One Minute Reflection – 4 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart” – The Vigil of Pentecost – Acts 19:1-8, John 14:15-21.
“But you shall know Him because He shall abide with you and shall be in you.” – John 14:17
REFLECTION – “The Holy Spirit is the wheat that comforts us along the road to the Fatherland, the wine that gives us joy in tribulation, the oil that sweetens life’s sorrows. This threefold support was needed by the Apostles, who had to go out to preach through the whole world. This is why Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to them. They are filled with Him – filled, so that no impure spirits might gain entrance into them for when a container is completely full nothing else can be put into it.
The Holy Spirit “will teach you” (Jn 16,13) so that you can know; he will prompt you so that you can will. He gives both knowledge and will add to this our “ability” according to the measure of our strength and we shall be temples of the Holy Spirit (1Cor 6,19).” – St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Doctor of the Church (Sermons for Sundays and the Feasts of the Saints).
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the brightness of Thy glory may shine upon us and may the light of Thy Light may, through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, strengthen the minds of those who are reborn through Thy grace. 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).
Breathe in Me, O Holy Spirit By St Augustine (354-420)
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen
Our Morning Offering – 4 June – The Vigil of Pentecost
Come O Holy Spirit! By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
You made Mary full of grace and inflamed the hearts of the Apostles with a holy zeal, enflame our hearts with Your love. You are the Spirit of goodness, give us the courage to confront evil. You are Fire, set us ablaze with Your Love. You are Light, enlighten our minds, that we may see what is truly igood and true. You are the Dove, give us gentleness. You are a Soothing Breeze, bring calm to the storms which rage within us. You are the Tongue, may our lips ever sing God’s praises You are the Cloud, shelter us under the shadow of Your protection. O Holy Spirit, melt the frozen, warm the chilled and enkindle in us, an earnest desire to please You. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Saint of the Day – 4 June – Saint Petroc of Cornwall (Died c 594) Confessor, Abbot, Missionary, Miracle-worker, Founder of Monasteries and Churches, Prince. Petroc also had a great affinity with all animals and had a permanet wolf companion. Born in Wales mid to late Wales and died at Treravel, Padstow, Cornwall (in modern England) of natural causes whilst travelling. Patronages – • Bodmin, Cornwall • Caernarfonshire, Wales • Cornwall, England • Devon, England • Exeter, Devonshire, England • Hollacombe, Devonshire, England • Little Petherick, Cornwall • Nansfenten, Cornwall • Llanbedrog, Wales • Lydford, Devonshire, England • Newton Saint Petrock, Devonshire, England • Padstow, Cornwall • Saint-Méen, France • South Brent, Devonshire, England • Trevalga, Cornwall • West Anstey, Devonshire, England. Also known as – Petrock, Pedrog, Perreuse, Perreux, Petrocus, Petrox.
The most venerated Saint in Cornwall, who is considered to be one of the main Apostles of the region, is St Petroc, who together with the Archangel St Michael and St.Piran, has, for many centuries been the Patron Saint of Cornwall.
An early manuscript describes Petroc as “handsome, courteous in speech, prudent, modest, burning with unceasing love, always ready for all good works for the Church.”
A great deal is known about St Petroc, there having been two ‘Lives of Petroc‘ written in the middle ages and discovered in comparatively recent times in a library in Paris. A translation of the text of ‘The Vita Petroci,‘ written in the 12th century, was published in 1930, called ‘St Petroc, Abbot and Confessor.‘
He was the younger son of King Glywys in Wales. On his father’s death, he was offered the Crown of part of the Kingdom but Petroc wanted to study for a religious life and went to Ireland with a small band of followers.
Having been educated in an Irish Monastery, the major seats of learning in those days ‘Vita Petroci’ describes their stay in Ireland. They then set pit to spread the good news of the Gospel. The winds and tides brought them to the Padstow estuary. Almost immediately, Petroc began to build at the top of the creek, first a Church, and then other buildings, in imitation of the Irish Monasteries, to make a complete Monastery with a school, infirmary, library, farm and cells for the Monks. Having established the Monastery and Church here, Petroc travelled widely, founding many Churches, first in Little Petherick and Bodmin and then in many parts of England, Wales and Brittany.
The Celtic King Constantine, ruled this area at that time and was converted to Christianity by Petroc, when the Saint rescued the deer that the King was hunting. There are many legends and tales about him of miracles, healings, wonderful miracles involving animals and the banishing of demons.
After about 30 years evangelising the region, Petroc travelled to Rome and Brittany. He returned to Britain and as he reached Newton Saint Petroc (in Devon), it began to rain. Petroc predicted it would soon stop but it rained unceasingly, for three days. As a self-imposed penance for presuming to predict God’s weather, Petroc made a penitent pilgrimage on bare feet, returning initially to Rome, then to Jerusalem, then to India where he lived seven years on an island in the Indian Ocean.
When he finally returned to Cornwall, Petroc moved still deeper into the Cornish countryside, where he discovered St Guron living in a humble cell. Guron gave up his hermitage and moved south, allowing Petroc, with the backing of King Constantine, to establish a second large Monastery called Bothmena (Bodmin – the Abode of Monks).
