Month: March 2025

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on the POOR, The LAST THINGS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 March – ‘Do you suppose that charity is not an obligation but voluntary?’

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One Minute Reflection – 10 March – “The Month of Saint Joseph” –Monday of the First Week in Lent – The Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, Armenia (Died 320) – 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

REFLECTION – “Do you suppose that charity is not an obligation but voluntary? That it is not a law but merely a counsel? I should like it to be so too and would gladly think so. But God’s left hand gives me cause for alarm, the place where He has set the goats to whom He addresses His reproaches, not because they stole, plundered, committed adultery or perpetrated other such faults but because, they did not honour Christ in the person of His poor!

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.

But, as the Lord of all “desires mercy and not sacrifice” (Mt 9:13) and as compassion is better than tens of thousands of fat rams, let us offer Him this mercy through the needy and those who are at present cast down to the ground. Let us do this, so that, when we depart hence, they may “welcome us into the eternal habitations” (Lk 16:9), in the same Christ our Lord, to whom be glory forever.” – St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390) Archbishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 14, on Love for the Poor, 27, 28, 39-40).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we who know how courageously Thy holy Martyrs have confessed the faith, may experience their goodness as they intercede for us with 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 DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of PETITION, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on TRUTH, The WILL of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 10 March – O Merciful God By St Thomas Aquinas

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Our Morning Offering – 10 March – Monday of the First Week in Lent

O Merciful God
By St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Doctor Angelicus
Doctor Communis

O merciful God,
grant that I may ever perfectly
do Thy Will in all things.
Let it be my ambition to work
only for Thy honour and glory.
Let me rejoice in nothing
but that which leads to Thee,
nor grieve for anything,
which leads away from Thee.
May all passing things be as nothing in my eyes
and may all which is Thine be dear to me
and Thou, my God, dear above them all.
May all joy be meaningless without Thee
and may I desire nothing apart from Thee.
May all labour and toil delight me, when it is for Thee.
Make me, O Lord, obedient without complaint,
poor without regret,
patient without murmur,
humble without pretence,
joyous without frivolity,
and truthful without disguise.
Amen

Posted in Uncategorized

Saint of the Day – 10 March – Saint Andrew OSB Vall (Died 1097) Abbot

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Saint of the Day – 10 March – Saint Andrew OSB Vall (Died 1097) Abbot of the Vallombrosian Monastery in Strumi in Florence, writer, peacemaker. Born in Parma, Italy and died in 1097 of natural causes in his Monastery in Florence. Also known as – Andrew the Ligurian (or Genoese).

In the mid-11th Century, the Italian City of Milan, was ruled by a corrupt Archbishop named Guido, who took a permissive attitude toward the Ecclesiastical abuses of simony (the buying or selling of Ecclesiastical Offices) and clerical immorality (Priests living with concubines).

Those working to stop these abuses, were led by the Martyred Deacon Saint Arialdo (C1010-1066), supported by his close friend, Andrew, from Parma. The Holy See naturally supported Arialdo and excommunicated the Archbishop himself, charging him with the crime of simony. Guido retaliated by having Arialdo tortured and murdered.
Arialdo’s friend Andrew, attended to his honourable burial, and afterward entered the Vallombrosan Order. He subsequently became the Abbot of the Vallombrosan Monastery of Strumi, where he took up his pen to write a biography of his Martyred friend Arialdo and another of the Vallombrosans’Founder, Saint John Gualbert.

St Arialdo Deacon and Martyr – on the right might just be our Saint Andrew prior to becoming a Monk

Sadly, most of Andrew’s writings were later lost in a 16th Century fire at the Vallombrosans’ Monastery in Florence. Andrew was a peacemaker, credited with reconciling, in his lifetime, the opposing cities of Florence and Arezzo.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Monday of the 1st Week in Lent, St Joseph Novena, Santa Maria della Querce / Our Lady of the Oak, Tuscany, Italy (1467), Forty Martyrs of Sebaste and the Saints for 10 March

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The FIRST SUNDAY in LENT OR LENT I

Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, Armenia (Died 320) – Forty Christian soldiers of the Thunderstruck Legion of the Imperial Roman army who were tortured and murdered for their faith during the persecutions of Emperor Licinius. They were exposed naked on a frozen pond to freeze to death at Sebaste, Armenia in 320 and their bodies afterward were burned.
THE FULL STORY HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/10/saints-of-the-day-10-march-the-forty-martyrs-of-sebaste-armenia-died-320/

Santa Maria della Querce / Our Lady of the Oak, Tuscany, Italy (1467) – 10 March:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/10/our-lady-of-the-oak-tuscany-italy-1467-and-memorials-of-the-saints-10-march/

NOVENA FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH
DAY ONE – Link: NOVENA FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH
(Remember last year St Joseph’s Feast was moved to 20 March due to Laetare Sunday falling on his Feast Day, 19 March. Hence the Novena began a day later than usual.)

St Alexander of Apema
St Anastasia the Patrician
St Andrew (Died 1097) Abbot of Strumi

St Attalas (Died c627) Abbot Abbot of Bobbio, Disciple of, Assistant and Successor to St Columban (543-615). A legendary leader of great wisdom and scholarly abilities, a loving father to his Monks and a generous and kindly Apostle to the poor and the ill, Miracle-worker. His Monks included Saint Valery, Saint Blitmund and St Bertulf, all Abbots at various times. Born in Burgundy, France and died in c627 of natural causes in Bobbio, Italy. Patronages – of Bobbio and of Luxeuil-les-Bains, France.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In the Monastery of Bobbio, the Abbot, St Attalas, renowned for miracles.”
Blessed by Miracles, St Attalas:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/10/saint-of-the-day-10-march-st-attalas-of-bobbio-died-c627-abbot/

St Blanchard of Nesle-la-Réposte
St Caius of Apema
St Cordratus of Nicomedië

St Droctoveus (c530-c580) Abbot, disciple of St Germanus. He was the first Abbot of the Benedictine Monastery which became the Church of Saint Germain-des-Pres in Paris.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/10/saint-of-the-day-10-march-st-droctoveus-c530-c580-abbot/

St Emilian of Lagny
St Failbhe the Little
St Gustav the Hermit
St Himelin
Bl John of Vallombrosa
St Kessog

St Macarius of Jerusalem (Died c335) Bishop of Jerusalem for over twenty years. Defender of the Faith against Arianism, founder of the True Cross with St Helena, organiser and manager of the building of the Sacred Basilicas, including the Church of the Holy Sepuchre in Jerusalem, paid for by St Constantine the Great, St Helena’s son. Also of great import is the fact that Bishop Macarius was one of the two main authors of the Nicene Creed, that is, of the Creed that we still pronounce in Mass today
The Life os St Macarius:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/10/saint-of-the-day-10-march-saint-macarius-died-c-335/

St Peter of Veroli
St Rufinus of Nicomedië
St Sannudius of Bagensena
St Saturninus of Nicomedië
St Sedna of Ossory
St Silvester of Ireland

St Pope Simplicius (Died 483) Papal Ascension 25 February 468 – 10 March 483.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/10/saint-of-the-day-10-march-saint-pope-simplicius-483/

St Victor of North Africa
Bl Wirnto of Formbach

Anonymous Martyrs of Persia – A group of 42 Christians Martyred in Persia in the 4th century.

