Day: February 2, 2025

Posted in GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, GOD the FATHER, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The GREAT TRUTHS

Thought for the Day – 2 February – God our Creator

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Thought for the Day – 2 February – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations on “The Great Truths”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

2nd Day – God our Creator

Thou art worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory
and honour and power because Thou hast created all things.
(Apoc iv:II)

+1. Why is it that God has such an absolute and all-embracing claim to ourselves and to all which is ours? It is because we are made by Him and not only made but created. We are His, not only as the statue is the sculptor’s and the picture the painter’s but, He made, out of nothing, the very materials of which we consist!
There is, therefore, nothing in us which is not God’s. Every sort of excellence, strength, virtue, talent, beauty, skill, energy, affection —all are God’s, not our own.

+2. God created everyone with certain gifts of his own which, He did not give to another and He gave him those gifts, to do a special work which God had appointed to him alone.
He created me with a certain object, from all eternity He had been planning my soul and body and providing me with all that I needed – that both one and the other, might serve Him.
Have I, on the whole, carried out God’s plan? Shall I be able to say, when I come to die: “I have completed the work Thou hast tasked me with?”

+3. What a serious thought this is – God had a plan for my life! He meant me to occupy a certain position in society and to have certain employments; to influence certain persons for good, to overcome certain temptations, to practice certain virtues beyond the rest, to attain a certain place in Heaven.
Has my life been ordered by God’s holy inspirations? has not my own self-will too, often had a part in it?
Pray that you may not fail in fulfilling God’s intentions concerning yourself and the works He requires of you!🙏

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, HYMNS, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, POETRY

Quote/s of the Day – 2 February – Candlemas

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Quote/s of the Day – 2 February – The Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, Candlemas

Candlemas
By John Henry Newman (1801-1890)
The Oratory, 1849.

The Angel-lights of Christmas morn,
Which shot across the sky,
Away they pass at Candlemas,
They sparkle and they die.

Comfort of earth is brief at best,
Although it be divine;
Like funeral lights for Christmas gone,
Old Simeon’ s tapers shine.

And then for eight long weeks and more,
We wait in twilight grey,
Till the High Candle sheds a beam
On Holy Saturday.

We wait along the penance-tide
Of solemn fast and prayer,
Whilst song is hushed and lights grow dim,
In the sin-laden air.

And while the sword in Mary’s soul
Is driven home, we hide
In our own hearts and count, the wounds
Of passion and of pride.

And still, though Candlemas be spent
And alleluias o’er,
Mary is music in our need.
And Jesus, Light in store.

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on LOVE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 2 February – We must be burning with love and radiant with good deeds

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 2 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – The Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, Candlemas – Malachias 3:1-4; Luke 2:22-32 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Lord, Whom you are seeking, will suddenly enter His Temple” – Malachias 3:1

REFLECTION – “Your lamps must be burning in your hands” (Lk 12:35). By this outward sign let us remind ourselves of the joy of Simeon, carrying the Light in his hands … We must be burning with love and radiant with good deeds and so, take up Christ in our hands with Simeon … Let us discuss this charming custom of the Church of bearing lights aloft on this Feast day … Could anyone hold up a lighted candle in his hands on this day, without at once remembering that old man, who on this same day, took up in his arms, Jesus, God’s Word, clothed in flesh like a candle-flame clothed in wax and affirmed Him to be “the Light which would be a beacon for the Gentiles.” Surely he was that “burning and radiant lamp” (Jn 5:35; 1,7) which bore witness to the Light. For this purpose he came in the Spirit, who had filled him, into the temple, that he might “receive, O God, your loving-kindness in the midst of your temple” (Ps 48[47]:10) and declare him to be loving-kindness indeed and the light of your own people.

