Posted in MARIAN TITLES

Notre-Dame de la Victoire / Our Lady of Victory, near Senlis, France (1225) and Memorials of the Saints – 26 October

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Notre-Dame de la Victoire / Our Lady of Victory, near Senlis, France (1225) – 26 October:

The Abbot Orsini wrote: “Dedication of Our Lady of Victory, near Senlis, in the year 1225, by Guarin, Bishop of Senlis and Chancellor of France. This Abbey was built by Philip Augustus, in thanksgiving for the victory which he gained over the Emperor Otho IV, at Bouvines, in the year 1214.”

The Battle of Bouvines took place on 27 July 1214 and although, it is no longer much remembered as a famous battle, it is one in which the world was changed in its aftermath. Easily one of the most significant battles to take place in the Middle Ages, there were combatants from several European countries taking part on one side or the other.

With the death of King Richard the Lion-hearted, his brother John claimed the lands of Normandy along with England, even though he had no right to them, as they rightfully belonged to his nephew, a boy named Arthur. John probably killed Arthur, as he was the one with the most to gain. When King Philip Augustus heard that John was claiming to be the Duke of Normandy, he called him to account for his nephew. When John refused, King Philip took away his right to rule Normandy. Rather than submit, John joined forces with the German Emperor and the Count of Flanders in open rebellion.

King Philip went to Mass with his troops just prior to the battle. His army probably numbered in total about 15,000 men, while the allied forces arrayed against him, were nearly double that size. Knowing that his noblemen were anxious about the upcoming battle, King Philip took off his Crown and placed it upon the Altar, saying: “If anyone here thinks he can wear this crown more worthily than I, let him step forward to take it.” Philip’s men loudly reaffirmed their faith in their King and went enthusiastically to the battle.
The battle was hotly contested,and both King Philip and Otto IV of Germany had several horses killed beneath them. At one point, when King Philip was unhorsed, he was surrounded by Flemish pikemen. It is related that his life was only saved due to the superior plate mail armour he wore,but later events came to demonstrate that it was also because of the intervention of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

King Philip captured the Count of Flanders and took him back to France to display him to his nobles like a pet in an iron cage. The victory did much more than bring an end to the King of England’s claims to Brittany and Normandy, it also helped strengthen the Monarchy in France as it simultaneously weakened the monarchy in England. When King John returned to England, his position was so weakened that he felt compelled to sign the Magna Carta, which greatly limited his power over his subjects. Otto IV of Germany was deposed soon after he returned to his own realm.

In thanksgiving for his victory, King Philip Augustus founded the Abbey of Victory between Senlis and the Bishop Mount, to honour the Mother of God for this signal victory.

St Adalgott of Einsiedeln
St Alanus of Quimper
St Albinus of Buraburg
St Alfred the Great (849-899) King of Wessex
St Alorus of Quimper
St Amandus of Strasburg
St Amandus of Worms
St Aneurin
St Aptonius of Angouleme
St Arnold of Queralt
St Bean of Mortlach
St Bernard de Figuerols

Blessed Bonaventura of Potenza OFM Conv (1651-1711) Priest and Religious of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, Miracle-worker, blessed with the gift of prophecy.

St Cedd
Bl Celina Chludzinska
St Cuthbert of Canterbury

Blessed Damian dei Fulcheri OP (Died 1484) Priest of the Order of Preachers, Friar, renowned Preacher.

St Eadfrid
St Eata of Hexham

St Pope Evaristus – (c 44 – c 107) Martyr, Pope Evaristus accounted as the fifth Bishop of Rome, holding office from c 99 to his death c 108.

St Felicissimus of Carthage
St Fulk of Piacenza
St Gaudiosus of Salerno
St Gibitrudis
St Gwinoc
St Humbert
St Lucian
St Marcian
St Quadragesimus of Policastro
St Rogatian of Carthage
St Rusticus of Narbonne
St Sigibald of Metz
—
Martyrs of Nicomedia – 5 saints

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 26 October – Saint Lucian

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint Lucian, a martyr born in the 3rd century, spent his early life as a demon worshipper and sorcerer. When a Christian woman fended off his spells simply by making the Sign of the Cross, he gave up his idolatrous life and converted to Christianity. He turned his devotion to the study of magic to a study of the Faith, and spent the rest of his days working against the errors of his earlier life. He was martyred in 250 the persecutions Decius.

Patronages: Converts, possesed people

Emperor Decius

In June 251 Decius died alongside his co-emperor Herennius Etruscus in the Battle Abrittus against the Goths; their successors Trebonianus Gallus and Hostilian rescinded Decius’ decree, ending the persecution after eighteen months.

I have endeavoured to learn all doctrines; but I have acquiesced at last in the true doctrines, those namely of the Christians, even though they do not please those who hold false opinions.

St Justin Martyr

Posted in Our MORNING Offering

Our Morning Offering – 26 October – We Pray to You, O Lord, the King of All

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We Pray to You, O Lord,
the King of All
By St Alfred the Great (849-899)

We pray to You, O Lord,
Who are the surpeme Truth
and all truth is from You.
We beseech You, O Lord,
Who are the highest Wisdom
and all the wise depend on You
for their wisdom.
You are the supreme Joy
and all who are happy,
owe it to You.
You are the Light of minds
and all receive
their understanding from You.
We love, we love You above all.
We seek You,
we follow You
and we are ready to serve You.
We desire to dwell under Your Power,
for You are the King of all.
Amen

Posted in ONE Minute REFLECTION

One Minute Reflection – 26 October – On fulfilling ones duties

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One Minute Reflection – 26 October – Readings: Ps 129:3-4, Ps 129:1-2, Phil 1:6-11, Matt 22:15-21

Then He said to them, Render, therefore, to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.

Matt 22:15-21

REFLECTION – The good order of things in this world depends upon the fidelity with which each person performs the duties of their state of life. All disorder originates in negligence upon this point. What a grand thing it would be if all acquitted themselves of their duties! It is perhaps the thing that is most neglected even among pious people, indeed probably more often among those than among others. Yet people do not accuse themselves of it.

People who neglect the duties of their state are discordant voices in the harmony of the world, no matter what else they do. In choosing a state of life, the human advantages are considered but not the duties. It is impossible to neglect these duties without harming others. And as God has their interests at heart even more than his own, such neglect is very dangerous.

Sins of omission on this point are easily committed. They are hardly noticed, and consequently reparation is rarely made for them. These are sins that are committed by doing nothing; sins that do not consist in bad actions but which are often the consequence of some good work. By neglecting your duties, you condemn both yourself and others to punishment: others because you do not teach their duty and make them fulfil it; and yourself because you do not fulfil your own.

Bl Claude la Colombière

PRAYER – True light of the world, Lord Jesus Christ, as You enlighten all men for their salvation, give us grace, we pray, to herald Your coming by preparing the ways of justice and of peace. Help us Lord, that we may sprout and bear fruit, fitting to grow and be a home of comfort to our neighbour. By the prayers of St Alfred the Great, may we too be beacons of Your Light and of the glory of Your Kingdom. Through Jesus our Lord, Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.

Posted in CATHOLIC Quotes

Quote/s of the Day – 26 October – St Alfred the Great

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Very often it has come to my mind what men of learning there were formerly throughout England and how nowadays we would have to seek them outside. Thanks be to God Almighty that we now have any supply of teachers at all! As often as you can, free yourself from worldly affairs so that you may apply that wisdom which God gave you wherever you can. Remember what punishments befell us in this world when we ourselves didn’t cherish learning nor transmit it to other men.

