Month: January 2023

Posted in Against APOPLEXY or STROKES, Against DEMONIC POSSESSION, Against EPIDEMICS, ART DEI, EPILEPSY, GOUT, KNEE PROBLEMS, ARTHRITIS, etc, Of BEGGARS, the POOR, against POVERTY, Of PILGRIMS, SAINT of the DAY, STOMACH DISEASES and PAIN, INTESTINAL DISORDERS

Saint of the Day – 7January – St Valentine of Passau (Died 475) Bishop

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 7January – St Valentine of Passau (Died 475) Bishop in Passau in the Rhaetia region, Switzerland, an area in the border region of modern Italy, Austria and Switzerland, Monk, Abbot, Missionary, Hermit, Miracle-worker. Died on 7 January 475 at Mais, Tyrol, Austria of natural causes. Patronages – against convulsions, against cramps/stomach pain, against epilepsy, against gout, against plague/epidemics, against demonic possession, of cattle diseases, of pilgrims, poor people, City and Diocese of Passau. Also known as • Valentine of Mais • Valentine of Raetia • Valentine of Ratien • Valentine of Retie • Valentine of Rezia • Valentine of Rhaetia • Valentine of Rhétie • Valentin, Valentinus. Additional Memorial – 4 August (translation of relics), 29 October a combined Feast with the other Patrons of Passau, St Stephen, the Protomartyr and St Maximillian Martyr Bishop of Passau for 20 years, who died in c 284 (Feast day 12 October)..

The 3 Patrons of Passau, St Valentine left, st Stephen centre and St Maximillian right

According to tradition, Valentine came to Passau around 430; there the construction of the first Church on the site of today’s Cathedral is attributed to him.

Valentine had been sent by the Pope to preach the Gospel in the Passau. He found that his work was without fruit and returned to Rome to implore the Holy Father to send him elsewhere. But the Pope Consecrated him Bishop and sent him back to Passau, to preach in season and out of season, whether it produced fruit or not.

The Bishop renewed his efforts but the pagans and Arians combined to drive him out of the City. Thereupon, he went into the Rhætian Alps and his teaching produced abundant fruit in the region. His Vita states, St Valentine was “teaching the word of God and doing great good, such that he was able to expel demons from the obsessed and cure those who were sick of all sorts of diseases.” 

At length he resolved to serve God and purify his own soul, in a life of retirement. He, therefore, built a little Chapel and Monastery at Mais, in Tyrol and there he died. His Relics are enshrined at Passau.

A Monk who died in 482 wrote a Vita of the Bishop of Raetia. St Venantius Fortunatus knew of a Church dedicated to Saint Valentine in the Upper Inn Valley and another, probably on the Brenner Pass in the Alps.

otive image, 1843 from the Mariahill pilgrimage Church in Passau. Next to Bishop Valentin appears the Mother of God with the Jesus Child in her arms in a wreath of clouds.
The text asks for a devotional Lord’s Prayer to Maria for the sinful person.

Around 1200, on the occasion of the discovery of his grave in the forecourt of Passau Cathedral, a life story was written by an Cathedral Chaplain – who said that Valentin worked in the area around Passau but was unsuccessful because of the wildness of the residents and finally retreated to the Alps after abuse and expulsion.

Below is a Painting by Franz de Neve “The Cures Wrought by Saint Valentine and the Beheading of St Maximilian” (after 1689) which resides in the Cathedral of St Stephen, Passau.
In the foreground, St Valentine cures the sick. The beheading of St Maximilian is barely visible in the left edge of the background.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Second Day of the Epiphany Octave, First Friday, Our Lady of Egypt and the Return, Madonna delle Grazie / Our Lady of Grace, Italy (1588) and Memorials of the Saints – 7 January

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Second Day of the Epiphany Octave

First Friday

Our Lady of Egypt and the Return of the Child Jesus from Egypt — 7 January:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/07/our-lady-of-egypt-and-memorials-of-the-saints-7-january/

The Flight into Egypt by Albrecht Durer

Madonna delle Grazie / Our Lady of Grace, Costa Folgaria, Italy (1588) – 7 January, 8 September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/07/our-lady-of-egypt-madonna-delle-grazie-our-lady-of-grace-costa-folgaria-italy-1588-and-memorials-of-the-saints-7-january/

Bl Albert of Siena
St Aldric of Le Mans
Bl Ambrose Fernandez
St Anastasius of Sens
St Brannock of Braunton
St Candida of Greece
St Canute Lavard
St Cedd
St Clerus of Antioch
St Crispin I of Pavia
St Cronan Beg
St Emilian of Saujon
St Felix of Heraclea
St Giuliano of Gozzano (c 350-c 391) Deacon, Missionary
St Januarius of Heraclea
St Julian of Cagliari
St Kentigerna
St Lucian of Antioch

Blessed Matthew of Agrigento OFM (1377-1450) “Apostle of the Holy Name of Jesus,” Franciscan Priest and Friar, Bishop, Missdionary Preacher often with St Bernardine of Siena, Provincial Vicar and General Commissioner of the Order, founder of many Convents. He was Beatified on 21 February 1767 by Pope Clement XII.
His Zealous Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/07/saint-of-the-day-7-january-blessed-matthew-of-agrigento-ofm-c-1377-1450-apostle-of-the-holy-name-of-jesus/

St Pallada of Greece
St Polyeuctus of Melitene
St Reinhold of Cologne
St Spolicostus of Greece
St Theodore of Egypt
St Tillo of Solignac
St Valentine of Passau (Died 475) Bishop
St Virginia of Ste-Verge
Bl Wittikund of Westphalia

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the KING, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on the POOR, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD

Thought for the Day – 6 January – The Epiphany

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Thought for the Day – 6 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Epiphany

“The Magi gave Jesus material gifts too, as symbols of their complete dedication to Him.
They gave Him gold because He was a King, incense because He was God and myrrh because, He was Man.
We often say that we love God and wish to serve and obey Him in all things.
But when we see that this entails sacrifice, we forget our promises.

We must ask ourselves if we are prepared to offer Jesus, gold, that is, to offer Him everything we possess, for the promotion of His glory, for the spread of His Kingdom and for the relief of His poor, to whom we ought always to see and love in them, Christ Himself.
We must examine ourselves thoroughly on this.
It is easy to find excuses for not giving to God and to His poor, in accordance with our means.

We should offer too, the incense of our adoration and unceasing prayer.
There can be no sanctity without prayer.
There can be no real Christians, without sanctity.

Finally, we must offer the myrrh of our mortification.
Mortification, as St Vincent de Paul has said, is the ABC of Christian perfection.
St Paul exhorts us to carry always, in ourselves, the mortification of Jesus.
If we are not mortified, we can never be holy and can never share the joy which the Magi experieced as they lay prostrate before the cradle of our Divine Redeemer.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/06/thought-for-the-day-6-january-2/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/06/thought-for-the-day-6-january-the-epiphany/

Posted in "Follow Me", ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PRAYER, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 6 January – The Epiphany of the Lord – Chalk the Door!

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Quote/s of the Day – 6 January – The Epiphany of the Lord – Isaias 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“They fell down and worshipped him.
Then, opening their treasures,
they offered him gifts of gold,
frankincense and myrrh.”

