Month: March 2025

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, St Francis de Sales, The HEART, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 14 March – “Do you wish to be made whole?”

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Quote/s of the Day – 14 March – Ember Friday, First Week of Lent – Ezekiel 18:20-28, John 5:1-15 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Do you wish to be made whole?”

John 5:6

“O Heavenly Father, have compassion for my cry
as Thou did for the prodigal son,
for I, too, am throwing myself at Thy feet
and crying aloud as he cried:
“Father, I have sinned!”
Do not reject me,
Thy unworthy child, O my Saviour
but cause Thy Angels
to rejoice too, on my behalf,
O God of goodness Thou,
Who desires that all should be saved.”

St Romanos Melodios (c490-c 556)
Monk, Composer of hymns, Poet

“When it is dark,
we do not see how dusty and dirty
our house is.
Only when the place
is flooded with sunlight,
do we realise its awful condition.
So, we need the light of God’s grace
to show us the real state of our soul
and to induce us
to clean up our hearts!”

St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231)
Evangelical Doctor of the Church

“Let us then depart, let us depart from Egypt,
let us approach Our Lord,
let us make provision of good works;
let the feet of our affections be bare,
let us clothe ourselves with innocence,
let us not be satisfied with crying for mercy,
let us go forth from Egypt, let us delay no longer.
The hour is come to arise from sleep,
since we know that He receives sinners;
the Angels await our repentance,
the Saints pray for it!”

St Francis de Sales 91567-1622)
Doctor of the Church

Posted in "Follow Me", The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT, The WILL of GOD

Lenten Meditations – 14 March – The Sacred Agony in the Garden

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Lenten Meditations – 14 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Friday of the First Week in Lent
The Sacred Agony in the Garden

Read St Matthew xxvi: 30-40
(Posted at the end)

+I. During the Agony in the Garden, Our Lord anticipated all the coming agony of His Passion. He allowed His human soul to feel, in all its intensity, each detail of the unspeakable suffering which was now close at hand. Hitherto, it had indeed been distinctly present to Him but now, it seemed to take possession of His whole soul Now, it was a mortal horror, resulting from a clear, vivid realisation of all He had
to endure – for those who would not believe and love Him!
When darkness invades our souls, we should remember that none is like the deep, black darkness which spread over Jesus’ Sacred Soul.

+2. What relief did Jesus seek, in this agonising terror? The relief of prayer. He knew that, in all desolation and distress, the best plan, indeed the only plan! is to throw ourselves upon the mercy of God. There is no imperfection in asking to be delivered from something which we can scarcely endure,
whether present agony or the anticipation of it. For Christ would not have prayed: “My Father, if it be possible let this chalice pass from Me!”
In our darkest hours, we can at least repeat these Sacred Words spoken as a pattern for us!

+3. Yet. we must remember the conclusion of the prayer, the act of resignation which leaves all in the hands of God. “Not as I will but as Thou wilt!”
These words spoken from our hearts, will always give us strength to bear that which seems unbearable and will take the bitterness out of our pains.

[30] And a hymn being said, they went out unto mount Olivet. [31] Then Jesus said to them: All you shall be scandalised in Me this night. For it is written: I will strike the shepherd and the sheep of the flock shall be dispersed. [32] But after I shall be risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. [33] And Peter answering, said to Him: Although all shall be scandalized in thee, I will never be scandalised. [34] Jesus said to him: Amen I say to thee, that in this night before the cock crow, thou wilt deny me thrice. [35] Peter saith to Him: Yea, though I should die with Thee, I will not deny Thee. And in like manner said all the disciples.

[36] Then Jesus came with them into a country place which is called Gethsemani and He said to His disciples: Sit you here, until I go yonder and pray. [37] And taking with Him, Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to grow sorrowful and to be sad. [38] Then He saith to them: My soul is sorrowful even unto death, stay you here and watch with Me. [39] And going a little further, He fell upon His Face, praying and saying: My Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from Me. Nevertheless, not as I will but as Thou wilt. [40] And He cometh to His disciples and findeth them asleep and He saith to Peter: What? Could you not watch one hour with Me? [Matthew 26:30-40]

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MIRACLES, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on PRIDE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The INCARNATION, The PASSION, The RESURRECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 March – Christ’s Miracles are symbols of the different events of our eternal salvatio …

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One Minute Reflection – 14 March – “The Month of Saint Joseph” – Ember Friday, 1st Week in Lent – Ezekiel 18:20-28 – John 5:1-15 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Now a certain man was there who had been thirty-eight years
under his infirmity. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew he had been in this state a long time, He said to him: Do you wish to be made whole?” – John 5:5-6

REFLECTION – “Christ’s Miracles are symbols of the different events of our eternal salvation … this pool is the symbol of the precious gift the Lord’s Word gives us. To explain – this water is the Jewish people; the five porticos are the Law which Moses wrote in five books. And so, this pool was surrounded by five porticos, like the people enclosed by the Law. The water which was stirred and troubled, is the Saviour’s Passion in this people’s midst. Whoever went down into this water was healed – but only one person, so as to express unity. Those, who were unable to bear anyone speaking to them about the Passion, are the proud – they do not wish to go down and are not healed. “What!” says that arrogant man: “Believe a God to be Incarnate! that a God was Born of a woman, that a God has been Crucified, Scourged, covered with Wounds ,that He Died and has been Buried?! No, I would never believe in these Humiliations of a God, they are unworthy of Him!”

Let your heart speak here, rather than your head. The Humiliations of a God seem unworthy to the arrogant and that is why, they are very far from a cure. So protect yourself from this pride. If you desire your cure, accept to go down. There would be something to be worried about, if someone said to you that Christ had undergone some sort of change, in becoming Incarnate. But no … your God remains what He Is, have no fear; He does not perish and He prevents you, yourselves from perishing. Yes, He remains what He Is; He Is born of a woman but according to the flesh … it is as Man that He has been Seized, Bound, Scourged, Mocked and finally Crucified and put to Death. Why be afraid? The Word of the Lord remains forever. Anyone who refuses these humiliations of a God, does not wish to be cured of the mortal swelling of his pride!

By His Incarnation, our Lord Jesus Christ has, therefore, restored hope to our flesh. He assumed the fruits of this earth which are only too well known and common – Birth and Death. Birth and death – here indeed are goods which the earth possesses in abundance! But in them were found, neither resurrection nor eternal life. He found here the unfortunate fruits of this unfruitful earth and gave us, in exchange, the possessions of His Heavenly Kingdom!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 124).

PRAYER – From all perils of soul and body defend us, O Lord, we beseech Thee and by the intercession of blessed and gloriosus ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of blessed Joseph, of Thy blessed apostles Peter and Paul and all the Saints, graciously grant us safety and peace that all adversities and errors, being overcome, Thy Church may serve Thee in security and freedom. 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 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).

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, HYMNS, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, LENT, LENT- 2025, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for SEASONS, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION

Our Morning Offering – 14 March – Hail, Holy Wounds of Jesus, Hail!

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Our Morning Offering – 14 March – The Feast of the Sacred Lance and Nails

Salvete Christi Vulnera
Hail, Holy Wounds of Jesus, Hail!
Anonymous Latin Hymn, 17th Century

Hail, holy Wounds of Jesus, hail,
Sweet pledges of the saving Rood,
Whence flow the streams that never fail,
The purple streams of His dear Blood.

Brighter than brightest stars ye show,
Than sweetest rose Thy scent more rare,
No Indian gem may match Thy glow,
No honeys’ taste with Thine compare.

Portals ye are to that dear home
Wherein our wearied souls may hide,
Whereto no angry foe can come,
The Heart of Jesus Crucified.

What countless stripes our Jesus bore,
All naked left in Pilate’s hall!
From His torn flesh flow red a shower
Did round His sacred person fall!

