Posted in LENT 2026, The PASSION, Thomas Aquinas

Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent – 21 March – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas – There was No More Fitting Way to Free the Human Race than Through the Passion of Christ

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent – 21 March – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor of the Church

Saturday of the Fourth Week
There was No More Fitting Way to Free the Human Race
than Through the Passion of Christ

“God commendeth His Charity towards us because, when as yet we were sinners, Christ died for us”
Rom v. 8

The suitability of any particular way, for the attainment of a given end, is reckoned according to the greater or lesser number of elements useful to that end which, the way in question brings about.
The more helpful to the end by the method chosen, the better and more suitable is that method or way.
Now owing to the fact that it was through the Passion of Christ that man was delivered, many other elements, helpful to man’s salvation, came about in addition to his being freed from sin.

(i) Thanks to the fact that it was through the Passion that man was delivered, man learns how much God Loves him and is, thereby stimulated to that love of God, in which is to be found the perfection of man’s salvation.
“God commendeth His Charity towards us because, when as yet we were sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom v. 8).
(ii) In the Passion He gave us an example of obedience, humility, constancy, justice and of other virtues also, all of which we must practise if we are to be saved.
“Christ suffered for us, leaving you an example that you should follow His Steps” (i Pet ii. 21).
(iii) Christ, by His Passion, not only delivered man from sinbut also, merited for man, the grace which makes him acceptable to God and the glory of life with God for eternity.
(iv) The fact that it is through the Passion that man has been saved, impresses upon man the need of keeping himself free from sin.
Man has only to realise, t it was at the price of the Blood of Christ that he was bought from sin.
“You are bought by a great Price.
Glorify God and bear Him in your body” (i Cor vi. 20).
(v) The fact that the Passion was the way chosen heightens the dignity of human nature.
As it was man who was deceived and conquered by the devil, so now, it is man by whom the devil in turn is conquered.
As it was man who once earned death, so it is Man, Who, by Dying, has overcome death.
“Thanks be to God Who hath given us the victory through Our Lord Jesus Christ” (i Cor xv. 57).

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 FATHERS of the Church, PRAYERS of PETITION, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on the POOR

Quote/s of the Day – 21 March – St Benedict

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 21 March – St Benedict OSB (c 480-547) Abbot, Patron of Europe and Founder of Western Monasticism.

“The poor and pilgrims
are to be received with all care and hospitality,
for it is in them, Christ is received.”

“He should know that whoever undertakes
the government of souls must prepare himself
to account for them.”

Almighty God, Give Me …
A Prayer of Petition
By St Benedict (c 480-547)

Almighty God,
give me wisdom to perceive Thee,
intelligence to understand Thee,
diligence to seek Thee,
patience to wait for Thee,
eyes to behold Thee,
a heart to meditate upon Thee
and life to proclaim Thee
through the power of the Spirit
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2025/03/21/quote-s-of-the-day-21-march-st-benedict-4/

St Benedict (c 480-547)

Posted in CARMELITES, LENT, LENT 2026, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION

Our Morning Offering – 21 March – A Lenten Offering

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 21 March – Thursday in Passion Week

A Lenten Offering
By St Thérèse of the Child Jesus
and the Holy Face of Lisieux (1873-1897)

O my God!
I offer Thee all my actions of this Lent
for the intentions and for the glory
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
I desire to sanctify every beat of my heart,
my every thought,
my simplest works,
by uniting them to Its Infinite Merits
and I wish to make reparation for my sins,
by casting them into the furnace
of Its Merciful Love.
O my God!
I ask of Thee for myself
and for those whom I hold dear,
the grace to fulfil perfectly Thy Holy Will,
to accept for love of Thee,
the joys and sorrows of this passing life,
so that we may one day
be united together in Heaven,
for all eternity.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 21 March – Saint Christian (Died 1002) Abbot

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 21 March – Saint Christian (Died 1002) the 1st Abbot of St Pantaleon Monastery in Cologne North Rhine-Westphalia, modern Germany. Also known as – Christianus. Christian was also an Author of renowned, publishing widely read Theological treatise. He was a zealous and hard-working Abbot, creating a flourishing community of holy Monks.

In around 975, Bishop Gero of Cologne brought the Relics of Saint Pantaleon to his Episcopal City and placed them in the Church traditionally dedicated to ‘The Three Holy Doctors’ (Saints Cosmas, Damian and Pantaleon).

This Church dated to the time of Saint Hildebold, perhaps even to the 7th Century. Between 950 and 964, Bishop Bruno had the Church extensively renovated and expanded with a n attached monastic community.

On the occasion of the dedication of the Monastery, he appointed Christianus as the 1st Abbot. This Christianus came from the Monastery of Fulda.

The extent to which he worked for the flourishing of his Monastery is evident from the Bishop’s placement of the Relics of Saint Pantaleon in the Monastery Church.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

SATURDAY of the 4th WEEK of LENT, Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Bruges / Our Lady of Bruges, Flanders (1150), where a lock of Our Lady’s hair is preserved, St Benedict (c480-547) Abbot, Patron of Europe and Founder of Western Monasticism and the Saints for 21 March

Posted on by AnaStpaul

SATURDAY of the FOURTH WEEK of LENT

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Bruges / Our Lady of Bruges, Flanders (1150), where a lock of Our Lady’s hair is preserved – 21 March:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/21/passion-sunday-or-the-fifth-suday-of-lent-2021-our-lady-of-bruges-flanders-1150-and-memorials-of-the-saints-21-march/

Michelangelo Buonarroti; Bruges

St Benedict OSB (c480-547) Abbot, Patron of Europe and Founder of Western Monasticism.
His Feast Day was moved in 1969.
The Twin Brother of St Scholastica:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/11/saint-of-the-day-11-july-st-benedict-of-nursia-osb-c-480-547-patron-of-europe-and-founder-of-western-monasticism/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/11/saint-of-the-day-11-july-st-benedict-of-nursia-o-s-b-abbot-patron-of-europe-patronus-europae/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/21/saint-of-the-day-21-march-st-benedict-dom-prosper-gueranger-on-the-medal/

Bl Alfonso de Rojas

St Birillus (Died c90) Bishop of Catania, Consecrated by St Peter, Missionary.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Catania, St Brillus, who was Consecrated Bishop by St Peter. After converting many Gentiles to the Faith, he rested in peace in extremely old age.”
Holy St Birillus:
https://anastpaul.com/2025/03/21/saint-of-the-day-21-march-saint-birillus-died-c90-bishop/

St Peter sends St Birillus to preach the Gospel

St Christian (Died 1002) Abbot of Cologne
St Domninus of Rome

St Enda (c450 – c530) Monk, Abbot of Aran “Father of Irish Monasticism” and Aran is known as “Aran of the Saints.”
“Father of Irish Monasticism” :
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/21/saint-of-the-day-21-march-st-enda-of-aran-c-450-c-530-patriarch-of-irish-monasticism/

St Isenger of Verdun
St James the Confessor

St John (Died 1146) Bishop of Valence , Founder of the Abbey of Bonnevaux, Monk, Abbot, Apostle of the poor, Social Reformer.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Valence in the territory of Vienne in France, St John, Bishop, who, at first Abbot of Bonnevaux, suffered many adversities for the defence of justice and with charity took care of the peasants, the poor and the merchants ruined by debts.”
Imitating the Lord:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/21/saint-of-the-day-21-march-saint-john-of-valence-died-1146/

