September 2024 – AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 30 September – CONSIDERATION XII: The Importance of Salvation

Posted on September 30, 2024September 28, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 30 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION XII

The Importance of Salvation
“We beseech you, brethren, …. to do your own business.”
(i Thess iv: 10, 11).

FIRST POINT:
THE “business” of eternal salvation is assuredly an affair which is to us more important than any other and yet, it is the most neglected by Christians. They spare neither time nor diligence to attain that post, or to gain that lawsuit. To conclude that marriage, how many counsels, how many steps are taken? they neither eat nor sleep.

And yet, to secure eternal salvation, what do they do? how do they live? They do nothing, nay, they do all things to lose it! and the larger number of Christians so live, as if death, judgement, hell, Heaven and eternity could not be an article of faith but fables invented by the poets. If they lose a lawsuit or a harvest, what grief do they not feel? What pains do they not take to repair the loss? If they lose a horse or a dog, what diligence do they not exercise to find it?
They lose the grace of God; they sleep, they jest and they laugh.
Wonderful fact! All are ashamed to be called negligent in the affairs of the world and yet, how many are not ashamed to neglect the affairs of eternity which is all-important! They deem the Saints to be wise, since they have attended solely to their salvation and then, they attend to all other things of the world and not at all to the soul!

But, says St Paul, do you, my brethren, do you, attend only to that great concern which you have, of your eternal salvation; for this is the only affair which.is important to you.
“We beseech you, brethren, …. to do your own business.” Let us then be persuaded, eternal salvation is for us, the concern of the last importance, the one concern and, it is an irreparable concern if ever we make a mistake.
It is the most important concern : yes, since it is an affair of the greatest consequence; it concerns the soul which, if lost, all
is lost!
St Chrysostom tells us that the soul ought to be more precious to us than all the goods of the world. It is sufficient to know, in order to understand this, God Himself has given His Son to die to save our souls: “God so loved the world, that He gave His Only-Begotten Son.” (St John iii: 16).
And the Eternal Word did not refuse to purchase them with His own Blood. “Ye are bought with a price.” (i Cor vi: 20).
So that, as a holy Father observes: “The redemption of man was effected at so precious a price, man seemed to be of equal value to God.”

Hence our Blessed Lord said: “What shall a man give in
exchange for his soul?” (St Matt xviz: 26). If the soul, then, be of so great a value, for what worldly goods, shall a man exchange and so lose it?

St Philip Neri had reason to call him mad, who does not attend to the salvation of his soul. If on this earth there were men, mortal as well as immortal and the mortal men beheld those who were immortal, wholly concerned with the things of this world in acquiring honours, possessions and in worldly amusements, they would certainly exclaim: “Oh, madmen who ye are. You are able to gain eternal goods and do you strive after these alone which are miserable and transitory? And is it for these that you condemn yourselves to eternal pains in the next life? Leave us, unhappy, who can only think of these earthly things, for whom all will end in death.”

But no, since we are all immortal, how is it that so many endanger the soul for the miserable pleasures of this world? How is it, says Salvian, Christians believe there is a judgement, a hell, an eternity and yet live without fearing them?

Affections and Prayers

Ah, my God, how have 1 spent the many years which Thou
hast given me, to the end that I might attain eternal salvation!
Thou, my Redeemer, hast purchased my soul with Thy Blood
and Thou hast consigned it to me, to the intent that I might
attend to its salvation and I, have only attended to the losing
of it, by offending Thee, Who has so greatly loved me.

I thank Thee, for still Thou art giving me time to repair this great loss which I have made. I have lost my soul and Thy bountiful favour. Lord, I repent and grieve with my whole heart. Alas! pardon me, for I resolve from this day forth to sacrifice everything, even life, rather than Thy friendship. I love Thee above every good and I resolve to love Thee ever, O Highest Good, worthy of infinite love.
Help me, my Jesus, in order that this, my resolution, may not be like other past resolutions,which are all so many betrayals. Make me to die ratker than to turn again and offend Thee, and cease to love Thee.

CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FASTING, QUOTES on FRIENDSHIP, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the POOR, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

Quote/s of the Day – 30 September – St Jerome

Posted on September 30, 2024September 30, 2025 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 30 September – St Jerome (347-419) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church, Priest, Monk, Translator of the Scriptures into Latin (the Vulgate), Theologian, Historian, Hermit, Mystic.

“The Scriptures are shallow enough,
for a babe to come and drink,
without fear of drowning
and deep enough,
for theologians to swim in,
without ever reaching the bottom.”

“A friend is long sought,
hardly found,
and with difficulty
kept.”

“Sweet it is to lay aside the weight of the body
and to soar into the pure bright ether.
Do you dread poverty?
Christ calls the poor blessed. (Luke 6:20)
Does toil frighten you?
No athlete is crowned but in the sweat of his brow.
Are you anxious as regards food?
Faith fears no famine.
Do you dread the bare ground
for limbs wasted with fasting?
The Lord lies there beside you.
Do you recoil from an unwashed head
and uncombed hair?
Christ is your true head.
Does the boundless solitude of the desert terrify you?
In the spirit, you may walk always, in paradise.
Do but turn your thoughts there
and you will be no more in the desert.”

“Everyday we are changing,
everyday we are dying,
and yet, we fancy ourselves eternal!”

Merciful Jesus!
Stretch Forth Thy Hand of Mercy
(Excerpt – Prayer in a Time of Anguish)
By St Jerome (347-419)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Merciful Jesus!
Thou art my strength, my refuge and my deliverer;
in Thee I have believed and hoped;
in Thee have I loved.
Call me now, I beseech Thee and I will answer.
Stretch forth Thy Hand of mercy, to the work of Thy Hands
and let me not perish, whom Thou hast redeemed
with Thy Precious Blood.
It is now time for dust to return to dust
and my spirit to Thee Who gavest it.
Open then, Lord, the Gate of Life and receive me.
Receive me most merciful Lord,
according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies,
Who receivedst the thief on the cross
and now prepare my soul for hearing
the same promise of mercy which he did.
I am ill, O Lord and Thee my Physician.
Heal me then, my God and I shall be healed,
let me not be confounded, for I put my trust in Thee.
In Thee have I hoped – let me not be cast off forever!
… Deal not with me, according to what I deserve,
nor chastise me, according to my iniquities
but help me, O God, my Saviour
and for the glory of Thy Name deliver me.
Now, at this hour, show mercy to me
and whenever I depart, receive me
into the number of Thy family that I, may be one of those,
who are to praise Thee forever.
Amen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/30/quote-s-of-the-day-30-september-st-jerome-4/

St Jerome (347-419)
Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church
AKA – “The Sun Who Illuminated the Scriptures”
“A Lion in Defence of the Faith”

AUGUSTINIANS OSA, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 30 September – “I am not come to destroy but to fulfil.” – Matthew 5:17

Posted on September 30, 2024September 28, 2024 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 30 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Jerome (347-419) Confessor, Father and Doctor – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I am not come to destroy but to fulfil.” – Matthew 5:17

REFLECTION – “Grace which was formerly veiled, so to speak, in the Old Testament, has been fully revealed in the Gospel of Christ by a harmonious disposition of the times, just as God usually disposes of everything with harmony … But within this wonderful harmony, we notice a great difference between the two ages. On Sinai, the people did not dare draw near the place where the Lord was giving His Law; in the Upper Room, the Holy Ghost comes down on all those assembled there, while waiting for the fulfilment of the promise (Ex 19:23; Acts 2:1). In the first instance, the Finger of God inscribed the laws on tablets of stone but now, it is in human hearts where He writes it (Ex 31:18; 2 Cor 3:3). Formerly the Law was written without and brought fear to sinners but now, it has been given to them within, to make them righteous …

Indeed, as the Apostle Paul says, everything written on the stone tablets, “you shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill. .., you shall not covet” and whatever other commandments there may be, are summed up in this saying: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself. Love does no evil to the neighbour; hence, love is the fulfilment of the Law” (Rm 13:9f.; Lv 19:18) … This charity has been “poured into our hearts through the Holy Ghost Who is given to us” (Rm 5:5).” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (On the spirit and the letter, 28-30).

PRAYER – O God, Who graciously gave Thy Church blessed Jerome, Thy Confessor and peerless teacher, to explain the Holy Scriptures, grant, we beseech Thee that, with the help of his merits and by Thy assistance, we may be able to put into practice what he has taught us by his life and works. 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).

DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 30 September – O Lord, Show Thy Mercy to Me

Posted on September 30, 2024September 28, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 30 September – Memorial of St Jerome (347-419) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church

O Lord, Show Thy Mercy to Me
By St Jerome (347-419)
Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church

O Lord, show Thy mercy to me
and gladden my heart.
I am like the man
on the way to Jericho,
who was overtaken by robbers,
wounded and left for dead.
O Good Samaritan,
come to my aid.
I am like the sheep which went astray.
O Good Shepherd,
seek me out and bring me home,
in accord with Thy will.
Let me dwell in Thy house
all the days of my life
and praise Thee,
forever and ever
with those who are there.
Amen

SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 30 September – St Simon de Crépy (c1048-1082) Monk, Papal Advisor and Peace-maker

Posted on September 30, 2024September 28, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 30 September – St Simon de Crépy (c1048-1082) Monk, Count of Amiens, of the Vexin and of Valois, Papal Advisor, Diplomat and Peacemaker. Died in 1082 in Rome, Italy of natural causes. Also known as – Saint Simon, Simone … Simon de Vexin.

Born at Crepy-en-Valois and related to Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror, at whose Court he was educated. In 1072, upon his father’s death, Simon became the lord of considerable territory around Amiens and in the Vexin region. These lay between the royal domain of King Philip I of France and the lands of William of Normandy, by then King of England and made Simon an important man.

Simon wished to be a Monk but William wanted him to marry his daughter Adela. Simon went to Rome, ostensibly to see if the proposed marriage was within the prohibited degrees (as William’s own marriage to Matilda had been) and, on the way, he took the monastic Habit at the Abbey of Saint-Claude. But Simon was not content with the relatively luxurious surrounds of the Abbey of Saint-Claude,and decided upon a life as a Hermit in the forests of Burgundy on the upper reaches of the river Doubs. There he and a few fellow Friars constructed cells and cleared land to farm. This Priory remained dependent upon Sainte-Claude until the 12th Century, then upon Saint-Oyen de Joux. The village of Mouthe later grew up around the Priory.

His becoming a Monk did not mean that he was without influence. On the contrary he was in considerable demand as a mediator and negotiator. St Hugh of Cluny recovered lands from the King of France through Simon’s intervention and negotiations. He also mediated in the quarrels between William and his sons.

From 1080 until his death, Pope Gregory VII retained him in Rome as an Adviser. There Simon died, after receiving the Last Sacraments from Pope Gregory. He was buried at St Peter’s in Rome. The Abbey of Saint–Claude claimed some of his Relics later. His Feast is celebrated today, 30 September.

DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

St Jerome, Nostra Signora di Loreto di Forno / Our Lady of Loreto (1629), Day 3 of the Rosary Novena and the Saints for 30 September

Posted on September 30, 2024September 28, 2024 by AnaStpaul

St Jerome (347-419) Confessor, Father and Doctor, Priest, Monk, Translator of the Scriptures into Latin (the Vulgate), Theologian, Historian, Hermit, Mystic.
Amazing St Jerome!:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/30/saint-of-the-day-30-september-st-jerome-347-419-father-and-doctor-of-the-church-2/
AND:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/30/saint-of-the-day-30-september-st-jerome-347-419-father-and-doctor-of-the-church/

Novena to the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary –
Day Three – 30 September
By Father Joseph Cacella, 1947
THIRD DAY: Intention:
“The True Peace of Christ”

Nostra Signora di Loreto di Forno / Our Lady of Loreto of Forno, Alpi Graie, Italy (1629) – 30 September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/30/nostra-signora-di-loreto-di-forno-our-lady-of-loreto-of-forno-alpi-graie-italy-1629-and-memorials-of-the-saints-30-september/

St Amato of Nusco (c1003-1093) Bishop, Confessor, Monk, Apostle of the poor.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/30/saint-of-the-day-30-september-saint-amato-of-nusco-c-1003-1093/

St Antoninus of Piacenza (Died c303) Soldier of the Theban Legion, Martyr. A vial of his blood preserved as a Relic, is known to miraculously liquify.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/30/saint-of-the-day-30-september-saint-antoninus-of-piacenza-died-c303-soldier-martyr/

St Castus of Piacenza
St Colman of Clontibret – Mentioned in some martyrologies, but no information has survived.

Blessed Conrad of Urach O.Cist (c1180-1227) Priest, Prior, Abbot, General of the Cistercians, Cardinal and Bishop, Papal legate to France from 1220 to 1223.
Biogtraphy:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/30/saint-of-the-day-30-september-blessed-conrad-of-urach-o-cist-c-1180-1227/

St Desiderius of Piacenza
St Enghenedl of Anglesey
St Eusebia of Marseilles

St Gregory the Illuminator (c257 – c331) “Apostle to Armenia” and “Father of Armenia”- Bishop, First Patriarch of the Armenian Church, Missionary, Wonder-worker.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/30/saint-of-the-day-30-september-saint-gregory-the-illuminator-c-257-c-331/

St Honorius of Canterbury (Died 653) Archbishop of Canterbury. The Fifth Successor of St Augustine as Archbishop of Canterbury, Confessor, Missionary.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/30/saint-of-the-day-30-september-st-honorius-of-canterbury-died-653/

St Ismidone of Die
Blessed Conrad of Urach
St Laurus
St Leopardus the Slave
St Midan of Anglesey
St Simon de Crépy (c1048-1082) Monk
St Sophia Widow

St Ursus the Theban
St Victor the Theban

Martyrs of Valsery Abbey: An unknown number of Premonstratensian Monks at the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Valsery, Picardie, France who were Martyred by Calvinists. They were martyred in 1567 at Valsery, Pircardy, France.

AUGUSTINIANS OSA, PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TIME

Thought for the Day – 29 September – CONSIDERATION XI, Third Point: The Value of Time – “Redeeming the time …”

Posted on September 29, 2024September 28, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 29 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION XI

The Value of Time
“Redeeming the time because the days are evil.”
(Eph v: 16)

THIRD POINT:
“Walk while ye have the light.” (St John xii: 35).
We must walk in. the way of the Lord during life, while we have the light, for this light will be lost in death. The time of death is not the time to prepare but to already find ourselves prepared.
“Be ye ready.”

When death comes, nothing can be done; what is then done is done. … And what are we doing? We know for certain that within a short time and, it may happen at any hour, the most important trial we can undergo, will take place which will be the trial of our eternal salvation and shall we now lose time.
Some will say ‘but I am young, after some years I will give myself to God.‘ But I answer, ‘You know the Lord cursed the fig-tree He found without any fruit, although it was not the time for fruit, as is noticed in the Gospel.‘
“For the time of figs was not yet.” (St Mark xi: 13). By this Jesus Christ wished to show us that man, at every time, even at the time of youth, ought to yield the fruits of good works, otherwise he will be cursed and, for the future, will yield no fruit.
“No man shall eat fruit of thee hereafter, forever.” Thus did the Redeemer speak to that tree and even thus does He curse that one whom He calls but who resists His call.

The devil considers the time of our life to be but short and, for that reason, he loses no time in tempting us.
“The devil is come down unto you, having great wrath because he knoweth, he hath but a short time.” (Rev xii: 12). The enemy loses no time in tempting us that we may be lost and shall we lose any time in seeking to be saved? Others will say: “But what harm can I be doing.“
O God, is it not doing harm, to waste time in play, or in useless conversations which can bring no profit to the soul Perhaps God grants this time to you, that you may waste it Holy Scripture tells us, no! for “defraud not thyself of the good day.” (Ecclus xiv: 14). Those labourers, of whom St Matthew writes, did not do evil but they wasted their time and for this they were reproved by the master of the vineyard. “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” (St Matt xx: 6).
At the day of judgment Jesus Christ will ask us for an account of every idle word spoken. Any time which is not employed for God is time wasted! Therefore, does the Lord exhort us, saying: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave whither thou goest.” (Eccles ix: 10).

A Teresian nun once observed that, in the life of the Saints there is no to-morrow; tomorrow is for sinners alone, who are ever saying, some day, some day. until death comes to overtake them.
“Behold, now is the accepted time.” (2 Cor vi: 2).
“To-day, if ye will hear His Voice, harden not your hearts.” (Ps xcv: 8). God now calls upon you to do good; do it at once because, when to-morrow comes, either there maybe no more time, or God may never call thee again!

And if, during the time which is past, you have unfortunately spent it in offending God, try to mourn over the sin during the life remains to you.
As King Hezekiah proposed to do, “I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.” (Isa xxxviii: 15). God gives you your life hat you may now, in some measure, redeem the time lost.
“Redeeming the time because the days are evil.” (i Eph v: 16).
St Augustine comments upon this: “Thou redeemest the time, if the things thou hast neglected to do, thou doest now.”
St Jerome observes of St Paul, although he was the last of the Apostles, yet he was the first in merits because of all he did after he was called. Let us consider, that if there were nothing else, at each moment we could increase our store of eternal goods.
If it were granted to you to gain as much land as you could walk round or, as much money as you could count, in one day, would you not make haste to walk round or to count it? And you can gain eternal treasures in one moment and yet, are you willing rather, to waste the time?
What you can do to-day, do not say you can do it to-morrow because this day will be lost to you and it will never return. …

Affections and Prayers

No, my God, I will no longer waste this time which Thou, in
Thy Mercy, dost grant me. I deserve now to be weeping
fruitlessly in everlasting punishment. I thank Thee for having
preserved me in life. Therefore, for the days which may remain to me, I will live only to Thee. … I wish to weep over
the offences I have committed against Thee and whilst weeping, I feel certain that Thou wilt pardon me; for the prophet assures me: “Thou shalt weep no more; He will be very gracious unto thee. ” (Isa xxx: 19).