His beauteous brow, oh, shame and grief,
By the sharp Thorny Crown is riven;
Through Hands and Feet, without relief,
The cruel nails are rudely driven.

But when for our poor sakes He Died,
A willing Priest by love subdued,
The soldier’s Lance transfixed His side,
Forth flowed the Water and the Blood.

In full atonement of our guilt,
Careless of self, the Saviour trod
Even till His Heart’s best Blood was spilled
The wine-press of the wrath of God.

Come, bathe you in the healing flood,
All ye who mourn, by sin opprest;
Your only hope is Jesus’ Blood,
His Sacred Heart your only rest.

All praise to Him, the Eternal Son,
At God’s right hand enthroned above,
Whose Blood our full redemption won,
Whose Spirit seals the gift of love.

Office Hymn at Lauds on the Feast of the Most Precious Blood and for the Fridays of Lent.
Translated by – Henry Nutcombe Oxenham (1829-1888) for whom I find little information.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 14 March – Blessed Arnaldo OSB (c1185-1255) Abbot

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Saint of the Day – 14 March – Blessed Arnaldo OSB (c1185-1255) Abbot at the Santa Giustinain Monastery in Padua, Italy, a powerful and effective governor, a defender of the rights of the Monastery, the Church and the poor. Born in Padua, Italy in 1185 and died on 10 February 1255 in the prison at Asolo, Italy. Also known as – Arnaldo de’Cattanei, Arnold Cattaneo, Arnold… Arnaldo… Arnaud… Arnoldus…

Arnaldo, born in 1185 to the noble Cattanei family of Limena, near Padua, entered the Monastery of San Giustina in Padua, at a very young age.

Arnaldo soon distinguished himself for his piety, seriousness and exemplary life, so much so that, in 1209, at only 24 years of age, he was elected as the Abbot.

His government was very active – he defended the rights of the Monastery, then compromised, he claimed ancient privileges, such as the one according to which, the abbot of San Giustina participated in the election of the Bishop. He restored the Monastery and enriched it with new buildings and new possessions, he diverted the waters of the Bacchiglione to operate a mill plant and more. We do not know if and what type of relationship he had with St Anthony, who also worked in Padua at this time.

When Ezzelino III took over charge of Padua in 1237 and imprisoned Giordano Forzaté, the Pprior of San Benedetto, the other large Benedictine Monastery in Padua, Arnaldo fled to the Este family, first to Ferrara and then to the closer Monselice. In 1238, Emperor Frederick II returned the Monastery of San Giustina to Arnaldo and the following year, he was a guest there for two months.

However, when the Emperor left, the City remained at the mercy of Ezzelino, who, in 1246, as soon as he felt safe, had Arnaldo arrested and locked him in the fortress of Asolo. The Abbot languished there, on bread and water, for eight years and three months, until his death on 10 February 1255.

On that occasion, there were seen as two burning torches descending from the sky and shining above the castle.
Buried temporarily in the Church of the Friars Minor of Asolo, as soon as the tyrant was driven out, his body was transported to Padua and placed in San Giustina in an Ark near the exit. When, on 14 March 1562, the Holy Bodies, already buried in the old Basilica, were definitively buried in the new Church, Arnaldo was placed in the second Chapel on the left starting from the choir, in a beautiful baroque Altar with a marble statue representing the blessed, SEE BELOW. An 18th Century painting representing our Saint is preserved in the large Sacristy.

Santa Giustina (Padua) – Chapel of Arnaldo da Limena

There is no evidence that his cult has official recognition – it is based on tradition. Arnaldo did not have his own Office but only the commemoration in the Martyrologies of the Order. In San Giustina, he continued to be celebrated on 15 March until the suppression of the Abbey in 1806 but since that period, his memory has been renewed. Blessed Arnaldo is also remembered on 10 February, the anniversary of his death.

San Giustina Abbey and Basilica which is replete with the most beaytiful Chapels, Relics (including St Luke) and artworks. Please do visit the Wikipedia page to view them.
Posted in EMBER DAYS, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The PASSION

EMBER FRIDAY – FAST and ABSTINENCE, The Feast of the Sacred Lance and Nails – Friday after the 1st Sunday in Lent, Notre Dame de la Breche, Our Lady of the Breach, Chartres, France (1568), Novena to St Joseph and the Saints for 14 March

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EMBER FRIDAY – FAST and ABSTINENCE,

The Feast of the Sacred Lance and Nails – Friday after the 1st Sunday in Lent:
The Supreme Pontiff, Innocent VI, in his Decree establishing the Feast and Office of the Lance and Nails which pierced the Body of our Crucified Lord Jesus Christ, exhorts all the faithful to have a special veneration for and devotion to, all the Sacred Instruments of our Saviour’s Passion.
The following are the Holy Father’s words:
“We should honour the most holy Passion of our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, in such manner that, meditating on all the mysteries and merits of the same Passion, we venerate also each Sacred Instrument thereof.”
Then this holy and zealous Pontiff, coming more directly to the honour due to the Lance and Nails, says:
“Although the Lance and Nails and the other Sacred Instruments of the Passion, should be enerated everywhere, by the faithful of Christ and although every year the Church celebrates the Solemn Offices of the same Passion, yet, we deem it proper and fitting, that a special Solemn Feast should be instituted and celebrated in honour of those particular Instruments of the Passion, more especially, in those places wherein these salutary Instruments are preserved. Hence, we wish to encourage this devotion by a special Office and privileges.” (Innocent VI in Decret. de Fest. Lane, et Clav. Domini).

The Lance, also known as “The Spear of Longinus” is kept in the Vatican Basilica, given to Innocent VIII in 1492. The Nails were kept with the Crown of Thorns, along with a small piece of the Lance of Longinus at Saint Chapelle, France and were subsequently lost during the French Revolution. The Crown of Thorns was the only Relic saved and is now kept at Notre Dame Cathedral.

NOVENA to ST JOSEPH
DAY FIVE – Click Link HERE: DAY FIVE

Notre Dame de la Breche, Our Lady of the Breach, Chartres, France (1568) – 14 March:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/14/fourth-sunday-of-lent-laetare-sunday-2021-notre-dame-de-la-breche-chartres-france-1568-and-memorials-of-the-saints-14-march/

St Agno of Zaragoza
St Alexander of Pydna
St Aphrodisius of Africa
Blessed Arnaldo (c1185-1255) Abbot in Padua
St Boniface Curitan
St Diaconus
St Eutychius of Mesopotamia

Blessed Eva of Liège (c 1205-1265) Virgin, Recluse, “Apostle of the Blessed Sacrament” and assistant to St Juliana of Cornillon in the establishment of the Feast of Corpus Christi.
Dear Holy Eva:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/14/saint-of-the-day-14-march-blessed-eva-of-liege-c-1205-1265-virgin/

St Lazarus of Milan (Died c449) Archbishop of Milan – This Saint has 2 Feast Days, today and 11 February — the latter is the day celebrated in Milan in the Ambrosian Rite and the day on which I had previously prepared his Biography.
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/11/saint-of-the-day-11-february-saint-lazarus-of-milan-died-449-archbishop-of-milan/

St Leo of the Agro Verano

St Leobinus of Chartres (Died c 558) Bishop of Chartres
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/14/saint-of-the-day-14-march-saint-leobinus-of-chartres-died-c-558/

St Matilda of Saxony (c 894-968) Queen, Apostle of Prayer and Almsgiving, Foundress.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/03/14/saint-of-the-day-14-march-st-matilda-of-saxony/

St Maximilian

St Pauline of Thuringia (Died 1107) Widow, Mother, Nun.
The Devout Life of St Pauline:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/14/saint-of-the-day-14-march-saint-pauline-of-thuringia-died-1107-widow/

St Peter of Africa
St Philip of Turin
St Talmach
Bl Thomas Vives

47 Martyrs of Rome – Forty-seven people who were Baptised into the Faith in Rome, Italy by Saint Peter the Apostle and were later Martyred together during the persecutions of Nero. Martyred c67 in Rome, Italy

Martyrs of Valeria – Two Monks Martyred by Lombards in Valeria, Italy who were never identified.
After the monks were dead, their killers could still hear them singing Psalms. They were hanged on a tree in Valeria, Italy.