Matthew 2:11

“Thus we offer the Lord,
Gold, when we shine in His Sight
with the light of heavenly wisdom ….
We offer Him Frankincense,
when we send up pure prayer before Him
and Myrrh, when, “mortifying our flesh
with its vices and passions” (Gal 5:24)
by self-control, we carry the cross behind Jesus.”

St Bruno of Segni O.Cart. (c 1030 -1101)
Bishop

(1st Sermon on the Epiphany PL 165, 863).

Chalk the Door – Epiphany House Blessing
20 C+M+B 23
“Christus mansionem benedicat”

Peace be to this house
and to all who dwell herein.
From the east came the Magi to Bethlehem
to adore the Lord – “and opening their treasures
they offered precious gifts –
Gold for the Great King,
Incense for the True God
and Myrrh to symbolise His Burial.”

The equation is written to be the first two digits of the year,
followed by the initials C, M and B,
followed by the last two digits of the year.
Each portion is split by plus signs (being the Sign of the Cross).
For this year, the equation would be written as
“20 + C + M + B + 23”
The chalking holds two meanings.
The C, M and B, refer to the traditional names
of the Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar.
The letters also stand for the Latin phrase
“Christus Mansionem Benedicat” which means
“May Christ Bless this House”
The plus signs represents the Cross
and the 20 and 23 simply refer to the year.

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 January – … Thy Light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” – Isaias 60:1

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One Minute Reflection – 6 January – The Epiphany of the Lord – Isaias 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem, for thy Light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” – Isaias 60:1

REFLECTION – “ … In virtue of it this day also, you are sanctified by the enlightening of the Church. Thanks be to Thee, true Light, Thou that “enlighten every man coming into this world” (Jn 1:9), Thou Who for this very purpose, have come into this world as a Man. …

O God, Thou Who gives Light to all nations, of Thou we will sing – “Behold the Lord will come and enlighten the eyes of His servants” (cf. Jude 14). Behold, Thou hast come, my Light: “Enlighten my eyes that I may never fall asleep in death” (Ps 12:[12],4)… Thou has come, O Light of the faithful and behold Thou has granted us today, to rejoice at the enlightening of faith that is, of our lamp. Grant us also to rejoice always at the enlightening of the darkness that remains in us…

This is the way in which you should advance, O faithful soul, in order that you may cast off the darkness of this world and arrive at your home country of eternal brightness, where “your darkness will be like midday” (Is 58:10) and “night will be lit up like day” (Ps 138:12). Then indeed, then “you will see and be radiant, your heart will thrill and rejoice” (Is 60;5), when the whole earth is filled with the majesty of unbounded Light and “His glory is seen in you” (Is 60;2)… “Come and let us walk in the Light of the Lord!” (Is 2:5); as “children of light” let us walk “from brightness to brightness, as led by the Lord Who is Spirit“ (2 Cor 3:18).” – Bl Guerric of Igny (c 1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot (3rd sermon for Epiphany SC 166).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

“Give me, therefore, I pray Thee,
this gold, this incense and this myrrh.
Give me the gold of Thy holy love,
give me the spirit of holy prayer,
give me the desire and strength
to mortify myself in everything
that displeases Thee.
I am resolved to obey Thee and to love Thee
but Thou knowest my weakness,
oh, give me the grace to be faithful to Thee!”

St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, POETRY, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD

Our Morning Offering – 6 January – Crudelis Herodes, Deum Regem

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Our Morning Offering – 6 January – The Epiphany of the Lord

Crudelis Herodes, Deum Regem
Hymn for The Epiphany
By Coelius Sedulius (Died c 450)
Poet
Unknown translator

Why impious Herod, vainly fear
That Christ the Saviour cometh here?
He takes no earthly realms away
Who gives the crown that lasts for aye.

To greet His birth, the Wise Men went,
Led by the star before them sent;
Called on by light, towards Light they pressed,
And by their gifts their God confessed.

In holy Jordan’s purest wave
The heavenly Lamb vouchsafed to lave;
That He, to whom was sin unknown,
Might cleanse His people from their own.

New miracle of power divine!
The water reddens into wine:
He spake the word and poured the wave
In other streams than nature gave.

All glory, Lord, to Thee we pay
For Thine Epiphany today.
All glory, as is ever meet,
To Father and to Paraclete.

Coelius Sedulius (Died c 450), recounting Christ’s life from His Birth to His Resurrection.
Its 23 stanzas each begin with a consecutive letter of the Latin alphabet, making the poem an abecedarius.
It is one of the oldest parts of the Roman Catholic liturgy, with two Hymns formed from the first seven and four later verses.
There have been monastic translations into English and later translations into many other languages.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 6 January – Saint Peter of Canterbury (Died c 614) Priest, Abbot

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Saint of the Day – 6 January – Saint Peter of Canterbury (Died c 614) Priest, Missionary, the First Abbot of the Monastery of Sts Peter and Paul in Canterbury (later St Augustine’s Abbey) and a companion of St Augustine of Canterbury (Died c 605) in the Gregorian mission to Kent.

It is presumed that Peter was a native of Italy, like the other members of the Gregorian mission. This mission was dispatched by Pope Gregory the Great in 596 to Christianise the Anglo-Saxons from their paganism. It landed in Kent in 597 and soon converted King Æthelberht of Kent, who gave Augustine the land on which he founded the Abbey that later became St Augustine’s, Canterbury.

The medieval historian, the Venerable St Bede records that sometime after the mission’s arrival in England, probably in late 600, Peter, along with fellow-missionary St Laurence, was sent back to Gregory. This deputation was to relay the news of St Augustine’s successes in Kent and to request more missionaries. They also conveyed to the Pope a number of inquiries from St Augustine about how to proceed with the mission and when they returned in 601, they brought back Gregory’s replies to Augustine.

Peter became the First Abbot of the Monastery which King Æthelberht founded in Canterbury, originally dedicated to the Saints Peter and Paul but later rededicated as St Augustine’s, after the leader of the mission.

St Bede describes Peter as both Abbot and Presbyter’Priest.
Peter drowned while crossing the English Channel on the way to Gaul, at a place called Ambleteuse, near Boulogne. At first he was buried hastily nearby but St Bede reports that after a light illuminated the grave every night, the locals realised Peter was a Saint and exhumed him and re-interred him in Boulogne Church with suitable honour.

The actual date of death is unknown and since his feast day was celebrated on two different days, 30 December or 6 January, that information does not clear up the mystery. The date of his death is reported to have been 1 year, 7 months and 3 weeks after Augustine’s, by Thomas of Elmham, a 15th Century chronicler. If this is true, this would give a year of death between 605 and 611. This information, however, is contradicted by the fact that Peter was present at the Council of Paris in 614, convened by Chlothar II. It is possible that he died during his return from this Council.

Peter was Canonised in 1915 Pope Benedict XV (cultus confirmed).

Posted in CARMELITES, franciscan OFM, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

The Epiphany of the Lord, Nostra Signora di Cana / Our Lady of Cana and Memorials of the Saints – 6 January

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The Epiphany of the Lord – 6 January:
Epiphany celebrates the visit of the three kings or wise men to the Christ Child, signifying the extension of salvation to the Gentiles. The date of Epiphany, one of the oldest Christian Feasts, is 6 January, the 12th day after Christmas. However, in some countries, the celebration of Epiphany is transferred to the Sunday that falls between 2 January and 8 January (inclusive). Greece, Ireland, Italy and Poland continue to observe Epiphany on 6 January as do some Dioceses ithroughout the world.
Because Epiphany is one of the most important Christian Feasts, it is a Holy Day of Obligation in most countries.