The greater the man, the greater the courtesy.

Doom very evenly! Do not doom one doom to the rich; another to the poor! Nor doom one doom to your friend; another to your foe!

Never believe the speech of all men, nor all the things that you hear sung.

I am part of all whom I have met.

All things have rest: why should we toil alone. We only toil, who are the first of things.

Posted in OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS

Thought for the Day – 26 October – The Days of October

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The Glories of the Holy Angels

Venerable Henri Boudon, Archdeacon of Evreux

OCTOBER EIGHTH.
The Dominations—the Sixth Choir.

Zeal for the divine glory distinguishes the Dominations. They are devoured. by their concern for the interests of God— their principal office is to manifest his will. We, too, ought to be interested for all that involves the honour of this ever adorable Being, as the conversion of sinners, the perfection of the just, the decoration of altars. We should also beg of God to manifest his will to us by these blessed Intelligences—and then take care to fulfil it scrupulously, as being the shortest way to perfection and sanctity.

Practice—Give practical proof of your zeal for the glory of God; do something for his reign in souls, as instructing the ignorant, &c.
Asp.—Holy Dominations ! animate us with your zeal.
Lecture—Half 7th Motive

OCTOBER NINTH.
The Thrones—the Seventh Choir.

The Scripture says of the Lord, that He is seated on Thrones. Hence, then, blessed Spirits are called Angels of Peace—beings calm, tranquil, immovable. Address yourselves to them for that peace of soul which is the fruit of a good conscience. Invoke them for such as are prone to hatred, passion, and impatience; and, after their example, be you yourself meek, calm, peaceful with all.

Practice—In the morning, dispose yourself to great sweetness and patience—and every hour make an act thereof.
Asp.—O Holy Thrones! obtain that that divine peace, which surpasses all understanding, may keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, our Lord.”
Lecture—Conclude 7th Motive in preceding work, commenced yesterday.

OCTOBER TENTH.
The Cherubim—the Eighth Choir.

These blessed Spirits are so many sacred flambeaux, communicating the divine light to the other Choirs. They are employed continually in contemplating the beauty and other perfections of their great Creator, and will share with us their admirable lights, if we but ask them, and show ourselves in earnest, by the practice of recollection and prayer, the channel of the divine communications.

Practice—Spend this day in great silence and recollection; be occupied with the consideration of the Divine perfections endeavour to “ know God, and him whom he has sent, Jesus Christ.”

Asp.—Ah ! blessed Cherubim ! teach us to pray.

OCTOBER ELEVENTH.
The Seraphim—the Ninth Choir.

The Seraphim hold the first place among the Celestial Hierarchies. Their characteristic is great and ardent love. Intoxicated with that torrent of delight which runs with a strong stream from the throne of the Divinity, these blessed Spirits are always ecstasied—always in a species of rapture. We should often form acts of divine love, and beg of Jesus, the King of love, through Mary, the mother of holy love, and the blessed Seraphim, the Spirits of love, never to let the sacred fire be extinguished in our souls.

Practice—Try to become a Seraph in love; let this be your habitual disposition. “Love, and do what you will.” Ask this great gift fervently.
Asp.—Ah ! blessed Seraphim! make us love.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES

Virgen Blanca – The Dedication of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Toledo, Spain and the White Virgin (1087) and Memorials of the Saints – 25 October

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Virgen Blanca – The Dedication of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Toledo, Spain and the White Virgin (Also known as the Smiling Madonna) (1085) – 25 October:

The Abbot Orsini wrote: “Dedication of Our Lady of Toledo, in Spain, about the year 1075, by Bernard, Archbishop of that City.”

The City of Toledo in Spain was not reconquered until 1085, when King Alfonso VI, King of Leon and Castile, took the City from the Moors. This was an important step in the Reconquista, as Toledo had once been the capital of Visigothic Spain. The City’s Cathedral had been desecrated and used as a mosque by the Moslem invaders of Spain but the people had the pleasure of seeing it blessed and consecrated in the year 1087. It was placed under the advocacy of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as King Alfonso wrote:

“I, Alfonso, Emperor of all Spain by God’s Providence, convened with the Bishops, namely, that for these ten will I preserve the papal honour of Saint Mary of the City of Toledo, which was formerly the See…”

In 1225 a new Cathedral was begun to replace the older one, for which King Fernando III drew up the plans and laid the cornerstone. Fernando’s good friend, the Archbishop Rodrigo Ximenez de Rada, worked very enthusiastically for the completion of the new Cathedral where he was Bishop.

There are so many masterpieces of art and beautiful Shrines in the City of Toledo, Spain, that a visitor may easily miss the White Virgin. She stands atop an Altar in the choir of Toledo’s magnificent Cathedral. It is said that you can live to be 100 years old, visit this wonderful Cathedral once a week for all of your life and still never finish discovering its glories!

The sacred image of Our Lady is a polychromed alabaster Statue of French origin from the twelfth century. Both Mother and Child are clothed in white, their garments bordered with jeweled gold. Their faces darkened by time, are framed with curly, strawberry-blond hair.

The Statue has also been called the “Smiling Virgin of Toledo;” for the Child’s right hand caresses His Mother’s face, tickling her chin. She responds with a smile that gives this image its popular name. It is also called the “Virgin of Prima” and the “Virgen Blanca.”

There is also another artifact worthy of special mention and that is the ten foot tall great Monstrance of Arfe. It is made of both silver and gold, inset with precious gems. It took nearly 8 years to construct and is done in a Gothic style that is truly a magnificent work of art.

St Alfons Arimany Ferrer
St Bernard of Calvo
St Canna verch Tewdr Marw
St Chrysanthus

St Crispin & St Crispian – (†285 or 286) Martyrs, Twin brothers, Laymen.

St Cyrinus of Rome
St Daria
St Dulcardus
Bl Edmund Daniel
St Fronto of Périgueux
St Fructus of Segovia
St Gaudentius of Brescia (Died 410) Bishop
St George of Périgueux
St Goeznoveus of Leon
St Guesnoveus
Bl Henry of Segusio
St Hilary of Javols / St Hilary of Mende
St Hildemarca of Fecamp
St Januarius of Sassari
St Lucius of Rome
St Lupus of Bayeux
St Mark of Rome

St Maurus of Pécs OSB (c 1000-c 1075) Bishop, the first Hungarian Benedictine Monk and Abbot, Peace-maker, Writer and Hagiographer.

St Miniato of Florence
St Peter of Rome
St Protus of Sassari
St Recaredo Centelles Abad
St Tabitha

Blessed Thaddeus McCarthy (c 1455–1492) “White Martyr of Munster” – Bishop

Martyrs of Constantinople:
Marciano
Martirio

Martyrs of Cruz Cubierta: A mother, Blessed María Teresa Ferragud Roig de Masiá and her four daughters, Blessed María Joaquina Masiá Ferragud, Blessed María Vicenta Masiá Ferragud, Blessed María Felicidad Masiá Ferragud and Blessed Josefa Ramona Masiá Ferragud, all nuns, who were Martyred in the Spanish Civil War, on 25 October 1936 in Cruz Cubierta, Alzira, Valencia, Spain.

Forty Martyrs of England and Wales: 40 represent a group of 300+.

