Quote/s of the Day – 31 March – Easter Sunday, Alleluia, He is Truly Risen, Alleluia!
Regina Caeli Laetari Eastertide from Holy Saturday until Trinity Sunday (in case you forget to replace the praying of the Angelus).
Anthem to the Blessed Virgin
Regina Caeli Laetari Queen of heaven
O Queen of Heaven, rejoice, Alleluia. For He Whom thou didst merit to bear, Alleluia. Hath risen as He said, Alleluia. Pray for us to God, Alleluia.
V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary! Alleluia. R. For the Lord is truly risen, Alleluia.
Let us pray
O God, Who by the Resurrection of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, hast vouchsafed to make glad the whole world, grant, we beseech Thee, that, through the intercession HIs Holy Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may attain the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen
There is a venerable tradition connected with this joyous Anthem. It is related that a fearful pestilence raged in Rome, during one of the Easters of the Pontificate of St. Gregory the Great. In order to propitiate the anger of God, the holy Pope prescribed a public procession of both people and clergy, in which was to be carried the portrait of our Blessed Lady painted by St Luke.
The procession was advancing in the direction of Saint Peter’s and as the holy Picture, followed by the Pontiff, (it is said that he processed with bare feet), was carried along, the atmosphere became pure and free from pestilence. Having reached the bridge which joins the City with the Vatican, a choir of Angels was heard singing above the Picture and saying: “Rejoice, O Queen of heaven, alleluia! for He whom thou deservedst to bear, alleluia! hath risen, as He said, alleluia!” As soon as the heavenly music ceased, the saintly Pontiff took courage, and added these words to those of the Angels: “Pray to God for us, alleluia!”
Thus was composed the Paschal Anthem to our Lady. Raising his eyes to heaven, Gregory saw the destroying Angel standing on the top of the Mole of Hadrian and sheathing his sword.
In memory of this apparition, the Mole was called the Castle of Saint Angela and on the dome was placed an immense statue representing an Angel holding his sword in the scabbard.
( “The Sovereign Pontiff Benedict XIII, by a brief, Injuntae nobis, 14 September1724, amended by the Sacred Penitentiary Apostolic, 20 February 1933, granted a Plenary Indulgence, once a month, to all the faithful who, everyday, in the morning (6.00), at noon and in the evening at sunset (6.00), shall say, devoutly, the Angelus Dominie, with the Hail Mary, three times, or at Eastertide the Regina Caeli, on any day when, being truly penitent, after Confession and Communion, they shall pray for peace and union among Christian Princes, for the extirpation of heresy and for the triumph of Holy Mother Church. Also an indulgence of ten years, on all the other days in the year, ever time that they shall devoutly say these prayers.”)
Regina caeli, laetare, Alleluia.
Qua quem meruisti portare, Alleluia. Resurrexit, sicut dixit, Alleluia. Ora pro nobis Deum, Alleluia.
V. Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, Alleluia. R. Qua surrexit Dominus vere, Alleluia.
Oremus
Deus, qui per resurrectionem Filii tui, Domini nostri, Jesu Christi, mundum laetificare dignatus es, praesta, quaesumus, ut per ejus Genitricem Virginem Mariam perpetuae capiamus gaudia vitae: per eumdem Christum, Dominum nostrum. Amen
“This is the day which the Lord hath made, let us be glad and rejoice therein.” Psalm 117:24
Wishing you a Holy and Joyful Easter!
Thank you for accompanying me on our Lenten journey, I pray you have been inspired by our Saints and have grown in faith, hope and love. Today we rejoice and continue with joy singing in our hearts through the Octave as we celebrate this great Feast! May the Risen Lord fill your hearts with His infinite love, may He protect your faith and your families.
A special word of gratitude to the benefactors of “Breathing Catholic.” 💘🤗 Because of YOU, we are able to travel onward and upward! May the Beloved bless you abundantly.
“Live joyfully! Our Lord is looking lovingly down upon you! ”
Thought for the Day – 31 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Redemption
“In conclusion, let us say this prayer of St Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787): “My soul, look at this Crucified Man … see how the arms extend to embrace you, how the head bows forward to give you the kiss of peace. See how His side is open to receive you. What have you to say? Such a good and loving God deserves to be loved. O my Jesus! Adorable Jesus! O Love of my soul! How can I ever forget Thee? How can I ever love anything apart from Thee! O suffering Jesus, may the memory of Thee ever remain in my heart!”
Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 31 March – Easter Sunday, Alleluia, He is Truly Risen, Alleluia! – 1 Corinthians 5:7-8, Mark 16:1-7 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us be glad and rejoice therein.” Psalm 117:24
“You seek Jesus of Nazareth, Who was Crucified. He is risen, He is not here.” Mark 16:6
On This Day … Day of Resurrection Day of Our Joy!
St Hesychius of Jerusalem (Died c450) Priest, Exegete, Scholar, Monk, Hermit, Writer.
“The festival we celebrate today, is one of victory—the victory of the Son of God, King of the whole universe. On this day, the devil is defeated by the Crucified One; our race is filled with joy by the Risen One. In honour of my resurrection in Christ, this day cries out:
“In my journey I beheld a new wonder—an open tomb, a Man Risen from the dead, bones exulting, souls rejoicing, men and women refashioned, the heavens opened and powers crying out: ‘Lift up your gates, you princes; be lifted up, you everlasting doors that the King of Glory may enter in.’
“On this day, I saw the King of Heaven, robed in Light, ascend above the lightning and the rays of the sun, above the sun and the sources of water, above the dwelling place of the angelic powers and the City of Eternal Life.”
On this day, the Divine call is heard, the Kingdom is prepared, we are saved and Christ is adored.
Hidden first in a womb of flesh, He sanctified human birth by His own birth; hidden afterward in the womb of the earth, He gave life to the dead by his Resurrection. Suffering, pain and sighs have now fled away.
For Who has known the mind of God, or Who has been His Counsellor if not the Word made flesh, Who was nailed to the Cross, Who rose from the dead an, Who was taken up into Heaven?
This day brings a message of joy: – it is the day of the Lord’s Resurrection when, with Himself, He raised up the race of Adam. Born for the sake of human beings, He rose from the dead with them.
On this day, Paradise is opened by the Risen One, Adam is restored to life and Eve is consoled.
On this day, the Divine call is heard, the Kingdom is prepared, we are saved and Christ is adored.
On this day, when He had trampled death underfoot, made the tyrant a prisoner and despoiled the underworld, Christ ascended into Heaven as a King in victory, as a Ruler in glory, as an invincible Charioteer.
