I love and leave you for a while to move house but, like the Lord in John 16, “A little while and now you shall not see Me:and again a little while and you shall see Me … ”
Ciao, you probably know means both “Hello” and “Goodbye” in Italian – I will be hanging around here most days and be fully moved and reasonably settled by the 3rd week of May, I pray. I plan to finish dear Dom Lorenzo Scupoli’s Spiritual Combat (we are on Chapter 54 and there are only 66 Chapters), whilst I am officially ‘away.’ Thus we will be ready to start a new Series when I return fully.
Circumstances beyond our control are forcing us to move at the beginning of May, I, therefore, need to get going with the packing immediately. Please bombard Heaven with your prayers, especially for the intercession of our dearest helpers, St Joseph and St Jude, during this stressful and well-nigh impossible time. We are experiencing great difficulties, as the cost of living becomes an overwhelming burden in South Africa and beg your prayers.
I will, as usual, be praying for you all. I know, many struggle and suffer all over the world in similar or worse circumstances. May our good Lord Bless you 🤗 your names are written on His Hands 🙏🧡 Ana
Thought for the Day – 26 April – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)
“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5
LIV: … The Manner in which We Ought to Receive the Blessed Sacrament (Part Two)
“You will recall, we are discussing various requirements to be observed for approaching this Divine Sacrament, at three different times: Before Communion (completed in Part One); At the moment of reception of Communion (No 2 below); After Communion (No 3 below).
When we are about to receive the Body of Our Lord, let us quickly consider the faults committed since our last Communion and, in order to conceive a more perfect sorrow, let us remember that we committed them as callously as if Christ had not died for us on Calvary’s tree – such a remembrance should fill us with shame and fear, for having basely preferred a trifling compliance to our own will, to the obedience due to so gracious a Master. But when we consider that, in spite of this ingratitude and infidelity, this God of all charity still condescends to visit us and live within us, then let us approach Him with confidence and open hearts; for when He lives within, no tainted affections of the world may steal in.
After Communion, we are to remain in profound recollection, adoring Our Lord with great humility and saying within our souls: “Thou seest, O God, of my soul, my wretched propensity to sin; Thou seest how domineering is this passion and that, of myself, I cannot resist. It is Thou Who must fight my battles and if I share in the combat, it is Thee from Whom I must expect the Crown of victory! ” Then addressing ourselves to the Eternal Father, let us offer to Him, this beloved Son, Who now dwells within our breast; let us offer Him thanksgiving for innumerable benefits and implore Him, for the grace which will make our victory complete.
Finally, let us resolve to fight courageously against the enemy from whom we suffer most. Thus we may expect victory, since if we are not wanting in petition, God is not wanting in bestowing and, sooner or later, victory will be ours!”
Quote/s of the Day – 26 April – Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel
“Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sickness or anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my fold? What else do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything!”
Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego 1531
“O, that the soul of Mary were in us, to glorify the Lord! That the spirit of Mary were in us, to rejoice in God. May the life of Blessed Mary be ever present to our awareness. In her, as in a mirror, the form of virtue and beauty of chastity, shine forth. She was Virgin, not only in body but in mind and spirit. She never sullied the pure affection of her heart by unworthy feelings. She was humble of heart. She was serious in her conversations. She was prudent in her counsels. She preferred to pray rather than to speak. She united in her heart the prayers of the poor, and avoided the uncertainty of worldly riches. She was ever faithful to her daily duties, reserved in her conversations and always accustomed to recognise God as the witness of her thoughts. Blessed be the Name of Jesus!”
(On Virginity II 2.7)
St Ambrose (340-397) Father and Doctor of the Church
“Mary, having merited to give flesh to the Divine Word and thus, supply the price of our redemption that we might be delivered from eternal death, therefore, she is more powerful than all others, to help us gain eternal life.”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
“If you are in danger, if your hearts are confused, turn to Mary; she is our comfort, our help; turn towards her and you will be saved.”
One Minute Reflection – 26 April – St Pope Cletus (c25-c89) The 3rd Bishop of Rome and Martyr and St Pope Marcellinus (Died 304) Martyr and the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel –1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11; Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And I say to thee that thou art Peter and upon this rock I sgall build My Church …” – Matthew 16:18
REFLECTION – “Thou art Peter and upon this rock I shall build My Church.” He was given this name of ‘Peter’ because he was the first to set the foundations of the faith among the nations and because, he is the indestructible rock on which rests the judgement seat and the whole edifice, belonging to Christ Jesus. It was on account of his faithfulness that he was called Peter, whereas our Lord receives the same name on account of his power according to Saint Paul’s words: “They drank from a spiritual rock which followed them and that rock ,was the Christ” (1 Cor 10:4). Yes, the Apostle chosen to be his co-worker merited to share the same Name as Christ. They built the same building together – Peter does the planting, the Lord gives the increase and it is the Lord, too, Who sends those who will do the watering (cf 1 Cor 3:6).
