Month: July 2023

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 12 July – Saint Leo of Cava (c990-1079) Abbot

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 12 July – Saint Leo of Cava (c990-1079) The second Abbot of the Abbey of La Trinità della Cava, Apostle of the poor and needy. Born in c990 in Lucca, Tuscany, Italy and died in 1079 at the Monastery of the Holy Trinity in La Cava de Tirreni at Salerno, Italy of natural causes.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In the Monastery of La Trinità della Cava in Campania, Saint Leo I, Abbot, who provided for the poor with the work of his own hands and defended them from the powerful.”

The apparition of the Virgin to St Leo

Leo. a native of Lucca, became one of the first disciples of St Alferius, the noble hermit from Salerno, while he was still living in his Arsicia cave, at the foot of Monte Finestra, today in the Municipality of Cava de ‘Tirreni.

The goodness, humility and piety which distinguished Leo, meant that the old hermit Alferius, wante him as his successor at the helm of the nascent Abbey of the Trinità di Cava, which he founded.

Leo governed the Monastery for almost thirty years, from 1050 to 1079, personally leading a very simple life’ The beginnings of his government as Abbot was troubled by the arrogance of a local Lord whose name is unknown, who even attacked the Monastery by taking the Abbot prisoner for a short time!

But Leo managed to gain the favour of the neighbouring Barons, who bestowed many donations on the Abbey of the Trinity. It is said of Leo that he often went to collect wood in the woods and then sold it in Salerno and, with the proceeds, he sought out the poor and the needy in the surrounding regions.

When he too became old, he entrusted the office of Abbot to St Peter of Pappacarbone but Leo had to resume governance of the Monastery to soften the Cluniac rigour established by Peter of Pappacarbone, which had aroused discontent among the Monks.

During his government, Pope Gregory VII solemnly confirmed the Ordo Cavensis.

He died on 12 July 1079 and was buried in the ‘Arsicia’ cave which is now incorporated into the Chapel of the Sainted Fathers, where the Relics of St Alferius and other Saints and blessed Abbots of the famous Abbey are enshrined.

In 1641, a new Altar and Mausoleum was erected in this Chapel. On 21 December 1893, the Church, through Pope Leo XIII, confirmed the cult of the first four Abbots: Saints Alferius, Leo, Peter I, Constabilis.

St Alferius here:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/12/saint-of-the-day-12-april-saint-alferius-of-la-cava-930-1050/
St Constabilis.here:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/17/saint-of-the-day-17-february-saint-constabilis-of-cava-osb-c-1070-1124/

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Notre-Dame -de- lure / Our Lady of Lure, Avignon, France (1110), St John Gualbert, St Nabor and St Felix of Milan and many more Saints – 12 July

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Notre-Dame -de- lure / Our Lady of Lure, Avignon, France (1110) – 12 July:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/12/notre-dame-de-lure-our-lady-of-lure-avignon-france-1110-and-memorials-of-the-saints-12-july/

St John Gualbert (c985-1073) Abbot, Founder of the Vallumbrosan Order and many Monasteries. “The Merciful Knight.”
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/12/saint-of-the-day-12-july-st-john-gualbert-c-985-1073-the-merciful-knight/

St Nabor of Milan and St Felix of Milan (Died c 304) Martyrs, Roman Soldiers. lLymen Soldiers Martyred during the Persecution under the Roman Emperor Maximian.
Their Lives and Deaths:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/12/saints-of-the-day-12-july-saints-nabor-and-felix-of-milan-died-c-304-martyrs/

St Veronica – The woman who who wiped the Face of Jesus on the way to His Crucifixion. The cloth is believed to exist today in the Vatican and is considered one of the most treasured relics of the Church.
St Veronica:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/07/12/saint-of-the-day-12-july-st-veonica/

St Agnes De
St Andreas the Soldier
St Ansbald of Prum
St Balay
St Clement Ignatius Delgado Cebrian

St Colmán of Cloyne (c522-600) Irish Priest, (possibly Bishop), Monk, Founder, Poet, known as the Royal Poet of Munster.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/12/saint-of-the-day-12-july-saint-colman-of-cloyne-522-600/

Bl Conrad of Maleville
Bl David Gonson
St Epiphana
St Faustus the Soldier
St Felix of Milan * Commemorated with St Nabor
St Fortunatus of Aquileia (1st Century – Died c66) Deacon
St Hermagorus of Aquileia (1st Century – Died c 66) Bishop, Disciple of St Mark the Evangelist
Bl Guy Vignotelli
St Hilarion of Ancyra
St Jason of Tarsus
Bl Jeanne-Marie de Romillon

St John Jones OFM (c1574 – 1598) Priest and Martyr, Franciscan Friar, Missionary.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/12/saint-of-the-day-12-july-saint-john-jones-ofm-c-1574-1598-priest-and-martyr/

St John the Georgian
Bl Lambert of Cîteaux
St Leo of Cava (Died 1079) The second Abbot of the Abbey of La Trinità della Cava
Bl Madeleine-Thérèse Talieu
Bl Marguerite-Eléonore de Justamond
Bl Marie Cluse
St Menas the Soldier
St Menulphus of Quimper
St Nabor of Milan * Commemorated with St Felix
St Paternian of Bologna
St Paulinus of Antioch
St Phêrô Khan
St Proclus of Ancyra
St Proculus of Bologna
St Uguzo of Carvagna
St Ultán

St Viventiolus of Lyons

Three Holy Exiles: Three Christian men who became Benedictine Monks at the Saint James Abbey in Regensburg, Germany, then Hermits at Griestatten and whose lives and piety are celebrated together. – Marinus, Vimius and Zimius.

Martyrs of Rome – Four members of the Imperial Roman nobility. They were all soldiers, one or more may have been officers, and all were Martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian – Basilides, Cyrinus, Nabor and Nazarius.
Died in c 304 outside Rome, Italy and were buried there along the Aurelian Way.

Martyrs of Nagasaki – 8 Beati: Additional Memorial – 10 September as one of the 205 Martyrs of Japan
Eight lay people, many them related to each other, who were martyred together:
Catharina Tanaka
Ioannes Onizuka Naizen
Ioannes Tanaka
Ludovicus Onizuka
Matthias Araki Hyozaemon
Monica Onizuka
Petrus Araki Chobyoe
Susanna Chobyoe
12 July 1626 in Nagasaki, Japan
Beatified on 7 May 1867 by Pope Blessed Pius IX.

Posted in NOTES to Followers

The Usual Problem … sigh …

Posted on by AnaStpaul

So once again we had an unscheduled BLACK-OUT yesterday – hence the shortage of posts.

At least most of you know the situation in South Africa, for the rest who have not heard of the crises called Loadshedding (controlled or scheduled power outages), if I suddenly disappear mid-word – it will definitely be another ESKOM power outage, either scheduled which has simply failed to return to ON or unscheduled which, at present, seems almost as common as ‘scheduled’ – a very BIG SIGH ….