Martyred in the Spanish Civil War:
• Blessed Alfons Arimany Ferrer
• Blessed Recaredo Centelles Abad

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 25 October – Saint Tabitha

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Saint Tabitha ‘(female gazelle’), also known as Dorcas, was a married lay woman in Joppa (Tel Aviv). She was a seamstress and widow mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. When she fell ill and died, she was raised from the dead by Saint Peter.

Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated means Dorcas). She was completely occupied with good deeds and almsgiving. Now during those days she fell sick and died, so after washing her, they laid [her] out in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs where all the widows came to him weeping and showing him the tunics and cloaks that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to her body and said, “Tabitha, rise up.” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. He gave her his hand and raised her up, and when he had called the holy ones and the widows, he presented her alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many came to believe in the Lord.

Acts 9:36-42

Posted in Our MORNING Offering

Our Morning Offering – 25 October – May the Heart of Jesus be the King of My Heart!

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May the Heart of Jesus
be the King of My Heart!
By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of Charity

May Your Heart dwell
always, in our hearts!
May Your Blood
ever flow, in the veins
of our souls!
O Sun of our hearts,
You give life to all things,
by the rays of Your goodness!
I will not go,
until Your Heart
has strengthened me,
O Lord Jesus!
May the Heart of Jesus
be the King of my heart!
Blessed be God.
Amen

Posted in ONE Minute REFLECTION

One Minute Reflection – 25 October – “Above him there was an inscription that read: ‘This is the King of the Jews’”

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One Minute Reflection – 25 October – “Month of the Holy Rosary” – Readings: Apoc 5:12; 1:6, Ps 71:1, Col 1:12-20, John 18:33-37

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My followers would certainly have fought that I might not be delivered to the Hebrews. But, as it is, My kingdom is not from here. Pilate therefore said to Him, You are then a King? Jesus answered, You say it: I am a King.

John 18:33-37

REFLECTION – “Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” The criminal did not venture to make this prayer before he had laid down the burden of his sins with his confession. So you see, O Christian, the power of confession. He acknowledged his sins and paradise was opened; he acknowledged his sins and gained confidence enough to ask for the Kingdom in spite of his deeds of robbery.

Do you want to know the Kingdom? What can you see here that is like it? You have the nails and cross before your eyes but this cross, said Jesus, is itself the very sign of the Kingdom. As for me, when I see him on the cross, I proclaim him king. Isn’t it the duty of a king to die for his subjects? He himself has said that: “The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep,”. This is no less true for a good king; he, too, lays down his life for his subjects. So I will proclaim him king on account of the gift he has made of his life: “Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

Do you understand now how it is that the cross is the sign of the Kingdom? Here is yet another proof. Christ did not leave his cross on earth but took it up and bore it with him into heaven. We know this because he will have it with him when he returns in glory. To teach you how much this cross is worthy of veneration, he has made it a sign of glory. When the Son of Man comes: “the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light.” Then shall reign a light so bright that even the brightest stars will be eclipsed. “The stars will fall from the sky. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven,”. Do you understand the power of the sign of the cross? When a king enters a city, soldiers take up their standards, hoist them onto their shoulders and march in front of him to announce his arrival. In the same way, legions of angels and archangels will go before Christ when he comes from heaven. They will bear this sign on their shoulders announcing the coming of our king.

St John Chrysostom

PRAYER – Come to help us in our weakness, God of mercy, forgive the sins of Your people and as nothing we can do is worthy in Your sight, save us through the intercession of the Mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ. May the prayers of all your saints be offered to You on our behalf. We make our prayer through Jesus with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.

Posted in CHRIST the KING

Quote/s of the Day – 25 October – Christ the King

Posted on by AnaStpaul

We saw men and nations cut off from God, stirring up strife and discord and hurrying along the road to ruin and death, while the Church of God carries on her work of providing food for the spiritual life of men, nurturing and fostering generation after generation of men and women dedicated to Christ, faithful and subject to Him in His earthly kingdom, called by Him to eternal bliss in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Pope Pius XI

It has long been a common custom to give to Christ the metaphorical title of ‘King’, because of the high degree of perfection whereby He excels all creatures. So He is said to reign ‘in the hearts of men’, both by reason of the keenness of His intellect and the extent of His knowledge, and also because He is very truth, and it is from Him that truth must be obediently received by all mankind.

Pope Pius XI

This Kingdom is opposed to none other than to that of Satan and to the power of darkness. It demands of its subjects a spirit of detachment from riches and earthly things, and a spirit of gentleness. They must hunger and thirst after justice, and more than this they must deny themselves and carry the Cross.

Pope Pius XI

I have so often thought of and meditated on the holy eagerness of the patriarchs who so sighed for the coming of the Messiah, and I felt confused and was, moreover, so penetrated with grief, that I could scarcely refrain from weeping, so much was I ashamed to see the tepidity and indifference of these unhappy days.

St Bernard

Christ has dominion over all creatures, a dominion not seized by violence nor usurped, but His by essence and by nature.

St Cyril of Alexandria

The Son of God has taken upon Himself our poverty and miseries, in order that we may participate in His riches. His sufferings will one day render us impassable, and His death will make us immortal.

St Athanasius

Posted in OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS

Thought for the Day – 25 October – Day by day

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The Glories of the Holy Angels

Venerable Henri Boudon, Archdeacon of Evreux

OCTOBER FIFTH
To the Principalities.

The Principalities, who form the Third Choir, are charged to watch over empires, provinces, diocesses, religious communities, &c, and avert from them the effects of the divine wrath. They are also appointed to transmit to the Angels of the last two Choirs the orders of the Most High. Purity of intention is the virtue ascribed to them, for in their high functions they never seek but the honour and interest of God alone. Let us imitate them. It is the intention which stamps the action with merit or demerit.

Practice—In all you do and say, seek the greater glory of God. Refer all to this end.
Asp.—O holy Spirits! may we, like you, seek God, for God alone.
Lecture—12th Motive, 1st part of preceding work.

OCTOBER SIXTH.
To the Powers—the Fourth Choir.

The Angels of this Choir have received from God unlimited sway over the wicked Spirits; they are endowed with great intelligence, so as to be able to discover their schemes and plans for our destruction. Their power is so amazing, that one only of them would be able to destroy all the infernal host. It is well to invoke them in temptation : but to merit their assistance, we must take care to avoid the occasions of sin.

Practice—Resist the attacks of vice and passion frequently make acts of diffidence in self and confidence in God; combat your evil inclinations.
Asp.—Lord ! send thy Angels to assist us.
Lecture—Half 8th Motive

OCTOBER SEVENTH.
To the Virtues—the Fifth Choir.

Energy and strength are attributed to the Virtues. They have dominion over the elements: all nature is subjected to their control. Hence they can raise or appease storms and tempests, emit vivid lightning, form burning thunder. We may profitably invoke them in unforeseen accidents, sickness, &c. We may also recur to them for that strength necessary to lead a penitential life, and root out the inclinations of depraved nature.

Practice—Visit the Holy Sacrament to obtain grace to overcome your evil inclinations, &c.
Asp.—Holy Virtues ! strengthen and fortify us.
Lecture—Finish the reading of 8th
Motive, referred to yesterday.

Posted in Uncategorized

Saint of the Day – 24 October – Saint Fortunatus of Thibiuca

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Saint Fortunatus of Thibiuca, also known as Fortunato, was a martyr in the persecutions of Diocletian. Born in modern-day Tunisia, he was beheaded in 303 alongside Saint Felix of Thibiuca and companions (including Audactus, Januarius, and Septimus) for refusing to surrender the sacred scriptures to be burned.