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, St JOSEPH, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 9 March –St Joseph’s First Joy

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Thought for the Day – 9 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)

9th Day – St Joseph’s First Joy

+1. Joseph in his sad perplexity, had for some time prayed and thought and thought and prayed again. Externally, his conduct gave no sign of the anguish of his soul. But all the same, Mary must have been conscious of the thoughts which were passing in her dear spouse’s mind and, although God had given her no leave to speak, she prayed continually that He would make known to Joseph, what had taken place in her. God could not refuse to listen to His handmaid’s
prayer.

+2. One night, as Joseph slept, an Angel appeared.
“Fear not,” he said “to take to thee Mary, thy wife, for that which is conceived in Mary’s womb, is of the Holy Ghost.”
That Child is Divine, nay, is Himself God. Thou art appointed to be His Guardian and protector. Thou shalt call His Name Jesus; thou shalt be the foster-father of thy God, as thou art the true husband of His Mother.
Thus it is, God intervenes to dispel the fears of His servants who watch and pray, who patiently abide God’s time and seek only His Will.

+3. What intense joy and lightness of heart fill the soul of Joseph at the Angel’s words! His bewildered perplexity was changed into peace and gladness. He was to be the consort of the Mother of God; nay more, he was to have the rights of a father over the Son of God; he was to have the unspeakable privilege of dwelling with God Incarnate!
O happy Joseph! Thy obedience and patience indeed received, a rich reward.

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN PRAYERS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 9 March – 3 Saints

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Quote/s of the Day – 9 March – St Gregory of Nyssa (c335–c395) Bishop, Father of the Church – St Frances of Rome (1384-1440) Widow – St Dominic Savio (1842-1857)

“It is most laudable, in a married woman,
to be devout but, she must never forget
that she is a home-keeper.
And sometimes, she must
leave God at the Altar
to find Him in her household affairs.”

St Frances of Rome (1384-1440)

“What could be more wretched for God,
than to take the form of a slave?
What lowlier for the King of the Universe,
than to share our human nature?
The King of kings, the Lord of lords,
the Judge of the world, pays taxes to Caesar …
Consider the excessiveness of His voluntary poverty!
Life tastes death; the Judge is dragged before the court;
the Master of the lives of us all submits to a magistrate;
the King of the Heavenly Powers
does not escape the hands of torturers!
This is the pattern, says the Apostle Paul,
against which His humility is measured.”

St Gregory of Nyssa (c335–c395)
Bishop, Father of the Church
(Brother of St Basil the Great)

QUOTES and MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/09/quote-s-of-the-day-9-march-st-gregory-of-nyssa/

O Mary, I Give You My Heart
By St Dominic Savio (1842-1857)

O Mary, I give you my heart.
Grant me to be always yours.
Jesus and Mary,
be ever my friends
and, for love of you,
grant me to die, a thousand deaths
rather than to have the misfortune
of committing a single mortal sin.
Amen

St Dominic Savio (1842-1857)
QUOTES here:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/09/quote-s-of-the-day-9-march-st-dominic-savio/

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on SUFFERING, REDEMPTIVE Suffering, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 9 March – Jesus’ Desire for His Sufferings

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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)

The First Sunday in Lent
Jesus’ Desire for His Sufferings

Read St Luke xii:49-50

[49] I am come to cast fire on the earth; and what will I but that, it be kindled? [50] And I have a baptism wherewith I am to be baptized and how am I straitened, until it be accomplished? [Luke 12:49-50]

+1. How are we to account for Christ’s desire to suffer? Human nature shrinks from suffering and dreads it and none of the sons of men, was ever as sensitive as He, or had sufferings to look forward to, in any way comparable to His. Yet, in spite of this, Christ longed for His sufferings.
O wondrous Love which not only suffered for us but longed for the time when His Passion should come!

+2. Was it the suffering in itself for which Christ longed? Impossible! It was for the result of that suffering, for the joy which was set before Him that He endured the Cross and despised the shame. Even Christ could not work without the prospect of some reward.
So we should encourage ourselves with the thought of the glorious recompence God will give to all who suffer for Him and, who unite their sufferings to the Sacred Sufferings of the Son of God.

+3. But what sort of reward was that, to which the Son of God looked forward?
It was no selfish reward. It was the pure, unselfish joy of seeing others happy, of knowing that, by all He was to endure, millions of mankind would be freed from the eternal misery of hell and raised to the eternal and unspeakable joy of the Beatific Vision. He knew it was by sufferings, graces would be won for others. This lesson too, the Saints learned from their Master.
How have I learned it? Do I recognise the necessity, the dignity, the happiness, of suffering

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LENT, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on MEEKNESS, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VANITY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 March – The temptation of the Lord

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One Minute Reflection – 9 March – “The Month of Saint Joseph” – St Frances of Rome Obl.S.B. (1384-1440) Widow – The First Sunday in Lent – 2 Corinthians 6:1-10 – Matthew 4:1-11 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert, to be tempted by the devil.” – Matthew 4:1

REFLECTION – “If we look at the progress of our Lord’s temptation, we see how great the struggle which set us free. from temptation, was. Our ancient enemy rose up against the first human being, our ancestor, in three temptations. He tempted him by gluttony, by vainglory and by avarice… He tempted him by gluttony, when he showed him the forbidden food of the tree and told him: “Taste it.” He tempted him by vainglory, when he said, “You will be like gods” (Gn 3:5). He tempted him by adding avarice, when he said: “knowing good and evil.” Avarice is concerned, not only with money but too, with high position…

But the means by which the devil overcame the first Adam (1 Cor 15:47) were the same ones which caused him to yield, when he tempted the Second. He tempted Him by gluttony, when he said, “Tell these stones to become bread.” He tempted Him by vainglory, when he said, “If Thou are the Son of God, cast Thyself down.” He tempted him by an avaricious desire for high position, when he showed him all the kingdoms of the world, saying: “I will give Thee all these, if Thou will fall down and worship me”… As a captive, the devil would depart from our hearts by the same avenue which had given him entrance, when he possessed us.