He said to the Father — here Am I, O God, with the children you have given me and He heard the Father’s reply: “Sit at My Right Hand until I make your enemies your footstool.” To Him be glory, now and forever, through endless ages, amen!” – (Easter Homily: Source chrétiennes 187, 66-69)
One Minute Reflection – 31 March – Easter Sunday, Alleluia, He is Truly Risen, Alleluia! – 1 Corinthians 5:7-8, Mark 16:1-7 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us be glad and rejoice therein.” – Psalm 117:24
REFLECTION – “This is the day the Lord hath made; let us be glad and rejoice therein.” (Ps 117:24) Why? Because the sun is no longer darkened and everything is illuminated; the curtain in the Temple is no longer torn, the Church is revealed; we are no longer holding palm branches, we are surrounding the newly baptised.
“This is the day the Lord hath made”… This now is the day in the real sense of the word, the triumphant day, the day consecrated to celebrating the Resurrection, the day when we adorn ourselves with grace, the day when we share the spiritual Lamb, the day when we give milk to those who have just been born, the day when the plan of Providence for the poor is realised. “Let us rejoice and be glad therein.”
This is the day when Adam was freed, when Eve was delivered from her pain, when savage death shuddered, when the power of rocks was broken, when the bars of the tomb were torn away…, when the unchangeable laws of the powers of hell were abrogated, when the heavens were opened because Christ, our Master, rose. This is the day when, for the good of humankind, the green and fertile plant of the Resurrection multiplied its offshoots, all over the world, as in a garden, when the lilies of the newly enlightened opened … when, the crowd of believers rejoices, when the Martyrs’ crowns again grow green. “This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad therein!” – (Attri) St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father and Doctor of the Church
PRAYER – O God, Who, on this day, through Thine Only-begotten Son, hast conquered death and thrown open to us, the Gate of everlasting life, give effect by thine aid to our desires, which Thou dost anticipate and inspire. 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 – 31 March – Easter Sunday, Alleluia, He is Truly Risen, Alleluia!
O Filii et Filiae Ye Sons and Daughters of the Lord By Jean Tisserand OFM (Died 1497) (The original Hymn comprises the nine stanzas below). Trans. Fr Edward Caswell C.Orat. (1814-1878)
Ye sons and daughters of the Lord, The King of Heaven, the King adored, From death this day Himself restored. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
On Sunday morn at break of day The holy women went their way, To see the tomb where Jesus lay. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
An Angel clad in white they see, Who sat,and spake unto the three: “Your Lord hath gone to Galilee.” Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
That night the’ Apostle met in fear, But Christ didst in the midst appear: “My peace,” He saith, “be on thee!” Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
But Thomas, when of this he heard, Was doubtful of his brethren’s word; Wherefore, again there came the Lord. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
“Behold My side, O Thomas, see; My hands, My feet, I show to thee; Not faithless but believing be.” Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
When Thomas say that wounded side, The truth no longer he denied, “Thou art my Lord and God,” he cried. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Oh, blest are they who have not seen Their Lord and yet believe in Him; Eternal life awaiteth them. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
On this Most Holy Day of days, To God your hearts and voices raise In laud and jubilee and praise. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia Amen!
Saint of the Day – 31 March – Blessed Daniel of Venice ECMC (1344-1411) Martyr, Husband, Father, Entrepreneur, Politician, Diplomat, Peace-maker, Apostle of the poor, part-time Monk and Hermit. Born in 1344 in Cormons, near Venice, Italy and died on 16 September 1411 at San Mattia di Murano, Venice, Italy by being murdered by thieves. Also known as – Daniel of Murano, Daniel de Ungrispach. He is commemorated by the Camaldolese Hermits of Mount Corona on 20 March. The Church has never confirmed the cult of this “Blessed” but he still legitimately enjoys this title, as he is present in the Calendar of his Religious family and, in 1435, his cult was approved by the local Bishop. He is venerated as a “Martyr of Charity” and his body is preserved Incorrupt.
Daniel was born in the Castle of Cormons, around the year 1344, the eldest son of Nicolaussio d’Ungrispache of Maddalena Savio of Gemona. His was a noble family of Germanic lineage, “very wealthy.” Lords of Cormons, Medea and Foiana, vassals of the Counts of Gorizia, whih had among its members a Bishop of Concordia and one of Trieste. Even today the Coat of Arms of the Municipality of Cormons is inspired by that of Daniel’s family.
When Daniel was sixteen the family moved to Pordenone, where, at around twenty years of age, Daniel married Ursina Ricchieri, a member of the most powerful family in the City. They had a daughter, Lucia, who, in 1384, married the noble Giacomo Spelladi of Treviso. Between 1365 and 1368 Daniel was a prisoner in Verona, perhaps due to unrest and events of war. He endured the ordeal without harbouring resentment. Despite his young age, he was already so well liked by his fellow citizens that they intervened to obtain his release.
Daniel was an upright husband and father, he lived his days as a good Christian. The chronicles describe him: “a noted observer of God’s law, of every religious practice, of singular compassion towards the poor and a great lover of Pious Places.” He successfully engaged in the trade of silk and woollen cloth and cowhides. On the route which took him to Venice, sailing along the Noncello river, he had the opportunity to meet the Camaldolese of the Abbey of San Martin Rotto. The young man was attracted by monastic and hermitic spirituality, typical of the Order founded by St Romuald. The high-ranking position of the family,but certainly alsothe desire to contribute to the public administration in favour of his fellow citizens, also led him to political commitment and so, in 1384, he was appointed “podestà” (a very high Office and authority similar to a Mayor). The position was annual and included representation of the community, both in the Civil and Religious spheres.
Blessed Daniel d’Ungrispach
During his travels to Venice Daniel visited the important Camaldolese Monastery of San Mattia on the island of Murano, where, increasingly attracted by monastic life, he became a family guest.
For nineteen years, while maintaining family, social and work commitments, he constantly frequented the Monastery where he fully breathed the presence of God. He loved reading the Scriptures and the writings of the Fathers of the Church, in particular, Saint Augustine. Then, having even large sums of money at his disposal, he responded generously to the needs of the poor and of the Monastery. He could lead a life suited to his social status but instead, he preferred, day by day, to respond to this deep desire to become united to God, alternating days marked by social commitments with days of prayer, spent alongside his Monk friends. His life was a wonderful synthesis of ‘Ora et labora’ — Husband, Father, Entrepreneur and even Politician, with his gaze always turned towards the Giver of all good.