If I were now in hell I could never love Thee more but now I love Thee and hope ever to love Thee. If I were now in hell, I should never more be able to ask Thee for more grace but now, I can hear Thee saying: “Ask and it shall be given unto you.” Therefore, since I can still ask Grace of Thee, these two gifts will I ask, O God of my soul – give me perseverance in Thy Grace and give me Thy Love and then do with me what Thou wilt.
Grant that at every moment of life which may remain to me, I may ever commend myself to Thee, my Jesus, by saying:
“Lord, help me, Lord, have mercy upon me; let me never more offend Thee; let me ever love Thee.”

ArchAngels and Angels, AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE

Quote/s of the Day – 29 September – Archangels and Angels

Posted on September 29, 2024September 27, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 29 September – The Feast of the Dedication of the Archangel St Michael – Apocalypse 1:1-5, Matthew 18:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“It was pride which changed Angels into devils;
it is humility which makes men as Angels!”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

“You should be aware, the word
“Angel” denotes a function,
rather than a nature.
Those holy Spirits of Heaven have,
indeed, always been spirits.
They can only be called Angels
when they deliver some message.
Moreover, those who deliver messages
of lesser importance are called Angels
and those. who proclaim messages
of supreme importance are called Archangels.”

St Gregory the Great (540-604)
Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church

“We should show our affection for the Angels,
for one day, they will be our co-heirs,
just as here below, they are
our Guardians and Trustees
appointed and set over us, by the Father.”

St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father & Doctor of Light

“I say to you, their Angels in Heaven,
always see the Face of My Father,
Who is in Heaven.”
Matthew 18:10

“With these words, Christ is saying
to us something like this:
“Be vigilant, take care that you do not
despise people who are simple, poor or weak.
As for Me, I esteem them greatly
to the extent that, to protect them from all evil,
I have placed My Angels at their service.
And what Angels! Do not think they are to
be compared to the scullery boys
working in My kitchen. No. They are equal
to the officers in My own palace, for:
‘they constantly see the Face of My heavenly Father.’”

St Albert the Great (1200-1280)
Universal Doctor of the Church

(Sermon for the Feast of Saint Michael)

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/29/quote-s-of-the-day-29-september-our-protectors/

ArchAngels and Angels, GUARDIAN ANGELS - Prayers etc, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ANGELS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 September – … Their Angels in Heaven, always see the Face of My Father … Matthew 18:10

Posted on September 29, 2024September 27, 2024 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 29 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of the Dedication of the Archangel St Michael – Apocalypse 1:1-5, Matthew 18:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… Their Angels in Heaven, always see the Face of My Father …” – Matthew 18:10

REFLECTION – “Although the good God is sufficient unto Himself, nevertheless, He makes use of the ministry of the Angels to govern the world … When we see God taking such care of our lives, we conclude that our souls are something truly great and precious, if He is to employ all that is greatest in His Court for the souls’ preservation and sanctification. He has given us His Son to save us; this same Son … gives to each of us one and, even several Angels, who are solely occupied in asking, on our behalf, the graces and aids we might need, to ensure our salvation … Oh, how little people know what they are and what they were made for! In Holy Scripture we read that the Lord said to His people: “See, I am sending an Angel before you, to guard you on the way” (Ex 23:20) …

We should often pray to our Guardian Angels, carefully respect them and, above all, try to imitate them in all our actions. And the first thing we need to imitate in them, is the thought of the Presence of God … Surely, if we were completely penetrated with God’s Presence, how could we do evil? How much more pleasing to God would be all our good deeds! … God said to Abraham: “Would you be blameless? Walk in My Presence” (Gn 17:1). How could we possibly forget God so easily, when we have Him always with us? Why are we not full of respect and gratitude towards our Angels, who accompany us day and night? … Perhaps you will say: “I am to unworthy to merit it.” My brethren, not only does God not lose sight of you for an instant but, He gives you an Angel who never ceases to guide your steps. Ah, happiness too great, yet too little known!” – St Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859) Priest, Curé of Ars, Patron of Parish Priests (Sermon for the Feast of the Guardian Angels).

PRAYER – O God, Who assign according to a wondrous order, the duties of Angels and men, mercifully grant that our life on earth be guarded by those who continually stand in Thy presence and minister to Thee in 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).

ArchAngels and Angels, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH

Our Morning Offering – 29 September – Praise to St Michael, the Prince of the Celestial Army

Posted on September 29, 2024September 27, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 29 September – The Feast of the Dedication of the Archangel St Michael

Praise to St Michael, the Prince of the Celestial Army

“At that time shall Michael rise up, the great prince,
who standeth for the children of thy people.” – Dan 12:1.

Hail, Bright Archangel!
By Fr F W Faber CO (1814-1863)

Hail, bright Archangel!
Prince of Spirit divinely strong!
To whose rare merit hath been given in Heaven!
To head the Angelic throng!

Thine the first worship was, when gloom
Through Heaven’s thinned ranks did move,
Thus giving unto God the bloom
Of young creation’s love.

O trumpet-tongued! O beautiful!
O force of the Most High!
The blessed of the earth look dull
Beside thy majesty.

First servant of the Ineffable!
The first created eye
That ever, proved and perfect, fell
On the dread Trinity!

O Michael! worship Him this night,
The Father, Word and Dove,
Renewing with strong act the might
Of thy first marvellous love.

SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 29 September – Saint Liutwin of Trier (c660-c717) Bishop

Posted on September 29, 2024September 27, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 29 September – Saint Liutwin of Trier (c660-c717) Bishop of Trier, Laon (?) and Rheims, Count of Trier or Treves. Liutwin was born around 660 probably at Mettlach near Trier, Germany and died on 29 September c717 (?) in Rheims. Also known as – Liutwin of Mettlach, Ludwino of… Liudvino of… Lutwin of… Ludwin of… Lutwinus of… Additional Memorial in Trier: 27 September. The name ‘Liutwin’ means “the friend of the people” in Old High German.

Liutwin came from high nobility, he was probably related to the Carolingians and was the nephew of Bishop Basin of Trier.. At first he worked as an official at the Frankish Court, then in 690 he founded the Monastery in Mettlach on his own property which was given a mixture of Benedictine and Columban Rules.

The Abbey in Mettlach was founded after Liutwin went hunting near Saar. He grew tired and fell asleep under the shade of a tree. As he slept the sun changed positions exposing him to its hot rays but an eagle swept down and sat on Liutwin, with its wings spread out, seemingly to protect him. When Liutwin awoke, his servant told him how the eagle had protected him from being burnt by the sun. Coincidentally, Liutwin happened to be napping near the site of the Chapel of St Denis of Paris. Liutwin saw this as a God-sent sign to establish a Monastery at that site and it soon developed into a Christian centre of learning and evangelisation. At the location of the original Dionysiun Chapel, now stands the Parish Church of St Gangolf in Mettlach. In 698, he co-founded the Echternack Abbey at Mettlach.

After the death of his wife, Liutwin joined the Monastery he had founded as a simple Monk. Later he became a Priest and was Consecrated Bishop by his uncle in 697/698 and after his uncle’s death in 705, he succeeded him as the Bishop of Trier. As a friend of Charles Martel, he was also given the Bishopric of Rheims and probably also that of Laon, although this latter is unsure.

Liutwin donated land to the Trier Abbeys of St Eucharius – later called St Matthias and St Paul. Liutwin’s successor as Bishop of Trier and Rheims was his son Milo.

Liutwin’s bones rest in the former Marienkirche in Mettlach, built around 990 by Abbot Lioffin as a burial Church. This ruin in the shape of an octagon – modeled on the Aachen Cathedral – is today the oldest surviving building in Saarland. The veneration of Liutwin is documented as early as the year 1000.

The Monastery in Mettlach was abandoned during the First Coalition War of Prussia, Austria and smaller German states against the violence excesses of revolutionary France; the Monks fled in 1793/1794; the Monastery was finally abandoned in 1802.