The Epiphany:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/01/07/the-solemnity-of-the-epiphany-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-7-january-god-reveals-himself-to-us/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/06/the-solemnity-of-the-epiphany-of-the-lord-6-january/

Nostra Signora di Cana / Our Lady of Cana – 6 January:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/06/the-solemnity-of-the-epiphany-of-the-lord-nostra-signora-di-cana-our-lady-of-cana-and-memorials-of-the-saints-6-january/

St Antoninus
St Basillisa of Antinoë
Saint Balthasar, Saint Caspar and Saint Melchior

St Charles of Sezze OFM (1613-1670) Stigmatist, Friar, of the Friars Minor, Mystic, Writer, Advisor. His Beatification was celebrated in 1882 while Pope Pius XII approved his Canonisation in 1958 but the Pope died before he could Canonise the Friar so his successor, Pope John XXIII did so on 12 April 1959. His body is incorrupt.
About St Charles:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/01/06/saint-of-the-day-6-january-st-charles-of-sezze-o-f-m-1613-1670/

St Demetrius of Philadelphia
St Diman Dubh of Connor
St Edeyrn
St Eigrad
St Erminold of Prüfening

St Felix of Nantes (c 515-584) Bishop of Nantes, Confessor, Evangeliser, Negotiator and Peace-maker. Patronages – against famine, against the plague/epidemics.
About St Felix:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/06/saint-of-the-day-6-january-st-felix-of-nantes-c-515-584/

Bl Frederick of Saint-Vanne
Bl Gertrud of Traunkirchen
Bl Gertrude van Oosten
St Guarinus of Sion
St Guy of Auxerre
St Honorius
St Hywyn of Aberdaron

St Juan de Ribera (1532-1611) Archbishop and Viceroy of Valencia, Latin Patriarchate of Antioch, Commander in Chief, President of the Audiencia and Chancellor of the University of Valencia.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/06/saint-of-the-day-6-january-saint-juan-de-ribera-1532-1611/

St Julian of Antinoë
St Julius
Bl Luc of Roucy
Bl Macarius the Scot
St Macra of Rheims
St Merinus
St Nilammon of Geris
St Petran of Landévennec
St Peter of Canterbury (Died c 614) Priest, Abbot, Missionary
St Pia of Quedlinburg
St Pompejanus
Bl Raymond de Blanes
Bl Rita Amada de Jesus
St Schotin
St Wiltrudis of Bergen

Martyrs in Africa: Unknown number of Christian men and women who were Martyred in the persecutions of Septimus Severus. They were burned to death c 210.

Martyrs of Sirmium – 8 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith. The only surviving details are the names of eight of them – Anastasius VIII, Florianus, Florus, Jucundus, Peter, Ratites, Tatia and Tilis. They were martyred in the 4th century at Syrmium, Pannonia (modern Sremska Mitrovica, Vojvodina, Serbia).

Twelve Apostles – Saints of Ireland: Twelve 6th century Irish monks who studied under Saint Finian at Clonard Abbey and then spread the Faith throughout Ireland. Each has his own commemoration but on this day, they and their good works are considered and celebrated together. Although Saint Finian is sometimes included, most ancient writers list them as –

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on SIN, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, VENIAL SIN

Thought for the Day – 5 January – Venial Sin

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 5 January– Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Venial Sin

“There is another motive too, which obliges us to carefully avoid even commiting a venial sin.
The path of sin leads us down a smooth and slippery incline towards destruction.
Once we begin to descend, it is difficult to stop the momentum and scramble back up the smooth, slippery, steep incline.
Even to begin on this path, is a disaster.

“He who wastes the little he has, will be stripped bare” (Eccles 19:1).

“He who is faithful in a very little thing, is faithful also, in much and he who is unjust in a very little thing, is unjust also, in much” (Lk 16:10).

Whoever is faithful to God in little things, will receive from Him, the grace to remain faithful too, in greater things but a man who despises the lesser falls, rejects the Divine assistance and so, exposes himself to the danger of falling more seriously.

If we reflect on such dangers, we shall have a real fear of venial sin and shall be always on our guard against it.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/05/thought-for-the-day-5-january-venial-sin/

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Quotes on SALVATION, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR

Quote/s of the Day – 5 January – ‘I, He said, Am the Christ’

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Quote/s of the Day – 5 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus” – Vigil of the Epiphany –

“Wake up then, believer
and note what is stated here:
“In my Name.”
That [Name] is Christ Jesus.
Christ signifies King, Jesus signifies Saviour.
Therefore, whatever we ask for
that would hinder our salvation,
we do not ask in our Saviour’s Name
and yet, He is our Saviour,
not only when He does what we ask
but also, when He does not.
When He sees us ask anything
to the disadvantage of our salvation,
He shows Himself our Saviour by not doing it.
The physician knows
whether what the sick person asks for,
is to the advantage or disadvantage of his health.
And [the physician] does not allow
what would be harmful to him,
although the sick person himself, desires it.
But the physician looks to his final cure.”

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

“The Lord, although He was God, became man.
He suffered for the sake of those who suffer,
He was bound for those in bonds,
condemned for the guilty,
buried for those who lie in the grave
but He rose from the dead and cried aloud:
“Who will contend with Me? Let him confront Me.”
I have freed the condemned,
brought the dead back to life,
raised men from their graves.
Who has anything to say against Me?
I, He said, Am the Christ, I have destroyed death,
triumphed over the enemy, trampled hell underfoot,
bound the strong one
and taken men up to the heights of Heaven.
I Am the Christ.
Come, then, all you nations of men,
receive forgiveness for the sins which defile you.
I Am your Forgiveness.
I Am the Passover which brings salvation.
I Am the Lamb Who was immolated for you.
I Am your Ransom, your Life,
your Resurrection, your Light,
I am your Salvation and your King.
I will bring you to the heights of Heaven.
With My own Right Hand I will raise you up
and I will show you the Eternal Father.”

St Melito of Sardis (Died c 180)
Bishop, Father

“Listen! the reason He is called Saviour
is because, for all those
to whom He is united,
He gains salvation.
Now salvation means,
to be delivered from all ills and,
at the same time,
to find all blessings forever –
Life instead of death,
Light in place of darkness
and, instead of the slavery
of the passions and unworthy deeds,
the complete freedom granted
to all those, who are united to Christ,
Saviour of all beings.
Thus they will possess,
without being able to lose it,
all joy, all happiness, all blessedness (…)
that that none can ever know,
or conceive, or see,
if not sincerely and ardently
attached to Christ.”

St Symeon the New Theologian (c 949-1022)

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, The DIVINE INFANT, The HOLY NAME, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 January – For they are dead who sought the life of the Child.