Bodmin Abbey Church
Petroc eventually died at Treravel, while travelling between Little Petherick and Padstow and was buried at Padstow. The Monks there later removed themselves, along with Petroc’s relics, to Bodmin, where his beautiful Norman casket Reliquary can still be seen today.
St Petroc gave his name to Padstow (Petroc’s – stow) and to Little Petherick [between Padstow and Wadebridge]. He was the Founder of Bodmin, which, for some time was an Abbey-Bishopric and remained the religious capital of Cornwall up to the end of the Middle Ages.
St Francis Caracciolo CRM (1563-1608) Priest, Co-Founder of the Congregation of the Clerics Regular Minor with Venerable John Augustine (1551-1587) the “Adorno Fathers,” Confessor, Apostle of the Eucharistic Adoration. His body was given enough preparation for a long journey to Naples. Truly, God has left His own sign on him. When the body was lanced, the blood spouted a red and scented fluid and his vital organs were incorrupt. Around his heart were printed the words of the Psalm: “The zeal of your house consumes me” (Ps 69:10). Wow!: https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/04/saint-of-the-day-4-june-saint-francis-caracciolo-crm-1563-1608/
St Aldegrin of Baume St Alexander of Verona St Alonio St Aretius of Rome Bl Boniface of Villers St Breaca of Cornwall St Buriana of Cornwall St Christa of Sicily St Clateus of Brescia St Cornelius McConchailleach St Croidan St Cyrinus of Aquileia St Dacian of Rome St Degan St Edfrith of Lindisfarne St Elsiar of Lavedan St Ernin of Cluain Bl Francis Ronci Bl Margaret of Vau-le-Duc St Medan Bl Menda Isategui St Metrophanes of Byzantium St Nennoc St Nicolo of Sardinia St Optatus of Milevis
St Petroc of Cornwall (Died c 594) Abbot St Quirinus of Croatia St Quirinus of Tivoli St Rutilus of Sabaria Saturnina of Arras St Trano of Sardinia St St Walter of Fontenelle Walter of Serviliano
Martyrs of Cilicia – 13 Saints: A group of 13 Christians who were Martyred together. The only details about them that have survived are their names – • Cama• Christa• Crescentia• Eiagonus• Expergentus• Fortunus• Italius • Jucundian• Julia• Momna• Philip• Rustulus• Saturnin They were martyred in in Cilicia, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey), date unknown
Martyrs of Nyon – 41 Saints: A group of 41 Christians Martyred together for refusing to sacrifice to imperial Roman idols. We know the names of some but no other details. • Amatus• Attalus• Camasus• Cirinus• Dinocus• Ebustus• Euticus• Eutychius • Fortunius• Galdunus• Julia• Quirinus• Rusticus• Saturnina• Saturninus • Silvius• Uinnita• Zoticus Martyred by being beheaded in Noviodunum (modern Nyon, Switzerland).
Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts
EIGHTH DAY
Bend the stubborn heart and will; Melt the frozen, warm the chill; Guide the steps that go astray!
THE GIFT OF WISDOM
Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of Wisdom it is written “all good things come to me with her and innumerable riches through her hands.” It is the gift of Wisdom which strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things Divine, in the appreciation of which, earthly joys lose their savour, whilst the Cross of Christ, yields a Divine sweetness, according to the words of the Saviour: “Take up thy cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light.”
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Wisdom and reveal to my soul, the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them forever. Amen
Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE. Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena
On my knees, I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, listen to Your Voice and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion, to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus, looking at His Five Wounds and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, t o keep me in Your grace, that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son, to say to You always and everywhere, “Speak Lord for Your servant hears.” Amen.
Quote/s of the Day – 3 June – Friday after the Octave of Ascension
“I speak out in order to lead Him into your hearts but He does not choose to come where I lead Him, unless you prepare the way for Him.”
“Everyone without God, has a dead soul. You, who bewail the dead, rather, should bewail sin. Bewail ungodliness. Bewail disbelief.”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church
“But He still follows behind us and counsels us, that we have despised Him but He still does not cease to call us. We turn our backs on His face, so to speak, when we reject His words, when we trample His commandments underfoot but He who sees that we reject Him, still calls out to us by His commandments and waits for us by His patience, stands behind us and calls us back when we have turned away.”
St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) Father & Doctor of the Church
“Death is approaching. How many years have we left? How many months? How many hours? We do not know. Perhaps this could be the last day or the last hour of our lives and, if that were true, in what state would we appear before the majesty of God? How terrible if we were in mortal sin – we would be damned for all eternity! But, even if we find ourselves i n the state of grace, what merits have we to present to the eternal Judge? What sacrifices have we made to prove our love for Him? What mortifications and penances have we voluntarily undertake to purify ourselves of our sins? What good works have we done, what alms have we given, what prayers have we said? We may have to admit, that we have wasted most of the time which God has given us in useless or even sinful occupations. Let us treasure, at least, the years, days, or hours which God still wills to grant us, for our full conversion and for our spiritual perfection.”