His relics are enshrined in the church of Our Lady of Sorrows, Bari, Italy.

Diocletian and his co-ruler, Maximian

Diocletian is thought to have committed suicide in despair, and after his death, his wife and daughter were executed, while his co-ruler, Maximian, rebelled against Constantine the Great, who defeated and killed him.

The Scriptures will be despised, and everywhere they will sing the songs of the adversary.

On the End of the World (Pseudo-Hippolytus)

Posted in MARIAN TITLES

Twenty Second Sunday after Pentecost, Beata Vergine delle Grazie / The Blessed Virgin of Grace, Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy (1479) and Memorials of the Saints – 24 October

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Saint Raphael the Archangel
The Feast day of Saint Raphael was included for the first time in the General Roman Calendar in 1921, for celebration on 24 October.

Beata Vergine delle Grazie / The Blessed Virgin of Grace, Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy (1479) – Fourth Sunday of October:

When Sir John Emo was serving as Venetian Ambassador to Constantinople, Sultan Mohammed II gave him a Byzantine-style icon of the Virgin nursing the Child.

In 1479, Sir Emo became Lieutenant of Udine, a City in northeast Italy then under the Republic of Venice, bringing the icon with him to the governor’s castle. Not long afterward, one of the palace cooks nearly lost a hand in the kitchen but it healed when touched to the image. News of the miracle inspired popular devotion, so Sir Emo decided to move the image to the Church of Sts. Gervais and Protasius, where it entered in procession on 8 September 1479. By 1495, the Church was too small for all the pilgrims and a new Sanctuary was begun, consecrated to Our Lady of Graces and run by the Servants of Mary. On 6 September 1870 the Church Crowned the icon; in 1922, it named the Shrine a Minor Basilica.

On the fourth Sunday of October, the City both fulfills and renews, a vow made during the plague of 1555. The Beata Vergine delle Grazie is also credited with saving the region from the plague of 1599, the cholera of 1836 and the bombardment of the war in1944.

St Anthony Mary Claret CMF (1807-1870) Known as “The Spiritual Father of Cuba.” In the first years, records show, that he Confirmed 100,000 people and performed 9,000 Sacramental Marriages.Archbishop of Cuba, one of the Fathers of the First Vatican Council,Confessor to the Queen of Spain, Missionary, Founder of the Congregation of Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, commonly called the Claretians, Confessor, Mystic, Social Reformer, Spiritual Director, Writer, Publisher, Preacher, Apostle of Charity. He was declared venerable by Pope Leo XIII in 1899. He was Beatified in 1934 and in 1950, Canonised by Pope Pius XII. His heart is incorrupt.

Bl Amado García Sánchez
St Audactus of Thibiuca
St Cadfarch
St Ciriacus of Hierapolis
St Claudian of Hierapolis
St Ebregislus of Cologne
St Felix of Thibiuca
St Fortunatus of Thibiuca
St Fromundus of Coutances
St Giuse Lê Dang Thi

St Januarius of Thibiuca

St Maglorius of Wales
St Marcius of Monte Cassino
St Martin of Vertou

St Proclus of Constantinople (Died c 446) Archbishop of Constantinople, Confessor, Defender of the Church and of the Blessed Virgin, Writer, renowned Preacher.

St Senócus of Tours
St Septimus of Thibiuca
—
Martyrs of Ephesus – 3 saints: Three Christians martyred together. All we know about them are the names Mark, Sotericus and Valentina.
They were stoned to death near Ephesus, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey). Their relics are enshrined on the island of Tasos.

Posted in Our MORNING Offering

Our Morning Offering – 24 October – Prayer before Holy Communion By St Basil the Great

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Prayer before Holy Communion
By St Basil the Great (329-379)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Lord, I know that I am not worthy
to receive Thy Holy Body and Precious Blood;
I know that I am guilty
and that I eat and drink
condemnation to myself,
not discerning the Body and Blood
of Christ, my God.
But trusting in Thy loving kindness,
I come to Thee, Who hast said –
‘Whoever eats My Body and drinks My Blood,
will dwell in me and I in him’;
Therefore, Lord, have compassion on me
and do not put to shame Thy sinful servant
But deal with me according to Thy great mercy
And grant that these holy gifts,
may be for me,
healing, cleansing, enlightenment,
protection, salvation and sanctification
of soul and body.
May they cast out from me
every dark delusion,
sinful deed or work of the evil one.
May they move me to trust and love Thee always,
to amendment of life,
increase of virtue,
obedience to Thy commandments,
communion of the Holy Spirit,
provision for my final journey
and a good defence before the dreadful
seat of judgement.
Amen

Posted in ONE Minute REFLECTION

One Minute Reflection – 24 October – “Do you want to be healed ?”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 24 October – “Month of the Holy Rosary”- Readings: Ps 102:20, Ps 102:1, Tob 12:7-15, John 5:1-4

For an Angel of the Lord used to come down at certain times into the pool, and the water was troubled. And the first to go down into the pool after the troubling of the water was cured of whatever infirmity he had.

John 5:1-4

REFLECTION – Christ’s miracles are symbols of the different events of our eternal salvation, this pool is the symbol of the precious gift the Lord’s Word gives us. To sum up, this water is the Jewish people; the five porticos are the Law that Moses wrote in five books. And so this pool was surrounded by five porticos like the people enclosed by the Law. The water that was stirred and troubled is the Savior’s Passion in this people’s midst. Whoever went down into this water was healed – but only one person so as to express unity. Those who were unable to bear anyone speaking to them about the Passion are the proud; they do not want to go down and are not healed. “What!” says that arrogant man: “Believe a God to be incarnate, that a God was born of a woman, that a God has been crucified, scourged, covered in wounds, that he died and has been buried? No, I would never believe in these humiliations of a God, they are unworthy of him.”

Let your heart speak here rather than your head. The humiliations of a God seem unworthy to the arrogant and that is why they are very far from a cure. So protect yourself from this pride; if you desire your healing, accept to go down. There would be something to be worried about if someone said to you that Christ had undergone some sort of change in becoming incarnate. But no, your God remains what he was, have no fear; he does not perish and he prevents you yourselves from perishing. Yes, he remains what he is; he is born of a woman but according to the flesh. It is as man that he has been seized, bound, scourged, mocked and finally crucified and put to death. Why be afraid? The Word of the Lord remains forever. Anyone who refuses these humiliations of a God does not want to be cured of the mortal swelling of his pride.

By his incarnation our Lord Jesus Christ has therefore restored hope to our flesh. He assumed the fruits of this earth that are only too well known and common: birth and death. Birth and death: here indeed are goods that the earth possesses in abundance! But in them were found neither resurrection nor eternal life. He found here the unfortunate fruits of this unfruitful earth and gave us in exchange the possessions of his heavenly kingdom.

St Augustine

PRAYER – Lord God of Hosts, in Your all-wise Providence, You assign to Angels and to men, the services they have to render You. Grant that the Angels who adore You in Heaven, may protect and guide us here on earth. We make our prayer through Jesus Christ in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God now and for all eternity, amen.

Posted in CATHOLIC Quotes

Quote/s of the Day – 24 October – St. Raphael the Archangel

Posted on by AnaStpaul

For I am the angel Raphael, one of the seven who stand before the Lord.