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 5 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus” – Vigil of the Epiphany – Galatians 4:1-7, Matthew 2:19-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Arise and take the Child and His Mother and go into the land of Israel. For they are dead who sought the life of the Child.” – Matthew 2:20

REFLECTION – “My dear Jesus, Thou art the King of Heaven
but now I behold Thee as an Infant wandering over the earth –
tell me whom dost Thou seek?
I pity Thee when I see Thee, so poor and humbled but I pity Thee more when I see Thee treated with such ingratitude by the same men whom Thou came to save. Thou dost weep but I also weep because I have been one of those who in times past have despised and persecuted Thee. But now I value Thy grace more than all the kingdoms of the world; forgive me, O my Jesus, all the evil I have committed against Thee and permit me to carry Thee always in my heart during the journey of my life to eternity, even as Mary carried Thee in her arms during the flight into [and return from] Egypt.” – St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Doctor of the Church”

PRAYER – O Almighty and everlasting God, do Thou order all our actions in conformity with Thy good pleasure that through the name of Thy well-beloved Son, we may worthily abound in all good works. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The HEART

Our Morning Offering – 5 January – Oh Jesus, My Love

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 5 January – The Vigil of the Epiphany of Our Lord

Oh Jesus, My Love
By St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775)

Oh Jesus, my Love,
may my heart be consumed
in loving Thee.
Make me humble and holy,
giving me childlike simplicity,
transform me into Thy holy Love.
O Jesus, Life of my life,
Joy of my soul,
God of my heart,
accept my heart as an altar,
on which I will sacrifice to Thee,
the gold of ardent charity,
the incense of continual,
humble and fervent prayer
and the myrrh
of constant sacrifices!
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 5 January – Saint Telesphorus (Died c 138) Confessor, Pope, Martyr.

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Saint of the Day – 5 January – Saint Telesphorus (Died c 138) Confessor, Pope Martyr. Papal Ascension – 128 to 129 and died by Martyredom in 138 to 139. Also known as – Telesforo.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Rome, in the time of Antoninus Pius, St Telesphorus, Pope, who after many sufferings for the Confession of Christ, underwent a glorious Martyrdom.”

He was of Greek ancestry and born in Terranova da Sibari, Calabria, Italy.

Telesphorus is traditionally considered as the Eighth Bishop of Rome in succession after Saint Peter. The Liber Pontificalis mentions that he had been an Anchorite Monk prior to assuming office.

Engraving of St Telesphorus by Johann Andreas Pfeffel (1674-1748)

The tradition of Christmas Midnight Masses, the celebration of Easter on Sundays, the keeping of a seven-week Lent before Easter and the singing of the Gloria, are usually attributed to his Pontificate. A fragment of a letter from St Irenæus to Pope Victor I, during the Easter controversy in the late 2nd Century, also preserved by Eusebius, testifies that Telesphorus was one of the Roman Bishops who always celebrated Easter on Sunday,, rather than on other days of the week, according to the calculation of the Jewish Passover. Unlike Victor, however, Telesphorus remained in communion with those communities who did not follow this custom.

14th Century depiction of St Telesphorus in the Carmelite Monastery of Straubing in Bavaria

According to the testimony of St Irenaeus (Against Heresies III.3.3), he suffered a “glorious Martyrdom.” Although most early Popes are called Martyrs by sources such as the Liber Pontificalis, Telesphorus is the first to whom St Irenaeus, writing in c 180, gives this title, thus making his Martyrdom the earliest attested Martyrdom of a Pope, after Saint Peter.

Eusebius (Church History iv.7; iv.14) places the beginning of his Pontificate in the twelfth year of the reign of Emperor Hadrian (128–129) and gives the date of his death as being in the first year of the reign of Antoninus Pius (138–139).

The Carmelites venerate Telesphorus as a Patron Saint of the Order since some sources depict him as a hermit living on Mount Carmel. The town of Saint-Télesphore, in the southwestern part of Canada’s Quebec Province, is named after him.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

The Vigil of the Epiphany of Our Lord, Madonna dell’Abbondanza / Our Lady of Abundance, Cursi, Italy (1641) and Memorials of the Saints – 5 January

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The Vigil of the Epiphany of Our Lord

Madonna dell’Abbondanza / Our Lady of Abundance, Cursi, Italy (1641) – 5 January:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/05/our-lady-of-abundance-cursi-italy-and-memorials-of-the-saints-5-january/

Saint Telesphorus Pope Martyr (Died c 138)

Bl Alacrinus of Casamari
St Apollinaris Syncletica
St Cera of Kilkeary
Bl Convoyon of Redon
St Deogratias of Carthage (Died 457) Bishop
St Dorotheus the Younger

St Emiliana of Rome (6th Century) Virgin, Recluse, Mystic. Patronage – single laywomen. Aunt of Pope Saint Gregory the Great, who, shortly after her sister St Tarsilla, also returned to the Lord.
Her Story:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/05/saint-of-the-day-5-january-saint-emiliana-of-rome-6th-century/

St Gaudentius of Gnesen (c 960-c 1004) Archbishop, Monk, Missionary, Brother of St Adalbert of Prague, Bishop Martyr.

St Gerlach (c 1100-c 1170) Hermit. Patronages – against cattle disease, against plague/epidemics, of domestic animals.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/05/saint-of-the-day-5-january-saint-gerlach-c-1100-c-1170/

St Kiara
St Lomer of Corbion
Bl Marcelina Darowska
Bl Paula of Tuscany
Bl Pietro Bonilli
St Simeon Stylites
St Syncletica
St Talida of Antinoë

Martyrs of Africa – 14 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in Africa, date unknown, exact location unknown. We know nothing more than their names – Acutus, Anastasia, Candidus, Coelifloria, Felix, Honorius, Januaria, Jucundus, Lucianus, Marcus, Petrus, Secundus, Severus and Telesphorus.

Martyrs of Sais: A group of Christians Martyred for their faith, but about whom no details have survived. They were Martyred by drowning near Sais, Egypt.

Martyrs of Upper Egypt: There were many Martyrs who suffered in the persecutions of Diocletian in the Thebaid region. Though we know these atrocities occurred, to the point that witnesses claim the torturers and executioners were exhausted by the work, we do not know the names of the saints and we honour them as a group. Many were beheaded and or burned alive in 303 in Upper Egypt.

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 4 January– SIN

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Thought for the Day – 4 January– Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

SIN

“Now, let us turn the spotlight on ourselves and think of our past lives.
So many sins and abuses of God’s grace!
Such coldness and ingratitude!
Where has all this brought us?
Spiritually, sin has deprived us of God and of the supernatural life which His grace gives us.
Intellectually, it is an absurdity, a dishonour and a degradation.
Physically, it is an inversion of the right order and often means total ruin.

Let us humbly repent, therefore and make resolutions so firm that we shall be ready to face any sacrifice, even death, in order to put them into practice.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/13/thought-for-the-day-13-september-sin/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/04/thought-for-the-day-4-january-sin/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD is LOVE, OUR Cross, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 4 January – ‘ … The greater the suffering, the greater will be the reward. …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 4 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus” – Octave of the Holy Innocents – Apocalypse 14:1-5 , Matthew 2:13-18 –Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“If the world hates you,
know that it has hated Me first.”

John 15:18

“He who raised Him from the dead
will raise us also” (2Cor 4,14),
if we do His Will and live by His Commands
and love what He loved…
Let us be imitators of His endurance
and, if we suffer for His sake,
let us glorify Him.
For He set us this example Himself …”

St Polycarp (69-155)
Apostolic Father,
Bishop and Martyr

“Fix your minds on the Passion
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Inflamed with love for us,
He came down from Heaven
to redeem us.
For our sake, He endured
every torment of body and soul
and shrank from no bodily pain.
He, Himself, gave us an example
of perfect patience and love.
We, then, are to be patient, in adversity!”

