Our Morning Offering – 12 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” and Mary’s Day
O Mother Blest By St Alphonsus Maira Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor of the Church Trans. Fr Edmund Vaughn C.SS.R. (1827 – 1908 )
O Mother blest, whom God bestows On sinners and on just, What joy, what hope thou givest those Who in thy mercy trust. Thou are clement, thou are chaste, Mary thou art fair, Of all mothers, sweetest best, none with thee compare.
O heavenly Mother, mistress sweet! it never yet was told that suppliant sinner left thy feet, unpitied, unconsoloed. Thou are clement, thou are chaste, …
O Mother, pitiful and mild, Cease not to pray for me; For I do love thee as a child, And sigh for love of thee. Thou art clement, thou art chaste, …
Most powerful Mother, all men know Thy Son denies thee nought; Thou askest, wishest it, and lo! His power thy will hath wrought. Thou art clement, thou art chaste, …
O Mother blest, for me obtain, Ungrateful though I be, To love that God who first could deign To show such love for me. Thou art clement, thou art chaste, Mary, thou art fair. Of all mothers, sweetest, best, None with thee compare.
Saint of the Day – 12 August – St Eusebius of Milan (Died 462) Archbishop of Milan – Born in Greece (although some sources regard him as Milanese) and died on 12 August 462. He was the Archbishop from 449 until his death.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Milan, Saint Eusebius, Bishop, who worked diligently for the True Faith and rebuilt the Cathedral destroyed by the Huns.”
18th Century painting of Saint Eusebius
Eusebius succeeded Lazarus in the Episcopal chair of Milan shortly before 449. He participated in the Council convened in Rome in October 449 by Pope Leo the Great, to examine and condemn, the Terror of Eutyches regarding the Mystery of the Incarnation. The condemnation of Eutyches’ errors was communicated to the Imperial Court of Constantinople by a Papal embassy, which also included two Ecclesiastics from the Ecclesiastical Province of Milan, namely Bishop Abbondio of Como and the Priest Senator of Milan.
Advised by the Pope of the happy outcome of the embassy to the Imperial Court in Constantinople, Eusebius convened a Provincial Council of Bishops in Milan, who, through him, in the autumn of 451, sent the Pope a formula of Catholic Faith.
Eusebius’ great charity shone in a painful circumstance for Milan. In 452 Attila and the Huns descended on Italy, thirsty for revenge and blood – having destroyed many Cities in the Veneto (a northeastern Italian region stretching from the Dolomite Mountains to the Adriatic Sea. Venice, is its regional Capital). Attila took possession of Milan where his barbarian hordes indulged in violence and looting of all kinds. The City was destroyed, the Cathedral set on fire. Once the storm had passed, Eusebius set about repairing the ruins of the City and rescuing the starving citizens. He rebuilt the Cathedral and it is said that he instituted, in perpetual memory of the fact, the Feast of the Dedication, to be celebrated on the third Sunday of October. This Feast is still celebrated today but few remember the original intention – it is now celebrated as a reminder of the Dedication of the Cathedral by Saint Charles Borromeo. On that occasion, a Bishop, whose name has not survived, gave an official speech.
Milan Cathedral
In the Ambrosian Breviary we read that Eusebius, while still a Deacon, broke the glass Chalice used in the Mas, however, having resorted to the intercession of Saint Lawrence, the Chalice miraculously reassembled.
Eusebius’ death seems to have occurred in August 462. The Saint was buried in the Milanese Basilica of St Lawrence. The oldest catalogues of the Bishops of Milan mention St Eusebius’ death on 8 August, the most recent on 9 August. The Liber Notitiae Sanctorum Mediolani, of the beginning of the 14th Century, commemorates St Eusebius on 12 August, a date later passed into the Ambrosian calendar and into the Roman Martyrology.
The Basilica of St Lawrence where St Eusebius is buried
St Porcarius of Lerins St Simplicio of Vercelli St Ust
Martyrs of Augsburg – 4 Saints: The mother, Hilaria,and three friends of of Saint Afra ofAugsburg. While visiting the tomb of Saint Afra who were seized by the authorities and Martyred when they visited Afra’s tomb – Digna, Eunomia, Euprepia and Hilaria. They were burned alive c 304.
Martyrs of Rome – 5 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little more than their names – Crescentian, Juliana, Largio, Nimmia and Quiriacus. They died in c304 in Rome, Italy and were buried on the Ostian Way outside Rome.
Preparatory Prayer by St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
O Mary, Virgin most Blessed and Mother of Our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ, through thy mercy I beseech thee, to come to my aid and to inspire me with such confidence in thy power that I may have recourse to thee, pray to thee and implore thy aid, in all needs of soul and body. Amen
Meditation: Mary’s glory received its culmination by her coronation as Queen of Heaven and earth. It was meet that in her, should be fulfilled, the words of Holy Scripture: “Come from Libanus, my Spouse, come, thou shalt be crowned” (Cant. 4:81) and, that her own prophetic words, “He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble” (Luke 1:52) should be exemplified in her. For it was reasonable and becoming that she, who once with Jesus, wore the crown of shame and contempt, should now share with Him, the crown of immortal glory. It was but fair and just that, the immaculate being, who was chosen above all inhabitants of heaven and earth, to be the true and worthy Mother of God, should now be solemnly installed over all creatures in Heaven and on earth, as the Queen of Angels and men and that, to her, should be offered homage, praise and honour, by the blessed spirits and by the souls of the Saints. But the crown which she received,is not one made of gold and precious stones, it is composed of the virtues with which Mary, in faithful co-operation with Divine grace, embellished herself. It consists, too, of all the homage and glory, which she receives, as Queen of Heaven. The most precious gem, in this crown, is the filial love and gratitude, Jesus shows toward His Mother in Heaven.