Posted in JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, St JOSEPH, The HOLY NAME

Thought for the Day – 13 March – St Joseph’s Third Joy

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Thought for the Day – 13 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

13th Day – St Joseph’s Third Joy
Hearing the Name of Jesus

+1. Before Our Lord was born, an Angel had given St Joseph instructions to Name Him JESUS.
It was St. Joseph not Our Lady, who was first to pronounce the Name of the Son of God.
The jurisdiction he thus exercised was a declaration of his authority. When God brought the Animals to Adam to be
named, He thus declared him their master. So too, when He gave to Joseph the office of naming the Infant in his arms, He declared him the constituted ruler of his God . O wondrous privilege! What must have been the sanctity of one, to whom such an office was assigned!

+2. The Name St Joseph gave to his Infant Son was Jesus , the Saviour – not Emmanuel, or Christ.
Christ is the official Name of the Son of God, in virtue of His human nature; He was anointed as Man with the Holy Ghost. Emmanuel, or God with us, proclaims His Divinity but Jesus, or Saviour, declares His human nature and Divine personality, at the same time. As Our Saviour, He must be both God and Man – man to pay the price of our Redemption, God –,that the price maybe one that will satisfy the Eternal Father.

+3. What must have been the sweetness which filled St Joseph’s heart as he first breathed that Sacred Name! If to others it was as honey in their mouth, to St Joseph, it was as nectar and ambrosia, containing in itself, all possible sweetness.
None save the holy Mother felt such joy as St Joseph did, in pronouncing the Holy Name.
Yet how little I love it and relish it!
How seldom I repeat it and with what coldness and indifference! My Jesus, mercy! May I love Thee ever more and more!

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 13 March – Faith, Humility, Perseverance and Grace

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Quote/s of the Day – 13 March – Thursday of the First Week in Lent – Ezechiel 18:1-9, Matthew 15:21-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Then Jesus answering, said to her:
O woman, great is thy faith!
be it done to thee as thou desire
and her daughter was cured from that hour.”

Matthew 15:28

“I implore you to live with me and,
by believing, to run with me;
let us long for our Heavenly Country,
let us sigh for our Heavenly Home,
let us truly feel that here, we are strangers.
What shall we then see?
Let the Gospel tell us:
In the beginning was the Word
and the Word was with God
and the Word was God.
You will come to the fountain,
with whose dew you have already been sprinkled.
Instead of the ray of Light
which was sent through slanting
and winding ways, into the heart of your darkness,
you will see the Light Itself,
in all its purity and brightness.
It is to see and experience this Light
that you are now being cleansed. …
It has been good for us to share
the common Light,
good to have enjoyed ourselves,
good to have been glad together.
When we part from one another,
let us not depart from Him!”

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

“When the sister of St Thomas Aquinas
asked him how to become holy,
he replied that it needed only one thing –
a firm act of the will,
for God will certainly supply
the necessary grace.
The grace of God is the principal weapon
upon which we must depend
in order to gain our victory.
We should pray for it humbly and perseveringly.
There will be victors and losers
in the battle for Heaven,
as well as in earthly contests.
We must make sure,
that we are on the winning side!
For this purpose, we should combine
fervent and constant prayer
with generous co-operation
with the grace of God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in LENT- 2025, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 13 March – On the Road to Gethsemane

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Lenten Meditations – 13 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Thursday of the First Week in Lent
On the Road to Gethsemane

Read St Mark xiv:26-34

[26] And when they had said a hymn, they went forth to the Mount of Olives. [27] And Jesus saith to them: You will all be scandalised in my regard this night; for it is written, I will strike the shepherd and the sheep shall be dispersed. [28] But after, I shall be risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. [29] But Peter saith to him: Although all shall be scandalised in Thee, yet not I. [30] And Jesus saith to him: Amen I say to thee, today, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shall deny Me thrice.

[31] But he spoke the more vehemently: Although I should die together with Thee, I will not deny Thee. And in like manner too, said they all. [32] And they came to a farm called Gethsemani. And He saith to his disciples: Sit you here, while I pray. [33] And He taketh Peter and James and John with Him and He began to fear and to be heavy. [34] And He saith to them: My Soul is sorrowful even unto death; stay you here and watch. [Mark 14:26-34]

+1. After singing one of the paschal hymns, Our Lord and His Apostles went forth to the Garden of Gethsemane. On the way a strange sorrow spread over the countenance of Jesus. His unfailing cheerfulness forsook Him. His disciples wondered at the sudden change. It was the shadow of His Sacred Passion which fell upon Him, the beginning of the black darkness which was to envelop His Sacred Heart.
When the shadow of desolation falls on me, may I remember Thee, O Lord, thus downcast on the road to Gethsemane!

+2. In mournful words Our Lord addresses the Apostles : “You will all be scandalised in My regard this night. You will all fly like cowards when the danger comes. One of you will betray Me, another will deny Me thrice, all will forsake Me.”
How this thought pierced the sensitive Heart of Jesus, with anguish! of all who, for three years, had been His chosen friends and companions, who had seen His miracles and listened to His Divine Words not one would be found faithful.
My God, how often have I been found unfaithful to Thee!

+3. At length, Our Lord’s bitter sorrow breaks out in words still more mournful:
“My soul is sorrowful even unto death.”
The darkness which was gathering around Him, was even then like the darkness of death. He began to fear and to be very heavy. He could hardly endure the misery which began to fall on Him.
Pray for sympathy with Jesus and the power of appreciating the Divine Love, even just a little, which undertook all this for your sake!

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MEEKNESS, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on WISDOM, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 March – ‘See her humility as well as her faith!  …’ Matthew 15:21-28

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One Minute Reflection – 13 March – “The Month of Saint Joseph” – Thursday of the 1st Week in Lent – Ferial Day – Ezechiel 18:1-9 – Matthew 15:21-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But she said, Yes, Lord; for even the dogs eat of the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” – Matthew 15:27

REFLECTION – “See her humility as well as her faith!  For He had called the Jews “children” but she was not satisfied with this. She even called them “masters,” so far was she from grieving at the praises of others. She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Behold the woman’s wisdom! She did not venture so much as to say a word against anyone else. She was not stung to see others praised, nor was she indignant to be reproached. Behold her constancy! When He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs,” she said, “Yes, Lord.” He called them “children” but she called them “masters.” He used the name of a dog but she described the action of the dog. Do you see this woman’s humility?

Then compare her humility with the proud language of the Jews:  “We are Abraham’s seed and were never in bondage to any man.” “We are born of God.” But not so this woman. Rather, she calls herself a dog and them masters. So for this reason, she became a child. For what does Christ then say? “O woman, great is your faith!”

So we might surmise that this is the reason He put her off, in order that He might proclaim aloud this saying and that He might crown the woman: “Be it done for you as you desire.” This means “Your faith, indeed, is able to effect even greater things than these. Nevertheless, be it unto you even as you wish.” This Voice was at one with the Voice which said, “Let the heaven be,” and it was. “And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.”

Do you see how this woman, too, contributed, not a little, to the healing of her daughter? For note that Christ did not say, “Let your little daughter be made whole” but “Great is your faith, be it done for you as you desire.” These words were not uttered at random, nor were they flattering words,but great was the power of her faith and for our learning. He left the certain test and demonstration, however, to the issue of events. Her daughter accordingly was immediately healed.” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Archbishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor (The Gospel of Matthew – Homily 52).