Truly, O holy Simeon, in the quiet contentment of old age, you carried this Light not simply in your hands but in the very dispositions of your heart. You were like a lamp-standard, seeing so clearly how much the Gentiles would one day be lit up, while reflecting … the bright rays of our faith. Old, yet still sincere, you can now be happy, in that, you really see what once you but foresaw. Gone is the world’s gloom, “the Gentiles bask in this light of yours,” “the whole earth is full of his glory” (Is 60:3; 6:3).” … Blessed Guerric of Igny O.Cist. (c 1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot

PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, we humbly beseech Thy Majesty that, as Thy Only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in the nature of our flesh, so may Thou grant us to be presented to Thee with purified minds. 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). 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).

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, MOTHER of GOD, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Our Morning Offering – 2 February – Alma Redemptoris Mater

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Our Morning Offering – 2 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Epiphany IV

Alma Redemptoris Mater
Loving Mother of the Redeemer
By Blessed Herman Contractus
of Reichenau OSB (1013–1054)

Loving Mother of the Redeemer!
Hear thou thy people’s cry,
Star of the deep
and portal of the sky!
Mother of Him
Who thee from nothing made,
Sinking we strive
and call to thee for aid;
Oh, by that joy
which Gabriel brought to thee,
Thou Virgin first and last,
let we thy mercy see.

Alma Redemptóris Mater,
quæ pérvia cæli
Porta manes, et stella maris,
succúrre cadénti,
Súrgere qui curat pópulo:
tu quæ genuísti,
Natúra miránte,
tuum sanctum Genitórem
Virgo prius ac postérius, Gabriélis ab ore
Sumens illud Ave,
peccatórum miserére.

Marian Antiphon Traditionally said from Advent to the Purification of the Blessed Virgin.
Blessed Herman is the Author of the Salve Regina, the Veni Sancte Spiritus and the Alma Redemptoris Mater amongst others.

Posted in PREACHERS, PRIESTS, all CLERGY, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 2 February – St Flosculus (5th-6th Century) the 11th Bishop of Orléans

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Saint of the Day – 2 February – St Flosculus (5th-6th Century) the 11th Bishop of Orléans, in France, a beloved and zealous shepherd of the French Diocese of Orléans, a renowned and highly effective Preacher and a active and committed Apostle of charity and of the poor and needy. Patronages – of the City and Diocese of Orléans , of all Preachers and Priests. Also known as – Floscolo, Flosculus. Flou, Fulcolus, Furcolus, Fuscolus.

The Roman Martyrology simply states: “At Orléans, the holy Bishop Flosculus.”

This Stained glass image is actually of an unknown Bishop

Very little is known about Flosculus but, it is certain that, he was a Bishop much loved by his people. His life is recorded by only one document, the Martyrology of St Jerome which reports his death on 2 February, unknown year.

The list of Bishops of Orléans, places him in eleventh place. From this latter record, we deduce that Flosculus was a very active Bishop in his Diocese. He was an eloquent preacher and a tireless worker for the spread of the Gospel. He also devoted himself to the poor and needy and was a great example of charity and compassion.
His fame for sanctity, spread rapidly and he was soon venerated as a Saint by the people of Orléans. His cult was confirmed by Pope Pius IX in 1871.

In addition to the Martyrology of St Jerome, there are also some legends transmitted regarding Saint Flosculus. One of these relates that one day, while the saint was preaching in a square in Orléans, a man who had fallen from grace accused him of being an impostor. Flosculus, without batting an eye, looked him in the eye and said: “If what I say is false, may heaven strike me down!” At that moment, lightning struck the man, killing him instantly. This legend can also be seen as a metaphor for the strength of Saint Flosculus’ faith. His words, were so powerful, being the Word of his Master, that they could defeat evil!

On this date, St Flosculus’ Feast, 2 February, Holy Masses and Processions in his honour are held in many Churches in Orléans. The Saint is the Patron of the City and Diocese of Orléans and of all Preachers and Priests.

In Lombardy, Saint Flosculus is especially venerated in the Province of Mantua, Italy. In Castiglione delle Stiviere, in Mantua, there is a Church dedicated to the Saint. In this Church, on 2 February, a Procession and festivities are held in his honour.

