Posted in LENT 2026, MARIAN PRAYERS, NOVENAS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUEENSHIP of MARY, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The HOLY FACE

Lenten Preparation Novena to the Holy Face, The Seventh Day – 15 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Preparation Novena
in Reparation to the Holy Face
Day Seven

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

(Console the Holy Face

and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer) below.

Psalm 50:14-15:
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation
and strengthen me with a perfect spirit.
I will teach the unjust Thy ways
and the wicked shall be converted to Thee.

DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER

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

THE SEVENTH DAY:

Lord Jesus!
After contemplating Thy features,
disfigured by grief pain,
after meditating upon Thy Passion
with compunction and love,
how can our hearts fail to be inflamed
with a holy hatred of sin,
which even now, outrages Thy Adorable Face!
Lord, suffer us not to be content
with mere compassion
but grant us grace to closely follow Thee
in this Calvary,
so that the opprobrium destined for Thee
may fall on us,
0 Jesus, that thus, we may have a share,
small though it may be,
in expiation of sin.
Amen

Mary, our Mother, intercede for us.

Saint Joseph pray for us.
Through the merits of Your Precious Blood
and Your Holy Face, O Jesus,
grant us our petition ………………
Pardon and mercy.
Amen

Hail Mary, Queen of Our Hearts, Our Mother
Prayer in Honour of Mary
By St Louis Marie de Montfort (1673-1716)

Hail Mary,
Daughter of God the Father!
Hail Mary,
Mother of God the Son!
Hail Mary,
Spouse of the Holy Spirit!
Hail Mary,
Temple of the Most Holy Trinity!
Hail Mary, our mistress,
our wealth, our mystic rose.
Queen of our hearts, our Mother,
our life, our sweetness
and our dearest hope!
We are all Thine
and all we have is thine.
O Virgin, blessed above all things,
may thy soul be in us,
to magnify the Lord,
may thy spirit be in us,
to rejoice in God.
Place thyself, O faithful Virgin,
as a seal upon our hearts,
that in thee and through thee,
we may be found faithful to God.
Grant, most gracious Virgin,
that we may be numbered
among those, whom thou art
pleased to love, to teach and to guide,
to favour and to protect, as thy children.
Grant that with the help of thy love,
we may despise all earthly consolations
and cling to heavenly things,
until through the Holy Spirit,
thy faithful spouse and through thee,
His faithful spouse,
Jesus Christ, Thy Son, be formed within us
for the glory of the Father.
Amen

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

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

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH

One Minute Reflection – 15 February – ‘ … How then does he call Him the Son of David? ..’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 2 March – “The Month of the Most Blessed Trinity” – Quinquagesima Sunday –1 Corinthians 13:1-13 – Luke 18:31-43. – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And he cried out, saying, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” – Luke 18:38

REFLECTION – The blind man must have understood, that the sight of the blind cannot be restored by human means but requires, on the contrary, a divine power and an authority such as God only possesses. With God nothing, whatsoever, is impossible. The blind man came near to Him, as to the omnipotent God. How then does he call Him, the Son of David? What can one answer to this? The following is perhaps the explanation. Since He was born and raised in Judaism, of course, the predictions contained in the law and the holy Prophets, concerning Christ, had not escaped his knowledge. He heard them chant that passage in the book of the Psalms, “The Lord has sworn in truth to David and will not annul it, saying: ‘of the fruit of your loins I will set a king upon your throne.’” The blind man also knew that the blessed Prophet Isaiah said, “There will spring up a shoot from the root of Jesse and from his root a flower will grow up.” Isaiah also said, “Behold, a virgin will conceive and bring forth a son,and they will call his name Emmanuel, which, being interpreted is, God with us.”  He already believed that the Word, being God, of His own will, had submitted to be born in the flesh of the holy Virgin. He now comes near to Him, as to God and says, “Have mercy on me, Son of David.” Christ testifies, that this was his state of mind in offering his petition. He said to him, “Your faith has saved you.” – St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Archbishop of Alexandria, Father and Doctor of the Incarnation (Commentary on Luke, Homily 126)

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

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering

Our Morning Offering – 15 February – Grant Us This Day, O Lord By St Thomas Aquinas

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 15 February – Quinquagesima Sunday

Grant Us This Day, O Lord
By St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Doctor Angelicus
Doctor Communis

Grant us this day, O Lord
a vigilant heart,
that no alien thought
can lure away from Thee,
a pure heart.
that no unworthy love can soil,
an upright heart,
that no crooked intentions
can lead astray.
And give us Lord,
understanding to know Thee,
zeal to seek Thee,
wisdom to find Thee
and a hope,
that will one day
take hold of Thee.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY, St PAUL!, The WORD

Saint of the Day – 15 February – St Onesimus the Slave (Died c90) Bishop, Martyr, Disciple of St Paul the Apostle.

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 15 February – St Onesimus the Slave (Died c90) Bishop, Martyr, Disciple of St Paul the Apostle.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “The birthday of the blessed Onesimus, concerning whom the Apostle Paul wrote to Philemon, He made him the Bishop of Ephesus after St Timothy and committed to him the Office of Preacher. Being led a prisoner to Rome and stoned to death for the Faith in Christ, he was buried in that City but his body was afterwards carried to the place where he had been the Bishop.”

Onesimus, in Greek, means “useful or beneficial.“ The Saint thus named lived in Phrygia (Asia Minor) as a slave to the Christian Philemon, a friend and disciple of the Apostle St Paul.

But then Onesimus escaped (perhaps even robbed his master) and woe betide him if he were caught – he might then be sentenced to a lifetime of forced labour, with the letter “F” (Fugitivus) branded on his forehead.
After days and days of walking, hiding and terror, finally, he sought refuge with St Paul in Rome. The Apostle was held captive under military custody in a house, almost always chained to a soldier but free to receive visitors. Here Onesimus found ready refuge, tried to make himself useful in daily matters and listened to St Paul’s conversations with so many people; the man in chains called everyone to ente“into the glorious freedom of the children of God.”