ArchAngels and Angels, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, franciscan OFM, MARIAN TITLES, QUOTES on ANGELS, SAINT of the DAY

Pentecost XIX, The Feast of the Dedication of St Michael the Archangel, Day 2 of the Rosary Novena, Madonna di Tirano / Our Lady of Tirano, Italy (1504) and the Saints for 29 September

Posted on September 29, 2024September 27, 2024 by AnaStpaul

PENTECOST XIX

The Feast of the Dedication of St Michael the Archangel
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/29/the-dedication-of-st-michael-feast-madonna-di-tirano-tirano-sondrio-lombardy-italy-1504/
AND – Saint Michael, the Guardian Angel
of the Blessed Sacrament
By Fr Francis Xavier Lasance (1860-1946)
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/29/saint-of-the-day-29-september-the-feast-of-the-dedication-of-st-michael-the-archangel/

THIS festival has been kept with great solemnity on the 29th of September ever since the Fifth Century and was certainly initially celebrated in Apulia in 493.
The Dedication of the famous Church of St Michael on Mount Gargano, in Italy, gave occasion to the institution of this Feast in the West, which is hence called in the Martyrologies of St Jerome, St Bede and others, ‘The Dedication of St Michael.’
About the Apparition of St Michael at Mount Gargano in 492:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/08/saint-of-the-day-8-may-apparition-of-michael-the-archangel-at-monte-gargano-italy-492/

Novena to the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary – Day Two –
By Father Joseph Cacella, 1947
SECOND DAY: Intention: Greater love and appreciation for the Holy Rosary

Madonna di Tirano / Our Lady of Tirano, Sondrio, Lombardy, Italy (1504) – 29 September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/29/the-dedication-of-st-michael-feast-madonna-di-tirano-tirano-sondrio-lombardy-italy-1504/

Bl Alericus
St Anno of Eichstätt
St Casdoe of Persia
St Catholdus of Eichstätt

Blessed Charles de Blois TOSF (1319–1364) Duke of Brittany French nobleman, Knight, ascetic, Franciscan tertiary.
About Blessed Charles:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/29/saint-of-the-day-29-september-blessed-charles-de-blois-tosf-1319-1364/

St Dadas of Persia
St Diethardus of Eichstätt
St Fraternus of Auxerre
St Gabdelas of Persia

St Grimoaldus of Pontecorvo (Died c1137) Priest and Confessor, Miracle-worker.
His Life of Grace:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/29/saint-of-the-day-29-september-st-grimoaldus-of-pontecorvo-died-c1137-priest-and-confessor/

St Gudelia
Bl Jan of Dukla

Blessed Jean de Montmirail / Baron de Montmirail, O. Cist (1165 – 1217) Cistercian Monk, Apostle of the Sick and Afflicted. Pope Leo XIII granted a special Office in his honour for the Diocese of Soissons. He was Beatified in 1891 by Pope Leo XIII.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/29/saint-of-the-day-29-september-blessed-jean-de-montmirail-o-cist-1165-1217/

Bl John of Ghent
St Liutwin of Trier (c660-c717) Bishop
St Quiriacus of Palestine
St Rene Goupil
St Rhipsime
Bl Richard Rolle
St Sapor of Persia
St Theodota of Thrace

Martyrs of Thrace – 3 Saints: Three Christian men Martyred in Thrace for their faith. They are – Eutychius, Heracleas and Plautus.

PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on TIME

Thought for the Day – 28 September – CONSIDERATION XI, Second Point: The Value of Time – Oh, time forever lost!

Posted on September 28, 2024September 26, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 28 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION XI

The Value of Time
“Redeeming the time because the days are evil.”
(Eph v: 16)

SECOND POINT:
There is nothing more precious than time but yet there is nothing less valued and more despised by men.
This is what St Bernard deplores, when he says: “The days of salvation pass away and few reflect that the day which has passed away from him, can never return.”
That gambler will be seen to waste both day and night in play; if he is asked what he is doing, he answers: “We are passing time away.” Another idler will be seen to loiter about the streets, for whole hours together, looking at those who pass by, either speaking of wicked, or else about useless things ; if he is asked what he is doing, he answers: “I am passing the time.”
Poor, blind ones! who are wasting so many days, days which will never return.

O despised time, thou wilt be the thing most desired by the
worldly at the time of death. They will desire one more year,
one more month, one more day but they will not have it, they
will then hear it declared, that “time shall be no longer.” What would not each one of those give for one more week, one more day, in order the better to clear his conscience. St Lawrence Justinian observes. each one of these will then be willing to give up everything to obtain only one hour more. But this hour will not be given them; the Priest who is with them will say, there is no more time for thee; “Depart, O Christian soul, from this world.”

Nevertheless, the prophet bids us remember God and obtain
His grace before the light shall fail: “Remember now
thy Creator … while the sun or the light … be not darkened. ” (Eccles xii: I, 2).
How it distresses a pilgrim when he finds out that he has wandered from the correct way and it is already night and there is no longer time to find the proper path. This will be the distress when death comes to him, who has lived for many years but who has not spent those years in loving God: “The night cometh, when no man can work.” (St John ix: 4). Death will be to him the time of night, when he will be able to do nothing.
“He hath called the time, against me.” (Lament i: 15, Vulg). His conscience will then remind him of the time he has had and how he has squandered it in the ruin of his soul; the many calls and graces he has received from God to become holy and yet, was not willing to profit by all this and then, he will behold the way closed against him! Then will he weep and say: “Oh, fool I have been! Oh, time forever lost! Oh, wasted life! Oh, years are lost in which I should have become holy but I did not and now, there is no longer time.” But what will these lamentations and sighs avail, when his life’s scene is forever closing, the lamp is well nigh spent and the dying man is drawing near to that last moment upon which his eternity depends?

Affections andPrayers

Ah, my Jesus, Thou hast given away Thy whole life to save
my soul, there has been no moment of it in which Thou hast
not offered Thyself to the Eternal Father, in order to obtain
pardon and eternal salvation for me and I have lived so
long in the world and until now, I have never spent any time in Thy service. Alas! for everything I have done fills
me with remorse of conscience. My sin has been very grievous.
The good that I have done has been too little and too full of imperfection, of lukewarmness, of self-love and of distraction.

Ah, my Redeemer, it has all been thus because I was forgetful of all Thou hast done for me. I have been forgetful of Thee but
Thou hast never been forgetful of me. Thou hast sought me
whilst I was flying from Thee and hast so often called me to
Thy love. Behold me, my Jesus, I will no longer resist Thee.
Shall I, indeed, wait until Thou dost give me up?
I repent, O my Sovereign Good, for having separated myself from Thee through my sin. I love Thee, O Thou Infinite Good, Thou Who art indeed worthy of infinite love.
Ah, do not allow me ever to waste the time which Thou hi Thy mercy dost grant me. Do Thou ever remember, my beloved Saviour, the love Thou hast borne for me and the pains Thou hast suffered for me. Make me remember all this, so that, during the life that may remain to me, I may only think of loving Thee and pleasing Thee. I love Thee, my Jesus, my love, my all. I promise Thee ever to perform acts of love when I can. Give me holy perseverance. I trust entirely in the merits of Thy Blood.

CHRISTMAS Prayers & Hymns, CHRISTMAS Quotes, CHRISTMASTIDE!, HYMNS, QUOTES on ALMS, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 28 September – Good King Wenceslaus

Posted on September 28, 2024September 26, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 28 September – St Wenceslaus (907-935) Duke of Bohemia, Martyr.

Good King Wenceslaus

Good King Wenceslaus looked out,
on the Feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about,
deep and crisp and even;
Brightly shone the moon that night, t
ho’ the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight,
gath’ring winter fuel.

“Hither, page and stand by me,
if thou know’st it, telling,
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?”
“Sire, he lives a good league hence,
underneath the mountain;
Right against the forest fence,
by Saint Agnes’ fountain.”

“Bring me flesh and bring me wine,
bring me pine logs hither,
Thou and I will see him dine,
when we bear them thither.”
Page and Monarch, forth they went,
forth they went together;
Through the rude wind’s wild lament
and the bitter weather.

“Sire, the night is darker now
and the wind blow stronger;
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer.”
“Mark my footsteps, my good page.
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter’s rage,
freeze thy blood less coldly.”

In his master’s steps he trod,
where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod
which the Saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure,
wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor,
shall yourselves find blessing.

DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on the POOR, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 September – “I was a stranger …”

Posted on September 28, 2024September 26, 2024 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 28 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Wenceslaus (907-935) Duke of Bohemia, Martyr. – Wisdom 10:10-14, Matthew 10:34-42 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And whosoever shall give to drink, to one of these little ones, a cup of cold water only … amen, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.” – Matthew 10:42

REFLECTION – “I was a stranger,” Christ says “and you took Me in” (Mt 25:35). And again, “Insofar as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did it to Me.” (Mt 25:40). In every believer and brother, though they be least of all, Christ comes to you! Open your house, take them in. “Whoever receives a prophet, shall receive a prophet’s reward.” … These are the qualities which ought to be in those who welcome strangers – readiness, cheerfulness, liberality. For strangers feel abashed and ashamed and, unless their host shows real joy, they feel slighted and go away and their being received, in this way, makes it worse, than not to have received them at all.