But there is something else we have to consider too in this temptation of the Lord’s … He could have plunged His tempter into the depths. He did not reveal the power of His might but He only brought forth the precepts of Scripture. This was to give us an example of His patience, so that as often as we suffer something from vicious persons, we should be aroused to teach, rather than to exact revenge. Consider how great God’s patience is, how great our impatience! If we are provoked by injuries, or by some attack, we are influenced by rage … the Lord endured the devil’s opposition and He answered him with nothing except words of meekness!” – St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Homilies on the Gospel no 14).

PRAYER – O God, Who along with other gifts of Thy grace honoured blessed Frances, Thy handmaid, with the close companionship of an angel, grant, we beseech Thee, that by the help of her intercession we may be made worthy to attain the companionship of Angels in Heaven. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, LENT, LENT- 2025, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FASTING, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on REPENTANCE

Our Morning Offering – 9 March – Ex More Docti Mystico, The Fast, As Taught by Holy Lore

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Our Morning Offering – 9 March – The First Sunday of Lent

Ex More Docti Mystico
The Fast, As Taught by Holy Lore
By St Gregory the Great (540-604)
Pope, Father, Doctor of the Church
Trans. John Mason Neale

The fast, as taught by holy lore,
We keep in solemn course once more.
The fast to all men known and bound
In forty days of yearly round.

The law and seers that were of old
In divers ways this Lent foretold,
Which Christ, all seasons’ King and Guide,
In after ages sanctified.

More sparing, therefore, let us make
The words we speak, the good we take,
Our sleep and mirth – and closer barred
Be every sense in holy guard.

Avoid the evil thoughts that roll
Like water o’er the heedless soul;
Nor let the foe occasion find
Our souls in slavery to bind.

In prayer together let us fall,
And cry for mercy, one and all,
And weep before the Judge’s Feet,
And His avenging wrath entreat.

The grace have we offended sore,
By sins, O God, which we deplore;
But pour upon us, from on high,
O pardoning One, Thy clemency.

Remember Thou, though frail we be,
That yet Thine handiwork are we;
Nor let the honour of Thy Name
Be by another put to shame.

Forgive the sin that we have wrought;
Increase the good that we have sought
That we at length, our wanderings o’er,
May please Thee here and evermore.

Grant, O Thou Blessed Trinity,
Grant, O Essential Unity,
That this our fast of forty days
May work our profit and Thy praise.

There are twelve translations of this lovely Lenten Hymn.
This one by L M Neale
Liturgical Use: Matins Hymn on Sundays
and week-days during Lent.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 9 March – St Vitalis (c900-994) Monk, Hermit and Founder of Monasteries.

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Saint of the Day – 9 March – St Vitalis (c900-994) Monk, Hermit and Founder of Monasteries. Born as Vitale de Mennita in c900 in Castronovo di Sicilia, Palermo, Sicily and died on 9 March 994 at his Monastery on Mount Vulture near Rapolla, Italy of natural causes. Patronages – of Amento, Italy, of Castronovo di Sicilia, Sicily. Also known as – Vitalis of Castronuovo, Vitalis of Castronovo, Vitale of….

Vitalis de Mennita was born into a wealthy Byzantine family in the first half of the 10th Century in present-day Castronovo di Sicilia .

Around the middle of the 900s he became a Monk and retired to the Basilian Monastery of San Filippo in Agira .

Five years later, with some brothers, he undertook a pilgrimage to Rome and on the way back he decided to stop Calabria and to live as a Hermit which he did for a period of 2 years.. He then returned to a Sicilian Convent for the next twelve years, after which he returned to the Hermitage in Calabria. There he moved a few times, each new location attracting new disciples for whom he founded various Monasteries. Finally, he retired to a cave near Armento in Basilicata .

In 979 he returned to Calabria and restored the Convent and the Church of Sant’Adriano and Natalia in San Demetrio Corone. When this Monastery was attacked by the Saracens, he remained to face the invaders and was miraculously saved from death.

With the help of his nephew, Blessed Elias of Castronovo, he founded the Monastery of Torri and that of Rapolla in Basilicata, where he died on 9 March 994. In 1024, his body was translated ito the Convent of Guardia Perticara, of which his nephew Elias was the Abbot and then, from there, to the Monastery of Torri and then to Armento and to the Cathedral of Tricarico from where it finally returned to Armento.

His biography was written in Greek by a contemporary Basilian Monk and was translated into Latin a century later.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

The First Sunday of Lent, Notre-Dame de Savigny / Our Lady of Savigny, France (1112), St Gregory of Nyssa, St Frances of Rome, St Dominic Savio and more for 9 March

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The FIRST SUNDAY of LENT or LENT 1

Notre-Dame de Savigny / Our Lady of Savigny, France (1112) – 9 March:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/09/our-lady-of-savigny-france-1112-and-memorials-of-the-saints-9-march/

St Gregory of Nyssa (c335–c395) Bishop, Father of the Church, Brother of St Basil the Great. St Gregory was an erudite Theologian, Philosopher. Writer , Defender of orthodoxy against heresy but he possible lacked the administrative ability of his brother, Basil or the contemporary influence of Gregory of Nazianzen but, he was an erudite Theologian who made significant contributions to the Doctrines of the Church, in particular, of the Trinity and the Nicene Creed. St Gregory, together with his elder brother, St Basil the Great (Doctor of the Church) and their great and lifelong friend, St Gregory of Nazianzen (also a Doctor of the Church) are collectively known as the “Cappadocian Fathers.”
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Nyssa, the demise of St Gregory, Bishop, brother of the blessed Basil the Great, whose life and erudition have rendered him illustrious. He was expelled from his own City for having defended the Catholic Faith during the reign of the Arian Emperor, Valens.”
Wonderful St Gregory:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/09/saint-of-the-day-9-march-st-gregory-of-nyssa-c335-c395-bishop-father-of-the-church/

St Frances of Rome Obl.S.B. (1384-1440) Wife, Mother, Mystic, Organiser of charitable services and a Benedictine Obtale who founded a religious community of Oblates.
Patronages – against plague/epidemics, of automobile drivers (given in 1951), aviators, taxi drivers, death of children, the laity, motorcyclists, motorists, people ridiculed for their piety, Roman housewives, widows, women, Rome, Italy.
Lovely St Frances:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/03/09/saint-of-the-day-9-march-st-frances-of-rome/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/09/saint-of-the-day-9-march-st-frances-of-rome-1384-1440-widow/

