Month: April 2025

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Hail MARY!, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, Prayers to the SORROWFUL MOTHER, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Our Morning Offering – 11 April – O Mother of Sorrows ,Stand by Me in My Last Agony

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 11 April – Feast of the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady of Sorrows

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

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

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 11 April – St Isaac of Spoleto (Died c550) Abbot and Confessor

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 11 April – St Isaac of Spoleto (Died c550) Abbot and Confessor, Hermit, Founded a Monastery,in Monteluco, graced with the charism of Prophecy and Miracles, many of his sermons have been preserved. Born in Syria on an unknown date and died in c550 in Spoleto, Italy of natural causes. Also known as – Isaac of Monteluco, Isaac the Syrian.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Spoleto, St Isaac, Monk and Confessor, whose virtues are recorded by Pope St Gregory.”

Photo by HEN-Magonza. on flickr. Detail of a Fresco in the St Isaac Crypt in Apoleto in the Church of St Ansano

St Isaac in the Dialogues of St Gregory the Great:

According to the Dialogues of St Pope Gregory I, St Isaac, a man of God, arrived in Spoleto from Syria “at the time that the Goths first invaded Italy” and lived there “almost to the last days of the Goths.” When he first arrived in Spoleto, “the keepers” of a Church allowed him to stay there overnight. However, on the third night, one of the keepers denounced him as a “hypocrite and one that desired to be reputed an holy man” and ejected him by force. The keeper was immediately possessed by “a wicked spirit” and had to implore Isaac to drive it out. As the news of the exorcism spread, “men and women, rich and poor, came running, everyone striving to bring him home to their own house.”

Many offered land and/or money for an Abbey but Isaac refused and left the City. “Not far off, he found a desert place, where he built a little cottage for himself.” He attracted many converts who “under his discipline and government, gave themselves to the service of Almighty God.”

Some of his new followers argued that “it was good for the necessity of the Abbey to take such livings as were offered” but St Isaac refused, saying: “A Monk whoseeketh for livings upon earth is no Monk!”

Detail of a Fresco (12th Century) of St Michael appearing to St Isaac and another Monk slso in the Crypt of St Isaac in Spoleto at the Church of San Ansano

Isaac became renowned for his gift of prophecy and for the miracles which he was granted by God:

One night, Isaac told his Monks to leave a certain number of spades in the garden and to “make pottage for our workmen.” Later, a number of thieves, one for each spade, entered the garden, as Isaac had expected. God inspired them to turn from their planned robbery and instead, to use the spades to till the ground. Isaac greeted them the next morning with the words: “God save you, good brethren, you have laboured long, wherefore now rest yourselves.” He gave them the pottage and then admonished: “Do not any more, hereafter, harm but when you desire anything in the garden, come to the gate, quietly ask it and take it with God’s blessing.”

On another occasion, some beggars approached him in tattered rags and begged for new clothes. He quietly sent one of his Monks into the surrounding woods to look for a hollow tree and to bring to him the clothes he found therein. The Monk did as he was told and duly found the clothes which Isaac gave to the beggars. They, of course, recognised them as their own and were filled with shame.

On a third occasion, a man sent his servant with two baskets of meat for Isaac and a request to be remembered in his prayers. The servant hid one basket in a bush and gave only one to Isaac. Isaac knew what had happened and warned the servant that a poisonous snake had slipped into the second basket. When he found this to be the case, he too was filled with shame.

St Gregory had two source of information for this account:

One was “the holy virgin Gregoria” who, when she was young, had sought Isaac’s assistance in order to avoid marriage and to become a Nun. She had later moved to the nunnery next to the Monastery of St Gregoryin Rome.

The other was “the reverent man Eleutherius” who, as Abbot of San Marco,, had been “familiarly acquainted with” Isaac. He had later moved to the Monastery of St Gregory in Rome, where he had become close to St Gregory. At the time Gregory was writing, St Eleutherius had recently died.

Isaac, famous for his sanctity, miracles and prophetic gifts, died around 550 and his Relics are preserved in Spoleto. 63 sermons are attributed to him, perhaps confused with those of St Isaac of Antioch.

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

Friday of Passion Week FAST & ABSTINENCE, Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows, Notre-Dame de Fourviere / Our Lady of Fourviere, France, St Leo I the Great! and the Saints for 11 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Friday of Passion Week FAST & ABSTINENCE

Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows
THE FEAST DAY OF THE SEVEN DOLORS IS TRADITIONALLY THE FRIDAY OF PASSION WEEK, WHICH IS THE FRIDAY BEFORE GOOD FRIDAY, OR ON 15 SEPTEMBER.
Our Sorrowful Mother:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/15/saint-of-the-day-15-september-our-sorrowful-mother-mary-the-seven-sorrows/
AND:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/15/memorial-of-our-lady-of-sorrows-15-september/
AND HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/15/memorial-of-our-lady-of-sorrows-15-september-2/

Notre-Dame de Fourviere / Our Lady of Fourviere, France – 11 April:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/11/low-sunday-2021-our-lady-of-fourviere-and-memorials-of-the-saints-11-april/

St Leo I the Great (c400-461) Confessor, Bishop of Rome, Great Western Father & Doctor of the Church. Elected in 440, he worked tirelessly as “Peter’s Successor,” guiding his fellow Bishops as “equals in the episcopacy and infirmities.” He is perhaps best known for having met Attila the Hun in 452 and persuaded him to turn back from his invasion of Italy. For the Church, he is greatly esteemed for his destruction of various heresies.
One of Only 2 Popes surnamed as ‘the Great’!:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/11/10/saint-of-the-day-10-november-st-pope-leo-i-doctor-of-the-church-c-400-461/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/11/saint-of-the-day-11-april-st-leo-i-the-great-c400-461-confessor-pope-father-and-doctor-of-the-church/

St Agericus of Tours
St Aid of Achard-Finglas

St Antipas of Pergamum (Died c92) Martyr, Bishop of Pergamon, Greece (in modern Turkey), spiritual student of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/11/saint-of-the-day-11-april-st-antipas-of-pergamum-died-c-92-spiritual-student-of-saint-john-the-apostle-and-evangelist/

St Barsanuphius the Hermit (Died c563) Hermit, Spiritual guide gifted with the charism of Prophecy, Miracle-worker and a great correspondent whose letters are still with us after 1500 years!
About St Barsanuphius:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/11/saint-of-the-day-11-april-saint-barsanuphius-the-hermit/

St Domnio of Salona
Bl Elena Guerra
St Eustorgius of Nicomedia
Bl George Gervase

St Godeberta (c640-c700) Abbess,Miracle-worker.
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/11/saint-of-the-day-11-april-saint-godeberta-c640-c700-abbess/

St Guthlac (674–715) Monk, Hermit, Ascetic. St Guthlac was from Lincolnshire in England. He is particularly venerated in the Fens of eastern England where many Churches are dedicated to him. His sister is venerated as Saint Pega, an anchoress. His body was incorrupt until its destruction in the 16th century by the dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII.
Holy St Guthlac:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/11/saint-of-the-day-11-april-st-guthlac-674-715/

