Our Morning Offering – 6 March – “The Month of St Joseph” and Wednesday, the Day of Saint Joseph – Saint Joseph is known as the Prince and Chief Patron of the Church. As the earthly Foster-Father of Jesus, he had a special role in protecting, providing for and instructing Jesus during His earthly life. Now that Christ is ascended into Heaven, St Joseph continues his fatherly Guardianship of Christ’s Body, the Church. He is a very powerful assistant to all of us.
Ad Te, Beate Joseph To Thee, O Blessed Joseph By Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903)
O most watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ. O most loving father, ward off from us, every contagion of error and corrupting influence. O our most mighty protector, be propitious to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness and, as once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God’s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity. Shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die holy and to obtain eternal happiness in Heaven. Amen
Saint of the Day – 6 March – St Ollegarius Bonestruga OSA (1060-1137) Bishop, Canon Regular of the Augustinians, Reformer, in both the religious sphere and the social one, Abbot, Diplomat, Peacemaker and Proptector of his people from possible violent incursions. Born in 1060 at Barcelona, Spain and died in Tarragona in 1137 of natural causes. Ollegarius was the Bishop of Barcelona from 1116 and at the same time, the Archbishop of Tarragona from 1118 until his death. He was an intimate friend and Counsellor-Confessor of Count Ramon Berenguer III of Barcelona and often accompanied the Count, on military ventures. Also known as – Ollegarius of Tarragona, Ollegarius of Barcelona, Olaguerand, Oldegar, Olegari, Olegarius, Oligarius, Oleguer, Olegario. Ollegarius was Canonised in 1675 and his major Shrine and Sepulchre is in the side Chapel of Christ of Lepanto, in the Cathedral of Barcelona (see image at the end of the page). His Feast is celebrated the date of his death, today 6 March.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Barcelona in Spain, the blessed St Ollegarius, who was first a Canon and afterwards the Bishop of Barcelona and Archbishop of Tarragona.”
This Statue resides in the Interior of Barcelona Cathedral
Ollegarius was born in 1060 into a wealthy family in Barcelona. At the age of 10, he was included in the Cathedral Chapter in his hometown. He was Ordained a Priest in 1094. Over time, he became the Superior of Canons in Barcelona and Sant Adria de Besós (1095-1108) and the Abbot of the Augustinian Monastery of St Rufus in Avignon (1113-1118). He also joined the confraternity of San Pedro de la Portella.
Raymon Berenguer III, Count of Barcelona, appointed him Bishop of that City in 1116. Ollegarius was Consecrated by Cardinal Boso in the Cathedral of Maguelone in Provence, during the Pontificate of Paschal II. In 1117 he went to Rome to pay homage to Pope Gelasius II.
Saint Ollegarius, Sculpture by Pere Villar in the Choir of the Barcelona Cathedral, 16th Century
Ollegarius was a zealous reformer. He participated in the Synods of Toulouse (1119), Reims (1120), the First Lateran Council (1123), Narbonne (1129), Clermont (1130) and again in Reims (1131). He was also involved in implementing the Augustinian Reform of Monasteries in Catalonia – in the 1220s he transformed the Monastery of St Eulalia (then outside Barcelona) into the community of Augustinian Canons. On 8 March 1118, Olegarius, then still the Bishop of Barcelona, was also appointed the Bishop of Tarragona. He had the difficult task of rebuilding the Church in this region, after regaining the region from the Moors.
After 1124 he went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land but due to his concern for his new Diocese, he shortened his stay in Antioch and returned before 1127. Between 1126 and 1130, he was very active in rebuilding the City, especially the Churches. He brought in new inhabitants and knights who would defend the City in the future. The years 1126-1127 were a time of efforts to organise the Second Crusade. Olegarius compensated William V for sending his knights to Barcelona in 1124-1125 and brought about an agreement between William and his son, Bernard IV, thus strengthening the alliance against the Almoravida pirates.
In March 1129, Ollegarius transferred his secular powers to Robert Bordet, making him Duke of Tarragona. He himself returned to caring for the renewal of his Diocese. The Synod of Narbonne (1129) approved the existence of the Archfraternity, which Ollegarius had founded a year earlier — its aim was to rebuild the Church in Tarragona. Members of the Archfraternity, clergy and laity, wealthy and poor, made monetary donations which were allocated to the Archdiocese of Tarragona.
A Life of St Ollegarius 1617
Ollegarius died on 6 March 1137. He was Canonis ed on 18 May 1675 by Pope Clement X. The Tomb of the Bishop of Barcelona and Tarragona, is located in the Cathedral of Barcelona.
The Sepulchre of St Ollegarius in the Cathedral of Barcelona
St Aetius St Bairfhion St Baldred of Strathclyde St Baldred the Hermit St Balther of Lindisfarne St Basil of Bologna St Cadroë
St Chrodegang of Metz (c714-776) The First Bishop of Metz, Protector and Father of the poor and orphans, Reformer of the Clergy, a relative of King Pepin and of Prince Charles Martel, both of whom he was Court Chancellor, Royal Diplomat, Saint Opportuna of Montreuil was his brother. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Metz in Austrasia, in today’s France, St Crodegango, Bishop, who arranged for the Clergy to live as if within the walls of a cloister under an exemplary rule of life and greatly promoted liturgical chant.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/06/saint-of-the-day-6-march-saint-chrodegang-of-metz/
St Colette PCC (1381-1447) Abbess and Foundress of the Colettine Poor Clares, a reform branch of the Order of Saint Clare. Patronages – against eye disorders, against fever, against headaches, against infertility, against the death of parents, of women seeking to conceive, expectant mothers and sick children, craftsmen, Poor Clares, servants, Corbie, France, Ghent, Belgium. St Colette was Canonised on 24 May 1807 by Pope Pius VII. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2017/03/06/saint-of-the-day-6-march-st-colette/ AND: https://anastpaul.com/2019/03/06/saint-of-the-day-6-march-st-colette-2/
St Cyriacus of Trier St Cyril of Constantinople St Evagrius of Constantinople
Bl Guillermo Giraldi St Heliodorus the Martyr Bl Jordan of Pisa St Julian of Toledo St Kyneburga of Castor St Kyneswide of Castor St Marcian of Tortona St Ollegarius Bonestruga OSA (1060-1137) Bishop St Patrick of Malaga St Sananus
Martyrs of Amorium – 42 Saints – Also known as Martyrs of Syria and Martyrs of Samarra; A group of 42 Christian senior officials in the Byzantine Empire who were captured by forces of the Abbasid Caliphate when the Muslim forces overran the City of Amorium, Phrygia in 838 and massacred or enslaved its population. The men were imprisoned in Samarra, the seat of the Caliphate, for seven years. Initially thought to be held for ransom due to their high position in the empire, all attempts to buy their freedom were declined. The Caliph repeatedly ordered them to convert to Islam and sent Islamic scholars to the prison to convince them; they refused until the Muslims finally gave up and killed them. Martyrs. We know the names and a little about seven of them: Aetios Bassoes Constantine Constantine Baboutzikos Kallistos Theodore Krateros Theophilos but details about the rest have disappeared over time. However, a lack of information did not stop several legendary and increasingly over-blown “Acts” to be written for years afterward. One of the first biographers, a monk name Euodios, presented the entire affair as a judgement by God on the empire for its official policy of Iconoclasm. Deaths: beheaded on 6 March 845 in Samarra (in modern Iraq) on the banks of the Euphrates river by Ethiopian slaves the bodies were thrown into the river, but later recovered by local Christians and given proper burial.
