Saint Theophilus of Bulgaria, was a Benedictine monk and confessor. Originally from Bulgaria, he joined a monastery in Asia Minor and was an outspoken opponent of the imperial policies of lconoclasticism. For this he was sent into exile by Emperor Leo III the Isaurian, and was brutally mistreated.
Original design of the St Benedict medal
In accord with the emperor’s orders, the saint was subjected to beatings and led through the city tied up like a criminal. The emperor then gave Theophilus over into the charge of the official, Hypatius, who tried repeatedly to compel Theophilus to accept the Iconoclastic heresy. Theophilus remained steadfast in the Faith, and Hypatius converted instead. Because of this, Hypatius gained the emperor’s permission to set the saint free.
Theophilus died in 750.
Leo III the Isaurian
Leo III the Isaurian was described as ‘Islamic minded’.
Matka Boża Różańcowa / Our Lady of the Rosary, Krakow, Poland (1600s) – First Sunday of October, 2 October:
In the Dominican Basilica of the Trinity in Cracow is a large Chapel dedicated to the Mother of God of the Rosary. The icon on its main Altar, crowned on 2 October 1921, is a copy of the ancient Salus Populi Romani (Health of the Roman People) image in the Basilica of St Mary Major of the Snows in Rome — the icon Pope Gregory the Great carried in procession to end the plague of 597. During the Battle of Lepanto (7 October 571), when ships of a coalition of Christian countries routed the Turkish navy off Greece, Pope Pius V prayed the Rosary with a large group of faithful before the Roman icon. The old image thus became associated with the newer devotion of the Rosary and with saving Europe from Ottoman rule.
Churches throughout Catholic Europe were dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary and copies of the Salus Populi Romani proliferated. Cardinal Maciejowski brought such a copy from Rome to Cracow in 1600. The image played a part in the “Polish Lepanto” in 1621, when at Khotyn, Ukraine (then Chocim, Poland) an allied force of Poles, Lithuanians and Ukrainians faced a Turkish army twice its size. On 3 October, the Bishop of Krakow led an hours-long Rosary procession with the holy icon. The entire population joined in. When the Turks gave up their attack and signed a treaty, Our Lady of the Rosary gained another victory. Her feast is celebrated in Krakow on the first Sunday of October.
The Swedish deluge contributed to the destruction of the original image of the Mother of God. T he cult, however, was so strong that a copy of the previous painting was quickly funded. The present one comes from the 50s and 60s of the 17th century. Numerous votive offerings made on the occasion of receiving favours have also survived from that time. The oldest exhibited in the Church are dated to 1703, the older ones are in the Archdiocese Museum. The love for the Blessed Mother is also evidenced by the silver dress donated in the 1770s by the Działyński family,and the sceptre of Our Lady of the “Pious Gregory of Pierzchno” foundation at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries.
St Alfonso del Rio St Andrea Ximenez
St Beregisius St Eleutherius of Nicomedia Bl Georges-Edme René St Gerinus
St Leudomer St Maria Antonina Kratochwil St Modesto of Sardinia St Saturius of Soria St Theophilus of Bulgaria St Thomas de Cantilupe of Hereford (c 1218-1282) Bishop St Ursicinus II — Martyred in Antioch, Syria: Martyred in one of the early persecutions, date unknown. St Cyril of Antioch St Primus of Antioch St Secundarius of Antioch
Martyred in Nagasaki, Japan: A husband, wife and two sons, who were all martyred together in the persecutions in Japan. They were beheaded on 2 October 1622 in Nagasaki, Japan and Beatified by Pope Pius IX on 7 May 1867. • Blessed Andreas Yakichi • Blessed Franciscus Yakichi • Blessed Lucia Yakichi • Blessed Ludovicus Yakichi
Martyred in the Spanish Civil War: • Blessed Elías Carbonell Molla • Blessed Enrique Sáiz-Aparicio • Blesssed Felipe González de Heredia Barahona • Blessed Francisco Carceller Galindo • Blessed Isidoro Bover Oliver • Blessed Juan Carbonell Molla • Blessed Juan Iñiguez de Ciriano Abechuco • Blessed Manuel Borrajo Míguez • Blessed María Francisca Ricart Olmos • Blessed Mateu Garrolera Masferrer • Blessed Pedro Artolozaga Mellique • Blessed Pedro Salcedo Puchades
One Minute Reflection – 2 October – The Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels, Readings: Ps 102:20, Ps 102:1, Exod 23:20-23, Matt 18:1-10
If you heed his voice and carry out all I tell you, I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foe, and My Angel will go before you.
Exod 23:20-23
REFLECTION – Come, Lord Jesus, seek your servant; seek your weary sheep; come, my shepherd… While you delay on the mountains, see! your sheep is straying. So leave the ninety-nine that are safe in hand and come, look for the one that has strayed. Come, without seeking a helper, without making yourself known; it is you I am waiting for now. Take no whip; take up your love. Come with the gentleness of your Spirit. Don’t hesitate to leave the ninety-nine that belong to you on the mountains: wolves cannot reach the heights where you have set them. Come to me who have strayed far away from the flocks on high, for you had set me up there, too, but the night wolves made me leave your sheepfolds.
Seek me, Lord, since my prayer seeks you. Seek me, find me, take me up, carry me! He whom you seek, you can find; he whom you find, stoop to take up; and he whom you take up, set on your shoulders. This burden of your love is never a load for you and you unwearyingly make of yourself the toll-keeper of justice. So come, Lord, since, if it is true that I stray, yet “I do not forget your word” and still keep hoping for relief. Come, Lord, for you alone are still able to call your lost sheep and will cause no harm to those you will be leaving behind. They, too, will be happy to see the sinner return. Come! There will be redemption on earth and rejoicing in heaven.
Do not send your menservants, do not send hirelings: come and look for your sheep yourself. Take me up in that flesh that fell with Adam. By this act acknowledge in me, not the child of Eve but the son of Mary, pure virgin, virgin by grace, without stain of sin. Then carry me even to your cross, salvation of the straying, only rest for the weary, sole life of all who die.
St Ambrose
PRAYER – Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits thee here. Ever this day, be at my side, to light, to guard, to rule, to guide. Amen.
In every lodging, at every corner, have reverence for thy Angel. Do not dare to do in his presence what you would not dare to do, if I were there. Or do you doubt that he is present whom you do not behold? What if you should hear him? What if you should touch him? What if you should scent him? Remember, that the presence of something is not proved only by the sight of things.
St Bernard
God is humanity’s universal Teacher and Guardian but His Teaching to humanity is mediated by Angels.
St Thomas Aquinas
When tempted, invoke your Angel. He is more eager to help you than you are to be helped! Ignore the devil and do not be afraid of him; he trembles and flees at the sight of your Guardian Angel.
St John Bosco
See, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared. Give heed to him and hearken to his voice. Do not rebel against him, for he will not forgive your sin. My authority is within him.
Exodus 23:20-21
Beside each believer stands an Angel as protector and shepherd, leading him to life.
St Basil the Great
What joy it is to know that when we go out of the house, we are never alone en route.