“The recollection of an injury,
is . . . a rusty arrow
and poison for the soul.”

St Francis of Paola (1416-1507)

“You will be consoled
according to the greatness
of your sorrow and affliction;
the greater the suffering,
the greater will be the reward.”

St Maria Magdalena de’ Pazzi (1566-1607)

“I think He intends to try you
like gold in the crucible,
so as to number you
amongst His most faithful servants.
Therefore, you must lovingly embrace
all occasions of suffering,
considering them
as precious tokens of His love.
To suffer in silence
and without complaint,
is what He asks of you.”

St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)
“Apostle of the Sacred Heart”

“Our Lord, Who saved the world,
through the Cross,
will only Work for the good of souls,
through the Cross.”

St Madeleine Sophie Barat (1779-1865)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The HOLY NAME, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 January – For it will come to pass that Herod will seek the Child, to destroy Him.” – Matthew 2:14

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One Minute Reflection – 4 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus” – Octave of the Holy Innocents – Apocalypse 14:1-5 , Matthew 2:13-18 –Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For it will come to pass that Herod will seek the Child, to destroy Him.” – Matthew 2:14

REFLECTION – “The Apostle John said: “Whoever says he abides in Christ, ought to walk even as Christ walked” (1 Jn 2:6). Moreover, the blessed Apostle Paul exhorts and teaches us, saying: “We are God’s children but if children, then heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him that we may also be glorified together” (Rm 8:16f.) … Let us, beloved brethren, imitate righteous Abel, who initiated Martyrdom, he being the first to be slain for righteousness’s sake (Gn 4:8) … let us imitate the three children Ananias, Azarias and Misael, who … overcame the king by the power of faith (Dn 3) … What of the prophets whom the Holy Spirit quickened to a foreknowledge of future events? What of the Apostles whom the Lord chose? Since these righteous men were slain for righteousness’ sake, have they not taught us also to die?

The nativity of Christ at once witnessed the Martyrdom of infants, so that they, who were two years old and under were slain for His Name’s sake. An age, not yet fitted for the battle, appeared fit for the crown. That it might be manifest that they, who are slain for Christ’s sake, are innocent, innocent infancy was put to death for His Name’s sake … How grave is the case of a Christian, if he, a servant, is unwilling to suffer when his Master first suffered! … The Son of God suffered that He might make us sons of God and the son of man will not suffer that he may continue to be a son of God!? … The Maker and Lord of the world also warns us, saying: “If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me before you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own but because you are not of the world but I have chosen you out of the world ”… remember the word that I said to you: “The servant is not greater than his Lord” (Jn 15:18-20).” – St Cyprian of Carthage (c 200-258) Martyr, Bishop of Carthage, Father of the Church – Letter 55

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

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering

Our Morning Offering – 4 January – Salvete Flores Martyrum – Hail, Ye Little Martyr Flowers

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Our Morning Offering – 4 January – Octave of the Holy Innocents – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus”

Salvete Flores Martyrum
Hail, Ye Little Martyr Flowers
By Prudentius (c 348 – c 413)
(Aurelius Prudentius Clemens)
The Renowned Poet

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

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

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

Salvete Flores Martyrum is the Office Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of the Holy Innocents (28 Dec). Its stanzas are drawn from Prudentius’ Epiphany Hymn, Cathemerinon and were first assembled in the 1568 Breviary of Pope Pius V.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 4 January – Saint Gregory of Langres (Died 539) Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 4 January – Saint Gregory of Langres (Died 539) Bishop of Langres and Dijon, Count and Governor, Father of 2 Sons and Widower, before being appointed as the Bishop of Langres, Ascetic, Miracle-worker. Great-grandfather of St Gregory of Tours. He ordered the translation of the Relics of Saint Benignus and built the Church and the Abbey of Saint-Benignus of Dijon. Born around around 446, as the Count of Autun, in Saone-et-Loire, modern France and died in 539 of natural causes. Also known as – Gregory of Autun, Gregory of Dijon. Additional Memorials – 13 May and 6 November (translation of relics).

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Langres, Gregory, Bishop, renowned for his miracles, Great-grandfater of St Gregory of Tours, who wrote of him.”

Gregory was a descendant of a rich family of Senators. After the death of his uncle, Attale, he became the Count of Autun. He was the Count and Governor of Autun and Autunois.

History retains the memory of a man firm and severe, yet fair. He was ruthless to cowards and bandits, kind and gentle with those in need and with the good and faithful servants of Christ..

Gregory had two sons of his union with Armentaire, daughter of Armentarius, Senator of Lyons. One of his sons, named Tetricus, became his successor to the Episcopal See of Langres. His second son, also named Gregory, became the grandfather of the famous St Gregory of Tours.

After the death of his wife, Gregory joined the Church. his biographer tells us that he was elected in 506 by the Clergy and the faithful of Langres to the Episcopal See. It is about this date that he founded the Abbey of Saint-Bénigne of Dijon – St Benignus, who was a Martyr who died in the 3rd Century, is the Patron Saint and first herald of Christianity of Dijon (Feast day 1 November). Gregory placed the Relics of St Benignus, the Apostle of Burgundy, in the Basilica he built at the Abbey. The Abbey Church built by Gregory was superseded by a Romanesque Basilica, which collapsed in 1272 and was replaced by the present Dijon Cathedral. He placed the Monastery under he care of Abbot Eustad.

Gregory was an exemplary shepherd, indulging in abstinence with great rigour, eating only bread made with barley, using only wine diluted with water and spending long hours in prayer. He lived “like an anchorite in the middle of the world”, according to St Gregory of Tours, his great-grandson.

He made frequent trips to Dijon, which at that time depended on the Diocese of Langres. He lived near the baptistery of Saint Vincent, near the Saint-Etienne Church. It was a place with many relics, where he came to pray at night. The legend tells us that one of the clerics watching him one night saw the revered saints coming to sing and glorify God with him. Saint Benignus too appeared to Gregory and told him that he was quite grieved that his cult was neglected. Gregory immediately renovated and restored the Shrine of the Martyr.

It was in his day that Abbot Sigo, who would be Canonised under the name of St Seine, came to the Abbey of Reome, under the spiritual direction of St Jean of Reome.

On his way to Langres to celebrate Epiphany, Gregory caught A cold and died on 4 January 539. He had held the Episcopal Seat for thirty-three years. He was buried, according to his wishes, in the Church of Saint-Jean de Dijon, near the baptistery. Legend has it that on the way to his funeral convoy, passing in front of the prison, the prisoners implored the deceased and that he performed a miracle – the gates of the penal establishment opened by themselves.

His son, Tetricus, who succeeded him in the Episcopal See of Langres, made a transfer of his father’s body, in order to raise a Monument worthy of his holiness. This event is commemorated on 6 November. Later, a second translation took place in 1282 – a part of his Relics were deposited in the Cathedral of Langres . Gui of Geneva , Bishop of Langres, deposited them in a silver box which was placed on a column behind the main Altar of Saint-Mammès. The Clergy assembled in Synod, participated in this ceremony.

