Month: May 2023

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The ASCENSION of the LORD, The HOLY FACE, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR

Our Morning Offering – 18 May – O Jesus, Redeemer of Mankind! By St Ambrose

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Our Morning Offering – 18 May – The Ascension of the Lord

O Jesus, Redeemer of Mankind!
By St Ambrose (340-397)
Great Father & Doctor

O Jesus, Redeemer of mankind,
joy of our hearts, Creator of the world redeemed
and chaste Light of them who love Thee.

What mercy was it that led Thee
to take upon Thee our sins?
and suffer death, O Innocent Victim
that Thou might free us from death?

Thou broke the gates of hell
and the chains of them who were bound.
A Conqueror, with noblest triumph,
Thou now sittest at the Right Hand of the Father.

May Thy clemency lead Thee to repair our losses.
Oh! give us to see Thy Face
and enrich us with Thy blessed Light.

Be Thou our Guide and Path to Heaven;
be Thou the object of our hearts desire;
be Thou the joy of our tears
and the sweet recompense of a life spent for Thee!
Amen

Posted in franciscan OFM, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 18 May – Blessed Nicholas Denise of Beuzeville OFM (Died 1509) Priest

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Saint of the Day – 18 May – Blessed Nicholas Denise of Beuzeville OFM (Died 1509) Priest, renowned Preacher and Friar of the Order of Friars Minor, Vicar General if tge Diocese of Coutance, France. The Blessed Father Nicholas became a noted preacher in the region, and many of his sermons and theological writings have survived.

We have no information of Nicholas’ early life besides knowing that he had received a very good education. He became a Canon of the Cathedral of Coutance and then was appointed as the Vicar General ar of Bishop Goffred.

Finding himself increasingly drawn to the life of St Francis, he abandoned his role under Bishop of Coutance in order to follow in the footsteps of Saint Francis, wearing the Habit of the Minor Friars, in the Convent of Valognes.

A Franciscan Convent in Paris

In the congregation he became the Vicar-Provincial of the Parisian Province and did not support General Egidius Delphin, in his questionable project of re-unification of the Franciscan Order.

An educated man and a famous preacher, he was considered a saint by all. He died in 1509, while holding the position of Guardian of the Convent of Rouen. Upon his death, his tomb became the object of great demonstrations of popular veneration.

Various sermons and various theological works by Blessed Nicholas are preserved. In the Franciscan Martyrologies, the feast and remembrance for Father Nicola Denise of Beuzeville is fixed for today, 18 May.

Posted in franciscan OFM, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The ASCENSION of the LORD

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD – HOLY DAY, Madonna dell’Alno / Our Lady of the White Poplar, Italy (1480) and Memorials of the Saints – 18 May

Posted on by AnaStpaul

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD – HOLY DAY
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/26/the-ascension-of-our-lord/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/13/13-may-the-solemnity-of-the-ascension-of-the-lord/

Madonna dell’Alno / Our Lady of the White Poplar, Canzano, Teramo, Abruzzo, Italy (1480): 18 May
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/18/madonna-dellalno-our-lady-of-the-white-poplar-canzano-teramo-abruzzo-italy-1480-and-memorials-of-the-saints-18-may/

St Venantius of Camerino (Died c 250) Martyr – St Venantius was a 15-year-old who was tortured and martyred by decapitation at Camerino during the persecutions of Decius.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/18/saint-of-the-day-18-may-saint-venantius-of-camerino-died-c-250-martyr/

St Pope John I (c 470 – 526) – 53rd Pope from 13 August 523 to his death in 526.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/05/18/saint-of-the-day-18-may-st-pope-john-i/

Blessed Burchard of Beinwil (Died c 1192) Priest, Miracle-worker.
Blessed Burchard:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/18/saint-of-the-day-18-may-blessed-burchard-of-beinwil-died-c-1192-priest/

St Dioscorus of Kynopolis
St Elgiva of Shaftesbury

St Eric of Sweden (c1120-1161) Martyr, King of Sweden
About St Eric:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/18/saint-of-the-day-18-may-saint-eric-of-sweden-c-1120-1161-king-of-sweden-martyr/

St Felix of Cantalice OFM Cap (1515-1587) Capuchin Friar – (the first Capuchin to be Canonised), Confessor, Apostle of Charity, Preacher, Teacher, Writer.
About St Felix:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/18/saint-of-the-day-18-may-st-felix-of-cantalice-o-f-m-cap-1515-1587/

St Felix of Spoleto
St Feredarius of Iona
St Merililaun
Blessed Nicholas Denise of Beuzeville OFM (Died 1509)
St Ortasio of Alexandria
St Potamon of Heraclea
St Serapione of Alexandria

Blessed William of Toulouse OSA (c 1297-1369) Priest of the Order of St Augustine
His life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/18/saint-of-the-day-blessed-william-of-toulouse-osa-c-1297-1369/

Martyrs of Ancyra – 8 Saints: Seven nuns Martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian and the innkeeper who was executed for giving them a Christian burial: Alexandria, Claudia, Euphrasia, Julitta, Matrona, Phaina, Thecusa and Theodatus. c.304 in Ancyra, Galatia (in modern Turkey).