AN EXHORTATION TO THE LOVE AND HONOUR OF THE HOLY ANGELS
The science of the sage, says the Holy Ghost, is like in its abundance to an inundation of waters : for, as the land is sometimes overspread by the swelling of the sea over its boundaries—so the mind of a Christian is sometimes so penetrated with the lights of faith, that it is absorbed in wonder and amazement. This assertion is fully verified in the knowledge which revelation gives of the Holy angels. However slightly we consider what it teaches of them, we discover so many and such powerful reasons to love these blessed Spirits, that we cannot refuse to do so.
All possible motives concur in pressing you to love these Spirits of love. If you regard God, you must love his Angels; if you regard yourself, you must love the Angels. Pure love commands it— interested love requires it—God alone wishes it— the holy Virgin and all the Saints desire it. If you live to God alone, you must be devout to the Angels; even though you still live to nature, you must love these blessed Spirits. We are differently affected—some are attracted by honours, some by riches, and others by pleasure. If pleasure attract you, these blessed Spirits can procure it for you, for they are placed at the source of eternal joy. If you wish to have the interest of the mighty, there is nothing in created being more powerful than the angelic nature. If you sigh after greatness, know that these peers of the celestial realms procure for their clients the sceptre of immortal honour and the diadem of unfading glory.
Ah! how different are the dispositions of the Angels, compared with those of the great ones of this earth! These wish to reign alone, whereas the highest ambition of those princes of love is to share their thrones with us, that we may partake in their felicity. If you are captivated by beauty, learn that the Angels are beautiful beyond description, and that their beauty is not subject to decay. Besides, the love and constancy of these amiable friends are incomparable ; the former includes every species of love—the latter is so great that whatever ingratitude we evince towards them, they seem to overlook it, incessantly watching over all that concerns us, defending us against our enemies, and rendering us every service. If you are of those souls who act by the movements of grace, and live to God alone, you must love the Angels. If the motive of the will of God influence you, you must be devout to them, since these blessed Spirits are the objects of his complacency and the masterpieces of his love.
If the kings of the earth were willing to receive you into their friendship, surely you would not refuse it. Now, consider that it depends on yourself to form an eternal alliance with the heavenly Princes, and by their influence to be one day crowned with them in the celestial empire.
Love the Angels, apostolic men ! for they are the missionaries of paradise.
Love the Angels, preachers of the world, they are profoundly skilled in the science of eternity.
Love the Angels, priests! for it is by their ministry the divine oblation is made.
Love the Angels, religious ! those admirable spirits are always retired in God.
Love the Angels, seculars ! those good intelligences pity you in the dangers to which you are continually exposed.
Love the Angels, married persons! the succour afforded Tobias by the Archangel Raphael, evinces the care of your state.
Love the Angels, widows and orphans! they are indefatigable in providing for persons in distress.
Love the Angels, virgins; again I say to you, love the Angels ! they are great friends of virginity, being charmed to see frail mortals live on earth as they live in heaven.
Love the Angels, just souls ! they are infallible guides in the way to God
Love the Angels, sinners ! they will obtain your pardon.
Love the Angels, afflicted souls! they are the consolation of the miserable, and the help of the distressed.
Love the Angels, ye rich and great! they will teach you that nothing is worth regarding but eternity.
Love the Seraphim, O men! they are the princes of pure love.
Love the Cherubim, they are skilled in the science of the saints.
Love the Thrones, they patronize peace of heart and tranquillity of soul.
Love the Dominations, they will teach you the art of self-government.
Love the Virtues,they are masters in the school of perfection.
Love the Powers, they are your defence.
Love the Principalities, they preside over states and kingdoms.
Love the Archangels, they are zealous for your wellbeing, and obtain for you a thousand benedictions.
Love the Angels, they are celestial stars, whose influence we oftener feel, because placed nearer to this nether sphere.
Henceforward be all love for those blessed spirits, who so ardently love you. Bless them, my God! those who are devout to your Angels. Bless those who on reading this poor little work will give themselves to this devotion. Bless them with the benedictions of the just, making them walk in your ways. Bless them with the benediction of Abraham, the spirit of sacrifice—with the benediction of Isaac, the spirit of conformity— with the spirit of Jacob, the spirit of lively faith Bless them -with the benediction of the elect. Bless them with the benediction of the Angels, making them sharers in your neverending joys ! Great and august Queen of Paradise, bless them with your protection that, being all united in seeking the interest of God alone, God alone may reign in their hearts for ever. Amen.
Day Five – We Pray for Purity of Heart and our personal intention:
The Ever-Virgin Mary was and remains pure in charity, chastity and love of truth and orthodoxy of faith. And that purity is divine because it is inspired by God! Each of us benefits from the purity of Mary, regardless of how difficult it is to be pure in charity, chastity and right belief, IT IS POSSIBLE… We WILL be pure when we adopt the attitude of Our Blessed Lady and seek the divine purity that even yet radiates from Her. By abandoning ourselves to God as she did, we open ourselves to fresh opportunities of achieving purity. (The Virtue of Purity: An Undivided Heart by Msgr Charles M Mangan)
To Our most holy Mother. To you do we pray first with heartfelt thanks for your YES to the Father. Grant us your guidance and assistance to become as pure as you are.
Daily Prayer along with our Daily Rosary:
My dearest Mother Mary, behold me, your child, in prayer at your feet. Accept this Holy Rosary, which I offer you in accordance with your requests at Fatima, as a proof of my tender love for you, for the intentions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in atonement for the offenses committed against your Immaculate Heart and for this special favour which I earnestly request in my Rosary Novena: ………………………….. (Mention your request).
I beg you to present my petition to your Divine Son. If you will pray for me, I cannot be refused. I know, dearest Mother, that you want me to seek God’s holy Will concerning my request. If what I ask for should not be granted, pray that I may receive that which will be of greater benefit to my soul.
I offer you this spiritual Bouquet of Roses because I love you. I put all my confidence in you, since your prayers before God are most powerful. For the greater glory of God and for the sake of Jesus, your loving Son, hear and grant my prayer. Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation.
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for our Holy Mother Church and for our country.
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love.
Sweet Heart of Mary, at the hour of my death, lead me home.
Blessed Ralph Crockett & Blessed Edward James were priest martyrs in England, and two of the Martyrs of Douai.
Ralph Crockett was born at Barton, near Farndon, Cheshire in 1522. He was educated at Christ’s College, Cambridge, and then became a schoolmaster in Norfolk for a year before going to Gloucester Hall, Oxford. After a year, he went to Ipswich, where he was a schoolmaster for five years. In 1581, persecutions increased after the death of Edmund Campion, so he withdrew to Cheshire for about two years. In 1584, he left for France, and began studies at the English College then located at Rheims. He was ordained at Rheims in 1585, and continued his studies for a year, but his health being compromised, he asked to return to England. He and three other priests, Thomas Bramston, George Potter, and Edward James, left from Dieppe, but the ship ran ashore 19 April 1586 at Littlehampton, Sussex.
Ralph and Edward, with two others, John Oven and Francis Edwardes, were selected for trial, which took place at Chichester on 30 September 1588. Crockett, James and Edwardes were condemned to death, under the Jesuits, etc. Act 1584, for being priests and coming into the realm; but Oven on taking the Oath of Supremacy was respited.