PRAYER – From all perils of soul and body defend us, O Lord, we beseech Thee and by the intercession of blessed and gloriosus ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of blessed Joseph, of Thy blessed apostles Peter and Paul and all the Saints, graciously grant us safety and peace that all adversities and errors, being overcome, Thy Church may serve Thee in security and freedom. 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 FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of PETITION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Our Morning Offering – 13 March – Lord Jesus, Think on Me

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 13 March – Thursday of the 1st Week in Lent

Lord Jesus, Think on Me
By St Synesius of Cyrene (375-430)
Bishop of Ptolemais, Father

Lord Jesus, think on me
and purge away my sin,
from earth-born passions set me free,
and make me pure within.
Lord Jesus, think on me,
With care and woe oppressed,
let me Thy loving servant be
and taste Thy promised rest.
Lord Jesus, think on me,
nor let me go astray,
through darkness and perplexity
point Thou the heav’nly way.
Lord Jesus, think on me,
that, when the flood is past,
I may eternal brightness see
and share Thy joy at last.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 13 March – Saint Euphrasia (c382-c412) Virgin

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Saint of the Day – 13 March – Saint Euphrasia (c382-c412) Virgin, Nun, Ascetic, Penitent, Miracle-worker. Born in c382 in Constantinople and died on 13 March in c412 (aged 30) of natural causes in the Thebaid region, Egypt. Also known as – Euphrax.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “AtThebaid St Euphrasia, virgin.”

Euphrasia, was the daughter of noble and pious parents, honoured by the devout Emperor Theodosius and the Empress of that country. After the early death of Antigonus, her father, her mother consecrated her widowhood to God and retired with their only child into Egypt, where she possessed a very large estate.

In those days, there were many Monasteries of Nuns, as well as of holy Hermits and, in one single City there were twenty thousand such holy women, Consecrated to Jesus Christ. Euphrasia’s mother chose to reside near a Monastery of one hundred and thirty Nuns which she often visited, accompanied by Euphrasia. When the little girl, seven years of age, begged that she might be permitted to serve God in this Monastery, the pious mother wept for joy.

Then the mother led her before an image of our Redeemer and lifting up her hands to Heaven said, Lord Jesus Christ, receive this child under Thy special protection. It is Thou alone Whom she loves and seeks; to Thee she recommends herself. Then leaving her in the hands of the Abbess, she left the Monastery weeping. She continued her life to prayer and mortification and, a few years later, when this good mother fell ill, she slept in peace.

On receiving the news of her death, Theodosius sent for the noble virgin to come to Court, as he considered himself her protector and already, during her childhood, had arranged for her to be married to a young Senator of Constantinople, when she would reach a suitable age. But the virgin wrote him, refusing the alliance, repeating her vow of virginity and requesting that her estates be sold and divided among the poor and all her slaves set at liberty. The Emperor punctually executed all her wishes, shortly before his own death in 395.

St Euphrasia carried heavy rocks as a penitential labour.
From an 1878 Book, Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints

Saint Euphrasia was a perfect pattern of humility, meekness and charity. If she found herself assaulted by any temptation, she immediately sought the advice of the Abbess, who often, on such occasions, assigned her some humbling and painful penitential labour which, she would execute to perfection. Once she moved a pile of great rocks from one place to another, continuing for thirty days with wonderful simplicity, until the devil, vanquished by her humble obedience, left her in peace.

She became powerful over the demons and delivered many possessed persons. She cured a child who was paralysed, deaf and dumb, making the Sign of the Cross over him and saying, May He Who created you, heal you! She was favoured with other miracles, both before and after her death which occurred in the year 412, the thirtieth of her age.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Thursday of the 1st Week in LENT: FERIAL DAY – FAST, “The Salus Populi Romani” / Our Lady of the Empress, Rome (593), Day Four of the St Joseph Novena and the Saints for 13 March

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Thursday of the 1st Week in LENT:
FERIAL DAY – FAST

“The Salus Populi Romani” / Our Lady of the Empress, Rome (593) – 13 March:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/13/our-lady-of-the-empress-rome-the-salus-populi-romani-593-and-memorials-of-the-saints-13-march/

NOVENA for the INTERCESSION of ST JOSEPH
DAY FOUR:Clink Link here: DAY FOUR

St Leander of Seville (c534-c 600) BIshop, Confessor of the Faith, Teacher, Writer, Apostle of Spain and Evangelisation, Father of the Church – Patron of Episcopal attire and Liturgical garments. Saint Leander, as Bishop, instituted the practice of praying the Nicene Creed during Mass—a practice which continues today.
St Leander’s Holy Life of Grace:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/03/13/saint-of-the-day-13-march-st-leander-of-seville/

Blessed Agnellus of Pisa OFM (c1195-1236) Frair of the Order of Friars Minor, received into the Franciscans Order by Saint Francis himself, Missionary. Agnellus was the Founder of the Order in England and its First Minister Provincial.
About Blessed Agnellus:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/13/saint-of-the-day-13-march-blessed-agnellus-of-pisa-ofm-c1195-1236-priest/

St Ansovinus (Died 868) Bishop of Camerino , Hermit, Peace-maker, Spiritual Adviser and Confessor to the Holy Roman Emperor, Miracle-worker.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/13/saint-of-the-day-13-march-saint-ansovinus-of-camerino-died-868/

Bl Berengar de Alenys
St Christina of Persia
St Euphrasia (c382-412) Virgin

Blessed Françoise Tréhet (1756-1794) Virgin Martyr, Religious Sister, Teacher, Apostle of Charity. Martyr of the French Revolution. She was Beatified on 19 June 1955 by Pope Pius XII at Rome, Italy.
Her Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/03/13/saint-of-the-day-13-march-bl-francoise-trehet-1756-1794-
martyr/

St Gerald of Mayo
St Grace of Saragossa

St Heldrad of Novalese (Died c 875) Priest and Benedictine Abbot.
St Heldrad’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/13/saint-of-the-day-13-march-st-heldrad-of-novalese-died-c-875/

Bl Judith of Ringelheim
St Kevoca of Kyle
St Mochoemoc

St Nicephorus (c758-829) Bishop and Confessor, Defender of Sacred Images.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Constantinople, the Bishop St Nicephorus. In defence of the traditions of his forefathers and of the Churrch, the worship of Sacred images, he opposed the Iconoclast Emperor, by whom he was sent into exile, where he underwent a long martyrdom of fourteen years and departed for the Kingdom of God.”
His Zealous Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/13/saint-of-the-day-13-march-saint-nicephorus-c758-829-bishop-confessor/

Bl Peter II of La Cava
St Pientius of Poitiers
St Ramirus of Leon

St Roderick of Córdoba.(Died 857) Spanish Priest and Martyr
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/13/saint-of-the-day-13-march-saint-roderick-died-857-priest-and-martyr/

St Sabinus of Egypt
St Sancha of Portugal

Posted in JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, St JOSEPH, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

Thought for the Day – 12 March – St Joseph’s Third Sorrow

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Thought for the Day – 12 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

12th Day – St Joseph’s Third Sorrow
The Shedding of Jesus ‘ Blood at His Circumcision

+I. On the eighth day after the birth of a Jewish boy-child, the ceremony of circumcision took place, according to God’s Covenant with Abraham.
Was this cleansing rite to be performed in the case of the Son of God? Yes, He had come to suffer and to shed His Precious Blood for us and, on the very octave of His Birth, Mary and Joseph had to recognise that God, laid on Him, the iniquity of us all.

+2. It was St Joseph who had to be the minister of the Sacred rite. He had to be the reluctant and sorrowful cause of those tears of the Infant Jesus. What was St Joseph thinking of?
We may at least conjecture that he was lamenting over the evil of sin that he was recognising,in the pain which he was inflicting, one of the most terrible consequences of sin that, he was praying to his foster-Son and his God, to forgive those sinners for whom He was shedding His Precious Blood.