Bl Lucia of Verona (1514-1574) Laywoman, Apostle of the Sick

St Lupicinus (Died c480) brother of St Romanus (Died c460) both Abbots at Condat Monastery. St Romanus is venerated on 28 February.
St Lupinus’ Body was certainly incorrupt until the 1700s. I am not sure whether it was protected from the evils destruction of the French Revolution.
His Life of Love:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/21/saint-of-the-day-21-march-saint-lupicinus-of-condat-died-c480-abbot/

St Nicholas of Flue (1417-1487) Swiss Hermit and Ascetic who is the Patron Saint of Switzerland. He is sometimes invoked as Brother Klaus. A husband and father, a Mystic, a Writer, farmer, military leader, Member of the assembly, Councillor, Judge, he was respected as a man of complete moral integrity. He was Canonised on 15 May 1947 by Pope Pius XII.
Holy St Nicholas:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/03/21/saint-of-the-day-21-march-st-nicholas-of-flue-1417-1487/St Nicholas of Flue (1417-1487)

St Serapion the Scolastic (Died c354-370) Bishop of Thmuis, near Diospolis in the Nile delta of Egypt, Monk and Hermit, Confessor, brilliant Scholar of great learning, Theologian, Writer, a companion to St Anthony, the Desert and a close friend of St Athanasius and gave support to him against the heretic Arians in Egypt, for which action he was exiled.
St Serapion’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/21/saint-of-the-day-21-march-saint-serapion-the-scolastic-died-c-354-370-bishop/

St Philemon of Rome
Bl Santuccia Terrebotti

Martyrs of Alexandria: A large but unknown number of Catholics massacred in several Churches during Good Friday services in Alexandria, Egypt by Arian heretics during the persecutions of Constantius and Philagrio. They were Martyred on Good Friday in 342 in Alexandria, Egypt.

Posted in The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION, Thomas Aquinas

Friday of the 4th Week of Lent – 20 March – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas – The Precious Blood

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Friday of the 4th Week of Lent –20 March – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor of the Church

Friday of the Fourth Week
The Precious Blood

“Through the Blood of Christ the New Testament was confirmed. This Chalice is the New Testament in My Blood.”
i Cor xi. 25

Testament has a double meaning.
(1) It may mean any kind of agreement or pact.
Now God has twice made an agreement with mankind.
In one pact, God promised man temporal prosperity and deliverance from temporal losses and, this pact is called the Old Testament.
In another pact, God promised man spiritual blessings and deliverance from spiritual losses and this is called the New Testament, “I will make a new covenant, saith the Lord, with the house of Israel and with the house of ]uda, not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers, in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt but this shall be the covenant: I will give My Law in their bosoms and I shall write it in their hearts and I shal be their God and they shall be My people” (]er xxxi. 31-33).
Among the ancients, it was customary to pour out the blood of some victim in confirmation of a pact.
This Moses did when, taking the blood, he sprinkled it upon the people and he said, “This is the blood of the covenant which the Lord hath made with you” (Exod xxiv. 8).
As the Old Testament was thus confirmed in the figurative blood of oxen, so the New Testament or pact, was confirmed in the Blood of Christ, shed during His Passion.

(2) Testament has another more restricted meaning when it signifies the arrangement of an inheritance among the different heirs, i.e. a will.
Testaments, in this sense, are only confirmed by the death of the testator.
As St Paul says, “For a testament is of force, after men are dead, otherwise, it is as yet of no strength, whilst the testator liveth” (Heb ix. 17).
God, in the beginning, made an arrangement of the eternal inheritance we were to receive but, under the figure of temporal goods.
This is the Old Testament.
But afterwards He made the New Testament, explicitly promising the eternal inheritance which indeed, was confirmed by the Blood of the Death of Christ.
And, therefore, Our Lord, speaking of this, says, “This Chalice is the new testament in My Blood” (i Cor xi. 25) as though to say, “By that which is contained in this Chalice, the new testament, confirmed in the Blood of Christ, is commemorated.” (In 1 Cor xii.)

  1. There are other features which make the Blood of Christ Precious.
    It is:
    (i) A cleansing of our sins and uncleanness.
    “Jesus Christ hath loved us and washed us from our sins in His Own Blood” (Apoc. i. 5).
    (ii) Our Redemption, “Thou hast Redeemed us in Thy
    Blood” (ibid. v. 9).
    (iii) The Peacemaker between us and God and His Angels, “making peace through the Blood of His Cross, both as to the things which are on earth and the things which are in the heavens” (Coloss. i. 20).
    (iv) A draught of life to all who receive it.
    “Drink ye all of this”(Matt xxvi. 27).
    ”That they might drink the purest blood of the grape ”(Deut xxxii. 14).
    (v) The opening of the Gate of Heaven.
    “Having, therefore brethren, a confidence in the entering into the holies by the Blood of Christ” (Heb x. 19) that is to say, a continuous prayer for us to God.
    “For His Blood daily cries for us to the Father, as again we are told, You are come to the sprinkling of Blood which speaketh better than that of Abel” (ibid xii. 22-24).
    The blood of Abel called for punishment.
    The Blood of Christ calls for pardon.
    (vi) Deliverance of the saints from hell.
    “ Thou also, by the blood of thy testament, hast sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit, wherein is no wate” (Zach ix. 11).

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 "Follow Me", CARMELITES, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD is LOVE, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 20 March – Life for those who die.

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 20 March – The Lenten FEAST of the MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD of JESUS is a Feast for the Fridays of Lent

“Carry me, O Christ,
on Thy Cross
which is salvation to the wanderer,
rest for the wearied
and, in which alone,
is Life for those who die.”

St Ambrose (340-397)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Embrace, then, Jesus Crucified,
raising to Him the eyes of your desire!
Consider His burning love for you
which made Jesus pour out His Blood
from every part of His Body!
Embrace Jesus Crucified,
loving and beloved and in Him,
you will find true life because He is God made Man.
Let your heart and your soul burn
with the fire of love drawn from Jesus on the Cross!
… You will have no other desire than to follow Jesus!
Run, … do not stay asleep
because time flies and does not wait one moment!
Dwell in God’s sweet love!”

St Catherine of Sienna (1347-1380)

“O souls!
Seek a refuge, like pure doves,
in the shadow of the Crucifix.
There, mourn the Passion
of your Divine Spouse
and drawing from your hearts,
flames of love and rivers of tears,
make of them a precious balm
with which to anoint
the Wounds of your Saviour.”

St Paul of the Cross CP (1694-1775)

Posted in INDULGENCES, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, Our MORNING Offering, PAPAL PRAYERS, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

Our Morning Offering – 20 March – By the Merits of the Precious Blood of Jesus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 20 March – The Lenten FEAST of the MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD of JESUS is a Feast for the Fridays of Lent,

By the Merits of the
Precious Blood of Jesus
By Servant of God Pope Pius VII (1742-1823)
Papacy from 1800 to 1823
Indulgenced Act of Oblation to Our Father

Eternal Father!
I offer Thee the merits
of the Precious Blood of Jesus,
Thy well-beloved Son,
my Saviour and my God,
for all my wants,
spiritual and temporal,
in aid of the Holy Souls in Purgatory
and chiefly for those
who most loved this Precious Blood,
the price of our redemption
and who were most devout
to the sorrows and pains
of most Holy Mary,
our dear Mother.