One Minute Reflection – 3 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart” – Friday after the Octave of Ascension – 1 Pet 4:7-11, John 15:26-27; 16:1-4.
“But when the Paraclete comes, Whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth, Who proceeds from the Father, He shall give testimony of Me. ” – John 15:26
REFLECTION – “The Spirit is simple in being. His powers are many. They are entirely present everywhere and in everything. He is distributed but does not change. He is shared, yet remains whole. Consider the analogy of the sunbeam – each person on whom its kindly light falls, rejoices as if the sun existed for him alone, yet, it illumines land and sea and is master of the atmosphere. In the same way, the Spirit is given to each one who receives Him, as if he were the possession of that person alone, yet, He sends forth sufficient grace to fill the entire universe. Everything that partakes of His grace, is filled with joy according to his capacity—the capacity of his nature, not of His power.
The Spirit does not take up His abode in someone’s life, through a physical approach. How could a corporeal being approach the bodiless One? Instead, the Spirit comes to us when we withdraw ourselves from evil passions which have crept into the soul through its friendship with the flesh, alienating us from a close relationship with God. Only when a person has been cleansed from the shame of his evil and has returned to his natural beauty and [only when] the original form of the royal image has been restored in him, is it possible for him to approach the Paraclete. Then, like the sun, He will show you. in Himself, the image of the invisible and with purified eyes, you will see in this blessed image, the unspeakable beauty of its prototype.
Through Him, hearts are lifted up, the infirm are held by the hand and those who progress, are brought to perfection. He shines on those who are cleansed from every spot and makes them spiritual people, through fellowship with Himself. When a sunbeam falls on a transparent substance, the substance itself becomes brilliant and radiates light from itself. So too, the Spirit-bearing souls, illumined by Him, finally become spiritual themselves and their grace is sent forth to others. From this comes knowledge of the future, understanding of mysteries, apprehension of hidden things, distribution of wonderful gifts, heavenly citizenship, a place in the choir of Angels, endless joy in the presence of God, becoming like God and the highest of all desires – becoming God.” – St Basil the Great (329-379) Bishop of Caesarea, Father and Doctor of the Church (On the Holy Spirit, 9).
PRAYER – Almighty and eternal God, give us a will ever dedicated to Thee and a true heart to serve Thy majesty. 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). SACRED Heart of JESUS, Thy Kingdom come! Indulgence 300 Days. Everytime Raccolta 178 St Pius X, 4 May 1906.
Our Morning Offering – 3 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart”
Heart of Jesus! Unknown author (Published 1929)
Heart of Jesus! I entreat Fill my soul with graces sweet! Heart of Jesus! Help me win Freedom from all mortal sin!
Heart of Jesus! Keep my soul Ever under Thy control! Heart of Jesus! Kindle mine With the fire of faith divine!
Heart of Jesus! Give me a light To see, to think, to act aright! Heart of Jesus! Sorrow-rent Make me truly penitent!
Heart of Jesus! Soften mine Out of gratitude to Thine! Heart of Jesus! Full of love Lead my thoughts to Heaven above!
Heart of Jesus! Give me grace My purgatory here to face! Heart of Jesus! Let me be Ever filled with love of Thee! Heart of Jesus! Holy shrine, Be It ever home of mine!
Saint of the Day – 3 June – Saint Adam of Guglionesi OSB (c 990-1072) Confessor, Benedictine Monk, Abbot, Social Reformer, Peace-maker and may have been a Priest. Hermit. Born in c 990 in Petazio (modern Petacciato), Italy and,died in 1072 in the Saint Paul Monastery in Petacciato, Italy of natural causes. Patronage – Guglionesi, Italy, Also known as – Adam the Abbot, Adamo Abate, Adamo… Adão…
Unfortunately, despite the fact that St Adam is the Patron Saint of the industrious Town of Guglionesi in the Province of Campobasso in Molise, the texts in hagiography say almost nothing about him.
The only certain information that we have of this Saint, defined as a ‘Confessor,’ is the date of the translation of his relics which took place in Guglionesi, on 3 June 1102.
The Bollandists (Society of Belgian Jesuits that in 1600, co-ordinated by Jean Bolland, from whom they took their name, compiled the ‘Acta Sanctorum’) report this event of the translation of the relics. But they give no further information regarding the time in which our Saint lived, the holiness of his life, the activity carried out by the holy ‘confessor.’ Confessor, a term that initially also included Martyrs, then was reserved for Saints and Blessed who, although not Martyrs, have testified (confessed) by their lives, in word and deed, their faith in Christ the Saviour.
Elsewhere it is recorded that Adam was the Abbot of the Monastery of Santa Maria in the Italian Tremiti Islands. He attended the Council of Melfi on 21 August 1059
Adam worked zealously to unify the people of southern Italy in order to reduce inter-city warring. In 1071, after many years of toil, he retired to spend his remaining months as a prayerful Hermit, at the Monastery of Saint Paul in Petacciato, Italy,.where he died.