+3. Nearby, Mary was bathed in tears of anguish.
Now, for the first time, Jesus was enduring the cruel smart which was to be His Life-long lot at the hands of His own creatures.
If only she could bear the pain for Him!
How the sight of His tears pierced her heart!
All this St Joseph witnessed and his sorrow at the bitter sufferings of Jesus was intensified by his sorrow, at Mary’s bitter grief.
If Joseph thus sorrowed, how much more should I, who have so constantly, added to the pangs suffered by the Son of God, by my sins!

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOD is LOVE, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on the ANTI-christ, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The LAST THINGS, The SECOND COMING

Quote/s of the Day – 12 March – St Gregory the Great

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Quote/s of the Day – 12 March – St Gregory the Great (540-604), Pope, Confessor, Father & Doctor of the Church, “Father of the Fathers”

“To do penance is to bewail
the evil we have done
and to do no evil to bewail.”

“Learn of the Heart of God
in the Words of God,
so that you may ardently long
for eternal things.”

“The love of God ensures,
the love of our neighbour
and the love of our neighbour,
serves to keep alive, the love of God.”

“Look at the fig tree and all the trees,
when they produce their fruit you know that summer is near.
So too, when you see these things happening,
know that the Kingdom of God is near.”
Luke 21:29-31

“He means that just as the coming of summer
is recognised by the fruit on the trees,
so is the nearness of the Kingdom of God recognised
by the destruction of the world.
These words show that the fruit of the world is destruction –
it increases only to fall, it produces, only to destroy
by its disasters whatever it produces.
The Kingdom of God is aptly compared to summer,
because it is then that the clouds of our sorrow pass away
and the days of life shine
with the brightness of the Eternal Sun. …
Therefore, my friends, do not love
what you see cannot long exist.
Keep in mind the Apostle John’s precept,
in which he counsels us not “to love the world
or the things in the world because,
if anyone loves the world,
the love of the Father is not in him!” (1 Jn 2:15).”

“The more numerous, the gifts
we have received from God,
the greater the account,
we must render to Him.”

“But He still follows behind us and counsels us,
although we have despised Him,
He still does not cease to call us.
We turn our backs on His Face, so to speak,
when we reject His Words,
when we trample His Commandments underfoot
but He, Who sees that we reject Him,
still calls out to us by His Commandments
and waits for us by His patience,
stands behind us and calls us back
when we have turned away.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/12/quote-s-of-the-day-12-march-st-gregory-the-great-2/

St PGregory the Great (540-604)
Pope, Father & Doctor of the Church

Posted in Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT, The WILL of GOD

Lenten Meditations – 12 March – Jesus’ Farewell Discourse

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Lenten Meditations – 12 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Wednesday of the First Week in Lent
Jesus’ Farewell Discourse

Read St John xiv:1-3, 27-31
(Posted at the end)

+1. Our Lord’s farewell to His Apostles begins and ends with words of encouragement. He knew the importance of courage and confidence and, without these, they would never do great things for God. He knew too, how liable all men are to be discouraged and cast down when troubles and trials arise; how difficult it is to struggle on, when all seems dark around one.
To us too, as to the Twelve, He says – “Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me.”
Why do not we believe more in Christ, trust Him more, appeal more to Him in times of darkness?
He will always have a word of comfort for us.
“Let not your heart be troubled. I go to prepare a place for you.”

+2. Amid all the troubles Our Lord foretells to His Apostles, He promises them one gift which will enable them to rise above all their difficulties and all their sorrows. He promises to leave His Peace with them. What gift is there which is like this in the world? If we are at peace, we can bid defiance to all our foes; if we are not at peace, we might be lords of the universe, yet, we should be miserable. No wonder we pray in Holy Mass, “Dona nobis pacem – Give us peace.”

+3. The peace Our Lord promises, is His Peace :
“My Peace I give unto you.”
What sort of peace is this?
It is the peace He enjoyed all through His Life – the peace of perfect union of His Will with God’s. If we are thus united to God by perfect resignation, we too shall have unalterable and eternal peace

1] Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me. [2] In My Father’s House there are many mansions. If not, I would have told you because, I go to prepare a place for you. [3] And if I shall go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself that where I Am, you also may be. [John 14:1-3]

[27] Peace I leave with you, My Peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [28] You have heard that I said to you: I go away and I come unto you. If you loved Me, you would indeed be glad because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. [29] And now I have told you before it comes to pass, that when it shall come to pass, you may believe. [30] I will not now speak many things with you. For the prince of this world cometh and in Me he hath not any thing.
[31] But that the world may know that I love the Father and as the Father hath given me commandment, so do I: Arise, let us go hence. [John 14:27-31]

Posted in CHRIST the HIGH PRIEST, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on WATCHING, St PETER!, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 March – “Upon this rock I will build My Church”

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One Minute Reflection – 12 March – “The Month of Saint Joseph” – St Gregory the Great (540-604), Pope, Confessor, Father & Doctor of the Church, “Father of the Fathers” – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11; – Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Upon this rock I will build My Church” – Matthew 16:18

REFLECTION – “Brothers, when it comes to fulfilling my duties as Bishop, I discover that I am weak and slack, weighed down by the weakness of my own condition, while at the same time, I want to act generously and courageously. However, I draw my strength from the untiring intercession of the Almighty and Eternal Priest, Who, like us but equal to the Father, lowered His Divinity to the level of man and raised humankind to the level of God. The decisions He made, give me a just and holy joy. For, when He delegated many shepherds to care for His flock, He did not abandon watching over His beloved sheep. Thanks to that fundamental and eternal assistance, I in turn, have received the protection and support of the Apostle Peter, who also does not abandon his function. This solid foundation, on which the whole of the Church is built, never grows tired of carrying the whole weight, of the building which rests on it.

The firmness of faith, for which the first of the Apostles was praised, never fails. Just as everything which Peter professed in Christ remains, so that which Christ established in Peter, remains … The order willed by God’s Truth remains. Saint Peter perseveres in the solidity which he received; he has not abandoned the governance of the Church which was placed in his hands. That, my brothers, is what that profession of faith, inspired by God the Father, obtained in the heart of the Apostle. He received the solidity of a rock which no assault can shake. In the entire Church, Peter says everyday: “Thou art the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” – St Leo the Great (400-461) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon on the anniversary of his Consecration as Bishop).

PRAYER – O God, Who granted the rewards of everlasting happiness to the soul of Thy servant Gregory, mercifully grant that we, who are weighed down with the burden of our sins, may be raised up by his prayers to Thee. 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, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE

Our Morning Offering – 12 March – Lucis Creator Optime, O Blest Creator of the Light By St Gregory the Great

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Our Morning Offering – 12 March – St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) – Father & Doctor

Lucis Creator Optime
O Blest Creator of the Light
By St Gregory the Great (540-604)
Pope, Father & Doctor
“Father of the Fathers”

O blest Creator of the light,
Who mak’st the day with radiance bright,
And o’er the forming world did’st call
The Light from Chaos First of all.

Whose wisdom join’d in meet array
The morn and eve and nam’d them day;
Night comes with all its darkling fears;
Regard Thy people’s pray’rs and tears.

Lest, sunk in sin and whelm’d with strife,
They lose the gift of endless life;
While thinking but the thoughts of time,
They weave new chains of woe and crime.

But grant them grace that they may strain
The heav’nly gate and prize to gain;
Each harmful lure, aside to cast,
And purge away each error past.

O Father, that we ask be done,
Through Jesus Christ, Thine only Son;
Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee,
Shall live and reign eternally.
Amen

This Hymn is used for Vespers (II) on Sundays throughout the year in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Breviary.
Trans John M Neale (1818-1866), 1851.
Tune: “Lucis Creator Optime” Gregorian Chant, Mode VIII, traditional.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 12 March – St Alphege [the Elder] (Died 951) Bishop of Winchester

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Saint of the Day – 12 March – St Alphege [the Elder] (Died 951) Bishop of Winchester, monastic reformer, protector and supporter. Born in England and died in Winchester of natural causes. Also known as – Alphege of Winchester, Ælfheah… Elphege… Elfego… Elpigio… (Not to be confused with St Alphege [the Younger] also the Bishop of Winchester before becoming the Archbishop of Canterbury) https://anastpaul.com/2017/04/19/saint-of-the-day-19-april-st-alphege/

Despite Alphege’s important role in the 10th Century monastic revival, little is known of St Alphege’s life.