Thought for the Day – 5 March – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)
“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5
XXVIII: … Of the Devil’s Devices Against Those Already Held, in the Bondage of Sin
“When the devil holds a man in the bondage of sin, his chief care is to blind his eyes more and more and to avert everything from him which might lead to a knowledge of his most wretched condition. And not only does he, by instilling contrary thoughts, drive from him all reflections and inspirations which call him to conversion but, by affording him ready opportunities, he makes him fall into new and greater sins.
Hence, the thicker and darker waxes his blindness, the more desperate and habitual becomes his course of sin and thus, from blindness to deeper blindness, from sin to fouler sin, his wretched life will whirl on, even unto death, unless God, by His grace, should intervene to save him.
The remedy for one in this unhappy condition is, to be ready to give dilligent heed to the thoughts and inspirations which call him from darkness to light, crying with all his heart to his Creator: “O Lord, help me, help me speedily, leave me no longer in the darkness of sin.” And let him not fail to repeat this cry for mercy over and over again in these or the like words. If possible, let him have immediate recourse to some spiritual guide and ask aid and counsel that so he may be delivered from the power of the enemy. And if he cannot do this, at the moment, let him with all speed, fly to the Crucifix, prostrating himself before it and asking mercy and aid also, from the Mother of God.
On this speed does the victory depend, as you will learn in the next chapter.”
Quote/s of the Day – 5 March – Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent – 4 Kings 4:1-7; Matthew 18:15-22
“Then Peter came up and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times but seventy times seven.”
Matthew 18:21-22
“Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
Acts 7:60
“No-one heals himself by wounding another.”
“Our own evil inclinations are far more dangerous, than any external enemies. ”
St Ambrose (340-397) Father and Doctor of the Church
“If a man finds it very difficult to forgive injuries, let him look at a Crucifix and think that Christ shed all His Blood for him and not only forgave His enemies but, even prayed His Heavenly Father, to forgive them too. Let him remember, that when he says the Pater Noster, everyday, instead of asking pardon for his sins, he is calling down VENGEANCE UPON HIMSELF!”
St Philip Neri (1515-1595)
“You must be reconciled to your enemies, speak to them, as if they had never done you anything but good, all your life, keeping nothing in your heart but the charity, which the good Christian should have, for everyone, so that we may all appear with confidence, before the tribunal of God.”
Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 5 March – Tuesday of the Third Week in Lent – 4 Kings 4:1-7; Matthew 18:15-22 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.” Luke 11:4
“Then Peter came up to him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times but seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22
Forgiving Our Brother With All Our Heart
By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church
“The first word our Lord spoke on the Cross was a prayer for those who were Crucifying Him; thus, He carried out what Saint Paul wrote: “In the days of His flesh, He offered prayer and sacrifice” (Heb 5:7). It is true that those who were Crucifying our Divine Saviour did not know Him … for, if they had known Him, they would not have Crucified Him (1 Cor 2:8). Therefore, our Lord, seeing the ignorance and weakness of those torturing Him, began to make excuses for them and offer this Sacrifice to His heavenly Father for them – for prayer is a sacrifice: … “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk 23:34). How great was the flame of love burning in our sweet Saviour’s heart, since amidst the strongest of His pains, at the time when the strength of His sufferings seemed to take from Him even the ability to pray for Himself, He came, through the strength of charity, to forget Himself but not those He had created …
By this He wanted to make us understand the love He bore for us, a love which could not be lessened by any kind of suffering and, to teach us, too, what our hearts ought to be feeling with regard to our neighbour …
Now, since this Divine Lord had been occupying Himself in asking forgiveness for us, it is absolutely certain that His request was granted. For His Divine Father honoured Him too much to refuse Him anything He asked.” – (Sermon for Good Friday 25/03/1622).
One Minute Reflection – 5 March – Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent – 4 Kings 4:1-7, Matthew 18:15-22 – “The Month of St Joseph”
“Then Peter came up to him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times but seventy times seven.” – Matthew 18:21-22
REFLECTION – “He is our peace, for He has made both one. Since we think of Christ as our peace, we may call ourselves true Christians, only if our lives express Christ by our own peace. As the Apostle says: He has put enmity to death. We must never allow it to be rekindled in us in any way but, must declare, that it is absolutely dead. Gloriously has God slain enmity, in order to save us, may we never risk the life of our souls by being resentful or by bearing grudges. …
No, since we possess Christ Who is Peace, we must put an end to this enmity and live as we believe He lived. He broke down the separating wall, uniting what was divided, bringing about peace by reconciling in His single person, those who disagreed. In the same way, we must be reconciled not only with those who attack us from outside but also with those who stir up dissension within; flesh then will no longer be opposed to the spirit, nor the spirit to the flesh. Once we subject the wisdom of the flesh to God’s law, we shall be re-created as one single man, at peace. Then, having become one instead of two, we shall have peace within ourselves.
Now peace is defined as harmony among those who are divided. When, therefore, we end that civil war within our nature and cultivate peace within ourselves, we become peace. By this peace we demonstrate that the Name of Christ, which we bear, is authentic and appropriate.