The Cathedral of Saint Benignus in Dijon today
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Octave of the Holy Innocents, Madonna delle Rose / Our Lady of the Rose (1417), Madonna della Treviso / Our Lady of Treviso of St Jerome Emiliani and Memorials of the Saints – 4 January

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Octave of the Holy Innocents

Madonna delle Rose / Our Lady of the Rose (Albano Sant’Alessandro, Italy) (1417) – 4 January:
AND —
Madonna della Treviso di San Jerome Emiliani / Our Lady of Treviso of St Jerome Emiliani
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/04/our-lady-of-treviso-and-memorials-of-the-saints-4-january/
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/04/madonna-delle-rose-our-lady-of-the-roses-albano-santalessandro-italy-1417-madonna-della-treviso-di-san-jerome-emiliani-our-lady-of-treviso-of-st-jerome-emiliani-and-memorials-of-the-sain/

St Aedh Dubh
St Aggaeus the Martyr

St Angela of Foligno TOSF (1248-1309) known as the “Mistress of Theologians” – Wife, Mother, Widow, Religious, Mystic, Writer, Third Order Franciscan, Foundress of a religious community, which refused to become an enclosed religious order, so that it might continue her vision of caring for those in need. It is still active today.
About St Angela:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/04/saint-of-the-day-4-january-saint-angela-of-foligno-tosf-1248-1309/

St Celsus of Trier
Bl Chiara de Ugarte
St Chroman
St Dafrosa of Acquapendente

St Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821) (Memorial, United States) Widow and Mother, Religious, Foundress, Teacher, first native-born citizen of the United States to be Canonised .
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/01/04/saint-of-the-day-st-elizabeth-ann-seton-1774-1821/

St Ferreolus of Uzès
St Gaius of Moesia
St Gregory of Langres (Died 539) Bishop
St Hermes of Moesia
St Libentius of Hamburg
Bl Louis de Halles
St Mavilus of Adrumetum
St Neophytos
St Neopista of Rome
St Oringa of the Cross
Bl Palumbus of Subiaco

St Pharaildis of Ghent (c 650-c 740) Virgin, Apostle of the poor, Miracle-worker.
About St Pharaildis:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/04/saint-of-the-day-4-january-saint-pharaildis-of-ghent-c-650-c-740/

St Rigobert of Rheims
Bl Roger of Ellant
St Stephen du Bourg
St Theoctistus

Blessed Thomas Plumtree (Died 1570) Priest, Martyr, Rector of Stubton, Military Chaplain to Blessed Thomas Percy (7th Earl of Northumberland), renowned Preacher of the uprising and Martyr of the Rising of the North. He was Beatified on 9 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/04/saint-of-the-day-4-january-blessed-thomas-plumtree-died-1570-priest-martyr/

Martyrs of Africa – 7 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of the Arian Vandal king Hunneric. Saint Bede wrote about them. – Aquilinus, Eugene, Geminus, Marcian, Quintus, Theodotus and Tryphon. In 484 in North Africa.

Martyrs of Rome – 3 Saints: Three Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Julian the Apostate for refusing to renounce Christianity as ordered. – Benedicta, Priscillianus and Priscus. In 362 in Rome, Italy.

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on MEDITATION, QUOTES on PRAYER, Quotes on SALVATION

Thought for the Day – 3 January– Making a Good Meditation

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Thought for the Day – 3 January– Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Making a Good Meditation

“Alessandro Manzoni was once asked how he had managed to penetrate so deeply into the human mind.
Newman was asked how he had succeeded in discovering the law of universal gravity.
Manzoni’s reply was: “By thinking about it.”
Newman’s was: “By thinking intensely.”

Now, in our meditations, we must reveal ourselves to ourselves, which is a very difficult thing to do.
It is, nevertheless, supremely important because its purpose, is not literary or scientific but, is the eternal salvation of our souls!
The attaining of such a purpose, demands serious application on our part, as well as, earnest prayer that God will guide us, so that we may lead lives which will be in union with Him and directed towards their eternal goal, the enjoyment of the Beatific Vision of God!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/03/thought-for-the-day-3-january-making-a-good-meditation/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/03/thought-for-the-day-3-january-making-a-good-meditation-2/

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES for the NEW YEAR, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 3 January – For a New Year

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Quote/s of the Day – 3 January – For a New Year

“You shall love the Lord your God
with all your heart
and with all your soul
and with all your mind.
And the second is like it:
You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”

Matthew 22:36,39

“If we would God discern
The world we must despise,
His love and hate must learn,
See all things with His eyes.
And we must self forgo
If God we would attain,
His grace must in us grow
And ease us from all pain.
So shall we sing His praise
And be at one with Him,
In peace our voices raise
In the celestial hymn,
That with quadruple harmony
And all mellifluous melody,
In Heaven resounds eternally.”

Bl Jan van Ruusbroec (1293-1381)

“We must make our way towards eternity,
never regarding what men think of us,
or of our actions,
studying only to please God.”

St Francis Borgia (1510-1572)

“Let us go forward in peace,
our eyes upon Heaven,
the only one goal of our labours.”

St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873-1897)

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, SACRED HEART QUOTES, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 3 January – This is that disciple … John 21:24

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One Minute Reflection – 3 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus” – Octave Day of St John, Apostle – Ecclesiasticus 15:1-6, John 21:19-24 –Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“This is that disciple who bears witness concerning these things and who has written these things and we know that his witness is true.” – John 21:24

REFLECTION – “In proportion to the grace that caused Jesus to love him and enabled him to rest on Jesus’ Breast at the Supper (Jn 13:23), John abundantly received [the Spirit’s gifts] of understanding and wisdom (Is 11:2) – understanding with which to comprehend Scripture, wisdom with which to compose his own books with wonderful skill. As a matter of fact, he did not receive this gift right from the time when he rested on our Lord’s Breast, even if he was subsequently able to draw from that Heart “in which are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:3). When he says, that when he went into the tomb “he saw and he believed,” he acknowledges that “they did not yet understand the Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead” (Jn 20:9). Like all the other Apostles, John received its fullness, when the Holy Spirit came [at Pentecost] and when grace had been given to each of them “according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Eph 4:7). …

The Lord Jesus loved this disciple more than all the others … and opened the secrets of Heaven to him … to make of him the author of that profound Mystery which man can say nothing about, of himself: the Mystery of the Word, God’s Utterance, the Word made flesh. This is the fruit of that love. Yet even though He loved him, it was not to him that Jesus said: “You are Peter, and on this rock I shall build my Church” (Mt 16:18) … While He loved all His disciples and especially Peter, with a love in mind and soul, our Lord loved John with the love of His Heart …. In the order of Apostleship, Simon Peter received the first place and the “keys of the Kingdom of heaven” (Mt 16:19) but John, won another inheritance, the spirit of understanding, “a wealth of joy and gladness” (Sir 15:6).” – Rupert of Deutz (c 1075- c 1130) Benedictine Monk, Theologian and Writer (The Works of the Holy Spirit, IV, 10 SC 165)

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

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Our Morning Offering – 3 January – An Exile for the Faith

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Our Morning Offering – 3 January – Octave Day of St John, Apostle

An Exile for the Faith
By Father Nicolas Le Tourneux (1640– 1686)
Trans. by Fr Edward Caswall C. Orat. (1814–1878)

An exile for the faith
Of thy Incarnate Lord,
Beyond the stars, beyond all space,
Thy soul imprisoned soared,
There saw in glory Him,
Who liveth and was dead;
There Judah’s Lion and the Lamb
That for our ransom bled.