In 1380 he embarked on the journey to become an oblate of the Camaldolese Congregation which was fully completed on 31 March 1392. From that day he had a cell of his own. He was generous, as mentioned, with hisMmonastery but also with other religious entities, especially Venetian ones, so much so that in 1398 he was appointed procurator of the Church of St Mark!
At the age of fifty, the desire for a hermit’s life prevailed and Daniel renounced the rights, privileges and family assets which were due to him after his father’s death. He left his wife, by mutual agreement and was welcomed into the Monastery of San Mattia to share more fully in the life of the Monks but without the obligation of seclusion. From time to time, he returned to Pordenone and in 1404-1405, he was once again Official of the Municipality and Mayor, probably the Deputy, a sign of the great trust everyone placed in him. He continued to carry out the mercantile profession but also had some diplomatic positions. In 1406 he was among the intermediaries in a serious disagreement between Pordenone and Aquileia. The Mayor and the nobles of the City, including Daniel, were tasked with mediating to obtain forgiveness and peace.
On 16 September 1411 Daniele, while he was in Pordenone, wrote a Last Will naming his wife as universal heir. He arranged to be buried in San Mattia, to which he left bequests and precious books, including a Bible, a Legendary of the Saints, the Sermons of Saint Augustine. A few days later, after returning from work from in Venice, unknown criminals entered his cell at night and strangled him for the purpose of robbery. They were certainly aware of his habits and the money he had with him. The Camaldolese Fathers, struck by such an unjust death, gave him a devout burial in the tomb of the Donà nobles inside the Monastery. He was immediately considered a “Martyr of Charity.”
The Church and Camaldolese Monastery of San Mattia di Murano, between 1804 and 1828. By Giacomo Guardi (1764–1835).
Twenty-four years after his death, in 1435, the body was exhumed and found Incorrupt, “vivid in colour and exuding a very sweet odour, unlike the others found ruined and putrified.” It was placed on an Altar and immediately became a destination for devout pilgrimages. Everyone thought that the Incorrupt body confirmed the holiness which Daniel had displayed in life. The Bishop of Torcello approved the local cult and arranged for an Urn containing the Relics to be displayed in the Church. Graces and miracles followed and Daniel’s fame attracted, in the Centuries to come, faithful from the entire Venetian and surrounding areas. In 1657, Daniel’s Incorrupt body was placed on its own Altar, in a new wooden case, which is still the current one.
In 1810 the Monastery of San Mattia di Murano was suppressed and the Church subsequently destroyed. The body of Blessed Daniel underwent several translations and for a period was preserved in the sacristy of the Basilica della Salute in Venice. In 1857 the remains returned to Murano, the Urn was placed in the external Chapel of the Teacher Sisters of Santa Dorotea, who had opened a school on the island. The Nuns kept a register of the graces obtained by the Blessed, some as late as 1903. The body is today in the Basilica of St Donato, still Incorrupt, covered in a golden robe, a gift for a grace received in 1745. All testimonies of a cult which has never ceased.
Dedicated to his family, involved in public life, active in the mercantile profession, Daniel always had the Word of God as his compass and prayer as his companion. His example is undoubtedly of great relevance in the world we inhabit today. The local memory is set for 31 March, while the Camaldolese commemorates it on 20 March. The “ab immemorabili” recognition of the cult and the official title of Blessed would be highly desirable for this great and holy man.
St Benjamin the Deacon (Died c 424) Deaco and Martyr. Benjamin was executed during a period of persecution of Christians that lasted forty years and through the reign of two Persian kings: Isdegerd I, who died in 421 and his son and successor, Varanes V. King Varanes carried on the persecution with such great fury, that Christians were submitted to the most cruel tortures. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/31/saint-of-the-day-31-march-st-benjamin-the-deacon-died-c-424-martyr/
St Machabeo of Armagh Bl Mary Mamala St Mella of Doire-Melle St Renovatus of Merida
Martyrs of Africa – 4 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith. No details have survived except for of their names – Anesius, Cornelia, Felix and Theodulus. They were martyred in Roman pro-consular Africa.
Thought for the Day – 30 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Death of our Saviour
“Jesus had now come to the last morning of His earthly life. The Blood had been drained from His Body as a result of His fatal Wounds and He felt a great thirst, “I thirst,” He murmured in a weak voice. He expressed in these words, not only His physical thirst but also, His spiritual thirst for souls. He had given everything for the eternal salvation of men, yet, He realised with Divine foresight, that many would refuse to co-operate with His infinite love, His thirst was a burning love for us and it was answered, on the physical level, by the vinegar which was given to Him to drink and in the moral order, by our ingratitude.
Seeing that His mission was fulfilled with His last breath, Jesus entrusted His soul to His Heavenly Father, “Father, into Thy Hands, I commend My spirit” (Lk 23:46). Then, in order to show that His Death was voluntary, He cried out in a loud Voice, “It is consummated!” (Jn 19:30). Jesus was dead!
Let us prostrate ourselves before His lifeless Body covered with sores and furrowed with blood. Let us vow, never to offend Him again. Let us give Him our minds, our hearts, our souls, our whole being. Let us love Him more and more!”
“INTO THY HANDS, O my God, I entrust my spirit. Dost Thou wish me to be in dryness or in consolation? Into Thy Hands, I entrust my spirit. Dost Thou wish me to be contradicted, to experience repugnances and difficulties, to be loved or not, to obey this one or that one and in whatever it may be, in great things or small? Then into Thy Hands, I entrust my spirit!”
“My soul, live henceforward amid the scourges and the thorns of thy Saviour and there, as a nightingale in its bush, sing sweetly: Live Jesus, Who didst die that my soul might live! Ah, Eternal Father! What can the world return Thee for the gift Thou hast made it of Thy only Son? Alas! to redeem a thing so vile as I, the Saviour delivered Himself to death and, unhappy me! I hesitate to surrender my nothingness to Him, Who has given me everything!”
Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 30 March – Holy Saturday – The Lord’s Vigil Mass of Easter, Blessing of the Fire, Prophecies, Blessing of the Font, First Mass of Easter – Matthew 28,1-7 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“It was very necessary that Christ should rise during the night because , His Resurrection has enlightened our darkness! … ” St Augustine
“He is not here. For He is risen, as He said.” Matthew 28:6
LUMEN CHRISTI Deo Gratias!