Posted in NOVENAS, PENTECOST, The HOLY GHOST

REMINDER – The Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit Begins on Friday 19 May

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The Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit

“We ought to pray and invoke the Holy Spirit,
for each one of us greatly needs
His protection and His help.
The more we are lacking in wisdom,
weak in strength,
burdened with trouble,
prone to sin,
the more we should turn to Him,
Who is the never-ceasing Fount of Light,
Strength, Consolation and Holiness.”

St Pope Leo the Great (400-461)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CREATION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on REASON/INTELLECT

Thought for the Day – 17 May– Living in the Presence of God

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Thought for the Day – 17 May– Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Living in the Presence of God

“The masters of the spiritual life advise us to the best way to cultivate an awareness of the presence of God (Cf St Alphonsus Liguori, Al Divino Servizio, III, 3).
This may be done by employing the intellect to form the concept of God’s nearness and by using the will, to offer to Him, ourselves and everything around us, with acts of humility, adoration and love.
The intellect, enlightened by faith, tells us that God is everywhere, “Do not I fill heaven and earth? said the Lord” (er 23:24).
We should see Him in all His creations which reflect His eternal glory.
“Learn to love the Creator in the creature” says St Augustine, “so that you may not become attached to created things and so lose Him by Whom, you yourself were created” (In Px 18).

When we wish to revive, in our minds, a sense of the presence of God, we should not picture Him as a distant Being but, as our own God, Who condescended to dwell within us.
We should then listen to His inspirations and humbly venerate His Divine Majesty, which resides in our souls.
“Do you not know,” says St Paul, “that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Cor 3:16).
God is everywhere but He dwells in a special manner, in our souls.
It is difficult for us, however, to live with our minds constantly concentrated on Him.
If we were able to do so, this would be an anticipation of the happiness of the Blessed in Heaven.
But, we should have a habitual intention, which we should renew as often as possible, of living in the presence of God and of offering Him all our desires and actions.
Then, our whole life will be a continual prayer of great value in the sight of God.

My loving Mother Mary, you lived both physically and spiritually, permanently in God’s presence, help me to live as you did.
Help me to consciously remember the Divine presence in my soul and offer Him all that I am and do.
Help me to love our good God, more and more.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/25/thought-for-the-day-25-may-living-in-the-presence-of-god/

Posted in franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MEDITATION, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 17 May – St Paschal Baylon

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Quote/s of the Day – 17 May – The Memorial of St Paschal Baylon OFM (1540-1592) Confessor, “Seraph of the Eucharist,” “Saint of the Blessed Sacrament,” “Servant of the Blessed Sacrament.” Franciscan Lay Brother.

“Meditate well on this – Seek God above all things!
It is right for you to seek God,
before and above, everything else
because the Majesty of God
wishes you to receive what you ask for.
This will also make you more ready
to serve God and will enable you
to love Him more perfectly.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/17/quote-s-of-the-day-17-may-st-paschal-baylon-2/

St Paschal Baylon (1540-1592)
“Seraph of the Eucharist”

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PEACE, The HEART, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 17 May – May your door be open to Him Who comes …

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One Minute Reflection – 17 May – The Vigil of Ascension and the Memorial of St Paschal Baylon OFM (1540-1592) Confessor – Sirach 31:8-11, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.” – Luke 12:35-36

REFLECTION – “God, the Word, stirs up the lazy and arouses the sleeper. For indeed, someone who comes knocking at the door is always wanting to come in. But it depends on us, if He does not always enter, or always remain. May your door be open to Him Who comes; open your soul, enlarge your spiritual capacities, that you may discover the riches of simplicity, the treasures of peace and sweetness of grace. Expand your heart; run to meet the Sun of that Eternal Light that “enlightens everyone” (Jn 1,9). It is certain that this true Light shines for all but, if anyone shuts their windows, then they themselves shut themselves off from this Eternal Light.