Orléans Cathedral

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, SAINT of the DAY

Epiphany IV, Feast of the Purification of Our Lady – Candlemas Day and Memorials of the Saints – 2 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

EPIPHANY IV

Feast of the Purification of Our Lady – Candlemas Day
About:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/02/feast-of-the-purification-of-our-lady-the-presentation-of-our-lord-in-the-temple-candlemas-day-2-february/
AND:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/02/feast-of-the-presentation-of-the-lord-2-february/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/02/feast-of-the-presentation-of-the-lord-in-the-temple-2-february/

Our Lady of the Candles – Nuestra Señora de la Purificación y la Candelaria, is a Marian title and image venerated by Filipino Catholics. The image, which is enshrined on the balcony of Jaro Cathedral, is known as the Patroness of Jaro District of Iloilo City and the whole of the Western Visayas.
The Feast Day of Our Lady of the Candles is on Candlemas (2 February) and is celebrated in Iloilo City with a Solemn Pontifical Mass presided by the Archbishop of Jaro.

St Adalbald of Ostrevant
St Adeloga of Kitzingen
St Agathodoros of Tyana
St Apronian the Executioner
Bl Bernard of Corbara
St Bruno of Ebsdorf
St Candidus the Martyr
St Columbanus of Ghent

St Cornelius the Centurion (1st Century) traditionally believed to have become the First Bishop of Caesarea, the Roman Centurion who is considered to be the one of first Gentile to convert to the Faith, (along with the conversion and Baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch – Acts 8). as related in Acts of the Apostles 10:1-49. The Baptism of Cornelius and his household, is an important event in the history of the early Church, for it points to the first century use of infant Baptism.
His Feast was moved after 1969 but should be today.
The Wonderful Faith of St Cornelius:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/20/saint-of-the-day-20-october-saint-cornelius-the-centurion-1st-century/

St Cornelius’ dream

St Felician the Martyr
St Feock
St Firmus of Rome
St Flosculus (5th-6th Century) Bishop of Orléans
St Fortunatus the Martyr
St Hilarus the Martyr

St Jeanne de Lestonnac (1556-1640) Widow, Mother, Founder of the The Sisters of the Company of Mary, Our Lady ODN (Latin: Ordinis Dominae Nostrae).  Born on 27 December 1556 at Bordeaux, France and died on 2 February 1640 of natural causes. Patronages – of widows, abuse victims. 
Her Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/02/saint-of-the-day-2-february-st-jeanne-de-lestonnac-odn-1556-1640-widow-founder/

St Lawrence of Canterbury (Died 2 February 619) The Second Archbishop of Canterbury, the successor of St Augustine of Canterbury from 604 until his death in 619, but he was Consecrated as Archbishop by his predecessor, St Augustine, during Augustine’s lifetime, to ensure continuity in the office, Benedictine Monk, Missionary. He was a member of the Gregorian mission sent from Italy to England to Christianise the Anglo-Saxons.
About St Lawrence:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/02/saint-of-the-day-2-february-saint-lawrence-of-canterbury-died-619/

Blessed Luigi Giuseppe Bellesini OSA (1774-1840) Priest and Friar of the Hermits of St Augustine, teacher, mentor to the youth, Parish Priest, guardian of the poor and sick. Beatified on 27 December 1904 by Pope Pius X.
Such a Wonderful Saint:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/02/saint-of-the-day-2-february-blessed-stephen-luigi-giuseppe-bellesini-osa-1774-1840-priest/

St Marquard of Hildesheim
St Mun

Blessed Peter Cambiano OP (1320-1365) Martyr, Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, Confessor, renowned Preacher calling many to conversion by his holy zeal and the power of his words. Martyred by heretics. Beatified on 4 December 1856 by Pope Pius IX.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/02/saint-of-the-day-2-february-blessed-peter-cambiano-op-1320-1365/

St Rogatus the Martyr
St Saturninus the Martyr
St Sicharia of Orleans
St Simon of Cassia Fidati
St Theodoric of Ninden
St Victoria the Martyr