St Hildebrand of Saint-Gilles
St Isaac of Spoleto (Died c550) Abbot and Confessor
Bl James of Africa
Bl John of Cupramontana
Bl Lanunio
St Machai
St Maedhog of Clonmore
Bl Mechthild of Lappion
Bl Paul of Africa
St Philip of Gortyna
St Raynerius Inclusus
St Sancha of Portugal
St Stephen of Saint-Gilles

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD is LOVE, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, The INCARNATION, The LAMB of GOD, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 10 April – The Passion of Our Lord

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Thought for the Day – 10 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Passion of Our Lord

“The Incarnation of Our Lord Jesus Christ, is one of the most profound Mysteries of our religion.
It is a Mystery of Infinite Goodness and Mercy, which, out of love for fallen humanity, the Eternal Word of God, should have assumed a human form and become Man, in order to show us the way to Heaven and to enable us, to reach it.
Jesus came amongst us, to instruct us, to call us, to perfection and to give us, an example and the necessary assistance.
But, He did much more than this.
He came also to bear the weight of our offences and to offer Himself, as a spotless Victim of Love and suffering in expiation of our sins.
All this, seems too great a Mystery, almost inconceivable, in fact, until we consider that, the charity of God is as Infinite as His nature.
This is why, the Saints experienced hours of ecstasy contemplating the Passion and Death of our Divine Redeemer.
Whenever St Gertrude looked upon the figure of Jesus nailed to the Cross, she could not restrain her tears.
She was accustomed to say, that God was specially merciful towards those who meditated on the Passion and Death of Jesus.
St Bernard writes, that even as the rocks were rent asunder at the Death of Our Redeemer, so, our sin-hardened hearts, should feel as if they were breaking, when we meditate on His Sufferings.
Let us meditate, therefore, on the Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
If we are sinners, as unfortunately, we all are, we shall be moved to weep for our sins.
If we are imperfect and lukewarm, we shall be set on fire with love and a determination, to requite, as far as possible, the Infinite charity of Jesus Christ.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, Holy Name PRAYERS, In the PRESENCE of GOD, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE, The HOLY NAME, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 10 April – ‘Forgiven … Because she has loved much …’ Luke 7:47

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Quote/s of the Day – 10 April – Thursday in Passion Week –Ferial Day – Daniel 3:25, 34-45 – Luke 7:36-50 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“She began to bathe His feet with her tears
and wiped them with the hair of her head
and kissed His feet
and anointed them with ointment.”

Luke 7:38

“Wherefore I say to you,
her sins, many as they are,
shall be forgiven her
because she has loved much.
But he, to whom little is forgiven,
loves little.”

Luke 7:47

“Remember not our former iniquities,
let Thy mercies speedily prevent us,
for we are become exceeding poor.
Help us, O God, our Saviour
and for the glory of Thy Name, O Lord,
deliver us and forgive us our sins,
for Thy Name’s Sake.”

Psalm 78:8-9

“A servant of the Lord
stands bodily before men
but mentally,
he is knocking at the gates of Heaven.
with prayer.”

St John Climacus (c 525-606)
Father of the Church

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

St John of God (1495-1550)

“ I shall spend every moment loving.
One who loves, does not notice her trials;
or perhaps, more accurately,
she is able to love them.
I shall do everything for Heaven, my true home.
There, I shall find my Mother,
in all the splendour of her glory.
I shall delight with her
in the joy of Jesus Himself,
in perfect safety.”

St Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879)

Posted in LENT- 2025, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT, The STATIONS of the CROSS

Lenten Meditations – 10 April – Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 10 April – 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 after the Fifth Sunday in Lent
Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

Read St. Luke xxiii:32-34

[32] And there were also two other malefactors led with Him, to be put to death. [33] And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, they Crucified Him there and the robbers, one on the right hand and the other on the left. [34] And Jesus said: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And they, cast lots, to dividing His garments. [Luke 23:32-34]

+I. Arriving at the summit of Calvary, our Divine Saviour is roughly stripped of His garments and exposed to the rude gaze of the scoffing multitude.
This shame He endured to atone for our most shameful deeds, for our desire for human respect, for our glorying in our shame, for our boasting and love of display before the eyes of men!
Yet, when we see the King of Glory thus exposed to shame, will not shame be far dearer to us than the empty honours which men bestow.

+2. The executioners then seize Jesus and lay Him upon the Cross.
Holes have been bored in the wood at the extremities of the
Cross-piece and in the lower part of the stem and Our Lord’s Sacred Limbs are almost dislocated by being stretched until the Hands and Feet reach the prepared pierced holes. Then ,the long, sharp nails are held by one of the soldiers, while another, with a hammer, drives
them in through Jesus’ Hands and Feet. The blows are struck, the Blood gushes forth, while the Divine Victim moans piteously under the intense pain.
O Jesus , grant me a heartfelt compassion for Thee in Thy sufferings.

+3. When Our Lord is nailed to the Cross, the soldiers raise it on high and let the base of it fall into a hole dug in the ground.
The shock renews afresh, Jesus’ extrene agony. No word is heard from His Mouth save those which He repeats again and again: “Father, forgive them!” Even then He was thinking of others, never of Himself. Was ever love like His?
Why do I not love Him more in return?

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on BLASPHEMY, QUOTES on DESPAIR, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on SIN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 April – ‘ … He spoke to her alone but, He was drawing all creation to His grace. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 10 April – “The Month of the Resurrection and the Blessed Sacrament” – Thursday in Passion Week –Ferial Day – Daniel 3:25, 34-45 – Luke 7:36-50 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” – Luke 7:50

REFLECTION – “A sinful woman has proclaimed to us that God’s Love has gone forth in search of sinners. For when He called her, Christ was inviting our whole race to His Love and, in her person, He was drawing all sinners to His forgiveness. He spoke to her alone but, He was drawing all creation to His grace. …

Who would not be struck by the Mercy of Christ, who accepted an invitation to a Pharisee’s house, in order to save a sinner! For the sake of the woman, who hungered for forgiveness, He, Himself felt hunger for the table of Simon the Pharisee and all the while, under the guise of a meal of bread, He had prepared for the sinner, a meal of repentance! …

In order that you may have the same experience, reflect within yourself that your sin is great but that it is blasphemy against God and an injury to yourself, to despair of His forgiveness because your sin seems to you to be too great. He has promised to forgive your sins, however many they are; will you tell Him you cannot believe this and dispute with Him, saying that your sin is too great and He cannot heal your sickness? Stop at that point and cry out with the prophet: “Lord, I have sinned against you” (Ps 50:6). At once He will reply, “As for Me, I have overlooked your fault, you shall not die.” Glory to Him from us all, through all ages! Amen, Amen.” ~ An Anonymous Christian Syrian Writer of the 6th Century [ACW} (From a collection of Sermons on the sinful woman, 1, 4.5.19.26.28).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that the dignity of human nature, weakened by excessive self-indulgence, may be restored by the earnest practice of healing self-denial. 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, franciscan OFM, GOD is LOVE, HOLY WEEK, LENT- 2025, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for SEASONS, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of PETITION, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS on the CROSS of CHRIST, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

Our Morning Offering – 10 April – O Holy Lord!