Therefore, set aside a room in your house, to which Christ may come; say, “This is Christ’s room; this is set apart for Him.” Even if it is very simple, He will not disdain it. Christ goes about “naked and a stranger,” He needs shelter, do not hesitate to give it to Him. Do not be incompassionate, nor inhuman. You are earnest in worldly matters, do not be cold in spiritual matters … You have a place set apart for your chariot but none for Christ Who is wandering by?! Abraham received strangers in his own home (Gn 18); his wife took the place of a servant, the guests the place of masters. They did not know that they were receiving Christ that they were receiving Angels. If Abraham had known it, he would have lavished his whole substance. But we, who know we receive Christ, do not show as much zeal as he did, who thought he was receiving mere men! – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 45 on the Acts of the Apostles),

PRAYER – O God, Who through the Palm of Martyrdom transported blessed Wenceslaus from an earthly dominion unto heavenly glory, keep us, by his prayers, from all harm and grant us to rejoice in his fellowship. 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).

MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN Saturdays, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, Prayers to the SORROWFUL MOTHER, QUOTES on DEATH, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS

Our Morning Offering – 28 September – O Mother of Sorrows,Stand by Me in My Last Agony

Posted on September 28, 2024February 24, 2025 by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 28 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” and Our Lady’s Day

O Mother of Sorrows,
Stand by Me in My Last Agony
By St Gabriel Francis Possenti
of Our Lady of Sorrows (1838-1862)

O Mother of Sorrows,
by the anguish and love
with which thou didst stand
at the Cross of Jesus,
stand by me in my last agony.
To thy maternal heart
I commend the last three hours of my life.
Offer these hours to the Eternal Father
in union with the agony of our dearest Lord,
in atonement for my sins.
Offer to the Eternal Father
the Most Precious Blood of Jesus,
mingled with your tears on Calvary,
that I may obtain the grace
of receiving Holy Communion
with the most perfect love and contrition,
before my death
and that I may breathe forth my soul
in the adorable Presence of Jesus.
Dearest Mother, when the moment
of my death has at last come,
present me as your child to Jesus.
Ask Him to forgive me for having offended Him,
for I knew not what I did!
Beg Him to receive me into His Kingdom of Glory
to be united with Him forever.
Amen

SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 28 September – Saint Exuperius of Toulouse (Died c411) Bishop and Confessor

Posted on September 28, 2024September 26, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 28 September – Saint Exuperius of Toulouse (Died c411) Bishop and Confessor, Apostle of the destitute, the poor, the deprived and needy including aid to the poor in Egypt and Palestine. Born on an unknown date probably in France and died in c411 in Toulouse of natural causes. He was highly regarded by St Jerome who dedicated one of his works to him. Also known as – Exupère, Essuperio, Exsuperius, Soupire.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Toulouse, St Exuperius, Bishop and Confessor. St Jerome bears witness to this blessed man, a memorable testimony, relating how severed he was towards himself and how gentle and liberal towards others.”

Our Saint’s Mitre more than 1500 years old! It is kept at the Basilica which he had completed dedicated to St Sernin

His place and date of birth are unknown. Upon succeeding Sylvius as the Bishop of Toulouse, he ordered the completion of the Basilica of St Saturninus, a part of which was incorporated into the Basilica of St Sernin.

St Jerome praised Exuperius “for his munificence to the Monks of Palestine, Egypt and Libya and, for his charity to the people of his own Diocese, who were then suffering from the attacks of the Vandals.” On behalf of the poor in his Diocese, he sold the Basilica’s Altar Vessels and was, therefore, compelled to carry the Sacred Offering in an osier willow basket and the Precious Blood in a vessel of glass.

This Statue at St Exuperius Church in Montegut-Bourjac

In respect of his virtues and in gratitude for his gifts, St Jerome dedicated his Commentary on Zacharias to him.

Exuperius is best known in connection with the biblical Canon. He had written to Pope Innocent I for instructions concerning the Canon and several points of Ecclesiastical behaviour. In reply, the Pope honoured him with the letter ‘Consulenti Tibi’ dated 20 February 405 which contained a list of the Canonical scriptures.

From St Jerome’s letter to Furia in 394 and from the epistle of St Paulinus to St Amandus of Bordeaux in 397, it seems probable that Exuperius was a Priest at Rome and later at Bordeaux, before he was raised to the Episcopate.

St Exuperius Statue also in the Basilica of St Sernin

The precise date of his promotion to the Seat of Toulouse is unknown. Evidence suggests that he occupied the See of Toulouse in February 405 (as is evident from the letter of Innocent I mentioned above). It is sometimes said that St Jerome reproached him in a letter to Riparius, a Priest of Spain, for tolerating the heretic Vigilantius but, as Vigilantius did not belong to the Diocese of Toulouse, St Jerome was probably speaking of another Bishop.

13th Century Reliquary holding St Exuperius’ Relics. Musée Paul Dupuy, Toulouse.

Exuperius was venerated as a Saint from early times. In the time of St Gregory of Tours he was held in equal veneration with St Saturninus. His Feast occurs on 28 September. The first Martyrologist to assign it to this date was Usuard, who wrote towards the end of the 9th Century. There are many Churches, Schools and charitable Apostolates named after St Exuperius.

MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Our Lady of the Rosary Novena, Nuestra Señora del Fresno / Our Lady of Fresno, Spain (9th Century, St Wenceslaus (907-935) King of Bohemia, Martyr and the Saints remembered today, 28 September

Posted on September 28, 2024September 26, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Novena to the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary
By Father Joseph Cacella, 1947

FIRST DAY: Intention: Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Nuestra Señora del Fresno / Our Lady of Fresno, Grado, Asturias, Spain (9th Century) – 8 and 28 September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/28/nuestra-senora-del-fresno-our-lady-of-fresno-grado-asturias-spain-9th-century/

St Wenceslaus (907-935) King of Bohemia, Martyr.
About St Wenceslaus here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/28/saint-of-the-day-28-september-st-wenceslaus-907-935-king-of-bohemia/
AND From an old Slavic legend about Saint Wenceslaus:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/28/saint-of-the-day-28-september-st-wenceslaus-907-935-duke-of-bohemia-martyr/

https://youtu.be/F1EW1MSFfpE

Bl Aaron of Auxerre
St Alodius of Auxerre
St Annemond of Lyons
St Bardomianus

Blessed Bernardine of Feltre OFM (1439-1494) Franciscan Priest and Friar, Missionary Preacher, Poet, peace-maker, Civil protestor against the practice of usury, defender of the poor. He was a true ‘child prodigy’ – by the time he was 12 he was fluent in Latin and at the age of 15 he composed a poem and read it in the Town Square to celebrate a local peace treaty. He is remembered most especially, in connection with the “Monti di Pietà” “Mount of Piety” of which he was the reorganiser and, in a certain sense, the Founder, together with the Blessed Michele Carcano. On 13 April 1654, Pope Innocent X confirmed the cultus of Blessed Bernardine and he was formally Beatified in 1728 by Pope Benedict XIII.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/28/saint-of-the-day-28-september-blessed-bernardine-of-feltre-ofm-1439-1494/

St Chariton of Palestine
Bl Christian Franco
St Conval of Strathclyde
St Eucarpus
St Eustochium
St Exuperius of Toulouse (Died c411) Bishop and Confessor
St Faustus of Riez

Blessed Francesco Piani of Caldarola OFM (1424-1507) Francisan Friar, renowned Preacher and Peacemaker, a collaborator in the fight against usury by the institution of the “Mount of Piety,” (a type of pawn shop), social activist and protector of the struggling rural communities. He was Beatified by Pope Urban VII in 1634 – his cult was reaffirmed on 1 September 1843 by Pope Gregory XVI.
His Amazing Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/28/saint-of-the-day-28-september-blessed-francesco-piani-of-caldarola-ofm-1424-1507/

St John of Dukla
St Laurence of North Africa
St Lioba of Bischofsheim
St Machan
St Martial of North Africa
St Martin of Moyenmoutier
St Paternus of Auch
St Privatus of Rome
St Salonius of Geneva
St Silvinus of Brescia

St Simón de Rojas O.SS. (1552-1624) “Father Ave Maria”/ “Apostle of the Ave Maria,” Religious Priest of the Trinitarian Order, Founder of the Lay Apostolate of the Congregation of the Slaves of the Sweet Name of Mary, Marian Devotee, Theologian, Philosopher, Spiritual Writer, Apostle of Charity, Apostolic Visitor. He was Cultus confirmed on 19 March 1766 by Pope Clement XIII
About St Simon:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/28/saint-of-the-day-28-september-st-simon-de-rojas-o-ss-1552-1624-father-ave-maria-apostle-of-the-ave-maria/

St Solomon of Genoa
St Stacteus
St Tetta of Wimborne
Bl Thiemo
St Willigod of Moyenmoutier
St Zama of Bologna

Augustinian Martyrs of Japan: The first Augustinian Missionaries arrived in Japan in 1602 and met with immediate success; many were brought to the faith; many of them became Augustinians and many of them were Martyred in the periodic persecutions of Christians.
This memorial commemorates all of them, whether they have a sanctioned Cause for Canonisation or not. They include:
• Blessed Bartolomé Gutiérrez Rodríguez
• Blessed Ferdinand Ayala
• Blessed Francisco Terrero de Ortega Pérez
• Blessed Ioannes Mukuno Chozaburo
• Blessed Laurentius Kaida Hachizo
• Blessed Mancius Yukimoto Ichizaemon
• Blessed Martín Lumbreras Peralta
• Blessed Melchor Sánchez Pérez
• Blessed Michaël Ichinose Sukezaemon
• Blessed Pedro de Zúñiga
• Blessed Petrus Sawaguchi Kuhyoe
• Blessed Thomas Jihyoe of Saint Augustine
• Blessed Thomas Terai Kahyoe
• Blessed Vicente Simões de Carvalho
• Saint Magdalena of Nagasaki

Martyrs of Antioch – 37 Saints: A group of 30 soldiers and 7 civilians who were murdered together for their faith. The names that have come down to us are – Alexander, Alphinus, Heliodorus, Mark, Neon, Nicon and Zosumus. c 303 at Antioch, Pisidia (in modern Turkey).