St Dominic Savio (1842-1857) “The Little Giant” Student of Saint John Bosco. He was studying to become a priest when he became ill and died at the age of 14.
Dear St Dominic’s Short Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/09/saint-of-the-day-9-march-st-dominic-savio-1842-1857-the-little-giant/

St Antony of Froidemont

St Bosa of York OSB (Died c705) Fourth Bishop of York, Benedictine Monk, ecclesiastical reformer St Bosa was highly regarded by the Venerable St Bede who praised his humility and sanctity.
About St Bosa:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/09/saint-of-the-day-9-march-saint-bosa-of-york-osb-died-c-705-bishop/

St Candidus

St Catherine of Bologna OSC (1413-1463) Nun of the Poor Clares. She established a Convent at Bologna and became its Abbess, Miracle worker. Prophetess. Mystic. Visionary. Painter and Manuscript Illuminator. She was Canonised on 22 May 1712 by Pope Clement XI.
St Catherine’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/03/09/saint-of-the-day-9-march-st-catherine-of-bologna-osc-1413-1463/

St Constantine of Cornwall
St Cyrion

St Mary of Seyne

St Pacian of Barcelona (c310–391) Bishop and Father of the Church.
St Pacian’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/09/saint-of-the-day-9-march-saint-pacian-of-barcelona-c-310-391-bishop-and-father-of-the-church/

St Vitalis (c900-994) Monk, Hermit and Founder of Monasteries

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

Thought for the Day – 8 March – St Joseph’s First Sorrow

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Thought for the Day – 8 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)

8th Day – St Joseph’s First Sorrow

+1. St Joseph’s life had, from the beginning, been one of many trials and much suffering but all were mere trifles compared with the dark cloud of sorrow which fell upon him, after Mary returned from the house of Elizabeth.
He could not help seeing that she was about to become a mother. What could this mean? How could it be explained consistently with her spotless purity?
St Joseph ventured not, to pass any judgement.
Here he is our model slow in believing that which had the appearance of evil, anxious to find a favourable explanation.

+2. What explanation could he find?
That she had grievously sinned, was a thought, not only abhorrent to him but utterly impossible, in view of Mary’s transparent purity and exalted virtue.
Away with so horrible a thought!
Could the human paternity have been without any fault on her part? Equally impossible – God would have protected His hand -maid.
Was her condition a miracle wrought by God? Such a miracle was without example since the world began. Joseph was utterly perplexed. All was dark and black – he could only wait and pray. O wise resolve!

+3. But it was necessary to take action. In any case, he could not keep her with him. She must be sent back to her kin. How could he live without her? How could he expose her to disgrace? To put her to open shame was out of the question, he must send her away privately. This
was his duty and he would do it. It would break his heart to lose her but he must do his duty without thought of self.
Here , too , S. Joseph is a model for our imitation.

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 8 March – St John of God

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 8 March – St John of God OH (1495-1550) Confessor, Founder of the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God

“If we kept before ourselves,
the Mercy of God,
we would never be deficient in doing good,
while strength was in us.
For, when we give to the poor,
out of the love of God,
that which what He Himself has given us,
His Promise is that, we shall receive
a hundredfold in eternal happiness.
That indeed, is a fortunate
and happy way of gaining a profit!
Who will not give, whatever he has,
to this best of Merchants!
He administers our business Himself
and begs us, with outstretched arms,
to turn to Him and weep for our sins
and become servants in love,
first for ourselves and then for our neighbour.”

“For, just as water extinguishes a fire,
just so, does charity blot out our sins.”

“… When I see so many of my brethren in poverty
and my neighbours suffering,beyond their strength
and oppressed in mind or body, by so many cares
and I am unable to help them,
it causes me exceeding sorrow.
But I trust in Christ Who knows my heart.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/08/quote-s-of-the-day-8-march-st-john-of-god-oh-1495-1550/

St John of God (1495-1550)

Posted in JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The LAMB of GOD, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 8 March – The Eating of the Paschal Lamb

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 8 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)

The First Saturday in Lent
The Eating of the Paschal Lamb

Read St Luke xxii:14-18

[14] And when the hour was come, He sat down and the twelve Apostles with him. [15] And He said to them: With desire I have desired to eat this pasch with you, before I suffer.
[16] For I say to you, that from this time, I will not eat it, until it be fulfilled in the Kingdom of God. [17] And having taken the chalice, He gave thanks and said: Take and divide it among youselves. [18] For I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the Kingdom of God come. [Luke 22:14-18]

Our Blessed Lord , before He suffered , celebrated the Jewish rite which, above all the rest, foreshadowed His own sacred sufferings. The paschal lamb was an exact type of Himself, the Lamb of God, Who taketh away the sins of the world.

+1. The paschal lamb was the means employed by Almighty God to deliver His people from Egypt. It was the sprinkling of its blood on the door-posts which caused the avenging Angel to pass by and leave the inmates unharmed.
So the Blood of Jesus Christ sprinkled on our souls, in the Sacraments and when we make an Act of Contrition, saves us from the vengeance which would otherwise fall upon us.
O Jesus! sprinkle me with One Drop of Thy Precious Blood and I shall be free from sin.

+2. The paschal lamb had to be drained of the last drop of its blood.
So the Lamb of God, shed the last drop of His Precious Blood for us. He was not satisfied with merely giving His Life for us but, He must needs endure all the intense agony, the burning thirst which came of this draining of His whole body for love of us.
How can I ever thank Him as I ought?

+3. The lamb suffers uncomplainingly.
It never murmurs against its lot, or struggles against those who lead it here and there; unlike the filthy swine which grunt and grumbles at every attempt to control them. None was ever so submissive as the Lamb of God.
“Lo, I come to do Thy Will, O my God.
I am content to do it.”
Can I echo these words?

Posted in CARMELITES, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOD ALONE!, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 March – ‘The Lord asks of us, only two things …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 8 March – “The Month of Saint Joseph” –Ash Saturday – St John of God OH (1495-1550) Confessor, Founder of the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God – Ecclesiasticus Sirach 31:8-11 – Matthew 22:34-46 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Master, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” … Matthew 22:36

REFLECTION – “The Lord asks of us only two things – love of His Majesty and love of our neighbour. These are what we must work for. By observing them with perfection, we do His will and so, will be united with Him. But how far, as I have said, we are from doing these two things, as we ought, for so great a God! May it please His Majesty to give us His grace, so that we might merit, if we wish to reach this state that lies within our power.