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Our Morning Offering – 10 April – Thursday in Passion Week

O Holy Lord!
By St Bonaventure (1217-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

O Holy Lord,
Father Almighty, Everlasting God,
for the sake of Thy bounty
and that of Thy Son,
Who for me,
endured suffering and death;
for the sake of the most excellent
holiness of His Mother
and the merits of all His Saints,
grant unto me, a sinner,
unworthy of Thy blessings,
that I may love Thee only,
may ever thirst for Thy love,
may have continually, in my heart,
the benefits of the Passion of Thy Beloved Son,
may acknowledge my own wretchedness
and, may desire to be trampled upon
and to be despised by all men.
Let nothing grieve me,
save my guilt!
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 10 April – St Paternus (Died 1058) Hermit, Monk

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Saint of the Day – 10 April – St Paternus (Died 1058) Hermit, Monk. Born in either Ireland or Scotland (the term “the Scot” was used to refer to both places at that time) and died by being burned to death when the Abdinghof Abbey, Westphalia, Germany caught fire in 1058. Also known as – Paternus the Scot, Padarn, Paternus Scotus, Paternus of Abdinghof, Paternus of Paderborn.

Patermus travelled to Westphalia in Germany and became one of the first Monks at the Monastery of Abdinghof in Paderborn which had been founded by Saint Meinwerk (Died 1036). Wishing for solitude, he moved to a cell adjoining the Abbey.

He predicted that the City would be razed by fire within 30 days, if the inhabitants did not turn from their sins but he was mocked as a prophet of doom.

On the Friday before Palm Sunday, in 1058, fires broke out simultaneously in seven parts of the City. The City and the Monastery were destroyed. The Monks escaped, with the exception of Paternus, who, refusing to break the vows of enclosure, remained in his cell and was consequently burned to death.

His death made a great impression on his contemporaries. The mat on which he died became an important Relic because it miraculously escaped the flames

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Nuestra Señora de la Naval / Our Lady of Naval, Manila (1646) and the Saints for 10 April

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Nuestra Señora de la Naval / Our Lady of Naval, Manila (1646) – 10 April:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/10/easter-saturday-nuestra-senora-de-la-naval-our-lady-of-naval-manila-1646-and-memorials-of-the-saints-10-april/

Blessed Antony Neyrot OP (1425-1460) Martyr, Priest of the Order of Preachers, Priest, an Apostate who reconverted, Penitent.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/04/10/saint-of-the-day-10-april-blessed-antony-neyrot-o-p-1425-1460-martyr/

Bl Antonio Vallesio
St Apollonius of Alexandria
Bl Archangelus Piacentini

St Bademus (Died 376) Confessor, Abbot and Martyr, Founder of a Monastery. Bademus died on 10 April 376 by being stabbed countless times and finally beheaded by a wavering and frightened executioner.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/10/saint-of-the-day-10-april-st-bademus-died-376-confessor-abbot-and-martyr/

St Beda
St Beocca of Chertsey
Bl Eberwin of Helfenstein
St Ethor of Chertsey
St Ezekiel the Prophet

St Fulbert of Chartres (c960-1029) Bishop, Writer, Poet, Reformer, Marian devotee, Preacher, Teacher, Advisor.
Brillian St Fulbert:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/04/10/saint-of-the-day-10-april-st-fulbert-of-chartres/

St Gajan
St Hedda of Peterborough

St Macarius of Ghent (Died 1012) Archbishop of Constantinople, Pilgrim and Hermit (without a cell), Apostle of the sick and the needy, Miracle-worker.
Holy St Micarius:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/10/saint-of-the-day-10-april-saint-macarius-of-ghent-died-1012-bishop/

St Malchus of Waterford
Bl Marco Mattia

Blessed Marcus Fantuzzi OFM (c 1405-1479) Priest and Friar of the Friars Minor, renowned Preacher, Superior, then Vicar General of the Observant Friars Minor. He was Beatified on 5 March 1868 by Pope Pius IX.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/10/saint-of-the-day-10-april-blessed-marcus-fantuzzi-ofm-c-1405-1479/

St Miguel de Sanctis O.SS.T (1591-1625) Priest of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives also known as the Trinitarian Order or the Trinitarians, Mystic, Penitent, Ecstatic, Apostle of prayer, mortification, of the poor and the sick, he had a special devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and would fall into ecstatic prayer during the Consecration at Holy Mass, so much so, that he became known as “El Extático”, “The Ecstatic.” Pope Pius IX Canonised Miguel on 8 June 1862.
Grace-filled St Miguel:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/10/saint-of-the-day-10-april-st-miguel-de-sanctis-o-ss-t-1591-1625/

St Palladius (Died c659) Bishop of Auxerre, previously the Abbot of Saint Germanus Monastery in Auxerre. He zealously served his people for more than 30 – some sources have proved an Episcopate of thirty six years – all of which working with untiring love for his flock, the Church in his Diocese and for the secular and political well-being of his See.
A Wonderful Shepherd:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/10/saint-of-the-day-10-april-saint-palladius-of-auxerre-died-c659-bishop/


St Paternus (Died 1058) Hermit, Monk

Martyrs of Carthage – 50 Saints: A group of 50 Christians who were imprisoned in a pen of snakes and scorpions and then Martyred, all during the persecutions of Decius. Only six of their names have come down to us – Africanus, Alessandro, Massimo, Pompeius, Terence and Teodoro. Beheaded in 250 at Carthage.

Martyrs of Georgia: Approximately 6,000 Christian Monks and lay people Martyred in Georgia in 1616 for their faith by a Muslim army led by Shah Abbas I of Persia.

Martyrs of Ostia: A group of criminals who were brought to the faith by Pope Saint Alexander I while he was in prison with them. Drowned by being taken off shore from Ostia, Italy, in a boat which was then scuttled, c 115.

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, GOD ALONE!, In the PRESENCE of GOD, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 9 April – The Presence of God

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Thought for the Day – 9 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Presence of God

“A man who lives always in the Presence of God. cannot sin.
When we find ourselves in the presence of a high-ranking worldly personality, do we dare to behave any other way but correctly and respectfuly?
How should we dare then to behave in any other fashion, in the Presence of the Infinite Majesty of God, our Creator and Redeemer, Who will one day also be our Judge?!
Could He not, in a single instant, snap the thread of our mortal life and call us before His judgement-seat, even while we are in the act of offending Him?!

Let us remember St Paul’s stern warning: “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb 10-:31).
Let us remain always in the Presence of God and we shall be at peace and strong in His grace.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/30/thought-for-the-day-30-march-the-presence-of-god/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/27/thought-for-the-day-27-march-the-presence-of-god/

Posted in OUR Cross, QUOTES on JOY, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, STATIONS of the CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT, The STATIONS of the CROSS

Lenten Meditations – 9 April – Simon of Cyrene

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Meditations – 9 April – 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 after the Fifth Sunday in Lent
Simon of Cyrene

Read St Mark xv:21

[21] And they forced one Simon a Cyrenian coming out of the country, who passed by, the father of Alexander and of Rufus, to take up His Cross. [Mark 15:21]

+1. Our Blessed Lord falls again and again, beneath the weight of the Cross until it becomes evident to the soldiers that He will never be able to drag it to the place of execution.
They accordingly lay hold of a heathen passing by, Simon the Cyrenian and him they compel to carry the Cross. How little Simon knew the happiness in store for him when those rough soldiers seized him and force him, to the ignominious task, of carrying the instrument of His punishment. for a public criminal!
How often we too fail to recognise God’s wonderful designs of mercy, in the sudden disagreeable and contradictory events and circumstances we encounter!

