Month: May 2025

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GUARDIAN ANGELS - Prayers etc, HYMNS, JESUIT SJ, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MARIAN QUOTES, PRAYERS of PETITION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FREEDOM, QUOTES on HERESY, QUOTES on LOVE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on TRUTH, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, SACRED HEART QUOTES, The HOLY NAME of MARY

Quote/s of the Day – 13 May – St Robert Bellarmine

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 13 May – St Robert Bellarmine SJ (1542-1621) Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church

“It is granted to few,
to recognise the true Church,
amidst the darkness,
of so many schisms and heresies
and, to fewer still,
so to love the Truth
which they have seen,
as to fly to it’s embrace!”

“A Pope who is a manifest heretic
automatically (per se),
ceases to be Pope and Head,
just as he ceases, automatically,
to be a Catholic and a Member of the Church.
Wherefore, he can be judged
and punished by the Church.
This is too, the teaching of all the ancient Fathers.”

“Charity is that, with which no man is lost
and without which, no man is saved.”

“Freedom of belief is pernicious,
it is nothing but the freedom
to be mistaken.”

“It seems unbelievable
that a man should perish
in whose favour Christ said to His Mother:
‘Behold thy son’,
provided that he has not turned a deaf ear
to the words, which Christ addressed to him:
‘Behold thy Mother!’”

“When we appeal to the throne of grace,
we do so through Mary,
honouring God by honouring His Mother,
imitating Him, by exalting her,
touching the most responsive chord
in the Sacred Heart of Christ,
with the sweet name of Mary!”

Custodes Hominum Psallimus Angelos
Praise We the Guardian Angels of Men
By St Robert Bellarmine SJ (1542-1621)
Archbishop of Capua, Theologian
Doctor of the Church

Angel-guardians of men,
spirits and powers we sing,
Whom our Father hath sent,
aids to our weakly frame,
Heavenly friends and guides,
help from on high to bring,
Lest we fail through the foeman’s wile.

He, the spoiler of souls,
Angel-traitor of old,
Cast in merited wrath
out of his honoured place,
Burns with envy and hate,
seeking their souls to gain
Whom God’s mercy invites to Heaven.

Therefore, come to our help,
watchful ward of our lives:
Turn aside from the land,
God to thy care confides
Sickness and woe of soul,
yea and what else of ill
Peace of heart to its folk denies.

Now to the Holy Three
praise evermore resound:
Under Whose Hand Divine
resteth the triple world
Governed in wondrous wise,
glory be Theirs and Might
While the ages unending run.
Amen

This Hymn by St Robert Bellarmine,was added to the Roman Breviary in 1608, by command of Pope Paul V. It is for Vespers in the Office for “the Holy Guardian Angels. Double of the second class,” 2 October..

St Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621)
Doctor of the Church

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on the CHURCH, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 May – The Lamp and the Lampstand

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 13 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Robert Bellarmine SJ (1542-1621) Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church – Wisdom 7:7-14 – Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But he who shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.” – Matthew 5:19

REFLECTION – “The Lamp on the lampstand is our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the Father’s true Light “Who enlightens everyone coming into the world” (Jn 1:9) in other words, the Father’s Wisdom and Word. Having accepted our flesh, He truly became and was called, the “Light of the world.” By our faith and devotion, He is honoured and exalted in the Church. In this way, He is made visible to all nations and shines out for “all the people in the house,” namely the whole world, as He said: “They do not light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand where it gives light to all in the house” (Mt 5:15).

As we have seen, Christ calls Himself a Lamp. God by nature, He became flesh according to the plan of salvation – a Light held within the flesh, as if in a vase… This is what David was thinking when he said: “Your Word is a Lamp to my feet and a Light for my path” (Ps 118:105). Since He causes the darkness of ignorance and the evil of men to vanish, my Saviour and my God, is called a Lamp in Scripture. And since He is the only one able to obliterate the darkness of ignorance and disperse the shadows of sin, He has become the way of salvation for all. He leads towards the Father, all those who, through understanding and virtue, walk with Him along the path of the commandments, as on a road of righteousness.