The Bollandists do record the story of his relics. They say, that, for a long time, his tomb was kept about a mile from the Town and that the Archpriest Benedict of Guglionesi, had a vision, wherein an Angel instructed him to arrange for the translation of the relics to the City of Guglionesi.
This transfer of the relics took place on the night of 2 June 1102, with the participation of Bishops, Priests and armed men. Legend says, that the oxen pulling the transport cart became thirsty, pawed the road with one hoof and springs erupted from the ground. The next day they were enshrined and in 1153 they were re-enshrined re-enshrined in a gilded bronze bust Reliquary.
In 1456, on the night of the Feast of Corpus Christi, St Adam’s relics were stolen by French supporters of King Charles VIII and taken to Campobasso, Italy where they planned to melt the Reliquary for the precious metal but, the presence of the relics made them hesitate. The City was miraculously besieged by storms until they returned the Reliquary to Guglionesi! An additional Memorial is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday in October to mark this return of the stolen relics.
St Adam of Guglionesi OSB (c 990-1072) Abbot St Albert of Como St Athanasius of Traiannos St Auditus of Braga Bl Beatrice Bicchieri St Caecilius of Carthage
Bl Charles-René Collas du Bignon St Clotilde of France St Conus of Lucania St Cronan the Tanner St Davinus of Lucca Bl Diego Oddi Bl Francis Ingleby St Gausmarus of Savigny St Genesius of Clermont St Glunshallaich St Hilary of Carcassone St Isaac of Córdoba
St Laurentinus of Arezzo St Liphardus of Orléans St Morand of Cluny St Moses of Arabia St Oliva of Anagni St Paula of Nicomedia St Pergentinus of Arezzo St Phaolô Vu Van Duong St Urbicius
Dominicans Martyred in China
Martyrs of Africa – 156 Saints: 156 Christians Martyred together in Africa, date unknown; the only other information to survive are some of their names – • Abidianus• Demetria• Donatus• Gagus• Januaria• Juliana• Nepor• Papocinicus• Quirinus• Quirus Martyrs of Byzantium – 5 saints: A group of Christians, possibly related by marriage, who were martyred together. They were – • Claudius• Dionysius• Hypatius• Lucillian• Paul They were Martyred in 273 in Byzantium.
Martyrs of Rome – 8 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together. We know nothing else about them but the names – • Amasius• Emerita• Erasmus• Lucianus• Orasus• Satuaucnus• Septiminus• Servulus They were Martyred in Rome, Italy, date unknown.
Martyrs of Rome – 86 Saints: 85+ Christians Martyred together in Rome, Italy, date unknown. The only details that have survived are some of their names – • Apinus • Apronus • Aurelius • Avidus • Cassianus • Criscens • Cyprus • Domitius • Donata • Donatus • Emeritus • Extricatus • Exuperia • Faustina • Felicitas • Felix • Flavia • Florus • Fortunata • Fortunatus • Fructus • Gagia • Gagus • Gallicia • Gorgonia • Honorata • Januaria • Januarius • Justa • Justus • Libosus • Luca • Lucia • Matrona • Matura • Mesomus • Metuana • Nabor • Neptunalis • Obercus • Paula • Peter • Pompanus • Possemus • Prisca • Procula • Publius • Quintus • Rogatian • Romanus • Rufina • Saturnin • Saturnus • Secundus • Severa • Severus • Sextus • Silvana • Silvanus • Sinereus • Tertula • Titonia • Toga • Urban • Valeria • Veneria • Veranus • Victor • Victoria • Victorinus • Victuria • Victurina • Virianus • Weneria • Zetula. They were Martyred in Rome date unknown.
Martyrs of Uganda (Memorial) – 22 Saints: Twenty-two (22) young Ugandan converts Martyred in the persecutions of King Mwanga. They are – • Achileo Kiwanuka • Adolofu Mukasa Ludigo • Ambrosio Kibuuka • Anatoli Kiriggwajjo • Anderea Kaggwa • Antanansio Bazzekuketta • Bruno Sserunkuuma • Charles Lwanga • Denis Ssebuggwawo • Gonzaga Gonza • Gyavire • James Buzabaliao • John Maria Muzeyi • Joseph Mukasa • Kizito • Lukka Baanabakintu • Matiya Mulumba • Mbaga Tuzinde • Mugagga • Mukasa Kiriwawanvu • Nowa Mawaggali • Ponsiano Ngondwe The Lives and Martyrdom of the Ugandan Martyrs: https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/03/saints-of-the-day-3-june-uganda-martyrs-or-st-charles-lwanga-companions/
Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts
SEVENTH DAY
Heal our wounds our strength renew; On our dryness pour Thy dew; Wash the stains of guilt away!
THE GIFT OF COUNSEL
The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must be done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies, the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding, to the innumerable concrete cases which confront us, in the course of our daily duty, as parents, teachers, public servants and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural commonsense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation. “Above all things, pray to the Most High, that He may direct thy way in truth.”