Glory be to the Blood of Jesus,
now and forever
and throughout all ages.
Amen.

Indulgence of 300 days, each time this prayed is offered,
22 September 1817 with a Plenary Indulgence, once a month,
under the usual conditions.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 20 March – Saint Remigius (Died c783) Bishop of Strasbourg

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 20 March – Saint Remigius (Died c783) Bishop of Strasbourg and the first Abbot of Münster Gregorienthal, in modern Switzerland, of which City he is the Patron. Remigius was born to the nobility, the son of Hugh of Alsace; cousin of Saint Odilia of Hohenburg.
Also known as – Remi, Remidius.

He founded the Monasteries of Aschau and Schönenwerth in Switzerland and shone as a holy guide throughout Alsace and as a preacher of the Gospel, through word and deed.

A particular feature of his piety was his zeal in acquiring holy Relics, for which after being appointed as the Bishop, he made a pilgrimage to Rome, where he was received favourably by Pope Adrian I.

It is unclear when he became the Bishop and who he succeeded in that role. It may have been from 765 onwards. His Will is definitively dated in 778, falling during his Episcopate, co-signed by many other Bishops and forming the main source of his work in Strasbourg – it survives only in a 12th Century copy but is one of the most important documents of its type.

He is said to have died in 803, or according to others as early as 783. He was buried in Aschau but only received Ecclesiastical veneration under Pope Leo IX. In portraits, he is seen carrying Relics into the Church in procession.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent – FAST AND ABSTINENC, FEAST OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS, Our Lady of Calevourt, Belgium (1454), St Photina & Companions, St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne and the Saints for 20 March

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The FEAST OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS is a Feast for the Fridays of Lent, which has been in the General Roman Calendar from 1849 to 1969 with the same Office as that of the Solemnity of the Precious Blood in July..
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/10/the-solemnity-of-the-most-precious-blood-of-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-and-the-litany/
AND MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/24/friday-of-the-fourth-week-in-lent-fast-and-abstinence-feast-of-the-most-precious-blood-of-jesus-the-archangel-saint-gabriel-our-lady-of-the-flowering-thorn-france-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

FRIDAY of the 4th WEEK of LENT – FAST AND ABSTINENC

FERIAL DAY

Our Lady of Calevourt, near Brussels, Belgium (1454) – 20 March:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/20/our-lady-of-calevourt-near-brussels-belgium-1454-and-memorials-of-the-saints-20-march/

St Photina & Companions / Martyrs of Rome – 9+ Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Nero. We know nothing else about them but the names Photina, Sebastian and Victor, Anatolius, Cyriaca, Joseph, Parasceve, Photis.

St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne (c634-687) “The Wonder-Worker of England,” Bishop of Lindisfarne, Monk, Hermit, Miracle-worker.
St Cuthbert’s Zealous Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/20/saint-of-the-day-20-march-saint-cuthbert-of-lindisfarne-c-634-687-the-wonder-worker-of-england/

Blessed Ambrose Sansedoni OP (1220-1287) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, Preachers, Confessor, Mystic, a powerful and convincing Preacher employed by various Popes as a Diplomatic Peacemaker and that which seems opposed, as a Preacher of the Crusades, Peacemaker. A fellow student with St Thomas Aquinas under St Albert Magnus.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/20/saint-of-the-day-19march-blessed-ambrose-sansedoni-of-siena-op-1220-1287-priest/

Anastasius XVI
Archippus of Colossi
St Benignus of Flay
St Cathcan of Rath-derthaighe
St Clement of Ireland

St Guillermo de Peñacorada (Died c1042) Abbot, Miracle-worker. Patronage – Cistierna, Spain and he is invoked for rain in times of drought and he regularly proves his worth, bringing rain whenever needed.
The Rain-Maker:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/20/saint-of-the-day-20-march-st-guillermo-de-penacorada-died-c1042-abbot/

St Herbert of Derwenwater
Bl Hippolytus Galantini
Bl Jeanne Veron
Bl John Baptist Spagnuolo
St John Nepomucene
St John Sergius

St Martin (c520–580) Archbishop of Braga, Monk, Missionary, Monastic Founder, prolific Ecclesiastical Writer.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/03/20/saint-of-the-day-20-march-st-martin-of-braga-c-520-580/

St Nicetas (Died c733) Bishop of Apollonias in Bithynia, a region of Asia Minor, Defender of the veneration of holy images. We have no history of his birthplace but he died in exile in c733, presumably of natural causes, although some refer to him as a Martyr.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Apollonia, the Bishop, St Nicetas, who breathed his last in exile, where he had been sent for upholding the veneration of holy images.”
What We Know of St Nicetas:
https://anastpaul.com/2025/03/20/saint-of-the-day-20-march-saint-nicetas-died-c733-bishop-of-apollonias/

St Remigius (Died c783) Bishop of Strasbourg
St Tertricus of Langres
St Urbitius of Metz

St Wulfram (c640-c 703) Archbishop of Sens, France and Confessor, Missionary, Miracle-worker.
Patronages – Abbeville, France, against the dangers of the sea/of sailors, childbirth and young children.
His Life of Love:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/20/saint-of-the-day-20-march-saint-wulfram-of-sens-c-640-c-703/

Martyrs of Amisus – 8 Saints: A group of Christian women Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. The only details we have are eight of their names – Alexandra, Caldia, Derphuta, Euphemia, Euphrasia, Juliana, Matrona and Theodosia. They were burned to death c 300 in Amisus, Paphlagonia (modern Samsun, Turkey).

Martyrs of San Saba – 20 Saints: Twenty monks who were Martyred together in their monastery by invading Saracens. They were Martyred in 797 when they were burned inside the San Sabas monastery in Palestine.

Martyrs of Syria – 3+ Saints: A group of Christians who were Martyred together in Syria. We know nothing else about them but the names Cyril, Eugene and Paul.

Posted in LENT 2026, ORIGINAL SIN, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on SIN, Thomas Aquinas

Thursday of the 4th Week of Lent –19 March – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas – The Death of Lazarus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thursday of the 4th Week of Lent –19 March – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor of the Church

Thursday of the Fourth Week
The Death of Lazarus

“Lazarus our friend, sleepeth”
John xi. 11

Our friend, for the many benefits and services he rendered us and, therefore, we owe it, not to fail in his necessity. Sleepeth, therefore, we must come to his assistance; “a brother is proved in distress” (Prov xvii. 17).

He sleepeth, I say, as St Augustine says, to the Lord.
But to men he was dead, nor had they power to raise him.

Sleep is a word we use with various meanings.
We use it to mean natural sleep, negligence, blameworthy inattention, the peace of contemplation, the peace of future glory and, we use it also, to mean death.
We will not have you ignorant, concerning the last sleep, that you be not sorrowful, even as others who have no hope, says St Paul (i Thess. iv. 12).

Death is called sleep because of the hope of resurrection and so it has been customary to give death this name since the time when Christ Died and was Raised again, “I have Slept and have taken My rest”(Ps. iii. 6).
“I go that I may awake him out of sleep” (John xi. n).

In these words, Jesus gives us to understand that He could raise Lazarus from the tomb as easily as we raise a sleeper from his bed.
Nor is this to be wondered at, for He is none other than the Lord Who raiseth up the dead and giveth life (John v. 21). And hence, He is able to say, “The hour ccmeth when all who are in the graves, shall hear the Voice of the Son of God (ibid. v. 28).