So, even Christ remains outside, if you shut the door of your soul. It is true that He could enter but He does not want to use force, He does not put those who refuse under pressure. Descended from the Virgin, born from her womb, He shines throughout the universe to give Light to all. Those who long to receive the Light, which shines with an everlasting brightness, open up to Him. No night comes to intervene. Indeed, the sun we see each day gives way to night’s darkness but the Sun of Justice (Mal 3,20) knows no setting for Wisdom is not overcome by evil.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan and Father and Doctor of the Church – 12th Sermon on Psalm 118

PRAYER – O God, Who endowed blessed Paschal, Your Confessor, with a wondrous love for the Sacred Mysteries of Your Body and Blood, mercifully grant that we may be found worthy to share in the same spiritual abundance, which he received in this Divine Banquet. Who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, Holy Name PRAYERS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY NAME, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION

Our Morning Offering – 17 May – Glory, Honour and Praise, To Our Lord Jesus Christ!

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Our Morning Offering – 17 May – The Vigil of the Ascension

Glory, Honour and Praise,
To Our Lord Jesus Christ!
A devout Prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ,
to be said both Morning and Evening
By St Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621)
Doctor of the Church
(From His “A Brief Christian Doctrine”)

GLory, Honour and Praise Be,
May all the world adore Thee,
blessed be Thy Holy Name,
Who for us sinners,
vouchsafest to be born of a humble Virgin
and blessed be Thine infinite goodness,
Who died upon the Cross for our Redemption.
O Jesu, Son of God
and Saviour of mankind,
have mercy upon us
and so dispose our lives here,
by Thy Grace
that we may, hereafter,
rejoice with Thee forever
in Thy Heavenly Kingdom,
Amen.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 17 May– St Bruno of Würzburg (c1005-1045) Bishop and Confessor,

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Saint of the Day – 17 May – St Bruno of Würzburg (c1005-1045) Bishop and Confessor, Prince, Imperial Chancellor of Italy from 1027 to 1034.

Bruno, son of Conrad I of Carinthia and cousin of Emperor Conrad II, was probably educated in Salzburg. He was a member of the Royal Chapel, the Imperial Chancellor of Italy and an intimate adviser of Conrad II and Emperor Henry III, before being elected Bishop of Würzburg. He also accompanied Henry on his second Hungarian Campaign.

Bruno rebuilt the existing Cathedral, constructed many new churches and improved education, to which purpose he composed a well-known exegesis on the Psalms to which he appended an analysis of ten Biblical hymns, consisting of extracts from the writings of the Church Fathers. Under his direction the Cathedral school flourished.

In 1040 Bruno began the construction of Würzburg Cathedral. The Consecration of the Cathedral on 16 June 1045 was combined with his burial. Bruno died accidentally, en route to Hungary with Henry III and was buried in Würzburg Cathedral crypt. Below is the interior and exterior of the Cathedral.

His cult spread in Germany, and though never formally Canonised, he appears in the Roman Martyrology of 1616.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, ROGATION DAYS, SAINT of the DAY

Rogation Day, VIGIL OF ASCENSION, Notre-Dame des Marches, Fribourg, Switzerland / Our Lady of the Steps (1884), St Paschal Baylon and Memorials of the Saints – 17 May

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Rogation Day

VIGIL OF ASCENSION

Notre-Dame des Marches, Broc, Gruyère, Fribourg, Switzerland / Our Lady of the Steps (1884)- 17 May:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/17/notre-dame-des-marches-broc-gruyere-fribourg-switzerland-our-lady-of-the-steps-1884-and-memorials-of-the-saints-17-may/

St Paschal Baylon OFM (1540-1592) “Seraph of the Eucharist,” “Saint of the Blessed Sacrament,” “Servant of the Blessed Sacrament.” Franciscan Lay Brother, Mystic…….. A man remarkable for innocence of life and the spirit of penance.
Pope Leo XIII declared him the Heavenly Patron of Eucharistic Congresses and Societies and Apostolates, formed in honour of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
About this beautiful Saint:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/17/saint-of-the-day-17-may-st-paschal-baylon-o-f-m-1540-1592-the-seraph-of-the-eucharist/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/17/saint-of-the-day-17-may-st-paschal-baylon-ofm-1540-1592-servant-of-the-blessed-sacrament/

St Adrione of Alexandria
Bl Bernard of Verdun
St Bruno of Würzburg (c1005-1045) Bishop and Confessor
St Cathan of Bute