The most certain sign, in my opinion, as to whether or not we are observing these two laws, is whether we observe well, the love of neighbour. We cannot know whether or not we love God, although there are strong indications for recognising that we do love Him but, we can know, whether we love our neighbour. And be certain that the more advanced you see you are, in love for your neighbour, the more advanced you will be in the love of God, for the love His Majesty has for us, is so great that to repay us for our love of neighbour, He will, in a thousand ways, increase the love we have for Him. I cannot doubt this. That is why, it is important for us to walk, with careful attention, to how we are proceeding in this matter, for if we practice love of neighbour with great perfection, we shall have done everything. I believe that, since our nature is bad, we will not reach perfection in the love of neighbour, if that love does not rise from love of God, as its root.” – (Interior Castle, Fifth Dwelling Places Ch 3).

PRAYER – O God, Who caused blessed John, when burning with love for Thee, to walk unharmed through the midst of flames and through him, enriched Thy Church with a new religious family; grant by the help of his merits, our sins may be burned away by the fire of Thy love and eternal remedies may come to us. 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 DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of PETITION, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, SAINT of the DAY

Our Morning Offering – 8 March – Lord be Blessed! By St John of God

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 8 March – The Feastday of St John of God OH (1495-1550) Confessor

Lord be Blessed!
(A Prayer of Thanksgiving and Self-oblation)
By St John of God (1495-1550)

Lord be blessed!
for in Thy great kindness to me,
who art such a great sinner,
having performed so many wicked things,
yet Thou seest fit to set me free,
from such a tremendous temptation
and deception into which I fell,
through my own sinfulness.
Thou hast brought me into a safe harbour,
where I shall endeavour to serve Thee
with all my strength.
My Lord, I beg Thee, with all my might,
give me the strength of Thine grace
and always let me see Thine clemency.
I wish to be Thy slave,
so kindly show me what I should do.
Give peace and quiet to my soul
which greatly desires this.
O most worthy Lord,
may this creature of Thine,
serve and praise Thee.
May I give my whole heart
and mind, to Thee.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 8 March – Saint Pontius (Died c262) Deacon of St Cyprian of Carthage

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Saint of the Day – 8 March – Saint Pontius (Died c262) Deacon of St Cyprian of Carthage, biographer of the latter’s heroic life and virtues.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Carthage, St Pontius, the Deacon of the Bishop, St Vyprian, who remained in banishment with him, until his death and composed an excellent history of his life and Martyrdom, By ever glorifying God in his own sufferings, he merited the crown of life.”

15th Century woodcut of St Pontius witnessing the Martydom of St Cyprian

St Jerome in his De Virus Illustribus (On Famous Men) states that “Pontius, Deacon of Cyprian, after having endured exile with him until the day of his Martyrdom, left a valuable volume on the life and death of Cyprian.” From this we can deduce very little biographical data on Pontius himself which, however, confirm those provided by St Jerome.

Pontius was close to his Bishop, especially during his imprisonment and in the last year of his life and witnessed his torture. In Curubis (modern Korba in Tunisia), where St Cyprian was exiled with Pontius, a Tombstone was discovered in which a Pontius is remembered and from this, it was thought that the Biographer of St Cyprian was originally from this City.

The Martyrdom of St Cyprian

Some scholars have, however, denied the authorship of the Life of Cyprian, based on the fact that neither the writer says his name, nor is he mentioned in the mss. prior to the 12th Century. St Jerome’s statement is, however, too explicit to be doubted.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Ash Saturday – FAST, Nossa Senhora das Virtudes / Our Lady of Virtues, Portugal (15th Century), St John of God and all the Saints for 8 March

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Nossa Senhora das Virtudes / Our Lady of Virtues, Lisbon, Portugal (15th Century) – 8 March:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/08/nossa-senhora-das-virtudes-our-lady-of-virtues-lisbon-portugal-15th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-8-march/

St John of God OH (1495-1550) Confessor, Founder of the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God, a worldwide Catholic religious institute dedicated to the care of the poor, sick and those suffering from mental disorders.
Beautiful St John:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/03/08/saint-of-the-day-8-march-st-john-of-god/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/03/08/saint-of-the-day-8-march-st-john-of-god-oh-1495-1550/

St Apollonius of Antinoë
St Arianus of Alexandri
St Arnulf of Chartres Abbot
St Beoadh of Ardcarne
St Duthus of Ross

St Felix of Burgundy (Died 647) Bishop, “The Apostle of East Anglia” Missionary in East Anglia and particularly in the Port Town now known as Felixstowe, in Suffolk, England. Amongst being the Founder of countless Churches. a famouse Monastery of Bury Saint Edmunds, he is also the Founder of what is now the University of Cambridge.
This wonderful “Apostle of East Anglia”
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/08/saint-of-the-day-8-march-st-felix-of-burgundy-died-647-bishop-the-apostle-of-east-anglia/

St Humphrey of Prüm

St Julian of Toledo (c642-690) Bishop and Confessor, Monk and Abbot, Scholar and prolific Writer.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Toledo, in Spain, the demise of the blessed Saint Julian, Bishop and Confessor, most celebrated for his sanctity and learning.”
Holy and learned St Julian:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/08/saint-of-the-day-8-march-saint-julian-of-toledo-642-690-bishop-and-confessor/

St Litifredus of Pavia
St Philemon of Antinoë
St Pontius (Died c262) Deacon of St Cyprian of Carthage
St Provinus of Como
St Quintilis of Nicomedia
St Rhian

St Senan of Scattery (c488-541) Monk, Abbot, Founder of many Monasteries and Churches, Miracle-worker, one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. Saint Patrick foretold his birth and saintliness.
Zealous St Senan:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/08/saint-of-the-day-8-march-saint-senan-of-scattery-c-488-541/

St Stephen of Obazine
St Theophylact of Nicomedia
St Theoticus of Alexandria
St Veremundus of Irache

Blessed Vincent Kadlubek O.Cist (c 1160-1223) Bishop, Cistercian Monk, noted Historian, prolific Writer and renowned Precher. His Episcopal mission was to reform the Diocesan Priests and to re-invigorate the faithful. Beatified on 18 February 1764 by Pope Clement XIII.
About Bl Vincent:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/08/saint-of-the-day-8-march-blessed-vincent-kadlubek-o-cist-c-1160-1223-bishop/

Martyrs of North Africa – 9 Saints: A Bishop and some of his flock who were Martyred together in North Africa. The only details that have survived are nine of the names – Beata, Cyril, Felicitas, Felix, Herenia, Mamillus, Rogatus, Silvanus, Urban.