“Let us go to Him” (John xi. 15).

Here it is the mercifulness of God which we are shown.
Men, living in sin and, as it were, dead, unable by any power of their own to come to Him, He mercifully draws them, anticipating their desire and need.
Jeremias speaks of this when he says, “Thus saith the Lord, I have Loved thee with an Everlasting Love, therefore, have I drawn thee, taking pity on thee”(Jer. xxxi. 3).

“Jesus, therefore, came and found, he had been in the grave, four days already” (John xi. 17).

St Augustine sees in the four day dead Lazarus, a figure of the fourfold spiritual death of the sinner.
He dies, in fact, through Original Sin, through actual sin, against the natural law, through actual sin against the written law, through actual sin against the law of the Gospel and of Grace.

Another interpretation is that the first day represents the sin of the heart, “Take away the evil of your thoughts” says Isaias (i. 16); the second day represents sins of the tongue, “Let no evil speech proceed from your mouth” says St Paul (Eph iv. 29); the third day represents the sins of evil action, “Cease to act perversely” (Isaias i. 16); the fourth day represents the sins of wicked habit.

Whatever explanation we give, Our Lord at times does heal those who are four days dead, i.e, those who have broken the law of the Gospel and are bound fast by habits of sin.

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, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, PRAYERS & NOVENA to St Joseph, PRAYERS TO St Joseph, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on WISDOM, St Francis de Sales, St JOSEPH

Quote/s of the Day – 19 March – Glorious St Joseph!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 19 March – The Month and Feast of St Joseph

“So, taking Christ’s genealogy from Joseph –
a husband in chastity,
he was father in the same way. …
Are you saying that he did not conceive Jesus
through the operation of nature?
Well then, what the Holy Ghost operated,
He did for them both.
For Joseph was “a just man,” Matthew tells us (1:19).
Both husband and wife were just.
The Holy Spirit dwelt within their mutual justice
and gave each of them, a Son!”

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

“How faithful in humility was the great Saint
we are celebrating!
That cannot be said in all its perfection,
for, in spite of what he was,
in what poverty and lowliness he lived,
all the days of his life – a poverty and lowliness
beneath which. he kept hidden and concealed,
his great virtues and dignity! …
Truly, I am free of doubt that the Angels came,
beside themselves with admiration, rank upon rank,
to behold and wonder at his humility,
while he sheltered that dearest Child
in the poor workshop where he worked at his employment,
so as to feed the little Boy and the Mother entrusted to him.”

“Behold, the Angel of the Lord
appeared to him in his sleep …”
Matthew 1:20

“And what wisdom did he not have? 
For God gave him his most glorious Son to care for …
the universal Prince of Heaven and earth …
Nevertheless, you can see how low
and humbled he was brought,
more than can be said or imagined …
he went to his own Country and Town of Bethlehem
and none but he was turned away from all those inns …
Notice how the Angel turns him about with both hands.
He tells him he has to go to Egypt and he goes;
he orders him to return and he returns.
God wants him to be always poor …
and he submits to it with love and, not only for a while,
for he was poor his whole life long!”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of the Church

Glorious St Joseph!
Prayer for the Intercession
of St Joseph in All Our Needs
By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Glorious St Joseph, Spouse of Mary,
grant us thy paternal protection,
we beseech thee, by the Heart of Jesus Christ.
O thou, whose power extends
to all our necessities
and can render possible for us,
the most impossible things.
Open thy fatherly eyes
to the needs of thy children.
In the trouble and distress
which afflicts us,
we confidently have recourse to thee.
Deign to take under thy charitable charge
this important and difficult matter,
cause of our worries.
Make its happy outcome
be for God’s glory
and for the good of His devoted servants.
Amen

Posted in MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS & NOVENA to St Joseph, PRAYERS TO St Joseph, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, St JOSEPH

Our Morning Offering – 19 March –Caelitum, Ioseph, decus, Joseph, the Praise and Glory of the Heavens

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 19 March – “The Month and Feast of St Joseph”

Caelitum, Ioseph, decus
Joseph, the Praise and Glory of the Heavens
By Fr Juan Escollar (Died 1700)

Joseph, the praise and glory of the heavens,
Sure pledge of life and safety of the wide world,
as in our joy we sing to thee, in kindness
listen to our praises.

Thou by the world’s Creator wert appointed
Spouse of the Virgin, thee He willed to honour.
Naming thee father of the Word and guardian
of our salvation.

Thou, thy Redeemer, lying in a stable,
whom long ago foretold the choir of Prophets,
sawest rejoicing and thy God adorest
Humble in childhood.

God, King of Kings and Governor of the ages,
He at Whose word the powers of hell do tremble,
He Whom the adoring heavens ever worship,
called thee protector.

Praise to the Triune Godhead everlasting,
Who with such honour mightily hath blest thee.
O may He grant us at thy blest petition
Joys everlasting.
Amen

Translation by Alan G McDougall (1895-1964).

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 19 March – Saint Landoaldus (Died 668) Priest, Missionary and Bishop of Maastricht (?).

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 19 March – Saint Landoaldus (Died 668) Priest, Missionary and Bishop of Maastricht (?). Born in Italy and died in Winterhoven, modern Belgium. Additional Memorial – 13 June (translation of his Relics). Also known as – of Maastricht, of Ghent, of Wintershoven, Landoald.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Ghent, the Saints Landoalus, a Roman Priest and the Deacon, Amantius, who were sent to preach the Gospel by Pope St Martin and after their deaths became illustriouys by many miracles.”

Statue of St Landoaldus and his pupil , St Lambertus, at the Saint Lambertus Spring in Wintershoven

Landoaldus along with other companions — including his sisters Vinciana and Agletrudis — worked as a Missionary in Haspengau (present-day Hespengau).

According to tradition, he was a companion of Amantius of Maastricht and acted as Tutor to St Lambertus of Maastricht.

In around 659, Landoaldus founded a Monastery and a Church in Wintershoven, modern Belgium, where Amantius served as his Deacon and supported him as a Missionary.

King Childeric, who often resided in Maastricht is said to have sent him daily provisions.

Landoaldus was buried in the Church ihe had built n Wintershoven. His deacon St Amantius, who died in 670, was also interred in the same coffin. Around 965, Landoaldus’ remains and those of his companions were exhumed and in 980 they were translated to the Church of St Bavo in Ghent
A richly written biography emerged, portraying St Landoaldus as the Bishop of Maastricht, along with an account of the transflation of the Relic.

Posted in MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, SAINT of the DAY, St JOSEPH

St Joseph! and the Saints for 19 March

Posted on by AnaStpaul

St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary – 19 March
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/19/solemnity-of-st-joseph-spouse-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary-and-memorials-of-the-saints-1-9-march/
St Joseph!
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/03/19/saint-of-the-day-19-march-the-solemnity-of-st-joseph-spouse-of-the-most-blessed-virgin-mary-mother-of-god-and-patron-of-the-universal-church/
AND – Do Not Forget St Joseph, the Patron of a Holy Death! – The Story of a Miracle in South Africa:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/19/second-thought-for-the-day-19-march-do-not-forget-st-joseph/

VIENNA, AUSTRIA – DECEMBER 17, 2014: The St. Joseph paint on the side altar of Salesianerkirche by unknown artist of 19. cent.