AUGUSTINIANS OSA, PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on TIME

Thought for the Day – 27 September – CONSIDERATION XI: The Value of Time

Posted on September 27, 2024September 25, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 27 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION XI

The Value of Time
“Redeeming the time because the days are evil.”
(Eph v: 16)

FIRST POINT:
WE are told in Holy Scripture to be careful of time which is the most precious thing and the greatest gift, God bestows upon living man.
The Pagans even understood the value of time.
Seneca observed that “the value of time is priceless.”
But the Saints have much better understood it.
St Bernardine of Sienna says: “one single moment of time is of very great importance because, at any one moment, a man may, by one act of contrition or of love, gains the Divine grace and eternal glory.
Time is a treasure which can be found in this life alone; it is to be found neither in Heaven nor in hell. This is the lamentation of the lost in hell,”

Oh, that an hour were given.
They would give anything for one hour in which they might be able to remedy their ruin but this hour they will never have. In Heaven there are no tears but if the blessed could weep, this would be a cause for lamentation that they had lost any time during this life in which they might have acquired greater glory, for such time they now can never have.

And you, my brother, how are you spending the time? And for what reason do you put off until tomorrow that which you can do today?
Remember, that the time which is already past away, is no longer yours; the future is not in your power, the present time alone you have for doing good.
St Bernard warns us, saying: “Wherefore do you presume upon the future, o miserable one, as if the Father had put the times in thy power.”
And St Augustine asks: “Do you count upon a day, who cannot count upon an hour!? How can thou promise thyself the day of tomorrow, if thou knowest not whether one more hour of life will be thine?”
St Teresa thus concludes and says: “If thou art not ready to die today, thou ought to fear, lest thou should die an unhappy death!”

Affections and Prayers

O my God, I thank Thee for the time Thou art giving me to atone, as far as I am able, for .the sins of my past life.
If at this moment Thou shouldst cause me to die, one of my greatest
griefs would be to think of the time I have lost.
Ah, my Lord, Thou didst give me the time to spend in loving Thee and I have spent it by offending Thee.
I deserved to be sent to hell from the first moment I turned away from Thee but Thou hast called me to repentance and Thou hast pardoned me.
I promised never more to offend Thee but since then, how many times have I not again offended Thee and Thou hast again pardoned me? Forever blessed be Thy Mercy!
If it were not Infinite, how could it thus have borne with me? Who else would have shown such patience towards me as Thou hast?
How much I grieve for having offended a God so good!

My dear Saviour, the patience alone Thou hast shown towards me ought to have inspired me with love for Thee. Ah, nevermore allow me to be ungrateful to the love Thou hast borne for me.
Separate me from all things and draw me wholly to Thy Love.

No, my God, I will no longer waste that time which Thou hast
given me to atone for the evil I have done I would spend it all
in serving and loving Thee.
Give me strength, give me holy perseverance. I love Thee, O Thou Infinite Goodness and I hope to love Thee in eternity.

AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 27 September – Reward?

Posted on September 27, 2024September 26, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 27 September – Saints Cosmas and Damian (Died c 286 ) Martyrs – Wisdom 5:16-20; Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Be glad in that day and rejoice,
for behold, your reward is great in Heaven,”

Luke 6:23

“The great wealth of Christians
is found in the needs of the poor,
provided we grasp how to put our
possessions to good use.
The poor are always before us;
if we entrust our wealth to them,
we shall not lose it.”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

“The one who walks in the love of God
seeks neither gain nor reward
but seeks only, with the will,
to lose self and all things, for God
and this loss, the lover judges to be a gain! ”

“One day, I started thinking about
what the last office can be in the world.
And, I discovered that the last place,
is at the feet of the traitor, Judas.
And I wanted to place myself there
but I could not because there,
I found Jesus Christ kneeling,
washing Judas’ feet!
Since then, my appreciation for
and understanding of humility, has grown.”

St Francis Borgia SJ (1510-1572)

“LOVE
is the only way
to HEAVEN.”

St Joseph Calasanz (1557-1648)

FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the POOR, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 September – “We possess nothing and yet, we have everything!”

Posted on September 27, 2024September 25, 2024 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 27 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Saints Cosmas and Damian (Died c 286 ) Martyrs – Wisdpm 5:16-20; Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Be glad in that day and rejoice, for behold, your reward is great in Heaven,” – Luke 6:23

REFLECTION – “Only Christians have a true sense of values; their joys and sorrows are not the same as other people’s. The sight of a wounded comatant wearing a victory crown would make someone, ignorant of the games, think only of the fighter’s wounds and how painful they must be. Such a person would know nothing of the happiness the crown gives. And, it is the same when people see the things we suffer, without knowing why we do so. It naturally seems to them to be suffering pure and simple. They see us struggling and facing danger but, beyond their vision, are the rewards, the crowns of victory — all we hope to gain, through the contest! As Paul said: “We possess nothing and yet, we have everything!” (2 Cor 6:10)…

We too, then, when we suffer anything for Christ’s sake, should do so not simply with courage but even with joy. If we have to go hungry, let us be glad, as if we were at a banquet. If we are insulted, let us be elated, as though we had been showered with praises. If we lose all we possess, let us consider ourselves the gainers of all. If we provide for the poor, let us regard ourselves as the recipients! … Above all, remember that your struggles, are for the sake of the Lord Jesus. Then, you will easily rise above them and live out your lifetime in happiness; for nothing brings more happiness than a good conscience.” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father & Doctor of the Church (Sermon on Second Corinthians, 12: 4).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thou, almighty God, that we who celebrate the anniversary of the death of Thy holy Martyrs, Cosmas and Damian, may by their intercession, be delivered from all the evils that threaten us. Through Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Act of SPIRITUAL COMMUNION, AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CATHOLIC TIME, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, HOLY COMMUNION, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Our Morning Offering – 27 September – Give me Thyself, O My God By St Augustine (

Posted on September 27, 2024September 26, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 27 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross”

Give me Thyself, O My God
By St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

Give me Thyself, O my God,
give Thyself to me.
Behold I love Thee
and if my love is too weak a thing,
grant me to love Thee more strongly.
I cannot measure my love, to know
how much it falls short of being sufficient
but let my soul hasten to Thine embrace
and never be turned away,
until it is hidden in the secret shelter
of Thine presence.
This only do I know,
that it is not good for me
when Thou art not with me,
when Thou art only outside me.
I want Thee in my very self.
All the plenty in the world
which is not my God,
is utter want!
Amen

SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 27 September – Saint Hiltrude of Liessies (c740-c790) Virgin

Posted on September 27, 2024September 25, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 27 September – Saint Hiltrude of Liessies (c740-c790) Virgin, Recluse, Nun, Founder of a female Convent. She died in c790 of natural causes in Avesnois, in the vicinity of Liessies, in the Diocese of Cambrai. Also known as – Iltrude. Additional Memorial – 26 September in the Diocese of Cambrai.

Hiltrude was the daughter of Ada, a Frankish noblewoman and Wibert, Count of Poitiers, who owned lands between the Sambre and Meuse rivers in modern France. Hiltrude;s father, Wibert, founded a Monastery at Liessies of which Hilrude’s brother, Guntrad, was the first Abbot.

Hiltrude herself wished to retire there and live the life of a Nun, however, her parents wanted her to marry a Burgundian lord. But she managed to fulfil her desires with the assistance of her brother and took the veil, with the blessing of the Bishop of Cambrai. The noble suitor married her sister instead.

Her brother welcomed her, and provided her with a cell attached to the Abbey Chapel. There, she lived as a Nun, participating in the liturgical life of the Abbey. Today there is a little Chapel dedicated to St Hiltrude on this site and on her Feast Day each year, the Proper of St Hiltrude is celebrated there.