Posted in Hail MARY!, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, St JOSEPH

Thought for the Day – 7 March – The Visitation

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Thought for the Day – 7 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)

7th Day – The Visitation

+1. The visit of Mary to her cousin St Elizabeth took place a short time after the Annunciation . It had been suggested to her by the Angel’s message, telling her that Elizabeth was to bear a son.
St Joseph knew nothing of this, yet, he raised no objection to the journey. He had already conceived such a reverence for his spotless spouse that it was enough for him that she entertained a wish. He knew that she never acted on impulse, or without a due cause and so, when Mary asked his leave to visit her cousin, he at once consented.
So we too, should consult, as far as possible, the wishes of others, especially our spouses, seeking to conform our will to others in the spirit of charity.

+2. St Joseph would not allow his young wife to journey alone. He went with her as her escort. What a happiness to him to wait upon her! How tenderly he watches over her
How thoughtfully he sees to all her wants!
Men often idealise those they love but there was no need to idealise Mary. She was an ideal in herself. And when he approached her, Joseph somehow felt that he was drawing near to God and that God dwelt in her ,in some other way than by His graces and gifts.

+3. Arriving at their journey’s end, St Joseph, in his humility, saw to their material needs and did not hear the words of Elizabeth saluting Mary as the Mother of God and announcing the joy of her unborn babe at His Presence.
St Joseph was ignorant and remained in ignorance of the Mystery of the Incarnation. He had to wait – this was to be the law of his life as it is, of the lives of all who are very dear to God.

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, GOD ALONE!, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The TRANSFIGURATION

Quote/s of the Day – 7 March – St Thomas Aquinas

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Quote/s of the Day – 7 March – St Thomas Aquinas OP (1225-1274) Confessor, Doctor

“Christ said that the shepherd
enters through the gate
and that He is Himself the Gate,
as well as the Shepherd.
Then, it is necessary,
that He enter through Himself.
By so doing, He reveals Himself
and through Himself, He knows the Father.
But we enter through Him
because through Him. we find happiness.”

“At His Transfiguration
Christ showed His disciples,
the splendour of His Beauty,
to which He will shape and colour,
those who are His :
‘He will reform our lowness
configured to the Body of His Glory.”

“Beware of the person of one book.”

“Not everything which is more difficult,
is more meritorious.”

“How can we live in harmony?
Firstly, we need to know
we are all madly in love
with the same God.”

“The Blessed Virgin was chosen
to be the Mother of God
and, therefore, it is not to be doubted,
but that God fitted her for it
by His graces.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/07/quote-s-of-the-day-7-march-st-thomas-aquinas-2/

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Doctor Angelicus / Doctor Communis

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT, The WORD

Lenten Meditations – 7 March – The Supper in Simon’s House

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 7 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)

The First Friday in Lent
The Supper in Simon’s House

Read St Mark xiv:3-11

[3] And when He was in Bethania, in the house of Simon the leper and was at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of precious spikenard and breaking the alabaster box, she poured it out upon His Head. [4] Now, there were some that had indignation within themselves and said: Why was this waste of the ointment made? [5] For this ointment might have been sold for more than three hundred pence and given to the poor. And they murmured against her.
[6] But Jesus said: Let her alone, why do you molest her? She hath wrought a good work upon Me. [7] For the poor you have always with you and whensoever you will, you may do them good but Me, you have not always. [8] She hath done what she could, she is come beforehand to anoint My Body for burial. [9] Amen, I say to you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached, in the whole world that also, which she hath done, shall be told for a memorial of her. [10] And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests, to betray him to them.
[11] Who hearing it were glad and they promised him, they would give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray Him. [Mark 14:3-11]

+1. The supper in Simon’s house was remarkable for St Mary Magdalene’s act of devotion to our Divine Lord.
She brought an alabaster box of ointment of precious spikenard and poured it on His head as He sat at table.
Her gift was very pleasing to Our Lord for three reasons:
(a ) she gave of her bes ;
(b) she gave out of pure love;
(c) she gave in the presence of the assembled guests, fearlessly and knowing men would ridicule and blame her. Are the gifts I give to God marked by generosity, supernatural love, with an absence of seeking all human respect?

+2. Some of those present, instigated by Judas, began to criticise what they regarded as wasteful. They had indignation within themselves and showed it in words. They veiled their grumbling under show of charity to the poor. This was very displeasing to Jesus. He hates the spirit which finds fault and criticises and condemns and, all the more, when it hides itself under the cloak of virtue.
Yet is not this spirit strong in me?

+3. Notice the gratitude of Jesus. A little box of ointment poured on His head earns for the donor a commemoration of her gift wherever the Gospel shall be preached in the whole world .
And not only this – it obtains for her too, many graces on earth and great glory in Heaven.
There is no-one who is as grateful as Jesus Christ! no-one who will reward with such Divine generosity, everything done for love of Him! Nothing will be forgotten nothing is too small to be noticed and richly recompensed by Him!

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MODESTY, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on WATCHING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 March – Salt and Light – Matthew 5:13, 14

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One Minute Reflection – 7 March – “The Month of Saint Joseph” –First Friday – Feast of the Crown of Thorns – St Thomas Aquinas OP (1225-1274) Confessor, Doctor – Wisdom 7:7-14 – Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Jesus said to His disciples: “You are the salt of the earth.
… You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:13, 14

REFLECTION – “You are the salt of the earth. It is not for your own sake, He says but for the world’s sake that the word is entrusted to you. I am not sending you into two cities only or ten or twenty, not to a single nation, as I sent the Prophets of old but, across land and sea, to the whole world. And that world is in a miserable state. For when He says: You are the salt of the earth, He is indicating that, all mankind had lost its savour and had been corrupted by sin. Therefore, He requires of these men, those virtues which are especially useful and even necessary, if they are to bear the burdens of many. For the man who is kindly, modest, merciful and just, will not keep his good works to himself but, will see to it that, these admirable fountains, send out their streams, for the good of others. Again, the man who is clean of heart, a peacemaker and ardent for truth, will order his life so, as to contribute to the common good. …

Then He passes onto a more exalted comparison – You are the light of the world. Once again, “of the world,” not of one nation or twenty cities but of the whole world. The light He means, is an intelligible light, far superior to the rays of the sun we see, just as the salt is a spiritual salt. First salt, then light, so that you may learn how profitable sharp words may be and how useful, serious doctrine. Such teaching holds in check and prevents, dissipation, it leads to virtue and sharpens the mind’s eye.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden, nor do men light a lamp and put it under a basket.  Here again, He is urging them to a careful manner of life and teaching them, to be watchful, for they live under the eyes of all and have the whole world for the arena of their struggles.” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Archbishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (An excerpt from his Homily on Matthew).