+2. Simon at first, bore the Cross angrily and reluctantly, chafing under the hardship inflicted upon him. But, as he carries it, somehow an unaccountable change embraced him.
It has the power to change his heart and, to make of him, a devoted follower of the Crucified, one of the pillars of the Apostolic Church.
Thus, many a cross which we reluctantly carry, proves to be really the means of our sanctification and salvation!

+3. Before Simon arrives at the summit of Calvary, the Cross had endeared itself to him.
He has recognised that, to carry it for Jesus, was no hardship but a privilege and a joy. In fact the greatest of his life!
So too, the Saints learn to love their cross, to embrace it, to seek it, to carry it with all joy, to be almost discontented if they are without it. This is the very height of peace and felicity; for those who find their joy in the cross, find cause for rejoicing and happiness, everywhere around them.

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, St Francis de Sales, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The SECOND COMING

Quote/s of the Day – 9 April – Christ, the Word, the Voice, the Message …

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Quote/s of the Day – 9 April – Wednesday in Passion Week – Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-19, 25; John 10:22-38 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“My sheep hear My Voice;
I know them and they follow Me.”

John 10:27

“And as for that in the good ground
they are those who, hearing the Word,
hold it fast in an honest and good heart
and bring forth fruit with patience.”

Luke 8:15

“… Blessed are they who hear
the Word of God and keep it.”

Luke 11:28

“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

“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 this is the Voice through which
the dead shall live.”

St Aphraates “the Sage” (Died c 345)
Abbot, Father of the Church

“What a happy day they spent!
What a blessed night!
Who can say what it was they heard
from the Lord’s mouth?
Let us, too, build a dwelling in our hearts,
construct a house
where Christ can come
to teach and converse with us.”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father & Doctor of the Church

“Always (read and) listen to it (the Scriptures)
with attention and reverence;
make good use of it;
do not let it fall to earth
but take it into your heart
like a precious balm.
Do all this after the example
of the most holy Virgin,
for she carefully kept in her heart
all the words spoken in praise of her Child.
Remember that our Lord gathers up
the words we speak to Him in prayer,
in measure with the way
we gather up those He speaks to us
by His preaching.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of the Church

(Introduction to the Devout Life
Part 2 Chapter 17)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, ONE Minute REFLECTION, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection –9 April – ‘You owe your whole life to Christ Jesus’…’ St Bernard

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One Minute Reflection –9 April – “The Month of the Resurrection and the Blessed Sacrament” – Wednesday in Passion Week – Ferial Day – Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-19, 25 – John 10:22-38 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Jews then took up stones to stone Him. Jesus answered them: Many good works I have shown you from my Father. For which of those works, do you stone Me?” – John 10:31-32

REFLECTION – “You owe your whole life to Christ Jesus, for He gave His Life for your life and endured bitter torments that you might not have to endure eternal torment … Is there anything which will not seem sweet to you, after you have gathered into your heart, all the bitter sufferings of your Lord? … As the heavens are higher than the earth (Is 55:9) so is His Life higher than our life and yet, it has been given for our life. As mere nothingness cannot be compared to any other thing, so our life cannot be measured against His…

When I have dedicated to Him, all that I am, all of which I am capable, it will still be like a star compared to the sun, a drop of water to a river, a single stone to a tower, a grain of sand to a mountain. I have nothing but two small things, very small indeed – my body and my soul or, rather, only one, small thing – my will. And am I not going to give it to Him, Who has gone before; so small a being as I, with such blessings, to Him Who, in giving Himself wholly, has wholly redeemed me? Otherwise, were I to keep my will for myself, with what face, what eyes, what spirit or conscience, would I take my refuge in the merciful heart of our God? How could I dare to pierce that strong rampart guarding Israel and cause, not just a few drops but torrents of the Blood to flow which flows from the five parts of His Body, as the price of my Redemption?” – St Bernard (1091-1153) Cistercian Abbot, Father & Doctor of the Church (Selected Sermons).

PRAYER – In Thy mercy, O Lord, may this hallowing fast enlighten the hearts of Thy faithful people and since Thou have given them the desire to serve Thee, lend a gracious ear to their prayers.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 GOD ALONE!, Holy Name PRAYERS, In the PRESENCE of GOD, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS to THE HOLY GHOST, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HOLY GHOST, The HOLY NAME, The IMITATION of CHRIST, Thomas a Kempis

Our Morning Offering – 9 April – The Love of Thy Name

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Our Morning Offering – 9 April – Wednesday in Passion Week

The Love of Thy Name
By Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)
The Imitation of Christ
(Book 3 Ch 26:1-4)

My God, Sweetness beyond words,
make bitter all the carnal comfort
which draws me from love of the eternal
and lures me to its evil self,
by the sight of some delightful good
in the present.
Let it not overcome me, my God.
Let not flesh and blood conquer me.
Let not the world and its brief glory
deceive me, nor the devil trip me by his craftiness.
Give me courage to resist,
patience to endure
and constancy to persevere.
Give me the soothing unction of Thy spirit,
rather than all the consolations of the world
and in place of carnal love,
infuse into me,
the love of Thy Name.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 9 April – Saint Acacius (Died c425) Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 9 April – Saint Acacius (Died c425) Bishop of Amida, Mesopotamia, then Persia (modern-day Turkey), Confessor. He administered his Diocese from c400-c425 during the reign of the Eastern Roman Emperor , Theodosius II. . He has no extant writings but his life is documented by Socrates Scholasticus, in the 21st chapter of the 7th book of his “Church History.” There, Acacius is described as freeing thousands of slaves. Also known as – Acacio, Acathius.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Amida, in Mesopotamia, St Acacius, Bishop, who melted any sold even the Sacred Vessels, in order to ransom captives.”

Our Saint Acacius, the Bishop of Amida, a man of faith and action, his tale is intertwined with the political and religious events of 5th Century Persia.

As the Ambassador of Theodosius II to the Sassanid King Iezdgerd I, Acacius found himself mediating between the two powers in a period of growing tension. His fame is linked to the episode of the seven thousand Persian prisoners deported by the Romans. Acacius, moved by their suffering, sold the Sacred Vessels of his Diocese in order to raise the funds needed to ransom these sorrowful prisonsers. When the ransomed captives returned home to Persia, they told their Ruler of the great deeds performed by Acacius. Most of these converted to Christianity of their own accord. An act of Christian charity which earned him the esteem of King Baharam V and the admiration of posterity.