Be it light or be it dark, I never cease praying for you all … 🙏🙏🙏🤗💖 Ana

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 11 July – The Enemies of the Soul

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Thought for the Day – 11 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Enemies of the Soul

“The second enemy is the world.
There are so many beautiful things around us reflecting the power and the goodness of God.
These should be an invitation to us to love their Creator and a spiritual ladder which leads us towards Him.
Unfortunately, we often go astray in the midst of the passing beauty of this world.
Often we set our hearts upon this beauty, our hearts which should belong wholly to God and which can find peace and happiness in Him alone.
Sometimes worldly objects deceive the senses and ensnare the will.
Riches, pleasures and honours attract us and we fail to remember that everything on earth passes like a shadow and that when we shall stand before the Judgement Seat of God, only our good works will accompany us!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/14/thought-for-the-day-14-july-the-enemies-of-the-soul/

Posted in CARMELITES, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE

Our Morning Offering – 11 July – Heal Us, ,Lord God

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 11 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus”

Heal Us, Lord God
By St Albert of Trapani O.Carm. (c1240-1307)

O my God,
Thou hast created the human race
by Thine wonderful power.
It is an act of Thy clemency which hast called us
to share Thy glory and eternal life.
When the first sin condemned us to suffer death,
out of Thine goodness,
Thou wished to redeem us
through the Blood of Thy Son,
To unite us to Thyself
through our faith
and Thy great mercy.
Thou hast brought us back
from the shame of our sin,
Thou hast veiled our dishonour
in the brightness of Thy glory.
Look now and see that which Thou hast created,
giving it subtle limbs and joints
and made beautiful through its immortal soul,
is now subject to the attack of Satan.
Be pleased Lord,
to reconstitute Thine work and heal it.
May Thy power be glorified
and may the malice of the enemy be stunned!
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint/s of the Day – 11 July – St Sigisbert and St Placidus (7th Century)

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Saint/s of the Day – 11 July – St Sigisbert (7th Century) Abbot, French Pilgrim Monk and St Placidus (7th Century) Martyr, Swiss Layman, local landowner and Councillor, both of Disentis. Their cult was confirmed by Pope Pius X in 1905.

St Placidus donated the land to St Sigisbert, on which Disentis Abbey was founded in Switzerland. He then joined it as a Monk and later was Martyred defending the Ecclesiastical rights of the Abbey. It seems from the image below of the Martyrdom of St Placidus, that he was beheaded and was a Cephalophore – a Saint who is generally depicted carrying his own severed head.

We have nothing of the lives available to us except what we find on the Benedictine Abbey site. How Sigisbert arrived at the location of this magnificent Monastery which he founded with St Placidus and how they became firstly friends and then fellow Monks, we cannot say.

St Sigisbert

The Benedictine Monastery Disentis is located high up in the Vorderrheintal valley of Grisons, at the intersection of the Lukmanier and Oberalp pass., in the beautiful Mountains of Switzerland. The Abbey was founded around the 7th century by the Franconian wandering Monk St Sigisbert with the help of the local Councillor St Placidus.

The Monastery Disentis preserves a rich cultural heritage. The baroque complex bears witness to the generous confidence of the post-reformation period and is a striking landmark in the landscape.

In addition to the excellently documented history of the Monastery, it has a comprehensive Roman library and covers the cultural and natural history of the region with a well-designed Monastery Museum. There is also a new school, including a new addition for boarders.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna del Carmine / Our Lady of Carmine, Italy, (1536), St Pius I, Pope and Martyr and Memorials of the Saints – 11 July

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Madonna del Carmine / Our Lady of Carmine, Combarbio di Anghiari, Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy, (1536) – 11 July:
HERE;
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/11/madonna-del-carmine-our-lady-of-carmine-combarbio-di-anghiari-arezzo-tuscany-italy-1536-and-memorials-of-the-saints-11-july/

St Pius I, Pope (Died c 154) Martyr – The Ninth Successor of St Peter. Papal Ascension c 142. Born at Aquileia, Italy and died in Rome. The Roman Martyrology states of him today: “At Rome, the blessed Pius, Pope and Martyr, who was crowned with Martyrdom in the persecution of Marcus Aurelius.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/11/saint-of-the-day-11-july-saint-pope-pius-i-died-c-154/

St Abundius of Ananelos
St Amabilis of Rouen
St Anna An Jiaoshi
St Anna An Xingshi
Bl Antonio Muller
St Berthevin of Lisieux
St Cindeus
St Cowair
St Cyprian of Brescia
St Cyriacus the Executioner
St Hidulf of Moyenmoutier
St Januarius
St John of Bergamo

St Kjeld of Viborg OSA (Died c 1150) “St Francis of the North,” Priest, Apostle of the poor, needy and sick. Patronage – Viborg, Denmark, of the blind and those with eye diseases.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/11/saint-of-the-day-11-july-saint-kjeld-of-viborg-osa-died-c-1150-st-francis-of-the-north/

St Leontius the Younger
St Marcian of Lycaonia
St Marciana of Caesarea
Bl Maria An Guoshi
Bl Maria An Linghua
Bl Marie-Clotilde Blanc
Bl Marie-Marguerite de Barbégie d’Albrède

St Olga Queen of Kiev (c 890-969) She was known as a ruthless and effective ruler but “when Olga was enlightened, she rejoiced in soul and body. The Bishop, who instructed her in the faith, said to her, ‘Blessed art thou among the women of Rus,’,for thou hast loved the light and quit the darkness. The sons of Rus’ shall bless thee to the last generation of thy descendants.”
About St Olga:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/11/saint-of-the-day-11-july-saint-olga-queen-of-kiev-c-890-969/

St Placidus of Disentis * (7th Century) Monk
Bl Rosalie-Clotilde Bes
St Sabinus of Brescia
St Sabinus of Poitiers
St Sidronius
St Sigisbert of Disentis * (7th Century) Abbot
St Thurketyl

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on the FAMILY, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 10 July – The Good Odour of Christ

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Thought for the Day – 10 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Good Odour of Christ

“I ought to examine the way in which I behave in the Church, in my family and in society.
When I am in the Church, my whole being should be absorbed in prayer.
My mind should be occupied with God, my heart should love Him and my lips should praise and thank Him.
Anyone who sees me praying, should wish to do the same.

When I am in my own home, I should promote peace and harmony by my good example.
The family is like a miniature Church, in which everyone should exercise some priestly function in keeping with his position.

Finally, I should carry about, in society, ‘the good odour of Christ‘ – the fragrance of my interior holiness.
I can do this if I am not ashamed of my Christian Faith and if I act constantly in perfect accordance with the evangelical precepts.

When I have examined myself on these points, I should form resolutions whicb will help me to improve my behaviour.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/11/thought-for-the-day-11-july-the-good-odour-of-christ/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/12/thought-for-the-day-12-july-the-good-odour-of-christ/

Posted in "Follow Me", ON the SAINTS, OUR Cross, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The SECOND COMING, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 10 July – ‘The will of My Father …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 10 July – Proverbs 31:10-31, Matthew 12:46-50 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For whoever does
the will of My Father in heaven,
is My brother and My sister
and My mother.”