There of the Kingdom learnt
The mysteries sublime;
How, sown in Martyrs’ blood, the faith
Should spread from clime to clime.
The Holy City, bathed
In her dear Spouse’s Light,
Pure seat of bliss, thy spirit saw
And gloried in the sight.

Now to the Lamb’s clear fount,
To drink of life their fill,
Thou callest all; O Lord, in me
This blessed thirst instil.
To Jesus, Virgin-born,
Praise with the Father be,
Praise to the Spirit Paraclete,
Through all eternity.
Amen.

Posted in EYES - Diseases, of the BLIND, Of the SICK, the INFIRM, All ILLNESS, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 3 January – St Fintan of Doon (Died 6th Century) Abbot

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Saint of the Day – 3 January – St Fintan of Doon (Died 6th Century) Abbot, Founder of a Monastery, Miracle-worker. Born in Ireland and died in the 6th Century in Ireland of natural causes. Also known as – Fiontan, Fintanus. Patronage – eye diseases, against blindness, all ailments.

Fintan was a brother to St Finlug, son to Diman who was descended from Mured Manderig, King of Ulster. Alinna, of a noble Limerick family, was his mother.

St Comgall, Abbot of Bangor had founded a school at Bangor in the middle of the 6th Century and it was here that Fintan studied. At this time pirates raided these Monasteries frequently. Fintan, once, asked Finian of Maghbile to lend him a Gospel for his studies but was refused. The next night Fintan and his companions were on guard at the port, fearing an invasion. The pirates, however, firstly raided Magh Bile – the Monastery of St Finian and among the treasures they stole was the Gospel. Later they approached Bangor where Fintan was on guard. When they were about to attack the City, a storm suddenly arose and all the ships were sunk except that which carried the Gospel. The Gospel, along with other artefacts were recovered.

One Spring, a leper came to Fintan and requested some bread, made from newly ripened corn. Fintan instructed the leper to plant a seed in the newly ploughed field. The seed immediately grew and ripened and thus the leper was satisfied.

At this time a pagon king lived in a district called Calathmagh. On hearing of Fintan’s approach, the king instructed his servants to prevent the further progress of Fintan. On reaching a field where the king’s workers were, the Saint and his followers were obstructed from continuing. On requesting permission, they were insulted. Presently a storm arose and the crops were set on fire from which the smoke almost blinded the kings servants. With some Holy Water, Fintan restored their vision and they were deeply grateful to him and many converted.

After these occurrences, Fintan settled at Doon, whose name is derived from the earthen dun and from Blesc who was a vassal to the king at that time. The presence of Fintan’s well and the fact that this is the only place in the area with a name of origin “Dun” verifies that Doon is the place where Fintan settled.

Fintan’s settlement at Doon had been prophesised by St Comgall in the Leabhar Breac which has been translated thus:

“My little foster son shall obtain the fortress, Fintan, by whom the dun will be obtained His city of sacred protection shall be That which is called Doon (Dun Bleisce).”

At Doon, Fintan was welcomed with much hospitality from Columbanus, son to Kynchadhe. A feast, which consisted of a cow and calf and milk had been prepared for Fintan and his seven followers.

St Fintan’s well is situated in a grove of trees in the east corner of lower Kilmoylan townl. The well’s water is reputed to have great healing powers and previously many pilgrims journeyed there to be cured of diverse ailments but most especially of blindness and eye diseases..

“They have left their cot for the holy well Near the Cross in the valley flowing, its bright blude hide haith a spell Light and joy to the blind bestowing.”

St Fintan is believed to have lived to a very old age. The exact site of St Fintan’s Monastery in Doon is uncertain but we presume it is near the ancient graves of St Fintan’s cemetery in Doon. From St Engus’ comments and other sources, it has been learned that St Fintan’s death fell on the 3rd of January. His Feast-day is celebrated in the Parish. There is no information, however, regarding the year or place of his death.

There is another St Fintan, celebrated on 17 February – Saint Fintan of Clonenagh (c 524 – 603) “Father of the Irish Monks.”
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/17/saint-of-the-day-17-february-saint-fintan-of-clonenagh-c-524-603-father-of-the-irish-monks/

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Octave Day of St John, Apostle, Notre-dame de Montaigu-Zichem / Our Lady of Sichem / Our Lady of Montaigu (474) and Memorials of the Saints – 3 January

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Octave Day of St John, Apostle

Notre-dame de Montaigu-Zichem / Our Lady of Sichem / Our Lady of Montaigu (474) – 3 January:

The Shrine in Brabant in the Duchy of Louvain, is a replacement of the one below Mount Garizim, Israel. Hadrian restored the temple on Mount Garizim and dedicated it to Jupiter. A small Christian community settled there and on several occasions they suffered greatly at the hands of the pagans. In 474 the Emperor, to avenge an unjust attack on the community, gave Mount Garizim to the Christians, who built on it a Church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin.
After the Mohammedan conquest, Christianity practically disappeared from the district. The French made amends by erecting a Shrine to Mary in the Duchy of Louvain. The ancient Statue of Our Lady of Sichem, or as Our Lady of Montaigu-Zichem, which is the title more commonly used today, has been venerated in Belgium from very early times. The Mother of God rewarded the faithful magnanimously for their pious attention.
According to legend, a shepherd boy originally found the Statue of Our Lady after it had apparently fallen from a niche cut in an old oak tree. The Statue was mysteriously too heavy for him to lift alone, so he ran to find his master, and have him return to help him replace the statue in its place in the old oak.
It is said that in 1306 the Blessed Virgin Mary moved the hearts of the people by causing four drops of blood to flow from the eyes of the Statue. This revived the faith of the people and increased their fervour.
A small Chapel was built beneath the tree, which was rebuilt in 1602 and the dedication of Our Lady of Sichem took place in the year 1604 by the Archbishop of Mechlin, Mathias Hovius.
From that time forward, there were many miracles as Our Lady seemed to demonstrate her appreciation by granting many favours. The Statue was soon venerated as miraculous, and there have been many pilgrimages to the site during the centuries, continuing even until this day.

The Titular Feast of the Society of Jesus
https://anastpaul.com/2017/01/03/the-titular-feast-of-the-jesuits/

St Genevieve (c 419-c 502) Virgin, Apostle of prayer and of the poor and sick. Patronages – against plague, against natural disasters, against fever, French security forces (chosen in 1962), Paris, France, Women’s Army Corps.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/03/saint-of-the-day-3-january-saint-genevieve-c-419-c-502/

St Pope Antherus (Died 235) Martyr, Bishop of Rome from 21 November 235 to 3 January 236, the date of his Martyrdom.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/03/saint-of-the-day-3-january-saint-pope-antherus-died-235-martyr/

Bl Arnold Wala
St Athanasius of Cilicia
St Bertilia of Mareuil
St Bertille of Thuringia

St Blitmund of Bobbio (Died 660) Monk, Abbot, Founder of Monasteries and Churches, Miracle-worker.
His Story:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/03/saint-of-the-day-3-january-saint-blitmund-of-bobbio-died-660/

St Constant of Gap
St Cyrinus of Cyzicus
St Daniel Himmerod the Younger
Bl Daniel of Padua
St Eustadius
St Finlugh
St Fintan of Doon (Died 6th Century) Abbot
St Florentius of Vienne
St Florentius of Vienne the Martyr
Bl Gerard Cagnoli
St Gordius of Cappadocia
St Imbenia
St Lucian of Lentini
St Melorius
St Peter of Palestine
St Primus of Cyzicus
St Salvator of Belluno
St Theogenes of Cyzicus
St Theonas
St Theopemptus of Nicomedia
St Wenog
Bl William Vives
St Zosimus of Cilicia

Martyrs of Africa – 12 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in Africa, date unknown, exact location unknown. We know nothing more than their names – Acuta, Candidus, Constantius, Eugenia, Firmus, Hilarinus, Lucida, Martial, Poenica, Possessor, Rogatianus and Statutianus.