The following is the full account in Socrates Scholastic, “Church History” Book 7, Chapter 21 which records everything known from about St Acacius:

“A noble action of Acacius, the Bishop of Amida, at that time greatly enhanced his reputation among all men.

As the Roman soldiery, would on no consideration, restore the captives whom they had taken, , to the Persian King, these captives, about seven thousand in number, were being destroyed by famine in devastating Azazene. This greatly distressed the King of the Persians.

Then Acacius thought such a matter was by no means to be trifled with; having, therefore, assembled his Clergy, he thus addressed them:
‘Our God, my brethren, needs neither dishes nor cups;
for He neither eats nor drinks, nor is in want of anything. Since then, by the liberality of its faithful members,
the Church possesses many Vessels,
both of gold and silver, it behooves us to sell them,
that by the money thus raised, we may be able to redeem the prisoners and also supply them with food.‘
Having said these things and many others similar to these,
he ordered the Vessels to be melted and from the proceeds, paid the soldiers a ransom for their captives, whom he supported for some time and then, furnishing them with what was needful for their journey, sent them back to their sovereign.

This benevolence on the part of the excellent Acacius, astonished the King of the Persians, as if the Romans were accustomed to conquer their enemies as well by their beneficence in peace, as their prowess in war.

They say also that the Persian King wished that Acacius should come into his presence that he might have the pleasure of beholding such a man; a wish which, by the Emperor Theodosius’ order was soon gratified.

So important a victory having through Divine favour been achieved by the Romans, many who were illustrious for their eloquence, wrote panegyrics in honour of the Emperor and recited them in public. The Empress herself also composed a poem in heroic verse, for she had excellent literary taste; being the daughter of Leontius the Athenian sophist, she had been instructed in every kind of learning by her father. Atticus the Bishop had baptised her a little while previous to her marriage to the Emperor,and had then given her the Christian name of Eudocia, instead of her pagan one of Athenaïs.

Many, as I have said, produced eulogiums on this occasion. Some indeed, were stimulated by the desire of being noticed by the Emperor, while others were anxious to display their talents to the masses, being unwilling that the attainments they had made by dint of great exertion should lie buried in obscurity.”

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Wednesday in Passion Week – FAST, Notre-Dames de Myans / Our Lady of Myans, France (1249) and the Saints for 9 April

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Wednesday in Passion Week – Ferial Day – FAST

Notre-Dames de Myans / Our Lady of Myans, Savoy, France (1249) – 9 April:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/09/easter-friday-our-lady-of-myans-savoy-france-1249-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

St Acacius (Died c425) Bishop of Amida, Confessor
St Aedesius of Alexandria

Blessed Antony of Pavoni OP (1326-1374) Priest and Martyr, Inquisitor-General in Lombardy, Prior. Beatified on 4 December 1856 by Pope Pius IX. Patronage – of lost articles.
His Life nd Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/04/09/saint-of-the-day-9-april-blessed-antony-of-pavoni/

St Brogan
St Casilda of Toledo
St Concessus the Martyr
St Demetrius the Martyr
St Dotto
St Eupsychius of Cappadocia
St Gaucherius
St Hedda the Abbot
St Heliodorus of Mesopotamia
St Hilary the Martyr

St Hugh of Rouen OSB (Died 730) Bishop of Rouen, Paris and Bayeux, Monk, Abbot of Jumièges and Fontenelle Abbey, while, simultaneously governing his Diocese.
His Zealous Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/09/saint-of-the-day-9-april-saint-hugh-of-rouen-osb-died-730/

Bl James of Padua
Blessed John of Vespignano

St Liborius (early 4th century – 397) Bishop ,of Le Mans Confessor, Reformer, Evangeliser and Shepherd of souls, Builder of Churches and Monasteries.
St Liborius’ story:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/04/09/saint-of-the-day-9-april-st-liborius-of-le-mans-early-4th-century-397/

St Madrun (Died early 6th Century) Widow, Mother, Queen of Gwent in Wales, Missionary with her son St Ceidio to Cornwall after the death of her husband.
Holy St Madrun:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/09/saint-of-the-day-9-april-saint-madrun-of-wales-died-early-6th-century-widow/

St Marcellus (Died c474) Bishop of Die
St Mary Cleophas (1st Century) Cousin of the Mother of God


St Maximus of Alexandria
Bl Pierre Camino
St Prochorus

Blessed Thomas of Tolentino OFM (c 1255–1321) Martyr, Friar of the Friars Minor, Missionary.
Blessed Thomas’ Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/09/saint-of-the-day-9-april-blessed-thomas-of-tolentino-ofm-c-1255-1321-martyr/

Blessed Ubaldo Adimari OSM (c 1245-1315) Priest and Servite Friar, Soldier, Politician, Penitent, miracle-worker, spiritul student and later assistant of St Philip Bennezi (1233-1285) (one of the Seven Holy Founders of the Order of the Servants of Mary – the Servites). He was Beatified on 3 April 1821 by Pope Pius VII.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/09/saint-of-the-day-9-april-blessed-ubaldo-adimari-osm-c-1245-1315/

St Waltrude of Mons (c612-686) Widow, Married Mother, later a Nun.
By the life of St Waltrude, we should learn to despise the unjust censures of the world. It persecutes, by its calumnies, those by whose lives, its false maxims are condemned. But, it can only hurt a counterfeit virtue, as the fire consumes only the dross but renders true gold brighter and more pure. Solid virtue is not only tried by humiliations but, gains the greatest advantage and improvement, by making a good use of them.
Her Courageous Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/09/saint-of-the-day-9-april-saint-waltrude-of-mons-c612-686-widow/

Martyrs of Croyland – 9 Saints: A group of Benedictine Monks Martyred by pagan Danes – Agamund, Askega, Egdred, Elfgete, Grimkeld, Sabinus, Swethin, Theodore and Ulric. Croyland Abbey, England.

Martyrs of Masyla: Massylitan Martyrs Group of Christians Martyred in Masyla in northwest Africa.

Martyrs of Pannonia: Seven Virgin-Martyrs in Sirmium, Pannonia (modern Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia).

Martyrs of Thorney Abbey – 3+ Saints: A group of Hermits, hermitesses and monks who lived in or around Thorney Abbey who were Martyred together during raids by pagan Danes. We know little more than the names of three – Tancred, Torthred and Tova. 869 by raiders at Thorney Abbey, Cambridgeshire, England.

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on TEMPTATION

Thought for the Day – 8 April – The Consolation of Prayer

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Thought for the Day – 8 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Consolation of Prayer

“We can gain strength and comfort from prayer, especially when we are tempted and in danger of yielding to sin.
God may not answer us immediately because He may wish to try our faith and love.
But, if we persist and tell Jesus that we would die rather than offend Him, He will take pity on us.
He will stretch out His Hand as He did in the storm tossed boat with the Apostles and over us too, will come “a great calm” (Mt 8:26, Mk 4:39, Lk 8:24).
Any sacrifice on our part is amply repaid by the peace which follows victory over temptation.