St Emiliano I of Vercelli (Died 506) Bishop of Vercelli, Italy in the sixth Century, Monk and Hermit, Confessor, Defender of the Faith, Apostle of the needy, Social Reformer, Spiritual Director.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/17/saint-of-the-day-17-may-saint-emiliano-i-of-vercelli-died-506-bishop/

St Fionnchan of Druim-Eanaigh

St Madron of Cornwall
St Maildulf of Malmesbury
St Maw

St Paul of Noviodunum
Bl Peter Lieou
St Rasso of Grafrath
St Restituta of Carthage
St Silaus of Lucca
St Solochanus of Chalcedon
St Thethmar
St Victor Roma

Martyrs of Alexandria – 3 Saints: Three Christians Martyred together; no details about them have survived except their names: Adrio, Basilla and Victor. 4th century Alexandria, Egypt.

Martyrs of Nyon: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little more than three of their names: Aquilinus, Heradius and Paul. 303 at Noyon, Switzerland.

Posted in NOTES to Followers

Thy Will be done

Posted on by AnaStpaul

My little rest and battery charging plans were certainly not meant to be, for within a day of signing off and waving you all goodbye, I became ill with a horrid cold which turned into a bronchial episode.
Then the rest of the family too fell victim to this violent ‘change-of-season’ cold.

And now, it is nearly Ascension Thursday and I am still struggling to regain full strength.
BUT, I will be back shortly (by Wednesday or Thursday), God willing and with the help of your prayers, for which I thank and bless you 🙏🤗

Posted in NOTES to Followers

Time for charging my battery…

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Dearly Beloved fellow-pilgrims,
I am taking a little pause for the next 10+- days,
for rest and charging my battery.

May our Good Lord, His Holy Mother
and all our many friends in the Angels
and the Saints, bless you all whilst we are apart.

You are always in my lowly prayers
🙏💘 Ana

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, Gerard MANLEY HOPKINS SJ, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

It’s 1 May, The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Posted on by AnaStpaul

It’s 1 May
Let us Rejoice in our Mother Mary!
The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary

“Bright Mother of our Maker, Hail!
Thou Virgin ever blest,
the Ocean’s Star by which we sail
and gain the port of rest!”
(Anonymous 8th Century Latin Hymn)

The May Magnificat
By Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ (1844-1889)

May is Mary’s month and I
Muse at that and wonder why:
Her feasts follow reason,
Dated due to season-

Candlemas, Lady Day:
But the Lady Month, May,
Why fasten that upon her,
With a feasting in her honour?
Ask of her, the mighty Mother:
Her reply puts this other
Question: What is Spring?
Growth in everything-
All things rising, all things sizing
Mary sees, sympathising
With that world of good,
Nature’s motherhood.

Well but there was more than this:
Spring’s universal bliss
Much, had much to say
To offering Mary May.

Visits to the Altar of Our Lady
On the Love of Mary for Her Children
(Imprimatur, 1867)

Mary loves us because we are her children. A loving and tender Mother is never wearied by the importunities of her little ones and Mary, who is the most loving and tender of all mothers, will never weary of hearing and answering our petitions.
The one great thing that she desires, for all her children is that they should become like her Son Jesus. He is the only Child who never disobeyed her or grieved her.
It is for His love that she loves us.
How great must be His love for us, when He inspires Mary with such a love! The best return we can make Him is to have a perfect trust and confidence in His Blessed Mother.
Those who are not devout to Mary cannot really understand the great Mystery of the Incarnation and do not love Jesus as they should – for, if they loved Him, they would love His Mother too, even a tiny bit as much as He loves her.

Let us try, then, during this Month of May, to become more like Jesus.
Let us consider what spiritual grace we need most, in order to attain this great end and let us ask it with confidence everyday.
Let us also try to induce others, to honour Mary, by special devotion to her during this most beautiful month.

Let Me Love Your Jesus
By St Ildephonsus (c 607-670)

Virgin Mary, hear my prayer,
through the Holy Spirit,
you became the Mother of Jesus,
from the Holy Spirit,
may I too have Jesus.
Through the Holy Spirit,
your flesh conceived Jesus,
through the same Spirit,
may my soul receive Jesus.
Through the Holy Spirit,
you were able to know Jesus,
to possess Jesus
and to bring Him into the world.
Through the Holy Spirit,
may I too come to know your Jesus.
Imbued with the Spirit, Mary, you could say
“I am the handmaid of the Lord,
be it done unto me according to your word,”
in the Holy Spirit, lowly as I am,
let me proclaim the great truths about Jesus.
In the Spirit, you now adore Jesus as Lord
and look on Him as Son,
in the same Spirit, Mary,
let me love your Jesus.
Amen