St Paul teaching St Onesimus

And he called Onesimus too, of course, who one day too was converted and able to call himself a Christian, treated by Paul as a son “begotten in chains.” Then the Apostle sent him back to his former master, Philemon.

To Philemon, St Paul wrotes a concise and lively letter in his own hand, clarifying a crucial point – Onesimus, having escaped as a slave, now returns as a “dear brother, first to me but how much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.” Others think of abolishing slavery with laws; Paul erases it from the heart of man in the name of Christ. And if the former slave had robbed Philemon, the Apostle promptly guarantees: “I will pay!”

Onesimus left to return to his master Philemon, with Tychicus, Paul’s most faithful collaborator, who carries his letters to the Christians of Ephesus and Colossae. And so St Paul introduces him to his fellow Colossians: “With Tychicus will come Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will inform you of all things concerning this place.”

Thus the former slave has already become a collaborator in the apostolate. Then he certainly found Philemon, giving him the letter, which hase reached us in the New Testament.

St Philemon rreceives the ‘prodigal’ St Onesimus

“[10] I beseech thee for my son, whom I have begotten in my bands, Onesimus, [11] who hath been heretofore unprofitable to thee but now is profitable, both to me and thee, [12] whom I have sent back to thee. And do thou receive him as my own bowels. [13] Whom I would have retained with me that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bands of the Gospel [14] but without thy counsel I would do nothing that thy good deed might not be as it were of necessity but voluntary. [15] For perhaps he, therefore, departed for a season from thee that thou mightest receive him again for ever,
[16] not now as a servant but instead of a servant, a most dear brother, especially to me but how much more to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord?”
[Philemon 1:10-16]

Posted in LENT 2026, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Quinquagesima Sunday, Immaculate Heart of Mary: Refuge of Sinner, Notre-Dame de Paris / Our Lady of Paris, France (522), St Faustinus & St Jovinus (Died c 120) Martyrs and the Saints for 15 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quinquagesima Sunday:
This Season is seventeen (17) days long and includes the three Sundays before Ash Wednesday.
The length of the Season never changes but the start date is dependent upon the movable date of Easter, which can fall between 22 March-25 April.
For many early Christians Quinquagesima marked the time after which meat was forbidden. In many places, this Sunday and the next two days, were used to prepare for Lent by a good Confession; hence in England, we find the names Shrove Sunday and Shrovetide. Shrove is a form of the English word “shrive,” which means – to obtain absolution for one’s sins by way of Confession and doing penance..
As the days before Lent were frequently spent in merry-making, Pope Benedict XIV by the Constitution “Inter Cetera” (1 January 1748) introduced a Forty Hours’ Devotion to keep the faithful from dangerous amusements and to make some reparation for sins committed.
Quinquagesima also means, the time between Easter and Pentecost, or from the Saturday after Easter to the Sunday after Pentecost; it is then called Quinquagesima Paschae paschalis, or laetitae.

Immaculate Heart of Mary: Refuge of Sinner
Listed in the Missal as a Feastday in some place.
What does this Feastday mean?
The Heart of Mary is the divinely-appointed Refuge of Sinners.
“O God,” exclaims St Alphonsus, “how great shall be the remorse of the damned Christian in thinking that, during life, he could have saved his soul with so much facility by invoking the intercession of this Mother of mercy; that he had not done so and that, there shall be no more time to do it.”
“Perhaps,” says St Bonaventure, “we are in doubt as to whether Our Lady will hear us when we address our prayers to her. No, Mary does not refuse and never has refused pity and aid, to any sinner who has invoked her intercession.”

Notre-Dame de Paris / Our Lady of Paris, France (522) – 15 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/15/our-lady-of-paris-france-522-and-memorials-of-the-saints-15-february/

St Agape of Terni

Blessed Angelus de Scarpetti OSA (Died c 1306) Religious of the Order of the Hermits of St Augustine, Missionary, miracle-worker.
His Blessed Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/15/saint-of-the-day-15-february-blessed-angelus-de-scarpetti-osa-died-c-1306/

St Berach of Kilbarry
St Craton
St Decorosus of Capua
St Dochow
St Druthmar of Corvey
St Eusebius of Asehia
St Farannan of Iona

St Faustinus AND St Jovinus (Died c 120) Martyrs, Priest and Deacon respectively. Brothers. Both Evangelists, Preachers. Born at Brescia, Lombardy, Italy and the two brothers died together. They was thrown to the lions but the animals refused to touch them. Then beheaded in 120 at Brescia, Italy.

St Faustus of Monte Cassino

St Georgia (6th Century) Virgin nd Recluse.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Clermont in Auvergne, St Georgia Virgin.”
Holy Georgia:
https://anastpaul.com/2025/02/15/saint-of-the-day-15-february-st-georgia-6th-century-virgin-recluse/

St Joseph of Antioch

St Onesimus the Slave (Died c90) Bishop and Martyr, Disciple of St Paul the Amosite

St Quinidius of Vaison

St Sigfrid of Sweden (Died 11th Century) “Apostle of Sweden,” Bishop, Missionary, Miracle-worker.
About St Sigfrid:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/15/saint-of-the-day-15-february-saint-sigfrid-of-sweden-died-11th-century-apostle-of-sweden/

St Severus of Abruzzi

St Walfrid/Galfrido (Died c765) Abbot. Born in 8th Century Pisa, Italy and died on 15 February 765 at Palazuollo, Italy of natural causes.
His Penitential Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/15/saint-of-the-day-15-february-saint-walfrid-galfrido-della-gherardesca-died-c765-abbot/

Martyrs of Antioch: 5 Saints:
A group of Christians murdered together. We know the names of five of them – Agapev, Baralo, Isicio, Joseph and Zosimus.