On1 October 1588. Ralph ascended the scaffold and blessed the crowd in Latin which brought shouts of anger upon him, however he changed into praying in English whereupon the crowd cheered. He and Edward faced their deaths without fear and were executed after absolving each other.
His father Adam, in his later years entered the Catholic Church on the Continent and his descendants remained recusant and continued to practise their Catholic faith in the face of continued persecution.
In 1929 Ralph was beatified by Pope Pius XI.
Edward James was born at Barton, Breaston, near Long Eaton, Derbyshire. He was educated at Derby School, St John’s College, Oxford, the English college at Rheims and the Venerable English College at Rome. In October 1579, he and William Filby sailed from Dover for Calais. The following August, Edward and ten others travelled to the English College, Rome. In October 1583, James was ordained as a priest in Rome by Bishop Thomas Goldwell, the last survivor of the English bishops who had refused to accept the Protestant Revolution.
In early February 1586, James left Rheims for the mission, accompanied by Stephen Rowsham who had been banished from England the year before. They met up with Ralph Crockett in Dieppe. He was captured on board a ship at Littlehampton, Sussex, on 19 April 1586, with three other priests, Thomas Bramston, George Potter, and his fellow martyr, Ralph Crockett, and they were charged with being Catholic priests and coming into the realm of England contrary to an Act of Parliament of 1584. All four were sent to London and put in prison there on 27 April 1586, where they remained for more than two years without trial.
Ralph Crockett, Edward James, John Oven and Francis Edwardes, were sent for trial at Chichester on 30 September 1588. All four were condemned to death for being priests and entering England, but Oven then took the Oath of Supremacy, in accordance with the Act of Supremacy 1559, and was reprieved. On 1 October 1588, the other three were drawn on a hurdle to Broyle Heath, near Chichester, where Edwardes recanted and was also reprieved. Crockett and James continued to refuse to recant and to take the oath.
He was beatified by Pope Pius XI.
What a difference between the death of the sinner and the death of the just man! This same difference is found in their lives. The life of the sinner has been sweet and pleasant, but his end is bitter and terrible. The life of the just man has been filled with trials and sacrifices, but his end is sweet and peaceful. That which made up the happiness of the sinner during life is his torment at death, but that which made up the pain and suffering of the just man during life is his happiness and consolation at death. The death of the sinner brings an end to the goods and pleasures of time, and plunges him into the evils and sufferings of eternity. The death of the just man brings an end to the evils and sufferings of time, and bids him enter into the goods and pleasures of eternity. What a difference between the death of the sinner and the death of the just man. Which death do you choose?
Madonna di Valverde, / Our Lady of Valverde di Rezzato, Italy (1399 and 1711) – 1 October:
The Sanctuary of the Madonna di Valverde, belonging to the Parish of San Giovanni Battista di Rezzato Diocese of Brescia, is located in Valverde, at the foot of the Botticino and Serle hills. The Sanctuary was born in the places of the apparitions of 1399, the only one in history where both the Madonna and her Divine Son, Jesus Christ, the Saviour aooeared with His Mother and the second Marian Apparition of 1711.
For over six centuries the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Valverde has been a destination of pilgrimages from all over the north of Italy and is, above al,l in the heart of the community of Rezzato – Virle, which every year, on the Feast of St Anna on 26 July, recalls, with a solemn historical procession, the miracle of the apparitions.
In 1399, more than six hundred years ago, during the ploughing work in a field near Valverde, the oxen pulling the plough stopped and bent their knees. A man in a red robe and a blue mantle (Christ) appeared to the worker who guided them and ordered him to throw the three loaves that he kept in his saddlebag into the nearby pond. The peasant got ready to obey the order but was held back by the Apparition of the Madonna who advised him to return to beg the Lord, to revoke the order just given. If the three loaves had touched the waters of the lake, three scourges would have been unleashed (famine, plague and war) with which Christ intended to punish men for their impiety. Jesus, by the insistence of tHis Holy Mother, consented to the peasant’s plea and agreed that only one of the loaves need be thrown into the water and, therefore, only the scourge of the epidemic would spread throughout the area. Our Lady recommended to the peasant to announce to everyone, what he had seen with his own eyes, exhorting men to repent and to approach faith and the Sacraments again.
A Chapel was first built near the lake, then, in the early seventeenth century, a large and beautifully decorated Sanctuary followed.
St Thérèse of Lisieux/St Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face/The Little Flower OCD (1873 – 1897) Virgin, Carmelite Nun, Doctor of the Church (Memorial) She was Canonised by Pope Pius XI on 17 May 1925. The same Pope proclaimed her Universal Patron of the Missions, alongside Saint Francis Xavier, on 14 December 1927. Up until 1969 her Memorial was celebrated on 3 October.
St Aizan of Abyssinia St Albaud of Toul Bl Andrew Sushinda Bl Antoni Rewera St Aretas of Rome St Bavo of Ghent (c 589–654) Married. Widower, Monk and Hermit. Bl Cecilia Eusepi Bl Christopher Buxton St Crescens of Tomi St Dodo Bl Dominic of Villanova Bl Edward James St Evagrius of Tomi St Fidharleus Bl Gaspar Fisogiro St John Kukuzelis Bl John Robinson
St Maxima of Lisbon Bl Nikita Budka St Piaton of Tournai St Priscus of Tomi Bl Ralph Crockett Bl Robert Widmerpool Bl Robert Wilcox
St Romanos the Melodist (c 490-c 556) Deacon, Hymnographer, Poet, Writer. He is said to have composed more than 1,000 hymns celebrating various festivals of the ecclesiastical year, the lives of the saints and other sacred subjects, some 60 to 80 of which survive.
St Sazan of Abyssinia St Verissimus of Lisbon St Virila St Wasnulf — Martyred in the Spanish Civil War: • Blessed Carmelo Juan Pérez Rodríguez • Blessed Higinio Mata Díez • Blessed Juan Mata Díez • Blessed Álvaro Sanjuán Canet • Blessed Florencia Caerols Martínez
Ye angels, archangels, thrones and dominions, ye principalities and powers, ye virtues of heaven, ye cherubim and seraphim, bless ye the Lord forever.
(300 days every time said)
Bless the Lord, all ye His angels, ye strong in power, who perform His word.
Bless the Lord, all ye his virtues, ye ministers of His, who do His will.
(300 days every time said)
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the battle, that we may not be lost in the tremendous judgment.
(300 days every time said)
St. Michael, first defender of the Kingship of Christ, pray for us.
(300 days every time said)
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the battle; be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. Restrain him, O God, we humbly beseech Thee, and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the divine power thrust into Hell Satan and the other evil spirits, who roam through the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
(3 years every time said)
Vouchsafe, O Lord our God, to send down Thy holy Archangel Raphael for our helper; and may he, whom we believe ever to stand before Thy Majesty, put up our poor prayers to be blessed by Thee. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
(3 years every time said)
Angel of God my guardian dear,
To whom His love commits me here,
Ever this day (or this night) be at my side
To light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.
(300 days every time said. Plenary indulgence at the point of death if the prayer was frequently said during life)
Angel, who didst support Our Lord Jesus Christ, come and support us, too; come, and do not delay.