The Lampstand is Holy Church because the Word of God shines out through her preaching. This is how the beams of its Truth, can enlighten the whole world… On one condition, however, as long as it is not hidden under the letter of the Law. Anyone who clings to Scripture according to the letter only, is living according to the flesh; he is placing the Lamp under a bushel basket. But when, to the contrary, the Church is set on the lampstand, it enlightens everyone.” – St Maximus the Confessor (580-662) Abbot and Theologian, Father (Question 63 to Thalassius)

PRAYER – O God, Who endowed blessed Robert, Your Bishop and Doctor, with wondrous learning and virtue to repel the deceits of error and to defend the rights of the Apostolic See, grant, by his merits and intercession, that we may ever grow in love of truth and that the hearts of the erring may return to the unity of Your Church. 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 HYMNS, JESUIT SJ, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, Ven Servant of God John A Hardon

Our Morning Offering – 13 May – A Hymn to Mary the Virgin By St Robert Bellarmine

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 13 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Robert Bellarmine SJ (1542-1621) Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church

A Hymn to Mary the Virgin
By St Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621)
Doctor of the Church.

Virgin adored and clothed with the sun,
grant me thine aid.
Virgin most beautiful, mystical rose,
take abode in my heart.
Virgin most chaste, all undefiled,
grant me true peace.
Virgin deserving of all honour and praise,
give me thy love.
Virgin elect and full of all grace,
lead me to God.
Virgin most blessed, star of the sea,
dispel the storms besetting me.
Virgin most virtuous, holy and sweet,
show me the way.
Virgin illustrious, with thy burning light,
enlighten thou my mind.
Virgin more precious than jewels or gold,
make reparation for me.
Virgin most worthy of all praise,
mother, daughter and immaculate spouse.
Virgin and Mother,
make me more pleasing to Jesus thy Son.
Virgin most innocent of any stain or fault,
make me more worthy of God.
Virgin enriched with every gift and grace,
obtain the remission of my sins.
Virgin most pure, grant me to enjoy
the bliss of heavenly love.
Virgin, thou lily among thorns,
I pray thee for the grace of a happy death.
Virgin more rare than the rarest dream,
bring joy to my heart.
Virgin so great, there is none like thee on earth,
bring peace to my soul.
Virgin most true, loving Mother too, Virgin Mary.
Amen

St Robert Bellarmine’s Hymn to Mary the Virgin:
Among St Robert’s extant writing, there is a short poem of twenty stanzas which he composed in the nature of a Litany to the Blessed Virgin.
The text was first published in Italian some fifty years ago and to the best of the writer’s knowledge, has never been translated into English.
Each verse-line begins with the name “Virgin,” joined to a title and petition to Our Lady, starting with the letter “A” and going down the Italian alphabet to “V”
Thus the first seven verses begin with the invocation: “Vergine adorna … Vergine Bella …Vergine casta … Vergine degna … Vergine eletta … Vergine felice … Vergine gradita …”
A translation to this tribute to the Virgin Mother reads as above: – Fr John A Hardon SJ (1914-2000).

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 13 May – Saint Agnes of Poitiers (Died 588) Abbess

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 13 May – Saint Agnes of Poitiers (Died 588) the 1st Abbess og the Convent of Sainte-Croix, a Monastery founded in Poitiers by Saint Radegonde (c518-587) in around 552. The date and place of St Agnes’ birth are unknown but she died at the Sainte-Croix Monastery in Poitiers of natural causes.

We know little about Agnes’ origins except through the life of Saint Radegonde, to whom she would have been very close from a young age and whom she would have accompanied throughout her life.

Agnes, educated as a daughter by the holy Queen Radegunde, when the latter, after retiring from Court, founded the Monastery of the Sainte-Croix in Poitiers. Agnes, being begged by her benefactress, St Radegunde, who did not want this office for herself, became the 1st Abbess, with the abbatial blessing bestowed upon her by Saint Germanus, the Bishop of Paris, in the presence of other Bishops.