Practice: Indeed, “eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man,” what the heavenly Father has prepared in the mansions of eternal bliss, for His beloved Daughter, the Son for His Blessed Mother, and the Holy Ghost, for His chosen Spouse. She is now Queen of Heaven and earth – of Heaven, for she is the Queen of all Angels and Saints; of earth, for as Mother of God, she is the Mother of all mankind, the mediatrix between the Redeemer and the redeemed. You, too, may contribute a gem toward the crown of your heavenly Mother, by paying her filial homage, imitating her virtues and preserving, for the love of her, your innocence and purity of heart and body.
Prayer of the Church: We beseech Thee, O Lord, pardon the shortcomings of Thy servants that we who, by our own works, are not able to please Thee, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Novena Prayer: Day Six
Glorious Virgin and Mother of God, Mary! I beseech thee, through the everlasting crown of glory with which God has crowned thee, Queen of Heaven and earth; obtain for me, through thy mighty intercession, the grace to persevere in virtue to the end, so that finally, I may attain the crown of bliss prepared by God. for those that love Him. I beseech thee too, glorious Queen and Mother, for this my special petition ………………
Hail Mary …….
Ejaculation: Sweet heart of Mary be my salvation!
Indulgence. (1) 100 days, every time. (2) A Plenary Indulgence, once a month, on any day, to all who shall have said it everyday for a month, under the usual conditions.
Thought for the Day – 11 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Divine Providence
“How foolish it is for the sinner to exult and to sink into complacency. For all he knows, he may already be abandoned by God because the measure of God’s mercy to him has been exhausted!
Those who are leading good lives may have to endure a great deal but, “blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted”and, “blessed are they who suffer persecution, for justrice’s sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Cf Mt 5:10).
Even in the moral order, Divine Providence stands out quite clearly, being infinitely good to the just and merciful to sinners but, severely condemning all sinfulness. Let us meditate on the wonders of Providence and regulate our lives in accordance with its designs.”
Quote/s of the Day – 11 August – Tiburtius (Died c286) Martyr, Layman, St Susanna of Rome (Died c 295) Virgin Martyr, St Philomena (Died 304) Virgin Martyr – Hebrews 11:33-39, Luke 21:9-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And you shall be hated by all men, for My Name’s sake.”
Luke 21:17
“But others were racked, not accepting deliverance that they might find a better resurrection.”
Hebrews 11:35
“So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father, who is in Heaven…”
Matthew 10:32
“Rejoice and be happy! Persevere to the end and prefer to die rather than abandon the post, to which God has called you!”
St Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) Doctor of the Church
“Give me grace, to amend my life and to have an eye to mine end, without grudge of death, which, to them, who die in You, good Lord, is the gate of a wealthy life.”
St Thomas More (1478-1535) Martyr
“You must choose – is it better that there should be thorns in your garden, in order to have roses, or that there should be no roses in your garden, in order to have no thorns?”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor Caritatis
“We must love God so much, that we are prepared to endure everything willingly, for love of Him. Those who suffer are blessed, therefore, only on one condition, namely, on condition that they suffer for love of God.”
One Minute Reflection – 11 August – St Tiburtius (Died c286) Martyr, Layman, St Susanna of Rome (Died c 295) Virgin Martyr, St Philomena (Died 304) Virgin Martyr – Hebrews 11:33-39, Luke 21:9-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“But you will be delivered up by your parents and brothers and relatives and friends and some of you, they will put to death. And you will be hated by all, for My Name’s sake …” – Luke 21:16-17
REFLECTION – “I must give thanks to my God continuously. He has helped me to keep my faith, through difficult times, so that I can fearlessly offer myself as a kind of living sacrifice to Christ. The Lord has rescued me from so many dangers that sometimes I just have to ask: “God, who am I?… “From where did I get such wisdom?” It certainly wasn’t from inside myself. “I didn not know my future” and I had no great knowledge of God. And later on, Who was it, Who gave me such a wonderful and life-giving gift, the gift to know and love God? But to receive such things, I had to leave behind my home and family… I came to Ireland to preach the good news and to suffer abuse from unbelievers and… to have my mission shamefully criticised. I have had many hard times, even to the point of being enslaved again but I traded in my free birth for the good of others.
If I am worthy, I am even ready to lay down my life willingly and without hesitation for His Name. Here, in Ireland, is where I wish to live out my final days, if God will permit me. I owe so much to God, Who allowed so many people to find a new life in Him through me. I confirmed them in our Faith and Ordained Clergy for them everywhere, for a people just coming to a belief in God. The Master chose them from the ends of the earth, just as He said He would through the prophets: “The gentiles will come to you from the ends of the earth” and… “I will place you like a lamp among the nations so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” – St Patrick (c 380-461) Bishop. Missionary Monk (Confession, 34-38).
PRAYER – May the constant protection of Thy holy Martyrs, Tiburtius and Susanna and Philomena support us, O Lord, for Thou never fails to look mercifully upon those whom Thou, hast given the help, of such intercession. 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).