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always fulfil Your Holy Will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil and direct me, by the straight path of Your commandments, to that goal of eternal life for which I long. Amen
Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE. Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena
On my knees, I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, listen to Your Voice and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion, to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus, looking at His Five Wounds and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, t o keep me in Your grace, that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son, to say to You always and everywhere, “Speak Lord for Your servant hears.” Amen.
Quote/s of the Day – 2 June – The Octave Day of the Ascension
“He who believes and is baptised, shall be saved …”
Mark 16:16
“See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them!”
Luke 21:8
“[Christ speaks:] I became useless to those who knew Me not, because I shall hide Myself, from those who possessed Me not. And I will be with those who love Me. … I arose and am with them and will speak by their mouths. For they have rejected those who persecute them and I threw over them, the yoke of My love. … Then I heard their voice and placed their faith in My Heart. And I placed My Name upon their forehead (Rv 14,1) because they are free and they are Mine!”
Odes of Solomon (Hebrew Christian text f rom the beginning of the 2nd Century) N° 42
“Faith gives rise to prayer and this prayer obtains an increase of faith.”
“Wherever you are on earth, however long you remain on earth, the Lord is near, do not be anxious about anything!”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
“Let Your Name, not mine, be praised. Let Your Work, not mine, be magnified. Let Your Holy Name be blessed but let no human praise be given to me. You are my glory. You are the joy of my heart. In You I will glory and rejoice all the day and for myself I will glory in nothing but my infirmities. … ”
One Minute Reflection – 2 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart” – The Octave Day of the Ascension – Acts 1:1-11, Mark 16:14-20 and the Memorial of Sts Marcellinus, Peter the Exorcist and St Erasmus (Died c 303) Martyrs
“He who believes and is baptised, shall be saved ...” – Mark 16:16
REFLECTION – “When He says, “All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me,” He touches on their unbelief, showing, that whoever does not believe in Him transgresses the Will of the Father. He covertly shows, that unbelievers are not only at variance with Him but also, with the Father. For if this is [the Son’s] Will and if this is the reason He came, that is, that He might save the entire world, then those who do not believe transgress His Will.
When, therefore, He says, the Father guides someone, there is nothing that hinders that person from coming to [Jesus]. And Paul says, that [the Son] delivers them up to the Father. Now, just as the Father, when He gives, does not take from Himself, so neither does the Son take from Himself when He gives up. The Son is said to give up to the Father because we are brought to the Father by Him. And at the same time, we read that it was the Father “by whom you were called to the fellowship of His Son,” that is, by the Will of the Father.
Faith in Me, He intimates here, is no ordinary thing or one that comes from human reason but [it] needs a revelation from above. And this He establishes throughout His discourses, showing, that this faith requires a noble sort of soul and one drawn on by God. The expression “that the Father gives Me” shows, that it is no accident whether a person believes or not. It shows, that belief is not the work of human reasoning but requires a revelation from on high and a mind devout enough to receive the revelation. “Whoever then,” our Lord says, “comes to Me, shall be saved,” meaning they shall be greatly cared for. For to save such as these, I took up flesh and the form of a servant.” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Archbishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (Homilies on the Gospel of John 45)
PRAYER – O God, Who gladden us each year by the feast of Your holy Martyrs, Marcellinus, Peter and Erasmus, graciously grant, that as we rejoice in their merits, we may be inspired by their example. 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). SWEET HEART of my JESUS, Make me love Thee ever more and more! – Indulgence 300 Days Everytime – Plenary Once a Month – Raccolta 162 – Bl Pius IX 26 November 1876.
Our Morning Offering – 2 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart”
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
Saint of the Day – 2 June – Saint Guido of Acqui (c 1004-1070) Bishop of Acqu in north-west Italy from 1034 until his death, zealous Reformer both in the lives of his clergy and his people. He built the Cathedral of Acqui amongst other religious buildings, including a Convent for Nuns. He donated his personal inheritance to the upkeep of the Diocese, the poor and for his building projects. Born in c 1004 in Acqui, Italy and died on 2 June 1070 of natural causes after 36 years as the Bishop of his home town, of which he is the Patron. Patronages – against famine, Diocese of Acqui, Italy, Acqui Terme, Italy. Also known as – Guy, Guisto, Guy, Vido, Wido.
Guido was born around 1004 to a noble family of the area of Acqui, the Counts of Acquesana, in Melazzo where the family’s wealth was concentrated.
He completed his education, by now an orphan, in Bologna. Guido was elected as the Bishop of Acqui in March 1034, aged just 30 years. His career was marked by reform in the areas of the Liturgy, the teaching of his flock and increasing their devotion and morality.
He was generous in donating his own money and possessions to the Diocese, in part to remove the economic pressures which had led to widespread corruption and, in part, to support new projects . The latter included the promotion of the education of young women and the foundation of the Convent of Santa Maria De Campis.
Under his government, too, Acqui Cathedral was erected, dedicated to the Madonna Assunta and consecrated on 13 November 1067.