St Agnes left St Radegunde, right

After a few years, following conflicts which arose between the Monastery and the Bishop of the City, Merovech, over questions of jurisdiction, the Saint deemed it appropriate to temporarily retire to Arles together with St Radegunde. On her return, Agnes introduced into the Monastery the Rules dictated to her by St Caesarius of Arles, the Bishop there, for a female Abbey.

The prudence with which Agnes exercised the difficult art of government, in addition to attracting more than 200 Nuns, meant that, after the death of Saint Radegundr, she was able to reconcile with Bishop Merovech, who had the final direction of the religious community. The relationship between the two authorities, i.e. the Bishop and the Abbess, improved wonderfully when St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609) , successor of Merovech. The 2 future Saints, Agnes and Venantius became fast friends and St Venantius left us precise testimonies regarding our Saint for today, of her virtues and abilities as Abbess. St Venantius spoke of Agnes in his letters and verses.

Agnes died on 13 May 588, nine months after Radegunde and was buried in the Church of Saint Mary outside the City walls. The new Proper of the Diocese of Poitiers celebrates and commemorates Saint Agnes today on the date of her birthday into Heaven.

For the Life of St Radegunde by St Venantius Fortunatus:
https://sites.uwm.edu/carlin/venantius-fortunatus-life-of-st-radegund/

For the Life of St Venantius:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/14/saint-of-the-day-14-december-saint-venantius-fortunatus-c-530-c-609/

Monastery of the Sainte-Croix in Poitiers
Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, JESUIT SJ, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

St Robert Bellarmine SJ (1542-1621), Our Lady of Fatima 108th Anniversary of the First Apparition, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament and more Marian Feasts and the Saints for 13 May

Posted on by AnaStpaul

St Robert Bellarmine SJ (1542-1621) Doctor of the Church, Confessor, Bishop, Priest of the Society of Jesus, Bishop, Confessor, Cardinal, Theologian, Professor, Writer, Preacher, Mediator, Doctor of the Church.   Among others patronages, he is the Patron of Catechists and Catechumens.
His body is honoured with pious veneration at Rome in the Church of St Ignatius, near the tomb of St Aloysius, as he himself had desired. Blessed be God in His Holy Saints! Amen.
He was Beatified on 13 May 1923, Rome by Pope Pius XI and Canonised 29 June 1930, Rome by Pope Pius XI – he was named a Doctor of the Church by the same Pope a year later.  He is remembered as one of the most important Cardinals of the Catholic Counter Reformation.
Feast Day today. changed in 1969.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/09/17/saint-of-the-day-17-september-st-robert-bellarmine-s-j-doctor-of-the-church/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/05/saint-of-the-day-5-october-blessed-raymond-of-capua-op-c-1
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/13/saint-of-the-day-13-may-st-robert-bellarmine-sj-1542-1621-defender-of-the-church/

Our Lady of Fatima 108th Anniversary of the First Apparition

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary (the name she gave herself when Lucia asked her name).
All about Our Lady of Fatima:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/05/13/the-centenary-of-the-apparitions-of-our-lady-of-fatima-our-lady-of-the-holy-rosary-13-may-2017/

Madonna del Soccorso / Our Lady of Succour of Sicily (14th Century):
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/13/104th-anniversary-of-the-first-apparition-of-our-lady-of-fatima-madonna-del-soccorso-our-lady-of-succour-of-sicily-14th-century-our-lady-of-the-most-blessed-sacrament-1800s-and-memorials/

Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament: St Peter Julian Eymard (1811-1868) and Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament:
The Background:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/13/feast-of-our-lady-of-the-most-blessed-sacrament-13-may/

Beatissimae Virginis et omnium Angelorum et Martyrum, Dedication of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs (609) – 13 May:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/13/13-may-ascension-sunday-feast-of-our-lady-of-fatima-our-lady-of-help-our-lady-of-the-most-blessed-sacrament-dedication-of-saint-mary-of-the-martyrs-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

Rose Petals raining down on Pentecost Sunday in St Mary and the Martyrs (Pantheon), Rome

St Abban (Died c520) Irish Hermit who served the Lord inAbbington, England, Founded a Monastery.

