offer.” – St Clement of Alexandria (c150-c215) Theologian, Philosopher , Father (Exhortation to the Greeks, 11).

PRAYER – O Lord, we beseech Thee, mercifully hear our prayers; loose us from the chains of our sins and keep us from all adversity. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

An Aspiration to the Eternal Father
to be Frequently Recited During the Day …

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Holy Face of Jesus,
covered with blood, sweat, dust and spittle,
in reparation for our sins
and the sins of the whole world.

Posted in LENT 2026, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MARIAN TITLES, Our MORNING Offering, St Alphonsus de Liguori,, St JOSEPH

Our Morning Offering – 17 February – My Beloved Redeemer, Prayer for the Flight into Egypt By St Alphonsus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 17 February – Feast of the Flight into Egypt

My Beloved Redeemer
Prayer for the Flight into Egypt (Excerpt)
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Doctor of the Church

My beloved Redeemer,
I have many times driven Thee out of my soul
but now I hope, that Thou
have again taken possession of it.
I beseech Thee,
do Thou bind it to Thyself
with the sweet chains of Thy love.
Oh, do Thou make Thyself loved,
make Thyself loved by all the sinners
who persecute Thee,
give them light,
make them know the love
Thou hast borne them
and the love Thou deserves,
since Thou goes wandering over the earth
as a poor Infant,
weeping and trembling with cold
and seeking souls to love Thee!
O Mary, most holy Virgin,
O dearest Mother
and companion of the sufferings of Jesus,
do thou help me always
to carry and preserve thy Son
in my heart,
in life and in death!
Amen.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 17 February – St Theodulus (Died 309) Martyr of Caesarea

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 17 February – St Theodulus (Died 309) Martyr of Caesarea in Palestine. He confessed Christ with great constancy and love and was granted the grace of dying as his Master had done.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Caesarea in Palestine, Theodulus, an aged man in the service of the Governor, Firmilian, Moved by the example of the Martyrs, he confessed Christ with constancy, was fastened to a cross and thus by a noble victory, merited the Palm of Martyrdom.”

Gero Cross, late 10th Century, Cologne Cathedral, Germany

Theodulus was a member of the household of the governor of Palestine. When the governor learned of Theodulus’s Christianity, he ordered his execution.