Our Morning Offering – 11August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary”
Blessed are You, O Mary! By St Jacob of Sarug (c 451-521) Syrian Bishop and Monk
Blessed are you, O Mary and blessed is your holy soul, for your beatitude surpasses that of all the Blessed. Blessed are you who have borne, embraced and caressed as a Baby, the One Who upholds the ages with His secret word. Blessed are you, from whom the Saviour appeared on this exile earth, subjugating the seducer and bringing peace to the world. Blessed are you, whose pure mouth touched the lips of the One, Whom the Seraphim look upon in His splendour. Blessed are you, who have nourished, with your pure milk the source, from whom the living obtain life and light. Blessed are you, because the whole universe resounds with your memory and the Angels and human beings, celebrate your feast. Daughter of the poor, you became the Mother of the King of kings. You gave to the poor world the riches that can make it live. You are the bark, laden with the goodness and the treasures of the Father, Who sent His riches once again, into our empty home. Blessed are you, O Mary! Amen
Saint of the Day – 11 August – Saint Tiburtius (Died c286) Martyr, Layman, the son of Saint Chromatius the Prefect of Rome, also a Martyr. St Damasus (c305-384), the Pope, wrote about Tiburtius. He died by being beheaded in c286 in Rome, Italy and his remains are entombed in the Ad Duas Lauros Cemetery at the three mile marker on the Via Lavicana in Rome. Also known as – Tiburcio, Tiburzio.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, between the two laurels situate about three miles from the City, the birthday of St Tiburtius, Martyr, under the Judge Fabian, in the persecution of Diocletian. After he had walked barefoot on burning coals and confessed Christ with increased constancy. he was put to the sword.”
St Tiburtius walking barefoot on burning coals
St Tiburtius, Martyr By Father Francis Xavier Weninger SJ (1805-1888)
Tiburtius, a son of the noble Roman Prefect, Chromatius, received holy Baptism at the same time as his father and, not only endeavoured to lead a Christian life but also, to bring others to the knowledge of the True Faith.
One day, while he was walking through the street, a boy fell from the roof of a house to the pavement. He was so injured that it was thought that every moment would be his last. Tiburtius going towards him, made the Sign of the Cross over him and commanded him, in the Name of Jesus Christ, to rise and to abandon heathenism. The boy immediately arose, became a Christian and persuaded many, who had witnessed the miracle, to do likewise.
At another time, Tiburtius went to a youth named Torquatus, who, although Baptised and calling himself a Christian, did not conduct himself according to the dictates of the Church. His dress was too luxurious; he spent too much time in idleness, gaming, dancing and other amusements; he was unrestrained and licentious in his conversation and conduct. He was seldom at prayer but frequently, in dangerous company. Tiburtius exhorted him most earnestly to change his unchristian behaviour. Torquatus feigned a determination to follow his advice but secretly went to the Judge Fabian and revealed to him that Tiburtius was a Christian.
This he did in revenge for the reproofs which Tiburtius had given him. But, that he might not be known as the accuser, he requested to be arraigned with Tiburtius. When this had taken place, the Judge asked Torquatus who he was. “I am a Christian,” was his reply, “and this man ,Tiburtius has converted me to the True Faith.” But Tiburtius said: “I have never recognised you as a Christian; for, your life has not been that of a Christian. To dress luxuriously, not to observe the fast days, to be indifferent to your prayers, to pass the day in idleness, to associate with the other sex, to be licentious in your words, are not the characteristics of a Christian. Christ does not recognise such as His followers.” Fabian the Judge, would not listen to these reproofs but, having the ground strewn with hot coals, he said to the Saint: “You have your choice either to throw incense over these coals and thus offer to the gods, or to walk barefoot over them.”
Tiburtius, without a moment’s hesitation, took off his shoes, and courageously stepping upon the coals, walked up and down over them, without a sign of pain. Addressing the Judge, he said: “See and know that the God of the Christians is the only God, Whom all creatures obey. Your live coals seem to me but lovely flowers.” The Judge, highly incensed, exclaimed: “I knew long since that your Christ instructed His followers in magic. I shall, however, pay no attention to it.” The holy Martyr rebuked this blasphemy and as Fabian saw that the heathens began to admire the God of the Christians, he ordered him to be beheaded, thus bestowing upon him the Crown of Martyrdom.
The Fifth Day: Mary’s Glorious Entrance into Heaven
Preparatory Prayer by St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
O Mary, Virgin most Blessed and Mother of Our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ, through thy mercy I beseech thee, to come to my aid and to inspire me with such confidence in thy power that I may have recourse to thee, pray to thee and implore thy aid, in all needs of soul and body. Amen
Meditation: Joy greater, than human heart can conceive, fills the heavenly spirits when a soul enters Heaven, to receive its reward. What jubilant transports, then, must those have been, with which they hailed the entrance into heavenly bliss of the most pure and holy Virgin, the Mother of the Son of God, body and soul, transfigured in glory! And she is and shall be, for all eternity, their mistress and Queen! What an ineffable joy, too, for the Blessed Virgin, to behold the countless numbers of Angels, to admire their beauty, their purity, their intense love of God! But as the feeble light of a candle disappears before the splendour of the sun’s rays, thus are these choirs of Angels, obscured by the ineffable glory of her Divine Son, coming to welcome His Mother. Who can describe this moving meeting? What a superabundant reward for love and suffering! What an ocean of joy and bliss, when the Son of God presented His Mother before the throne of His heavenly Father, Who greeted her as His Beloved Daughter! What a joy to behold the Holy Ghost, Whose pure Spouse she had been, even on earth! These transports of bliss baffle all attempts at description.
Practice: Although we are unable to have an adequate perception of Mary’s glory in Heaven, by which she is raised above all Angels and Saints, yet, it is in our power, to do one thing – we can rejoice at the glory of our Blessed Mother and join the heavenly spirits and the Saints, in paying homage to her. Let us resolve to do this and never to forget that Mary attained to the largest share of her Divine Son’s glory because, she was foremost in sharing His sufferings. Let this encourage us to bear our cross, to bear it with our Saviour, even to the height of Calvary, there to die with Him.
Prayer of the Church: We beseech Thee, O Lord, pardon the shortcomings of Thy servants that we who, by our own works, are not able to please Thee, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Novena Prayer: Day Five
Glorious Virgin and Mother of God, Mary! I beseech thee through the preparation with which thou wast glorified by God– by the Father ,as His most Beloved Daughter, by the Son, as His Immaculate Mother and by the Holy Ghost, as His most pure Spouse, in Heaven; obtain for me the grace to share, to some extent, this, thy glory and, therefore, to live so that I may deserve it. And too most Blessed Mother, this, my special Petition: ………………….