St Agnes of Poitiers (Died 588) Abbess

St André-Hubert Fournet (1752-1834) “The Good Father” – Priest and Co-Founder with St Jeanne-Élisabeth Bichier des Ages of the Congregation of the Daughters of the Cross, Apostle of the poor, needy, children and the aged.
Until his old age, the Good Father kept an expression of simplicity and humility. In the sun of God’s love, the transfiguration of his being continued in deep holiness, charity, humility and zeal.
After the approval of 2 miracles, he was Beatified on 16 May 1926 by Pope Pius XI and Canonised on June 1933 by the same Pope, after a further 2 miracles.
About “The Good Father” St André-Hubert :
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/13/saint-of-the-day-13-may-saint-andre-hubert-fournet-1752-1834-the-good-father/

St Anno of Verona
St Argentea of Cordoba
St Euthymius the Illuminator
Bl Fortis Gabrielli
Bl Gerard of Villamagna
Bl Gemma of Goriano
St Glyceria of Trajanopolis

Blessed Imelda Lambertini (1322-1333) Child Mystic, Virgin. Patronage – First Communicants (named by Pope Saint Pius X).
Dear Little Imelda:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/13/saint-of-the-day-13-may-blessed-imelda-lambertini-1322-1333/

St John the Silent

Blessed Julian of Norwich (c1342-c 1416) (aged 73–74) Anchorite, Mystic, Writer, Ascetic, Spiritual director. At the time of Julian’s death, people from all over Europe travelled to her room, or cell, to ask her advice. Everyone recognised that she was close to God. The Church never formally declared her a saint but through the ages, people have called her “Blessed.”
Lived in Love:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/13/saint-of-the-day-13-may-blessed-julian-of-norwich-c-1342-c-1416/

St Lucius of Constantinople
St Mael of Bardsey
Bl Magdalen Albrizzi
St Merewenna of Rumsey
St Mucius of Byzantium
St Natalis of Milan
St Onesimus of Soissons
St Servatus of Tongres
St Valerian of Auxerre

Martyrs of Alexandria: A group of Christians Martyred in the Church of Theonas, Alexandria, Egypt by order of the Arian Emperor Valens. Their names have not come down to us. 372 in Alexandria, Egypt.

DISCLAIMER:
Please note:
I cannot control the content of the Advertisements on this Site, or of pop-ups which may appear,
The revenue from the Advertisements, however, does provide a little assistance in the support of the Site.
I do apologise for any inappropriate content.

Posted in MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, The IMITATION of MARY, Thomas a Kempis

Thought for the Day – 12 May – The Active Life

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 12 May – The Imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Extracts from The Imitation
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
By Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)
Imprimatur 17 February 1947

SERMON
The Virtues a Good Servant of Mary
Ought to Practice
and the Offices He Ought to Fulfil

I. The Latins have two words to designate the good actions
to be accomplished in life. The word “virtus” in order to designate an action made with effort and goodwill and, the word “officium” in order to characterise an action accomplished as a duty but, without attachment of the heart.
That which is required here of a good servant of Mary, are virtues, which is to say, meritorious acts, élan of the heart and not only works which, domestics themselves can fulfil. There are firstly, the interior virtues – humility, patience and purity.

II. Afterwards there are the exterior virtues or virtues of action – effort in work, elevation of the mind, union in mental prayer, zeal in vocal prayer.

III. These united virtues ought to animate all practices of
devotion, if we wish these practices become spiritual acts of meritorious virtue and not only material offices of remunerated work.
Thus Mary acted; thus we ourselves should act.

IV. The servant, therefore, asks of Mary, who is a mother and a model, to aid him in this work and to console him amid the difficulties of the work.

