Quote/s of the Day – 9 July – The Memorial of Blessed Adrian Fortescue T.O.S.D. (1476-1539) Martyr
“In Husbands Bosworth Hall, the residence of Miss Fortescue-Turville, the last direct descendant of the blessed martyr, was found some years ago a very precious relic, being nothing less than the Book of Hours which he habitually used.
The manuscript has suffered a good deal from time and careless handling but on the outer leaf can still be read another series of maxims, a kind of rule of life written and signed by the martyr’s own hand. It will be seen how, while yet in the days of his prosperity, this truly Christian knight was preparing all unconsciously for the martyr’s crown and palm.
The Book of Hours is now reverently preserved as a relic in the beautiful little Catholic church adjoining the old hall of Husbands Bosworth :”
Quotations (slightly updated – from his famous Book of Hours)
…”Pray often.
Also enforce yourself
to set your house at quietness.
Resort to God every hour.”
“Be pitiful unto poor folk and help them to your power,
for there you shall greatly please God.”
“Give fair language to all persons
and especially to the poor and needy.”
“Banish from yourself all grudging and detraction
and especially from your tongue.”
“In prosperity be meek of heart
and in adversity patient.”
“Pray for perseverance.
Continue in dread
and ever have
God before your eye.”
“Also apply diligently
the inspirations of the Holy Spirit,
whatsoever you have therein to do.”
“If by chance you fall into sin,
despair not
and if you keep these precepts,
the Holy Spirit will strengthen you
in all other things necessary
and this doing you shall be
with Christ in Heaven,
to Whom be given laud,
praise and honour everlasting.”