Matthew 12:50

“For patience is necessary for you
that, doing the Will of God,
you may receive the promise.
For yet a little and a very little while
and He that is to come, will come
and will not delay.”

Hebrews 10:36-37

“Perfection consists in one thing alone,
which is doing the will of God.
For, according to Our Lord’s words,
it suffices for perfection to deny self,
to take up the cross and to follow Him.
Now who denies himself
and takes up his cross
and follows Christ better,
than he who seeks not to do his own will
but always that of God?
Behold, now, how little is needed
to become a Saint?
Nothing more than to acquire the habit of willing,
on every occasion,
what God wills.”

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

“Happy the soul which detaches itself
from its own pleasure,
from its own will,
from its own understanding.
A sublime lesson is this
and God will teach it,
to all those who place their happiness
in the Cross of Jesus Christ.”

“Whatever may happen to us,
we ought not to be disturbed.
Let us calmly and quietly say:
‘the will of God be done’–
let us leave all to God –
the Lord be blessed forever –
what He wills,
I will, in time and in eternity.”

St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775)

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 July – For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven, is My brother and My sister and My mother. – Matthew 12:50

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 10 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St Rufina and St Secunda of Rome (3rd Century) Virgin Martyrs – Proverbs 31:10-31, Matthew 12:46-50 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven, is My brother and My sister and My mother.” – Matthew 12:50

REFLECTION – “I beg you to listen to what the Lord had to say when He stretched out His hand towards His disciples: “Here are My mother and My brethren” and, “whoever does the will of My Father in heaven, is My brother and My sister and My mother.” Are we to take it from this that the Virgin Mary did not do the will of the Father, she who by faith believed, by faith conceived; she who was chosen to bring forth salvation on our behalf and who, was by Christ created that Christ in her, might be created? Indeed and indeed, she did the Father’s will and it is a greater thing for Mary that she was Christ’s disciple, than that she was His Mother. It is a happier thing to be His disciple, than to be His Mother. Blessed then is Mary, who bore her Lord in her body, before she gave Him birth…

Mary is holy. Mary is blessed. Yet the Church is greater than she is. What reason do I bring? Mary is part of the Church. She is a holy member of the Church; she is THE holy member; she is the member above all member hut, she is still one member of the whole body… Brothers, listen very closely – you are members of Christ’s body and you are the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27). And this is how you are what He said: “Here are My mother and My brothers.” But how does this prove you are Christ’s mother? He goes on: “Whoever hears and whoever does the will of my heavenly Father, is My brother and My sister and My mother.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 25 on Saint Matthew).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who know how courageously Thy holy Martyrs have confessed the faith, may experience their goodness as they intercede for us with Thee.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 BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), Our MORNING Offering, PAPAL PRAYERS, PARTIAL Indulgence, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Our Morning Offering –10 July – I Rise In God’s Strength

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering –10 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus”

I Rise In God’s Strength
An Old Morning Prayer
(Excerpt)
From The Blossoms of the Cross — 1894
The Sisters of St Joseph

I rise In God’s strength,
In God’s power,
In the Agony of Christ,
In the Cross of Christ,
In Christ’s Precious Blood,
These will sustain me against my enemies,
visible and invisible.
I rise in the blessing of Christ
which my dearest Jesus left to the whole world.
Protect me, All-Holy Trinity,
God the Father, Who created me,
God, the Son, Who redeemed me in His Precious Blood,
God, the Holy Ghost, Who sanctified me in Holy Baptism.
God, the Father, I give myself to Thee!
God, the Son, I commend myself to Thee!
God, the Holy Ghost, teach me!
Mary, Mother of God, assist me!
All you Saints of God, pray for me!
All you Holy Angels, protect me!
The Cross of Christ preserve me!
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 10 July – St Peter Vincioli (Died 1007) Abbot

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 10 July – St Peter Vincioli (Died 1007) Abbot, Priest, Founder of a Monastery dedicated to St Peter in Perugia, Italy, Architect by profession before entering the Monastery as a Monk. Born in Perugia, Italy and died there in 1007 of natural causes. Also known as – Pietro, Petrus, Peter of Perugia.

We have no information regarding his parents, family and youth but we presume Peter was born into a reasonably wealthy family in Perugia, considering the education afforded him.

After a secular career as an Architect Peter gave himself to the service of our Lord Jesus and became a Priest. Of this timewe again have no recorded information.

Later he entered the Monastery and after a time founded, designed and built a new Monastery dedicated to St Peter. Here he became the Abbot.

Using his talents for the Church, Peter, as Architect, continued in the design, rebuilding and construction, where needed, of other structures in his Diocese. Deo Gratias.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Notre-Dame de Boulogne / Our Lady of Boulogne-Sur-Mer (1469), St Rufina and St Secunda of Rome, Seven Holy Brothers and their mother and the Memorials of many more Saints – 10 July

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Notre-Dame de Boulogne -sur-Mer, France / Our Lady of Boulogne-Sur-Mer (1469) – 10 July:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/10/notre-dame-de-boulogne-sur-mer-france-our-lady-of-boulogne-sur-mer-1469-and-memorials-of-the-saints-10-july/

St Rufina and St Secunda of Rome (3rd Century) Virgin Martyrs.
Their Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/10/saints-of-the-day-10-july-saints-rufina-and-secunda-of-rome-3rd-century-virgin-martyrs/

Seven Holy Brothers and their mother, St Felicitas (Died c 165) Martyrs. The Seven Sons of St Felicitas were the very first victims sacrificed by Emperor Marcus Aurelius to satisfy his false philosophy and the superstitions of his pagan subjects. St Felicitas is also celebrated separately on 23 November .
Their Holy Story:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/10/saints-of-the-day-st-felicitas-c-101-c-165-and-her-seven-holy-sons-died-c-165-martyrs/

St Amalberga of Mauberge (Died 690) Wife, Mother of 3 Saints: Gudila, Reinelda, and Emembertus. She and her husband mutually agreed to separate to become a Monk and a Nun, respectively, once the children were growmn.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/10/saint-of-the-day-10-july-st-amalberge-of-mauberg/

St Anatolia & Victoria (Died 250) Martyrs, Sisters who gave their lives for Christ.
Their Story:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/10/saints-of-the-day-st-anatolia-victoria-died-250-martyrs-sisters-who-gave-their-lives-for-christ/

St Apollonius of Sardis
Bl Arnold of Camerino
St Bianor of Pisidia

St Canute IV (c1042-1086) Martyr, King of Denmark, known as “Canute the Holy.”
About St Canute:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/10/saint-of-the-day-10-july-st-canute-iv-of-king-of-denmark-c-1042-1086-martyr/

St Cuán of Airbhre
St Elilantus
St Etto
Bl Euménios
St Lantfrid
Bl Marie-Gertrude de Ripert d’Alauzier
Bl Parthenios
St Pascharius of Nantes
St Peter Vincioli (Died 1007) Abbot, Founder of a Monastery in Perugia, Italy
St Sylvanus of Pisidia
Bl Sylvie-Agnès de Romillon
St Waltram

Martyrs of Africa – 4 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in Africa. The only information that has survived are four of their names – Felix, Januarius, Marinus and Nabor.