MEDITATION
The Active Life

Life is like fire – it only preserves itself, while communicating itself.
The ancients used to represent it by a flame and that is, indeed, the truth.
To live it is necessary to act. The active life supposes –will and effort.
Mary has known and practiced this life, as all the Saints have practiced it.
Life which passes selfishly by, disillusions and engenders boredom; “taedium vitae.”
Unfortunate is the soul who permits himself to live, without rising! He will have lived most, who will have acted most, through his heart, through his soul and through his body, through love, through the mind and through works.
Is there a more beautiful model than Mary, in the Temple, at Nazareth, on Calvary, with St. John?
Such a one has lived long, who has lived little, said a wise man. Let us live like Mary and with Mary.

Practice: Do not allow a single day to pass without having
made an effort in at least one small thing.

Thought: A lukewarm life is a dull one; live as Mary did.
“Look at Mary, contemplate and marvel!
Aspice Mariam, contemplare et mirare!”

Fr and Dr Célestin Albin de Cigala (1865-1928)
Faculty of Paris (1947)
Doctor of Theology and Philosophy

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the LIGHT, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WATCHING, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Quote/s of the Day – 12 May – Chosen to believe!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 12 May – Wisdom 5:1-5; John 4:46-53.

“And himself believed
and his whole house.”

John 4:53

“You did not choose Me
but I chose you…”

John 15:16

“That is amazing grace!
For what were we before Christ had chosen us
besides being wicked and lost?
What then has He chosen in those who are not good?
You cannot say, I am chosen because I believed.
For if you believed in Him,
you had already chosen Him.
Nor can you say, before I believed I did good works
and, therefore, was chosen.
For what good work is there
before faith when the Apostle says,
“Whatever is not of faith is sin?”
What is there for us to say, then
but that we were wicked and were chosen,
that by the grace of having been chosen,
we might become good?”

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

“So that our minds might be free of these illusions,
the Word invites us to shake this deep sleep
from the eyes of our soul, so that we might not slip away
from the true realities, by becoming attached
to that which has no consistency.
That is why He suggests that we
be watchful when He says:
“Let your loins be girt about
and your lamps burning …” (Lk 12:35)
For when the light shines before our eyes,
it chases sleep away and, when
our loins are held tight by a belt,
they prevent the body from succumbing to it…
The person who has fastened on
the belt of temperance
lives in the light of a pure conscience;
the trust of a child illuminates his life like a lamp…
If we live in this way, we will enter
a life like that of the Angels!”

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

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on SIMPLICITY, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SACRAMENTS, The WORD, Thomas a Kempis

One Minute Reflection – 12 May – Faith is required of you and sincerity of life – not high intelligence, nor penetrating knowledge of the Mysteries of God.

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 12 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Nereus & Companions, Martyrs – Wisdom 5:1-5 – John 4:46-53 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Unless you see signs and wonders, you believe not.” – John 4:48

REFLECTION – “Whoever examines the majesty of God will be crushed by His glory” (Prv 25:27). God can do works which surpass man’s understanding… Faith is required of you and sincerity of life – not high intelligence, nor penetrating knowledge of the mysteries of God. If you do not understand, nor grasp what is below you, how will you comprehend what is above you? Be subject to God, submit yourself to the faith and the light of knowledge will be given to you, as much as you need and can use.

Some have grave temptations concerning faith and sacraments, which are not to be imputed to them but rather, to the enemy. Take no notice, do not argue with your thoughts, nor answer the doubts with which the devil attacks you; believe God’s word, believe His saints and prophets and the wicked enemy will be routed. It is often most profitable to God’s servant, to endure such things. For the devil does not tempt the infidel or sinner, of whom he has already secure possession but, he uses various means, to tempt and harass the devout faithful.

Go on then with simple unquestioning faith and approach the Sacrament with reverent beseeching. Anything you cannot understand, commit it surely to God, Who is omnipotent. God does not deceive you – the over-confident person deceives himself. God walks in step with the simple ones, He shows Himself to the humble ones, He grants understanding to the little ones; “He reveals hidden meanings to little ones” and hides away His grace from the inquisitive and the proud. Human reason is feeble and fallible but true faith cannot be deceived. All use of reason, all human inquiry should walk in the footsteps of faith; it should not go on in front of it, nor call it in question.” – Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471) (The Imitation of Christ IV, 18).