Martyrs of Passae:
Castulus
Lucius
Magnus
Saturninus

Martyrs of Sweden:
Sigfrid
Sunaman
Unaman
Winaman

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, JESUIT SJ, LENT 2026, NOVENAS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY FACE

Lenten Preparation Novena to the HOLY FACE, The Sixth Day – 14 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Preparation
Novena to the Holy Face
To end on Shrove Tuesday,
The Feast of the Holy Face

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

(Console the Holy Face

and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer) below.

Psalm 50:12-13
A pure heart create in me O God,
put a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Thy presence
nor deprive me of Thy Holy Spirit.

DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER

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

THE SIXTH DAY:

Most Holy Face of Jesus,
we are truly sorrowful,
for we have hurt Thee so much.
By our sins, we have disobeyed Thee,
turned away from Thee
and omitted to please Thee, by our lives.
But now, we wish to do penance
and amend our lives.
Immaculate Heart of Mary,
intercede for us,
help us to console
the Most Holy Face of Jesus.
Pray for us, that we may share
in the tremendous love
thou hast for the most Holy
and Blessed Trinity.
Through the merits of Thy Most Precious Blood
and Thy Holy Face,
O Jesus, grant us our petition………………
Pardon and mercy.
Amen

O Victorious Prince,
Guardian of the Church of God
By St Aloysius de Gonzaga SJ (1568-1591)
Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel

O Victorious Prince,
most humble guardian of the Church of God
and of faithful souls,
who, with such charity and zeal,
took part in so many conflicts
and gained such great victories over the enemy,
for the conservation and protection
of the honour and glory,
we all owe to God,
as well as for the promotion of our salvation.
Come, we pray Thee, to our assistance,
for we are continually besieged
with such great perils by our enemies,
the flesh, the world and the devil
and as Thou wast a leader
for the people of God,
through the desert,
so also be our faithful leader
and companion through the
desert of this world,
until Thou conduct us safely,
into the happy land of the living,
in that blessed fatherland
from which we are all exiles.
Amen.

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

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

Posted in HYMNS, LENT 2026, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, PRAYERS & NOVENA to St Joseph

Lenten Preparation Novena to the Holy Face – The Fifth Day – 13 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Preparation
Novena to the Holy Face
To end on Shrove Tuesday,
The Feast of the Holy Face

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

(Console the Holy Face and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer) below.

Psalm 51:10-11:
But I, as a fruitful olive tree in the house of God,
have hoped in the mercy of God,
forever, yea forever and ever.
I will praise Thee forever
because Thou hast done it
and I will wait on Thy Name,
for It is good in the sight of Thy saints.

DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER

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

THE FIFTH DAY:

Holy Face of Jesus,
Sacred Countenance of God,
how great is Thy patience with humankind,
how infinite Thy forgiveness.
We are sinners, yet Thou dost love us.
This gives us courage.
For the glory of Thy Holy Face
and of the Blessed Trinity,
hear and answer us.

Mary our Mother, intercede for us, Saint Joseph, pray for us.

Through the merits of Thy Most Precious Blood
and Thy Holy Face,
O Jesus, grant us our petition ………………
Pardon and mercy.
Amen

Hail, Holy Joseph, Hail!
By Father Frederick William Faber CO (1814-1863)

Hail, holy Joseph, hail!
Chaste spouse of Mary hail!
Pure as the lily flow’r
In Eden’s peaceful vale.
Hail, holy Joseph, hail!
Prince of the house of God!
May His best graces be
By thy sweet hands bestowed.

Hail, holy Joseph, hail!
Comrade of Angels, hail!
Cheer thou the hearts that faint,
And guide the steps that fail.
Hail, holy Joseph, hail!
God’s choice wert thou alone!
To thee the Word made flesh,
Was subject as a Son.

Hail, holy Joseph, hail!
Teach us our flesh to tame
And, Mary, keep the hearts
That love thy husband’s name.
Mother of Jesus! bless,
And bless, ye Saints on high,
All meek and simple souls
That to Saint Joseph cry.
Amen

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

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

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, LENT 2026, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, NOVENAS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, Prayers to the SORROWFUL MOTHER, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY FACE

Lenten Preparation Novena to the Holy Face – The Fourth Day – 12 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Preparation
Novena to the Holy Face
To end on Shrove Tuesday,
The Feast of the Holy Face

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

(Console the Holy Face and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer) below.

Psalm 51:8-9:

Indeed you love truth in the heart,
then in the secret of my heart,
teach me Wisdom.
O purify me, then I shall be clean,
O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.

DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER

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

THE FOURTH DAY:

O Lord Jesus, Who has said,
learn of Me for I am meek and gentle of heart
and Who didst manifest upon Thy Holy Face,
the sentiments of Thy Divine Heart,
grant that we may love
to meditate upon Thy Divine Countenance,
that we may read there,
Thy gentleness and Thy humility
and learn from Thee to form our hearts
in the practice of these two virtues,
which Thou desires to see shine in Thy servants.

Mary our Mother and Saint Joseph help us.

Through the merits of Thy Precious Blood
and Thy Holy Face,
O Jesus, grant us our petition ………………
Pardon and mercy.
Amen

Prayer in Honour of the Dolours
of the Blessed Virgin
By St Bonaventure (1217-1274)
Doctor of the Church

O most holy Virgin,
Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ,
by the overwhelming grief you experienced
when you witnessed the Martyrdom,
the Crucifixion
and the Death,
of your Divine Son,
look upon me with eyes of compassion
and awaken in my heart a tender
commiseration for those sufferings,
as well as a sincere detestation of my sins,
in order that,
being disengaged from all undue affection
for the passing joys of this earth,
I may sigh after the eternal Jerusalem
and that henceforward, all my thoughts
and all my actions, may be directed
towards this one most desirable object,
the honour, glory and love
to our Divine Lord Jesus,
and to you,
the Holy and Immaculate
Mother of God.
Amen

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

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

Posted in LENT 2026, NOVENAS, PAPAL PRAYERS, The HOLY FACE

Lenten Preparation Novena to the Holy Face – The Third Day – 11 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Preparation
Novena to the Holy Face
To end on Shrove Tuesday,
The Feast of the Holy Face

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

(Console the Holy Face and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer) below.