Martyrs of Antioch – 10 Saints: A group of ten Christians Martyred together. We have no details about them but the names – Diogenes, Domnina, Esicius, Macarius, Maxima, Maximus, Rodigus, Timoteus, Veronia and Zacheus. They were martyred in Antioch, date unknown.

Martyrs of Damascus – 11 Beati: A group of Franciscans and laymen ordered by Druz Muslims to convert to Islam. They refused and were hacked to pieces.
‘Abd Al-Mu’ti Masabki
Carmelo Bolta Bañuls
Engelbert Kolland
Francisco Pinazo Peñalver
Fransis Masabki
Juan Jacobo Fernández y Fernández
Manuel Ruiz López
Nicanor Ascanio de Soria
Nicolás María Alberca Torres
Pedro Soler Méndez
Rufayil Masabki
They were cut to pieces on 9-10 July 1860 in Damascus, Syria.
Beatified on 10 October 1926 by Pope Pius XI.

Martyrs of Nicopolis – 45 Saints: A group of 45 Christians tortured and Martyred together in the persecutions of emperor Licinius. We know nothing else but six of their names – Anicetus, Anthony, Daniel, Leontius, Mauritius and Sisinno. c 329 in Nicopolis, Armenia (modern Koyulhisar, Turkey).

Martyrs of Nitria – 5 Saints: Fathers of Nitria – Four Monks and the Bishop of Alexandria, Egypt who were Martyred by heretics. Saint John Chrysostom wrote about them but their names have not come down to us. They were Martyred in the 4th century in Nitria, Egypt.

Posted in "Follow Me", MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on VANITY, St PAUL!

Thought for the Day – 9 July – Vanity

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 9 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Vanity

“What hast thou,” asks St Paul, “which thou hast not received? And if thou hast received it, why dost thou boast as if thou hadst not received it?” (1 Cor 4:7).
Whenever we are tempted to be proud or boastful, let us reflect on these words of the Apostle of the Gentiles.
In spite of the miracles which he had worked and the sacrifices which he had endured for the love of Jesus, he said: “I am nothing” (2 Cor 12:11).

If we model our lives on this outstanding example, we shall have peace on earth and an everlasting reward in Heaven.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/10/thought-for-the-day-10-july-vanity/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/11/thought-for-the-day-11-july-vanity/

Posted in CONFESSION, CONFESSION/PENANCE, OUR Cross, QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 9 July – St John Fisher and St Thomas More

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 9 July – St John Fisher (1469-1535) Martyr, Bishop and St Thomas More (1478-1535) Martyr, Confessor

“I reckon in this realm,
no one man,
in wisdom, learning
and long approved virtue together,
meet to be matched
and compared with him.”

St Thomas More speaking of St John Fisher

“Penance is a needful thing to the sinner,
who desires to recover health of his soul.
And, in doing penance, there be three things
to be considered:
serious compunction of heart,
confession of mouth
and satisfaction by deed.”

“Beware of those prophets who speak unto you
and deceive you!
They prophecy nothing
but the imaginations and forgings
of their own minds
and not the truth of Holy Scripture!”

St John Fisher (1469-1535)

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

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

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 July – I have compassion on the multitude … Mark 8:2

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 9 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – Pentecost VI – Romans 6:3-11, Mark 8:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I have compassion on the multitude, for behold they have now been with Me three days and have nothing to eat.” – Mark 8:2

REFLECTION – “ In this account of the miracle we must consider, in one and the same Redeemer, the separate operation of His Divinity and of His Humanity. And the error of Eutyches, who dared to teach that in Christ there is but one operation, must be wholly driven out from Christian lands. Who cannot see that the Lord, in having compassion on the multitude, lest they faint from want of food or from the weariness of the long journey home, was moved by the compassion of human pity but that, feeding four thousand people from seven loaves and a few fish, is a work of Divine Power?

“And they collected seven baskets full of fragments.” That multitude who had just eaten and been fille, did not carry away with them the remains of the loaves but left them to be gathered into baskets by the disciples, as before. And taken literally, this event teaches us to be content with what is necessary and never to look for anything more than that. Then the Evangelist makes known to us the number of those who were satisfied – “Now those who ate were about four thousand and He dismissed them” Here, let us consider that our Lord Jesus Christ does not wish to send anyone away hungry, since to the contrary, He wants to give to everyone the nourishment of His grace.

In a figurative sense, there is this difference between this second miracle and the first multiplication of the five loaves and two fish – the first prefigures the letter of the Old Testament, which was as though full of the spiritual grace of the New, whereas the second, represents the truth and grace of the New Testament fully communicated to the faithful. The multitude who, according to Saint Matthew’s testimony, wait three days for the healing of their sick (Mt 15), represent the elect in the faith of the Holy Trinity, who beg for the forgiveness of their sins, with persevering prayer, or those who are converted to the Lord, through their thoughts, words and deeds.” – St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Monk, Father and Doctor of the Church (Homilies on Mark, Book II, ch8 cf PL 92 – quoted by Saint Thomas Aquinas in the Catena Aurea Vol 4)

PRAYER – O God of the heavenly powers, creator of all good things, implant in our hearts the love of Thy Name and bestow upon us, an increase of godliness, fostering what is good and, by Thy loving care, guarding what Thou hast fostered. 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 DOCTORS of the Church, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 9 July – Deus, Creator Omnium, O God, Creator of Us All

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Our Morning Offering – 9 July – Pentecost VI

Deus, Creator Omnium
O God, Creator of Us All
St Ambrose (340-397)
Father and Doctor

O God, Creator of us all,
From Whom we come, to Whom we go,
You look with pity on our hearts,
The weakness of our wills You know.

Forgive us all the wrong we do
And purify each sinful soul.
What we have darkened, heal with light
And what we have destroyed, make whole.

The fast by law and prophets taught,
By You, O Christ, was sanctified.
Bless all our penance, give us strength,
To share the Cross on which You died.

O God of mercy, hear our prayer,
With Christ Your Son and Spirit blest,
Transcendent Trinity in Whom,
Created thing

This Hymn was used as the Hymn for Vespers I of Sunday (Saturday Evening) in the Sarum Breviary during the weeks following Epiphany. It is used in the Ambrosian Breviary for Vespers on Sundays and Weekdays in the weeks after Epiphany and Pentecost. This version translated by Stanbrook Abbey.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saints of the Day – 9 July – The 19 Martyrs of Gorkum, Netherlands.