Let us not be afraid!
Let us pray and God will console us.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/17/thought-for-the-day-17-march-the-consolation-of-prayer/

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LUST, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 8 April – “The world … hates Me … John 7:7

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Quote/s of the Day – 8 April – Tuesday in Passion Week – Ferial Day – Daniel 14:27-42 – John 7:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The world … hates Me
because I bear witness concerning it,
that its works are evil.”

John 7:7

“… THE WORLD HATES Christians,
so why give your love to it,
instead of following Christ,
Who loves you and has redeemed you?
A man cannot love the Father
and love the world at the same time.
All that the world offers is the lust of the flesh,
the lust of the eyes and earthly ambition.
The world and its allurements will pass away
but the man who has done the will of God
shall live forever.
Our part, my dear brothers,
is to be single-minded, firm in faith
and steadfast in courage, ready for God’s will, whatever it may be. Banish the fear of death
and think of the eternal life which follows it.
That will show people that we really live our faith.”

St Cyprian of Carthage (200-258)
Bishop of Carthage, Martyr
Father of the Church

(An excerpt from On Man’s Mortality).

“Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in Heaven.”
Matthew 5:12

“ Rejoice, ardent travellers,
at undergoing exile and maltreatment
in a foreign land in the name
of the commandment of God!
Rejoice, you who are last in this world
but lords of blessings
which exceed our understanding (cf Phil 4:7).
Yet a little while and we shall have vanquished.
And blessed shall we be;
blessed also, it shall be said,
are the places, family and countries
which have borne you (cf Lk 11:27-28).”

St Theodore the Studite (759-826)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, LENT- 2025, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MARIAN TITLES, STATIONS of the CROSS, The LAMB of GOD, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT, The STATIONS of the CROSS

Lenten Meditations – 8 April – Jesus Meets His Holy Mother

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Lenten Meditations – 8 April – 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 after the Fifth Sunday in Len
Jesus Meets His Holy Mother

Read St Matthew xvi:24-28

[24] Then Jesus said to His disciples: If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. [25] For he who will save his life, shall lose it and he. who shall lose his life. for My Sake, shall find it.
[26] For what doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his own soul? Or what exchange shall a man give for his soul? [27] For the Son of man, shall come in the glory of His Father with His Angels and then, will He render to every man according to his works. [28] Amen I say to you, there are some of them who stand here, who shall not taste death, till they see the Son of man coming in His Kingdom. [Matthew 16:24-28]

+1. Our blessed Lady, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, goes forth to meet her Son as He drags Himself up the hill of Calvary.
With what horror and dismay must she have been stricken at the sight of her darling Son and her God, His Divine Beauty obliterated, mangled and torn, covered with blood and filth, unsightly and terrible to behold!
Heartbroken, anguish fills her soul and we may well believe, she would have died of sorrow had she not been miraculously supported by the power of God.
O Mother of God! obtain for me a share in Thy grief and Thy intercession!

+2. What a fresh stab of sorrow to the gentle Heart of Jesus to see His holy Mother, pale and haggard, come to share in His Sacred Passion by her compassion!
None so full of sympathy as He, none so full of acute feeling for the woes of other. If He sorrowfully sympathised with the women on the way, how much more His own Mother, whom He loved far better than all the world beside!
O Mary, obtain for me, a sinner, the Sacred Compassion of Jesus!

+3. Our Lady shared in the Passion of Christ in a way in which no-one else could, none even of the Saints, simply because she too was sinless. She did not need to suffer for herself. She had no sin to expiate. This it is which justifies us in giving her the title of co-Redemptrix. She too, who knew no sin, was made sin for us!
This earned for her ,the privilege of sharing in all the agony of the sinless Lamb of God.

Posted in CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 April – “The Jews sought to kill Him.” – John 7:1

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One Minute Reflection – 8 April – “The Month of the Resurrection and the Blessed Sacrament” – Tuesday in Passion Week – Ferial Day – Daniel 14:27-42 – John 7:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Jews sought to kill Him.” – John 7:1

REFLECTION – “I am the true vine,” Jesus says (Jn 15:1)… People dig trenches around this vine; that is to say, cunningly dig traps. When they plot to make someone fall into a snare. it is as if they dug a pit in front of Him. That is why He mourns about it, saying: “They have dug a pit before Me” (Ps 56:7)…

However, they discovered that these traps caused no harm to the vine. To the contrary, in digging these pits, they themselves fell into them (Ps 56:7)… Then they kept on digging – not just His Hands and His Feet (Ps 21:17) but they pierced His Side with a lance (Jn 19:34) and uncovered the interior of that Sacred Heart, which had already been wounded by the spear of love. The Bridegroom says in the song of His love that: “You have wounded my heart, my sister, my spouse” (Sg 4:9 Vg.). O Lord Jesus, Thine Heart has been wounded with love by Thy spouse, Thy friend, Thy sister. Why, then, was it necessary for Thy enemies to wound Thee again?  O you enemies, what are You doing?… Do You not know that this Heart of our Lord Jesus, already pierced, is already dead, already open and cannot be touched by any other suffering? The Heart of the Bridegroom, our Lord Jesus, has already received the wound of love, the death of love. What other death could touch Him?… The martyrs also laugh when they are threatened, rejoice when they are struck, triumph, when they are killed. Why? Because they have already died through love in their hearts, “dead to sin” (Rm 6:2) and to the world!

Thus Jesus’ Heart has been wounded and put to death for our sake… Physical death triumphed for a moment but only to be conquered forever. It was blotted out when Christ rose from the dead because “death has no power over Him anymore” (Rm 6:9). – St Bonaventure (1221-1274) Doctor of the Church (The Mystical Vine, ch. 3, § 5-10).

PRAYER – O Lord, we beseech Thee, make holy our fasting and graciously lavish forgiveness upon us, for all our sins. 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 Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for SEASONS, PRAYERS of PETITION, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS on the CROSS of CHRIST, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The HEART, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION, The SEVEN PASSION Feasts

Our Morning Offering – 8 April – O Most Merciful Lord, Engrave Thy Wounds Upon My Heart by St Gertrude

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Our Morning Offering – 8 April – Tuesday in Passion Week

O Most Merciful Lord,
Engrave Thy Wounds Upon My Heart
By St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God,
grant that I may aspire to Thee
with my whole heart, with yearning desire
and with a thirsting soul,
seeking only Thy sweetness and Thy delights,
so that my whole mind
and all that is within me,
may ardently sigh for Thee,
Who art our true Beatitude.
O most merciful Lord,
engrave Thy Wounds upon my heart
with Thy most Precious Blood
that I may read in them,
both Thy Grief and Thy Love.
May the memory of Thy Wounds
ever remain in my inmost heart,
to excite my compassion for Thy sufferings
and to increase my love for Thee.
Grant too that I may despise all creatures
so that my heart may delight in Thee alone.
Amen.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 8 April – St Perpetius (Died c490) Bishop of Tours.

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Saint of the Day – 8 April – St Perpetius (Died c490) Bishop of Tours. He was the 6th Bishop of Tours, serving from c460 to c490, Apostle of the needy and poor in his Diocese, Miracle-worker, Founder of many Monasteries and Churches. Born Also known as – Perpet, Perpetus, Perpetue, Perpetuus.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Tours, the holy Bishop, Perpetius, a man of wonderful sanctity.”