Guido died on 2 June 1070. His remains are preserved in the Cathedral which he founded. His feast day is recorded in the Martyrologium Romanum as 2 June, the anniversary of his death . In Acqui, however, it is celebrated on the second Sunday of July. He was Canonised in 1853 by Pope Blessed Pius IX .
St Photinus of Lyons St Rogate Bl Sadoc of Sandomierz St Stephen of Sweden
Martyrs of Lyons and Vienne: A group of 48 Christians from the areas of Vienne and Lyon, France, who were attacked by a pagan mob, arrested and tried for their faith, and murdered in the persecutions of Marcus Aurelius. A letter describing their fate, possibly written by Saint Irenaeus of Lyons, was sent to the churches in the Middle East. Only a few names and details of their lives have survived; some of them have separate entries on this date – • Alexander of Vienne • Attalus of Pergamos • Biblis of Lyons • Blandina the Slave • Cominus of Lugdunum • Epagathus of Lugdunum • Maturus the Novice • Photinus of Lyons • Ponticus of Lugdunum • Sanctius of Vienne • Vettius of Lugdunum They were martyred in assorted ways on on various during 177.
Martyrs of Sandomierz: A group of 49 Dominicans, some of whom received the habit from Saint Dominic de Guzman himself. They worked separately and together to bring the faith and establish the Dominican Order in Poland, basing their operations in and around Sandomierz. In 1260 they were all Martyred by the Tartars as they were singing the Salve Regina at Compline; the custom of singing the Salve Regina at the deathbed of Dominicans, stems from this incident. We know a few details about a few of the martyrs, but most survive only as names – • Zadok• Andrea, chaplain• James, novice master• Malachi, convent preacher • Paul, vicar• Peter, guardian of the garden• Simone, penitentiaryfriars • Abel, Barnabas, Bartholomew, Clemente, Elia, John, Luke, Matthew, Philip deacons• Giuseppe, Joachim, Stefanosub-deacons• Abraham, Basil, Moses, Taddeoclerics• Aaron, Benedict, David, Dominico, Mattia, Mauro, Michele, Onofrio, Timothyprofessed students• Christopher, Donato, Feliciano, Gervasio, Gordian, John, Mark, Medardo, Valentinonovices• Daniele, Isaiah, Macario, Raffaele, Tobialay brothers• Cyril, tailor• Jeremiah, shoemaker • Thomas, organist They were martyred in 1260 at Sandomierz, Poland and Beatified on 18 October 1807 by Pope Pius VII (cultus confirmation).
Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts
SIXTH DAY
If Thou take Thy grace away, Nothing pure in man will stay; All his good is turned to ill.
THE GIFT OF UNDERSTANDING
Understanding, as a Gift of the Holy Ghost, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion. By faith we know them but by Understanding, we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths and through them, to be quickened to newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive but inspires a mode of life, which bears eloquent testimony, to the faith that is in us, we begin to: “walk worthily of God in all things, pleasing Him and increasing, in the knowledge of God.”
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Understanding and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the Mysteries of salvation and may merit, at last, to see the eternal light of Thy Light and in the light of glory, to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE. Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT To be recited daily during the Novena
On my knees, I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, listen to Your Voice and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion, to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus, looking at His Five Wounds and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, t o keep me in Your grace, that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son, to say to You always and everywhere, “Speak Lord for Your servant hears.” Amen.
Thought for the Day – 1 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Devotion to the Sacred Heart
“We should have a very high regard for devotion to the Sacred Heart. We should excite in our hearts, acts of love, which will compensate, in some way, for the infinite love which Jesus has for us.
Finally, we should try and make our lives correspond with our love by emulating, as far as possible, the holy and immaculate life of Jesus Christ. It is not a waste of time to constantly think to ourselves, “What would Jesus do in this situation?”
Ejaculation: May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere, known and loved! Amen”
Devotion for June – THE MONTH OF THE MOST SACRED HEART of JESUS – Our Only Hope!
In venerating the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Church specially praises the infinite love demonstrated by Our Lord Jesus Christ to men. Since His Heart is the symbol of love, by venerating His Heart, the Church celebrates Love.
Among the promises made by our Lord to St Margaret Mary was the assurance that, “Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in my Heart, never to be blotted out.”
The Twelve Promises of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690) “Apostle of the Sacred Heart For those Devoted to His Sacred Heart:
I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
I will establish peace in their families.
I will console them in all their troubles.
They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of their death.
I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.
Sinners shall find in My Heart the source of an infinite ocean of mercy.
Tepid souls shall become fervent.
Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.
I will bless the homes where an image of My Heart shall be exposed and honoured.
I will give to Priests the power of touching the most hardened hearts.
Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be effaced.
The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance – they shall not die under my displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments. My Heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.
From Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque’s Vision of Jesus
Quote/s of the Day – 1 June – The Memorial of St Angela Merici (1474-1540)
“Keep to the ancient way and custom of the Church, established and confirmed, by so many Saints, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. And live a new life!”