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Saints of the Day – 9 July – The 19 Martyrs of Gorkum, Netherlands.

The Roman Martyrology notes today as the Feast of a group of Saints known as the Martyrs of Gorkum.

The Roman Martyrology (1914 Ed) notes today as the Feast of a group of Saints known as the Martyrs of Gorkum:“At Briel in Holland, the Martyrdom of the 19 Martyrs of Gorkum. For vindicating the authority of the Roman Church and the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, they endured various ignominies and torments from the Calvinist heretics and ended their suffering by being put to death. In the year 1867, Pope Pius IX placed them among the holy Martyrs.” 
They were solemnly Canonised in 1867 by Pope Pius IX, as part of a year-long series of celebrations to commemorate the 18th Centenary of the Martyrdom of Sts Peter and Paul, then generally held to have taken place in 67.

The year 1572, Luther and Calvin had already wrested from the Church a great part of Europe. The iconoclastic storm had swept through the Netherlands and was followed by a struggle between Lutheranism and Calvinism in which the latter was victorious.

In 1571 the Calvinists held their first synod, at Embden. On 1 April of the next year, the Dutch Watergeuzen (Sea-beggars, a Calvinist organisation) conquered Briel and later Vlissingen and other Cities and regions. In June, Dortrecht and Gorkum fell into their hands and at Gorkum they captured nine Franciscans. These were: Nicholas Pieck, Guardian of Gorkum, Hieronymns of Weert, Vicar, Theodorus van der Eem, of Amersfoort, Nicasius Janssen, of Heeze, Willehad of Denmark, Godefried of Mervel, Antonius of Weert, Antonius of Hoornaer, and Franciseus de Roye, of Brussels. To these were added two Lay Brothers from the same Monastery, Petrus of Assche and Cornelius of Wyk near Duurstede.

Almost at the same time, the Calvinists laid their hands on the learned Parish Priest of Gorkum, Leonardus Vechel of Bois-le-Duc, who had made distinguished studies in Louvain and also his assistant. Nicolaas Janssen, surnamed Poppel, of Welde in Belgium. With the above, were also imprisoned Godefried van Duynsen, of Gorkum who was active as a Priest in his native City and Joannes Lenartz of Oisterwljk, an Augustinian and director of the Convent of Augustinian Nuns in Gorkum.

By Cesare Fracassini (1838-1868),
Vatican Museum

To these fifteen, who from the very first underwent all the sufferings and torments of the persecution, were later added four more companions – Joannes van Hoornaer, (known as St John of Cologne) a Dominican of the Cologne province and Parish Priest not far from Gorkum, who, when apprised of the incarceration of the clergy of Gorkum, hastened to the City in order to administer the Sacraments to them and was seized and imprisoned with the rest. Also Jacobus Lacops of Oudenaar, a Norbertine, who after leading a frivolous life, being disobedient to his Order and neglectful of his religious duties, reformed, became a curate in Monster, Holland and was imprisoned in 1572. Adrianus Janssen of Hilvarenbeek, at one time a Premonstratensian and Parish Priest in Monster, who was sent to Brielle with Jacobus Lacops and lastly, Andreas Wouters of Heynoord, whose conduct was not edifying up to the time of his arrest but,, who made ample amends by his Martyrdom.

After enduring much suffering and abuse in the prison at Gorkum (26 June-6 July) the first fifteen Martyrs were transferred to Brielle. On their way to Dortrecht, they were exhibited for money to the curious and arrived at Brielle on 8 July. On the following day, Lumey, the Commander of the Watergeuzen, caused the Martyrs to be interrogated and ordered a sort of disputation.

In the meantime, the four other Martyrs also arrived. It was exacted of each that he abandon his belief in the Blessed Sacrament and in Papal Supremacy. All remained firm in their faith. Meanwhile, a letter arrived from William of Orange, an important secular leader, which enjoined all those in authority to leave Priests and Religious unmolested. Nevertheless, Lumey caused the Martyrs to be hanged in the night of 9 July, in a turf-shed amid cruel mutilations.

The reliquary of the Martyrs of Gorkum at the Franciscan church of St Nicholas in Brussels.

Their Beatification took place on 14 November 1675 by Pope Clement X and they were Canonised on 29 June 1867 by Pope Pius IX. Ever since this evil day, the place of their Martyrdom in Brielle has been the scene of numerous pilgrimages and processions.

The Apotheosis of the Martyrs of Gorkum 1572, print made by Jean-Baptiste Nolin after a painting by Johan Zierneels, 1675
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Pentecost VI, The Solemnity of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Our Lady, Queen of Peace / Notre Dame de Paix (1500s), Our Lady of Itati (17th Century), Our Lady of the Rosary, Colombia, (1586), St John Fisher, St Thomas More, St Maria Goretti and Memorials of the Saints – 9 July

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

The Solemnity of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/10/the-solemnity-of-the-most-precious-blood-of-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-and-the-litany/

Our Lady, Queen of Peace / Notre Dame de Paix (1500s) – 9 July:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/09/saint-of-the-day-9-july-our-lady-queen-of-peace-notre-dame-de-paix-1500s/

Virgen de Itatí / Our Lady of Itati (17th Century) – 9 July:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/09/virgen-de-itati-our-lady-of-itati-17th-century-argentina-virgen-del-rosario-our-lady-of-the-rosary-colombia-and-memorials-of-the-saints-9-july/

Virgen del Rosario / Our Lady of the Rosary (Chiquinquirá, Boyacá, Colombia) (1586) – 9 July, 26 December:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/09/feast-of-our-lady-of-the-rosary-of-chiquinquira-and-memorials-of-the-saints-9-july/

St John Fisher (1469-1535) Bishop, Martyr, Cardinal, Theologian, Academic, Writer.
Feast moved in 1969 to 22 June.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/22/saint-of-the-day-22-june-saint-john-fisher-1469-1535-bishop-martyr/

St Thomas More (1478-1535) Martyr, Confessor an English Lawyer, Social Philosopher, Author, Statesman.
Feast moved in 1969 to 22 June.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/06/22/saint-of-the-day-22-june-st-thomas-more-1478-1535-martyr/

St Maria Goretti (1890-1902) Virgin and Martyr, known as “Saint Agnes of the 20th Century.” She was Canonised on 24 June 1950 by Pope Pius XII The ceremony was attended by 250,000 including her mother, the only time a parent has witnessed her child’s Canonisation.
Her Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/06/saint-of-the-day-6-july-st-maria-goretti/

St Veronica/Ursula Giuliani OSC Cap. (1660-1727) Italian Capuchin Poor Clares nun, Abbotess, Mystic, Stigmatist.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/09/saint-of-the-day-9-july-st-veronica-giuliani/