Born of a senatorial family of the Auvergne, Perpetius became the Bishop of Tours around 460. He succeeded his relative, possibly an uncle, Eustochius and was succeeded by another close relative, Volusian.

He was a student of sacred literature and a friend of the poet Sidonius Apollinaris.

He dedicated his considerable wealth to the relief of those in need. He guided the Church of Tours for thirty years, developing and consolidating Christianity in the region.

In 461, Perpetius presided at a Council in which eight Bishops, who were united and participated, in Tours on the Feast of St Martin and at this assembly, an important Decree was promulgated relative to Ecclesiastical discipline. He maintained a careful surveillance over the conduct of the Clergy of his own Diocese and mention is made, of Priests who were removed from their office because they had proved unworthy. In 465, he presided over the Council of Vannes, which condemned the use of the Sortes Sanctorum (a pagan means of decision making be means of dice).

Perpetius actively promoted the Cult of Saint Martin of Tours. In 470 he replaced the little Chapel of sts Peter and Paul, with a beautiful Basilica, to protect the Tomb of Saint Martin. This Basilica Perpetius constructed to receive a portion of the roof of the old Chapel, as it was of elegant workmanship. St Euphronius of Autun sent marble for the cover of St Martin’s Tomb. Perpetius commissioned murals for the walls and inscriptions which eilluminated them. Sidonius contributed a poem for the apse. Built 550 paces from the City, St Martin’s body was translated with great ceremony in July 473. Perpetius effectively popularised the Cult by making it more accessible, both to the educated classes “… and to ordinary people who could visit the Church, view its murals, participate in the festivals and listen to readings about the Saint.”

St Gregory of Tours states that Perpetius decreed that all of the members of his Diocese should fast on Wednesdays and Fridays, except for a few Church Feasts. He set aside several Mondays as fasts as well, especially from the Feast of St.Martin until the Nativity, a precursor of Advent. These fasts were still being observed in the 7th Century.

At his death, Perpetius bequethed his vineyards, gold and houses to benefit the poor. He was buried in the Church of St Martin which he had built.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Tuesday in Passion Week – FAST, Madonna di Valverde di Rezzato / Our Lady of the Green Valley of Valverde, Sicily (1040) and the Saints for 8 April

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Tuesday in Passion Week – Ferial Day – FAST

Madonna di Valverde di Rezzato / Our Lady of the Green Valley of Valverde, Sicily (1040) – 8 April and 1 October:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/08/easter-thursday-our-lady-of-valverde-our-lady-of-the-green-valley-sicily-1040-and-memorials-of-the-saints-8-april/

St Agabus the Prophet

St Amantius (Died c448) The Third Bishop of Como, Italy and Confessor. The figure of Amantius, the 3rd Bishop of Como, is illuminated against the background of the 5th Century, a period of profound changes for the Roman Empire and the Church. Born in Canterbury in England, he intertwined his history with that of the City of Como, leaving an indelible mark in its collective memory.
St Amantius Life of Grace:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/08/saint-of-the-day-8-april-saint-amantius-of-como-died-c448-bishop/

St Asynkritos of Marathon
St Beata of Ribnitz

Blessed Clement of Osimo OSA (1235-1291) Priest of the Order of Hemits of St Augustine, Reformer, miracle-worker. He was Beatified in 1761 by Pope Clement XIII .
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/08/saint-of-the-day-blessed-clement-of-osimo-osa-1235-1291/

St Concessa

St Dionysius of Alexandria “The Great” (c190-265) Archbishop of Alexandria, Confessor, outstanding Administrator, Writer, Theologian.
This Great Father:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/08/saint-of-the-day-8-april-saint-dionysius-of-alexandria-the-great-c-190-265/

St Dionysius of Corinth (Died in the 2nd Century) Bishop of Corinth in Greece, Confessor. Some of his words are preserved from his 7th letter and are contained in the post link below.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Corinth, the Bishop, St Denis, who instructed not only the people of his own City and Province by the learning and unction with which he preached the word of God but, also the Bishops of other Cities and Provinces, by the letters which he wrote to them. His veneration for the Roman Pontiff was such that he used to read their epistles publicly in the Church on Sundays. He lived in the time of Marcus Antoninus Verus and Lucius Aurelius Commodus.”
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/08/saint-of-the-day-8-april-saint-dionysius-of-corinth-died-in-the-2nd-century-bishop-confessor/


St Herodion of Patras

Blessed Julian of Saint Augustine (OFM c 1550-1606) Lay Brother of the Friars Minor, Hermit, Ascetic. He was Beatified in 1825 by Pope Leo XII .
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/08/saint-of-the-day-8-april-blessed-julian-of-saint-augustine-ofm-c-1550-1606-l/

Bl Libania of Busan
St Martin of Pegli
St Perpetius (Died c490) Bishop of Tours


St Phlegon of Hyrcania
St Redemptus of Ferentino (Died 586) Bishop

Martyrs of Africa – 3 Saints: A group of African Martyrs whose name appears on ancient lists but about whom nothing is known but their names – Januarius, Macaria and Maxima.

Martyrs of Antioch – 4 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith. We know little more than their names – Diogene, Macario, Massimo and Timothy. They died in Antioch, Syria.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on FASTING, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MEDIOCRITY, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 7 April – The Passion of Our Lord

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Thought for the Day – 7 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Passion of Our Lord

“Meditation on the Passion of Jesus” writes St Albert the Great, “is more profitable than fasting on bread and water or than scourging ourselves.”

This is because, when we meditate with love and gratitude on the Passion of our Redeemer, we have the experience of being transformed and set aglow with charity.
We realise the truth of St Paul’s words, “The sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come, that will be revealed in us” (Rom 8:18)).

Let us cast ourselves, therefore, into the merciful arms of God and be prepared to suffer everything, even death, for the love of Jesus.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/01/thought-for-the-day-1-april-the-passion-of-our-lord/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/27/thought-for-the-day-27-march-the-passion-of-our-lord/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, OUR Cross, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, STATIONS of the CROSS, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The HOLY CROSS, The SIGN of the CROSS, The STATIONS of the CROSS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 7 April – ‘ … By the Cross, we put on Christ …;

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 7 April – Monday in Passion Week

“By the Cross, death was slain
and Adam was restored to life.
The Cross is the glory of all the Apostles,
the Crown of the Martyrs,
the Sanctification of the Saints.
By the Cross, we put on Christ
and cast aside our former self.
By the Cross we, the sheep of Christ,
have been gathered into one flock,
destined for the Sheepfold of Heaven.”

St Theodore the Studite (759-826)
Abbot, Confessor, Father of the Church

“He who findeth his life, shall lose it
and he, who shall lose his life for Me,
shall find it. ”
Matthew 10:39

“My dear child, accept this cross from God and bear it –
it will turn into a truly lovable cross,
if you would hand these trials over to God,
accept them from Him with true abandonment
and thank God for them:
“My soul magnifies the Lord”
in everything (cf Lk 1:46).
Whether God takes or gives, the Son of Man
must be raised up on the Cross …
Dear child, leave all that behind;
rather, give your attention to true abandonment …
and think about accepting to bear
the cross of temptation, rather than going
in search of spiritual sweetness …
Our Lord has said: “If anyone wishes to come after Me,
let him take up his cross and follow Me” (Lk 9:23).”