Psalm 51:6b-7:
You are just when you pass sentence on me,
blameless, when you give judgement.
You know I was born guilty,
a sinner from the moment of conception.

DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER

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

THE THIRD DAY:

Prayer to The Holy Face
By Pope Pius IX (1792-1878)

O Jesus!
Cast upon us a look of mercy,
turn Thy Face towards each of us
as Thou did to Veronica,
not that we may see It, with our bodily eyes,
for this we do not deserve
but turn It towards our hearts,
so that, remembering Thee,
we may ever draw
from this Fountain of Strength,
the vigour necessary,
to sustain the combats of life.
Amen

Mary, our Mother and Saint Joseph, pray for us.

Through the merits of Thy Precious Blood
and Thy Holy Face,
O Jesus, grant us our petition ………………
Pardon and mercy.
Amen

Prayer to the Angels and Saints
We salute you,
through the Holy Face and Sacred Heart of Jesus,
O all you Holy Angels and Saints of God.
We rejoice in your glory
and we give thanks to our Lord
for all the benefits which He has
showered upon you,
we praise Him and glorify Him
and, for an increase of your joy and honour,
we offer Him the most Holy Face
and gentle Heart of Jesus.
Pray that we may become formed
according to the Heart of God.
Amen.

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

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

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, LENT 2026, NOVENAS, PRAYERS to THE HOLY GHOST, St Alphonsus de Liguori,, The HOLY FACE, The HOLY GHOST

Lenten Preparation Novena to the Holy Face – The Second Day – 10 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Preparation
Novena to the Holy Face
To end on Shrove Tuesday,
The Feast of the Holy Face

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

(Console the Holy Face and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer) below.
Psalm 51:5-6a
My offences truly I know them;
My sin is always before me
Against You, You alone, have I sinned,
What is evil in Your sight I have done.

DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER

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

THE SECOND DAY:

PRAYER:
Most Holy Face of Jesus,
we are truly sorrowful,
for we have hurt Thee so much.
By our sins, we have disobeyed Thee,
turned away from Thee
and omitted to please Thee by our lives.
But now, we wish to do penance
and amend our lives.
Immaculate Heart of Mary,
intercede for us,
help us to console
the Most Holy Face of Jesus.
Pray for us, that we may share
in the tremendous love
you have for the most Holy
and Blessed Trinity.
Through the merits of Thy Most Precious Blood
and Thy Most Holy Face,
O Jesus, grant us our petition ………………
Pardon and mercy.
Amen

Come O Holy Ghost!
By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

Thou made Mary full of grace
and inflamed the hearts of the Apostles
with a holy zeal,
enflame our hearts with Thy Love.
Thou art the Spirit of goodness,
give us the courage to confront evil.
Thou art Fire,
set us ablaze with Thy Love.
Thou art Light,
enlighten our minds,
that we may see what is truly good and true.
Thou art the Dove,
give us gentleness.
Thou art a Soothing Breeze,
bring calm to the storms which rage within us.
Thou art the Tongue,
may our lips ever sing God’s praises
Thou art the Cloud,
shelter us under the shadow of Thy protection.
O Holy Ghost, melt the frozen,
warm the chilled
and enkindle in us,
an earnest desire to please Thee.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen

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

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

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, LENT 2026, NOVENAS, The HOLY FACE

Lenten Preparation Novena to the Holy Face – The First Day – 9 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Preparation
Novena to the Holy Face
To end on Shrove Tuesday, 17 February this year,
The Feast of the Holy Face

For so many, Shrove Tuesday is a date on the calendar that is often overshadowed by Ash Wednesday that memorable day we wear the outward sign of repentance and recall our mortality. How much more meaningful will our Ash Wednesday be, if we first mark Shrove Tuesday as a Feast of the Holy Face, concluding the Novena we began in the time of preparation and beginning Lent more in love with the Countenance of Christ and, through Him, made more beautiful in our own soul. AMEN,
Let us Pray ………….

“I firmly wish that My Face reflecting the intimate pains of My Soul, the suffering and love of My Heart, be more honoured! Whoever gazes upon Me already consoles Me.” – (Our Lord Jesus Christ to Sister Pierina)

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

This Novena prayer may be said at any time but especially in the nine days leading up to the Feast of the Holy Face on Shrove Tuesday. The first Medal of the Holy Face was offered to Pope Pius XII who approved the Devotion and the Medal. In 1958, he formally declared the Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus as Shrove Tuesday.

(Console the Holy Face and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer) below.
Psalm 51:3-4.
Have mercy on me, O God in Thy goodness,
in Thy great tenderness wipe away my faults,
wash me clean of my guilt, purify me from my sin.

DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER

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

THE FIRST DAY:

PRAYER:
O most Holy Face of Jesus,
look with tenderness on us who are sinners.
Thou art a merciful God,
full of love and compassion.
Keep us pure of heart,
so that we may see Thee always.
Mary, our Mother,
intercede for us,
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Through the merits of Thy Precious Blood
and Thine Holy Face, O Jesus,
grant us our petition ………………
and Thy pardon and mercy.

Almighty Father, Come Into Our Hearts
By St Augustine (354-430)

Almighty Father, come into our hearts
and so fill us with Thy Love
that forsaking all evil desires,
we may embrace Thee, our only good.
Show us, O Lord our God,
what Thou art to us.
Say to our souls, I Am your salvation,
speak so, that we may hear.
Our hearts are before Thee,
open our ears,
let us hasten after Thy Voice.
Hide not Thy Face from us,
we beseech Thee, O Lord.
Open our hearts, so that Thou may enter in.
Repair the ruined mansions,
that Thou may dwell therein.
Hear us, O Heavenly Father,
for the sake of Thy Only Son,
Our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who lives and reigns with Thee
and the Holy Ghost,
one God, now and forever.
Amen

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

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

Posted in LENT, NOVENAS, The HOLY FACE

REMINDER – The Lenten Preparation Novena to the Holy Face BEGINS tomorrow, 9 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The Feast Day of the Holy Face is on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday i.e. Ash Wednesday. I pray the Lord to grant me the grace of being able to post a series of Lenten Reflections by St Thomas Aquinas this year. In the meantime let us prepare by praying this Novena, beginning tomorrow.