Blessed Adrian Fortescue TOSD (1476-1539) Martyr,. A husband and father, a Justice of the Peace, a Knight of the Realm, a Knight of Malta and a Dominican Tertiary (Lay Dominican), he was at once a loyal servant of the Crown so far as he could be but still more, he was a man of unshakeable faith and love of the One True Faith. He was Beatified on 13 May 1895 by Pope Leo XIII.
About Blessed Adrian:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/09/saint-of-the-day-blessed-adrian-fortescue-1476-1539-martyr/

St Agrippinus of Autun
St Alexander of Egypt
St Audax of Thora
St Brictius of Martola
St Copra of Egypt
St Cyril of Gortyna
Bl Dionysius the Rhetorician
St Everild of Everingham
St Faustina of Rome
St Felician of Sicily

Blessed Giovanna Scopelli O.Carm (1428 – 1491) Virgin, Mystic, Italian Religious of the Carmelites and established her own Convent as its first Prioress. She was known, during her lifetime as a Miracle-worker with many coming to her to ask for her assistance and prayers. Her body is incorrupt.
About Blessed Giovanna:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/09/saint-of-the-day-9-july-blessed-giovanna-scopelli-o-carm-1428-1491/

St Floriana of Rome
St Hérombert of Minden
Bl Joachim Ho
St John of Cologne OP (Died 1572) Priest Martyr and the MARTYRS of GORKUM
Bl Luigi Caburlotto
Bl Marguerite-Marie-Anne de Rocher
Bl Marie-Anne-Madeleine de Guilhermier
St Patermutius of Egypt
St Paulina do Coração Agonizante de Jesus

Four Holy Polish Brothers – 4 Saints: Four brothers who became hermits, Benedictine Monks and Saints – Andrew, Barnabas, Benedict and Justus. They were born in Poland and died in 1008 of natural causes.

Martyrs of Gorkum – 19 Saints: Nineteen Martyrs killed by Calvinists for loyalty to the Pope and for their belief in the Real Presence in the Eucharist. They are –
Adrianus van Hilvarenbeek • Andreas Wouters • Antonius van Hoornaar • Antonius van Weert • Cornelius van Wijk • Francisus de Roye • Godfried van Duynen • Godfried van Melveren • Hieronymus van Weert • Jacobus Lacops • Joannes Lenaerts • John of Cologne • Leonardus van Veghel • Nicasius Janssen van Heeze • Nicolaas Pieck • Nicolaas Poppel • Petrus van Assche • Theodorus van der Eem • Willehad van Deem •
They werehanged on 9 July 1572 in Brielle, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands.
Beatified on 24 November 1675 by Pope Clement X and Canonised on 29 June 1867 by Pope Pius IX.

Martyrs of Orange – 32 Beati: 32 Nuns from several Orders who spent up to 18 months in prison and were finally executed for refusing to renounce Christianity during the persecutions of the French Revolution.
Anne Cartier • Anne-Andrée Minutte • Dorothée-Madeleine-Julie de Justamond • élisabeth Verchière • élisabeth-Thérèse de Consolin • Jeanne-Marie de Romillon • Madeleine-Françoise de Justamond • Madeleine-Thérèse Talieu • Marguerite-Eléonore de Justamond • Marguerite-Marie-Anne de Rocher • Marguerite-Rose de Gordon • Marguerite-Thérèse Charensol • Marie Cluse • Marie-Anastasie de Roquard • Marie-Anne Béguin-Royal • Marie-Anne Depeyre • Marie-Anne Doux • Marie-Anne Lambert • Marie-Anne-Madeleine de Guilhermier • Marie-Claire du Bac • Marie-Clotilde Blanc • Marie-Elisabeth Pélissier • Marie-Gabrielle-Françoise-Suzanne de Gaillard de Lavaldène • Marie-Gertrude de Ripert d’Alauzier • Marie-Marguerite Bonnet • Marie-Marguerite de Barbégie d’Albrède • Marie-Rose Laye • Rosalie-Clotilde Bes • Suzanne-Agathe Deloye • Sylvie-Agnès de Romillon • Thérèse-Henriette Faurie
They were guillotined between 6 July and 26 July 1794 at Orange, Vaucluse, France.
Beatified on 10 May 1925 by Pope Pius XI.

Martyrs of the Baths – 10,204 Saints: A group of Christians enslaved by Diocletian to build the gigantic baths in imperial Rome, Italy. The end of their labours coincided with the beginning of the great persecutions of Diocletian and they were all executed. Ancient records indicated there were 10,204 of them; Zeno of Rome is the only one whose name has come down to us and we know nothing else about any of their individual lives.

Posted in "Follow Me", LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on GOSSIP, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on SCANDAL

Thought for the Day – 8 July – Uncharitableness

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 8 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Uncharitableness

“It is no excuse to claim that we only speak of matters which are true and known to all.
They maybe true but God alone can judge the human conscience.
They maybe known to all but, by our maliciousness, we are spreading evil about our neighbour, whereas we ought to try and spread only what is good.

Besides being opposed to Christian charity, unkind conversation ruins whatever opportunities we may have of practising the apostolate in which everyone is obliged to play his part.
If we are apostolic, we promote our neighbour’s spiritual welfare, whereas uncharitable criticism, spreads evil about him and gives bad example to others.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/07/thought-for-the-day-7-july-uncharitableness/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/08/thought-for-the-day-8-july-uncharitableness/

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on SUFFERING, St Francis de Sales, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 8 July – The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a treasure

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Quote/s of the Day – 8 July – Proverbs 31:10-31, Matthew 13:44-52

“Jesus said in parables:
The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a treasure,
hidden in a field.”

Matthew 13:44

“Thy will be done
on earth as it is
in Heaven.”
Matthew 6:10

“I want to advise you and remind you, what His will is.
Do not fear that it means He will give you riches,
or delights, or honours, or all these earthly things.
His love for you is not that small!
and He esteems highly what you give Him.
He wants to repay you well,
for He gives you His Kingdom
while you are still on earth …
See … what He gave to the One He loved most.
By that we understand what His will is.
For these are His gifts in this world.”

St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Doctor of Prayer of the Church

“This life is short and it is only given us
to gain the other.”

“Whoever thinks well on eternity,
troubles himself little about what happens
in these three or four moments of mortal life.”

“By giving yourself to God,
you not only receive Himself in exchange
but, eternal life as well!”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Posted in CATECHESIS, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD is LOVE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HELL, Quotes on SALVATION, St Francis de Sales, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 July – Our choice – Heaven or Hell?

