Day: November 2, 2024

Posted in PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on WATCHING, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST

Thought for the Day – 2 November – CONSIDERATION XXXI, Of Perseverance

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 2 November – 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 XXXI

Of Perseverance
“He who shall endure unto the end,
the same shall be saved.”
(Matt xxiv: 13)

FIRST POINT:
“IT is of the many to begin, of the few to persevere,” writes S.
St Jerome.
Saul, Judas, Tertullian, began well but they ended badly, since they did not persevere in good.
“In Christians, the beginnings are not sought for but the end,” continues the aint and St Bonaventure confirms this by saying: “Perseverance alone is crowned.”
Hence, St Laurence Justinian calls perseverance “the door of Heaven.”

So that he cannot enter into Heaven who cannot find the gate of entrance. My brother, you have at this present time abandoned sin and may justly hope that you have been pardoned, in this case, you are the friend of God but know that you are still, not saved. And when will you be saved? When you have persevered even to the end!
“He who shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”

Have you begun the good life? thank the Lord but St Bernard warns you: “The reward is promised to those beginning, it is given to those who persevere.” It is not enough to run for the prize but we must run until we obtain it, or, as the Apostle says: “So run that ye may obtain.” (i Cor ix: 24).
Now, truly, you have. put.your hand to the plough, you have
begun to live well but now, ever very much, fear and tremble: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Phil ii: 12). Wherefore? Since, if you turn and look back which God forbid and go back to your evil life, God will declare you to be excluded from Heaven: “No man, having put his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God.” (Luke ix: 62.

Pray for the grace of the Lord, frequent Holy Communion, make a daily meditation. Blessed are you if you have progressed to do thus and if, so doing, Jesus Christ shall find you, when He comes to judge you.
“Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord, when He cometh, shall find so doing.” (Matt xxiv:46).

But do not believe, now you have set yourselves to serve God, temptations are either wanting or are, at an end. “My son, if thou come to serve the Lord …. prepare thy soul for temptation.” (Ecclus ii: I) Know that now, more than ever, you ought to prepare yourself for the battle, since your enemies, the devil, the world, the flesh, more than ever will arm themselves to fight against you, to make you lose that which you have already gained!
Denis the Carthusian says: “By how much, anyone the more
bravely endeavours to serve God, by so much, does the adversary rage against him.” This is stated in the Gospel according to St Luke, where it is said: “When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out ,Then goeth he and taketh seven other spirits more wicked than himself and they enter in and dwell there and the last state of that man is worse than the first.” (Luke xi: 24, 26)
… Consider, therefore, what arms you have which will avail to defend you from these enemies and to preserve you in the grace of God. Against being overcome by the devil, there is no defence save prayer, for St Paul says: “We wrestle, not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers.” (Eph vi: 12).
He wishes by this statement to warn us, we have not strength to resist one so powerful, whence we need assistance from God, by which aid, we can do all things! “I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me.” (Phi. iv: 12). But this aid is not given unless it be sought for by prayer. “Ask and ye shall receive.” Let us not trust ourselves, then, or our resolutions; for if we put confidence in these, we shall be lost but when we are tempted by the devil, let us place it in the Hand of God, commending ourselves to Jesus Christ. This is especially needful when our chastity is tempted, since this temptation is the most terrible of all and it is that, by which the devil gams the most victories. We have not strength in this respect, save from God. We must, therefore, in such temptations, quickly fly to Jesus Christ and frequently invoke His holy Name. He who so acts, shall conquer and he who acts not thus, shall be overcome.

Affections andPrayers

“Cast me not away from Thy presence.” (Ps li: 11).
Ah, my God, do not cast me away from Thy Presence. 1 know
well that Thou wilt never abandon me if I do not first abandon Thee.
… But, Lord, do Thou give me the strength which I must have to resist hell which seeks to find me again its slave.
I ask it of Thee, for the love of Jesus Christ. Establish, O my Saviour, between Thee and me, a perpetual peace which will never be broken and, therefore, give me Thy holy love.
“He who loveth not, …. abideth in death.” (i John iii: 14).
But he who loves Thee, is not dead; Thou, O God of my soul,
must save me from this unhappy death. I was lost, truly Thou
knowest it. It was Thy goodness alone which led me back to
my present condition where I hope to continue in Thy Grace.

Ah! do not suffer me, my Jesus, … to turn away and lose myself.
I love Thee above all things and I trust ever to be bound by this holy love and so being bound, to die and so being bound, to live forever!

Posted in CHARITY - Fr Richard Clarke SJ, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, NOVEMBER - Month of the SOULS in PURGATORY, ON the SAINTS, PRAYERS for the SOULS, Quotes on SALVATION, The HOLY SOULS

Quote/s of the Day – 2 November – The Holy Souls

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Quote/s of the Day – 2 November – “The Month and the Feast of the Holy Souls in Purgatory”

“The Holy Souls must sometimes think, reproachfully,
how little their friends on earth do
to aid them in their present sufferings.
Among many other methods of aiding them,
I can offer up for them
all the pains of mind and body
which God sends me, asking God
to accept them in alleviation
of the sufferings of the holy souls.
This will help me to be patient
and to suffer willingly and,
when my time comes, I shall find
that patient suffering for others,
will shorten my time of banishment from God,
in the fires of Purgatory.”

Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Prayer for the Dead
From My Prayer Book, 1927
By Fr Francis Xavier Lasance (1860-1946)

O God, whose property it is,
ever to have mercy and to spare,
we beseech Thee,
on behalf of the soul of Thy servant,
whom Thou hast called out of this world,
look upon her with pity
and let her be conducted
by the holy Angels to Paradise,
her true country.
Grant that she, who believed in Thee
and hoped in Thee, may not be left
to suffer the pains of the Purgatorial fires
but may be admitted to eternal joy.
Through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord,
Who with the Holy Ghost-
liveth and reigneth,
world without end.
Amen

“The example of the Saints should inspire us
to practise great devotion to the Souls in Purgatory.
We should ask them to obtain for us
everything which we need but especially,
the graces necessary for our eternal salvation!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/11/02/quote-s-of-the-day-2-november-we-must-live-a-dying-life/

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOD ALONE!, NOVEMBER - Month of the SOULS in PURGATORY, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The HOLY SOULS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 2 November – ‘ … Why do we not hasten and run …’

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One Minute Reflection – 2 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – All Souls Day – 1 Corinthian 15:51-57; John 5:25-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Do not wonder at this, for the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs shall hear the Voice of the Son of God. And they who have done good, shall come forth unto the resurrection of Life but they who have done evil, until the resurrection of judgement.” – John 5:28-29

REFLECTION – “We should consider, beloved brethren and we should reflect constantly that we have renounced the world and as strangers and foreigners, we sojourn here for a time (Heb 11:13). Let us embrace the day which assigns each of us to his dwelling which, on our being rescued from here and released from the snares of the world, restores us to Paradise and the Kingdom. What man, after having been abroad, would not hasten to return to his native land? Who, when hurrying to sail to his family, would not more eagerly long for a favourable wind that he might more quickly embrace his dear ones? We account Paradise our country, we have already begun to look upon the patriarchs as our parents.

Why do we not hasten and run, so that we may see our country, so that we may greet our parents? A great number of our dear ones there, await us, parents, brothers, children; a dense and copious throng longs for us, already secure in their safety but still anxious for our salvation! … There, are to be found, the glorious choir of Apostles, there, the throng of exultant Prophets, there, the innumerable multitude of Martyrs wearing crowns on account of the glory and victory of their struggle and passion, there, the triumphant Virgins … the merciful enjoying their reward, who have performed works of justice by giving food and alms to the poor, who, in observing the precepts of the Lord, have transferred their earthlyinheritance to the treasuries of Heaven!

To these, beloved brethren, let us hasten with eager longing! let us pray that it may befall us speedily to be with them, speedily to come to Christ. May God see this our purpose … Who will give, more ample rewards of His charity, to those whose longings for Him have been greater.” – St Cyprian (200-258) Bishop of Carthage, Martyr, Father (On Mortality 26).

PRAYER – O God, Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy servants and handmaids, the remission of all their sins, that they may obtain, by our loving prayer,s the forgiveness which they have always desired. Who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, NOVEMBER - Month of the SOULS in PURGATORY, PRAYERS for the SOULS

Our Morning Offering – 2 November – O Turn To Jesus, Mother! Turn

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Our Morning Offering – 2 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory”

O Turn To Jesus, Mother! Turn
To Our Blessed Lady for the Souls in Purgatory (1940)
By Fr Frederick W Faber C.Orat (1814-1863)

O turn to Jesus, Mother! turn,
And call Him by His tenderest Names;
Pray for the Holy Souls that burn
This hour amid the cleansing flames.

Ah! they have fought a gallant fight;
In death’s cold arms they persevered
And after life’s uncheery night,
The harbour of their rest is neared.

In pains beyond all earthly pains,
Favourites of Jesus! there they lie,
Letting the fire wear out their stains
And worshipping God’s purity.

Spouses of Christ they are, for He
Was wedded to them by His blood
And Angels o’er their destiny
In wondering adoration brood.

They are the children of thy tears;
Then hasten, Mother! to their aid;
In pity think, each hour appears,
An age while glory is delayed.

See, how they bound amid their fires,
While pain and love their spirits fill;
Then with self-crucified desires,
Utter sweet murmurs and lie still.

Ah me! the love of Jesus yearns
O’er that abyss of sacred pain,
And as He looks, His Bosom burns
With Calvary’s dear thirst again.

O Mary! let thy Son no more
His lingering Spouses thus expect,
God’s children to their God restore
And to the Spirit His elect.

Pray then, as thou hast ever prayed;
Angels and Souls, all look to thee;
God waits thy prayers, for He hath made
Those prayers, His law of charity! Amen

(Verses 3 and 4 not on image)

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 2 November – Saint Theodotus (c260–c335) Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 2 November – Saint Theodotus (c260–c335) Bishop of Laodicea (in modern Turkey), Philosopher, possibly a Physician, Theologian. He initially defended the Arians but after being provisionally excommunicated, he repented his stance and became a defender of orthodoxy.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Laodicea in Syria, St Theodotus, a Bishop, powerful in words and adorned with good works and virtues.”