Posted in BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

1 February Devotion – The Most Holy and Blessed Trinity – O SANCTISSIMA~O MOST HOLY!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Traditional Catholic Devotions

February is traditionally the Month of the Blessed Trinity, with the Holy Family being celebrated together with the Holy Name of Jesus in January.

The Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father
and of the Son
and of the Holy Ghost.

(50 Days. 100 Days if made with Holy Water
Blessed Pope Pius IX, 1865.)

O SANCTISSIMA~
O MOST HOLY!
Indulgenced Prayer
to the Most Holy Trinity

O Most Holy Trinity,
I adore Thee,
Who art dwelling,
by Thy grace,
within my soul.

O Most Holy Trinity,
Who art dwelling,
by Thy grace,
within my soul,
make me love Thee,
more and more.

O Most Holy Trinity,
Who art dwelling,
by Thy grace,
within my soul,
sanctify me more and more.

Abide with me,
O Lord, be Thou my true joy.
Amen

An Indulgence of 300 days for each of the above prayers,
even when recited separately.
(SP Ap. 26 April 1921 and 23 October 1928).

Posted in NOTES to Followers, QUOTES on HERESY, QUOTES on the CHURCH

Patience … sweet fellow Pilgrims …

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Dearest sweetest fellow Pilgrims, I am truly sad to have been absent from Breathing Catholic for so long. As an athlete of Christ my chair has vastly contributed to the extreme pain I am in (I work on a Desktop not a Laptop). I am still struggling along in prayerful hope, ever trusting that by the Grace and Will of God, I will be allowed to return very soon. Even little by little will be better than nothing! 🙏💖🤗 Ana

Let us in the interim, follow faithfully to the words of St Pius V and please, I beseech you, to add your intercessory prayers to mine. I pray our Gracious and Kindest Lord will bless you all but, unlike St Pius V, I have not the strength to pray: “O Lord, increase my sufferings and my patience!” (just the Patience please Lord).

“Following the example of our predecessors,
seeing that the Church Militant
which God has placed in our hands,
in these our times, is tossed this way and that
by so many heresies and,
is grievously troubled and afflicted by so many wars
and by the depraved morals of men,
we also raise our eyes, weeping but full of hope,
unto that same mountain,
whence every aid comes forth
and we encourage and admonish,
each member of Christ’s faithful
to do likewise in the Lord.”

St Pius V (1504-1573)

Posted in NOTES to Followers

Knocking on Heaven’s Door in Prayer

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Knocking on Heaven’s Door in Prayer

So many apologies for my sudden absence.
I have been laid low by severed back pain caused by Repetitive Strain and I am almost totally unable to sit at the PC at all!

I beg your supplications to our Gracious Lord.

I offer my prayers for you all, always 🙏💖🤗

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DESPAIR, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL

Thought for the Day – 29 December – Our Frequent Lapses

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Thought for the Day – 29 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Our Frequent Lapses

“It is sad to have to admit, that in spite of our good resolutions and in spite of the graces which we receive from God, we continue to fall into sin.
Our continual lapses can cause us to become discouraged.
This, however, is a device of the devil, who has already lured us into sin and now, proceeds to suggest thoughts of despair.
He wishes to convince us that resistance is useless, that our nature is completely corrupt and, that there is no escape for us.

“My dear children,” wrote St John to the early Christians, “these things I write to you, in order that you may not sin. But, if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the just and he is a propitiation for our sins, not for ours only but also, for those of the whole world” (1 Jn 2:1-2).
“If we say that that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all iniquity.” (1 Jn 1:9).
“He who says that he knows him and does not keep his commandments, is a liar and the truth is not in him But he who keeps his word, in him the love of God is truly perfected” (1 Jn 2:5).

It is clear, therefore, that we ought to avoid sin by every means in our power because, it extinguishes our charity and brings death to the soul.
Nevertheless, even if we continue to fall into sin, we should never lose heart.
Discouragement and despair are stratagems of the devil.
No matter how great and how numerous our sins maybe, God is always prepared to pardon them.
Let us recall the example of Mary Magdalen, of the repentant thief and of the prodigal son.
As long as we repent sincerely, we may be sure that God will forgive us and clasp us to His breast, for God is Infinitely merciful.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in ADVENT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, QUOTES on VIRTUE, QUOTES on WISDOM, The FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES: JUSTICE, PRUDENCE, TEMPERANCE, FORTITUDE, The O ANTIPHONS

Quote/s of the Day – 29 December – “O Sapientia”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 29 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – the Feast of St Thomas à Becket (1118-1170) Martyr, Archbishop of Canterbury

“O Sapientia”

“O Wisdom, Who camest forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching in Thy strength from end to end and sweetly disposing all things, Come and teach us the way of prudence.”

“ Come and teach us the way of prudence.
This is our petition to Him, Who is to Come.
If only He imparts prudence, all must be well.
Prudence chooses the correct end, that is, the glory of God and the means to that end, – that which we know God asks of us now in our present circumstances.

