Day: December 7, 2023

Posted in MARIAN NOVENAS

Novena in Honour of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary – DAY NINE – 7 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Novena in Honour of the Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary

THE NINTH DAY – 7 December
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

A simple short Novena DAY NINE here (which also attracts Indulgences):
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/07/immaculate-conception-novena-day-nine-7-december/
NOTE on Indulgences HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/29/novena-in-honour-of-the-immaculate-conception-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary-day-one-29-november/

PREPARATORY PRAYER:
In thy conception, O Virgin Mary,
thou wast immaculate;
pray for us to the Father, Whose Son Jesus,
conceived in thy womb by the Holy Ghost,
thou didst bring forth.

Indulgence. 200 days, every time. (Pius VI, 21 November

MEDITATION:
Early in the Christian era the Feast of Mary’s Immaculate Conception was observed in several countries. St Anselm (1033-1109) Bishop of Canterbury and Doctor of the Church, introduced it in England. A great number of Popes favoured the Doctrine of Mary’s absolute sinlessness and the adversaries of the Immaculate Conception, were bidden to be silent and not publicly assert or defend their view.
In 1477, Pope Sixtus IV prescribed the Feast of the Immaculate Conception to be observed in the whole Church and made it obligatory on Priests, to recite the special canonical Office and to use the Mass formula published for the purpose.
In 1846, the Bishops of the United States assembled in Plenary Council in Baltimore, elected the Blessed Virgin under the title of her Immaculate Conception, as Patroness of the Church in their country.
Finally, Pope Pius IX, after consulting with the Bishops throughout the world and having implored the Holy Ghost for His guidance, in prayer and fasting, promulgated, on 8 December, 1854, the Dogma which teaches that the Blessed Virgin Mary, was in her conception, by a special grace and through the merits of her Divine Son, preserved from the stain of Original Sin.
This Doctrine was received throughout the world, with ineffable joy and, indeed, no-one who loves the Blessed Virgin, can help rejoicing at this, her most glorious privilege.
The invocation, “Queen conceived without the stain of Original Sin,” was added to the Litany of Loreto.
In 1866, at the Second Plenary Council in Baltimore, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception was raised to the rank of a Holy Day of Obligation for the Church of the United States.

PRACTICE:
In the inscrutable designs of His Providence, God ordained that the Mystery of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary should be proclaimed an Article of Faith, as late as the middle of the nineteenth century.
But, then, its proclamation was attended by circumstances which. undeniably proved that the Holy Father. in pronouncing the Dogma, had been inspired and guided by the Holy Ghost.
Let us praise God and thank Him for bestowing this glorious privilege on our beloved Mother and, let us often invoke her under her favourite title, the Immaculate Conception.
St. Alphonsus Liguori tells us that the devotion to this Mystery, is especially efficacious in overcoming the temptations of impurity. Therefore, he was accustomed to recommend, to his penitents thus tempted, to recite three times, everyday, the Hail Mary in honour of our blessed Mother’s Immaculate Conception.
And the Venerable John of Avila (1500-1569) assures us that he had never found anyone, who practised a true devotion to the Immaculate Conception of Mary, who did not, in a short time, obtain the gift of that virtue of purity, which renders us so dear to her Immaculate Heart.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH:
O God, Who through the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin didst prepare a worthy dwelling-place for Thy Divine Son,
grant that, as in view of Thy Son,
Thou didst preserve her from all taint,
so Thou wouldst vouchsafe unto us
that cleansed from all sin by her intercession,
we too may arrive at Thine eternal glory.
Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER:
O Living light of holiness,
model of purity,
Mary Immaculate, Virgin and Mother!
As soon as thou wast conceived,
thou didst profoundly adore thy God,
giving Him thanks that,
in thee, the ancient curse was revoked
and blessing came again,
upon the sinful sons of Adam.
O make this blessing,
kindle in my heart love for God
and do thou, fan this flame of love,
within me that I may love Him constantly
and one day, in Heaven,
eternally enjoy Him,
there to thank Him more and more fervently,
for all the wondrous privileges
conferred upon thee
and to rejoice with thee,
for thy high Crown of Glory.

Hail Mary, Glory be … etc.