St Adrian of Maastricht
St Alkmund of Northumbria
St Amantius of Wintershoven

Blessed Andrea Gallerani (Died 1251) Layman, Penitent, Founder of a Lay Apostolate known as “The Friars of Mercy” (Frati della Misericordia). Andrea was Beatified on 13 May 1798 by Pope Pius VI (cultus confirmation).
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/19/saint-of-the-day-19-march-blessed-andrea-gallerani-died-1251/

St Apollonius of Braga
St Auxilius of Ireland

Blessed Clement (1200-1258) Bishop of Dunblane in Scotland, , Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, a great and humble carer of the poor and needy, a zealous Administrator but just as much, a shepherd of souls, Reformer, Writer, a highly renowned Preacher and Linguist, a very learned man indeed. Clement was the first member of the Dominican Order in Britain and Ireland to become a Bishop. Born in Scotland in 1200 and died in 1258 in Dunblane, Scotland of natural causes.
An Inspiring Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/19/saint-of-the-day-19-march-blessed-clement-of-dunblane-op-1200-1258-bishop/

St Colocer of Saint-Brieuc
St Corbasius of Quimperlé
St Cuthbert of Brittany
St Gemus

Blessed Isnard de Chiampo OP (Died 1244) Priest of the Order of Preachers, known as the “Apostle of Pavia,” Confessor, Miracle-worker,
The Apostle of Pavia:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/19/saint-of-the-day-19-march-blessed-isnard-de-chiampo-op-died-1244-priest-the-apostle-of-pavia/

Blessed John of Parma OFM (c1209-1289) Priest, 7th Minister General of the Friars Minor from (1247–1257) and a noted Theologian. He was known for his attempts to bring back the earlier spirit of the Order after the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. Patronage – of his birthplace, Parma, Italy. His cult was confirmed in 1777 by his Beatification by Pope Pius VI.
Blessed John’s Zealous Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/19/saint-of-the-day-19-march-blessed-john-of-parma-ofm-c1209-1289-priest/

St John (6th Century) Founder Abbot in Civita-di-Penna, Umbria, Italy, Miracle-worker.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Civita-di-Penna, the birthday of the blessed St John, a man of great holiness, who came from Syria into Italy, where he constructed a Monastery and, after having been the spiritual guide of many servants of God for forty-four years, rested in peace, renowned for great virtue.”
A Man of Great Holiness:
https://anastpaul.com/2025/03/19/saint-of-the-day-19-march-saint-john-6th-century-abbot/

St Lactali of Freshford
St Landoaldus (Died 668) Priest, Missionary and Bishop (?)
St Leontinus of Braga
St Leontinus of Saintes
Bl Mark of Montegallo
St Pancharius of Nicomedia

Blessed Sibyllina Biscossi OP (1287-1367) Blind Dominican Virgin and Recluse, Penitent, Miracle-worker. She was Beatified on 17 August 1854 by Pope Pius IX. Her body is incorrupt.
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/19/saint-of-the-day-19-march-blessed-sibyllina-biscossi-op-1287-1367/

Martyrs of Sorrento: A group of Three sisters and a brother who were Martyred together. We have little more than their names – Mark, Quartilla, Quintilla and Quintius. They were Martyred in Sorrento, Italy, date unknown.

Posted in "Follow Me", GOD ALONE!, LENT 2026, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on FRIENDSHIP, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, Thomas Aquinas

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent – 18 March – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas – The Divine Friend

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent –18 March – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor of the Church

Wednesday of the Fourth Week
The Divine Friend

“His sisters sent to Him saying :
Lord, behold, he whom Thou lovest, is ill.”
John xi. 3

Three things here call for thought.

  1. God’s friends are afflicted from time to time in the body.
    It is not, therefore, in any way a proof that a man is not a friend of God if he is ill and ailing.
    Eliphaz argued falsely against Job when he said, “Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished being innocent?or when were the just destroyed?” (Job iv. 7).

The Gospel corrects this when it says, “Lord, behold, he whom Thou lovest is ill” and the Book of Proverbs, too, where we read, “For whom the Lord loveth, He chastiseth and as a father in the son, He pleaseth Himself” (Prov. iii. 12).

  1. The sisters do not say, “Lord, come and heal him.”
    They merely explain that Lazarus is ill, they say, he is sick. This is to remind us that, when we are dealing with a friend, it is enough to make known our necessity, we do not need to add a request.
    For a friend, since he wills the welfare of his friend, as he wills his own, is as anxious to ward off evil from his friend as he is to ward it off from himself.
    This is true, most of all in the case of Him Who, of all friends, Loves most truly.
    “The Lord keepeth all those who love Him”(Ps cxliv. 20).
  2. These two sisters, who so greatly desire the cure of their ill brother, do not come to Christ personally, as did the centurion and the man ill of the palsy.
    From the special Love and familiarity which Christ had shown them, they had a special confidence in Him.
    And, possibly, their grief kept them at home, as St Chrysostom thinks.
    “A friend, if he continue steadfast, shall be to thee, as thyself, and shall act with confidence among those of thy household” (Ecclus vi. 11).

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 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, CHRIST the LIGHT, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD is LOVE, I BELIEVE!, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY GHOST, The SIGN of the CROSS

Quote/s of the Day – 18 March – The Memorial of St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387) Bishop of Jerusalem, Confessor Father & Doctor of the Church

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 18 March – The Memorial of St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387) Bishop of Jerusalem, Confessor Father & Doctor of the Church

“Your accumulated offences
do not surpass the multitude of God’s mercies!
Your wounds do not surpass
the great Physician’s skill!”

Let us not then be ashamed
to confess the Crucified!

“BE THE CROSS OUR SEAL,
made with boldness by our fingers,
on our brow and in everything,
over the bread we eat and the cups we drink,
in our comings in and goings out,
before our sleep,
when we lie down
and when we awake,
when we are in the way
and when we are still.

Great is that preservative,
it is without price,
for the poor’s sake,
without toil,
for the sick,
since also its’ grace is from God.

It is the Sign of the faithful
and the dread of evils –
for He has triumphed over them in it,
having made a shew of them openly –
for when they see the Cross,
they are reminded of the Crucified;
they are afraid of Him,
Who hath bruised the head of the dragon.

Despise not the Seal
because of the freeness of the Gift
but for this,
rather honour thy Benefactor!”

“And Jesus, seeing their faith,
said to the paralytic,
Take courage, son,
your sins are forgiven you.”
Matthew 9:2

“Perhaps, your own faith is feeble.
Nevertheless, the Lord, Who is Love
will stoop down to you,
provided only that you are penitent
and can say sincerely,
from the depths of your soul:
“Lord, I believe.
Help Thou mine unbelief,”
(Mark 9:23)……”

“The Spirit comes gently
and makes Himself known
by His Fragrance.
He is not felt as a burden,
for God is light, very light.
Rays of light and knowledge
stream before Him
as the Spirit approaches.
The Spirit comes with the tenderness
of a true friend – to save,
to heal, to teach, to counsel, to strengthen
and to console.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2025/03/18/quote-s-of-the-day-18-march-st-cyril-of-jerusalem-4/

St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387)
Father & Doctor of the Church

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Holy Name PRAYERS, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on MORALS, QUOTES on PRAYER, The HOLY NAME of MARY

Our Morning Offering – 18 March – In Thy Name By St ohn Chrysostom

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 18 Marchr – Wednesday of the 4th Week of Lent

In Thy Name
By St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Oh Almighty God,
Who hast given us grace
at this time, with one accord,
to make our common
supplications unto Thee
and hast promised that,
when two or three are gathered together
in Thy Name,
Thou wilt grant their requests,
fulfil now, O Lord,
the desires and petitions of Thy servants,
as may be most expedient for them;
granting us, in this world,
knowledge of Thy Truth
and in the world to come,
life everlasting.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 18 March – Saint Eucarpius (Died c304) Martyr

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 18 March – Saint Eucarpius (Died c304) Martyr and Soldier of Nicomedia. After being sent to pursue Christians and arrest them, St Eucarpius himself became a Christian so glorious was the testimony of these brave soldiers of Christ. He then, in turn, was hunted, arrested and killed by being burned alive.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Nicomedia, also, the holy Martyrs, Tropbius and Eucarpius.”