The Night which Sets Us Free From the Sleep of Death
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church
“Brethren, let us keep watch, for Christ remained in the tomb until this night. It was on this night that the Resurrection of His flesh took place. On the Cross it was the butt of mockery; today, Heaven and earth give it worship. This night already forms part of our Sunday. It was very necessary that Christ should rise during the night because, His Resurrection has enlightened our darkness! … Just as our faith, strengthened by Christ’s Resurrection, dispels all sleep, so this night, lightened by our vigils, is filled with brightness. With the Church throughout the earth, it causes us to hope we shall never be surprised during the night (Mk 13:33).
Amongst so many peoples whom this Feast – kept so solemnly everywhere – gathers together in the Name of Christ, the sun has gone down. Yet, day has not disappeared; the lights of Heaven have taken over from the lights of earth… He, Who has given us the glory of His Name (Ps 28:2) has also illumined this night. He to Whom we say “Thou lighten my darkness” (Ps 18:28) sheds His brightness in our hearts. Just as our dazzled eyes behold these shining torches, so our enlightened spirits enable us to see how luminous is this night, this holy night in which our Lord initiated, in His own flesh, the Life which knows neither sleep nor death!” – (2nd Sermon for the Easter Vigil; PLS 2, 549-552 – Sermon Morin Guelferbytanus 5).
One Minute Reflection – 30 March – Holy Saturday – The Lord’s Vigil Mass of Easter, Blessing of the Fire, Prophecies, Blessing of the Font, First Mass of Easter – Matthew 28:1-7 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And the Angel answering, said to the women: Fear not you, for I know that you seek Jesus Who was Crucified, He is not here, for He is risen, as He said.” – Matthew 28:5-6
REFLECTION – “When the third day dawned of the Lord’s Sacred repose in the tomb … Christ, the “power and Wisdom of God” (1 Cor 1:24), with the author of death lying prostrate, conquered even death itself and opened to us access to eternity, when He raised Himself from the dead by His Divine Power in order to make known to us the paths of Life.
Then there was a great earthquake, for an Angel of the Lord came down from Heaven, with raiment like snow and his countenance like lightening. He appeared attractive to the devout and severe to the wicked – for he terrified the soldiers and comforted the timid women, to whom the Lord Himself first appeared after rising because, their intense devotion, so merited. Then He was seen by Peter, then by the disciples going to Emmaus, then by all the Apostles except Thomas. Later He presented Himself to be touched by Thomas, who proclaimed his faith: “My Lord and my God.” And thus, during forty days, He appeared in many ways to His disciples, both eating and drinking with them.
He enlightened our faith with proofs and lifted up our hope with promises, so as finally, to enkindle our love with gifts from Heaven!” … St Bonaventure (1217-1274) Doctor of the Church
PRAYER – O God, Who dost illuminate this most holy night by the glory of the Lord’s Resurrection, preserve in the new children of Thy family, the spirit of adoption which Thou hast given, that renewed in body and mind, they may render to Thee a pure service. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
My Most Sorrowful Lady By St Anselm (1033-1109) Marian Doctor Magnificent Doctor
My most sorrowful Lady, what can I say about the fountains, that flowed from your most pure eyes, when you saw your only Son before you, bound, beaten and suffering? What do I know of the flood, that drenched your matchless face, when you beheld your Son, your Lord and your God, stretched on the Cross without guilt, when the flesh of your flesh, was cruelly butchered by wicked me? How can I judge what sobs troubled your most pure breast when you heard, “Woman, behold your son,” and the disciple, “Behold, your Mother,” when you received, as a son, the disciple, in place of the Master, the servant, for the Lord? Amen
Saint of the Day – 30 March – Blessed Dodone of Haske O.Praem.(1231) Monk, Hermit, Peace-Maker, Stigmatist. Born in Friesland (in modern Netherlands and died on 30 March 1231 at Haskerdijken, Friesland of injuries sustained when his Hermitage collapsed while Dodone was in prayer inside. Patronage – of Haske, Netherlands.Also known as – Dodone of Hanske, Dodone of Haskerdijken, Dodone of Asch, Dodon… Dodo…
Dodone was born in Friesland, in modern-day Netherlands. After the death of his father, Dodone was compelled into an arranged marriage for the betterment of his family. However, after a few years, he felt a strong calling to devote his life to God and entered the Premonstratensian Abbey of Mariôngaarde (Garden of Mary), located near the town of Hallum in Friesland. Upon entering the Abbey, Dodone’s wife and mother both chose to pursue religious life too, joining a nearby Convent.
Dodone himself spent a period of time practising penance and living in seclusion at Bakkeveen in Friesland. However, his reputation for holiness began to grow and his hermitage soon became a destination for many seeking spiritual guidance and individuals in the hope of miraculous cures.
During his time at Bakkeveen, Dodone also dedicated himself to preaching to the Frisians, urging them to renounce their ongoing vengeful feuds and vendettas. He tirelessly worked to assist those who had been injured in the conflicts, offering support and encouraging forgiveness and reconciliation among the people.
In his later years, Dodone chose to retire and live in solitude as a prayerful Hermit at Haskerdijken, another Town in Friesland. It was there, on 30 March 1231 that a tragic incident occurred while Dodone was engrossed in prayer inside his Hermitage. The structure collapsed, resulting in fatal injuries to Dodone.
Immediately following his death, the Stigmata appeared on his body. The grave of Blessed Dodone became a site of veneration and in honour of his memory, the Church and Premonstratensian House of Our Lady of Rosendaal, were constructed over his final resting place. Pilgrims began to flock to the Shrine, seeking holy consolation and miraculous cures. Many reportedmiracles and blessings attributed to Dodone’s intercession.
Although Dodone has not been officially Beatified, the faithful continue to regard him as a Saint and pray for his intercession. His life stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to God and his tireless efforts to bring peace and reconcilation to the fractured community of the Frisians during his time.
Blessed Amadeus of Savoy (1435-1472) IXth Duke of Savoy, nicknamed “the Happy,” was the Duke of Savoy, from 1465 to 1472, Apostle of the poor and ill, a pious, humble and gentle ruler. Amadeus was a particular protector of Franciscan Friars and endowed other religious houses, as well as homes for the care of the poor and suffering. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/30/saint-of-the-day-30-march-blessed-amadeus-of-savoy-1435-1472/
St Clinius of Pontecorvo (Died c1030) Abbot St Cronan Mochua St Damiano St Domnino of Thessalonica Blessed Dodone of Haske O.Praem.(1231) Monk, Hermit, Stigmatist St Fergus of Downpatrick St Irene of Rome
St Leonard Murialdo St Mamertinus of Auxerre St Osburga of Coventry St Pastor of Orléans St Patto of Werden St Quirinus the Jailer
St Peter Regalatus OFM (1320-1456) Priest, Friar of the Friars Minor, Superior, gifted with bi-location, prophecy and Miracle working. He was Canonised on 29 June 1746 by Pope Benedict XIV. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Aguilera in Castile in Spain, Saint Peter Regalado of Valladolid, Priest of the Order of Minors, who was distinguished for humility and rigour of penance and built two cells, in which only twelve Friars could live in solitude.” About this zealous Saint: https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/30/saint-of-the-day-30-march-saint-peter-regalatus-ofm-1320-1456/
St Regulus of Scotland St Regulus of Senlis St Secundus of Asti St Tola St Zozimus of Syracuse
Martyrs of Constantinople: 4th Century Christians who were exiled, branded on the forehead, imprisoned, tortured, impoverished and murdered during the multi-year persecutions of the Arian Emperor Constantius. They were Martyred between 351 and 359 in Constantinople.