One Minute Reflection – 1 October – “Month of the Most Holy Rosary” – Readings: Eccli 36:18, Ps 121:1, 1 Cor. 1:4-8, Matt 9:1-8
Give peace, O Lord, to those who have hoped in You, and let Your Prophets be proved true. Hear the prayers of Your servant, and of Your people Israel.
Eccli 36:18
REFLECTION – Why are you downcast? See. Someone’s hands are fishy; a little oil makes them clean. How much more can God’s compassion purify you. For just as you have no difficulty in washing your garment, in the same way – and even more – it is not difficult for the Lord to wash you clean from all reproach even if each day you naturally have to experience temptation. Indeed, the instant you say: “I have sinned against the Lord”, the response is given you: “Your sins are forgiven”. “It is I who wipe out and remember no more”. “As far as the east is from the west so far has he removed your sins. As a father has compassion on his children, I have had compassion on you”.
Only do not keep away or distance yourself from He who has chosen you to sing and pray, but all your life long remain close to him either through pure confidence or by a holy audacity and courageous confession. The he will hear and purify you. Is he not God who has justified us in his love for human souls? Who will condemn us?. If we invoke the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, our conscience is easily purified and nothing separates us from the prophets and other saints.
For God has not destined us for wrath but to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ who died for us. So whether we are awake in virtue or asleep in some kind of woe or are bearing certain circumstances according to nature, we will live with Christ, turning our eyes towards him, sighing deeply, weeping constantly and only breathing him. Let us then put on the breastplate of faith and wear the helmet of salvation, that the arrows of discouragement and despair may not penetrate us.
John of Karpathos (VII century) monk and bishop
PRAYER – God, our Father, Your promised Your Kingdom to the little ones and the humble of heart. Give us grace to walk confidently in the way of St Bavo of Ghent, so that helped by their prayers, we may see Your eternal glory. Through Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.
God has never made or formed but one enmity; but it is an irreconcilable one, which shall endure and develop even to the end. It is between Mary, His worthy Mother, and the devil—between the children and the servants of the Blessed Virgin and the children and instruments of Lucifer. The most terrible of all the enemies which God has set up against the devil is His holy Mother, Mary.
St Louis de Montfort
But the great good is well known, which this noble devotion has brought to the world. How many by its means have been freed from sin! How many led to a holy life! How many have had a good death and are now saved!
St Alphonsus Liguori
Then our Lady replied, “I want you to know that, in this kind of warfare, the principal weapon has always been the Angelic Psalter, which is the foundation-stone of the New Testament. Therefore, if you want to reach these hardened souls and win them over to God, preach my Psalter.” So he arose, comforted, and burning with zeal for the conversion of the people in that district, he made straight for the cathedral. At once unseen angels rang the bells to gather the people together, and Saint Dominic began to preach.
St Louis de Montfort
There is no surer means of calling down God’s blessing upon the family, than the daily recitation of the Rosary.
Pope Pius XII
The Rosary is a treasure of graces.
Pope Paul V
I know that my salvation is assured when I leave it in the hands of Mary.
Great Queen of Paradise! Sovereign of those holy spirits who are confirmed in grace and glory! prostrate at your feet, where the greatest sinners obtain pardon—the weak, strength—the tepid, forvour—and the just, sanctity—I offer and present to you this little work, designed to promote the knowledge and love of the Holy Angels, your faithful subjects, and the illustrious Princes of your celestial Court. To whom could I more justly dedicate it, since, as the mistress of these glorious Spirits, you must be of all others most interested for their glory.
Besides, blessed mother! you know (and it is gratifying to me to repeat it) that I have nothing which is not yours—for I consider it a greater happiness to be your slave, than to enjoy all the honours the world could bestow. Bless, then, O holy Virgin! this little work; diffuse upon it your choicest benedictions; make it evident that it is all yours, by the unction which will be found in every page that through the adorable merits of Jesus, your beloved Son, it may establish among men a true and fervent devotion to the Holy Angels, to the honour of God alone, our beginning, our last end, our only all in all things—God alone ! God alone ! God alone !
TO MY GOOD ANGEL GUARDIAN
Most faithful Guardian of all that I am! when I reflect on my ingratitude and your unceasing cares, my mind is bewildered, and I know not what to say, but that you are a heavenly Intelligence, a Spirit of Light and Love, and a Prince of the celestial realms—while I am but dust and ashes, a miserable sinner, and the last of men. Great Prince! why do you love me so tenderly? why is there not one moment of my life undistinguished by your favours? What shall I render you in return for them? I have nothing to offer, dear Guardian of my heart, except the firm resolution of loving you henceforward with your blessed companions in glory. Present my resolution, together with this little work, to those holy choirs; it will be better received from you; and tell them, in your angelic manner, how sorry I am for not having always loved them. Tell them how much I wish to see their devotion extended, and that all men should know and love the Holy Angels, for the glory of God alone. It is this God alone, most amiable of friends! that I desire in all things. Amen—Amen—God alone! God alone! God alone! the end of all devotion to the glorious Virgin, the Angels and Saints. Amen.
Day Four – We Pray for the Virtue of Humility and our personal intention:
May Almighty God give us compassion and humility in our hearts. Let us be kind, gentle, generous, loving, giving and forgiving wherever we may go. Allow pride to never get the best of us as You fulfill our dreams. Help us not to have a boastful tongue against our brothers. Let humility invade our souls… Amen
Daily Prayer along with our Daily Rosary:
My dearest Mother Mary, behold me, your child, in prayer at your feet. Accept this Holy Rosary, which I offer you in accordance with your requests at Fatima, as a proof of my tender love for you, for the intentions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in atonement for the offenses committed against your Immaculate Heart and for this special favour which I earnestly request in my Rosary Novena: ………………………….. (Mention your request).
I beg you to present my petition to your Divine Son. If you will pray for me, I cannot be refused. I know, dearest Mother, that you want me to seek God’s holy Will concerning my request. If what I ask for should not be granted, pray that I may receive that which will be of greater benefit to my soul.
I offer you this spiritual Bouquet of Roses because I love you. I put all my confidence in you, since your prayers before God are most powerful. For the greater glory of God and for the sake of Jesus, your loving Son, hear and grant my prayer. Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation.
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for our Holy Mother Church and for our country.
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love.
Sweet Heart of Mary, at the hour of my death, lead me home.
Accept, mighty Maid, we beseech thee, This prayer with its fragrance of flowers; With one soul we seek thus to reach thee And hail thee, God’s Mother and ours.
Thy heart is made glad by our praying; Thy bounty is generous and wise; Thy hands are enriched for conveying What God’s tender Mercy supplies.
We kneel at thy Shrines in the Churches; Oh, gently look down from above, And welcome the heart that then searches For worthy expressions of love.
Let others present precious caskets Of gems, or heap Altars with gold; Slight prayer-beads shall serve us for baskets To bring thee the garland they hold.
With violets lowly we fashion This wreath and with these combined Red roses–our faith in the Passion With Chastity’s lilies entwined.
Our minds, as the Mysteries vary, Are active, our hands play their part; And always thy name, Holy Mary, Oft-uttered, rejoices the heart.
Be with us, we trust thee to guide us Through life and when labouring breath At the last, seeks thine aid, be beside us To help at the hour of our death.