He began his career as a Monk and was appointed as the Bishop of Winchester in 934 or 935. He was a relative of the great St Dunstan, the Archbishop of Canterbury (Died 988) and who had taken Alphege as a young man into his service. St Dunstan later Ordained Alphege as a Priest.

Alphege was an instigater of the monastic reforms and was the tutor of St Aethelwold, who became his successor in the See of Winchester and a most zealous monaster reformer.

Alphege died on 12 March 951 and was buried in Old Minster in Winchester. He was immediately revered as a Saint. Following the Norman conquest, Archbishop Lanfranc downgraded a number of Anglo-Saxon Saints, including our St Alphege to bring the Liturgical calendar into line with that of existing elsewhere in the country. However, under St Anselm’s influence, he was subsequently re-instated.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, EMBER DAYS, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Ember Wednesday in the First Week of Lent – Fast and Abstinence, Day Three of the St Joseph Novena, St Pope Gregory the Great, Notre-Dames-des-Miracles / Our Lady of Miracles, France (1328)and the Saints for 12 March

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Ember Wednesday – Fast and Abstinence:
In case you have forgotten about Ember Days as they are not promoted or encouraged since Vatican II, here is a reminder:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/16/today-is-an-ember-day-did-you-remember/

St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) – Father & Doctor of the Church – “Father of the Fathers” –Papacy 3 September 590-12 March 604 – Pope, Prefect of Rome, Monk, Abbot, Writer, Theologian, Teacher, Liturgist, Administrator, Diplomat, Political Negotiator, Apostle of Charity and Social Justice, Apostle of Pastoral Ministry, PeaceMaker. Known as “The Apostle of England”
His Feast Day was moved in 1969.
The wondrous St Gregory!:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/03/saint-of-the-day-3-september-st-pope-gregory-the-great-540-604-father-doctor-of-the-church-father-of-the-fathers/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/09/03/saint-of-the-day-3-september-st-pope-gregory-the-great-540-604-father-doctor-of-the-church/

Notre-Dames-des-Miracles / Our Lady of Miracles, St Maur des Fosses, France (1328) – 12 March;
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/12/our-lady-of-miracles-st-maur-des-fosses-france-1328-and-memorials-of-the-saints-12-march/

NOVENA for the INTERCESSION of ST JOSEPH
Clink Link here: DAY THREE

St Almut of Wetter
St Alphege (Died 951) Bishop of Winchester
St Basiliss of Asia
Bl Beatrix of Engelport

St Bernard of Carinola (1040-1109) Bishop of Caripola, Confessor, Counsellor and Chaplain, Confessor to Royalty. Born in 1040 at Capua, Italy and died in 1109 of natural causes at Carinola, Campania, Italy of which City and Diocese he is the Patron Saint.
St Bernard’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/12/saint-of-the-day-12-march-st-bernard-of-carinola-1040-1109-bishop/

Bl Claudius the Minor
St Egdunus
St Fechno

Blessed Jerome of Recanati OSA (Died 1350) Priest, Friar of the Hermits of Saint Augustine, Peacemaker. He was Beatified in 1804 by Pope Pius VII.
The Roman Martyrology reads : “In Recanati in the Marche, Blessed Girolamo Gherarducci, Priest of the Order of the Hermits of St Agustine, who worked for peace and harmony between peoples.”
essed l Jerome the Peacemaker:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/12/saint-of-the-day-12-march-blessed-jerome-of-recanati-osa-died-1350/

Blessed Giustina Francucci Bezzoli (c1257-1319) Virgin of the Order of St Benedict, Hermitess and Anchoress, Mystic. Her body is incorrupt.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/12/saint-of-the-day-12-march-blessed-giustina-francucci-bezzoli-c-1257-1319/

St Heiu of Hartlepool
St Indrecht of Iona
St Maximilian of Thebeste
St Mura McFeredach
St Paul Aurelian

St Seraphina (1238-1253) Virgin
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/12/saint-of-the-day-12-march-saint-seraphina-1238-1253-virgin/

St Theophanes (c758-817) Abbot, Confessor, Founder of Monasteries, Defender of Sacred images, Writer and Historian.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Constantinople, St Theophanes, who gave up great wealth to embrace poverty in the monastic state. By Leo the Armenian, he was kept in prison for two years for the worship of holy images, then, being exiled in Samothracia, where, overwhelmed with afflictions, he breathed his last and wrought many miracles.”
Courageous and Brilliant St Theophanes:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/12/saint-of-the-day-12-march-saint-theophanes-c758-817-abbot-confessor-defender-of-icons/

Martyrs of Nicomedia – 8 Beati: Christians who were Martyred in succession in a single incident during the persecutions of Diocletian. First there were the eight imprisoned Christians, Domna, Esmaragdus, Eugene, Hilary, Mardonius, Maximus, Mígdonus and Peter, about whom we know little more than their names. Each day for eight days one of them would be strangled to death in view of the others so that they would spend the night in dread, not knowing if they were next.
Peter was the Chamberlain or Butler in the Palace of Diocletian. When he was overheard complaining about this cruelty, he was exposed as a Christian, arrested, tortured and executed by having the flesh torn from his bones, salt and vinegar poured on the wounds and then being roasted to death over a slow fire.
Gorgonio was an army officer and member of the staff in the house of emperor Diocletian, Doroteo was a staff clerk. They were each exposed as Christians when they were overhead objecting to the torture and murder of Peter. This led to their own arrest, torture and executions.
Died in 303 in Nicomedia, Bithynia (in modern Turkey)
Additional Memorial – 28 December as part of the 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia. Beatified on 14 January 1891 by Pope Leo XIII (cultus confirmation).

Posted in MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, QUOTES on PURITY, St JOSEPH, The NATIVITY of JESUS

Thought for the Day – 11 March – St Joseph’s Second Joy: The Birth of Jesus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 11 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

11th Day – St Joseph’s Second Joy: The Birth of Jesus

+1. Although St Joseph knew, the time of Our Lady’s delivery was drawing near, yet the birth of Jesus came upon him as a joyful surprise.
He anticipated the lot of his Foster-Son.
“He came to His own and His own received Him not.”
The reward of Joseph’s purity, chastity, patience, submission, gentleness and sorrow, was the visible Presence of the Son of God, the privilege of being the first of all the sons of men, to behold Him.
“Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God,” was literally fulfilled for the first time in the person of St Joseph.

+2. It was but fitting that the coming of Christ Jesus into the world should be surrounded by celestial wonders. A choir of Angels sang angelic melodies and a brightness, dazzling beyond the brightness of the sun, illumined the cave and settled around the new -born Infant and His Virgin Mother. St Joseph saw the Holy Child and the sight was Heaven begun on earth!
What was all the preceding sorrow compared with the unspeakable joy of that happy moment?

+3. Joseph was recalled to earthly things by hearing voices outside the cave and seeing a group of shepherds coming to adore the newborn King. It was not a dream then but a happy reality. God was really come to dwell among men and was born in that humble cave. What mattered it if it was bare and poor and rough? How much happier to be there, sitting on the hard cold ground, poor and despised of men, than to be lounging on perfumed couches, in the Palace of Herod! Where Jesus is, there is happiness!
What are outward things if we enjoy His Peace!