PRAYER – May the holy feast of Your Martyrs, Nereus, Achilles, Domitilla and Pancras, ever comfort us, we beseech You, O Lord and make us worthy to serve You.
And grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants, that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body, and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. 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.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Hail MARY!, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MOTHER of GOD, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 12 May – Hail, O Mary, Mother of God By St Cyril of Alexandria

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 12 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

Hail, O Mary, Mother of God
By St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444)
Father & Doctor of the Church

Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
Virgin and Mother!
Morning Star, perfect vessel.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
Holy Temple in which God
Himself was conceived.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
Chaste and pure dove.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
who enclosed the One
Who cannot be encompassed
in your sacred womb.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
From you flowed the true light,
Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
Through you the Conqueror
and triumphant Vanquisher
of hell, came to us.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
Through you, the glory
of the Resurrection blossoms.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
You have saved every faithful Christian.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners now
and at the hour of our death.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 12 May – St Modoaldus (Died c640) Bishop

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 12 May – St Modoaldus (Died c640) Bishop of Trier, Germany. Brother of Saint Severa of Saint Gemma. Uncle of Saint Gertrude of Nivelles, Saint Begga of Ardenne and Saint Modesta of Trier. Counselor to King Dagobert I of the Franks. Born in Aquitaine, France and died in c640 in Trier, Germany of natural causes. Patronage – of the Village of Reichsabtei. Also known as – Modoald, Modoaldo, Modowald, Modowandus, Modwald, Romoald, Romoaldus.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Trier, St Modoaldus, Bishop.”

Modoaldus was born in Aquitaine to an aristocratic family and spent much of his life in close contact with the Merovingian Kings, whose shortcomings, according to Saint Gregory of Tours, influenced Modoald’s career.

King Dagobert I, at whose ourt he lived, assigned him to the Episcopal Aee of Trier while still very young, but this did not prevent the young Bishop from reproaching the Sovereign for the immorality which characterised his and his Court’s lifestyle.

Only towards the end of his life, however, did the Sovereign repent and try to amend his ways. He, therefore, wanted Modoaldus as his spiritual advisor and generously donated to him, land and money for the foundation of new Monasteries.

However, not many details of the life of Saint Modoaldus are known. He took part in the Council of Rheims in 625 and Ordained the future Martyr, Saint Germanus of Munster-Granfelden to the Priesthood. St Germanus had been Modoaldus’ disciple.

He was also a friend of Saint Desiderius of Cahors. Modoaldus’ Episcopate probably lasted about twenty years, until his death in c640.

In 1107 St Modoaldus’ Relics were translated to Paderborn in Germany.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Notre-Dame-des-Vertus / Our Lady of Power, France (1336), St Nereus & Companions, Martyrs and the Saints for 12 May

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Notre-Dame-des-Vertus / Our Lady of Power, Aubervilliers, France (1336) – 12 May:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/12/notre-dame-des-vertus-our-lady-of-power-aubervilliers-france-1336-and-memorials-of-the-saints-12-may/

Sts Nereus, Achilleus, Domitilla (virgin) and Pancras, Martyrs
St Achilleus of Terracina Martyr
AND;
St Nereus of Terracina Martyr
About:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/12/saints-of-the-day-12-may-sts-nereus-and-achilleus/
Together with St Flavia Domitilla, their mistress and fellow hermit, were Martyred for Christ:
St Flavia here:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/07/saint-of-the-day-7-may-saint-flavia-domitilla-of-terracina-1st-century-virgin-and-martyr/
AND:
St Pancras of Rome (c 289 – c 303) Martyr Child of 14, Roman Convert
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/05/12/saint-of-the-day-st-pancras/

St Crispoldus
St Cyril of Galatz
St Dedë Malaj
St Diomma of Kildimo
St Dionysius of Asia