When we consider that Christ is the True Light, having nothing in common with deceit, we learn that our own life also must shine with the rays of that True Light. Now these rays of the Sun of Justice are the virtues which pour out to enlighten us so that we may put away the works of darkness and walk honourably as in broad daylight. When we reject the deeds of darkness and do everything in the light of day, we become light and, as light should, we give light to others by our actions. If we truly think of Christ as our source of holiness, we shall refrain from anything wicked or impure in thought or act and thus, show ourselves to be worthy bearers of His Name. For the quality of holiness is shown, not by what we say but by what we do in life.” – St Gregory of Nyssa (c 335–C 395) – Bishop and Father of the Church (Excerpt from his treatise, On Christian Perfection).
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who sees how we are deprived of all strength, guard us inwardly and outwardly that in body, we may be protected against all misfortunes and in mind, cleansed of evil thoughts and by the intercession of blessed and gloriosus ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, be assisted on this earthly pilgrimage. 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 – 5 March – Tuesday of the Third Week in Lent
Hear Me, O Lord By St Peter of Alcantara (1499-1562)
Hear me, O Lord, my soul’s delight, joy of my heart, not because of my merits but because of Thy boundless goodness. Teach me, enlighten me, direct me, help me in all things that I may never say or do anything but that which I know to be pleasing in Thou sight. Guide me, O God, my Love, my Light and my Life! Amen
Saint of the Day – 5 March – Saint Theophilus of Caesarea (Died c217) Bishop, Theologian, Writer , Apologist and Defender of the Faith. Born in Caesarea, Palestine and died c195 of natural causes. Also known as – Theophilus of Palestine.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Caesarea, in Palestine, in the time of the Emperor, Severus, St Theophilus, Bishop, who was conspicuous for his wisdom and the purity of his life.”
St Theophilus at Notre-Dame Basilica, Geneva (Switzerland)
Saint Theophilus was born in Caesarea in Palestine around 110. He was educated in a Christian environment and soon became a leader of the local Church. In 189 he was appointed as the Bishop of Caesarea.
He was a prolific Theologian and wrote several works, including the “Letter to Autolycus” an apologetic work defending Christianity against pagan accusations. In this work, Theophilus argues that Christianity is the true religion and that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Theophilus was an important leader of the Church. He was one of the main supporters of celebrating Easter on Sunday, according to Western tradition. In 190, he attended a Synod in Caesarea, in which it was decided that Easter would be celebrated on Sunday.
He died in Caesarea of Palestine around 217. He was officially Canonised in the 16th Century with a Feast today, 5 March.
St Adrian of Caesarea St Caron St Carthach the Elder Bl Christopher Macassoli of Vigevano St Clement of Santa Lucia St Colman of Armagh St Conon of Pamphylia Bl Conrad Scheuber Bl Dietmar von Minden St Eusebius of Cremona St Eusebius the Martyr St Gerasimus of Palestine (Died c475) Monk, Hermit Bl Giovanna Irrizaldi
Martyrs of Africa – A group of 304 Christians Martyred together for their faith. We know nothing else about them but five of their names Eusebius, Evolus, Hadrian, Julian and Octavian. They Died in 254 in Africa, exact location and date unknown.
Thought for the Day – 4 March – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)
“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5
XXVII: … The Methods Used by the Devil to Tempt Those Who Desire Virtue
“You must know that the devil is intent upon nothing but our ruin and that he does not use the same method of assault with all persons.
In order, then, to make known to you some of his modes of attack, his stratagems and devices, I will set before you several different conditions of men.
+++ Some remain in the service of sin without a thought of escape. +++ Some would fain be free but never make the attempt. +++ Others think they are walking in the way of holiness, while they are wandering far from it. +++ And lastly, some, after having attained unto holiness, fall into deeper perdition.
Quote/s of the Day – 4 March – Wisdom for Lent and for Life
“Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abide in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”
John 15:4
“Strive to preserve your heart in peace; let no event of this world, disturb it.”
St John of the Cross (1542-1591) Doctor of the Church
“If, when stung by slander or ill-nature, we wax proud and swell with anger, it is a proof that our gentleness and humility are unreal and mere artificial show!”
“Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear – rather look to them with full hope that, as they arise, God, Whose you are, will deliver you out of them. He is your keeper. He has kept you hitherto. Do you but hold fast to His dear Hand and He will lead you safely through all things and, when you cannot stand, He will bear you in His arms. Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow. Our Father will either shield you from suffering, or He will give you strength to bear it.”
“The truly patient man neither complains of his hard lot, nor desires to be pitied by others. He speaks of his sufferings in a natural, true and sincere way, without murmuring, complaining, or exaggerating them.”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor Caritatis
“If we live good lives, hoping for a Heavenly reward and guided by the action of the Holy Spirit, dwelling within us, we shall possess this spiritual joy. Once we possess it, it will be erased, neither by temptation, nor by suffering, nor by persecution, as long, as our faith, remains firm and steadfast. The sincere Christian accepts pleasure and pain with equal readiness because he places everything in God’s hands. … We must try, at least, to achieve that spirit of complete resignation to God’s will which is always rewarded by peace of soul!”
Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 4 March – St Casimir (1458-1484) Confessor, Prince – 4 Kings 5:1-15; Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The just shall flourish like the palm tree, he shall grow up, like the cedar of Lebanon.” Psalm 91:13
“There were many widows in Israel” Luke 4:25
The Precept of Hospitality
St Ambrose (340-397) Father and Doctor of the Church
“At that time, when the whole human race was afflicted by famine, Elias was sent to a widow? And see how, for each is reserved her own special grace. An Angel is sent to the Virgin, a Prophet to the widow. In the one case it is Gabriel, in the other Elisha. The most excellent chiefs of the number of Angels and Prophet,s are seen to be chosen! But there is no praise, simply in widowhood, unless there be added the virtues of widowhood. For, indeed, there were many widows but one is preferred to all, by whose example of virtue, they are stimulated … The grace of hospitality is not lost sight of by God, Who, as He hHmself relates in the Gospel, rewards a cup of cold water with the exceeding recompense of eternity (Mt 10:42) and compensates the small measure of meal and oil, by an unfailing abundance of plenty …
Why consider the fruits of the earth are private, when the earth itself is common property? … But we turn aside the warnings of a general utterance to our private advantage. God says: “Every tree which has in it the fruit of a tree yielding seed, shall be to you for food and, to every beast and to every bird and to everything that creeps on the earth.” (Gn 1:29-30). By heaping up, we come to want and need. For we cannot hope for the promise if we do not keep God’s will. It is also good for us to attend to the precept of hospitality, to be ready to give to strangers, for we, too, are strangers in the world.