Posted in LENT, LENT- 2025

Quote/s of the Day – 11 March – Planting a Lenten Garden (Last minute Ideas)

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 11 March – Tuesday of the 1st Week in Lent

Planting a Lenten Garden

Five Rows of Squash:

  1. Squash gossip
  2. Squash indifference
  3. Squash unkindness
  4. Squash temper
  5. Squash the idols of greed and lust

Six Rows of Peas:

  1. Prayer
  2. Penance
  3. Perseverance
  4. Purity
  5. Patience
  6. Politeness

Seven Heads of Lettuce:

  1. Let us be unselfish
  2. Let us be charitable
  3. Let us be obedient
  4. Let us be truthful
  5. Let us be gentle and kind
  6. Let us be repentant
  7. Let us be renewed

No garden is complete without Turnips:

  1. Turn up for Daily Mass
  2. Turn up for Special Devotions and The Rosary
  3. Turn up for Daily Morning and Night Prayer

Conclude with Thyme:

Thyme with God, thyme for fasting, thyme for generosity and care of the poor, the sick, the suffering.

Water daily with patience
Feed with love
The Beloved Saviour will provide the growth.

Posted in QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 11 March –The Institution of the Blessed Eucharist

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 11 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Tuesday of the 1st Week in Lent
The Institution of the Blessed Eucharist

Read St Luke xxii:19-20

[19] And taking bread, He gave thanks and broke it and gave to them, saying: This is My Body which is given for you. Do this for a commemoration of Me. [20] In like manner, the chalice too, after He had supped, saying: This is the chalice, the new testament in My Blood which shall be shed for you. [Luke 22:19-20]

+1. St Paul tells us with pointed emphasis, it was on the very night in which He was betrayed that Our Lord instituted the Mystery of mysteries, the Sacrament of His Love. It was worthy of His Divine generosity to choose the occasion when He was to be outraged, insulted, betrayed, scourged and Crucified, to create this wondrous Sacrament of Love. To forgive, is always generous but what shall we say of the generosity of One, Who not only forgives the most horrible insults and cruelty but chooses, the very day on which He is to suffer them, for giving to His enemies, a gift compared with which all other gifts are small and insignificant – a gift ,
too which is none other than Himself!?

+2. What is the primary end of the institution of the Blessed Eucharist?
Our Lord Himself tells us in the words:
“Do this in commemoration of Me.”
It is for the sake of putting us in mind of His Sacred Passion that He gives Himself to us that we, His brethren, for whom He Died, may not forget Him. He Loved us so dearly, He still Loves us, so dearly – He cannot bear to be absent from our thoughts and, for this end, He created this means of representing His Passion to us, as long as the world should last.

+3. But the Blessed Eucharist is more than a commemoration of the Sacrifice on the Cross. It is the same Sacrifice continued, the same Priest, the same Victim, only the manner of offering changed. Christ is still slain each time Holy Mass is said; the Oblation on the Cross is an eternal Oblation for the sins of the whole world! [Hence, not an iota of the Holy Mass can ever be changed!]

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 11 March – ‘… Who is Himself, the Word and the Message …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 11 March – “The Month of Saint Joseph” – Tuesday of the 1st Week in Lent – Ferial Day – Isaias 55:6-11 – Matthew 21:10-17 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For just as from the heavens, the rain and snow come down and do not return there, until they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to him who sows and bread to him who eats.” – Isaias 55:11

REFLECTION – “For the rain and the snow do not return to Heaven but accomplish in the earth, the Will of Him Who sends them. So the Word that He shall send through His Christ, Who is Himself, the Word and the Message, shall return to Him with great power.  For when He shall come and bring it, He shall come down like rain and snow and through Him ,all that is sown shall spring up and bear righteous fruit and the Word shall return to His Sender but not in vain shall His going have been but thus, shall He say, in the Presence of His Sender, “Behold, I and the children whom the Lord has given me.” And this is the Voice through which, the dead shall live. And this is the Voice of God which shall sound from on high and raise up all the dead.” – St Aphraates “the Sage” (Died c 345) (Feast Day – 29 January) Abbot, Father of the Church [see note below] (Demonstrations 8).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we who devoutly keep the sacred observances, year by year, may be pleasing to Thee, both in body and soul. 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 CARMELITES, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Our Morning Offering – 11 March – Morning Offering By St Thérèse

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 11 March – Tuesday of the 1st Week in Lent

Morning Offering
By St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873 – 1897)

O my God!
I offer Thee all my actions of this day
for the intentions and for the glory
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
I desire to sanctify every beat of my heart,
my every thought,
my simplest works,
by uniting them to It’s infinite merits
and I wish to make reparation for my sins,
by casting them into the furnace
of It’s Merciful Love.
O my God!
I ask Thee for myself
and for those whom I hold dear,
the grace to fulfil perfectly Thy Holy Will,
to accept for love of Thee,
the joys and sorrows of this passing life,
so that we may one day be united together
in Heaven for all Eternity.
Amen.

Posted in Uncategorized

Saint of the Day – 11 March – Saint Vigilius (Died c684) the 21st Bishop and Confessor of Auxerre

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Saint of the Day – 11 March – Saint Vigilius (Died c684) the 21st Bishop and Confessor of Auxerre, France, Founder of a Monastery and a Hospital for the poor, Miracle-worker. He cared for his flock for 25 years with love and devotion. Vigilius was born probably in Auxerre or the nearby regions and died on 11 March by being murdered in a Forest of Compiègne near Soissons. Also known as – Vigil, Vigillis.

Vigilius was born of a noble family noted for its sanctity. As the Bishop of Auxerre, Vigilius built a Monastery on the outskirts of Auxerre, “Notre-Dame-la-d’Hors i.e. Outside the Walls” dedicated to the Mother of God. He endowed it richly. In the document of its foundation, it is recorded that the Monastery was later given to the Canons Regular of St Augustine and ultimately, to the Premonstratensians.

Beyond these few facts, not much is certain. Vigilius is credited with establishing a Hospital for the poor near the Monastery.

His death resembles that of St Leodegar of Autun; like Leodegar, Vigilius was murdered in a forest. An account by one Saussauis blames Ebroin for both murders.

Mirabilia attended Vigilius’s death and returned his body to Auxerre and as it passed a prison in Sens, chains fell from all the prisoners and they were freed. The chains were then attached to Vigilius’s coffin for all to see. His Episcopate had lasted for 25 years and five months. His remains, kept in a silver reliquary, were scattered by the Calvinists (1567) but, in 1589, the Relics were recovered and enshrined anew.

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Tuesday of the First Week in Lent, Nossa Senhora das Florestas / Our Lady of the Forests, Portugal (12th Century), Day Two of the St Joseph Novena and the Saints for 11 March

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Tuesday in the 1st WEEK OF LENT – FERIAL DAY

Nossa Senhora das Florestas / Our Lady of the Forests, Porto, Portugal (12th Century) – 11 March:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/11/our-lady-of-the-forests-porto-portugal-12th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-11-march/

NOVENA for the INTERCESSION of ST JOSEPH
DAY TWO
Click Link: DAY TWO

St Aengus the Culdee
St Alberta of Agen
St Amunia

St Aurea of San Millán (1043-1070) Spanish Nun and Anchorite, Ascetic, Visionary, Miracle-worker.
Her Devoted Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/11/saint-of-the-day-11-march-st-aurea-of-san-millan-1043-1070-spanish-nun-and-anchorite/

St Benedict Crispus (Died 725) Archbishop of Milan from c 685 until his death. A poem written about ten years after his death, De laudibus Mediolani- In Praise of Milan, praises him and remembers his veneration by the entire land and informs us that he was buried in the Basilica of Saint Ambrose.
A Life of Zeal and Virtue:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/11/saint-of-the-day-11-march-saint-benedict-crispus-of-milan-died-725/

St Candidus the Martyr
St Constantine II
St Constantine of Carthage

St Eulogius of Córdoba (Died 857) Priest and Martyr, Writer, Poet, Theologian, Teacher.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/03/11/saint-of-the-day-11-march-st-eulogius-died-857-priest-and-martyr/