Hail Mary …….
Ejaculation: Sweet heart of Mary be my salvation!
Indulgence. (1) 100 days, every time. (2) A Plenary Indulgence, once a month, on any day, to all who shall have said it everyday for a month, under the usual conditions.
Thought for the Day – 10 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Rash Judgement
“Let us contemplate Jesus as our model. While He was hanging from the Cross, He looked down compassionately upon His jeering enemies. Not only did He pray for them and forgive them but, He even made excuses for them to His heavenly Father. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk 23:24).
It is still the same. Very often, when people commit sin they do so because they have not reflected about what they are doing.
For this reason, we should always be kind in our judgements and prudent about expressing them. A harsh judgement can cause irreparable damage to our brother’s character, whereas, a kind word, can lead him back from the path of evil!”
Quote/s of the Day – 10 August – St Lawrence (Died 258) Martyr, “Keeper of the Treasures of he Church” – 2 Corinthians 9:6-10, John 12:24-26 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“If anyone serves me, he must follow me and where I am, there will my servant be also.”
John 12:26
“If it dies, it produces much fruit” John 12:24
“Through the glorious achievements of the holy Martyrs with which the Church blossoms everywhere, we are ourselves, proving to our own eyes, how true are the words we have been singing that: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Ps 116[115]:15). For it is precious both in our sight and in the sight of Him, in Whose Name. the death took place.”
“Do not love your life in this world! If you truly love yourselves, do not thus love your life and then, you will save your life!”…
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church
“Day by day follow God’s path, keeping Him closely attached to you by His promise. In fact, He Himself said, through the mediation of His Apostles, to all those who seek His will and His testimonies that He would be with them until the end of the world (Mt 28:20) where paths and footsteps will be unknown (cf Ps 76:20), as the divine David said in his songs. Yet, in an invisible way, He is present to the eyes of the mind, making Himself seen by those who have a pure heart and conversing with them. So pursue your path …. “
St Theodore the Studite (759-826) Monk and Theologian at Constantinople
One Minute Reflection – 10 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Lawrence (Died 258) Martyr, “Keeper of the Treasures of he Church” – 2 Corinthians 9:6-10, John 12:24-26 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“If it dies, it produces much fruit” – John 12:24
REFLECTION – “When Saint Lawrence saw Bishop Sixtus being led to Martyrdom, he started to weep. It was not his Bishop’s suffering which drew tears from his eyes but the fact that he was going to Martyrdom without him. That was why he began shouting after him in these words: “Father, where are you going without your son? O holy Priest, where are you going in such a hurry, without your Deacon? Yet you have never been accustomed to offer the Sacrifice without a minister!… Test it out that you have chosen a good Deacon – would you refuse to share the Sacrifice of your blood with him, to whom you have entrusted the administration of the Lord’s Blood, with whom you share the Sacraments?”…
Then Pope Sixtus replied to Lawrence: “I have not forgotten you, my son, nor am I forsaking you. But to you I am leaving even greater combats to undergo. I am old and can only bear a light struggle. But you are young and there remains an even more glorious triumph against the tyrant to be won by you. You will be coming shortly – dry your tears; you will follow me in three days …”
Three days later, Lawrence was arrested. He was asked to bring out the Church’s wealth and treasures. He promised to do so. The following day he returned with some poor people. He was asked where the treasures were which he had to bring. He showed the poor people, saying: “These are the Church’s treasures. What greater treasures could Christ have than those of whom He said: ‘Whatever you have done to one of these little ones, you have done to Me/’ (Mt 25,40)” Lawrence showed forth those treasures and so he was the victor, for the persecutor had no desire to take them from him. But, in his fury, he caused him to be burned alive.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church (On the duties of the clergy I, 84; II, 28; PL 16,84).
PRAYER – Grant us, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, to extinguish the flames of our sins, as Thou granted St Lawrence to overcome the fires of his tortures. 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).
Our Morning Offering – 10 August – St Lawrence (Died 258) “Keeper of the Treasures of he Church,” Martyr, Archdeacon.
Holy Deacon Martyr, St Lawrence! Unknown Author
Holy Deacon! by thy yearning For the Martyr’s glorious crown; By thy tortures, by thy burning, By thy death of bright renown; When the world and flesh and devil Tempt our souls to sin and evil, Dear Saint Lawrence, pray for us!
By the love that thou didst ever To thy Pontiff-Father bear, Pray that no base act may sever Us from Peter’s loving care! But when men would once more lead us Into bonds from which Christ freed us, Dear Saint Lawrence, pray for us!
By the Pontiff’s words of warning, Bidding all thy sorrows cease, Words foretelling bitter mourning Leading unto lasting peace! That to Jesus in our sadness We may look for help and gladness, Dear Saint Lawrence, pray for us!
By thy love, which knew no measure, For the needy and the old, Giving them the Church’s treasure Dearer they than gems and gold! Teaching us that alms well given Are but treasures stored in Heaven, Dear Saint Lawrence, pray for us!
By thy fervent love for Jesus, By thy strong and constant faith, Of our sinful burdens ease us! Help us at the hour of death! When the fears of death confound us When the cleansing fires surround us! Dear Saint Lawrence, pray for us!
Saint of the Day – 10 August – St Deusdedit the Cobbler (6th Century) Confessor, Layman – Deusdedit was a poor layman shoemaker in 6th Century Rome, Italy. Patronages – shoemakers, of the poor. His name meaning, “dedicated to God.”
The Roman Martyrology reads of him today: “At Rome, the holy Confessor Deusdedit, a working man, who gave to the poor, every Saturday, whatever he had earned during the week.”