St Domingo de la Calzada / Dominic of the Causeway ((1019 – 1109) Priest, Hermit, Bridge Builder, a road, a Hospital/Hostel, a Church, in effect a town, Miracle-worker.
Another Patron against Eye Diseases:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/12/saint-of-the-day-12-may-st-domingo-de-la-calzada-dominic-of-the-causeway-1019-1109/

St Ejëll Deda
St Ephrem of Jerusalem

St Epiphanius (c315 – 403) Bishop of Salamis (Cyprus) known as the Oracle of Palestine, Church Father, Theologian, Confessor, Writer, Defender of the Faith, Monk and Ascetic.
His story:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/12/saint-of-the-day-saint-epiphanius-c-315-403-the-oracle-of-palestine/

St Erc Nasca of Tullylish
St Ethelhard of Canterbury
St Euphrosyna of Terracina
Bl Francis Patrizzi of Siena
Bl Gemma of Goriano

St Germanus of Constantinople (c640-733) Bishop of Constantinople from 715 to 730, Defender of the Doctrine of the Church both against Monothelitism and Iconoclasm, Poet, Hymnist, Spiritual writer, some of his works being used and quoted very often today. 
St Germanus’ Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/12/saint-of-the-day-12-may-saint-germanus-of-constantinople-c-640-733/

Blessed Joanna of Portugal OP (1452-1490) Religious of the Second Order of St Dominic, Virgin, Princess of Portugal of the House of Aviz, daughter of King Afonso V of Portugal and his first wife Isabella of Coimbra, Penitent.
About Blessed Joanna whom the Portuguese called “Saint Princess Joanna”:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/12/saint-of-the-day-12-may-blessed-joanna-of-portugal-1452-1490/

Bl Juan de Segalars
St Lucien Gala

St Modoaldus (Died c640) Bishop of Trier
St Palladius of Rome
St Philip of Agira
St Richrudis of Marchiennes
St Theodora of Terracina
St Thomas Khampheuane Inthirath

DISCLAIMER:
Please note:
I cannot control the content of the Advertisements on this Site, or of pop-ups which may appear,
The revenue from the Advertisements, however, does provide a little assistance in the support of the Site.
I do apologise for any inappropriate content.

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, QUOTES on MEEKNESS, QUOTES on MERCY, The IMITATION of MARY

Thought for the Day – 11 May – VIRTUES and TASKS of a GOOD SERVANT of MARY

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 11 May – The Imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Extracts from The Imitation
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
By Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)
Imprimatur 17 February 1947

Chapter III
VIRTUES AND TASKS OF
A GOOD SERVANT OF MARY

i. Do you always wish to do what is pleasing to Mary?
Be humble, patient, chaste, reserved in everything, full of mildness, an interior man, filled with zeal, little versed in exterior matters, recollected.
Read often, write often but most often, pray.
The service of Mary should seem, neither long nor laborious but, on the contrary always delightful, always full of happiness, always eager.
To serve with your heart and mind, such a mistress, is always a work pious and useful for salvation.
The most lowly offerings are acceptable to her, as equivalent to the most solemn, when they are proffered with love, with spontaneity and with devotion.
She knows how little we are able to give and she requires not the impossible from her children.
A merciful sovereign and queen of mildness, she is, above all, a mother. As a mother, she knows only how to be compassionate to the little and the poor, she who has given to the world, Mercy in Jesus.

ii. Learn then to call upon Jesus in everything and you will be aided, both in perils of the soul and of the body.
Have Jesus always in your heart, in happiness, and you will never be overcome by human distress.
Say the Hail Mary often – you will find joy and peace in it – no prayer is more beautiful than the Our Father – none is sweeter and gentler, than the Hail Mary.
Pray as the Angel prayed before Mary – work as a faithful servant works and you shall have, your crown and mansion in Heaven.
He who knows how to nourish his soul with prayer, he who knows how to pray with the sacred texts, will never know aridity in devotion.
Strive thus constantly, to honour the Names of Jesus and Mary in your heart and with your lips.