The Angel of the Lord, Raphael, took and bound the devil.

Tob 8:3

It is good to hide the secret of a king: but honorable to reveal and confess the works of God. Prayer is good with fasting and alms, more than to lay up treasures of gold: for alms delivers from death, and the same is that which purges away sins, and makes to find mercy and life everlasting.

St Raphael

But they who commit sin and iniquity are enemies to their own soul. I discover then the truth to you, and I will not hide the secret from you. When you prayed with tears, and buried the dead, and left your dinner, and hid the dead by day in your house, and buried them by night, I offered your prayer to the Lord. And because you were acceptable to God, it was necessary that temptation should prove you. And now the Lord has sent me to heal you, and to deliver Sara your son’s wife from the devil.

St Raphael

What has now become of those famous conquerors of the world, the Alexanders and the Caesars? Where now are their laurels and their crowns? What remains to them of their triumphs and their victories? Come, my soul, let us visit in spirit those dungeons of fire and of flames where they have been burning for so many centuries, and let us learn in this dismal receptacle of all misery, what the riches, the pleasures, and the honours of this pleasurable life have profited them.

Henri Bouden

In the presence of the Angels I will sing Your praise; I will worship at Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name, O Lord. Alleluia.

Ps 137:1-2

Posted in OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS

Thought for the Day – 24 October – The angels as servants and subjects of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The Glories of the Holy Angels

Venerable Henri Boudon, Archdeacon of Evreux

The Angels as Servants and Subjects of the Blessed Virgin Mary

OCTOBER SECOND, OR ROSARY SUNDAY

Scarcely was it announced to the heavenly Spirits, that a Queen was “born to them,” than they descend in myriads, and hover round her cradle with wonder and delight. They guard her infant steps; they convey her to the temple; they unceasingly continue their celestial cares, until, by means of the Incarnation, she becomes the temple of the Word, when their visits are so frequent, that her little cottage becomes a species of Paradise. At Bethlehem, in Egypt, and at the Holy Sepulchre, they continue to wait on their blessed Queen, until expiring under the wounds of holy love, they conduct her with celestial song through realms of light, and presenting her to the Lamb, cast their crowns before her throne, vowing her eternal love, obedience and fidelity. If we love our blessed Mother, we cannot refuse to honour those by whom she is so much honoured.

Practice.—In honour of the Blessed Virgin and the Angels, say three times the Hail Holy Queen
Aspiration—O Mary ! Mistress of the Angels and Queen of the holy Rosary, intercede for us!
Lecture—11th Motive, 1st part of the preceding work.

OCTOBER THIRD.
Sacred to the Angels of the First Choir.

Though all the blessed Spirits are commonly styled Angels, it is to those of the First Choir that the appellation strictly belongs. These are they who are charged with the execution of the divine ordinances, and who are appointed the guardians of men. Humility is the virtue particularly ascribed to them—for, though the last in order among the Choirs, they see without desiring them the greater and more excellent endowments of their celestial companions. Let us, like them, love to occupy the lowest place, especially when placed therein by Divine Providence, and to behold with joy the preference given to others.

Practice—Three Acts of Humility, interior, or exterior.
Asp.—“ Who is like God?’
Lecture—1th Motive, 1st part of the preceding work.

OCTOBER FOURTH.
To the Archangels—Second Choir.

The Archangels are distinguished from the Angels by the greater importance of their functions. They are supposed to be the guardians of the Pope, of the Bishops, and of all invested with authority, in Church and State—and are remarkable for love and care of men. Let us imitate them, doing our neighbour all the good we can, and invoking in his behalf these blessed Spirits.

Practice—Two Acts of Charity, with great affection.
Asp.—Holy Archangels ! pray for us.
Lecture—2d Motive, 1st part of preceding work.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 23 October – Saint Ignatius of Constantinople

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint Ignatius of Constantinople, also known as Ignatios and Nicetas, was a monk, priest, abbot and Patriarch of Constantinople born in 799 in Constantinople. Born the son the Byzantine emperor Michael I, he was thrust into tumultuous times. Iconoclasm was raging, and when he was fourteen, Emperor Leo V the Armenian had him forcibly castrated, which made him ineligible to become emperor, and imprisoned him in a monastery after his father’s deposition in 813. As a monk, he took the name Ignatius and eventually became abbot. He also founded three monasteries on the Princes’ Islands, a favorite place for exiling tonsured members of the imperial house.

Ignatius of Constantinople, Hagia Sophia

Empress Theodora appointed Ignatius as Patriarch on 4 July 847 in part because he supported venerating icons. As patriarch, Ignatius became an important ally for Theodora in the midst of the Iconoclast Controversy. Ignatius served as Patriarch of Constantinople from 4 July 847 to 23 October 858 and from 23 November 867 to his death on 23 October 877.

The imperial court’s resentment of Ignatius began when he refused communion to and excommunicated a high ranking imperial court member, Bardas, for incest. Bardas exiled Empress Theodora, attempting to gain more power, but Ignatius refused to approve of this. Emperor Michael III, influenced by Bardas, removed Ignatius as patriarch and exiled him in 857. A synod was convened which deposed Ignatius on the basis of a canon which prohibited a bishop being appointed by a secular power. Photius, an associate of Bardas (and the one who plunged his church and billions of people into a millennia long schism and hell by condemning the Filioque), was made patriarch on Christmas Day of 858.

A schism resulted from Photius I’s election because many bishops saw Ignatius’s exit as illegitimate. Ignatius had only a few supporters once Photius I became patriarch. Most agreed that Ignatius had legitimately resigned, but some of his supporters appealed to Rome for him. A synod of 170 bishops deposed and anathematised Ignatius, but the schism escalated when Pope Nicholas I stepped in. Pope Nicholas I questioned Photius I’s legitimate status as patriarch. Papal legates retried Ignatius in a synod in 861, which said that Photius I was the legitimate patriarch, but Nicholas I rejected that synod and held his own synod which condemned Photius I and declared Ignatius the legitimate patriarch. He excommunicated Photius I and declared all his ordinations invalid.

In 867, Emperor Michael III was murdered and replaced by Basil I, his co-emperor. Basil I exiled Photius I and restored Ignatius as patriarch. Basil I effectively undid the last nine years of church history, restoring the Ignatian bishops and nullifying everything Photius I did.

Ignatius died on the 23 October 877 of natural causes, and his relics lie in the church of Saint Michael, Constantinople.

Ignatius is appointed patriarch by Empress Theodora
Posted in MARIAN TITLES

Feast of the Most Holy Redeemer, Notre-Dame-de-Grace / Our Lady of Grace in Equemauville, Honfleur, France and Memorials of the Saints – 23 October

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Feast of the Most Holy Redeemer – The Feast of the Most Holy Redeemer is a Catholic liturgical feast. It is celebrated in Venice as the Festa del Redentore. It is also celebrated by the Redemptorists and was celebrated in the City of Rome. The feast is found only in the special calendar of some Diocese and religious Orders and is celebrated with proper Mass and Office either on the third Sunday of July or on 23 October.

St John of Capistrano OFM (1386-1456) “The Soldier Saint.” Franciscan Friar and Priest, Confessor and Preacher. Famous as a preacher, theologian and inquisitor, trained lawyer, he earned himself the nickname ‘the Soldier Saint’ when in 1456 at age 70 he led a crusade against the invading Ottoman Empire at the siege of Belgrade with the Hungarian military commander John Hunyadi, called the Athleta Christi (“Christ’s Champion”) by Pope Pius II.