We have little information of Deusdedit except that which St Gregory the Great (540-604) left us, having lived in the same years and been the Pope at the time that this holy shoemaker visited St Peter’s on Saturdays. Besides this we know nothing further of his life.
There was a pious shoemaker named Deusdedit, in Rome [so Gregory tells us]. Every Saturday he took his week’s earnings to the courtyard of the Shrine of St Peter in the Vatican, Rome. With these hard-earned wages, he gave alms to the poor who assembled at the Shrine.
The result of the cobbler’s charity was revealed in a vision to a pious person praying nearby. The vision was of a house being built in Heaven. But this building occurred only on Saturdays. For Saturday was the day on which Deusdedit went to St Peter’s to give alms to the poor.
The house was the cobbler’s “Mansion” in Heaven, built by the “Treasure” which he had transferred to Heaven every Saturday through his gifts to the poor.
A similar vision revealed that these Mansions are Treasure Houses in themselves – for they are built with bricks of pure gold!
St Deusdedit the Cobbler (6th Century) St Gerontius Bl Hugh of Montaigu St Paula of Carthage St Thiento of Wessobrunn
Martyrs of Alexandria – 260+ Saints: A large number of Christians who were Martyred in Alexandria, Egypt between 260 and 267 in the persecutions of Decius and Valerian, whose names have not come down to us and who are commemorated together.
Martyrs of Rome – 165 Saints: Group of 165 Christians Martyred in the persecutions of Aurelian. 274 in Rome, Italy.
Preparatory Prayer by St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
O Mary, Virgin most Blessed and Mother of Our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ, through thy mercy I beseech thee, to come to my aid and to inspire me with such confidence in thy power that I may have recourse to thee, pray to thee and implore thy aid, in all needs of soul and body. Amen
Reasons for the Bodily Assumption of the Blessed Virgin into Heaven
Meditation: The wages of sin is death. Now, as the Blessed Virgin, from the first moment of her existence was preserved from all sin and even from original sin, it necessarily follows that death could have no permanent dominion over her and that, her body would not be permitted to see corruption.
This sinless body had been the medium by which the Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who was the conqueror of death, had been formed. How, then, could such a highly privileged body, a pure and virginal body, be permitted to pass through corruption and decay?
As Mary had yielded up her sacred person to be a dwelling-place for the Lord of Heaven, it seems fitting that this same Lord, in His turn, should give the Kingdom of Heaven to her as her resting-place. St Bernard expresses this sentiment as follows: “When Our Lord came into this world, Mary furnished Him with the noblest dwelling on earth, the temple of her virginal womb. In return, the Lord,on this day, raises her up to the highest throne in Heaven.”
Practice: If You desire to look forward to death, without fear and to expect your dissolution with confidence, follow the Apostle’s injunction, “Therefore, whilst we have time, let us do good works, to all men” (Gal. 6:10). Avoid sin, perform good works, be patient in affliction and strive to expiate the punishment due to your sins by voluntary acts of penance, thus reducing your inclination to sin. Therefore, offer up to God, every morning, in a spirit of penitence, all your labours, trials and sufferings.
Prayer of the Church: We beseech Thee, O Lord, pardon the shortcomings of Thy servants that we who, by our own works, are not able to please Thee, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Novena Prayer: Day Four
Glorious Virgin and Mother of God, Mary! I beseech thee through the ineffable glory, thou didst make for thy departure from this world by a life of retirement, full of merits and virtue, dedicated to God alone; obtain for me the grace, of, following thy example, that I may detach my heart from this world and patiently bear affliction and adversity, carefully avoid sin and always strive to advance in the love of God. Obtain for me too, I beg thee Holy Mother, this my special petition ……………………
Hail Mary …….
Ejaculation:Sweet heart of Mary be my salvation!
Indulgence: (1) 100 days, every time. (2) A Plenary Indulgence, once a month, on any day, to all who shall have said it everyday for a month, under the usual conditions.
Thought for the Day – 9 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Mystery of Life
“These reflections reveal to us the transience of this life and make sorrows and hardships seem easier to endure and, even welcome, if we know how to offer them to God. What difference will the sufferings of a past existence make?
What will remain tomorrow of the trials which we have encountered today? Only a consoling memory, as long as we have offered them to God.
Let us examine all our affections, desires and sufferings in the light of eternity. Viewed in that relationship, they can all become a source of self-sanctification.”
Quote/s of the Day – 9 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Jean-Marie-Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859) Confessor
“You either belong wholly to the world or wholly to God.”
“You must accept your cross. If you bear it courageously, it will carry you to Heaven.”
“All our religion is but a false religion and all our virtues are mere illusions and we ourselves, are only hypocrites in the sight of God, if we have not that universal charity for everyone – for the good and for the bad, for the poor and for the rich and for all those who do us harm, as much as those, who do us good.”
O Thou, Most Holy Virgin Mary (Pray for Me in All My Necessities) By St John Vianney (1786-1859)
O thou, Most Holy Virgin Mary, who dost evermore stand before the Most Holy Trinity and to whom it is granted, at all times to pray for us to thy Most Beloved Son; pray for me in all my necessities; help me, combat for me and obtain for me, the pardon of all my sins. Help me especially at my last hour and when I can no longer give any sign of the use of reason, then do thou encourage me, make the Sign of the Cross for me and fight for me against the enemy. Make in my name, a profession of faith; favour me with a testimony of my salvation and never let me despair of the mercy of God. Help me to overthrow the wicked enemy. When I can no longer say: “Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I place my soul in your hands,” do thou say it for me; when I can no longer hear human words of consolation, do thou comfort me. Leave me not before I have been judged and if I have to expiate my sins in Purgatory, Oh! pray for me earnestly and admonish my friends, to procure for me a speedy enjoyment of the Blessed Sight of God. Lessen my sufferings, deliver me speedily and lead my soul into Heaven with thee that, united with all the elect, I may there bless and praise my God and thee, for all eternity. Amen.