As you know, my beloved, it was following on from his own failure, when our Saviour suffered that blessed Peter was raised up. It was after he had denied the Lord that he became the first next to Him. Rendered more faithful when he wept over the faith he had betrayed, he received a still greater grace than the one he had lost. To him, Christ confided his flock, so that he might guide it like a good shepherd and he, who had been so weak, would now become the support of all. He, who had fallen, when questioned about his faith, must now establish the others on the unshakeable foundations of faith. Hence, he is called the foundation-stone of the piety of the Church.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon attributed to Saint Augustine).
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of thine eternal gladness. 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 – 26 April – Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel
O Mother of Good Counsel By Pope Pius XII (1876-1958)
O Holy Virgin, to whose feet we are led by our anxious uncertainty in our search for and attainment of, what is true and good, invoking thee by the sweet title of Mother of Good Counsel, we beseech thee to come to our assistance, when, along the road of this life, the darkness of error and of evil conspire towards our ruin, by leading our minds and our hearts astray. O Seat of Wisdom and Star of the Sea, enlighten the doubtful and the erring that they, be not seduced, by the false appearances of good; render them steadfast in the face of the hostile and corrupting influences, of passion and of sin. O Mother of Good Counsel, obtain for us from thy Divine Son, a great love of virtue and, in the hour of uncertainty and trial, the strength to embrace the way which leads to our salvation. If thy hand sustains us, we shall walk unmolested, along the path indicated to us, by the Life and Words of Jesus, our Redeemer and, having followed freely and securely, even in the midst of this world’s strife, the Sun of Truth and Justice, under thy maternal Star, we shall come to the enjoyment of full and eternal peace, with thee, in the Haven of Salvation. Amen
Saint of the Day – 26 April – St Clarence of Venice (12th Century) Bishop and Confessor, a diligent and committed Apostle of the poor, the sick, the outcasts, founding Hospitals and Schools for their care. Clarence was renowned for his great wisdom, piety and humility and his exceptional administrative abilities and for his many miracles. Also known as – Clareno, Chiarenzio. Great confusion exists regarding our Saint today. He is most commonly confused with St Clarentius of Vienne who was celebrated yesterday, 25 April. The information below is not confirmed anywhere, unfortunately, nor am I able to find an image of our Saint.
St Mark’s Basilica in Venice
Although not much is known about his early life, it is believed that Clarence was born in the 12th Century in Italy and devoted his entire life to the service of God and his people.
He studied and was Ordained at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks due to his exceptional leadership qualities and commitment to preaching the Gospel. His devotion to his faith and the well-being and growth in sanctity of his flock, made him a beloved figure, both within the clergy and among the faithful.
As the Bishop of Venice, Clarence played a crucial role in the spiritual and moral development of the City. His pastoral efforts focused on promoting unity among the faithful and fostering a deep understanding of the importance of faith in their daily lives. He set an example of virtuous living and tirelessly preached the Gospel to his congregation, inspiring them to lead lives rooted in love, compassion and devotion.
Known for his exceptional administrative abilities, Clarence worked towards the improvement of the Diocese by establishing schools, hospitals and other charitable institutions. Under his guidance, the Church in Venice flourished and became a centre of learning and holiness.
Throughout his life, Clarence emphasised the importance of almsgiving and the care of the needy and less fortunate. He dedicated himself to serving the poor, the sick and the oppressed, tirelessly offering them support, hope and solace. His efforts to alleviate the suffering of others made him a true champion of the suffering and gained him great reverence among the people.
Clarence’s spiritual influence extended well beyond the confines of Venice. People from far and wide sought his counsel and his intercession. Known for his miracles and the extraordinary power of his prayers, he became widely recognised as a man of great holiness and virtue.
Saint Clarence of Venice on 26 April, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, humility and great love for his neighbour. His selfless and unwavering dedication to God and his people, earned him a special place in the hearts of the faithful. While Saint Clarence of Venice does not have any specific patronage attributed to him, he continues to be remembered and venerated by the faithful as a model of Christian virtue and a source of inspiration for all those who aspire to a life of holiness. His feast day is celebrated today 26 April, serving as a reminder of his legacy and the enduring impact he made on the Church and the world.
St Pope Marcellinus (Died 304) Martyr, Bishop of Rome from 30 June 296 to his death in 304. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In the same City [Rome], in the time of Maximian, St Marcellinus, Pope and Martyr, who was beheaded for the Faith of Christ, with Claudius, Cyrinus and Antoninus. So great was the persecution at this time that, within a month, seventeen thousand Christians were crowned with Martyrdom.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/26/saint-of-the-day-26-april-saint-pope-marcellinus-died-304-martyr/
Bl Alda of Siena St Antoninus of Rome St Basileus of Amasea (Died c319) Martyr Bishop St Clarence of Venice (12th Century) Bishop and Confessor St Claudius of Rome St Cyrinus of Rome St Exuerantia of Troyes Bl Gregory of Besians St Lucidius of Verona Bishop
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