Thought for the Day – 29 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Crucifixion
“On either side of Jesus there were two other crosses, to which two robbers had been tied. When one of these saw how Jesus prayed and forgave, in the midst of His sufferings, he was touched by the grace of God. He began to hate his crimes and sins and to believe in the Divine Redeemer. Turning towards Jesus, he begged for forgiveness. “Lord,” he said, “remember me when Thou comes into Thy Kingdom.” Jesus returned his gaze at once and replied: “This day, thou shalt be with Me in Paradise.”
This moving episode holds two main lessons for us. (1) No matter how great and numerous our sins are, God in His Infinite Mercy, will forgive us if we sincerely repent and resolve to lead better lives. (2) We should not, on the other hand, put off our conversion until the moment of death.
As St Augustine points out, only one of the two thieves is reported to have been converted. We are taking a grave risk whenever we abuse God’s Goodness and Mercy!”
Quote/s of the Day – 29 March – Good Friday – The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to St John 18:1-40.19:1-42 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And bearing His own Cross, He went forth to the place which is called Calvary but in Hebrew Golgotha.”
John 19:17
“By the Cross, death was slain and Adam was restored to life. The Cross is the glory of all the Apostles, the Crown of the Martyrs, the Sanctification of the Saints. By the Cross, we put on Christ and cast aside our former self. By the Cross we, the sheep of Christ, have been gathered into one flock, destined for the Sheepfold of Heaven.”
St Theodore the Studite (759-826)
“O souls! Seek a refuge, like pure doves, in the shadow of the Crucifix. There, mourn the Passion of your Divine Spouse and drawing from your hearts, flames of love and rivers of tears, make of them a precious balm with which to anoint the Wounds of your Saviour.”
“When you are alone in your room, take your Crucifix, kiss Its Five Wounds reverently, tell It to preach you a little sermon and then listen to the Words of eternal life that It speaks to your heart. Listen to the pleading of the Thorns, the Nails, the Precious Blood. Oh, what an eloquent sermon!”
Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 29 March – Good Friday – The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to St John 18:1-40.19:1-42 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And bearing His own Cross, He went forth to the place which is called Calvary but in Hebrew Golgotha.” John 19:17
“Jesus Nazarenus, Rex Judeaorum – Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews.” John 19:19
GOOD FRIDAY The Word of the Cross (Christ,What am I to Give Thee for my life?)
St Paulinus of Nola (c 354-431) Father of the Church
“Look on thy God, Christ hidden in our flesh. A bitter word, the Cross and bitter sight – Hard rind without, to hold the Heart of Heaven. Yet, sweet it is, for God upon that tree Did offer up His Life upon that rood – My Life hung, that my Life might stand in God. Christ, what am I to give Thee for my life? Unless, take from Thy Hands, the cup they hold, To cleanse me with the precious draught of death. What shall I do? My body to be burned? Make myself vile? The debt is not paid out yet. Whate’er I do, it is but I and Thou, And still do I come short, still must Thou pay My debts, O Christ, for debts Thyself had’st none. What love may balance Thine? My Lord was found In fashion like a slave that so His slave Might find himself in fashion like his Lord. Think you the bargain’s hard, to have exchanged The transient for the eternal, to have sold, Earth to buy Heaven? More dearly God bought me!”
One Minute Reflection – 29 March – Good Friday – The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to St John 18:1-40.19,1-42. – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“There they crucified Him and with Him two others, one on either side and Jesus between them. ” – John 19:18
REFLECTION – “Truly, you are a hidden God!” (Is 45:15). Why hidden? Because He had neither form nor beauty, yet power was in His Hands. It was there His fortitude was hidden.
Was He not hidden when He submitted His Hands to brutes and His Palms received the nails? The print of the nails gleamed on His Hands and His innocent Side received the wound. They shackled His Feet in fetters, the iron pierced His soles and His Feet were fastened to the tree. These wounds did God suffer on our behalf, at the hands of His own people, in His own home. O how marvellous are His Wounds by which the wounds of the world were healed! How victorious His Wounds, by which He slew death and stung hell! … Therefore, O Church, O dove, You have coverts in the rock and a hollow in the wall in which to rest (cf. Sg 2:14). …
And what will you do … when He comes in the clouds with great power and majesty? (cf Mt 24:30) He will come down with Heaven and earth ablaze and by the terror of His coming, He will dissolve the elements. When He has come, the Sign of the Cross will be seen in the sky and the beloved One will show the scars of His Wounds and the prints of the nails, by which He was transfixed in His own home!” … St Amadeus of Lausanne (1108-1159) – Cistercian Monk, Bishop
PRAYER – Deliver us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, from all evils, past, present and to come and by the intercession of the blessed and glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God and of the Holy Apostles, Peter and Paul and of all the Saints, mercifully grant peace in our days, that through the assistance of Thy mercy we may be always free from sin and secure from all disturbance. 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. Faithful Cross! above all other, One and only noble Tree! None in foliage, none in blossom, None in fruit thy peer may be. Sweetest wood and sweetest iron, Sweetest weight is hung on thee. (Antiphons).
Membra Jesu Nostri O Sacred Head, Now Wounded By Blessed Arnulf of Leuven O.Cist. (c1200-1276)
O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down, Now scornfully surrounded with thorns, Thine only crown; O sacred Head, what glory, what bliss till now was Thine! Yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call Thee mine.
What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered, was all for sinners’ gain; Mine, mine, was the transgression but Thine the deadly pain. Lo, here I fall, my Saviour! ’Tis I deserve Thy place; Look on me with Thy favour, vouchsafe to me Thy grace.