Notre-Dame-de-Grace / Our Lady of Grace in Equemauville, Honfleur, France – also known as Our Lady of Consolation (1524) 20 June (The Crowning) and 23 October

St Allucio of Campugliano (c 1070–1134) Layman
Bl Anne-Joseph Leroux
St Amon of Toul
St Arethas of Negran

Blessed Arnold Reche FSC (1838-1890) French Religious Brother of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian School (LaSallian Brothers) founded by St Jean-Baptiste de La Salle (1651-1719) in 1725.

St Benedict of Sebaste
St Clether
St Domitius
St Elfleda
St Ethelfleda
St Gratien of Amiens
St Henry of Cologne
St Ignatius of Constantinople

Blessed John Angelo Porro OSM (1451-1505) Priest, Religious of the Order of Servants of Mary, Penitent, Catechist, Hermit.

Bl John Buoni
St John of Syracuse
St Oda of Aquitaine
St Phaolô Tong Viet Buong
St Romanus of Rouen
St Severinus of Cologne
St Syra of Faremoutiers
St Theodoret of Antioch
Bl Thomas Thwing
St Verus of Salerno
—
Martyrs of Cadiz – 2 saints
Germanus
Servandus

Martyrs of Hadrianopolis – 2 saints
Dorotheus
Severus

Martyrs of Nicaea – 3 saints
Euerotas
Socrates
Theodota

Martyrs of Valenciennes – 6 beati: A group of Urusuline and Briggittine nuns murdered together in the anti-Christian excesses of the French Revolution. They were guillotined on 23 October 1794 in Valenciennes, Nord, France and Beatified on 13 June 1920 by Pope Benedict XV.
• Anne-Joseph Leroux
• Clotilde-Joseph Paillot
• Jeanne-Louise Barré
• Marie-Augustine Erraux
• Marie-Liévine Lacroix
• Marie-Marguerite-Joseph Leroux

Martyred in the Spanish Civil War including Martyrs of Manzanares (7 beati):
• Agapit Gorgues Manresa
• Agustín Nogal Tobar
• Andrés Navarro Sierra
• César Elexgaray Otazua
• Cristóbal González Carcedo
• Dorinda Sotelo Rodríguez
• Eduardo Valverde Rodríguez
• Felipe Basauri Altube
• José María Fernández Sánchez
• Juan Nuñez Orcajo
• Leonardo Olivera Buera
• Manuel Navarro Martínez
• Roque Guillén Garcés
• Toribia Marticorena Sola

Posted in Uncategorized

Our Morning Offering – 23 October – Hail, O Mother!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Hail, O Mother!
By St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Hail, O Mother!
Virgin, heaven, throne, glory of our Church,
it’s foundation and ornament.
Earnestly pray for us to Jesus,
your Son and Our Lord,
that through your intercession,
we may have mercy on the day of judgement.
Pray that we may receive, all those good things
which are reserved for those who love God.
Through the grace and favour of Our Lord, Jesus Christ,
to Whom, with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
be power, honour and glory,
now and forever.
Amen

Posted in ONE Minute REFLECTION

One Minute Reflection – 23 October – Be on the alert!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 23 October – “Month of the Holy Rosary” – Readings: Ps 131:9-10., Ps 131:1, Heb 7:23-27, Matt 24:42-47

Watch, for you do not know at what hour your Lord is to come. But of this be assured, that if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would certainly have watched, and not have let his house be broken into.

Matt 24:42-47

REFLECTION – Listen to my words and give ear to my humble discourses; I cry out to you all, I exhort you: “Lift up your hearts to God, unbind yourselves from your attachment to the passions!” Here is what the prophet cries to you: “Come, let us go up to the Lord’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob”, which is that of impassibility, and let us contemplate with the eyes of our minds the joy held in store for us by the heavenly promises.

My beloved children, gather up your fervor, take wings of fire like the dove, as it is written, fly away, place yourselves among the virtuous, those on the right side. Receive joy, spiritual desire, impassioned for God. Taste the great sweetness of his love and, by it, considering all else as secondary, tread vainglory underfoot, the desire of the flesh and bitter anger!

Let us hike up our tunics, be on the alert, have eagle eyes: this is the speediest flight for the trip that leads us from earth to heaven! It is true that travelers can have something to endure. And this happens to you too: indeed, as you see, you struggle under hard labors, you tire yourselves, you work the ground until you are out of breath, you pour with sweat, you are at the end of your strength, hungry, thirsty, one of you laboring at the plow, the other cultivating the vineyard, another pressing oil, or cooking, constructing, making bread or busy about the cellar. Briefly, each is at their post. All go forward on the highway to God, they approach the great city and, in death, they will have entry to the unutterable joy of the good things God reserves for all those who have loved him.

May we be accounted worthy of the kingdom of Christ himself, our God, to whom belongs all glory and power with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, world without end. Amen.

St Theodore the Studite

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, help me to keep my death constantly before my eyes, for this is my final account. I pray You for a holy life that my death may be holy and that I may come to You and live for all eternity with You. May each moment of my life, the good and the trials, bear abundant fruit for love of You. When my hour is come, bid me come to You, Lord. Hear the prayers of your Saints and the Mother of Your divine Son, who lived each moment of her life for the glory of Your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ, our Lord with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.

Posted in CATHOLIC Quotes

Quote/s of the Day – 23 October – St Anthony Mary Claret

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Ancient peoples of the East had the custom of offering crowns of roses to distinguished persons; and true Christians have the praiseworthy habit of offering every day with great devotion this crown of Marian roses to their beloved Mother, the holy Virgin. Thus from the year 1208, during which the glorious St. Dominic taught it as it is prayed today, there has not been a Saint nor a person distinguished for learning and virtue, nor an observant religious community, nor a well-ordered seminary, which has not kept up devotion to the Rosary.

Each time you confess and receive Communion, you will do so as if it were the last of your life, approaching humbly and trustingly, like a poor little woman, or like a leper, but full of love.

The Rosary is a rich mine in which Christians who pray it and meditate it attentively and devoutly gain immense spiritual treasures. It is a flourishing garden in which flowers of all kinds of beautiful, fragrant virtues are plucked.

Be a lover of silence and prayer, the more the better; for these two will be the wings whereon your will fly to your Spouse.

The holy Rosary is the most powerful, easiest and sweetest means for dispelling religious ignorance and getting rid of error and heresy. Indeed, when people love and recite the holy Rosary they find it makes them better. While one prays the Our Father and ten Hail Marys it is not necessary to reflect on all of the ten points into which the mysteries are divided; one may linger on that point or points which appeal more to him or move him more to devotion.

Consider -for it is so- that we are standing between two eternities, one happy, the other unhappy, and that we will be given the one which, with the help of God’s grace, we have chosen and which we have striven for by holy and good works.