How holy was that widow, who, when pinched by extreme hunger, observed the reverence due to God! She was not using the food for herself alone but was dividing it with her son. A beautiful example of tenderness but, even more of faith! She should not have set anyone before her son, yet, she set the Prophet of God before her own preservation. You may well believe she not only gave him a little food but all she had to live on. She kept nothing back for herself. So hospitable was she that she gave all she had, so full of faith that her trust was total.” – (On Widows).
One Minute Reflection – 4 March – St Casimir (1458-1484) Confessor, Prince – 4 Kings 5:1-15; Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
There were many widows in Israel” – Luke 4:25
REFLECTION – “My wretched soul is naked and cold and benumbed, it longs to warm itself at the fIre of Your love… Out of my wide wilderness and the great emptiness of my heart, I have collected only these few tiny twigs, like the widow of Sarepta; so that, when I do come to the tabernacle of my house, I may have a handful of flour and a vessel of oil to eat before I die (1 Kgs 17:10). Or maybe, Lord, I shall not die as quickly as all that! It may be rather that “I shall not die at all but live and declare the works of the Lord” (Ps 117:17).
So I stand in the house of solitude… I open my mouth in Your direction, Lord; I breathe in the Spirit. And sometimes, Lord,… You do put something in my heart’s mouth but You do not permit me to know just what it is. A savour I perceive, so sweet, so gracious and so comforting that… I should seek nothing more. But when I receive this thing, neither by bodily sight, nor by spiritual sense, nor by understanding of the mind, do You allow me to discern what it is. When I receive it, then I want to keep it, and think about it and assess its flavour but forthwith, it has gone… But every time this happens I hear the Lord say to me: “The Spirit blows whither he will. ” And I know, even in myself, that He breathes not, when I will but when He Himself wills…
I know that it is to You alone, O Fount of Life, that I must lift up my eyes, that “in your light I may see light” (Ps 35:10). Towards You, then, Lord, are all things turned… But in the meantime, Lord, how much longer are You going to put me off? How often must my wretched, harassed, gasping soul trail after You? “Hide me,” I beseech you, “in the secret place of Your Face away from the troubles of men, protect me in Your tabernacle from the strife of conguest!” (Ps 30:21).” – William of Saint-Thierry (c 1085-1148) Cistercian Monk, Theologian (The Contemplation of God 12).
PRAYER – O God, Who strengthened St Casimir with the virtue of steadfastness amid the luxuries of a Royal Court and the allurements of the world, we beseech Thee that through his intercession, Thy faithful may treat earthly things as naught and ever aspire to those of Heaven. 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 – 4 March – Monday of the Third Week in Lent
Morning Offering By St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873 – 1897)
O my God! I offer Thee all my actions of this day for the intentions and for the glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I desire to sanctify every beat of my heart, my every thought, my simplest works, by uniting them to It’s infinite merits and I wish to make reparation for my sins, by casting them into the furnace of It’s Merciful Love. O my God! I ask Thee for myself and for those whom I hold dear, the grace to fulfil perfectly Thy Holy Will, to accept for love of Thee, the joys and sorrows of this passing life, so that we may one day be united together in Heaven for all Eternity. Amen.
Saint of the Day – 4 March – Blessed Humbert III, Count of Savoy (1136–1189) Layman Prince. It is recorded of Humberto “who, forced to leave the cloister to deal with public affairs, practiced the monastic life with greater dedication, to which he later returned.” Born in 1136 in Avigliana, Italy and died on 4 March 1189 in Chambéry, France of natural causes. Beatified in 1838 by Pope Gregory XVI.
Humbert III was born around 1136 in the Castle of Avigliana, Piedmont, near Turin, to Count Amadeus III of Savoy and Mahaut (Mathilde), Countess of Albon and Vienne. Humbert III is an important figure in medieval society, as attested in the history of House of Savoy. His life was characterised by certain key features, including mysticism, borne of a vocation and tradition of the contemplative life . But he events of his time and of his place by birth, forced instead that he become a warrior and politician which he undertook exclusively for Dynastic reasons., having inherited the dream of his father and grandfather of unifying the kingdoms of Burgundy.
Humbert’s education was entrusted to Saint Amadeus of Lausanne, the former Abbot of Hautecombe and, under his guidance, little Humbert made great progress in his studies and spiritual formation, despising the apparent splendour of worldly things and wishing to devote himself to prayer, meditation and penance. To better achieve his lofty goals, he often retreated to the Abbey of Hautecombe, on the banks of Lake Bourget in Savoy, founded by his father. He always left this holy place with regret, each time the family and the Savoyard nobility, called him back to deal with political issues.
In 1122, Humbert’s much older brother, Amadeus III, who had inherited the Dynastic leadership from their father, went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land out of gratitude towards Pope Callixtus II and from 1146, he participated in the Second Crusade. However, in 1148, he died on the island of Cyprus, where he was buried, leaving young Humbert as heir – Humbert III was then just twelve years old.
At the age of 15 Humbert married Fedica, daughter of Count Alfonsus-Giordanus of Toulouse, who soon died without children. Later he married a cousin, Gertrude, daughter of Count Theodoric of Flanders and Clemenza of Burgundy. Unfortunately, this second marriage was annulled, due to sterility. In 1164 he married Clementina of Zharinghen, who however gave him only two daughters, Alice and Sofia. Widowed again in 1173, Humbert decided to retire to Hautecombe Monastery, until, in 1177, the nobility managed to convince him to marry for the fourth time, hoping for a male heir,. Finally, his fourth wife, Beatrice, daughter of Count Gerard of Macon bore a son, Thomas, who would continue the Dynasty and another daughter, who however died at the age of seven.
The long reign of Humbert III which lasted aaround forty years, was characterised by particular conflicts with the Emperor, the various Lords and Bishop-Counts. In 1187, he was in fact, banished from the Empire by Henry VI, as he supported the Emperor’s opponents. Humbert retreated to his Alpine domains, dedicating himself to the practice of personal virtues and fraternal charity and the promotion of Monastic foundations.
Humbert ‘s spirituality undoubtedly blossomed in an environment of ancient Christian traditions, favoured in particular by the example of his father, a pilgrim and Crusader in the Holy Land and of the holy Bishop St Amadeus of Lausanne, his spiritual father. The life of thisPrince passed almost entirely under the sign of contradictions – a lover of peace, he had to encounter frequent hostilities and wars; penitent, contemplative ascetic –the care of the government imposed on him a life of action, finding himself almost forced into marriage to leave an heir. However, he gave undoubted signs of great moral balance, of severity with himself and of indulgence and charity towards others. He was very generous towards Churches, Monasteries and above all, towards the poor.