Teach me, O Jesus the lesson of prudence which will guide me safely to the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

QUOTES BY:
St Thomas à Becket (1118-1170)
Martyr, Archbishop of Canterbury
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/29/quote-s-of-the-day-29-december-st-thomas-a-becket-2/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The GOOD SHEPherd Prayers, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 December – ‘ … Do you listen attentively to the Voice of the Good Shepherd and obey His Word?’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 29 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Thomas à Becket (1118-1170) Martyr – Hebrews 5:1-6 – John 10:11-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I am the Good Shepherd, I know My Own and My Own know Me.”- John 10:14

REFLECTION – “He shows in what manner a shepherd may be proved good and, He teaches that, he must be prepared to give up his life, fighting in defence of his sheep which was fulfilled in Christ. For man has departed from the love of God and fallen into sin and, because of this was, I say, excluded from the divine abode of paradise. And when he was weakened by that disaster, he yielded to the devil tempting him to sin and death, following that sin, he became the prey of fierce and ravenous wolves.  But after Christ was announced as the True Shepherd of all men, He laid down His life for us (1 John 3:16), fighting for us against that pack of inhuman beasts.  He bore the Cross for us that by His own death, He might destroy death. He was condemned for us that He might deliver all of us, from the sentence of punishment – the tyranny of sin being overthrown by our faith -fastening to the Cross, the decree that stood against us, as it is written (Colossians 2:14).

Therefore, as the father of sin had, as it were, shut up the sheep in hell, giving them to death to feed on, as it is written in the Psalms (Ps. 48:16), He died for us, as truly Good and truly our Shepherd, so that the dark shadow of death is driven away, He might join us to the company of the blessed in Heaven and, in exchange for abodes which lie far in the depths of the pit … grants us mansions in His Father’s House above. Because of this, He says to us in another place:  Fear not, little flock, for it has pleased your Father to give you a Kingdom (Luke 12:32). Do you listen attentively to the Voice of the Good Shepherd and obey His Word? – ” – St Cyril of Alexander (376-444) Known as “The Pillar of Faith” Archbishop of Alexandria, Father and Doctor of the Church. (Commentary on the Good Shepherd).

PRAYER – O God, for Whose Church Bishop Thomas, now in glory, fell by the swords of wicked men, grant, we beseech Thee, that the prayers of all who implore his assistanc, may be effective and may lead to salvation. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, Quotes Self-Oblation

Our Morning Offering – 29 December – Please Lord, Make me Worthy! By St Thomas à Becket

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Our Morning Offering – 29 December – St Thomas à Becket (1118-1170) Martyr, Archbishop of Canterbury

Please Lord, Make me Worthy!
Prayer of Supplication and Repentance
By St Thomas à Becket (1118-1170)
Martyr, Archbishop of Canterbury

My Lord,
I find it difficult to talk to Thee.
What can I say?
I, who have turned away from Thee
so often with indifference.
I have been a stranger to prayer,
undeserving of Thy friendship and love.
I have been without honour
and feel unworthy.
I am a weak and shallow creature,
clever only in the second-rate and worldly arts,
seeking my comfort and pleasure.
I gave my love, such as it was, elsewhere,
putting service to my earthly King,
before my duty to Thee.
Please Lord, teach me how to serve Thee
with all my heart, to know at last,
what it really is, to love, to adore.
So that I may worthily minister to
Thine Kingdom, here on earth
and find my true honour,
in observing Thine divine will.
Please Lord, make me worthy!
Amen

Posted in CATHOLIC TIME, CONFESSION/PENANCE, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES for the NEW YEAR, QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on PRAYER, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on SLOTH, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, QUOTES on TIME

Thought for the Day – 28 December – The Value of An Hour

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 28 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Value of An Hour

“There are twenty four hours in a day, eight thousand seven hundred and sixty, in a year.
How have you spent all the hours which God has given you in the past?
How do you intend to use the hours which He will give you in the future?

When you examine the past, you will find much to regret.
Perhaps you have spent many hours in sin, in idle gossp, in useless or dangerous pastimes, or in innumerable business transactions, all of which will contribute NOTHING towards your eternal salvation, which should be our main concern in this life.

How much time have you spent thinking of God, your Creator and Redeemer?
How many hours have you devoted to prayer, thanksgiving and penance.
How many have you spent in apostolic work on behalf of your neighbour?
It may be that the service of God and your spiritual welfare have, so far, been the least of your worries, on which you have expended no more than the few odd moments left over from your other preoccupations.
You are well aware, nevertheless, that the purpose of life is to know, love and serve God.
You know that you ought to offer Him all your thoughts, affections and actions, for He alone can make your happy – or do you NOT know and believe this?”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in ADVENT QUOTES, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The O ANTIPHONS

Quote/s of the Day – 28 December – “O Clavis David”

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Quote/s of the Day – 28 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Feast of the Holy Innocents

“O Clavis David”

“ O Key of David and Sceptre of the house of Israel,
Who openest and no man shutteth
and shuttest and no man openeth;
Ccome and deliver from the prisonhouse,
the captive who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death.”

“The Key and the Sceptre, are the symbols of supreme authority; they indicate the sway which the Saviour is to hold over His faithful people and the right which He alone possesses of opening the Gate of Heaven to the children of men and of extending to them the golden sceptre of His mercy and forgiving love.
To me, O Key of David, unworthy though I am, open in Thy Mercy the Door of Heaven; stretch forth to me, all undeserving, the sceptre of Thy favour and Thy love.”

Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 December – ‘… They could not yet speak but already, they are confessing Christ. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 28 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Holy Innocents, Martyrs – Apocalypse 14:1-5,– Matthew 2:13-18 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“When Herod realised that he had been deceived by the Magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity, two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the Magi.“” – Matthew 2:16

REFLECTION – “Why, Herod, do you fear when you hear a King is born? He has not come to dethrone you but to overthrow the devil. But you fail to understand, you take fright and fall into a fury. Because you lost the single child you were seeking, you become the cruel murderer of the many. Neither the weeping mothers’ love, nor the mourning of fathers weeping for their sons, nor the screams and howling of the children themselves, holds you back. You massacre these little ones in their bodies because fear is killing you, in your heart. And you think that, if you achieve your end, you will live on for a long time, whereas it is Life itself you are trying to kill! He Who is the source of grace, Who is both small and great, Who is lying in a manger, causes your throne to topple. He accomplishes His design through you, without your knowing it. He gathers together the children of your enemies and makes of them, children of adoption.