Saint Leopardus the Slave, martyr, was a slave in the household of Julian the Apostate, nephew of Constantine the Great, a maniacal persecutor of Christianity, and one of the many types of Antichrist which have arisen over the centuries. A more unfortunate or dangerous placement cannot be imagined.
Not much is recorded about Saint Leopardus’ early life, but in 362, in Rome, he was martyred for his faith, having withstood the tyrant.
Julian the Apostate
Slain by Saint Mercurius, the Apostate’s last words were: “Thou hast conquered, Galilean.”
Saint Mercurius
Saint Mercurius, who wielded a sword given to him by the Archangel Michael.
Nostra Signora di Loreto di Forno / Our Lady of Loreto of Forno, Alpi Graie, Italy (1629) – 30 September:
At the beginning of the Vallone di Sea, at about 1340 metres above sea level, in the Forno di Groscavallo hamlet, stands the Sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna di Loreto, built around 1630, after the apparition occurred to Pietro Garino, a native of Forno.
In those times, the region was tormented by the wars fought by Carlo Emanuele of Savoy against the neighbouring states; by the increasingly high taxes that weighed on the poor people, by hunger and the plague.
It was customary for devotees to go annually to the Chapel of the Virgin on Rocciamelone. On that occasion, Pietro Garino found the small pictures, which are still preserved in the Church, depicting the Madonna of Loreto and San Carlo Borromeo, leaning against the facade of the Chapel. They were in bad shape. Pietro took them with him to have them restored and promised himself to bring them back to the Chapel the following year, keeping them in the meantime at his home in Forno.
Twice the pictures eluded his custody – the first time he found them right up there, at the mouth of the Vallone di Sea, where he had gone to collect leaves for the litter intended for livestock. On that occasion he had an apparition – the Virgin appeared to him between two women and promised him to stop the plague that claimed victims among the population of the plain. Brought home by Pietro, the paintings again disappeared from his home and were found in the same place as the apparition – it was a precise indication of the Virgin’s desire to see a Chapel built in that place.
A Chapel was built at the spot of the apparition, of which the remains have recently been found. The current building dates back to the second half of the 1700s; it is the work of Luigi Baretta; internally it has elements of considerable artistic and historical interest. The marvelous Altar by Prinotto, a masterpiece of eighteenth-century cabinet-making; the baroque reliquary, in which the pictures are kept; hundreds of ex-votos, including some of considerable value.
Historically, a Madonna with black features did not appear but the Sanctuary is known as such, as the faces of the Madonna and the Child she holds in her arms are ebony. The current Statue is the work of Raimondo Santifaller, from Ortisei and replaces the original one from the 18th century, stolen in 1977.
To access the Sanctuary it is necessary to climb the 440 steps that must be taken to reach the small square where the Sanctuary stands and which, pilgrims climb on their knees and in prayer.
The Sanctuary is open from July to September and Our Lady is celebrated annually on the Feast of the Assumption (16 August), the Nativity of Mary (8 September) and the Apparition of the Virgin Mary (30 September). The video below shows this beautiful Sanctuary very clearly.
St Amato of Nusco (c 1003-1093) Bishop, Confessor, Monk, Apostle of the poor.
St Antoninus of Piacenza St Castus of Piacenza St Colman of Clontibret St Desiderius of Piacenza St Enghenedl of Anglesey St Eusebia of Marseilles Bl Frederick Albert
St Gregory the Illuminator (c 257 – c 331) “Apostle to Armenia” and “Father of Armenia”- Bishop, First Patriarch of the Armenian Church, Missionary, Wonder-worker.
St Honorius of Canterbury (Died 653) Archbishop of Canterbury St Ismidone of Die Bl Jean-Nicolas Cordier St Laurus St Leopardus the Slave Bl Ludwik Gietyngier St Midan of Anglesey St Simon of Crépy St Ursus the Theban St Victor the Theban — Martyrs of Valsery Abbey: An unknown number of Premonstratensian monks at the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Valsery, Picardie, France who were martyred by Calvinists. They were martyred in 1567 at Valsery, Pircardy, France.
Our Morning Offering – 30 September – The last day of the Month of the Seven Sorrows of the Mother Mary
My Sorrowful Mother, Help Me to Bear My Crosses By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Doctor of the Church
My sorrowful Mother, by the merit of that grief which you felt at seeing your beloved Jesus led to death, obtain for me the grace to bear with patience, those crosses which God sends me. I will be fortunate if I also shall know how to accompany you with my cross until death. You and Jesus, both innocent, have borne a heavy cross and shall I, a sinner who has merited hell, refuse mine? Immaculate Virgin, I hope you will help me to bear my crosses with patience. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 30 September – Readings: Sir 15:5, Ps 91:2, 2 Tim 4:1-8, Matt 5:13-19
For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled.
Matt 5:13-19
REFLECTION – The sacrifice of the lamb, the Passover rite and the letter of the Law have reached their term in Jesus Christ, in view of whom everything in the ancient Law took place – and even more so in the new dispensation. For the Law became the Word; from being old it became new; the commandments have been transformed into grace and the foreshadowing into truth; the lamb has become the son, the sheep has become man, and man has become God.
God though he was, the Lord put on our humanity; he suffered for him who was suffering, was bound for him who was captive, was judged for the guilty, was buried for him who was buried. He was raised from the dead and cried out in a loud voice: “If anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together”. It is I who delivered the condemned man; I who restored life to the dead; I who raised up those in the grave. “Who disputes my right?” It is I, he says, I who am the Christ, I who destroyed death, who triumphed over the enemy, who bound the mighty enemy and carried off man to the heights of heaven; it is I, he says, who am the Christ.
Come along then, every human family, full of sin as you are, and receive the forgiveness of your sins. For I myself am your forgiveness, I am the Passover of salvation, the Lamb slain for your sakes, your redemption, life and resurrection; I am your light, your salvation and your king. It is I who lead you to the heights of heaven, I who will raise you up; it is I who will bring you to see the Father who is from all eternity; it is I who will raise you up by my all-powerful hand.
Melito of Sardis (?-c.195) Bishop
PRAYER – Almighty, ever-living God, You endowed Saint Jerome with a deep reverence and understanding of Holy Scripture, which he loved with all his heart. Sustain us evermore with Your word and teach us by their precepts. Help us to follow each word which Jesus, Your Son, our Redeemer, uttered that we may find therein the source of life. May the prayers of St Jerome assist us in our love and faithfulness. We ask this through Jesus our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, Amen.
Begin with the Psalter, and teach your daughter how to chant the Psalms. You can read with her the Proverbs, by which she will know the moral precepts. This can be followed by Ecclesiasticus, a book so capable of inspiring her with a contempt of this world. You can then proceed to the Gospels – these, your daughter ought ever to have on hand. She can then read the Acts and Epistles of the Apostles. These finished she will gladly learn by heart the Prophets and Historical books. Lastly, she can read the Canticle of Canticles, for she will have been prepared to understand this in a spiritual sense.
The Master of that religion has been crucified. His servants have been chained down like criminals, and yet for all that, His religion grows and flourishes every day.