The death of Humbert III, on 4 March 1189 in Chambéry, at the age of fifty-two, was mourned with sincerity by all the people. He was the first Savoy Prince to be buried in the Hautecombe Abbey,which, since then, became a necropolis for the dynasty, so much so, that Humbert II and Maria José, the last Italian Empress, still rest there today. The deceased Count immediately received great veneration, also supported by many miracles, until in 1838 King Charles Albert of Sardinia managed to obtain from Pope Gregory XVI the official approval of the title of “Blessed” for his ancestor, as well as for nephew of these, Blessed Boniface, Carthusian Monk and later Archbishop of Canterbury. The two Blessed of the House of Savoy, rest today in two valuable Sarcophagi behind the High Altar of the Abbey Church in Hautecombe.
In Italy, Blessed Humbert III is still remembered today, in particular in Racconigi, where a painting of the Blessed donated by Queen Elena and restored by King Humbert II, is kept in the Royal Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie. Furthermore he is venerated in Aosta, where he is depicted on the facade of the Cathedral and in the Castle of Sarre, also in the Aosta Valley.
St Lucius I (Died 254) Pope and Martyr. The 22nd Bishop of Rome from 25 June 253 to his death on 5 March 254. He was banished soon after his consecration but gained permission to return. Patronage – Copenhagen, Denmark. Lucius I’s Tombstone is still extant in the Catacomb of Callixtus. His Relics were later brought to the Church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, along with the Relics of St Cecilia and others. His head is preserved in a reliquary in St. Ansgar’s Cathedral in Copenhagen, Denmark. This Relic was brought to Roskilde around the year 1100, after Lucius had been declared Patron Saint of the Danish region Zeeland. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, on the Appian Way. during the persecution of Valerian, the birthday of St Lucius, Pope and Martyr, who was first exiled for the Faith of Christ but, being permitted by Divine Providence to return to his Church, he suffered Martyrdom by decapitation, after having combated the Novatians. His praises have been published by the blesseed Saint Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage(200-258).” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/04/saint-of-the-day-4-march-st-lucius-i-died-254-pope-and-martyr/
St Adrian of May St Adrian of Nicomedia Bl Alexander Blake St Appian of Comacchio St Arcadius of Cyprus St Basinus of Trier Bl Christopher Bales St Felix of Rhuys St Gaius of Nicomedia Blessed Humbert III Count of Savoy (1136–1189) Layman Prince St Leonard of Avranches Bl Nicholas Horner St Nestor the Martyr St Owen Bl Paolo of Brescia
Martyrs on the Appian Way – 900 Saints: Group of 900 Martyrs buried in the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus on the Appian Way, Rome.
Martyrs of Nicomedia – 20 Saints: A group of 20 Christians murdered together for their faith. The only details about them to survive are three of their names – Archelaus, Cyrillos and Photius. Nicomedia, Bithynia (in modern Turkey)
Martyrs of the Crimea – 7 Saints: A group of 4th century missionary Bishops who evangelised in the Crimea and southern Russia and were Martyred for their work. We know little else beyond the names – Aetherius, Agathodorus, Basil, Elpidius, Ephrem, Eugene and Gapito.
“This exercise is very displeasing to the devil, both because he sees it to be most acceptable to God and, also because, he is enraged to see himself overcome by one,over whom he had been at first victorious. And, therefore, he seeks by many artful wiles, to make us relinquish it and, through our carelessness and lack of vigilance, he is but too often successful! The more difficult, therefore, this exercise may seem to you, the greater violence must you do to yourself, renewing it repeatedly, even after a single fall.
And, if after any fall, you feel uneasy, distrustful,and confused in mind, the first thing to be done is to recover your peace and quietness of mind, and together with it, your confidence in God. Armed with these, turn again to the Lord — for your uneasiness on account of your sin arises, not from the consideration of the offence against God but, of the injury to yourself.
To recover this peace, discard entirely from your mind, the thought of your fall and set yourself to meditate on the unspeakable goodness of God — how He is beyond measure, ready and willing to forgive every sin, how grievous soever; calling the sinner by manifold ways and means, to come to Him that He may unite him to Himself in this life, by His grace, in order to his sanctification and, in the life to come, by His glory, for his eternal beatication.
And having quieted your mind by these and the like reflections, turn your thoughts once more to your fall, according to the instructions given you above.
Again, at the time of sacramental Confession, to which I exhort you to have frequent recourse, recall to mind all your falls and ,with renewed sorrow and indignation at the offence against God and, renewed purpose, never again to offend Him, disclose them with all sincerity to your spiritual Father.”
Quote/s of the Day – 3 March – The Third Sunday of Lent – Ephesians 5:1-9; Luke 11:14-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“We fight the monsters of Africa in imagination but, from lack of attention, we allow ourselves, in reality, to be killed by the little serpents which lie in our way!”
(Intro to the Devout Life III:37)
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of Charity of the Church
O Jesus, My Sweet Love! (I too have kept Thee suffering) Prayer of Contrition By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
O Jesus, my sweet Love! I too have kept Thee suffering through all Thy life. Tell me, then, what I must do in order to win Thy forgiveness. I am ready to do all Thou askest of me. I am sorry, O sovereign Good, for all the offences I have committed against Thee. I love Thee more than myself, or at least, I feel a great desire to love Thee. Since it is Thou Who hast given me this desire, do Thou also give me the strength to love Thee exceedingly.
It is only right that I, who have offended Thee so much, should love Thee very much. Always remind me of the love Thou hast borne me, in order that my soul may ever burn with love of Thee and long to please Thee alone. O God of love, I, who was once a slave of hell, now give myself all to Thee. Graciously accept me and bind me to Thee with the bonds of Thy love. My Jesus, from this day and forever, in loving Thee will I live and in loving Thee will I die.