St Eucarpius had been a pagan soldier in the Imperial Roman Army and was stationed in Nicomedia (in modern Turkey).

Being assigned to hunt and pursue Christians during the persecutions of Diocletian, he came to know them and the faith so well that he converted to the True Faith of Christ.

Arrested and sentenced to death he was burned alive in Nicomedia.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Nostra Signora della Misericordia / Our Lady of Mercy, Italy (1536), St Cyril of Jerusalem and the Saints for 18 March

Posted on by AnaStpaul

WEDNESDAY of the 4th WEEK of LENT

Nostra Signora della Misericordia / Our Lady of Mercy, Patron of Savona, Italy (1536) – 18 March:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/18/nostra-signora-della-misericordia-our-lady-of-mercy-patron-of-savona-italy-1536-and-memorials-of-the-saints-19-march/

St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387) Bishop of Jerusalem, Confessor Father & Doctor of the Church, Theologian, Writer.
Marvellous St Cyril
https://anastpaul.com/2017/03/18/saint-of-the-day-18-march-st-cyril-of-jerusalem/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/18/saint-of-the-day-18-march-st-cyril-of-jerusalem-315-387-bishop-confessor-doctor/

NOVENA for the INTERCESSION of ST JOSEPJ
DAY NINE: Click Link HERE: DAY NINE

St Alexander (Died 251) Bishop and Martyr of Jerusalem.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/18/saint-of-the-day-18-march-saint-alexander-of-jerusalem-died-251-bishop-and-martyr/

St Anselmthe Younger (1036-1086) Italian Bishop and Confessor of Lucca.
About this St Anselm:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/18/saint-of-the-day-18-march-saint-anselm-of-lucca-the-younger-1036-1086/

St Braulio (c590-c651) Bishop of Zaragoza

Blessed Christian O’Conarchy (c1100-1186) O.Cist. Abbot, a disciple and then the Archdeacon of the renowned St Malacy O’More (1094 – 1148) , the Bishop and Confessor of Armagh, possibly also the Bishop of Lismore and the Papal Legate of all Ireland, although these latter Offices are unconfirmed.
His Fervent Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2025/03/18/saint-of-the-day-18-march-blessed-christian-oconarchy-c1100-1186-o-cist-abbot/

St Edward the Martyr (962-978) Child King of England.
The Roman Martyrology states today: “In England, the holy King Edward, who was assasinated by order of his treacherous stepmother and became celebrated for many miracles.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/18/saint-of-the-day-18-march-saint-edward-the-martyr-c-962-978/


St Eucarpius (Died c304) Martyr of Nicomedia
St Felix Deacond and Martyr at Gerona, Catalonia, Spain
St Finan (Died c595) Monk of Aberdeen, Scotland. Disciple of St Kentigern (Mungo).
St Narcissus of Gerona

St Salvator OFM (1520-1567) Lay Brother of Friars Minor, Cook, Porter and Quester of alms, Miracle-worker. Canonised on 17 April 1938 by Pope Pius XI. His body is incorrupt.
Holy St Salvator:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/18/saint-of-the-day-18-march-saint-salvator-of-horta-ofm-1520-1567-lay-brother/

St Trophimus of Nicomedia

Martyrs of Nicomedia – Commemorates the Christians who were Martyred anonymously, either singly and in small groups, by local pagans in the area of Nicomedia prior to the year 300 and who may have been over-looked in the waves of Diocletian persecutions that resulted in the deaths of thousands.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, LENT 2026, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION, Thomas Aquinas

Tuesday of the 4th Week of Lent –16 March – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas – The Example of Christ Crucified

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Tuesday of the 4th Week of Lent –16 March – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor of the Church

Tuesday of the Fourth Week
The Example of Christ Crucified

“Christ Suffered for us, leaving you an example that you should follow His steps”
I Pet ii. 21

Christ assumed human nature in order to restore fallen humanity.
He had, therefore, to Suffer and to execute, according to human nature, all which could serve as a remedy against the sin of the fall.

Man’s sin consists in this – that he so cleaves to bodily goods that he neglects what is good spiritually.
It was, therefore, necessary for the Son of God to show this in the humanity He had taken, through all He did and Suffered, so that men should repute temporal things, whether good or evil, as nothing, for otherwise, hindered by an exaggerated affection for them, they would be less devoted to spiritual things.

Christ, therefore, chose poor people for His Parents, people nevertheless, perfect in virtue, so that none of us should glory in the mere rank or wealth of our parents.

He led the life of a poor man, to teach us to set no store by wealth.

He lived the life of an ordinary man, without any rank, to wean men from an undue desire for honours.

Toil, thirst, hunger, the aches of the body, all these He endured, to encourage men, whom pleasures and delights attract, not to be deterred from virtue by the austerity a good life entails.

He went as far as to endure even Death, lest the fear of death might at any time tempt man to abandon the Truth.
And lest any of us might dread to die, even a shameful death for the Truth, He chose to Die by the most Accursed Death of all, by Crucifixion.

That the Son of God, made man, should Suffer Death was also fitting for this reason – by His example, He stimulates our courage and so, makes true what St Peter said, “Christ Suffered for us, leaving you an example that you should follow His steps” (I Pet ii. 21).

Christ truly Suffered for us, leaving us an example in anxieties, contempts, scourgings, the cross, death itself, that we might follow in His Steps.
If we endure our own anxieties and sufferings for Christ, we shall also reign together with Christ in the happiness which is everlasting.
St Bernard says, “How few are they, O Lord, who yearn to go after Thee and yet, there is no-ne who desireth not to come to Thee, for all men know that in Thy Right Hand are delights which will never fail.
All desire to enjoy Thee but not all to imitate Thee.
They would willingly reign with Thee but spare themselves from suffering with Thee.
They have no desire to look for Thee, Whom yet they desire to find.“

ST THOMAS AQUINAS (1225-1274)
Priest, Theologian, Dominican
Doctor Angelicus (Angelic Doctor)
Doctor Communis (Common Doctor)

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, GOD ALONE!, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on the CHURCH

Quote/s of the Day – 17 March – St Patrick

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 17 March – St Patrick (c386-461) “The Apostle of Ireland,” Bishop, Confessor

Prayer of St Patrick

I bind unto myself today
the power in the love of the Seraphim,
in the obedience of the Angels,
in the ministration of the Archangels,
in the hope of Resurrection unto reward,
in the prayers of the Patriarchs,
in the predictions of the Prophets,
in the preaching of the Apostles,
in the faith of the Confessors,
in the purity of the holy Virgins,
in the deeds of Righteous men.
Amen

St Patrick (c386-461)
“The Apostle of Ireland”

Posted in BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on WATCHING, QUOTES on WISDOM, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The WORD

Our Morning Offering – 17 March – Excerpt from St Patrick’s BreastplateS

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 17 March – St Patrick (c386-461) “The Apostle of Ireland,” Bishop, Confessor

Excerpt from St Patrick’s Breastplate
(also known as “The Deer Cry”)

I bind unto myself today
the power of God to hold and lead,
His Eye to watch, His Might to stay,
His Ear to hearken to my need;
the Wisdom of my God to teach,
His Hand to guide, His shield to ward;
the Word of God to give me speech,
His Heavenly Host to be my guard.
Against the demon snares of sin,
the vice which gives temptation force,
the natural lusts which war within,
the hostile men who mar my course;
of few or many, far or nigh,
in every place and in all hours
against their fierce hostility, …….
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all who love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
I bind unto myself the Name,
the strong Name of the Trinity,
by invocation of the same,
the Three in One and One in Three,
of Whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word.
Praise to the Lord of my salvation:
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 17 March – Saint Paul (Died c760) Monk, Martyr.