“Do not lose heart, even if you should discover that you lack qualities necessary, for the work to which you are called. He Who called you, will not desert you but the moment you are in need, He will stretch out His Saving Hand.”
One Minute Reflection – 1 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart” – Wednesday within the Octave of Ascension – Acts 1:1-11, Mark 16:14-20
“Go ye into the whole world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” – Mark 16:15
REFLECTION – “You have heard what the Lord said to His disciples after the resurrection. He sent them out to preach the Gospel and they did so. Listen: “Through all the earth their voice resounds and to the ends of the world, their message” (Ps 18[19],5). Step by step, the Gospel has reached even to us and the ends of the earth. In a few words, the Lord addressing Himself to His disciples, set out what we are to do and what we have to hope for. Just as you have heard, He said: “Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved.” He asks for our faith and offers us salvation. What He offers us is so precious, that what He asks of us is as nothing.
“The children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings, O my God… from your delightful stream, You give them to drink, for with You is the fountain of life” (Ps 35[36],8f.). Jesus Christ is the Fountain of Life. Before the Fountain of Life came to us, we had only a human salvation like that of the beasts of which the psalm speaks: “Man and beast you save, O Lord” (Ps 35[36],7). But now the Fountain of Life has come even to us, the Fountain of Life died for our sakes. Will He refuse us, His Life, Who, for our sakes, gave His Death? He is Salvation and this Salvation is not worthless, like the other one. Why? Because it does not pass away. The Lord has come. He died but he killed death. In Himself, He brought an end to death. He assumed it and He killed it. Where is death now, then? Look for it in Christ and it is no longer there. It used to be there but there it died. O life, Death of death! Take heart: it will also die in us! What was fulfilled in the Head will also be fulfilled in the members and death will die in us, too.” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo and Father and Doctor of the Church (Excerpt from Sermon 233 ).
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that as we do believe Thine Only-Begotten Son our Saviour to have this day Ascended into the Heavens, so we may also, in heart and mind thither ascend and with Him, continually dwell. 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). All praise, honour and glory to the Divine Heart of JESUS. (This Ejaculation is Indulgenced – 50 Days, once a day. (See Instructions: – Unless otherwise stated, e.g., “once a day,” a partial Indulgence may be gained any number of times in succession.) 168 Pope Leo XIII, 14 June 1901).
Our Morning Offering – 1 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart”
O DIVINE Heart of JESUS Pope Leo XIII Indulgence 100 Days, Once a day Raccolta 167 13 March 1901.
O DIVINE Heart of JESUS, grant, we beseech Thee, eternal rest, to the souls in Purgatory, the final grace, to those who shall die today, true repentance to sinners, the light of the faith to pagans and Thy Blessing to me and mine. To Thee, O most compassionate Heart of JESUS! I commend all these souls and I offer to Thee, on their behalf, all Thy merits, together with the merits of Thy most Holy Mother and of all the Saints, Angels and all the Sacrifices of the Holy Mass, Communions, prayers and good works, which shall be accomplished today, throughout the Catholic world. Amen
Saint of the Day – 1 June – Saint Angelica de Merici TOSF (1474-1540) Virgin, Founder the Company of St Ursula, later called the Ursulines, Third Order Franciscan, Mystic, Apostle of the poor, sick and needy, Teacher, Penitent and Ascetic. Patronages – sickness, handicapped people, loss of parents, courage,
Angela de Merici was born of virtuous parents at Decenzano, a town in the Diocese of Verona, near lake Benago, in the Venetian territory. From her earliest years, she kept the strictest guard over the lily of her virginity, which she had resolved should never be taken from her. She had a thorough contempt for those outward deckings, on which so many women set their hearts. She purposely disfigured the beauty of her features and hair, that she might find no favour, save with the Spouse of our souls.
Whilst yet in the bloom of youth, she lost her parents, whereupon, she sought to retire into a desert, that she might lead a life of penance. Being prevented by an uncle, she fulfilled, at home, what she was not permitted to do in a wilderness. She frequently wore a hairshirt and took the discipline. She never ate flesh-meat, except in case of sickness, she never tasted wine, except on the Feasts of our Lord’s Nativity and Resurrection and, at times, would pass whole days without taking any food at all.
She spent much time in prayer and exceedingly little in sleep and that little, on the ground. The devil having once appeared to her in the form of an angel of light, she at once detected his craft, and put him to flight. At length, having resigned her right to the fortune left her by her parents, she embraced the Rule of the Third Order of St. Francis, received the habit and united evangelical poverty, to the merit of virginity.
She showed her neighbour every kind office in her power and gave to the poor a portion of her own food, which she procured by begging. She gladly served the sick. She gained the reputation of great sanctity in several places, which she visited, either that she might comfort the afflicted, or obtain pardon for criminals, or reconcile them that were at variance, or reclaim sinners from the sink of crime.