O Mary, my Mother and my hope, help me to love Thy dear God and mine. This is the only favour I ask of thee and through thee, I hope to receive it. Amen
Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 3 March – The Third Sunday in Lent – Ephesians 5:1-9; Luke 11:14-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Walk then, as children of the Light. For the fruit of the Light is in all goodness and justice and truth.” Ephesians 5:8-9
“And He was casting out a devil and the same was dumb.” Luke 11:14
On Concealing Sins in Confession
St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
“THE devil does not bring sinners to hell with their eyes open — he first blinds them with the malice of their own sins. “For their own malice blinded them.” (Wis 2:21) He thus leads them to eternal perdition. Before we fall into sin, the enemy labours to blind us that, we may not see the evil we do and, the ruin we bring upon ourselves, by offending God. After we commit sin, he seeks to make us dumb that, through shame, we may conceal our guilt in Confession. Thus, he leads us to hell by a double chain, inducing us, after our transgressions, to consent to a still greater sin the sin of sacrilege!
… St Augustine says that, to prevent the sheep from seeking assistance by there cries, the wolf seizes them by the throat and thus securely carries them away and devours them. The devil acts in a similar manner with the sheep of Jesus Christ. After having induced them to yield to sin, he seizes them by the throat that they may not confess their guilt and thus, he securely brings them to hell. For those who have sinned grievously, there is no means of salvation but the confession of their sins! But, what hope of salvation can he have who goes to Confession and conceals his sins and makes use of the tribunal of penance to offend God and to make himself doubly the slave of Satan? What hope would you entertain of the recovery of the man, who, instead of taking the medicine prescribed by his physician, drank a cup of poison instead? God! What can the Sacrament of Penance be to those who conceal their sins but a deadly poison which adds to their guilt, the malice of Sacrilege? In giving Absolution, the Confessor dispenses to his patient the Blood of Jesus Christ; for it is through the merits of that Blood that he absolves from sin.
What, then, does the sinner do, when he conceals his sins in Confession? He tramples underfoot, the Blood of Jesus Christ. And should he afterwards receive the Holy Communion in a state of sin, he is, according to St Chrysostom, as guilty as if he threw the Consecrated Host into a sink … Accursed shame! how many poor souls do you bring to hell? … Unhappy souls! they think only of the shame of confessing their sins and do not reflect that, if they conceal them, they shall be certainly damned!” (Extract from the Sermon for the Third Sunday of Lent, 1 and 5).
One Minute Reflection – 3 March – “The Month of St Joseph” – The Third Sunday in Lent – The Third Sunday in Lent – Ephesians 5:1-9; Luke 11:14-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste.” – Luke 11:17
REFLECTION –“No-one can have God as his father, if he does not have the Church as his mother… The Lord warned us of this when He said: “Whoever is not with Me, is against Me and whoever does not gather together with Me, scatters.” The person who breaks the peace and concord of Christ, acts against Christ; the person who gathers together, outside of the Church, scatters the Church of Christ.
The Lord said: “The Father and I are one.” (Jn 10:30) It is also written of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost: “These Three are One.” (1 Jn 5:7) From now on, who can believe, that the unity which has its origin in this Divine harmony which is linked with this heavenly Mystery, can be divided up in the Church … through conflicts of will? Whoever does not observe this unity, neither observes the law of God, nor faith, in the Father and the Son – he keeps neither life, nor salvation.
In the Gospel, this sacrament of unity, this bond of concord, in indissoluble cohesion, is shown us through the Lord’s Tunic. It could neither be divided nor torn but they drew lots, so as to know who would put on Christ (Jn 19:24) … It is the symbol of unity which comes from on high!” – St Cyprian of Carthage (c 200- c 258) Bishop and Martyr, Father of the Church (On the unity of the Church).
PRAYER – We beseech Thee, Almighty God, hear the prayers of the humble and stretch forth the right hand of Thine majesty to protect us. 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 – 3 March – The Third Sunday in Lent
Prayer Before The Crucifix (The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass) By St Vincent Strambi (1745-1824)
Jesus, by this Saving Sign, bless this listless soul of mine. Jesus, by Thine feet nailed fast, mend the missteps of my past. Jesus, with Thine riven hands, bend my will to love’s demands. Jesus, in Thine Heart laid bare, warm my inner coldness there. Jesus, by Thine thorn-crowned head, still my pride till it is dead. Jesus, by Thine muted tongue, stay my words that hurt someone. Jesus, by Thine tired eyes, open mine to faith’s surprise. Jesus, by Thine fading breath, keep me faithful until death. Yes, Lord, by this Saving Sign, save this wayward soul of mine. Amen
Saint of the Day – 3 March – Blessed Innocento of Berzo OFM Cap. (1844-1890) Priest, Friar of the Friars Minor of the Capuchins, Born on 19 March 1844 at Niardo, Brescia, Italy as Giovanni Scalvinoni and died on 3 March 1890 at Bergamo, Italy from influenza. Patronages – of children, Berzo Inferiore, Italy. Also known as – Giovanni Scalvinoni, Innocent, Innocenzo. Additional Memorial – 28 September (Capuchins), the Sunday after the Pardon of Assisi , that is the Sunday after 2 August at his Annunziata Convent.
Among the votive offerings preserved in the humble birthplace of Blessed Innocento in Berzo, now transformed into a Museum, there is a fragment of rope in memory of a miracle which occurred in the 1920s. A mountaineer, during a climb, fell into a crevice and, having no-one to help him, asked for the intervention of the humble Capuchin Friar, to whom he was devoted. A rope came from above while the movements to climb the cliff were suggested to him but, once he reached the top, he was astonished to see that no-one was waiting for him.
Giovanni Scalvinoni was born in Niardo (Brescia), his mother’s hometown, on 19 March 1844. A few months later a terrible disaster suddenly struck the young family. His father, in just two days, died of pneumonia. Giovannino spent his childhood simply — making the strong faith of the mountain people his own. From an early age he had great pity for the poor, generously giving what little he had to those who knocked on his door. He woulf retain this deeply experienced compassion throughout his life — when, as a Capuchin, he went around collecting alms, he was extremely satisfied to return to the Convent with an empty bag. That which he had received as an offering, he had immediately distributed to those in even more need than the Friars of the Convent.
He studied with excellent results in the Municipal College of Lovere (Bergamo) and from there, he moved onto the Seminary of Brescia, where he imposed a demanding spiritual disciplineupon himself. Giovanni was Ordained a Priest in 1867. Thereafter, he held various positions, including that of Vice Rector of the Seminary but each time he was removed because he absolutely lacked authority. His innate shyness led him to desire to live in solitude, between prayers and penances. On 16 April 1874 he finally began his Novitiate among the Capuchins, taking the name Innocento, at the Annunziata Convent. Four years later he made his Solemn Profession and was appointed Assistant Master of Novices.