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 17 March – Saint Paul (Died c760) Monk, Martyr. For defending Sacred Images, Paul was Martyred by being burned alive. Originally from Greece, Paul worked, suffered and died in Constantinople.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Constantinople, St Paul, Martyr, who was burned alive under Constantine Copronymus, for defending the veneration of Holy Images.”

This day commemorate a Martyr named Paul, burned alive for his fidelity to the cult of images.

Constantinople was the site of the Martyrdom and the period of Constantine Copronymus (741-775) as the time of its occurrence. The true identity of the Martyr remembered today can be learned from the Acts of Saint Stephen the Younger, composed by the contemporary Deacon Stephen.

According to this source, while Stephen and other confessors were in prison, a certain Anthony, originally from Crete, who had already suffered much for his faith, stood up and began to recount the atrocious tortures endured by the Monk Paul in Cyprus for his fidelity to the veneration of Sacred images.

He was arrested by the Governor Theophanes Lardothyros and having remained steadfast in his profession of faith, he had first been horribly tortured, his flesh stripped with iron combs, then suspended head downward and burned alive over a slow fire.

Since the Martyrdom of Stephen and his companions occurred around 764, it is possible that Paul died around 760.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

St Patrick, Our Lady, Queen of Ireland (1697), St Joseph of Arimathea, Day Eight of the St Joseph Novena and the Saints for 17 March

Posted on by AnaStpaul

TUESDAY of the FOURTH WEEK of LENT

St Patrick (c386-461) “The Apostle of Ireland,” Bishop, Confessor, Missionary.
About dearly loved St Patrick:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/03/17/saint-of-the-day-17-march-st-patrick/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/17/saint-of-the-day-17-march-st-patrick-c386-461-the-apostle-of-ireland/

Our Lady, Queen of Ireland, or the Madonna of Ireland (1697) – 17 March:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/17/our-lady-queen-of-ireland-or-the-madonna-of-ireland-1697-and-memorials-of-the-saints-17-march/

St Joseph of Arimathea (Died 1st Century) “The Secret Disciple of Jesus.” Patronages – of pallbearers, funeral directors, morticians, undertakers, tin miners, tin smiths, Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, Glastonbury Cathedral.
Feast day moved after Vatican II to 31 August
“The Secret Disciple of Jesus”
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/31/saint-of-the-day-31-august-saint-joseph-of-arimathea-died-1st-century/

NOVENA to ST JOSEPH
DAY EIGHT: Click Link HERE: DAY EIGHT

St Agricola (498-580) Bishop of Châlon-sur-Saône, Defender of the true Faith against heretics, a zealous shepherd and teacher of his flock, Apostle of the poor and sick, building hospitals and leper colonies. He founded Churches and Monasteries. He was also a Diplomat and Peace-maker against invading barbarian forces and protector his people by his great courage. Agricola cared for his Diocese for 50 years with tireless dedication.
A Wonferful Shepherd:
https://anastpaul.com/2025/03/17/saint-of-the-day-17-march-st-agricola-498-580-bishop/

St Alexander
St Ambrose of Alexandria

Blessed Conrad O. Cist (c1105-1126 or 1154) Monk, Hermit, Pilgrim, Miracle-worker, Canon and Civil Lawyer. Blessed Conrad was Beatified in 1832 by Pope Gregory XVI (cultus confirmation).
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/17/saint-of-the-day-17-march-blessed-conrad-of-bavaria-o-cist-c-1105-1126-or-1154/

St Diemut of Saint Gall

St Gabriel Lalemant SJ (1610-1649) Martyr, Priest of the Society of Jesus, Missionary in the Huron country, Canada. Gabriel was Canonised by Pope Pius XI on 29 June 1930.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/17/saint-of-the-day-17-march-st-gabriel-lalemant-sj-1610-1649-priest-martyr/

St Gertrude of Nivelles / the Great OSB (626-659) Benedictine Nun and Abbess, who, with her mother Itta, founded the Abbey of Nivelles located in present-day Belgium.
About St Gertrude:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/03/17/saint-of-the-day-17-march-st-gertrude-of-nivelles-o-s-b-626-659/

Bl Gertrude of Trzebnica

St Llinio of Llandinam
St Paul (Died c760) Martyr
St Stephen of Palestrina
St Theodore of Rome
St Thomasello
St Withburga (Died 743) Abbess, Princess

Martyrs of Alexandria – Also known as Martyrs of Serapis: An unknown number of Christians who were Martyred together by a mob of worshippers of the Graeco-Egyptian sun god Serapis. They were Martyred in c 392 in Alexandria, Egypt.

Posted in LENT 2026, QUOTES on MERIT, The PASSION, Thomas Aquinas

Monday of the 4th Week of Lent –16 March – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas – Christ, by His Passion, Merited to be Exalted

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Monday of the 4th Week of Lent –16 March – Our Lenten Journey With St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor of the Church

Monday of the 4th Week
Christ, by His Passion, Merited to be Exalted

“He became obedient unto death, even to Death on the Cross; for which Cause, God hath exalted Him.”
Phil ii. 8.

Merit implies a certain equality of justice.
Thus, St Paul says, “To him who worketh, the reward is reckoned according to debt”(Rom iv. 4).

Now, since a man who commits an injustice takes for himself more than is due to him, it is just that he suffer loss even in what is actually due to him.
If a man steals one sheep, he shall give back four as it says in Holy Scripture (Exod xxii. i).
And this is said to be merited, inasmuch as in this way the man’s evil will is punished.
In the same way, the man who acts with such justice that he take less than what is due to him, merits that more shall be generously added to what he has, as a reward for his just will .
So, for instance, the Gospel tells us, “he who humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke xiv. 11).

Now in His Passion, Christ humbled Himself below His Dignity in four respects:
(i) In respect of His Passion and His Death – He underwent these Sufferings, for which He did not owe a debt.
(ii) In respect of locations – for His Body was placed in a grave and His Soul in hell.
(iii) In respect of the Confusion and Shame which He endured.
(iv) In respect of His being delivered to human authority – as He said to Pilate Himself, “Thou shouldst not have any power against Me, unless it were given thee from above” (John xix. 11).