These little ones died for Christ without knowing it;  their parents weep for the death of Martyrs. Although they were unable to speak, Christ made them capable of being His Witnesses. See how this King reigns. Already He is setting free and bestowing salvation.  But as for you, Herod, you are oblivious of what is happening, you take fright and fall into a rage. And when you get annoyed with a little Child, you are already placing yourself at His service without realising it.

How great the gift of grace is! What are the merits by which these children won the victory? They could not yet speak but already, they are confessing Christ. Their little bodies are as yet unable to engage in combat but already, they are carrying off the Palm of Victory.” – St Quodvultdeus (Died c 453) Father, Bishop at Carthage from c437-c450 (Second sermon on the Creed).

PRAYER – O God, Whose praise the Innocents, Thy Martyrs, this day proclaimed, not by speaking but by dying, put to death in us all the wickedness of sin, so that the faith which our tongue professes, may be proclaimed also by our life.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
We praise You, O God, we acclaim You as Lord, the white-robed army of Martyrs praise You. (From the Te Deum).

Posted in "Follow Me", BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, CHRISTMAS Prayers & Hymns, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, POETRY, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 28 December – Salvete Flores Martyrum! – Hail, Ye Little Martyr Flowers!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 28 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Feast of Holy Innocents, Martyrs

Salvete Flores Martyrum!
Hail, Ye Little Martyr Flowers!
By Prudentius (c348 – c413)
(Aurelius Prudentius Clemens)
The Renowned Poet

All Hail! ye infant Martyr flowers,
Cut off in life’s first dawning hours.
As rosebuds snap’t in temptest strife,
When Herod sought Thy Saviours life.

Thou, tender flock of lambs, we sing,
First victims slain for Christ Thy King.
Beside the very altar, gay
With palms and crowns, ye seem to play.

All honour, laud and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-born, to Thee;
All glory, as is ever meet,
To Father and to Paraclete.

Salvete Flores Martyrum is the Office Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of the Holy Innocents (28 Dec). Its stanzas are drawn from Prudentius’ Epiphany Hymn, Cathemerinon and were

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 28 December – Saint Domnion (Died c395) Priest

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Saint of the Day – 28 December – Saint Domnion (Died c395) Priest of Rome, assistant to St Jerome and being highly regarded for his work in sourcing and locating ancient writingsand in facuilitating the publication of St Jerome’s finished work. Also known as Dominius, Dominio.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St Domnion, Priest.”

Saints Jerome and Augustine – By Alonso Coello

The contemporaries of our Saint Doimnion, Saints Jerome and Augustine speak of him n glowing terms.

He published the Sacred Scriptures which St Jerome had just translated into Latin (the Vulgate).

Domnion is also known for his care of Pilgrimss and his fight against the moral decay of Rome.

He died in c395 and he is remembered today, 28 Dece,ber/

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

The Holy Innocents, Notre-Dame de Pontoise / Our Lady of Pontoise, France (13th Century) and Memorials of the Saints – 28 December

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The Holy Innocents
About:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/28/saints-of-the-day-feast-of-the-holy-innocents-28-december-4th-day-of-the-christmas-octave/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/28/saints-of-the-day-feast-of-the-holy-innocents-martyrs-28-december-4th-day-of-the-christmas-octave/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/28/saint-of-the-day-28-december-the-holy-innocents/

Guido Reni: Massacre of the Innocents

Notre-Dame de Pontoise / Our Lady of Pontoise, France (13th Century) – 28 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/28/the-fourth-day-of-the-octave-of-christmas-feast-of-the-holy-innocents-notre-dame-de-pontoise-our-lady-of-pontoise-france-12th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-28-december/

St Anthony of Lérins (c428-c520) Monk, Hermit, Miracle-worker. The Roman Martyrology states: “Commemoration of Saint Anthony, a Monk, who, a man distinguished by grace and preparation, after having led a solitary life, retired, by now an old man in the Monastery of Lérins in Provence, where he piously fell asleep in the Lord.”
His Fervent Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/28/saint-of-the-day-28-december-saint-anthony-of-lerins-c-428-c-520/

BL Claudia Weinhardt
St Conindrus
St Domitian the Deacon
St Domnion (Died c395) Priest of Rome
St Eutychius
Bl Gregory of Cahors
St Iolande of Rome

Blessed Johannes Riedgasse O.Praem. (Died 1600) Abbot, Priest and Friar of the Premonstratensians or Norbertines.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/28/saint-of-the-day-28-december-blessed-johannes-riedgasse-o-praem-died-1600-abbot/

Blessed Matthia de Nazzarei OSC (1253-1319) Virgin, Nun of the Poor Clares, Abbess, gifted with the charism of miracles and prophecy. Beatified on 27 July 1765 by Pope Clement XIII. Her body is incorrupt.
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/28/saint-of-the-day-28-december-blessed-matthia-de-nazzarei-osc-1253-1319/

Bl Nicolas Mello
Bl Hermann of Heidelberg
Bl Otto of Heidelberg
St Romulus
St Simon the Myroblite
St Theonas of Alexandria
St Theodore of Tabenna
St Troadius of Pontus

Martyrs of Africa – 3 Saints: Three Christians murdered together in Africa for their faith. The only details to survive are their names – Castor, Rogatian and Victor.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD is LOVE, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Thought for the Day – 27 December – St John, the Apostle and Evangelist

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Thought for the Day – 27 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

St John, the Apostle and Evangelist

“Both in his Gospel and in his letters, St John continually emphasises the virtue of charity.
He stresses the need for love of God and love of our neighbour, “God is love,” he says, “and he who abides in love abides in God and God in him” (1 Jn 4:16).
According to St Jerome, when the Apostle John was almost a hundred years old and lacked the strength to speak for very long, he was accustomed to go, supported by his disciples, to gatherings of the faithful.
There he prepared, on every occasion, the same exhortation: “My children, love one another.”
His followers grew tired of this and finally asked him why he kept repeating the same phrase.
“Because that is God’s command,” he replied, “and if we do no more than obey it, that is sufficient!”