St Firmian the Abbot
St Firmin of Amiens
St Firmus the Martyr
St Gorgonius the Martyr
St Heraclius of Carthage + Martyr

Blessed John Baptist Righi of Fabriano OFM (1469–1539) Priest, Confessor, Friar of the Friars Minor, Ascetic, Ecstatic, renowned Preacher, Peace-maker, Hermit. Blessed John was Beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1903. His body is incorrupt.
About Blessed John:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/11/saint-of-the-day-11-march-blessed-john-baptist-righi-of-fabriano-ofm-1469-1539/

St Peter the Spaniard
St Pionius
St Piperion the Martyr
St Rosina of Wenglingen

St Sophronius  (c550-c638) Bishop of Jerusalem from 634 until his death, Father of the Church. Bishop of Jerusalem from 634 until his death, Father of the Church. Before rising to the primacy of the See of Jerusalem, he was a Monk, Theologian and Philosopher, who was the chief protagonist for orthodox teaching in the doctrinal controversy on the essential nature of Jesus. He was a well-travelled and honoured Teacher of Rhetoric, living for several years in Alexandria, Egypt near St John the Almoner. Ecclesiastical and Liturgical Writer, Poet and exercised an extensive correspondence, some of which has survived and some of which we still use within the Liturgy. He is also renowned in history for his peace negotiations with the invading Saracens, thus ensuring a level of protection to the City’s Christians Born in Damascus, Syria in the 6th Century and died in c638; sources disagree on cause and location. I use St Sophronius Commentaries whenever I are able on this Site.
A Most Important Saint:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/11/saint-of-the-day-11-march-saint-sophronius-of-jerusalem-c550-c638-bishop-father-of-the-church/

St Thalus the Martyr
St Trophimus the Martyr
St Vigilius (Died c684) Bishop and Confessor of Auxerre
St Vincent of Leon

St Vindician of Cambrai (c632-c 712) Bishop of Arras-Cambrai, Belgium. He was a spiritual follower of Saint Eligius (588- 660) (Saint Eloi).
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/11/saint-of-the-day-11-march-saint-vindician-of-cambrai-c-632-c-712-bishop/

St Zosimus of Carthage + Martyr

Martyrs of Antioch: A group of Christians Martyred together by Emperor Maximian Galerius. Martyred in c 300 in Antioch, Syria.

Posted in MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, MOTHER of GOD, St JOSEPH

Thought for the Day – 10 March – St Joseph’s Second Sorrow

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 10 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

10th Day – St Joseph’s Second Sorrow

+1. When St Joseph started from his home at Nazareth to repair to Bethlehem, according to the Emperor’s command, he had every reason to expect he would be well received. His early youth had been spent there and he must have been known to many of the inhabitants. But, when he arrived there, a sad shock awaited him. No room in the caravansary or guesthouse. No room in any of the houses where he applied for admission. Everywhere, a refusal. No room for him; no room for his spotless spouse.
It is always painful to meet with a cold reception among those, who we expect will welcome us.

+2. It was not for his own sake, Joseph grieved.
He was accustomed to being ill-treated. He had learned to welcome it for God’s Sake. But to witness the distress caused to his holy spouse, ah, this was difficult!
It is far more painful to witness suffering in those we love than to feel it ourselves. Could Joseph do nothing to find shelter for Mary in her delicate and critical condition? Every resource had failed him; he could only pray and wait.

+3. At last, a thought occurred to him. He remembered a cave where some animals were kept; small, low, dirty, unfit. for human habitation but here, at least, she would be safe from the perishing cold, here they could remain in peace.
How could he propose it to her?
Was this the sort of treatment to be accorded to the Mother of God?
Yes, it must be so and Joseph submitted to the holy Will of God.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, GOD ALONE!, HOLY COMMUNION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on HOSPITALITY, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 10 March – ‘ … You did NOT do it for Me.’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 10 March – Monday of the First Week in Lent – Ezechiel 34:11-16 – Matthew 25:31-46 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Amen I say to you,
as long as you did NOT do it
for one of these least ones,
you did NOT do it for Me.”

Matthew 25:45

“If you are willing to listen to me,
then, O servants of Christ,
His brothers and co-heirs,
I say, we should visit Christ
while there is an opportunity,
take care of Him and feed Him.
We should clothe Christ and welcome Him.
We should honour Him,
not only at our table, like some;
not only with ointments, like Mary Magdalene;
not only with a sepulchre,
like Joseph of Arimathea;
nor with things which have to do with His burial,
like Nicodemus… nor finally,
with gold, incense and myrrh, like the Magi.”

St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“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 Most Blessed Sacrament
is Christ made visible.
The poor sick person
is Christ again made visible.”

St Gerard Majella (1726-1755)

Posted in QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MEEKNESS, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 10 March – The Washing of the Feet

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 10 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ”
“Short Meditations for Lent”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Monday of the First Week in Lent
The Washing of the Feet

Read St John xiii:2-20
[Posting at the end]

+1. When the paschal supper was finished, Our Lord rose from table, laid aside His upper garment and girding Himself with a towel, He filled a basin with water and went from one to another of the Apostles, washing with His Ssacred Hands the feet of each.
This act was intended to teach us the happiness of performing menial services for those around us. To wait upon others, especially on our inferiors, for Christ’s Sake, is far more honourable, than to be waited upon by them; to make ourselves the servants of others, is far more noble than to be served by them.
Is this the principle on which I act?

+2. In this act were combined, the two virtues which are most prominent in Our Lord’s Life on earth – charity and humility.
Charity takes a pleasure in everything which promotes the happiness or the comfort of our fellowmen because they are the brethren of Christ.
Humility takes a pleasure in whatever puts us in an inferior
position, in one to which no worldly honour or dignity attaches but rather, contempt and humiliation.
How sadly wanting I am in these virtues! I dislike charity if it costs me anything and I positively hate to be humbled, to be
despised by men.

+3. Yet Christ’s words are true the disciple is not greater than His Master.
If our Divine Master was glorious in the sight of the Angels
as He stooped to wash the Apostles ‘ feet, our road to glory must be, by stooping, by ministering in all humility, to others. We never can be as great as our Master. We must take care lest our selfishness and pride, place us in direct contrast with the Son of God.

John 13:2-20

[2] And when supper was ended, (the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him,) [3] Knowing that the Father had given Him all things into His Hands and that, He came from God and goeth to God; [4] He riseth from supper and layeth aside His garments and having taken a towel, girded Himself. [5] After that, He putteth water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded.

[6] He cometh, therefore, to Simon Peter. And Peter saith to Him: Lord, dost thou wash my feet? [7] Jesus answered and said to him: What I do thou knowest not now but thou shalt know hereafter. [8] Peter saith to Him: Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him: If I wash thee not, thou shalt have no part with Me. [9] Simon Peter saith to hHm: Lord, not only my feet but also my hands and my head. [10] Jesus saith to him: He that is washed, needeth not but to wash his feet but is clean wholly. And you are clean but not all.

[11] For he knew. who he was that would betray him, therefore. he said: You are not all clean. [12] Then, after He had washed their feet and taken His garments, being sat down again, He said to them: Know you what I have done to you? [13] You call Me Master,and Lord and you say well, for so I Am. [14] If then I, betoo, ought to wash one another’s feet. [15] For I have given you an example, that as I have done to you, so you do also.

[16] Amen, amen I say to you: The servant is not greater than his Lord; neither is the Apostle greater than He Who sent him. [17] If you know these things, you shall be blessed if you do them. [18] I speak not of you all, I know whom I have chosen. But that the scripture may be fulfilled – He who eateth bread with Me, shall lift up his heel against Me. [19] At present I tell you, before it come to pass that, when it shall come to pass, you may believe that I Am He. [20] Amen, amen I say to you, he who receiveth whomsoever I send, receiveth Me and he who receiveth Me, receiveth Him Whp sent Me. [John 13:2-20]