Posted in OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS

Thought for the Day – 23 October – The month of October

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The Glories of the Holy Angels

Venerable Henri Boudon, Archdeacon of Evreux

THE MONTH OF OCTOBER, DEDICATED TO THE HOLY ANGELS, BY A SERIES OP PIOUS PRACTICES

Some persons, devout to the holy Angels, wished to dedicate to these holy Spirits a whole month—that of October. They, during that period, perform the following practices. It commences the evening of St. Michael’s Day, by the following offering:— O all ye holy Angels ! who contemplate without ceasing the uncreated beauty of the Divinity, in company with your ever glorious Queen—I, your unworthy servant, present and offer to you all the practices of this month of October, consecrated to your glory, not only as a means of obtaining (here specify your request,) but also as a reparation for my past ingratitude, and that of all men. Deign to accept it, O amiable Spirits! in union with the love and devotion of such Saints as were specially devout to you—and obtain for me to spend this time so fervently, that it may be the commencement of that angelical life which I hope to live for ever with you in Heaven. Amen.

A Memorare to the Angels

Remember, O holy Angels! that Jesus, the eternal Truth, assures us that you “rejoice more at the conversion of one sinner, than at the perseverance of many just.” Encouraged thereby, I, the last of creatures, humbly entreat you to receive me as your servant, and make me unto you a cause of true joy. Do not, O blessed Spirits! reject my petition; but graciously hear and grant it. Amen.

OCTOBER FIRST
The Creation of the Angels

Anticipate all time—penetrate the eternal years—and contemplate in wonder and amazement that eventful moment in which the Deity, coming forth from that inaccessible light in which he dwelt, gave command to nothing, and created the Angels. Admirable Spirits ! their perfections are like a profound sea, which cannot be fathomed. Beings incomprehensible— they announce in their celestial endowments the omnipotence, love, and wisdom of their Almighty Maker. They are incorruptible in their nature—illumined with the most brilliant irradiations—endowed with wonderful science—clothed with divine purity—consumed with celestial love. Their power is amazing—their charms so ravishing, that St. Bridget says, the appearance of one alone of them to mortal man would occasion immediate death. Their sanctity exceeds that of all the Saints, since they have been replenished with the divine unction, and have never contracted actual stain. Their charity is exceeding great, since they have received more of that sacred fire, which, according to St. John, is the essence of the Godhead, than all other creatures. This is saying much; and yet it conveys but a faint idea of the perfection of these celestial Spirits.

Let us, while we confess their greatness, bless the hand of Him who made them, and commence this holy month as they began their angelic course, saying—Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabbaoth ! the Heaens and the Earth are full of thy glory! Glory be to the Father !—Glory be to the Son !—Glory be to the Holy Ghost!

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saints of the Day – 22 October – Saints Alodia & Nunilo of Huesca

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Saints Alodia & Nunilo of Huesca, Spanish sisters and martyrs, born in Huesca, Spain in the 9th century. They were born to a Muslim father and Christian mother, and were raised Christian. When their father died, their mother married another Muslim man who persecuted the girls, imprisoned them, and turned them over to die during the persecution of Abdur Rahman II.

In defiance of thier stepfather’s prohibition that they attend church and his demand that they marry and convert to Islam, they were sent to live with their aunt, who was also Christian, in Castile. In 851, Abd ar-Rahman II issued a decree that all Christian children to a Muslim father had to convert to their father’s religion or be executed. After repeated failed attempts to get the sisters to agree to convert, they were arrested, put in solitary confinement, then “handed over to women of dubious morality to make them change their lifestyle”, and “were also pestered by many suitors to marry”. The sisters still refused, so they were beheaded in Huesca, Spain, on October 22, 851.

Their patronages are: child abuse victims, martyrs, people ridiculed for their piety, runaways, unmarried laywomen.

Carving of Nunilo and Alodia on the collegiate church of Alquézar.

Farewell, and be mindful of my faith; and let not these things disturb, but confirm you.

Passion of Perpetua and Felicity (Tertullian)

Posted in MARIAN TITLES

Notre-Dame de Talant / Our Lady of Talant, near Dijon, France (1443) and Memorials of the Saints – 22 October

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Notre-Dame de Talant / Our Lady of Talant, near Dijon, France (also known as the Virgin of St Luke (1443) – 22 October:

Until the twelfth Century, the French “Mons de Talant,” located at the gates of Dijon and belonging to the Estate of the Abbey of Saint-Benigne, was a completely uninhabited place. Considered as if accursed by some, the grounds were given a wide berth and altogether avoided. To others, possessing a more lively imagination, the location was said to be frequented by fairies.

In 1208, the Duke of Burgundy, Eudes III, undertook the construction of the Fortress of Talant in order to ensure a safer shelter of its treasures and archives, then in his Ducal Palace of Dijon. He founded north of the castle, a new fortified City and a Priory for some Monks of Saint Benedict. A Church, begun at the same time as the other works, was one of the earliest Gothic Churches in the Duchy of Burgundy.

The finished enclosure of the City was 1110 meters long and flanked by 33 towers. Duke Eudes III welcomed, particularly all the serfs who fled the oppression of their lord. Many peasants, attracted by the notion of freedom and the ability to work freed from all hindrance, began to arrive in droves. In 1216, the Duke granted the inhabitants the right to administer themselves by promulgating “the Charter of Commune,” exempting them from taxation and military service.

So many people were attracted to Talant that it became necessary to enlarge the Church. A bell tower was also added but the extra weight was too great and the walls began to bow outward. External buttresses were added in the 15th century to solve the problem.

John the Fearless, eldest son of Philip the Bold, returning from the Crusade in 1396, brought back as a trophy the Statue “Virgin of St Luke” that he offered to Talant. The Statue of the Virgin is exposed in the Church and in 1443, the Bishop of Langres, Charles de Poitiers, Consecrated the Church to the Mother of God.

During the Eighth War of Religion, in 1585, the partisans of Guise seized the fortress by cunning. After its return to the hands of the King in 1598, the decision was made to demolish the castle and the ramparts of the City. The work was finished in 6 months and Talant was reduced to the condition of a simple village. The Church of Notre-Dame remains, however and has been classified as an historic monument since 20 July 1908. The Statue of the Virgin of St Luke, can still be seen there.

St Abericus Marcellus
St Alodia of Huesca
St Apollo of Bawit
St Benedict of Macerac
St Bertharius of Monte Cassino
St Cordula

St Donatus of Fiesole (Died 874) Bishop of Fiesole, Irish Nobleman, Monk, Priest, Poet, Confessor, Writer, Scholar, Professor, Adviser to Emperors Louis the Pious and Lothair I, Founder of San Martino a Mensola Abbey and leader of two military expeditions against the Saracens.

Bl Esclaramunda of Majorca
St Hermes of Adrianople
St Ingbert
St Leothade of Auch
Blessed Lucia Bartolini Rucellai (Died 1520)
St Lupenzius
St Mark of Jerusalem

St Mary Salome (First Century) Disciple of Jesus, wife of Zebedee and Mother of Saints James and John, Apostles of Christ:

St Maroveus of Precipiano
St Mellon
St Moderan of Rennes
St Nepotian of Clermont
St Nunctus of Mérida
St Nunilo of Huesca
St Philip of Adrianople
St Philip of Fermo
St Rufus of Egypt
St Symmachus of Capua
St Valerius of Langres
St Verecundus of Verona
—
Martyrs of Heraclea – 4 saints: A group of four clerics in Heraclea (modern Marmara Ereglisi, Turkey) who were arrested in the persecutions of Diocletian. They were imprisoned, abused and ordered to turn over all the scriptures that they had hidden from authorities; they refused and were executed together. Martyrs. – Eusebius, Hermes, Philip and Severus. They were burned at the stake in 304 in Adrianople (modern Edirne, Turkey).