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One Minute Reflection – 8 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St Elizabeth of Portugal TOSF (1271-1336) Widow, Queen –Proverbs 31:10-31, Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“So shall it be at the end of the world. The Angels shall go out and shall separate the wicked from among the just. And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” – Matthew 13:49-50

REFLECTION – “Consider the choice you make in this life will last forever in the next!
Consider too, that while both are open to receive you, according to your choice, yet God, Who is prepared to give the one by reason of His Justice, the other by reason of His Mercy, all the while desires, unspeakably that you should select Paradise. offering you countless graces on God’s part, countless assistance to attain to it.
Consider that Jesus Christ, enthroned in Heaven, looks down upon you in loving invitation – ‘O beloved one, come unto Me and joy forever in the eternal blessedness of My Love!’
Behold His Mother yearning over you with maternal tenderness, ‘Courage, my child, do not despise the Goodness of my Son, or my earnest prayers for thy salvation.‘ …

O Hell, I abhor thee now and forever; I abhor thy griefs and torments, thine endless misery, the unceasing blasphemies and maledictions which thou pourest out upon my God and turning to thee, O blessed Paradise, eternal glory, unfading happiness, I choose thee forever as my abode, thy glorious mansions, thy precious and abiding tabernacles.

O my God, I bless Thy Mercy which gives me the power to choose, O Jesus, Saviour, I accept Thine Eternal Love and praise Thee for the promise Thou hast given me, of a place prepared for me, in that blessed New Jerusalem, where I shall love and bless Thee forever. ” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor Caritatis (Excerpt – ‘Introduction to the Devout Life’ 9th Meditation).

PRAYER – Most merciful God, Who among other admirable gifts, endowed blessed Queen Elizabeth with the special grace of calming the tumult of war; grant by her intercession that, after the peace for which we humbly pray, we may attain everlasting happiness. 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 MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN Saturdays, Our MORNING Offering

Our Morning Offering – 8 July – I’ll Sing a Hymn to Mary By Father John Wyse

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Our Morning Offering – 8 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” and Mother Mary’s Day

I’ll Sing a Hymn to Mary
By Father John Wyse (1825-1898)
Irish Priest and Hymn writer

I’ll sing a hymn to Mary,
The Mother of my God,
The Virgin of all virgins,
Of David’s royal blood.
O teach me, Holy Mary,
A loving song to frame,
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
To love and bless thy name.

O Lily of the Valley,
O Mystic Rose, what tree,
Or flower, e’en the fairest,
Is half so fair as thee?
O let me, tho’ so lowly
Recite my Mother’s fame.
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
I’ll love and bless thy name.

O noble Tower of David,
Of gold and ivory.
The ark of God’s own promise,
The gate of Heav’n to me.
To live and not to love thee
Would fill my soul with shame.
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
I’ll love and bless thy name.

When troubles dark afflict me
In sorrow and in care,
Thy light doth ever guide me
O beauteous Morning Star.
Lo, I’ll be ever ready
Thy goodly help to claim,
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
To love and bless thy name.

The saints are high in glory,
With golden crowns so bright;
But brighter far is Mary,
Upon her throne of light.
Oh that which God did give thee,
Let mortal ne’er disclaim;
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
I’ll love and bless thy name.

But in the crown of Mary,
There lies a wonderous gem,
As Queen of all the Angels,
Which Mary shares with them;
No sin hath e’er defiled thee,
So doth our faith proclaim;
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
I’ll love and bless thy name.

And now O Virgin Mary
My mother and my Queen,
I’ve sung thy praise so bless me,
And keep my heart from sin.
When others jeer and mock thee,
I’ll often think how I
To shield my Mother, Mary,
Would lay me down and die.

Verses 4, 5 and 6 omitted on image.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 8 July – St Ampelius of Milan (Died c672) Bishop

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 8 July – St Ampelius of Milan (Died c672) the thirty ninth Archbishop of Milan from 671 to 676, Miracle-worker. Also known as – Ampèle, Ampelio.

Almost nothing is known about the life and the Episcopate of Ampelius. He ruled the Diocese of Milan in a period marked by the troubles due to the Lombards. Ampelius is, however, remembered as a holy and devout Bishop endowed with the charism of manifesting miraculous results by his intercession but, unfortunately, we have no detail of these wondrous miracles.

Father Goffredo da Bussero, the Milanese Priest and Writer, in the 15th Century, informs us that Ampelius’ Feast day was the 8 February, possibly the date of his death. At some point his Feast day was moved to 8 July in Milan. He was buried in the Basilica of St. Simplician where his Relics, enshrined under the High Altar, are still venerated today.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Nostra Signora della Neve, Adro, Italy / Our Lady of the Snow, Adro, Italy (1519), St Elizabeth of Portugal Widow and Memorials of the Saints – 8 July

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Nostra Signora della Neve, Adro, Italy/Our Lady of the Snow, Adro, Brescia, Italy (1519) – 8 July, 5 August:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/08/nostra-signora-della-neve-adro-italy-our-lady-of-the-snow-adro-brescia-italy-1519-and-memorials-of-the-saints-8-july/

St Elizabeth of Portugal TOSF (1271-1336) Widow, Queen Consort, Widow, Franciscan Tertiary, Apostle of Charity and Peace, Political Negotiator and Mediator. In the year 1694 Pope Innocent XII moved her Feast to 8 July, so that it would not conflict with the celebration of the Octave of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/04/saint-of-the-day-4-july-st-elizabeth-of-portugal-t-o-s-f-1271-1336/

St Abraham the Martyr
Bl Adolf IV of Schauenburg
St Pope Adrian III
St Ampelius of Milan (Died c672) Bishop
St Apollonius of Benevento

Sts Aquila & Priscilla – the Tentmakers, Collaborators of Saint Paul.
About:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/08/saints-of-the-day-8-july-priscilla-and-aquila/

St Arnold
St Auspicius of Toul
St Auspicius of Trier
St Brogan of Mothil
St Colman of Thuringia
St Doucelin

St Edgar the Peaceful (c 943-975) King of the English, faithful son and Defender of the Church, Protector and Founder of Monasteries and Churches, a fair and wise ruler., always with the support of St Dunstan and the Bishops.
A Holy King:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/08/saint-of-the-day-8-july-st-edgar-the-peaceful-c-943-975/

Blessed Pope Eugene III O.Cist (c 1080-1153) Cistercian Monk, Papal Ascension – 15 February 1145 until his death. The 167th Pope. Pope Pius IX approved and confirmed the veneration paid to him.
Biography
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/08/saint-of-the-day-8-july-blessed-pope-eugene-iii-c-1080-1153-t/

Blessed Giulio of Montevergine (Died 1601) Hermit, Penitent. His body is incorrupt.
His Lifestory:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/08/saint-of-the-day-8-july-blessed-giulio-of-montevergine-died-1601/

St Glyceria of Heraclea
St Grimbald
St Ioannes Wu Wenyin
St Ithier of Nevers

St Killian (c640-689) Martyr, Bishop, Missionary, “Apostle of Franconia”(nowadays the northern part of Bavaria).
St Killian’s Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/08/saint-of-the-day-8-july-st-killian/

St Landrada
Bl Mancius Araki Kyuzaburo
St Morwenna – No details about her have survived. She is reported to have appeared in visions in Morwenstow, Cornwall, England, where her Relics are apparently buried under the Church floor.
St Pancras of Taormina
Bl Peter the Hermit
St Procopius of Ceasarea
St Sunniva of Bergen
St Thibaud de Marly
St Totnan of Thuringia

Abrahamite Monks/Martyrs of Constantinople: A group of Monks in a Monastery founded by Saint Abraham of Ephesus. Martyred in the iconoclast persecutions of Emperor Theophilus. In c 835 in Constantinople.