Men mock and taunt and jeer Thee, Thou noble Countenance, Though mighty worlds shall fear Thee and flee before Thy glance. How art thou pale with anguish, with sore abuse and scorn! How doth Thy Visage languish that once was bright as morn!
Now from Thy cheeks has vanished, their colour once so fair; From Thy red lips is banished the splendour that was there. Grim death, with cruel rigour, hath robbed Thee of Thy life; Thus Thou hast lost Thy vigour, Thy strength in this sad strife.
My burden in Thy Passion, Lord, Thou hast borne for me, For it was my transgression which brought this woe on Thee. I cast me down before Thee, wrath were my rightful lot; Have mercy, I implore Thee; Redeemer, spurn me not!
What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest Friend, For this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end? O make me Thine forever and should I fainting be, Lord, let me never, never, outlive my love to Thee.
My Shepherd, now receive me; my Guardian, own me Thine. Great blessings Thou didst give me, O Source of gifts Divine. Thy Lips have often fed me with words of Truth and Love; Thy Spirit oft hath led me to Heavenly joys above.
Here I will stand beside Thee, from Thee I will not part; O Saviour, do not chide me! When breaks Thy loving Heart, When soul and body languish in death’s cold, cruel grasp, Then, in Thy deepest anguish, Thee in mine arms I’ll clasp.
The joy can never be spoken, above all joys beside, When in Thy Body broken I thus with safety hide. O Lord of Life, desiring Thy Glory now to see, Beside Thy Cross expiring, I’d breathe my soul to Thee.
My Saviour, be Thou near me when death is at my door; Then let Thy Presence cheer me, forsake me nevermore! When soul and body languish, oh, leave me not alone But take away mine anguish by virtue of Thine own!
Be Thou my consolation, my shield when I must die; Remind me of Thy Passion when my last hour draws nigh. Mine eyes shall then behold Thee, upon Thy Cross shall dwell, My heart by faith enfolds Thee. Who dieth thus dies well!
This Poem/Hymn was incorrectly ascribed to St Bernard of Clairvaux, for they are consistent with his style and his devotion. However, “the external proof for this ascription is so slight as to be negligible” (Hurlbut, VII, 18). The “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” did appear in St Bernard’s collected works but only two hundred years after his death. When the Monasteries were suppressed in the French Revolution, all of the relevant manuscripts disappeared. The only surviving manuscript, dated 1320, bears Arnulf’s name (Arnulfus de louan). Here is Blessed Arnulf’s story: https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/02/saint-of-the-day-2-april-blessed-arnulf-of-leuven-o-cist-c1200-1276-abbot/
Arnulf’s Poem consists of a cycle of seven Poems, each a meditation on one of the Wounds of the Crucified Christ. The words of the Hymn remind us, not only of the depth of Christ’s love but also how much He suffers because of our sins.
Saint of the Day – 29 March – Saint William Tempier of Poitiers OSA (Died 1197) the 12th Bishop of Poitiers, “William the Strong” Canon Regular of the Augustinian Order. He is remembered as a man of great courage and virile patience in the exercise of his Office in defending the rights of and the property of the Church. Born probably in Poitiers and died on 29 March 1197 in his Diocese of natural causes. Patronages – against haemorrhages and any blood ailments. Also known as – “William the Strong” William of Poitiers, Guillermo
It is not known when and where he was born, although it is believed to be in Poitiers, France. As a young man Willian entered the Augustinian Canons where he practiced the life of virtue such that he was called to lead the Canonry of St Hilary in Poitiers.
In 1183, at the request of the Clergy and people alike, he was chosen to be the Bishop of Poitiers.
He shepherded his flock by his powerful word and stirring example and strove to defend the rights of the Church which were under frequent attack.
We know little more about St William but, for Centuries, his Feast has been celebratei on 29 March and is recorded as such in various Martyrologies.
He is remembered above all for the courage shown in defending the rights and properties of his Diocese, this is also stated in a document from 1185 which indicates William as a defender against the persecutors of the Diocese. And again in 1191 he is referred to as “William the Strong.”
After thirteen years of an intense Episcopate, he died on 29 March 1197 and was buried in the Church of St Cyprian. Bishop William Tempier,, who in life had been strongly opposed by the notables of the Diocese, was honoured as a Saint in death, which indicates that beyond the energy expressed in conducting the administrative and als, the political life of the Diocese, in the pastoral field, he was a great and holy Bishop, attentive to the spiritual life of the faithful, to whom he was an upright example.
The people of Poitiers went to his tomb to be cured, in particular of haemorrhages and any blood ailments.
Tre Ore (The Three Hours Devotion) The Three Hours’ Agony on Good Friday from Noon until 3 o’clock to commemorate the three hours of Christ’s Hanging at the Cross. It includes sermons on the Seven Last Words from the Cross and usually occurs between Noon and 3PM, the latter being the time when Jesus Died on the Cross and the time the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion begins. In 1815, Pope Pius VII decreed a plenary indulgence to those who practice this devotion on Good Friday.
It is a fine tradition to keep silent from Noon to 3:00 PM today.
St Eustasius of Luxeuil (c560–c626),Abbot, Disciple of St Columban, Abbot of Luxeuil Monastery, (after its Founder, St Columbanus) Missionary and Founder of another Monastery in Bavaria, Miracle-worker. Patronages – against blindness and eye diseases, of all illness and sick people. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/29/saint-of-the-day-29-march-st-eustasius-of-luxeuil-c560-c626/
St Mark of Arethusa St Masculas of Africa St Pastor of Nicomedia St Saturus of Africa St Simplicius of Monte Cassino St Victorinus of Nicomedia St William Tempier of Poitiers OSA (Died 1197) Bishop
Martyrs of Nicomedia: Seven Christians who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know nothing else about them but the names of two – Pastor and Victorinus.
Thought for the Day – 28 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Night of the Passion
“Picture Jesus during this long and sorrowful night. Abandoned by everyone, betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, unjustly judged worthy of death by the Hight Priest, buffered and mocked by the soldiers, He suffers and prays and offers Himself as a victim of reparation, especially for all those sins which are being committed and will be committed by night! – throughout the ages and all over the world.
Let us bow low before Him in spirit. Let us tell Him with penitent hearts that we shall never offend Him again and that we love and adore Him. Let us promise to offer the prayers and sufferings of this day in reparation for the sins which men commit under cover of darkness.”
Quote/s of the Day – 28 March – St Hesychius of Jerusalem (Died c450) Priest, Exegete, Father.
“Truly blessed is he who cleaves, with his thought, to the Prayer of Jesus, constantly calling to Him in his heart, just as air cleaves to our bodies, or the flame to the candle.”