One Minute Reflection – 9 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St John Marie Vianney (1786-1859) Confessor – Sirach 31:8-11, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Blessed are those servants whom the Master, on His return, shall find watching.” – Luke 12:37
REFLECTION – “We must sleep in such a way as to be easily awakened. For Scripture says, “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when He comes and knocks.” (Lk 12:35-36). For a sleeping man is of no more use than a dead man. Therefore, we ought often to get up at night and bless God!
Blessed are those who watch for Him and so, make themselves like the Angels, whom we call “Watchers.” A man asleep is worth nothing, no more than if he were dead. But whoever has the light keeps watch and “darkness does not overcome him” (Jn 1:5) neither does sleep. Whoever has been illumined is, therefore, wakened to God and such a person is alive, “for what came to be in him was life.” (Jn 1:4) “Happy the man,” says Wisdom,“who obeys me and happy those who keep my ways, happy the man watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts” (Pr 8:34).
Therefore, “let us not sleep as the rest do but let us stay alert and sober” as Scripture says. “For those who sleep, go to sleep at night and those who are drunk, get drunk at night,” that is, in the darkness of ignorance. “But since we are of the day, let us be sober.” (1Th 5:6-8) “For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness.” (1Th 5:5).” – St Clement of Alexandria (c150- c215) Father of the Church, Theologian and Philosopher, Professor who taught at the Catechetical School of Alexandria (The Instructor II:9).
PRAYER – Almighty and merciful God, Who made St John-Marie glorious by priestly zeal and untiring fervoru in prayer and penance, grantP we beseech Thee that by his example and intercession, we may have strength to win for Christ, the souls of our brethren and, with them, attain everlasting 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).
Our Morning Offering – 9 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” and the Memorial of St John Vianney (1786-1859) Confessor
I Love Thee, O My God By St John Vianney (1786-1859)
I love Thee, O my God and my only desire is to love Thee until the last breath of my life. I love Thee, O my infinitely lovable God and I would rather die loving Thee than live without loving Thee. I love Thee, Lord and the only grace I ask, is to love Thee eternally. My God, if my tongue cannot say in every moment that I love Thee, I wish my heart to repeat it to Thee as often as I draw breath! Amen
Saint of the Day – 9 August – Saint Autor of Metz (5th Century) the 13th Bishop of Metz in France, for 29 years, Miracle-worker. Patronage – of Braunschweig, Germany. Also known as – Adinctor, Auctor, Auteur, Autore, Author. Additional Memorials – 11 August (Diocese of Metz, France), 10 August – the presumed date of his death (Martyrology of St Jerome), 20 August (Braunschweig, Germany), 13 March (translation of relics).
This image shows St Autor as the Patron of Braunschweig, Germany.
Tradition says that Autor was a cobbler, known in the City of Metz, France for his holiness. When Bishop Valerius was murdered, local people approached Autor to take the office. He initially refused but while he was arguing with the faithful, he dropped his leather awl – it landed point down, punched a small hole in the dirt and a spring of fresh water erupted from it. Both he and the townspeople knew a sign when they saw it and he became the 13th bishop of Metz
His position was assigned by the most ancient catalogue of the City’s Bishops, compiled around 776 and which has survived to this day. Saint Autor is mentioned in 451.
It is believed from these records that our Saint governed the Diocese for twenty-nine years. According to Paul the Deacon in his text ‘Gesta Episcoporum Metensium – Acts of the Bishops of Metz,’ Saint Autor lived at the time of Attila and, with many others, was deported by the Huns. But a miracle by Autor’s prayers, saved him from deportation. It is said, in fact, that he miraculously restored the sight of some barbarians who had been struck blind as they had come to send him out of Metz. Their vision returned when they freed Autor and he prayed for them.
Some historians inform us that Autor ruled the fate of the Diocese of Trier, as well as Metz, in a period in which it remained vacant but this statement has no historical basis.
There is a legend about the translation of his Relics. In the year 852, Bishop Drogone brought back his remains together with those of St Celeste, his predecessor, to the Monastery of Marmoutier. A procession had been organized to display the cloth Relics to the faithful but a strange thing happened. The remains of Saint Autor which were placed in front of those of St Celeste, would not move, until those of St Celeste were placed first in the procession.
St Autor’s Relics remained in the Alsatian Monastery of Marmoutier in Strasbourg, until the Saint is said to have appeared in a dream to the Margravine of Braunschweig, Gertrude the Younger, asking her to transport his remains to Braunschweig, to the newly founded Aegidien Monastery. This iis mentioned in an historical record, completed around 1210. According to another source, St Autor’s Relics were transferred from St. Maximin to the Helmarshausen Monastery as early as 1105 from where they were finally taken to Braunschweig.
In 1200 , during a throne dispute, the troops of the King Philip of Swabia besieged the City of Braunschweig. On 20 August of that year, Saint Autor saved the City from being taken, by appearing, sword in hand to the enemy troops, who then retreated in fear. Since then he has been the Patron Saint of Braunschweig and 20 August is the “Autor’s Day.”
The relatively peaceful ending of inner-city revolts during the 14th and 15th Centuries were also attributed to the intercession of the City Saint.
St Nathy St Numidicus of Carthage St Phelim St Rusticus of Sirmium St Rusticus of Verona St Secundian of Civitavecchia St Stephen of Burgos St Verian of Civitavecchia
Martyrs of Civitavecchia: Three Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Decius. We know little more than the names – Marcellian, Secundian and Verian. 250 near Civitavecchia, Italy.