Martyrs of Tomi – 7 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together, date unknown. We know nothing more than their names – Claudon, Diogenius, Eugene, Eugentus, Pinna, Rhodes and Rhodo. They were martyred at Tomi, Exinius Pontus, Moesia (modern Constanta, Romania).

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, The DIVINE INFANT

Prayer of Fr Cyrillus, to the Beloved Infant Jesus of Prague – 2 January

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Transport yourself “in spirit” to the Church in Prague
where the original Statue of the Infant still stands
and let Jesus help you with your intentions!

This wonderful prayer to the Infant Jesus of Prague
is known as the Prayer of Father Cyrillus, (c 1637)
truly one of the first champions of the loving little Infant!

Prayer of Fr Cyrillus,
to the Beloved and Miraculous
Infant Jesus of Prague

Jesus, unto Thee I flee,
Through Thy Mother praying Thee
In my need to succour me.
Truly, I believe of Thee
God Thou art with strength to shield me;
Full of trust, I hope of Thee
Thou, Thy grace wilt give to me.
All my heart I give to Thee,
Therefore, do my sins repent me;
From them breaking, I beseech Thee,
Jesus, from their bonds to free me.
Firm my purpose, is to mend me;
Never more will I offend Thee.
Wholly unto Thee I give me,
Patiently to suffer for Thee,
Thee to serve eternally.
And my neighbour like to me
I will love, for love of Thee.
Little Jesus, I beseech Thee,
In my need, to succour me,
That with Joseph and Mary
And the Angels, I may Thee
Once enjoy eternally.
Amen.

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on MEDITATION, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SILENCE

Thought for the Day – 2 January – The Necessity of Meditation in Silence

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 2 January – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Necessity of Meditation in Silence

“There are various ways of meditating.
Each one should choose whichever suits his own character and disposition.
It will always be necessary for him, at the outset, however, to place himself in the presence of God, asking Him for light and strength. Then, to reflect on certain truths, in an effort to apply them to his own particular circumstances and needs and finally, to make the necessary resolutions and beseech God to bless them and make them fruitful.

It is very useful, moreover, to recall to mind frequently, during the rest of the day, the resolutions which have been formed and to accompany these reflections, with short prayers, aspirations and acts of love for God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/02/thought-for-the-day-2-january-the-necessity-of-meditation-in-silence/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/02/thought-for-the-day-2-january-the-necessity-of-meditation-in-silence-2/

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, DOMINICAN OP, franciscan OFM, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PRIESTS, the PRIESTHOOD and CONSECRATED LIFE, QUOTES on STRENGTH, The HOLY NAME, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 2 January – Jesus!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 2 January – The Feast and the Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

“Faith in Jesus and in the power of His Holy Name
is the greatest spiritual force in the world today.
It is a source of joy and inspiration in our youth;
of strength in our manhood,
when only His Holy Name and His grace,
can enable us to overcome temptation;
of hope, consolation
and confidence at the hour of our death,
when more than ever before,
we realise, that the meaning of Jesus is
‘Lord, the Saviour.’
We should bow in reverence to His Name
and submission to His Holy Will.”

Bl Henry Suso OP (1290-1365)

“The Name of Jesus, is in fact,
the great foundation of the Faith
that turns people into children of God.
The Catholic Faith indeed,
consists in the news of Jesus Christ,
as Light of the soul,
Gate of Life
and Foundation
of Eternal Salvation.”

“The Name of Jesus is the glory of preachers
because the shining splendour of that Name
causes His Word to be proclaimed and heard.
And how do you think such an immense,
sudden and dazzling Light of Faith came into the world,
if not because Jesus was preached?
Was it not through the brilliance
and sweet savour of this Name
that God called us into His marvelous Light?”

St Bernardine of Siena OFM (1380-1444)

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/02/quote-s-of-the-day-2-january-jesus/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the HIGH PRIEST, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, The HOLY NAME, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 2 January – ‘ … Give us grace, Lord, to hope in Thy Name … ‘

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 2 January – The Feast and the Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus – Titus 2:11-15, Luke 2:21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And at the end of eight days, when He was circumcised, He was called Jesus”…Luke 2:21”

REFLECTION – “For His chosen ones, scattered throughout the world, we shall make our constant prayer to the Creator of the universe. May He allow none of them to fall away but preserve them all, through His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, through Whom He called us out of darkness into light, out of ignorance to the knowledge of His glorious Name.

Give us grace, Lord, to hope in Thy Name, to which all creatures owe their being. Open the eyes of our heart to know Thee alone, the Most High in the highest Heavens, the Holy One, Whose dwelling is in the holy Heaven. Thou abase the arrogance of the proud, frustrate the designs of the godless, exalt the lowly and humble the lofty. Thou give men wealth and take it away; Thou slay them, save them and give them new life. Alone the Benefactor of spirits and God of all flesh, Thy gaze penetrates the depths, Thou observes the doings of men. Helper of those in peril, Saviour of those in despair, Thy created and still, keep watch over all that draws breath. Thou cause the peoples on the earth to multiply and from them all, choose those who love Thee through Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son. Through Him Thou has instructed us, sanctified us, honoured us.

Lord, we entreat Thee to help us. Come to the aid of the afflicted, pity the lowly, raise up the fallen, show Thy face to the needy, heal the sick, convert the wayward, feed the hungry, deliver the captives, support the weak, encourage the fainthearted. Let all nations know that Thou alone are God; Jesus Christ is Thy Son and we are Thy people and the sheep of Thy pasture. …

Do not hold all the transgressions of Thy servants against them but purify us by Thy truth and so guide our footsteps that, by walking in holiness and justice and simplicity of heart, we may do what is good and pleasing in Thy sight and in the sight of our leaders.

Lord, let the light of Thy Face shine upon us, so that we may enjoy Thy blessings in peace, protected by Thy Strong Hand and freed from all sin, by Thy outstretched Arm and deliver us from those, who hate us unjustly.

Give peace and concord to us and to all mankind, even as Thou gave it to our ancestors, when they devoutly called upon Thee in faith and truth. Lord, Thou alone are able to bestow these and even greater benefits upon us. We praise Thee through Jesus Christ, our High Priest and the champion of our souls. Through Him be glory and majesty to Thee now and throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” – St Clement I (c 35-c 101) Pope from about 88 to 101, Martyr, Apostolic Father of the Church (An excerpt from Letter to the Corinthians).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the fruitful virginity of blessed Mary, have bestowed upon mankind the rewards of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, that we may enjoy the intercession of her, through whom we have been found worthy to receive among us, the Author of Life, our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son. Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).