“Scripture is perfect wisdom, starting point and point of arrival, to which our whole existence should be adapted.”
“You have guarded the integrity of the temple [of your body]; you have kept your tabernacle free from all sin, so that the Father becomes your guest, the Holy Ghost overshadows you and the Only-begotten Son Incarnate is born of you.”
St Hesychius of Jerusalem (Died c450) Priest, Exegete, Father
Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 28 March – Maundy Thursday – 1 Corinthians 11:20-32, John 13:1-15 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Carry one another’s burdens.” Gal 6:2
“He loved them unto the end.” John 13:1
MAUNDY THURSDAY Your Attitude Must Be That of Christ
Blessed Guerric of Igny (c1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot
“He was in the form of God,” equal to God by nature, since He shared in God’s power, God’s eternity and God’s very being … He did the job of a servant “by humbling Himself, obeying His Father even to death, death on a Cross.” (cf Phil 2:5-8). One might consider it to be trivial that, as God’s Son and His equal, He served His Father as a servant. More than that, He served His own servant more than any other servant. For the human being had been created to serve His Creator. What could be more just for you, than to serve him who made you, without Whom you would not be? And what could be more blest, than to serve Him, since to serve Him is to reign? But the human being said to His Creator: “I will not serve.” (Jer 2:20)
Then the Creator said to the human being: “So I will serve you! Go sit down at the table; I will serve. I will wash your feet. Rest. I will take your pains upon myself; I will carry your weakness… If you grow tired or are burdened, I will carry you, you and your burden, so as to be the first to fulfil my law: ‘Carry one another’s burdens’ (Gal 6:2)… If you are hungry or thirsty… here I Am, ready to be sacrificed, so that you might eat My Flesh and drink My Blood… If you are taken into captivity or, if you are sold, here I Am… Redeem yourself by paying the ransom you will get from Me. I give Myself as ransom… If you are sick, if you fear death, I will die in your place, so that from My Blood you may make for yourself, a life-giving remedy!…”
O my Lord, what a price Thou paid to ransom my useless service! … What a way Thou has, full of love, of gentleness and of kindness, to win back and submit this rebellious servant, by triumphing over evil through good, by confounding my pride with Thy humility, by filling this ungrateful person, with Thy kindness! This! This is howThy Wisdom triumphed!” – (1st Sermon for Palm Sunday),
One Minute Reflection – 28 March – Maundy Thursday – 1 Corinthians 11:20-32, John 13:1-15 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“You call Me Master and Lord. And you say well, for so I Am. If then I, being your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example that as I have done to you, so you do also.” – John 13:14-15
REFLECTION – “Jesus rose from supper and took off His outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around His waist. Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet. We read a story of the same kind in Genesis. Abraham says to the messengers – the three Angels who visit him: “Let some water be brought that you may bathe your feet and then rest yourselves under the tree; let me bring you a little food that you may refresh yourselves” (Gen 18:4-5). What Abraham did for the three Angels, Christ did for His Apostles, those messengers of the Truth, who were to preach faith in the Blessed Trinity, to all the world.
He stoops down to them, like a child – He stoops down and washes their feet. What an incomprehensible humility! what inexpressible goodness! He Whom the Angels adore in Heaven, is at these fishermen’s feet! The Face that causes Angels to tremble bends over the feet of these poor men!Therefore, Peter is seized with fear… When He has washed their feet He makes them “lie down under the tree” as it says in the Song of Songs: “I delight to rest in His shadow and His fruit is sweet to my mouth” (Song 2:3). This fruit is His Body and Blood, given them today by Him. It is the “morsel of bread” He set before them and that gave them strength for the work they must undertake…
Behold, “on this mountain the Lord of Hosts will prepare for all peoples a feast of rich meat with the marrow” (Is 25:6)… In the Upper Room where the Apostles are to receive the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, the Lord of all the world, throws a feast today for all the peoples who believe in Him… This is what the Church does today throughout the world. It was for her sake that Christ prepared this feast on Mount Zion, this food that restores us, His True Body, rich in every spiritual virtue and charity. This He has given to His Apostles and has commanded them to give to those who believe in Him.” – St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Franciscan, Doctor of the Church (Sermons for Sundays and Feasts, Maundy Thursday).
PRAYER – O God, from Whom Judas received the punishment of his guilt and the thief the reward of his confession: grant unto us the full fruit of Thy clemency, that even as in His Passion, our Lord Jesus Christ gave to each a retribution according to his merits, so having taken away our old sins, He may bestow upon us the grace of His Resurrection. Who with Thee lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 6 April – Maundy Thursday in Holy Week
Man of Sorrows—Wrapt in Grief From an old French Hymn Author Unknown
Man of Sorrows—wrapt in grief, Bow Thine ear to our relief; Thou for us the path hast trod Of the dreadful wrath of God. Thou the cup of fire hast drain’d Till its light alone remain’d: Lamb of Love!—we look to Thee, Hear our mournful litany!
By the garden—fraught with woe, Whither Thou full oft wouldst go: By Thine Agony of prayer In the desolation there! By the chains of sleep, which bound Watchers in their trance profound; Lord!—behold our bended knee,— Listen to our litany!
By the conflict foul and fell With the loosen’d fiends of hell, By the darkness of the hour Shadow’d with the tempter’s power, By the dire and deep distress Of that mystery fathomless;— Lord! our tears in mercy see Mingling with our litany!
By the vision then, which stole Looming o’er Thy spotless soul, Of the pride and guilt of man, Since his fall from grace began,— Seas of sin, with billowy waves, Yawning into countless graves;— Lord! ourselves from shipwreck free, Hear our solemn litany!
By the Chalice, when it came Pregnant with a hell of flame: By those Lips—which fain would pray That it might but pass away: By the Heart, which drank it dry, Lest a rebel race should die;— Let Thy Pity be our plea, Hear our solemn litany!
Man of Sorrows! —let Thy grief Purchase for us our relief— Lord of Mercy—bow Thine ear, Slow to anger—swift to hear: Let the garden Thou hast trod Draw us to the throne of God; So Gethsemane shall be Sweet in every litany!
This translation by Matthew Bridges (1800-1894) (The Passion of Jesus 1852) Hymnist, Poet, Writer Converted to Catholicism in 1848, by the influence of John Henry Newman (1801-1890) Tune: “Anima Christi (English)” traditional English melody.