PRAYER – O God, Who enlightened Thy Church with the wondrous learning of blessed Thomas, Thy Confessor and enriched her through his holy life, grant us, we beseech Thee, both to understand what he taught and by following his example, to do what he did. Through tJesus 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 DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS of PETITION, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on WATCHING, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HEART

Our Morning Offering – 7 March– Grant Me, My God By St Thomas Aquinas

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Our Morning Offering – 7 March – St Thomas Aquinas OP (1225-1274) Confessor, Doctor

Grant Me, My God
By St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Angelic Doctor, Common Doctor

Make my heart watchful, O God,
so that no vain thoughts may distract it from Thee.
Make it noble,
so that it may never be seduced by any base affection.
Make it steadfast,
so that troubles may not dismay it.
Make it free,
so that it may not yield to the onslaughts of passion.
Grant me, my God,
the intelligence, to understand Thee,
the love, to seek Thee,
the wisdom, to find Thee,
words, to please Thee,
the perseverance, to wait faithfully for Thee
and, the hope of embracing Thee, at last.
Grant that I, a repentant sinner,
may bear Thy chastisements with resignation.
Poor pilgrim which I am,
may I draw on the treasury of Thine grace
and may I one day,
be eternally happy with Thee in Heavenly glory!
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 7 March – Blessed John Ireland (Died 1544) Priest Martyr

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 7 March – Blessed John Ireland (Died 1544) Priest Martyr, Chaplain to Blessed John Larke and Saint Thomas More. Priest at Eltham, Kent, England from 1535 to 1536. Martyred by being hung, drawn and quartered at Tyburn Tree, London on 7 March 1544, together with Blessed Germanus Gardiner and Blessed John Larke for denying that King Henry VIII of England had supremacy over the Church. Additional Feastday – 4 May with the English Martyrs.

Little is known of this you Priest. He was ther Chaplain of the Roper Chantry annexed to St Dunstan’s, in Canterbury (1535–1536) before becoming the Priest of Eltham, Kent and thus the Parish Priest of St Thomas More’s daughter Margaret Roper of West Hall.

On 15 February 1543, Ireland was indicted with the Blesseds John larke, Germanus Gardiner and John Heywood (who recanted on the hurdle or wooden panel and drawn behind a horse to the place of execution). They were brought before Westminster Court and were sentenced to death on the charge of “attempted treason against the King, in the matter of his dignity, title and name of Supreme Head of the Church of England and Ireland, by words, writings and deeds ”. The three Martyrs were hanged, drawn and quartered on 7 March 1544.

The bodies of the Martyrs were buried under the Scaffold. Blessed John Ireland was Beatified by Pope Pius XI on 15 December 1929.

Posted in LENT, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The PASSION

Feast of The Sacred Crown of Thorns,  FIRST FRIDAY, Nossa Senhora da Estrela / Our Lady of the Star, Villa Vicosa, Portugal (1050), St Thomas Aquinas and the Saints for 7 March

Posted on by AnaStpaul

ASH FRIDAY
A Day of Fasting and Abstinence,

FIRST FRIDAY

Feast of The Sacred Crown of Thorns
of Our Lord Jesus Christ
One of the “Seven Passion Feasts” – celebrated on the the Fridays after Ash Wednesday.
The first Feast in honour of the Sacred Crown of Thorns (Festum susceptionis coronae Domini) was instituted at Paris in 1239, when Saint Louis IX of France brought there the Relic of the Crown of Thorns which was deposited later in the Royal Chapel, erected in 1241–1248 to guard this and other Relics of the Passion.
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/16/feast-of-the-sacred-crown-of-thorns-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-friday-after-ash-wednesday/

Nossa Senhora da Estrela / Our Lady of the Star, Villa Vicosa, Portugal (1050) – 7 March:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/07/the-third-sunday-of-lent-2021-our-lady-of-the-star-villa-vicosa-portugal-1050-and-memorials-of-the-saints-7-march/

St Thomas Aquinas OP (1225-1274) aged 49 Doctor Angelicus (Angelic Doctor) and Doctor Communis (Common Doctor). Priest of the Order of Preachers, Religious, Master Theologian, Philosopher, Writer, Teacher, Jurist. Also known as – “The Great Synthesiser,” “The Dumb Ox,” “The Universal Teacher.”
St Thomas died today in 1274 but his Feast Day was moved in 1969 to 28 January.
Wonderful, Wise St Thomas!:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/01/28/saint-of-the-day-28-january-st-thomas-aquinas-1225-1274-doctor-angelicus-angelic-doctor-and-doctor-communis-common-doctor/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/28/saint-of-the-day-28-january-st-thomas-aquinas-op-1225-1274/

St Ardo of Aniane
Bl Daniel of Wichterich
St Deifer of Bodfari
St Drausinus of Soissons Bishop
St Enodoch
St Esterwine of Wearmouth Abbot
St Eubulus of Caesarea
St Gaudiosus (Died c445) Bishop and Confessor of Brescia


Bl German Gardiner
Bl Henry of Austria
Bl Jermyn Gardiner
Blessed John Ireland (Died 1544) Priest Martyr

BlessedJohn Larke (Died 1544) Priest Martyr. He was a notable personal friend of St Thomas More (1478-1535) , Martyr the Lord High Chancellor of England. He was Beatified on 29 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/07/saint-of-the-day-7-march-blessed-john-larke-died-1544-priest-martyr/

St Paul of Prusa

St Paul the Simple (Died c339) Hermit, Disciple of St Anthony Abbot, gifted with prophecy and miracles.
About “The Pride of the Desert”
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/07/saint-of-the-day-7-march-st-paul-the-simple-died-c339-the-pride-of-the-desert/

St Reinhard of Reinhausen Abbot

St Teresa Margaret Redi of the Sacred Heart OCD (1747– 1770) Virgin, Nun of the Order of the Discalced Carmelites, Mystic.
After her death all the swelling and discoloration in her body disappeared, her body was incorrupt several weeks later, had a healthy glow and exuded an odour of perfume. Pope Pius XI Canonised her on 13 March 1934.
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/07/saint-of-the-day-7-march-saintt-teresa-margaret-redi-of-the-sacred-heart-ocd-1747-1770/

Bl Volker of Segeberg OSA (Died c1135) Priest Martyr
Bl William of Assisi

Martyrs of Carthage – 4 Saints: A catechist and three students Martyred together for teaching and learning the faith. We know little more than their names – Revocatus, Saturninus, Saturus and Secundulus. Mauled by wild beasts and beheaded 7 March 203 at Carthage, North Africa

Posted in MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Meditations on ST JOSEPH, St JOSEPH, The ANNUNCIATION

Thought for the Day – 6 March – The Annunciation

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Thought for the Day – 6 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)

6th Day – The Annunciation

+1. Our Lady’s peaceful life at Nazareth with her chaste and holy spouse had continued for some weeks or months, when that wondrous message came to her – she was to be the Mother of God. The Son of God became Incarnate in her holy womb!
How it must have transformed her whole life to know that her God dwelt within her!
She was no longer Joseph’s spouse before all else; he had to give place to One holier than he, to One Who was not mere man but God!
Now she was before all and above all, the sacred house in which the Eternal Wisdom of God dwelt under a veil of flesh!