Except for brief assignments and the preaching of spiritual exercises in some Lombard Convents, it was in the Annunziata Convent where he intensely experienced total abandonment to the Lord. Despite his excellent knowledge of theology, also passed onto his brothers, he always appeared humble and modest, with the desire to disappear and never be noticed. In love with the Eucharist (his Masses were of exceptional intensity), he stopped as much as he could in front of the Tabernacle. He loved the Crucifix very much too and the exercise of theWay of the Cross which he always recommended to his penitents.
On 3 March 1890, at the age of forty-six, he fell seriously ill and died in the Infirmary of the Convent in Bergamo. A few months later his mortal remains were solemnly transferred to Berzo. A reputation for sanctity had already surrounded him in life. On 21 March 1943 Innocento was venerated by Pope Pius XII by a Decree of Heroic Virtue and on 12 November 1961, John XXIII proclaimed him Blessed and Patron of children, protagonists of the two miracles of the recorded for his Beatification process.
Private Chapel of Innocento da Berzo in Piancogno
His writings (a few letters, diary fragments, notes for sermons), collected in a thousand pages, reveal the disarming secret of his sanctity — the unconditional abandonment in the arms of the Father. “Jesus is offended by everyone in the world — it is up to me not to leave Him alone in His affliction. The love of God does not consist in great feelings but in great nakedness and patience, for the beloved God. There is no other better means to guard the spirit, than to suffer, do and remain silent. I will have a great desire to be subject to everyone and I will have a horror of being preferred to the least.”
A path which leads to the Annunziata Convent, which he followed many times to reach various locations in Valcamonica, where he was sought as a Confessor and Preacher, is today named after him. From his cell, a destination for continuous pilgrimages, a small window allows you to contemplate the enchanting landscape of the lower valley, Lake Iseo and his native town of Berzo.
The Order of Friars Minor Capuchin commemorates his Feast on 28 September, while in the Sanctuary of the Santissima Annunziata, the Convent where the Blessed lived, the Feast is on the Sunday after the Pardon of Assisi (after 2 August).
Blessed Benedetto Sinigardi da Arezzo OFM (1190-1282) Friar of the Order of Friars Minor, who received the Habit directly from St Francis of Assisi. Although rarely mentioned, Blessed Benedetto is the Author of the Angelus! Furthermore, the beautiful custom of reciting the Marian Antiphon “The Angelus Domini” is attributed to Blessed Benedetto, meditating on the saving Mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God in Mary’s virginal womb. The Angelus Domini became a pious practice firstly to the entire Franciscan Order, then to the whole Church, as it still is today. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/03/saint-of-the-day-3-march-blessed-benedetto-sinigardi-da-arezzo-ofm-c1190-1282-the-author-of-the-angelus/
St Anselm of Nonantola St Arthelais of Benevento St Calupan St Camilla St Cele-Christ
St Cunegundes (c975-1040) Empress of the Holy Roman Empire, Nun, she took a vow of Virginity before her marriage, which, after a miracle was upheld by her husband, the King (also a Saint). Founder of Monasteries and Churches, Nun in one of her Convents, Apostle of Charity. Born in c 975 and died in 1040 of natural causes. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/03/saint-of-the-day-3-march-st-cunegundes-c-975-1040/
St Foila Bl Frederick of Hallum St Gervinus Blessed Innocento of Berzo OFM Cap. (1844-1890) Priest Bl Jacobinus de’ Canepaci St Lamalisse St Non
Bl Pierre-René Rogue St Sacer St Teresa Eustochio Verzeri St Titian of Brescia Bishop and Confessor St Winwallus of Landévennec
40 Martyrs in North Africa – A group of Christians Martyred together in North Africa, date unknown. No details have survived, but we know these names – Antonius, Artilaus, Asclipius, Astexius, Basil, Bosimus, Carissimus, Castus, Celedonius, Claudianus, Cyricus, Donata, Emeritus, Emeterius, Euticus, Felix, Fortunatus, Frunumius, Gajola, Georgius, Gorgonius, Hemeterus, Isicus, Janula, Julius, Luciola, Luciolus, Marcia, Marinus, Meterus, Nicephorus, Papias, Photius, Risinnius, Sabianus, Savinianus and Solus
Martyrs of Pontus – 3+ Saints – A large group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Emperor Maximian Galerius and governor Ascleopiodato. We have some details on three of them – Basiliscus, Cleonicus and Eutropius. 308 in Pontus (in modern Turkey) Martyrs of Caesarea; Asterius Marinus
Martyrs of Calahorra: Cheledonius Emeterius
Martyrs of Gondar, Ethiopia: Bl Antonio Francesco Marzorati Bl Johannes Laurentius Weiss Bl Michele Pío Fasol
“When you feel yourself wounded from having weakly, or it maybe, even willfully and deliberately, fallen into some sin, be not over-fearful or over-anxious but,, turn instantly to God, saying:
“Behold, O Lord, what I, of myself, have done! And what, indeed, could be expected of me but falls?”
And then, after a short pause, humble yourself in your own eyes, mourn over the offence committed against your Lord and, without falling into discouragement, be full of indignation against your evil passions, especially that which has occasioned your fall. Then say:
“Nor even here, Lord, should I have stopped, if Thine Goodness had not withheld me.”
And here give thanks to Him and love Him more than ever, wondering at the excess of His Mercy, Who, when you had so deeply offended Him, stretched out His right Hand to save you from another fall!
Lastly, say, with great confidence in His Infinite Compassion:
“Forgive me, Lord, for Thine own sake, suffer me not to depart from Thee, nor to be separated from Thee, nor evermore to offend Thee.”
And this done, do not sit down to consider whether God has pardoned you or not — for this is nothing else but pride, restlessness of mind, loss of time and, under colour of various fair pretexts, a delusion of the devil. But, committing yourself unreservedly to the Merciful Hands of God, pursue your exercise as if you had not fallen.
And if you should fall wounded many times in the day, repeat that which I have taught you, with no less faith than the first, the second, the third and even the last time and despising yourself and hating the sin, more and more, strive to lead, henceforth, a life of greater watchfulness.”
Quote/s of the Day – 2 March – 2 March – Saturday of the Second Week in Lent – Ferial Day – Genesis 27:6-40; Luke 15:11-32 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“I shall arise and shall go to my Father”
Luke 15:18
“Awake, O Sleeper and Rise from the Dead”
Ephesians 5:14
“Listen to the Lord’s appeal: ‘Come, then, return to Me and learn to know Me as your Father, Who repays good for evil, love for injury and boundless charity for piercing wounds!”