Martyrs of Constantinople: 10 Saints: A group of ten Christians who were arrested, tortured and executed for defending an icon of Christ in defiance of orders from Emperor Leo the Isaurian. We know the names of three, but nothing else about them – Julian, Marcian and Mary. They were beheaded in Constantinople.
Preparatory Prayer by St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
O Mary, Virgin most Blessed and Mother of Our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ, through thy mercy I beseech thee, to come to my aid and to inspire me with such confidence in thy power that I may have recourse to thee, pray to thee and implore thy aid, in all needs of soul and body. Amen
Meditation: St John Damascene (675-749) Father and Doctor of the Church, writes: “St Thomas was not with the other Apostles when the Blessed Virgin died but arrived in Jerusalem on the third day after that event. Ardently desiring to see once more and to venerate the sacred body which had given flesh and blood to his Beloved Master, the grave was opened for this purpose. The body could nowhere be seen and a delicious perfume filled the empty tomb. The Apostles then became convinced, that as God had preserved the body of Mary free from sin before, in and after the Birth of His Son, He was pleased, likewise, after her death, to preserve that same body from corruption and, to glorify it in Heaven.”
A Council held in Jerusalem, in the year 1672, declared: “It is beyond all doubt, that the Blessed Virgin is not only a great and miraculous sign on earth because she bore God in the flesh and yet remained a virgin but, she is also, a great and miraculous sign in Heaven because she was taken up to Heaven, with soul and body. For although her sinless body was enclosed in the tomb, yet, like the body of Our Lord, it arose on the third day and was carried up to Heaven.”
Although the Doctrine of the bodily Assumption of Mary into Heaven, was not defined by the Church as an Article of Faith in the strict sense, yet, the learned Pope Benedict XIV rdeclares, “It would be presumptuous and blameworthy in anyone, to call into doubt or to question, this beautiful and consoling belief of ages.”
Practice: Let us rejoice at the thought of the glorious resurrection of our dear Mother. Let us unite ourselves in spirit with the Apostles in Heaven and with Holy Church, to congratulate her on this extraordinary privilege. But let us also rejoice at the thought of our own resurrection. True, it shall not take place immediately after death but. it is, therefore, not the less certain and it depends on us, to make it glorious and blessed.
Prayer of the Church:We beseech Thee, O Lord, pardon the shortcomings of Thy servants that we who, by our own works, are not able to please Thee, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Novena Prayer: Day Three
Glorious Virgin and Mother of God, Mary! As thy sacred body, after death, was preserved from corruption and, united with thy sinless soul, was borne to Heaven by the Angels; obtain for me the grace that my life and death be holy, so that on the Day of Judgement, I may arise to glory everlasting. Obtain for me too, I beg thee, the granting of this my special petition: …………………………… Amen
Hail Mary …….
Ejaculation: Sweet heart of Mary be my salvation!
Indulgence. (1) 100 days, every time. (2) A Plenary Indulgence, once a month, on any day, to all who shall have said it everyday for a month, under the usual conditions.
Thought for the Day – 8 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
More About Almsgiving
“We should often read and contemplate passages in praise of charity and almsgiving which are contained in the Sacred Scriptures. “Give that which remains as alms and behold, all things are clean to you” (Lk 11:41). “Alms delivereth from death and the same is that which purgeth away sins and maketh to find mercy and life everlasting” (Tob 12:9). “Redeem thou thy sins with alms and thy iniquities with works of mercy to the poor” (Dan 4:24). “My sons, rob not the poor man of his livelihood; force not the eyes of the needy to turn away” (Ecclus 4:11). “Water quenches a flaming fire and alms atones for sins” (Ecclus 3:29). “Be merciful, therefore, even as your Father is merciful … Give and it shall be given to you … For with what measure you measure, it shall be measures to you ” (Lk 6:36-38). “For judgement is without mercy to him who has not shown mercy ,,, And if a brother or a sister be naked and in want of daily food and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ yet you do not give them what is necessary for the body, what does it profit? ” So faith too, unless it has works is dead in itself” (Js 2:13-17).”
Quote/s of the Day – 8 August – The Fourteen Holy Helpers – 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16, Mark 16:15-18 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to every creature.”
Mark 16:15
“Let us trust in Him. Who has placed this burden upon us. What we ourselves cannot bear, let us bear, with the help of Christ. For He is All-powerful and He tells us: ‘My yoke is easy and my burden light,’”
St Boniface (c672-754) Martyr, Confessor, Bishop “The Apostle of Germany”
“We will never do anything great for God if we do not realise the great gifts which God has given us. The very fact that you have the Catholic Faith at this time of apostasy, shows that you are especially blessed by God. Count yourselves extremely blessed. Hold onto your Catholic Faith, despite all the things going on around you ,- not only in your own life but in the world in general AND in the Church!”
St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582) Doctor of the Church
“Know that the greatest service that man can offer to God, is to help convert souls.”
St Rose of Lima (1586-1617)
Prayer to the Fourteen Holy Helpers By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
Great Princes of Heaven, Holy Helpers, who sacrificed to God all your earthly possessions, wealth, preferment and even life and who now are crowned in Heaven in the secure enjoyment of eternal bliss and glory. Have compassion on me, a poor sinner in this vale of tears and obtain for me, from God, for Whom you gave up all things and Who loves you as His servants, the strength to bear patiently all the trials of this life, to overcome all temptations and to persevere in God’s service to the end that one day, I too may be received into your company, to praise and glorify Him, the Supreme Lord, Whose beatific vision you enjoy and Whom you praise and glorify forever. Amen.