+2. Did Joseph perceive any change in her?
Yes – he was conscious of a dignity, of a grace, of a Divinity encircling Mary which ,with all her holiness, had not been there before.
Mary’s sanctity was transformed. She, herself, who before had been like a beautiful crystal, was now like a crystal through which some brilliant Light continually darted its rays of splendour.
So ought we to be when we receive Holy Communion .
What a change it should make in us!
How in our conversation the recent Presence of our God
within us, should show its Divine effects in our lives!

+3. Why did Mary not tell Joseph?
She could not. She, who always acted under Divine inspiration was inspired to conceal the Divine secret.
How could she, with her humility, reveal this unexampled privilege? She knew all that her silence would bring on her but, until God urged her to speak, she would be silent.
Are we similarly guided by God in all things and, are we anxious to conceal, what exalts us in the eyes of others?

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CATECHESIS, GOD ALONE!, MODESTY, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on MEEKNESS, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SELF-DISTRUST, St Francis de Sales, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN

Quote/s of the Day – 6 March – Lord, I am not worthy …

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 6 March – Ash Thursday – Isaias 38:1-6 – Matthew 8:5-13

“And the centurion, making answer, said:
Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst
enter under my roof but only say the word
and my servant shall be healed.”

Matthew 8:8

“Whoever exalts himself
will be humbled
and whoever humbles himself
will be exalted.”

Matthew 23:12

“Those who refuse to be humble cannot be saved.
They cannot say with the prophet:
See, God comes to my aid;
the Lord is the helper of my soul.
But anyone who makes himself humble,
like a little child,
is greater in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

St Bede the Venerable (673-735)
Father and Doctor if the Church

“Humility is the mother of many virtues
because, from it are born:
obedience, fear, reverence, patience,
modesty, meekness and peace.
He who is humble easily obeys everyone,
fears to offend anyone,
is at peace with everyone,
is kind to all!”

St Thomas of Villanova OSA (1488-1555)

“Humility is not just about self-mistrust
but about the entrusting of ourselves to God.
Distrusting ourselves and our own strength
produces trust in God
and from that trust,
generosity of soul is born.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of Charity

Posted in LENT- 2025, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on PRIDE, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 6 March – The Preliminaries of the Passion

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Lenten Meditations – 6 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

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

Ash Thursday
The Preliminaries of the Passion

Read St. Luke xxii:1-6

[1] Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the pasch, was at hand. [2] And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put Jesus to death but they feared the people. [3] And Satan entered into Judas, who was surnamed Iscariot, one of the twelve. [4] And he went, and discoursed with the chief priests and the magistrates, how he might betray Him to them. [5] And they were glad and covenanted to give him money. [6] And he promised. And he sought opportunity to betray Him in the absence of the multitude. [Luke 22:1-6]

+1. During the first days of the week in which He suffered, our Blessed Lord had been teaching all day in the Temple. The assembled crowd had cried ,“ Hosanna to the Son of David, Blessed is He Who cometh in the name of the Lord.”
It seemed as if He were going to be acknowledged by the voice of the people as the King of Israel. How deceptive are appearances! How often, when all seems to be going well and the cause of Christ about to triumph, some grievous disappointment is at hand!

+2. Side by side with the enthusiasm of the people grew the rage and fury of the chief priests and scribes.
Why did they thus hate Him, Who went about doing good? In their selfishness and cupidity, they feared, lest He should interfere with their influence and they thus lose their position, their reputation, their gains. Pride and self -love blinded their eyes and made them hate, the Son of God, with a bitter hatred.
Am I not sometimes blinded by like feelings? filled with unjust dislike of others because they seem to interfere with my influence or my personal interests?

+3. The chief priests had a great advantage in the fact that, in the little company, which surrounded Jesus, there was a traitor. Judas impelled by avarice, had been first a thief and then, had made overtures to betray his Master. O fatal love of money, to harden the heart of man!
How careful must I be not to set my heart on any earthly possessions, since nothing has a more deadly power than this, to separate me from the love of Jesus!

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, The HEART

One Minute Reflection – 6 March – ‘By viewing himself as unworthy, he showed himself worthy …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 6 March – “The Month of Saint Joseph” – Ash Thursday – Isaias 38:1-6 – Matthew 8:5-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And the centurion, making answer, said:
Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof but only say the word and my servant shall be healed.” – Matthew 8:8.

REFLECTION – “When the Lord promised to go to the Centurion’s house to heal his servant, the Centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof but only say the word and my servant shall be healed.”  By viewing himself as unworthy, he showed himself worthy, for Christ to come, not merely into his house but also into his heart. He would not have said this with such great faith and humility, if he had not already, in his heart, welcomed the One Who came into his house. It would have been no great joy for the Lord Jesus to enter into his house and not to enter his heart. For the Master of humility, both by word and example, sat down also in the house of a certain proud Pharisee, Simon and, although he sat down in his house, there was no place in his heart. For in his heart the Son of Man could not lay his head.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 62).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord our God, that we may venerate with unceasing devotion Thy holy Martyrs Perpetua and Felicitas and, although we cannot pay them the honour that is their due, may we at least present to them, our humble homage. 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 DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The PASSION

Our Morning Offering – 26 March– Rescue Me, Most Merciful God

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 6 March – Ash Thursday

Rescue Me, Most Merciful God
By Father Martin von Cochem OSFC (c 1630-1712)

Most merciful God,
remember at how great a price
Thou didst purchase me
and how much Thou didst suffer for me.
For the sake of that inestimable price,
do not permit me to be lost,
rescue me,
number me amongst the sheep of Thy fold.
With them, I will then
praise and magnify Thy loving kindness,
to all eternity.
Amen

Fr Martin von Cochem was a German Capuchin theologian, preacher and prolific ascetic writer. Father Martin’s works embrace a great variety of subjects – a huge volume of apologetics against Protestantism, the life of Christ, lives of the Saints, edifying narratives, the setting forth of certain points in Christian asceticism, forms of prayer, methods to be followed for the worthy reception of the sacraments, etc. All with Imprimaturs.
The prayer above is from the renowned “The Four Last Things.”