Let us meditate upon his words and let us remember, that our love for God is futile, unless it is accompanied by a practical love for our neighbour.
The love of God cannot be separated, from the love of our fellow-men.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST the KING, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, GOD ALONE!, The DIVINE INFANT, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The O ANTIPHONS

Quote/s of the Day – 27 December – “O Emmanuel”

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Quote/s of the Day – 27 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

“O Emmanuel”

“O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver,
the expectation of the nations and their Saviour,
Come to save us, O Lord our God!”

“Emmanuel, God with us, is a Name which in every way belongs to Christ Our Lord.
He is with His people in all their needs, ever ready to help and console them.
He is with us on every Altar, waiting for us to come and pour out our sorrow and our needs before Him.
He is with us, above all, in Holy Communion, when He Comes to dwell in our heart and to bring with Him every grace we need.
He is with us in the hour of death and He will be with us forever in Heaven.”

Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The PASSION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 December – “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow Me.” – John 21:22

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One Minute Reflection – 27 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St John, the Apostle and Evangelist, the Beloved – St John the Apostle and Evangelist – Ecclesiasticus 15:1-6 – John 21:19-24 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow Me.” – John 21:22

REFLECTION – “The Church knows of two lives advocated and recommended by God . One in faith, the other in vision; one in our pilgrimage through time, the other in the abode of eternity; one in working, the other in repose; one on the way, the other in our homeland; one in the labour of action, the other in the reward of contemplation. … The first is represented by the Apostle Peter, the second, by John. The first wholly takes place here below, until the end of the world and then comes to an end. The second only reaches its fulfilment after the world’s end; in the world to come, it will never end.

“What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow Me” …. Let your action follow Me, perfect and modelled on the example of My Passion; let the contemplation which has begun, remain until My return: I will perfect it when I come again. For this persevering fervour which stands firm to the death, is a following of Christ and this knowledge, which will then be manifested in fullness, remains until the return of Christ. Here, in the country of mortal men, we must undergo the afflictions of this world; there, we shall contemplate the Lord’s blessings, in the land of the living (Ps 26:13). …

So let no-one divide one from the other of these two, glorious Apostles, for both are contained in what Peter symbolises and both, will be in what John represents.” – St Augustine (354-320) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermons on Saint John’s Gospel No 124: 5-7).

PRAYER – O Lord, graciously shed light upon Thy Church, so that, enlightened by the teachings of blessed John, ThyApostle and Evangelist, she may gain YThy everlasting rewards.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Our Morning Offering – 27 December – Oh Teach Me then, Dear Saint!

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Our Morning Offering – 27 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

Oh Teach Me then, Dear Saint!
An Invocation of St John,
the Apostle and Evangelist
“Saint of the Sacred Heart”,
Unknown Author

Saint of the Sacred Heart,
Sweet teacher of the Word,
Partner of Mary’s woes
And favourite of thy Lord!
Refrain: Oh teach me then, dear Saint!
The Secrets Christ taught thee;
The Beatings of His Heart
And how it beat for me!

We know not all thy gifts
But this, Christ bids us see,
That He Who so loved all,
Found more to love in thee.
Refrain

When the last evening came,
Thy head was on His Breast,
Pillowed on earth, where now
In Heaven the Saints find rest.
Refrain

Dear Saint! I stand far off,
With vilest sins opprest,
Oh may I dare, like thee,
To lean upon His Breast?
Refrain

His Touch could heal the sick,
His Voice could raise the dead,
Oh that my soul might be
Where He allows thy head.
Refrain

The gifts He gave to thee
He gave thee to impart
And I, too, claim with thee
His Mother and His Heart!
Refrain

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St John the Apostle and Evangelist, the Beloved, Nossa Senhora do Rosário / Our Lady of the Rosary (Brazil) (1817) and Feasts of the Saints –

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St John the Apostle and Evangelist, the Beloved
St John the Beloved:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/27/saint-of-the-day-27-december-st-john-the-apostle-and-evangelist/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/27/saint-of-the-day-27-december-the-disciple-whom-jesus-loved-the-eagle-by-dom-prosper-gueranger/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/27/saint-of-the-day-27-december-st-john-the-apostle-and-evangelist-2/

Nossa Senhora do Rosário / Our Lady of the Rosary (Atibaia, São Paulo, Brazil) (1817) – 27 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/27/feast-of-st-john-the-apostle-and-evangelist-nossa-senhora-do-rosario-our-lady-of-the-rosar-atibaia-sao-paulo-brazil-1817-and-memorials-of-the-saints-27-december/

Bl Adelheidis of Tennenbach
Bl Christina Ebner

St Fabiola (Died 399) Physician, Foundress of the first known hospital and hospice, disciple of St Jerome, benefactress of the Church.
St Fabiola’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/27/saint-of-the-day-27-december-st-fabiola-died-399/

The famous portrait of St Fabiola, painted by Jean-Jacques Henner in a classical Roman profile in 1885.

Bl Hesso of Beinwil
St Maximus of Alexandria
St Nicarete of Constantinople

Blessed Roger of Verdun O.Praem. (Died 1138) Abbot, Priest or Regular Canon, Friar.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/27/saint-of-the-day-27-december-blessed-roger-of-verdun-o-praem-died-1138-priest/

 Saints and Blesseds of the Premonstratensians

St Theodore of Apamea (c775-c831) Confessor, Martyr, Monk, Brother of Saint Theophanes of Nicaea.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/27/saint-of-the-day-27-december-st-theodore-of-apamea-c-775-c-831-confessor/

St Theophanes of Nicaea
Bl Walto of Wessobrünn