LITANY of LORETO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/29/novena-in-honour-of-the-immaculate-conception-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary-day-one-29-november/

Aspiration: O Mary, conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to thee!
Indulgence. 100 days, once a day. (Pope Leo XIII, 25 March 1884).

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on VANITY, QUOTES on WISDOM

Thought for the Day – 7 December –

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

TRUE WISDOM

“Today, unfortunately, there is too much emphasis set on material science considered in itself and apart from God.
Many people do not regard earthly things as steps which enable them to climb towards God but, as objects desirable in themselves which possess the power to satisfy them, both intellectually and sensibly.
In fact, they fail to appease their vanity for very long and, if they become attached to them, lead them towards spiritual ruin.

A century ago, the French writer de Maistre, prophesied incalculable evil, if men did not return to the ancient values and subordinate knowledge to goodness once more.
Because of science, he said, men would become more barbarous than the barbarians.
His words have come true in the past few decades.
Unbridled science has brought us two world wars and the weapons which threaten destruction of all!

Let us seek to avert catastrophe in our own individual lives, at least.
Knowledge is desirable but only after goodness and humility.
Let us remember the words of St Paul in his letter to the Corinthians:
“All things are yours and you are Christ’s and Christ is God’s” (1 Cor 3:22-23).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/30/thought-for-the-day-30-april-true-wisdom/

Posted in "Follow Me", ADVENT QUOTES, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, MARIAN QUOTES, OUR Cross, QUOTES on CHASTITY, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PURITY, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SLOTH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on WATCHING, SAINT of the DAY, The HEART, The HOLY CROSS, The SECOND COMING

Quote/s of the Day – 7 December – St Ambrose

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Quote/s of the Day – 7 December – St Ambrose (340-397) – Confessor, Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church

“O, that the soul of Mary were in us,
to glorify the Lord!
That the spirit of Mary were in us,
to rejoice in God.
May the life of Blessed Mary
be ever present to our awareness.
In her, as in a mirror,
the form of virtue
and beauty of chastity, shine forth.
She was Virgin, not only in body
but in mind and spirit.
She never sullied the pure affection of her heart
by unworthy feelings.
She was humble of heart.
She was serious in her conversations.
She was prudent in her counsels.
She preferred to pray rather than to speak.
She united in her heart the prayers of the poor,
and avoided the uncertainty of worldly riches.
She was ever faithful to her daily duties,
reserved in her conversations
and always accustomed to recognise God
as the witness of her thoughts.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus!”

(On Virginity II 2.7)

“Watch, therefore because you know not
the day, nor the hour.”
Matthew 25:13

“ In the hours of the night, think always on Christ
and hope for His coming at every moment. …
Christ enters at the open door.
He will not fail to do so, for He has promised to enter.
Embrace Him, Whom you have sought.
Approach Him and be illumined.
Hold Him and ask Him not to go away quickly.
Beg Him not to depart.
For “His Word runs swiftly” (Ps 147:15)
and will not be held by the slothful
or negligent soul.
Let your soul run to His call and follow closely, t
he sound of His heavenly Voice,
for His passing is swift. …”

“Open wide your door to the One who comes.
Open your soul,
throw open the depths of your heart
to see the riches of simplicity,
the treasures of peace,
the sweetness of grace.
Open your heart
and run to meet
the Sun of Eternal Light
Who illuminates all men.”

“No-one heals himself
by wounding another.”

“Our own evil inclinations
are far more dangerous,
than any external enemies. ”

“Carry me, O Christ,
on Thy Cross
which is salvation to the wanderer,
rest for the wearied
and, in which alone,
is Life for those who die.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/07/quote-s-of-the-day-7-december-st-ambrose-3/

St Ambrose (340-397)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, JESUIT SJ, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on PRIESTS, the PRIESTHOOD and CONSECRATED LIFE, Quotes on SALVATION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 December – “You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:14

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 7 December – “The Month of the Divine Infant and the Immaculate Conception” – St Ambrose (340-397) – Confessor, Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:14

REFLECTION – “I shall always love and reverence the Apostles sent by Christ and their successors, in sowing the seed of the Gospel, those zealous and tireless co-operators in propagating the Word, who may justly say of themselves: Let a man so account of us as the ministers of Christ and the dispensers of the Mysteries of God. For Christ, like a most watchful and most faithful householder, wished that the Gospel lamp should be lit by such ministers and delegates, with fire sent down from Heaven and once lit, should not be put under a measure but set upon a candlestick, so that it may spread its brightness far and wide and put to flight, all darkness and error, rife among both Jews and Gentiles.