An artist’s representation of Laodicea

According to St Eusebius of Caesarea’s Historia Ecclesiastica, Theodotus “proved his personal name … true” and was a gift from God to the Diocese of Laodicea. St Eusebius also praises him for his knowledge of “the science of bodily healing” and for being a “dedicated student of divine teachings”, implying that he was trained in both medicine and theology, prior to becoming bishop. He used his medical training to treat the faithful during the Great Persecution. Eusebius and Theodotus were probably born around the same time. They were close friends and Ecclesiastical allies throughout their Episcopal careers. Eusebius dedicated two Apologetic works, Praeparatio evangelica and Demonstratio evangelica, written between about 312 and 318, to Theodotus.

Theodotus attended the Provincial Council of Antioch held in late 324 or early 325. He was one of only three Bishopswho refused to subscribe to the Council’s statement of faith which was based on the theology of the Bishop of Alexandria, Alexander I, an Arian. They were excommunicated pending their recantation at the “great and holy Synod” scheduled for June 325. Theodotus attended the Synod, which took place in Nicaea and subscribed to the Nicene Creed and Decrees, thus redeeming himself. He attended at least 2 further Councils and supported orthodoxy.

Because none of Theodotus’ writing survives, it is impossible to know Theodotus’ exact interpretation and theology with any exactitude. He may have defended Arius more out of loyalty to the Alexandrian Church, with which Laodicea had strong connections, than out of strong theological agreement.

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, NOVEMBER - Month of the SOULS in PURGATORY, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY SOULS

All Souls Day, First Saturday, Notre-Dame D’Emminont / Our Lady of Emminont. France (12th Century) and Memorials of the Saints for 2 November

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All Souls Day – The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed: Commemoration of the faithful departed in Purgatory. Abbot Odilo of Cluny instituted it in the Monasteries of his congregation in 998, other religious orders took up the observance and it was adopted by various Diocese and gradually by the whole Church. The Office of the Dead must be recited by the clergy on this day and Pope Benedict XV granted to all Priests, the privilege of saying three Masses of requiem – one for the souls in Purgatory
one for the intention of the Holy Father
one for the Priest’s intentions
If the feast should fall on Sunday it is kept on 3 November.
Patronage: Monselice, Italy
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/02/commemoration-of-all-souls-day-2-november/
AND:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/11/02/the-commemoration-of-all-the-holy-souls-in-purgatory-2-november/

FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

Notre-Dame D’Emminont / Our Lady of Emminont. Abbeville, France (12th Century) – 2 November:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/02/the-commemoration-of-all-the-faithful-departed-all-souls-day-notre-dame-demminont-our-lady-of-emminont-abbeville-france-12th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-2-november/

St Ambrose of Agaune
St Ambrose of Agaune
St Amicus of Fonte Avellana
St Amicus of Rambone
St Baya of Scotland
St Domninus of Grenoble
St Erc of Slane
St Eustochium of Tarsus
St George of Vienne

Blessed John Bodey (1549-1583) Layman, Martyr, Husband and Schoolmaster.
Born in 1549 at Wells, Somerset, England and died on 2 November 1583 at Andover, England by being hanged, drawn and quartered for the crime of being a Catholic and refusing to accept Elizabeth I, Queen of England, as the Head of the Church. Blessed John was Beatified on 15 December 1929 together with Blessed John Slade (feast day 30 October), by Pope Pius XI.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/11/02/saint-of-the-day-2-november-blessed-john-bodey-1549-1583-layman-martyr/

St Jorandus of Kergrist
St Justus of Trieste
St Marcian of Chalcis

Blessed Margaret of Lorraine OSC (1463-1521) Duchess of Alençon, Mother, Widow, Nun of the Poor Clares, Apostle of the sick, the poor and those suffering under unjust feudal lords.
Her Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/02/saint-of-the-day-2-november-blessed-margaret-of-lorraine-osc-1463-1521/

St Maura of Scotland
St Theodotus (c260–c335) Bishop of Laodicea

St Victorinus of Pettau (Died c 304) Bishop Martyr, learned Exegetists on both the Old and the New Testament, ecclesiastical writer, theologian.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/02/saint-of-the-day-2-november-st-victorinus-of-pettau-died-c-304/

St Willebald of Bavaria

Martyrs of Isfahan – 5+ Saints: Acindynus, Pegasius and Anempodistus were Persian priests who were imprisoned, tortured, interrogated and Martyred in the persecutions of king Sapor II of Persia; he considered any Christian to be a Roman spy and anti-Persian.

Martyrs of Sebaste – 10 Saints: A group of ten soldiers in the imperial Roman army of Emperor Licinius Licinianus who were executed together for refusing to burn incense as a sacrifice to the emperor. The only details that have survived are five of their names – Agapius, Cartherius, Eudoxius, Styriacus and Tobias. They were burned at the stake in 315 in Sebaste (in modern Turkey).