The clergy are called by that name, either because they are a portion of the inheritance of the Lord or because the Lord is their portion. He, therefore, who is thus of the heirdom of the Lord, or he who has God for his portion, should show himself to be worthy of possessing God, and that God should possess him.
Nothing so corrupts the heart and mind as flattery, for the flatterer’s tongue does more harm than the persecutor’s sword. We are dragged downwards by an evil which is inherent within us, we feel favourably towards those who flatter us, and although in our reply we show, or pretend to show, that we are unworthy of their praise, we nevertheless receive the flattering praise with a secret joy and pleasure.
We must take care not to only to avoid leading a bad life, but we must not contract a friendship with those who live sinfully, for that, according to the Prophet, is included among the sins. True friendship exists not in family interests, nor with those persons by whom we are accustomed to be entertained, nor with those who flatter us, and whose company is dangerous, but with those who cherish the holy fear of God and the study of Holy Scripture.
Whether you like it or not, marriage is subordinated to virginity and widowhood. Even when marriage continues to fulfil its function, the Church does not condemn it, but only subordinates it; it does not reject it, but only regulates it. It is in your power, if you will, to mount the second step of chastity. Why are you angry if, standing on the third and lowest step, you will not make haste to go up higher?
LAMENTATION OF MARY AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS, WITH HER DEAD SON IN HER ARMS
I.
Whilst Mary’s arms her lifeless Son Close to her bosom press’d, Deep drawn and bitter sighs broke out From her maternal breast ; Long did she view with tearful eyes His bleeding corpse, and then In broken accents thus bewail’d The cruelty of men.
II.
“Ah, me!” she said, “and can it be, I’ll never more rejoice To gaze upon thy beauteous smiles, Or hear thy tender voice;
Alas! how throbs my sinking breast To see Thee thus, my Son; My heart must break, as thine has broke,
For both hearts make but one.
III.
“Gone from thy lips are those sweet smiles That played around them once, Gone from thy eyes that look of love That graced thy countenance; I see thy face all bath’d in blood, That face whose looks could win The hearts of all, and even hearts Long steep’d in loathsome sin.
IV.
“Those eyes once, like the stars of night, Shed lustre all around, And even shone upon all those In sin’s dark prison bound; But now extinguished is their light, And with thy blood suffused, Distorted by insulting blows, And, oh! so cruelly bruised.
V.
“Oh cruel lance! Oh scourges cruel! Oh torturing thorny crown! Why thus combine my Son’s fair form In his own Blood to drown? He is the King of Heaven, yet His flesh you have ill-used, Ah, see! His clotted Blood lies thick! See! all his limbs are bruised.
VI.
” And Thou art dead ! Thou, whom I’ve nursed And kissed so many times; Man! thou hast conquered, sinful man! And conquered by thy crimes; Ah! ne’er shall I rejoice again, Nor seek to get relief, My joy shall be in weeping, My only comfort grief.
VII.
“But say, my martyred Jesus, say Whose sin has thus deserved For Thee such cruel and bitter pangs; For Thee! th’ Eternal Word.
Ah! I know well, my Jesus, yes
And all earth’s creatures know, It was the sins of guilty men That clothed Thee here below.
VIII.
“How strange to see the God of Love So spotless and so pure, All these sad pains for others’ sins Thus suffer and endure; Oh power of hell! Oh power of sin! It seems that at thy nod, The great and the immortal has Become a mortal God. “O Father! look from heaven, look Upon thy murdered Child; Cruel men his limbs have torn and cut; Yet He-so meek, so mild So like a bruised rose he lies All crushed beneath their feet! Yet mercy for all sinners Through the Sinless I entreat.”
X.
Do thou, sweet Mother Mary, Trace thy Dolours on my heart, And make me feel most keenly Compassion’s piercing dart; In thinking on thy sorrows, Let me pine away in grief, Permit me not in creatures To seek to find relief. Amen.
Day Three – We Pray for the Priesthood and Consecrated Life and our personal intention:
To Our most holy Mother. To you do we pray first with heartfelt thanks for those who have said YES to the Father. Help them to trust in you and your Son, Jesus, in all the challenges that they face. Teach them patience in all things and to accept all that happens and when it happens, in God’s time. We join them in total consecration to you. Reclaim us all as you own and mould us in all ways necessary to conform to God’s will. We love you, Mother Mary, Help us all!
Daily Prayer along with our Daily Rosary:
My dearest Mother Mary, behold me, your child, in prayer at your feet. Accept this Holy Rosary, which I offer you in accordance with your requests at Fatima, as a proof of my tender love for you, for the intentions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in atonement for the offenses committed against your Immaculate Heart and for this special favour which I earnestly request in my Rosary Novena: ………………………….. (Mention your request).
I beg you to present my petition to your Divine Son. If you will pray for me, I cannot be refused. I know, dearest Mother, that you want me to seek God’s holy Will concerning my request. If what I ask for should not be granted, pray that I may receive that which will be of greater benefit to my soul.
I offer you this spiritual Bouquet of Roses because I love you. I put all my confidence in you, since your prayers before God are most powerful. For the greater glory of God and for the sake of Jesus, your loving Son, hear and grant my prayer. Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation.
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for our Holy Mother Church and for our country.
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love.
Sweet Heart of Mary, at the hour of my death, lead me home.
Saint Dadas of Persia was a Persian noble related to King Shapur II. He was married to Saint Casdoe, and Saint Gabdelas may have been their son. All three were martyred together in 368 for refusing to deny Christianity, being run through with swords.
Saint Sapor of Persia was also a relative of King Shapur II, who had him executed for his faith around the same time and in the same way.
Saint Gudelia was a maiden martyred in the persecutions of Shapur II in the year 340.
The Coronation of the Infant Shapur II
The day before that on which we were to fight, I saw in a vision that Pomponius the deacon came hither to the gate of the prison, and knocked vehemently. I went out to him, and opened the gate for him; and he was clothed in a richly ornamented white robe, and he had on manifold calliculæ. And he said to me, ‘Perpetua, we are waiting for you; come!’ And he held his hand to me, and we began to go through rough and winding places. Scarcely at length had we arrived breathless at the amphitheatre, when he led me into the middle of the arena, and said to me, ‘Do not fear, I am here with you, and I am labouring with you;’ and he departed.
THIS festival has been kept with great solemnity on the 29th of September ever since the Fifth Century and was certainly initially celebrated in Apulia in 493. The Dedication of the famous Church of St Michael on Mount Gargano, in Italy, gave occasion to the institution of this feast in the West, which is hence called in the Martyrologies of St Jerome, St Bede and others, ‘The Dedication of St Michael.’ About the Apparition of St Michael at Mount Gargano in 492
The Dedication of St Michael’s Church in Rome, which was performed by Pope Boniface IV. in 610 and that of several other Churches in the West, in honour of this Archangel, were also performed on this same day.
The name Michaelmas comes from a shortening of “Michael’s Mass,” in the same style as Christmas (Christ’s Mass) and Candlemas (Candle Mass, the Mass where traditionally the candles to be used throughout the year would be blessed).During the Middle Ages, Michaelmas was celebrated as a Holy Day of Obligation but this tradition was abolished in the 18th century.
The Church gives to St Michael four offices:
To fight against Satan.