Now it is not enough for the Gospel teacher to be a brilliant speaker in the eyes of the people; he must also be as a voice crying in the desert and endeavour, by his eloquence, to help many to lead good lives, lest, if he omit his duty of speaking, he be called the dumb dog that is not able to bark, spoken of by the prophet. Yes, he should also burn, in such a way, that, equipped with good works and love, he may adorn his evangelical office and follow the leadership of Paul. He indeed was not satisfied with bidding the Bishop of the Ephesians: This command and teach: conduct thyself in work as a good soldier of Christ Jesus but he unflaggingly preached the Gospel to friend and foe alike and, said with a good conscience to the Bishops gathered at Ephesus: You know how I have kept back nothing that was for your good but have declared it to you and taught you in public and from house to house, urging Jews and Gentiles to turn to God in repentance and to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Such should be the shepherd in the Church who, like Paul, becomes all things to all men, so that the sick may find healing in him; the sad, joy; the desperate, hope; the ignorant, instruction; those in doubt, advice; the penitent, forgiveness and comfort and finally, everyone, whatever is necessary for salvation. And so Christ, when He wished to appoint the chief teachers of the world and of the Church, did not limit Himself to saying to His disciples: You are the light of the world but also added these words: A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a measure but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all who are in the house. Those churchmen err, who imagine that it is by brilliant preaching, rather than by holiness of life and all-embracing love, they fulfil their office.” – St Peter Canisius SJ (1521-1597) Doctor of the Church (Sermon excerpt).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who have given blessed Ambrose to Thy people as a help for eternal salvation, grant, we beseech Thee that we may be worthy to have him as our intercessor in Heaven, whom we have had as a teacher of life, on earth. ThroughJesus 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 ADVENT PRAYERS, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, MARIAN HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The DIVINE INFANT, The NATIVITY of JESUS

Our Morning Offering – 7 December – St Ambrose’ Veni Redemptor Gentium / Saviour of the Nations, Come!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 7 December – “The Month of the Divine Infant and the Immaculate Conception” – St Ambrose (340-397) – Confessor, Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church

Veni Redemptor Gentium
Saviour of the Nations, Come!
By St Ambrose’s Advent Hymn

Saviour of the nations, come!
Virgin’s Son, here make Thy home!
Marvel now, O Heaven and earth,
That the Lord chose such a birth.

Not by human flesh and blood;
By the Spirit of our God
Was the Word of God made flesh,
Woman’s offspring, pure and fresh.

Wondrous birth! O wondrous Child
Of the Virgin undefiled!
Though by all the world disowned,
Still to be in Heaven enthroned.

From the Father forth He came
And returneth to the same,
Captive leading death and hell
High the song of triumph swell!

Thou, the Father’s only Son,
Hast over sin the victory won.
Boundless shall Thy kingdom be;
When shall we its glories see?

Brightly doth Thy manger shine,
Glorious is its light divine.
Let not sin o’ercloud this Light;
Ever be our faith thus bright.

Praise to God the Father sing,
Praise to God the Son, our King,
Praise to God the Spirit be
Ever and eternally.
Amen!

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 7 December – Saint Urbanus of Teano (Died circa late 4th Century) Confessor, Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 7 December – Saint Urbanus of Teano (Died circa late 4th Century) Confessor, the Third Bishop of Teano, Peacemaker, Apostle of the poor and needy, Miracle-worker. Born and died in Teano, Italy. Patronage – Teano, Italy. Also known as – Urban, Urbano, Urbanius.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Teano in Campania, Saint Urbanus, Bishop.”

Interior of the Teano Cathedral

In the Diocese of Teano, the first Three Bishops are Saints: Paris, Amasius and Urbanus. The records after these, became incomplete until the second half of the 9th Century.