Saint of the Day – 28 March – Saint Hesychius of Jerusalem (Died c450) Priest, Exegete, Scholar, Monk, Hermit, Writer. He is not to be confused with Bishop, St Hesychius of Jerusalem, who lived a little time after our Saint today and was a contemporary of St Gregory the Great (540-604).
Hesychius, according to a 9th Century calendar of Saints, was born and educated in Jerusalem, became a Monk and Hermit and was later Ordained a Priest by the Bishop of Jerusalem.
St Cyril of Scythopolis was a 5th Century Greek Monk and Hagiographer who wrote of seven Palestinian Abbots. Although these are remarkable for their richness of detail, there is little distinction between history and tradition. In his Vita of Saint Euthymius, he says that Hesychius was one of the group who came from Jerusalem in 429 to be present at the Consecration of the Monastery Church in Laura which was built by St Euthymius. Hesychius is described as a learned Priest and Teacher in the Church in Jerusalem. He was, therefore, well known to his contemporaries and it was natural for them to see him in the bishop’s company.
Hesychius lived under three Bishops, John, Praylius and Juvenal and he would have met and known Saints Jerome, Cyril of Alexandria, Melania the Younger and Peter the Iberian. Unlike them, however, there is very little trace of the polemical in his own writings. Bishop John of Jerusalem, who seems to have been a righteous person, was reluctant to condemn a heretic until he had heard what he had to say in his defence. He seems to have invited Pelagius to Jerusalem, but there is nothing about it in Hesychius’ writings – nor anything about the Arian controversies which tore the Church apart between the Councils of Nicaea (325) and Constantinople (381).
Like Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Hesychius concentrated his interest in Scripture but within the framework of the Liturgy which allowed him to develop its themes and equipped him with its vocabulary. He avoids exegetical trivia or personal digressions. He explains – “Scripture is perfect wisdom, starting point and point of arrival, to which our whole existence should be adapted.”
His Easter sermons were probably delivered in the Martyrium, the open room in Constantine’s Basilica believed to be the site of the Crucifixion. They fittingly hailed the Cross, the instrument of victory for the Resurrected Christ, whose Resurrection is a guarantee of our own. He makes interesting references to the Easter cCndle, to Christ as the Light which was placed on the lamppost of the Cross. Christ is also the herald of the Resurrection, where he is revealed as both God and Man.
Hesychius has been described as an “almost anonymous testimony to the Christian tradition,” such was his modesty and lack of self-aggrandisement. Furthermore, due to the accidents and coincidences of history, only a fraction of his works have been preserved. Saint Basil tells us that Hesychius wrote a commentary on the entire Scriptures but only the commentaries on Leviticus and the Psalms have been preserved. In addition to these, he has left meditations on Job, a few sermons on the Presentation of the Lord, some fragments on the Prophets and some sermons on the Virgin Mary, whose eternal virginity and perfect purity he praises: “You have guarded the integrity of the temple [of your body]; you have kept your tabernacle free from all sin, so that the Father becomes your guest, the Holy Ghost overshadows you and the Only-begotten Son Incarnate is born of you.” These works open up for us a unified view of Scripture which goes in the direction of and finds its culmination in the person of Christ: “The Mystery of the Incarnation goes from the beginning into the perspective of the first creation.”
His Eucharistic teaching is, like Cyril of Alexandria, strongly realistic: “A person can, through ignorance, perceive the Mystery and yet not be aware of how powerful and awe-inspiring it is and, without realising that it is, in truth ,[Christ’s] Body and Blood.” The Eucharist is a sacrifice, identical to that on the Cross: “He was sacrificed beforehand by His own Hands in the Mystical meal where He took the Bread and broke it and then, on the Cross, when He was nailed to the tree, ” nevertheless, “if it had not been hung on the Cross, we would never have understood the Mystical Body of Christ.” Not only do we eat the Body of Christ but, we eat the same “memory of His suffering ” that encourages us to identify ourselves with that suffering. Christ is present to transform us through our inner absorption of His whole Being, Divine Word and Sacrificial Lamb. The whole Christian life is, in reality, nothing but God’s grace which triggers our personal fidelity: “Keep yourselves free from sin so that you may daily partake of the mystical meal; in doing so, our bodies become the Body of Christ!”
Saint Hesychius may have lived long enough to experience the Council of Chalcedon in 451 but he probably died around the year 450 (other sources say about 433). His memorial day is today, 28 March.
St John of Capistrano OFM (1386-1456) Priest and Friar of the Friars Minor, Confessor and Preacher. Famous as a Preacher, Theologian and Inquisitor, trained Lawyer, he earned himself the nickname ‘the Soldier Saint’ when in 1456 at age 70 he led a Crusade against the invading Ottoman Empire at the Siege of Belgrade. He was Beatified on 19 December 1650 by Pope Innocent X and Canonised on 16 October 1690 by Pope Alexander VIII. Feast Day moved from 28 March in 1969. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2017/10/23/saint-of-the-day-23-october-st-john-capistrano-ofm-1386-1456-the-soldier-saint/
St Cyril the Deacon St Dorotheus of Tarsus St Gundelindis of Niedermünster
St Guntramnus (c532-592) King of the Kingdom of Orléans and Burgundy from 561 until his death in 592, Confessor, Apostle of the needs of the Church and of the poor and sick, Penitent. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Chalons in France, the demise of St Gontran King, who devoted himself to exercises of piety, renounced the pomps of the world and bestowed his treasures on the Church and the poor,” https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/28/saint-of-the-day-28-march-saint-guntramnus-died-597/
St Hesychius of Jerusalem (Died c450) Priest, Exegete. He is not to be confused with Bishop St Hesychius of Jerusalem, a contemporary of St Gregory the Great.
Thought for the Day – 27 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Agony of Jesus
“While Jesus was praying and suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and the Apostles were unconcernedly sleeping, a group of hired ruffians approached, led by the traitor, Judas. Jesus went to meet them and quietly allowed Himself to be fettered by these rascals. He could have struck them to the ground in an instant or, as He said Himself, called more than twelve legions of Angels to His defence (Cf Mt 16:33). But this was the hour of the power of darkness. “This is your hour and the power of darkness” (Lk 22:53). When the Apostles saw Him being bound and led away, like an evil-doer, they deserted Him and ran away. “Then, all the disciples left him and fled” (Mt 26:56).
We also, may have been guilty of such shameful conduct on many occasions! Whenever God granted us the experience of His consoling presence by means of His grace or favours, we formed the most generous resolutions. But, in the presence of difficulties or of bad example from others, we may have shamefully deserted Jesus! Let us reflect whether this is so and reinforce our good resolutions.”
AnaStpaul 
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