Later, following her example, several daughters of lords decided to join her and in 752 a female addition was added to the Monastery at Liessies. Hiltrude died on 27 September around 790.

Hiltrude’s fame for sanctity grew over the centuries and on 17 September 1004 the Bishop of Cambrai, Erluino, exhumed the remains of the virgin and offered them for the veneration of the faithful. Louis de Blois OSB [the renowned ‘Blosius’ (1506-1566)], the then Abbot of Liessies contributed to the development of the cult. In 1587 her skull was placed in a new silver Reliquary. During the “Thirty Years’ War” the Relics were saved in Mons, where in 1641, they were placed on their own Altar in the Church dedicated to her in Avesnois, in the vicinity of Liessies.

SAINT of the DAY

Saints Cosmas and Damian (Died c 286 ) Martyrs, Reminder of the Novena to Our Lady of the Rosary and the rest of the Saints celebrated on 27 September

Posted on September 27, 2024September 26, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Announcing a Novena to Our Lady of the Rosary
Begins 28 or 29 September
The Feast of the Most Holy Rosary
is celebrated on 7 October.
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/27/announcing-a-novena-to-our-lady-of-the-rosary-begins-28-september-2/

Saints Cosmas and Damian (Died c 286 ) Martyrs. Twin brothers and Physicians, Apostles of Charity, Evangelists – born in the 3rd century, of Arabic descent and died by being tortured, without suffering any injury and finally they were beheaded c 286 in Aegea, Cilicia (modern Ayas, Turkey).
https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/26/saints-of-the-day-26-september-saints-cosmas-and-damian-died-c-286-martyrs/

St Adheritus
St Adolphus of Cordoba
St Antonio de Torres
St Barrog the Hermit

St Bonfilius of Foligno OSB (1040-1125) Bishop, Abbot.
About St Bonifilius:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/27/saint-of-the-day-27-september-saint-bonfilius-of-foligno-osb-1040-1125/

St Ceraunus of Paris
St Chiara of the Resurrection
St Deodatus of Sora

Saint Delphina TOSF (1283-1360) Laywoman, Married in Chastity to St Elzear (below) Widow, Recluse, Apostle of the Poor and needy. Patronages – • Brides, Tertiaries, Diocese of Ariano Irpino-Lacedonia, Italy
Her Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/27/saint-of-the-day-27-september-saint-delphina-tosf-1283-1360-virgin/

St Elzear of Sabran TOSF (1285-1323) Layman, Member of the Third Order of St Francis, Mystic, miracle-worker, Baron of Ansouis, Count of Ariano, France, Ruler, Diplomat, Military Leader. Patron of Tertiaries.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/27/saint-of-the-day-st-elzear-tosf-1285-1323/

St Epicharis
St Fidentius of Todi
St Florentinus the Hermit
St Gaius of Milan
St Hilary the Hermit
St Hiltrude of Liessies (c740-c790) Virgin
St John of Cordoba

Blessed Lorenzo of Ripafratta OP (c 1373-1456) Dominican Priest and Friar, Penitent, Vicar General, Teacher, Reformer, brilliant Preacher and Spiritual director – known as “the Ark of Science.”
About Blessed Lorenzo:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/27/saint-of-the-day-27-september-blessed-lorenzo-of-ripafratta-op-c-1373-1456/

St Marcellus of Saint Gall
St Terence of Todi

Martyrs of Aegea – (3 Saints): Three Christians Martyred with Saints Cosmas and Damian in the persecutions of Diocletian – Anthimus, Euprepius and Leontius. They were tortured and beheaded c.303 in Aegea, Cilicia (modern Ayas, Turkey).

PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 26 September – CONSIDERATION X, Third Point – How We Must Prepare for Death – Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.

Posted on September 26, 2024September 24, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 26 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION X

How We Must Prepare for Death
“Prepare to meet thy God.”
(Amos iv.:12)

THIRD POINT
It is, moreover, necessary to endeavour each hour we live, to be in such a frame of mind, as we should like to be when dying:
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.” (Apoc xiv: 13).

St Ambrose observes, those persons die a happy death who, when the hour of death arrives, are found already dead to the world, even to those things from which death will come to sever them by force.
So that we must, from this hour, accept the spoiling of our inheritances, separations from our relatives and from all the things of this world. If we do not do this willingly in life, we shall have to do it of necessity, in death but then, with great grief and peril to our eternal salvation.
And for this cause, St Augustine warns us that, in order to die in peace, it is necessary to settle our worldly interests during life and now to dispose, in a proper way, of those earthly goods we shall have to leave, so that, in death, our time may be given to the uniting of ourselves to God. At that time, our thoughts should be of God and Paradise only. Those last moments are too precious to be wasted upon the things of earth. The crown of the elect is perfected in death, for perchance, it is then that we merit most, the crown, by embracing those pains and that death, with resignation and love.

But he will never have these holy feelings in death, who has not practiced them in life. Some devout persons make a practice
(and with great profit to themselves) of renewing every month,
a certain desire for death, imagining themselves to be on their
deathbed, placing themselves, as if in the presence of death.
That which is not done during life, is very difficult to be done
in death.
Sister Catherine of St Albert, who was a faithful servant of God, when dying, said: “I do not sigh because I fear death – for twenty five years I have been expecting it but, I sigh because, I see many deceive themselves by leading a life of sin and thus, delay making their peace with God until the hour of death is come, when, I feel as if I can hardly pronounce the Name of Jesus!”

Therefore, examine yourself, my brother and see whether your
heart is fond of anything which is of the earth – that person, that honour, that house, that money, that conversation, those amusements and reflect – you are not immortal! Some day you will have to leave all these things and perhaps, very soon. Why then are you so fond of them? and thus run the risk of dying a miserable death?
From this hour offer everything to God, being ready to give up all when it shall please Him.
If you wish to die submissive, you must resign yourself to all that may befall you and divest yourself of every earthly affection.
Reflect upon the moment of death and as you would then despise all things, do so now immediatley!
St Jerome observes: “He easily despises all things, who ever regards himself as one about to die.”

If you have not yet decided upon what life you shall lead, make choice of that which you will wish you had chosen at the moment of death and that which will make you die a happy death. If you have already chosen it, do what you will wish you had done in that particular life. Act as if each day were the last of your life, each action were the last, each prayer the last, each Confession the last and each Communion the last. Act as if each hour were your last and stretched upon a bed, you heard this intimated: “Depart out of this world.”
This thought, Oh! how greatly will it help you to walk through life and to separate yourself from this world.
“Blessed is that servant, whom when his Lord cometh, He shall find so doing.” (St Matt xxiv: 26).
He who expects death at every hour, even though he should die suddenly, will not fail to die well!

Affections and Prayers

Every Christian ought to be prepared to say, when death shall
be announced to him:
Since, therefore, my God but so few hours remain to me, I would love Thee as much as it is possible for me to do … so that I may love Thee more in the life to come.

But little remains for me to offer Thee, therefore, I will offer these my pains to Thee and the sacrifice of my life, together with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, made for me upon the Cross. O Lord, the pains I am suffering are but few and very slight compared with what I deserve to suffer. Such as they are, I embrace in token of the love I have for Thee. I yield myself to every punishment it may please Thee to send me. If only I may love Thee in eternity, punish me as Thou wilt but do not deprive me of Thy Love. I know that I do not deserve to love Thee any longer because, I have so often despised Thy love but Thou wilt not spurn a repentant soul. I repent, O my Sovereign Good, for having offended Thee. I love Thee with all my heart, and entrust everything to Thee. Thy death, O my Redeemer, is my hope.

Into Thy wounded Hands I commend my soul.
“Into Thy Hands I commend my spirit, for Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, Thou God of truth.” (Ps xxxi: 6).
O my Jesus, Thou Who hast given Thy Blood to save me, do Thou never allow me to be separated from Thee.
I love Thee, O Eternal God and I hope to love Thee in eternity.

"Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Quote/s of the Day – 26 September – St Isaac Jogues and St Jean de Brébeuf

Posted on September 26, 2024September 24, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 26 September – St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions

“How I grieve, my God,
that Thou are not known,
that this savage country
is not yet wholly converted to faith in Thee,
that sin is not yet blotted out!”

St Jean de Brébeuf (1593-1649)
Martyr

“Can we think, the life of man,
better employed than in this good work?
What do I say? Would not all the labours
of a thousand men, be well rewarded,
in the conversion of a single soul
gained to Jesus Christ?
I have always felt a great love
for this kind of life
and for a profession so excellent
and so akin to that of the Apostles.”