He is called a great Confessor, Native of the place, he was a disciple and Deacon of the First Bishop of Teano, San Paris (Died c346). Upon his death, the people wanted Urbanus as their Bishop by popular acclaim. But he managed to avoid the election in favour of Amasius (Died c356). When the latter also died, he had to accept the nomination as Bishop.

He exercised his pastoral function with great sanctity.
It is said that he performed many miracles which attracted numerous crowds to him. He spent all his energy to visit the faithful of his Diocese, to create Churches and revive Christian worship. He acted as peacemaker during discords, he was assiduous in assisting the poor and needy.

The chronology of his predecessors who died respectively in 346 and 356, allows us to place his Episcopate in the second half of the 4th Century.

The lessons of the Office of the Diocese, published in 1533, deal with him, where he is described as a holy Bishop with great piety and devotion and all the essential elements of a holy Bishop.

There is a little information handed down to us in the 6th Century “Vitae” of his predecessors. Only the Author, Lanzoni thinks that the cult of the first three Bishops of that Church in Teano, derives from an authentic Episcopal catalogue.

Urbanus died very old on 7 December, as he had previously predicted.
He was buried in a tomb which he, himself, had built between the southern gate of the City and the Savone river, probably in the ancient Cemetery, where today the Diocesan Church dedicated to San Paris is located.

The name of St Urbanus was added to the Roman Martyrology with a Feast Day of 7 December.

The City of Teano
Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, JESUIT SJ, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT

Vigil of the Immaculate Conception, Virgen del Castillo / Virgin of the Castle, Spain (1642) St Ambrose and the Saints for 7 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

A Day of Fasting and Abstinence, for the Holy Day tomorrow

Vigil of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
– 7 December:
On this Vigil day, Catholics stand in the remains of the night as the dawn makes its appearance. This resplendent dawn is that Singular Conception, the Immaculate Conception, who ushers in the Light of Christ.
A day of Fast and Abstinence following the Rubrics of Pope Pius X for the Universal Calendar of the Church.

“It is through the most Blessed Virgin Mary, that Jesus Christ came into the world and, it is also through her, that He will reign in the world.” – St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)

Virgen del Castillo, Inmaculada Concepción / Virgin of the Castle, Yecla, Spain (1642) – 7 and 8 December:

St Ambrose (c 340-397) – Confessor, Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church, Theologian, Apostle of Charity, Writer, Musician, Preacher, Reformer and Protector – all-in-all a brilliant, charismatic, vibrant man.
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/07/saint-of-the-day-7-december-st-ambrose-c-340-397-father-and-doctor-of-the-church-2/
And More:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/07/more-on-todays-saint-st-ambrose-c340-397-father-and-doctor-of-the-church/

St Agatho of Alexandria
St Anianas of Chartres
St Athenodoros of Mesopotamia
St Buithe of Monasterboice

St Burgundofara / more commonly known as Fara (c 595-c 643) Nun, Abbess, Founder of the famous Evoriacum Monastery, near Paris in France, which after her death was renamed in her honour, Faremoutiers Abbey (Fara’s Monastery).
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/07/saint-of-the-day-7-december-st-burgundofara-c-595-c-643-virgin/

St Charles Garnier SJ (1606-1649) Priest Martyr, Missionary. Charles Garnier was Canonised on 29 June 1930 by Pope Pius XI with the seven other Canadian Martyrs (also known as the North American Martyrs).
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/07/saint-of-the-day-7-december-st-charles-garnier-sj-1606-1649/

St Diuma
St Geretrannus of Bayeux
Bl Humbert of Clairvaux
St Martin of Saujon

St Maria Giuseppa Rosello FdM (1811-1880) Religious sister and Founder of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy. She was Canonised in 1949 by Pope Pius XII.
About St Maria Giuseppa:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/07/saint-of-the-day-7-december-st-maria-giuseppa-rosello-fdm-1811-1880/

St Nilus of Stolbensk

St Sabinus of Spoleto (Died c 303) Bishop of Assisi, Martyr, Miracle-worker.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/07/saint-of-the-day-7-december-saint-sabinus-of-spoleto-died-c-303/

St Servus the Martyr
St Theodore of Antioch
St Urbanus of Teano (Died circa late 4th Century) Confessor, Bishop of Teano
St Victor of Piacenza