Therefore, on account of His Passion, He Merited a fourfold Exaltation.
(i) A glorious Resurrection.
It is said in the Psalm (Ps cxxxviii. 1), “Thou hast known My Sitting down that is, the humiliation of My Passion and My Rising up.”
(ii) An Ascension into Heaven.
Whence it is said, “He Descended first into the lower parts of the earth – He who Descended is the same Who Ascended above all the heavens” (Eph iv. 9, 10).
(iii) To be seated at the Right Hand of the Father, with His Divinity made manifest.
Isaias says, He shall be Exalted and Extolled, and shall be exceeding high. As many have been astonished at thee, so shall His visage be inglorious among men and St Paul says, “He became obedient unto Death, even to the Death on the Cross. For which Cause God hath Exalted Him and hath given Him a Name which, is above all names” (Phil ii. 8, 9) that is to say, He shall be named God by all and all shall pay Him reverence as God.
And this is why St Paul adds,“In the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in Heaven, on earth, and under the earth” (ibid. x).
(iv) A Power of Judgement.
For it is said, “Thy Cause hath been judged as that of the wicked. Cause and judgement thou shalt recover” (Job xxxvi. 17).

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, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, St Francis de Sales, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR

Quote/s of the Day – 16 March – Help us, O God, our Saviour

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 16 March – Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent – 3 Kings 3:16-28; John 2:13-25 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Remember not our former iniquities,
let Thy mercies speedily prevent us,
for we are become exceeding poor.
Help us, O God, our Saviour
and for the glory of Thy Name, O Lord,
deliver us and forgive us our sins,
for Thy Name’s sake.”

Psalm 78:8-9

“… There is one Road
and one only,
well secured against all possibility
of going astray
and, this Road is provided
by One, Who is Himself
both God and Man.
As God, He is the Goal,
as Man, He is the Way.”

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

“Prayer, appeases the anger of God;
He pardons the sinner
when he prays with humility.”

St Lawrence Justinian (1381-1455)

“Our misery.
is the throne
of God’s mercy.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Posted in CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, HYMNS, In the PRESENCE of GOD, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST

Our Morning Offering – 16 March – Be Thou My Vision

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 16 March – Laetare Sunday / The Fourth Sunday in Lent

Be Thou My Vision
By St Dallan Forgaill (c530- 598)
Martyr

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy Presence my Light.

Be Thou my Wisdom and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord.
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my Battle-shield, Sword for my fight,
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.
Thou my soul’s shelter, Thou my high tower.
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always.
Thou and Thou only, First in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Son,
Heart of my heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

St Dallan here:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/01/29/saint-of-the-day-29-january-st-dallan-forgaill-c-530-598/

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 16 March – Saint Agapitus (3rd-4th Century) Bishop and Confessor

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 16 March – Saint Agapitus (3rd-4th Century) Bishop and Confessor of Ravenna in Italy.
Also known as – Agapetus, Agapito.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Ravenna, St Agapitus, Bishop and Confessor.”

The main sources of our information on St Agapitus are the Martyrologium Romanum which celebrates his memory today and several brief notes in ancient calendars and Episcopal records.

Ravenna Basilica Mosaics showing various Bishops

St Agapitus was the 10th Bishop of Ravenna. He lived between the end of the 3rd Century and the first half of the 4th and the report of his participation in the Council of Rome in 340, convened by Pope Julius I. However, this report has no historical basis. The anachronism is evident: for Saint Agapitus was likely already dead at the time of the council.

The 4th Century was a time of great turmoil for the Church. Constantine’s Edict of 313 had established freedom of worship, paving the way for a new era of prosperity. However, new heresies and theological controversies threatened to divide the Christian community.

In this context, St Agapitus distinguished himself as a zealous and wise Shepherd. His reputation for sanctity is linked to his dedication to the Gospel, his care for the poor and his commitment to defending the One True Faith.

Until the 10th Century, St Agapitus remained buried in the cemetery adjacent to the Basilica Probi di Classe. In 963, Archbishop Peter IV exhumed his Relics and transferred them to the Basilica of Ravenna.

But his cult only began to establish itself around the 11th Century, when the legend of the miraculous election through the descent of a dove upon the candidate’s head. It was Archbishop Filippo Fòntana (1250-1270) who, above all, spread and cared for the cult of our Saint Agapitus.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Monday of the 4th Week of Lent, Our Lady of the Fountain, Constantinople (460), Day 7 of the St Joseph Novena and the Saints for 16 March

Posted on by AnaStpaul

MONDAY of the FOURTH WEEK of LENT

Ferial Day

Our Lady of the Fountain, Constantinople (460) – 16 March:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/16/our-lady-of-the-fountain-constantinople-460-and-memorials-of-the-saints-16-march/

NOVENA for the INTERCESSION of ST JOSEPH
DAY SEVEN: CLICK here: DAY SEVEN

St Abraham Kidunaia (c 296-c 366) Priest, Hermit, Missionary, Friend of St Ephreme.
Venerated on 29 October after 1969.
The Lord’s Servant:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/29/saint-of-the-day-29-october-saint-abraham-kidunaia-c-296-c-366/

St Agapitus (3rd-4th Century) Bishop and Confessor of Ravenna
St Aninus of Syria

St Benedicta of Assisi OSC (Died 1260) Poor Clare Nun, Abbess.
St Benedicta’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/16/saint-of-the-day-16-march-st-benedicta-of-assisi-osc-died-1260/

St Cyprianus Deacon Martyr
St Dionysius of Aquileia
St Dentlin of Hainault
Bl Eriberto of Namur
St Eusebia of Hamage
St Felix of Aquileia

St Finian Lobhar, surnamed “the Luminous Leper” (Died c 560) Bishop, Confessor, Abbot, Founder of Monasteries, Mystic, Miracle-worker.
St Finan’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/16/saint-of-the-day-16-march-saint-finian-lobhar-surnamed-the-luminous-leper-died-c-560/

Bl Ferdinand Valdes

Blessed Giovanni de Surdis Cacciafronte OSB (1125 – 1184) Bishop and Martyr, Abbot.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/16/saint-of-the-day-16-march-blessed-giovanni-de-surdis-cacciafronte-osb-1125-1184/

St Gregory Makar

St Heribert (c970–1021) Archbishop of Cologne, a Miracle-worker and Counsellor. Canonised in 1075 by Pope Saint Gregory VII.
His Zealous Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/03/16/saint-of-the-day-16-march-st-heribert-c-970-1021/

St Hilary of Aquileia
Bl Joan Torrents Figueras

Blessed John Amias (1589) Priest, Martyr, Married layman and father of seven children, then a Widower and a home Missionary Priest. John was Beatified on 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/16/saint-of-the-day-16-march-blessed-john-amias-1589-priest-martyr/

St Julian of Anazarbus
St Largus of Aquileia
St Malcoldia of Asti
St Megingaud of Wurzburg
St Papas
St Patrick of Clermont

Blessed Robert Dalby (Died 1589) Priest Martyr. Born at Hemingborough near Wakefield in North Yorkshire, England and died on 16 March 1589 at York, England by being hanged, drawn, and quartered during the persecutions of Elizabeth I. Also known as – Robert Drury. Additional Memorial – 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai. Blessed Robert was Beatified on 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/16/saint-of-the-day-16-march-blessed-robert-dalby-died-1589-priest-martyr/

Bl Torello of Poppi Hermit

DISCLAIMER:
Please note:
I cannot control the content of the Advertisements on this Site, or of pop-ups which may appear,
The revenue from the Advertisements, however, does provide a little assistance in the support of the Site.
I do apologise for any inappropriate content.