Martyrs of Adianople:
• Blessed Alexander
• Blessed Anna
• Blessed Elisabeth
• Blessed Glyceria
• Blessed Heraclius
• Blessed Theodota

Martyred in the Spanish Civil War:
• Blessed Álvaro Ibáñez Lázaro
• Blessed Andrés Zarraquino Herrero
• Blessed Estanislao García Obeso
• Blessed Germán Caballero Atienza
• Blessed José Menéndez García
• Blessed Josep Casas Lluch
• Blessed Luis Minguel Ferrer
• Blessed Pedro Lorente Vicente
• Blessed Victoriano Ibañez Alonso

Posted in Our MORNING Offering

Our Morning Offering – 22 October – Prayer of a Martyr, St Thomas More

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Our Morning Offering – 22 October – Prayer of a Martyr, St Thomas More (1478-1535)

The prayer below, was written by Saint Thomas More while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London, awaiting execution by King Henry VIII.

Give Me Thy Grace, Good Lord!
A Prayer of Hope
By St Thomas More (1478-1535)

Give me Thy grace, good Lord.
To set the world at naught.
To set the mind firmly on Thee
and not to hang upon the words of men’s mouths.
To be content to be solitary.
Not to long for worldly pleasures.
Little by little, utterly to cast off the world
and rid my mind of all its business.
Not to long to hear of earthly things
but that the hearing of worldly fancies,
may be displeasing to me.
Gladly to be thinking of God,
piteously to call for His help.
To lean into the comfort of God.
Busily to labour to love Him.
To know mine own vileness and wretchedness.
To humble myself under the mighty Hand of God.
To bewail my sins past,
for the purging of them,
patiently to suffer adversity.
Gladly to bear my purgatory here.
To be joyful in tribulations.
To walk the narrow way that leads to life.
To bear the Cross with Christ.
To have the last thing in remembrance.
To have ever before mine eyes,
my death that is ever at hand.
To make death no stranger to me.
To foresee and consider,
the everlasting fire of Hell.
To pray for pardon before the Judge come.
To have continually in mind,
the Passion that Christ suffered for me.
For His benefits, unceasingly to give Him thanks.
To buy the time again, that I before have lost.
To abstain from vain conversations.
To shun foolish mirth and gladness.
To cut off unnecessary recreations.
Of worldly substance,
friends, liberty, life and all,
to set the loss at naught,
for the winning of Christ.
To think my worst enemies, my best friends,
for the brethren of Joseph
could never have done him
so much good with their love and favour,
as they did him, with their malice and hatred.
These minds are more to be desired of every man,
than all the treasures of all the princes and kings,
Christian and heathen,
were it gathered and laid together,
all in one heap.
Amen

Posted in ONE Minute REFLECTION

One Minute Reflection – 22 October – “Forgive us our debts as we also forgive our debtors”

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One Minute Reflection – 22 October – “Month of the Holy Rosary”– Readings: Esth 13:9-11, Ps 118:1, Eph 6:10-17, Matt 18:23-35

His fellow-servants therefore, seeing what had happened, were very much saddened, and they went and informed their master of what had taken place.

Matt 18:23-35

REFLECTION – The Lord demands that we ourselves forgive the debts of our debtors just as we, too, ask that our own be forgiven. We should know that we cannot receive what we ask with regard to our own sins unless we do the same for those who have sinned against us. And so Christ says elsewhere: “The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you,”. And the servant who, having been freed from all his debt, was unwilling to forgive that of his fellow servant was thrown into prison. Because he would not spare his fellow, he lost that for which his master had spared him. Christ establishes this even more forcibly in his precepts when he decrees that: “When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions. But if you do not forgive, neither will your heavenly Father forgive your transgressions,”.

When Abel and Cain first of all offered sacrifice, God did not look at their offerings but at their hearts. The one whose offering was pleasing to him was the one whose heart was pleasing to him. Abel, the peaceful and just one, by making his offering to God in innocence, taught others to come forward in the fear of God to offer their gift at the altar, with a simple heart, a sense of justice, harmony and peace. By offering sacrifice to God with such dispositions as these he merited to become a precious offering himself and to be the first to offer the witness of martyrdom. By the glory of his blood he prefigured the Lord's Passion because he possessed the Lord's righteousness and peace. Men like these are they who are crowned by the Lord and who will obtain justice along with him on the day of judgement.

St Cyprian

PRAYER – Lord God, You fill us with Your grace and teach us true faith. Strengthen in our hearts that faith that no trials may quench the fire, that we may seek Your Face in every moment and accept and live all of Your will. Send us Your Spirit to keep the fire blazing. By the inspiration and prayers of the Blessed Virgin, may we grow in sanctity and may the humble love and intercession of Mary Mother of our faith, be our succour. Through Jesus Your Son our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.

Posted in CATHOLIC Quotes

Quote/s of the Day – 22 October – You are Lord of all

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In Your will are all things, O Lord, and there is none that can resist Your will; for You have made all things, heaven and earth, and all things that are under the cope of heaven. You are Lord of all.

Esth 13:9-11

Create in my heart, O my God! this wholesome fear, which has made the security of the just. Banish from it that fatal indifference, which is the greatest danger of a Christian. We should indeed be mad, and very blind, not to think of this last judgement, or to think lightly of it.

Fr Segneri

Day of wrath and doom impending!
David’s word with Sibyl’s blending,
Heaven and earth in ashes ending!

Dies Irae

Second Point – God need not have created you, but since He has created you, He must, of necessity, be your first beginning and your last end. Just as it would be impossible for you to be a man without having a body and a soul, so it would be impossible for you to be a man without having the obligation of serving God. All-powerful as God is, even He cannot dispense with that obligation.

Fr François Nepveu

Never has it been known, nor will it ever be, that man be loved so much and so universally as Jesus Christ.

Pope Pius XI

If God does not call you to it, you shall be like those illustrious confessors of who St. Cyprian said, That without dying by the executioner, they have gained the merits of martyrdom, because they were prepared for it.

Letter from Fr. Demaris to Catholics Who Have Been Deprived of a Priest

Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God of hosts, all the earth is filled with his glory.

The Seraphim

Posted in OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS

Thought for the Day – 22 October – To endeavour to extend the devotion to the Angels

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The Glories of the Holy Angels

Venerable Henri Boudon, Archdeacon of Evreux

PRACTICE NINTH

To endeavour to extend the devotion to the Angels

If the Angels do all they can for the service of man, man is obliged in justice and gratitude to spare no pains in the service of the Angels. We should neglect no means in the order of God for the increase of their glory. One method of honouring them seems to be, to distribute images and pictures of these glorious Spirits, particularly among the peasantry, and the poor and ignorant of the city. It would be well to recommend our friends to set up such pictures in their chambers or oratories—as also to make presents of them to some Chapel or Altar. Constantine the Great caused four images of the Angels to be wrought, and in the most exquisite manner. Another and a more laudable means is to lend and distribute books which treat of their excellencies. Among others those of F. Barri, F. Nouet, Drexelius, and Coret —all of the Society of Jesus. These inspire such devotion to the Angels, as would, be likely to last during the rest of our lives.

Preachers could greatly serve this devotion, by instructing their auditors in it from time to time—Seculars, by explaining it to their friends—a Master, in his house—a Father or Mother to their Children—a person in the country, to the peasants—a teacher, to his pupils—a friend, to his friend. But the best way to honour the Angels is to procure the establishment of some little sodality in their honour.