Martyrs of Shanxi – 7 Saints: In 1898 seven sisters of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary were sent to the Shanxi Diocese in China to serve the poor in hospitals and care for the unwanted or other destitutes in orphanages. They were:
Anne-Catherine Dierks
Anne-Francoise Moreau
Clelia Nanetti
Irma Grivot
Jeanne-Marie Kuergin
Marianna Giuliani
Pauline Jeuris
There they all died in one of the periodic persecutions against foreign missionaries. They were beheaded on 9 July 1900 at Taiyuanfu, China- Canonisedon 24 November 1946 by Pope Pius XII.

Martyrs of Syrmium – 5 Saints: Five Christians Martyred together for their faith. We know nothing else about them but the names – Cecilia, Eperentius, Eraclius, Sostratus and Spirus. They were martyred in the 4th century in Syrmium, Pannonia (modern Serbia).

Posted in LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, Quotes on SALVATION

Thought for the Day – 7 July – The Salvation of Souls

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 7 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Salvation of Souls

“Remember the countless conversions effected by the Saints as a result of their prayers, mortifications and heroic sacrifices.
No-one can call himself a Christian who does not love, in a practical manner, his fellowmen, especially unfortunate heretics and sinners.

Make up your mind, to offer your prayers and sacrifices for their conversion.
Include them in your daily offering, daily Mass and daily Rosary too.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/07/thought-for-the-day-7-july-the-salvation-of-souls/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/07/thought-for-the-day-7-july-the-salvation-of-souls-2/

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The HOLY GHOST

Quote/s of the Day – 7 July – St Lawrence of Brindisi

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 7 July – St Lawrence of Brindisi OFM Cap (1559-1619) Confessor, Priest, The “Franciscan Renaissance Man.”

“The Holy Spirit sweetens
the yoke of the divine law
and lightens its weight,
so that we may observe God’s commandments
with the greatest of ease
and even with pleasure.”

“The Word of the Lord
is a Light for the mind
and a Fire for the will,
so that man may know and love God.
For the inner man,
who lives through the living grace of God’s Spirit,
it is bread and water
but bread sweeter than honey
and water better than wine or milk….
It is a weapon against a heart
stubbornly entrenched in vice.
It is a sword against the flesh,
the world and the devil,
to destroy every sin.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/07/quote-s-of-the-day-7-july-st-lawrence-of-brindisi/

St Lawrence of Brindisi (1559-1619)

Posted in "Follow Me", franciscan OFM, Lady POVERTY, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on the POOR, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 July – “Carry neither purse, nor wallet, nor sandals …” – Luke 10:4

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 7 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – Saint Cyril (827-869) and Saint Methodius (826-885)
“Apostles to the Slavs,” Sibling Brother Bishops, Confessors – Hebrews
7:23-27, Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Carry neither purse, nor wallet …” – Luke 10:4

REFLECTION – “The Lord commands us in the Gospel: “Watch, be on your guard against all malice and greed” (cf Lk 12:15). “Guard yourselves against the preoccupations of this world and the cares of this life” (cf Mt 6:25; Lk 21:34). Therefore, none of the brothers, wherever he may be, or wherever he goes, should in any way, carry, receive, or have received, either money or coins, whether for clothing or books or payment for any work-indeed, for no reason-unless it is for the evident need of the sick brothers; for we must not suppose that money or coins have any greater value than stones. And the devil would like to blind those who desire it or consider it better than stones. Therefore, let us who have left all things behind, take care that we do not lose the Kingdom of Heaven for so little (cf Mt 19:27; Mk 10:24.28). And if we were to find coins in any place, let us give them no more thought than the dust which we crush with our feet; for all this is “vanity of vanities and all is vanity” (Eccl 1:2).

All the brothers should strive to follow the humility and the poverty of our Lord Jesus Christ … And they must rejoice when they live among people who are considered to be of little worth and who are looked down upon, among the poor and the powerless, the sick and the lepers and the beggars by the wayside. And when it may be necessary, let them go to seek alms. And they should not be ashamed but rather recall that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the living and all-powerful God … was a poor man and a transient and lived on alms, he and the Blessed Virgin and His disciples.” – St Francis of Assisi (c1181-1226) Founder of the Friars Minor (Earlier Rule, #8-9).

PRAYER – Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of the blessed brothers, Cyril and Methodius, who, by the power of the Holy Ghost were moved to bring the light of the Gospel to a hostile and divided people. 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 CATHOLIC TIME, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, GOD is LOVE, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS, SAINT of the DAY

Our Morning Offering – 7 July – Your Blood, The Fire of Love!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 7 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” and “Friday Devotion The Passion”

Your Blood, The Fire of Love!
By St Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)
Doctor of the Church

O sweet Jesus, my Love,
to strengthen my soul
and to rescue it from the weakness
into which it has fallen,
You have built a wall around it
and have mixed the mortar with Your Blood,
confirming my soul and uniting it
to the sweet will and charity of God!
Just as lime mixed with water
is placed between stones, to cement them together,
so You, O God, have placed between
Your creature and Yourself,
the Blood of Your Only-begotten Son,
cemented with the Divine lime
of the fire of ardent charity,
in such a way that there is no Blood
without fire, nor fire without Blood.
Your Blood was shed, O Christ, by the fire of love!
Amen

Posted in INCORRUPTIBLES, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 7 July – Saint Ethelburga of Faremoutier (Died 664) Virgin, Abbess

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 7 July – Saint Ethelburga of Faremoutier (Died 664) Virgin, Abbess, Princess Born in the Kingdom of East Anglia and died in 664 at Faremoutier, France of natural causes. When her body was exhumed seven years after her death, it was found incorrupt. Also known as – Aubierge, Cdilburh, Edelburga, Edilberga, Edilburga, Etelburg.

Ethelburga was one of the daughters of King Anna of East Anglia. Her sisters were St Withburga, St Saethryth, who was Abbess of Faremoutiers Abbey in Brie, France, St Seaxburh and St Æthelthryth who wereboth Abbesses of Ely, Cambridge, England.

During her childhood, Ethelburga lived in a French Convent under the direction of Saint Burgundofara, a home she would have for the rest of her life. St Burgundofara’s life here – https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/07/saint-of-the-day-7-december-st-burgundofara-c-595-c-643-virgin/

She was known throughout the community for her adherence to the Rule of the Order. In the mid-seventh Century, Ethelburga was chosento be the Abbess. She ruled with wisdom and justice until her death.

As Abbess, Ethelburga began work on a Church in honour of the Twelve Apostles which was left unfinished at her death in 664. At her request, she was buried in the Church. After seven years a decision was made to move her Relics to the nearby Church of Saint Stephen and her body was found to be incorrupt.