Fr JohannesTauler OP (c1300-1361)
Dominican Priest and Friar,
renowned Preacher and Theologian

Posted in LENT- 2025, STATIONS of the CROSS, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Lenten Meditations – 7 April – Via Dolorosa

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Lenten Meditations – 7 April – 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 after the Fifth Sunday in Lent
Via Dolorosa

Read St Luke xxiii:27-31

[27] And there followed Him, a great multitude of people and of women, who bewailed and lamented for Him. [28] But Jesus, turning to them, said: Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not over me but weep for yourselves,and for your children. [29] For behold, the days shall come, wherein they will say: Blessed are the barren and the wombs which have not borne and the breats which have not given suck. [30] Then shall they begin to say to the mountains: Fall upon us and to the hills: Cover us.
[31] For if, in the green wood, they do these things, what shall be done in the dry? [Luke 23:27-31]

+I. Torn and bleeding, scarcely able to sustain the heavy burden of the Cross, with His long garment entangling His feet, dragged on by the brutal soldiers, Jesus treads the Sacred Way of the Cross.
After going a few steps, He stumbles and falls; rising with difficulty, He staggers on a short distance farther and falls again.
O my Lord and my God, I beseech Thee by these Thy most painful falls, grant that I may never again fall into deliberate sin.

+2. On the way, some women express their grief and compassion for Jesus.
His appearance is so pitiable, they cannot restrain their tears. Jesus turns to them, tells them to weep, not for Him but for themselves and for their children.
If sin has wrought such a work of destruction in the Son of God, in Whom evil had nothing to lay hold of, in Whom the green wood could be blackened externally but_not consumed by the flame, what would be its effects on sinners, in whom the fire of sin rages, as in the dry tinder. How ought I to fear the least spark of sin which may kindle the fire of passion in me and destroy me utterly!

+3. One of those holy women, named Veronica, wipes from His face the Blood and sweat, with a handkerchief. On looking at the cloth she sees the impression of His Sacred Ccountenance stamped upon it.
So upon the hearts of all,who do acts of kindness for Christ’s Sake, there is imprinted His Likeness.
Each ,deed of charity tends to produce in our soul, that
Likeness to Him in Whom all holiness consists.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, CONFESSION/PENANCE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, Quotes on SALVATION, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN

One Minute Reflection – 7 April – ‘ … It is yours if you want it, if your choice is set upon God. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 7 April – “The Month of the Resurrection and the Blessed Sacrament” – Monday in Passion Week – Ferial Day – Jonas 3:1-10 – John 7:32-39 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And God saw, by their actions, how they turned from their evil ways and the Lord, our God, had mercy upon His people.” – Jonas 3:10

REFLECTION – “Let us therefore repent, and pass from ignorance to true knowledge, from foolishness to wisdom, from unrighteousness to righteousness, from godlessness to God. The enjoyment of many other good things comes from this, to which God Himself alludes, speaking by Isaiah: “There is an inheritance for those who serve the Lord” (54:17). Not gold and silver, nor that which moth destroys and thieves steal (Mt 6:19) but the inestimable treasure of salvation … This is the inheritance with which God’s eternal covenant invests us, assuring us of His gifts and thus, our tenderly loving Father ceases not to exhort, to train, to love and to save us. “Become righteous” says the Lord. “All you who are thirsty, come to the water and you who have no money, come buy without money and drink” (Is 55:1). He invites us to the purifying bath, to salvation, to illumination … The Saints of the Lord shall inherit the glory of God and His power, a glory which “eye has not seen, nor ear heard, and which has not entered the human heart” (1Cor 2,9)…

You have this Divine Promise of grace; you have heard, on the other hand, of the threats of punishment – by these two ways the Lord saves … Why do we delay? Why do we not receive the free gift? Why do we not choose the better part? … “Behold,” He says, “I have set before you death and life” (Dt 30:15). The Lord tries to make you choose life. He counsels you like a father …

To whom shall the Lord say, “Yours is the Kingdom of Heaven”? (Mt 5:3) It is yours if you want it, if your choice is set upon God. It is yours, if you will only believe and follow the essence of the message, just as the Ninevites obeyed the message of the Prophet and obtained a gracious salvation thanks to their sincere repentance, instead of the destruction which threatened them!” – St Clement of Alexandria (c150-c215) Father, Theologian and Philosopher, Professor who taught at the Catechetical School of Alexandria. Among his pupils were Origen and Alexander of Jerusalem. (Against the Heathen Ch 10 ).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who have celebrated the Paschal Feast, may, by Thy bounty, retain its fruits in our daily habits and behaviour. 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 "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, OUR Cross, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS

Our Morning Offering – 7 April – A Prayer to Seek the Consolation of the Cross

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Our Morning Offering – 7 April – Monday in Passion Week

This is My Joy, To Follow My Saviour
A Prayer to Seek the Consolation of the Cross
By St Alphonsus Rodriguez SJ (1532-1617)

Jesus, love of my soul,
centre of my heart!
Why am I not more eager to endure pains
and tribulations for love of Thee,
when Thou, my God,
have suffered so many for me?
Come, then, every sort of trial in the world,
for this is my delight,
to suffer for Jesus.
This is my joy,
to follow my Saviour
and to find my consolation
with my Consoler on the Cross.
This is my happiness,
this my pleasure –
to live with Jesus,
to walk with Jesus,
to converse with Jesus,
to suffer with and for Him,
this is my treasure!
Amen

Posted in DYING / LAST WORDS, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on DEATH, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 7 April – Blessed Ralph Ashley (Died 1607) SJ Lay Brother, Martyr.

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Saint of the Day – 7 April – Blessed Ralph Ashley (Died 1607) SJ Lay Brother, Martyr. Unknown birth date or place but in England and died on 7 April 1607 by being hung, drawn and quartered in Worcester, Worcestershire, England. He was Beatified on 15 December 1929by Pope Pius XI. Also known as – Ralph Sherington, George Chambers.

Ralph Ashley is first recorded working as a cook at the College in Douai in France. On 28 April 1590, he left for the English College, Valladolid, in Spain and became a Jesuit Lay-brother.

In 1598, Ralph returned to England to serve Blessed Father Edward Oldcorne SJ. Eight years later in the aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot, he and Fr Oldcorne were arrested at Hindlip Hall near Worcester and committed to the Tower of London.

Ralph patiently and constantly endured all the tortures inflicted on him without revealing any person or place of his master’s acquaintances. They were both remanded and tried for treasonin Worcester, condemned and executed on 7 April 1606 at Red Hill, Worcester.

When Ashley came to die he prayed and asked for forgiveness and noted that like Oldcorne, he was dying for his religion and not for being a traitor.

Prior to his execution, his last words were:
“What a happy man am I, to follow the steps of my Father unto death.”
Ralph Ashley was Beatified in 1929 with Fr Oldcorne..