St Isaac Jogues (1607-1646)
Martyr

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/26/quote-s-of-the-day-26-september-the-north-american-martyrs/

AUGUST - The Immaculate Heart of Mary, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on The SOUL, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 September – ‘ … Everyone without God has a dead soul. ‘

Posted on September 26, 2024September 24, 2024 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 26 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions – Hebrews 10:32-38; Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more that they can do. … be afraid of him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell. ” – Luke 12:4-5

REFLECTION – “The Gospel is life. Impiety and infidelity are the death of the soul. So then, if the soul can die, how then is it yet immortal? Because, there is always a dimension of life in the soul which can never be extinguished. And how does it die? Not in ceasing to be life but by losing its proper life. For the soul is both life to something else and it has it own proper life. Consider the order of the creatures. The soul is the life of the body. God is the Life of the soul. As the life that is the soul, is present with the body that the body may not die, so the Life of the soul (God), ought to be with the soul that it may not die.

How does the body die? By the departure of the soul. I say, by the departure of the soul, the body dies and it lies there as a mere carcass, what was a little before, a lively, not a contemptible object. There are in it still, its several members, the eyes and ears. But these are merely the windows of the house – its inhabitant is gone. Those who bewail the dead, cry in vain at the windows of the house. There is no-one there within it to hear. Why is the body dead? Because the soul, its life, is gone. But at what point is the soul itself dead? When God, its Life, has forsaken it. This then we can know and hold for certain – the body is dead without the soul and the soul is dead without God. Everyone without God has a dead soul. You who bewail the dead rather, should bewail sin! Bewail ungodliness! Bewail disbelief! – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 65).

PRAYER – May the continual protection of the blessed Martyrs comfort us, O Lord, for Thou do not cease to behold with favour those whom You have granted the grace of such assistance. 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).

JESUIT SJ, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM

Our Morning Offering – 26 September – Jesus, What Can I Give Thee in Return? The Prayer of St Jean de Brébeuf

Posted on September 26, 2024September 25, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 26 September – St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646), St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions

Jesus, What Can I Give Thee in Return?
The Prayer of St Jean de Brébeuf SJ (1593-1649)

Jesus, my Lord and Saviour,
what can I give Thee in return
for all the favours Thou hast
first conferred upon me?
I will take from Thy Hand,
the Cup of Thine Sufferings
and call on Thy Name.
I vow before Thee, eternal Father and the Holy Ghost,
before Thy most holy Mother
and her most chaste Spouse,
before the Angels, Apostles and Martyrs,
before my blessed fathers,
Saint Ignatius and Saint Francis Xavier,
in truth, I vow to Thee, Jesus my Saviour,
that, as far as I have the strength,
I will never fail to accept the grace of Martyrdom,
if someday Thou, in Thine Infinite Mercy,
should offer it to me,
Thy most unworthy servant …
My beloved Jesus,
here and now, I offer
my body and blood and life.
May I die only for Thee,
if Thou will grant me this grace,
since Thou willingly died for me.
Let me so live that Thou may grant me
the gift of such a happy death.
In this way, my God and Saviour,
I will take from Thy Hand,
the Cup of Thine Sufferings
and call upon Thy Name,
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
Amen

SAINT of the DAY

Saints of the Day – 26 September – St Cyprian of Antioch Bishop Martyr AND St Justina Virgin Martyr (Died 2nd Century).

Posted on September 26, 2024September 24, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Saints of the Day – 26 September – St Cyprian of Antioch Bishop Martyr AND St Justina Virgin Martyr (Died 2nd Century).

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Nicomedia, the birthday of the holy Martyrs Cyprian and Justina, Virgin. Under the Emperor Diocletian and the Governor Eutholmius, Justina suffered much for the Faith of Christ and coverted Cyprian, who while a magician, endeavoured to bring her under the influence of his magical practices. She afterwards suffered Martyrdom with him. Their bodies being exposed to the beasts, were taken away in the night by some Christian sailors and carried to Rome. They were subsequently taken into the Constantian Basilica and deposited near the Baptistry.”

Cyprian and Justina lived in Antioch at the end of the 2nd Century. Their legend arose in the 4th Century and St Gregory Nazianzen told the story of the two in a sermon and they were also mentioned by Prudentius in his verse.

Cyprian had been introduced to the secrets of magic by his pagan parents and to have expanded his knowledge while traveling in Greece. Cyprian the Magician, as he was called, used his knowledge primarily to seduce beautiful women. A young man, Aglaides, who had fallen in love with the beautiful Justina, asked Cyprian for a love spell.

Justina was a Christian and refused all proposals. Cyprian’s art also failed on her and Cyprian now wanted to win Justina for himself. But Justina remained steadfast, so that Cyprian began to doubt the power of the evil spirits. He turned to a Priest named Eusebius and was eventually converted to Christianity by him. Aglaides also became a Christian.

According to St GregoryNazianzen Cyprian became a Priest and finally the Bishop of Antioch. During the Diocletianic persecution, In c304, Cyprian and Justina were arrested, severely tortured and finally beheaded.

Their bodies were secretly taken to Rome by Christians and buried yhere in the Lateran Basilica. Some reports also mention Theoctist, a soldier who converted to Christianity after witnessing the piety and death of the Martyrs and was also executed.

MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Matka Boża Leśniańska / Blessed Mother of Leśna, Poland (1683), St Isaac Jogues & Companions and the Saints for 26 September

Posted on September 26, 2024September 24, 2024 by AnaStpaul

Matka Boża Leśniańska / Blessed Mother of Leśna, Leśna Podlaska, Biała Podlaska, Lublin, Poland (1683) – 26 September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/26/matka-boza-lesnianska-blessed-mother-of-lesna-lesna-podlaska-biala-podlaska-lublin-poland-1683-and-memorials-of-the-saints-26-september/

St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions – known as The North American or the Canadian Martyrs.
Their Lives and Deaths:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/26/saints-of-the-day-26-september-st-isaac-jogues-and-companions-martyrs/

St Cyprian of Antioch (Died 2nd Century) Bishop Martyr AND St Justina of Antioch (Died 2nd Century) Virgin Martyr

St Amantius of Tiphernum
St Callistratus of Constantinople
St Colman of Elo
St Eusebius of Bologna

St John of Meda Ord.Hum. (1100-1159) Priest, Monk, Abbot of the Humiliati Order (now no longer in existence), Reformer.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/26/saint-of-the-day-26-september-saint-john-of-meda-ord-hum-1100-1159/

St Justina of Antioch (Died 2nd Century) Virgin Martyr (+See above wiuth St Cyprian)
St Marie Victoire Therese Couderc
St Meugant

St Nilus the Younger (910-1005) Abbot and Confessor and Founder of Italo-Greek Monasticism in southern Italy.. St Nilus was a charismatic leader and leading spiritual personality of his time.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/26/saint-of-the-day-26-september-saint-nilus-the-younger-910-1005/

St Senator of Albano
St Vigilius of Brescia

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“Preparation for Death”By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION XII

The Importance of Salvation“We beseech you, brethren, …. to do your own business.”(i Thess iv: 10, 11).

Affections and Prayers

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St Jerome (347-419)Confessor, Father and Doctor of the ChurchAKA – “The Sun Who Illuminated the Scriptures”“A Lion in Defence of the Faith”

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“Preparation for Death”By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION XI

The Value of Time“Redeeming the time because the days are evil.”(Eph v: 16)

Affections and Prayers

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St Augustine (354-430)Father and Doctor of Grace

St Gregory the Great (540-604)Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church

St Bernard (1090-1153)Father & Doctor of Light

St Albert the Great (1200-1280)Universal Doctor of the Church

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Praise to St Michael, the Prince of the Celestial Army

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“Preparation for Death”By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION XI

The Value of Time“Redeeming the time because the days are evil.”(Eph v: 16)

Affections andPrayers

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“Preparation for Death”By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION XI

The Value of Time“Redeeming the time because the days are evil.”(Eph v: 16)

Affections and Prayers

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Luke 6:23

St Augustine (354-430)Father and Doctor of Grace

St Francis Borgia SJ (1510-1572)

St Joseph Calasanz (1557-1648)

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“Preparation for Death”By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION X

How We Must Prepare for Death“Prepare to meet thy God.”(Amos iv.:12)

Affections and Prayers

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St Jean de Brébeuf (1593-1649)Martyr

St Isaac Jogues (1607-1646)Martyr

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“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

The Importance of Salvation
“We beseech you, brethren, …. to do your own business.”
(i Thess iv: 10, 11).

St Jerome (347-419)
Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church
AKA – “The Sun Who Illuminated the Scriptures”
“A Lion in Defence of the Faith”

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

The Value of Time
“Redeeming the time because the days are evil.”
(Eph v: 16)

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

St Gregory the Great (540-604)
Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church

St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father & Doctor of Light

St Albert the Great (1200-1280)
Universal Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

The Value of Time
“Redeeming the time because the days are evil.”
(Eph v: 16)

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

The Value of Time
“Redeeming the time because the days are evil.”
(Eph v: 16)

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

How We Must Prepare for Death
“Prepare to meet thy God.”
(Amos iv.:12)

St Jean de Brébeuf (1593-1649)
Martyr

St Isaac Jogues (1607-1646)
Martyr