To rescue the souls of the faithful from the power of the enemy, especially at the hour of death.
To be the champion of God’s people, the Jews in the Old Law, the Christians in the New Testament; therefore, he is the Patron of the Church and of the Orders of Knights during the Middle Ages.
To call away from earth and bring men’s souls to judgement.
Madonna di Tirano / Our Lady of Tirano, Sondrio, Lombardy, Italy (1504) – 29 September:
The Sanctuary of the Madonna of Tirano stands on the Swiss-Italian border, where the Virgin appeared to Mario Omodei on 29 September 1504, promising an end to the plague which was decimating the region, if a Church in her honour would be built, on the spot outside the City walls. The epidemic subsided and the townspeople placed the first stone of the Sanctuary on 25 March 1505.
Because of its crossroads location, it has always drawn pilgrims from throughout Europe.
The Virgin’s Statue was part of a silver-clad grouping executed by woodcarver G Angelo Mayno around 1520. Napoleonic raiders stripped off the precious metal and destroyed the other Statues.
In 1946 Pope Pius XII proclaimed the Blessed Virgin of Tirano “special heavenly Patron of all Europe.”
Bl Alericus St Anno of Eichstätt St Casdoe of Persia St Catholdus of Eichstätt
St Dadas of Persia St Diethardus of Eichstätt St Fraternus of Auxerre St Gabdelas of Persia St Grimoaldus of Pontecorvo St Gudelia St Guillermo Courtet
St Miguel de Aozaraza St Quiriacus of Palestine St Rene Goupil St Rhipsime Bl Richard Rolle St Sapor of Persia St Theodota of Thrace St Vicente Shiwozuka de la Cruz — Martyrs of Thrace – 3 saints: Three Christian men murdered in Thrace for their faith. They are – Eutychius, Heracleas and Plautus.
Martyred in the Spanish Civil War: • Blessed Antonio Arribas Hortigüela • Blessed Antonio Martínez López • Blessed Dario Hernández Morató • Blessed Francesc de Paula Castelló Aleu • Blessed Francisco Edreira Mosquera • Blessed José Villanova Tormo • Blessed Pau Bori Puig • Blessed Vicente Sales Genovés • Blessed Virgilio Edreira Mosquera
Our Morning Offering – 29 September – Feast of the Dedication of St Michael
The St Michael Prayer
St Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle; Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, And do thou, O prince of the heavenly hosts, By the power of God, Cast into hell, Satan and all evil spirits Who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
You will know or even recall ,that when the Mass was only in Latin (1570-1969) after the High Mass, known in those days as the Summa (Latin for: The Greatest) the St Michael prayer was recited. This St Michael prayer was placed at the end of the Mass by Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903) in the 1890’s as a result of a vision he saw concerning the dire state of the world in the 20th century!
The Church has always prayed to St Michael for protection against the evils of the devil. Michael’s name means “Who is like God.” In Latin: “Quis ut Deus.” He can be found in the Book of The Prophet Daniel – Dn. 10:13; Dn. 10:21; Dn 12:1. In the New Testament he can be found in the Book of Revelation 12:7-9; Epistle of St Jude 1:9 and the Letter of St. Paul to Thessalonians (4:16).
St Thomas Aquinas (1214-1274) writes of him: “Michael is the Breath of the Redeemer’s Spirit, Who at the end of the World will combat and destroy the antichrist, as he did Lucifer in the beginning.” St Michael is invoked in sickness and most especially at the hour of our death, when Satan makes his last and fiercest attack on our soul, seeking with cunning, craft, fears and despair to drag us into Hell with him.
Please, let us all restore St Michael to our hearts and pray to him for protection each day, after Holy Mass and after the Holy Rosary.
One Minute Reflection – 29 September – Feast of the Dedication of St Michael the Archangel, Readings: Ps 102:20, Ps 102:1, Rev 1:1-5, Matt 18:1-10
Bless the Lord, all you His Angels, you mighty in strength, who do His bidding, obeying His spoken word.
Ps 102:20
REFLECTION – The fact that the all-powerful God has been able to humble himself even to the humility of the human condition constitutes a greater proof than the impact and supernatural character of miracles. Indeed, when divine power effects something of great sublimity this is, after a fashion, in conformity with and appropriate to God’s nature. On the other hand, that God descended even to our lowliness is, in a certain way, the expression of an overwhelming power that is not in the least restrained by what is contrary to its nature.
Neither the expanse of the heavens, the brightness of the stars, the governing of the universe, nor the harmony of created things reveal the splendid power of God so much as his indulgence, which leads him to lower himself to the weakness of our nature. God’s goodness, wisdom, justice and power are revealed in his plans on our behalf: goodness in his will to “save that which was lost”; wisdom and justice in his manner of saving us; power in the fact that Christ became “in the likeness of men” and made himself conformable to the humility of our nature.
St Gregory of Nyssa
PRAYER –Dear and Holy God, let us offer You all our daily struggles against sin and evil. Grant us the strength to resist all forms of idolatry, to seek only You and never to allow the material goods of this world to seduce us. Sustain us ever more with Your word and help us to find in it, the source of life. Grant that the angels who always minister to You in heaven may defend us during our life on earth and protect us from evil. Grant this, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen
Among the Angels in Heaven none surpasses St Michael in Glory.
St Michael has the honourable office of presenting to Jesus Christ the Judge, all the souls that depart out of this world in the grace of God.
St Alphonsus Liguori
Whenever a mighty deed is in question, Michael is assigned, so that by his actions and name, which means “Who is like God?” it may be made known that no-one can do what God can do.
St Gregory the Great
Then war broke out in Heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon.
The Book of the Apocalypse
Mary sends the archangel Michael, with all the angels, to the defence of her dying servants, to protect them from the assaults of evil spirits, and to receive the souls of all those who have especially and constantly recommended themselves to her.
St Bonaventure
Michael is the Breath of the Redeemer’s Spirit, who at the end of the world, will combat and destroy the antichrist, as he did Lucifer in the beginning.
St Thomas Aquinas
It was St Michael who took up the defence of the honour of God against Lucifer, in the cause of the Incarnation of the Word; and St John Chrysostom is of opinion, that he was also one of the first to pay his homage to Him in the crib of Bethlehem, on the day of His humble Birth. It is he who is the tutelary Archangel of the Church. If, then, we love the interests of God only, we must love him; for he is the great saint of the cause of God, and of God Incarnate.
Manual of Devotions in Honour of The Seven Dolors of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Father Sebastian
LITANY OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS.
Lord have mercy on us.
Christ have mercy on us.
Lord have mercy on us.
Christ hear us.
Christ graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us. God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us. Holy Mary, Pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, Pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, Pray for us.
Mother Crucified, Pray for us. Mother most sorrowful, Pray for us. Mother most tearful, Pray for us. Mother most afflicted, Pray for us. Mother most forsaken, Pray for us. Mother most desolate, Pray for us. Mother bereft of thy Child, Pray for us.