She had a singular hungering after the Bread of Angels, which she frequently received and such was the vehemence of her love of God, that she was often in a state of ecstacy. She visited the Holy Places of Palestine with extraordinary devotion. During her pilgrimage, she lost her sight on landing on the isle of Candia but recovered it when leaving. She also miraculously escaped shipwreck and falling into the hands of barbarians. She went to Rome, during the Pontificate of Pope Clement the Seventh, in order to venerate the firm Rock of the Church and to gain the great Jubilee Indulgence. The Pope having had an interview with her, he at once discovered her sanctity and spoke of her to others in terms of highest praise, nor would he have allowed her to leave the City, had he not been convinced that heaven called her elsewhere.
Having returned to Brescia, she took a house near the Church of Saint Afra. There, by God’s command, which was made known to her by a voice from heaven and by a vision, she instituted a new society of Virgins under a special discipline and holy rules, which she herself drew up. She put her Institute under the title and patronage of Saint Ursula, the brave leader of the army of virgins.
She also foretold,, shortly before her death, that this Institute would last to the end of the world. At length, being close upon seventy years of age, laden with merit, she took her flight to Heaven and in the year 1540, on 27 January 27. Her corpse was kept for thirty days before being put in the grave and preserved the flexibility and appearance of a living body. It was laid in the Church of Saint Afra, amidst the many other Relics wherewith that Church is enriched.
Many miracles were wrought at her tomb. The rumour of these miracles spread not only through Brescia and Decenzano but also in other places. The name of Blessed was soon given to Angela and her image used, to be put on the Altars of St Charles Borromeo. A few years after Angela’s death, it was affirmed, that she was worthy of Canonisation. Clement the Thirteenth ratified and confirmed the devotion thus paid her by the Faithful, which had already received the approbation of several Bishops and the encouragement of several Indults of Sovereign Pontiffs. Finally, after several new miracles had been juridically proved, Pius the Seventh enroled Angela in the list of holy Virgins, in the solemn Canonisation celebrated in the Vatican Basilica, on the 24th of May, in the year 1807.
“Angela realised the whole meaning of her beautiful name. In a mortal body, she possessed the purity of the blessed Spirits and imitated their celestial energy by the vigorous practice of every virtue. This heroine of grace, trampled beneath her feet, everything that could impede her heavenward march.” – Abbot Dom Prosper Guéranger OSB (1805-1875)
St Agapetus of Ruthenia Bl Alfonso Navarrete Benito Bl Arnald Arench Bl Arnold of Geertruidenberg St Atto of Oca St Candida of Whitchurch St Caprasius of Lérins St Clarus of Aquitaine St Claudius of Vienne Bl Conrad of Hesse St Conrad of Trier St Crescentinus St Cronan of Lismore St Damian of Scotland St Dionysius of Ruthenia St Donatus of Lucania St Felinus of Perugia Bl Ferdinand Ayala St Firmus St Fortunatus of Spoleto Bl Gaius Xeymon St Gaudentius of Ossero St Giuse Túc St Gratian of Perugia Bl Herculanus of Piegare St Iñigo of Oña St Ischryrion and Companions Bl James of Strepar St Jean-Baptiste-Ignace-Pierre Vernoy de Montjournal Bl John Pelingotto Bl John Storey St Juventius Bl Leo Tanaka St Melosa St Pamphilus of Alexandria St Peter of Pisa St Porphyrius of Alexandria St Proculus of Bologna St Proculus the Soldier St Ronan St Secundus of Amelia St Seleucus of Alexandria St Simeon of Syracuse St Telga of Denbighshire St Thecla of Antioch
Blessed Teobaldo Roggeri (c 1100-1150) Layman Shoemaker, Porter, Apostle of the poor and needy, Penitent, Pilgrim. The Roman Martyrology states of him today: “In Alba in Piedmont, Blessed Teobaldo, who, driven by love for poverty, gave all his possessions to a widow and became a porter out of a spirit of humility, to carry the burdens of others on himself.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/01/saint-of-the-day-1-june-blessed-teobaldo-roggeri-c-1100-1150/
St Thespesius of Cappadocia St Wistan of Evesham St Zosimus of Antioch
Martyrs of Alexandria – 5 Saints: A group five of imperial Roman soldiers assigned to guard a group of Egyptian Christians who were imprisoned for their faith in the persecutions of Decius. During their trial, they encouraged the prisoners not to apostatize. This exposed them as Christians, were promptly arrested and executed. Martyrs. Their names are – Ammon, Ingen, Ptolomy, Theophilis and Zeno. They were beheaded in 249 at Alexandria, Egypt.
Martyrs of Caesarea – 3 Saints: Three Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Galerius. We know little more about them than the name – Paul, Valens and Valerius. They diedf in 309 at Caesarea, Palestine.
Martyrs of Lycopolis – 6 Saints: Five foot soldiers and their commander who were Martyred for their faith by order of the imperial Roman prefect Arriano during the persecutions of Decius. In Lycopolis, Egypt.
Martyrs of Rome – 6 Saints: A group of spiritual students of Saint Justin Martyr who died with him and about whom we know nothing else but their names – Carito, Caritone, Evelpisto, Ierace, Liberiano and Peone. In Rome, Italy.
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