St Peter Chrysologus (c400-450) “Golden Words” Father & Doctor of the Church
“What better penance can a heart do which commits faults, than to submit to a continual abnegation of self-will?”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church
“Unfortunately, our only return for God’s continual favours, has been negligence, ingratitude and sin! Since it is an offence against God, Who is infinitely good and amiable, even venial sin cannot properly be atoned for by the merits of all the Angels and of all the Saints of Heaven. Therefore, it was necessary for the Son of God, made Man, to offer Himself as a Victim of Expiation, on our behalf. Remembering His Infinite Merits, we should humbly ask God – ‘forgive us our debts.‘ that is, our many sins and failings and, whatever punishment is owing to us, for every sin demands some expiation, either in this life or in the next!”
Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 2 March – Saturday of the Second Week in Lent – Ferial Day – Genesis 27:6-40; Luke 15:11-32 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“ It is good to give praise to the Lord and to sing to Thy Name, O most High. To shew forth Thy mercy in the morning and Thy truth in the night.” Psalm 91:2-3
“I shall arise and shall go to my Father” Luke 15:18
A Robe, a Ring and Sandals “Awake, O Sleeper and Rise from the Dead” (Ephesians 5:14)
St Ambrose (340-397) Father and Doctor of the Church
“I shall go to my father and say: ‘Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you.’” Such is our first confession to our Creator, our merciful Lord, the Judge of our sins. For although He knows all things, God is waiting for an expression of our confession. For “if you confess with your mouth… you will be saved” (Rm 10:10)…
This is how the younger son spoke to himself. But it is not enough just to speak, unless you come to the Father. Where are we to look for Him? Where will we find Him? “He got up.” Get up first of all, you who have hitherto been sitting down asleep. This is what the Apostle Paul says: “Awake, O sleeper and rise from the dead” (Eph 5:14) … Up you get, then and hurry along to the Church — there is the Father, there the Son, there the Holy Ghost. He, Who hears you speaking in the intimate depths of your soul, is coming to meet you and, when you are still far off, He sees you and starts running. He sees your heart; he runs up lest anyone delay you and embraces you … He flings His arms around your neck to raise you up, you who were prostrate, burdened with sins, face to the ground. He turns you over to face Heaven, so that you can seek your Creator there. Christ flings His Arms around you, so as to free your neck from slavery’s yoke and set His gentle yoke upon you… He is embracing you when He says: “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you” (Mt 11:28). Such is His manner of embrace if you repent.
He causes a Robe, a Ring and Sandals to be brought. The Robe is the garment of wisdom… spiritual clothing — the wedding garment. What is the Ring if not the seal of a genuine faith and the imprint of truth? And as for the Sandals — these are the preaching of the Gospel.” – (Commentary on Saint Luke’s Gospel VII).
One Minute Reflection – 2 March – “The Month of St Joseph” – Saturday of the Second Week in Lent – Ferial Day – Genesis 27:6-40; Luke 15:11-32 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“I shall arise and shall go to my Father” – Luke 15:18
REFLECTION – “As the prodigal son, I will return to my Father’s house and I will be welcomed back home. I shall do the same, as he did – will the Father not grant my prayer too? O forgiving Father, here I am at Thy door and I knock, open to me, let me enter, so that I may not ruin myself, go away and die! Thou made me Thy heir and I neglected my inheritance and squandered my goods – from now on, may I be as a mercenary and as a servant to Thee.
As of the tax collector, have mercy on me and I shall live by Thy grace! O Son of God, forgive my sins as Thou did with the adulteress. Save me from the waves, as Thou did with Peter. Have mercy on my lowness, as Thou did for the good criminal and remember me! O Lord, come search for me, like the lost sheep and Thou will find me; carry me on Thy shoulders, Lord, to the house of Thy Father.
As Thou didst, with the blind man, open my eyes that I may see Thy Light! As for the deaf, open my ears, that I may hear Thy Voice! As for the paralytic, heal my disability so that I may praise Thy Name. As for the leper, cleanse me of my sin with Thy hyssop (cf Ps 50:9). As the young girl, the daughter of Jairus, make me live, our Lord. As Peter’s mother-in-law, heal me, for I am sick. As the young boy, the widow’s son, raise me up, that I may stand up again. As Thou did with Lazarus, cry out to me with Thy Own Voice and undo my bandages. For I am dead because of sin, like as for a sickness, raise me up from my ruin that I may praise Thy Name!
I beg Thee, Lord of Heaven and earth, come save me and show me Thy Way, so that I may come towards Thee. Bring me back to Thee, Son of the Good Lord and fill me with Thy Mercy. I will come to Thee and then will I be filled with joy!” – St Jacob of Sarug (c451-521) Bishop, Theologian, Poet, Writer, Father (A poem).
PRAYER – Grant that our fasting may be beneficial to us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, so that by chastising our flesh, we may obtain strength for our souls. Through tJesus 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 – 2 March – “The Month ofSt Joseph” – Saturday of the Second Week in Lent and the First of the Month
Most Holy Virgin, My Consolation By St Germanus of Paris (c490-576)
Most Holy Virgin! Who art the greatest consolation which I receive from God, thou, who art the heavenly dew which assuages all my pains, thou, who art the light of my soul when it is enveloped in darkness, thou, who art my guide in unknown paths, the support of my weakness, my treasure, in poverty, my remedy, in sickness, my consolation, in trouble, my refuge, in misery, and the hope of my salvation, hear my supplications, have pity on me, as becomes the Mother of so good a God and obtain for me a favourable reception of all my petitions at the throne of mercy. Amen
Saint of the Day – 2 March – Saint Joavan of Brittany (Died c576) Bishop. Born in Britain, probably in Wales and died at Plougen, in Brittany, France of natural causes. Patronages – against cancer, Plouvien, France. Also known as – … of Leon, Jaoua, Joevin, Joévin, Jouva, Jaouen, Yaouen, Joavan, Joavan Aurelian.
Joavan followed his uncle to Brittany to become his disciple and spiritual student. St Paul Aurelian of Léon (Died c575) (known in Breton as Paol Aorelian or Saint Pol de Léon) the first Bishop of the See of Léon and one of the seven Founder Saints of Brittany.
That great Saint chose Joavan to be his assistant in his Bishopric, when he retired a little before his death. Saint Joavan survived him only a short time, perhaps just a year.
Joavan is the titular Saint of two Parish Churches in the Diocess of Léon.
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