Mother transfixed with the sword, Pray for us. Mother consumed with grief, Pray for us. Mother filled with anguish, Mother crucified in heart, Pray for us. Mother most sad, Pray for us. Fountain of tears, Pray for us. Mass of suffering, Pray for us. Mirror of patience, Pray for us. Rock of constancy, Pray for us. Anchor of confidence, Pray for us. Refuge of the forsaken,
Shield of the oppressed, Pray for us. Subduer of the unbelieving, Pray for us. Comfort of the wretched, Pray for us. Medicine of the sick, Pray for us. Strength of the weak, Pray for us. Harbour of the wrecked, Pray for us. Allayer of tempests, Pray for us. Resource of mourners, Pray for us. Terror of the treacherous, Pray for us. Treasure of the faithful, Pray for us. Eye of prophets, Pray for us. Staff of apostles, Pray for us. Crown of martyrs, Pray for us. Light of confessors, Pray for us. Pearl of virgins, Pray for us. Consolation of widows, Pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Jesus. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Jesus. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us, O Jesus. Look down upon us and deliver us from all trouble, in the power of Jesus Christ. Amen. Imprint, O Lady, thy dolours upon my heart, that I may read therein sorrow and love: sorrow, to endure every sorrow for thee; love, to despise every love for thee. Credo, Salve Regina, three Ave Marias in honour of the Most Aflicted Heart of Mary.
PRAYER.
O most afflicted Queen and Mother, by all thou didst endure during the three long hours Jesus hung upon the cross, but more especially by the bitter pangs which thou didst undergo at the moment of his death, I supplicate thee to engrave deeply on my heart his Wounds and thy Dolours; and when I come to die, prepare me by thy presence and prayers to pass from this world of sorrow to a happy eternity. Amen.
This Litany was written by Pius VII in his captivity, who granted a plenary indulgence to all who recite it with a contrite heart on Fridays.
Day Two – We pray for the Persecuted Church and our personal intention:
The joy of the Spirit, which was in the heart of Jesus and Mary, is ours in the experience of sincere prayer.
We pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit for the leaders of the Church and all the baptised, that we may walk faithfully the way of Jesus Christ.
We pray for a deep devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus and in our prayer to her know that we are primarily opening our hearts to the God of love.
We pray for those who are oppressed by war and poverty,that they may take courage from God who loves us constantly and unconditionally. Let us pray to the Lord.
Daily Prayer along with our Daily Rosary:
My dearest Mother Mary, behold me, your child, in prayer at your feet. Accept this Holy Rosary, which I offer you in accordance with your requests at Fatima, as a proof of my tender love for you, for the intentions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in atonement for the offenses committed against your Immaculate Heart and for this special favour which I earnestly request in my Rosary Novena: ………………………….. (Mention your request).
I beg you to present my petition to your Divine Son. If you will pray for me, I cannot be refused. I know, dearest Mother, that you want me to seek God’s holy Will concerning my request. If what I ask for should not be granted, pray that I may receive that which will be of greater benefit to my soul.
I offer you this spiritual Bouquet of Roses because I love you. I put all my confidence in you, since your prayers before God are most powerful. For the greater glory of God and for the sake of Jesus, your loving Son, hear and grant my prayer. Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation.
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for our Holy Mother Church and for our country.
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love.
Sweet Heart of Mary, at the hour of my death, lead me home.
Nuestra Señora del Fresno / Our Lady of Fresno, Grado, Asturias, Spain (9th Century) – 8 and 28 September:
The Sanctuary of the Virgen del Fresno is one of the most visited Sanctuaries in the central area of Asturias despite the difficulty of its access. The Sanctuary is located on the Camino de Santiago hence it’s popularity dating from the 9th Century when pilgrims stopped to rest in the hostel provided. They were known as “the Novenarios” as, during their rest, they prayed the St Michael Novena before his Feast Day on 29 September.
In honour of the Virgen del Fresno two festivals are held, one on 8 September and the other 28 of the same month preceded by a Novena that has traditionally started at four in the afternoon.
The current image dates from 1975, since the original was lost in the looting it suffered in 1936. It is made of cedar from Lebanon, made in Madrid. She is dressed and holds the Child in her arms and the Rosary between her fingers. She remain above her Altar and another processional image accompanies the Novena.
St Wenceslaus (907-935) King of Bohemia, Martyr (Optional Memorial)
Bl Aaron of Auxerre St Alodius of Auxerre St Annemond of Lyons St Bardomianus
Blessed Bernardine of Feltre OFM (1439-1494) Franciscan Priest and Friar, Missionary Preacher, Poet, peace-maker, Civil protestor against the practice of usury, defender of the poor. He was a true ‘child prodigy’ – by the time he was 12 he was fluent in Latin and at the age of 15 he composed a poem and read it in the Town Square to celebrate a local peace treaty. He is remembered most especially, in connection with the “Monti di Pietà” “Mount of Piety” of which he was the reorganiser and, in a certain sense, the Founder, together with the Blessed Michele Carcano.
St Machan St Martial of North Africa St Martin of Moyenmoutier St Paternus of Auch St Privatus of Rome St Salonius of Geneva St Silvinus of Brescia
St Simón de Rojas O.SS. (1552-1624) , “Father Ave Maria”/ “Apostle of the Ave Maria,” Religious Priest of the Trinitarian Order, Founder of the Lay Apostolate of the Congregation of the Slaves of the Sweet Name of Mary, Marian Devotee, Theologian, Philosopher, Spiritual Writer, Apostle of Charity, Apostolic Visitor.
St Solomon of Genoa St Stacteus St Tetta of Wimborne Bl Thiemo St Willigod of Moyenmoutier St Zama of Bologna — Augustinian Martyrs of Japan: The first Augustinian Missionaries arrived in Japan in 1602 and met with immediate success; many were brought to the faith; many of them became Augustinians; and many of them were martyred in the periodic persecutions of Christians. This memorial commemorates all of them, whether they have a sanctioned Cause for Canonisation or not. They include: • Blessed Bartolomé Gutiérrez Rodríguez • Blessed Ferdinand Ayala • Blessed Francisco Terrero de Ortega Pérez • Blessed Ioannes Mukuno Chozaburo • Blessed Laurentius Kaida Hachizo • Blessed Mancius Yukimoto Ichizaemon • Blessed Martín Lumbreras Peralta • Blessed Melchor Sánchez Pérez • Blessed Michaël Ichinose Sukezaemon • Blessed Pedro de Zúñiga • Blessed Petrus Sawaguchi Kuhyoe • Blessed Thomas Jihyoe of Saint Augustine • Blessed Thomas Terai Kahyoe • Blessed Vicente Simões de Carvalho • Saint Magdalena of Nagasaki
Martyrs of Antioch – 37 saints: A group of 30 soldiers and 7 civilians who were murdered together for their faith. The names that have come down to us are – Alexander, Alphinus, Heliodorus, Mark, Neon, Nicon and Zosumus. c 303 at Antioch, Pisidia (in modern Turkey).
Martyrs of China – 120 saints: A common memorial for the hundreds of the faithful, lay and clergy, who have died for their faith in the last couple of centuries in China.
Martyred in the Spanish Civil War: • Blessed Amalia Abad Casasempere de Maestre • Blessed Francesc Xavier Ponsa Casallach • Blessed Josep Casas Juliá • Blessed Josep Casas Ros • Blessed Josep Tarrats Comaposada • Blessed María Fenollosa Alcaina
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