One Minute Reflection – 8 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – The Fourteen Holy Helpers – 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16, Mark 16:15-18 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” – Mark 16:15
REFLECTION – “You have heard what the Lord said to His disciples after the Resurrection. He sent them out to preach the Gospel and they did so. Listen: “Through all the earth their voice resounds and to the ends of the world, their message” (Ps 18[19],5). Step by step, the Gospel has reached even to us and the ends of the earth. In a few words the Lord, addressing Himself to His disciples, set out what we are to do and what we have to hope for. Just as you have heard, He said: “Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved.” He asks for our faith and offers us salvation. What He offers us, is so precious that what He asks of us, is as nothing.
“The children of men take refuge in the shadow of Thy wings, O my God… from Thy delightful stream, Thou gives them to drink, for with Thee, is the Fountain of Life” (Ps 35[36],8f.). Jesus Christ is the Fountain of Life. Before the Fountain of Life came to us, we had only a human salvation like that of the beasts, of which the psalm speaks: “Man and beast you save, O Lord” (Ps 35[36],7). But now the Fountain of Life has come even to us, the Fountain of Life died for our sakes. Will He refuse us His Life,Who, for our sakes, gave His Death? He is salvation and this salvation is not worthless, like the other one. Why? Because it does not pass away. The Lord has come. He died but He killed death. In Himself, He brought an end to death. He assumed it and He killed it. Where is death now, then? Look for it in Christ and it is no longer there. It used to be there but there it died. O Life, Death of death! Take heart: it will also die in us. What was fulfilled in the Head will also be fulfilled in the members and death will die in us, too!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 233).
PRAYER – PRAYER – O God, Who gladden us with the annual festival of Thy 14 holy Saints, mercifully grant, that we, who celebrate the anniversary of their death, may also strive to equal the courage of their Martyrdom. 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).
Our Morning Offering – 8August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary”
O Immaculate Heart of Mary, Heart of Love and Mercy
O Most Blessed Mother, heart of love, heart of mercy, ever listening, caring, consoling, hear our prayer. As your children, we implore your intercession with Jesus your Son. Receive with understanding and compassion the petitions we place before you today, especially those so deep in our heart. We are comforted in knowing your heart is ever open to those who ask for your prayer. We trust to your gentle care and intercession, those whom we love and those who are sick or lonely or hurting. Help all of us, Holy Mother, to bear our burdens in this life until we may share eternal life and peace with God forever. Amen
Saint of the Day – 8 August – Blessed William of Castellammare di Stabia OFM (Died 1364) Martyr, Friar of the Order of Friar’s Minor, Missionary to Palestine. Born in Castellammare di Stabia, Naples, Italy and died a most horrific death in 1364 in Gaza, Palestine. His body and all his property, including his Breviary, were burned. We have no images of Blessed William – those below are of various Franciscan Martyrs.
Franciscan Martyrs in China
Franciscans, have, from the earliest times of St Francis, had, as one of their objectives, the evangelisation of the Islamic world. Already St Francis went to Palestine in 1219, after two unsuccessful attempts, presenting himself to the Sultan Al-Malik al Kamil, establishing an interesting contact, which revealed, after the centuries-old struggles between Saracens and Christians, the possibility, at least on the Christian side, of a dialogue of the love between the two great religions, for their common origins in Abraham.
In 1220, one of the first disciples of Francis, the learned and miracle-worker St Anthony of Padua, attempted to go to North Africa among the Saracens, but a storm forced him to be shipwrecked in Sicily. But, already at that time, the beginning of 1220, there were the first Franciscan Martyrs at the hands of the Saracens – St Francis had sent five Friars as Missionaries to Muslim-occupied Spain, Saints Berard, Peter,Otho, Accursius, and Adjutus, considered the Protomartyrs of the Franciscans. They began to preach in the Mosques and were, therefore sentenced to death by the Sultan but then they were pardoned and, like so many other Christians in the region, sent to Morocco to work as forced labourers.
Franciscan Martyrs of the Spanish Civil War
However, the courageous Friars continued to preach the Gospel and were imprisoned again, they were flogged and finally beheaded on 16 January 1220. After them, many Franciscans lost their lives in an attempt to spread the Gospel in the hostile and closed Muslim world. Already, in 1227, there were seven more Franciscan Martyrs in Morocco, the Saints Daniel and companions and other Orders also brought their bloody contribution to the conversion of the Saracens, who, it is good to remember, dominated the coasts of the Mediterranean with violent raids, plundering, killing, kidnapping women and men enslaved, all in the name of a ‘holy war’ in name of Allah. The Mercedarian Order distinguished itself in that sad period, for the ransom of Christians from slavery in Arab land and many of them died Martyrs amid unheard-of torments.
This was the situation of those centuries of terror and the Holy Land was occupied by Muslims, generating the phenomenon of the Crusades, which sharpened even more the ideological contrast and the bloody clashes between the Christian and Muslim worlds, with excesses from both sides.
In this historical-religious context, the story of the Franciscan Friar Minor, Blessed William of Castellammare di Stabia, a native of the beautiful, historic, rich in thermal waters, City of the Gulf of Naples.
Unfortunately we have not received much information of this Franciscan Missionary in Palestine but that he proclaimed the Gospel publicly, courageously accusing the Muslim religion of falsehood. Perhaps, at the time, there was no other way to carry out the Apostolate, other than to make these public sermons which evidently were striking, both for the content and the great courage shown in preaching in this way at all!
Naturally, William was arrested and during his detention they tried to make him apostatise with threats and promises, it does not appear that he was tortured, as happened to many others. Refusing all attempts to bend his staunch convictions, William was finally Martyred in 1364 in Gaza (apparently sawn in two).
His body was burned together with his Breviary with which he recited the canonical prayers – the bodies of the Martyrs were burned so as not to create a cult of Relics among Christians, a cult which Muslims saw as smoke and mirrors.
Blessed William is commemorated on 8 August.
The Martyrs of Morocco, 1508, by Francisco Henriques
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