III. Wherever you may go, or wherever you may be, implore Jesus and call upon Mary.
Have, as a rule of life and, as a help in time ot need, this pious invocation –
“Guide, O my Lord, always guide my way in Thy presence.”
He who bears Jesus and Mary in his heart, always works well, always conducts himself well.
Sing these two Names, sing them in your heart, sing them with your lips, sing them with your hands.
Let your looks seek them, let your eyes implore them, let your arms embrace them, let your knees adore them.

iv. Prayer: O Mary, O Mother Full of Mercy,

O Mary, O Mother full of mercy,
receive close to thee,
thy servant wandering without consolation,
in the midst of his trials.
Look, O my Queen, look at my affliction
and open to me, thine heart full of consolation.
Here I am, praying and saying in my distress
that I shall not cease, nor leave thee,
until thou hast had pity on me.
I know, O Mother,
thine incomparable sweetness,
I know the maternal flame of thy noble heart,
I know the fullness of love which fils it
and that I may have full hope in thee.
I take refuge with thee too, O my Mother,
so that in joy as in sorrow,
I may receive thy watchful succour
and listen to thy maternal consolation.

(Thomas à Kempis, The Valley of Lilies,ChapterXIII)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, St PAUL!, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN

Quote/s of the Day – 11 May – Abide Lord, our Joy and our Peace

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 11 May – Easter III

“So also, you now indeed have sorrow
but I will see you again
and your heart shall rejoice.
And your joy,
no man shall take from you.”

John 16:22

“It is He Who is our peace.”

St Paul
Ephesians 2:14

“What is that joy which no-one
can take from you, other than
your Lord Himself,
Whom no man can take from you?
… So examine your conscience, brethren –
if righteousness reigns there,
if you want, desire and wish the same thing
for everyone as for yourself,
if there is peace in you, not only with your friends
but equally with your enemies,
then know that the Kingdom of Heaven,
which is to say Christ the Lord,
abides in you.”

St Caesarius of Arles (470-543)
Bishop, Father of the Church

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, EASTER, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FAITH, Quotes on SALVATION, The RESURRECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 11 May – ‘ … Is this not an entire world which is begun for your sake …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 11 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Easter III – Within the OIctave of St Joseph – 1 Peter 2:11-19 – John 16:16-22 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“A little while and you shall not see Me and again, a little while and you shall see Me …” – John 16:17

REFLECTION – “Now the reign of life has come and the power of death overturned. Another birth has appeare, together with another life, another way of being, a transformation of our very nature. This birth is not the result of “the will of man, nor the desire of the flesh but of God” (Jn 1:13)…

“This is the day the Lord has made!” (Ps 117:24). It is a very different day from those in the beginning because, on this day, God creates a new heaven and a new earth, as the Prophet says (Is 65:17). Which heaven? The firmament of faith in Christ. Which earth? A true heart, as the Lord says, earth which is saturated with the rain which falls on it and brings forth an abundant harvest (Lk 8:15). In this creation the sun equals the pure life; the stars are the virtues; the air is transparent behaviour; the sea is the rich depths of wisdom and knowledge; the grass and herbage are God’s solid doctrine and teachings where the flock – that is, the people of God – finds pasture; the fruit-bearing trees are the practice of the commandments. On this day true man was created, made in the image and likeness of God (Gn 1,27).

Is this not an entire world which is begun for your sake in “the day the Lord has made” … The greatest privilege of this day of grace is that, it has destroyed the sufferings of death and given birth to the firstborn from the dead (Col 1:18)… He Who says: “I am going to your Father and to My Father, to My God and to your God” (Jn 20:17). O what excellent, what good news! He Who, for our sakes became like us, to make us His brothers, carries His Own humanity to the Father so as to bear all humankind along with Him!” – St Gregory of Nyssa (c335-c395) Bishop, Brother of St Basil the Great, Father & Doctor of the Church (First address on the Resurrection ).

PRAYER – God, Who in Thine unspeakable foreknowledge didst choose Thy blessed servant Joseph to be the husband of Thine Own most holy Mother; mercifully grant that now he is in Heaven with Thee, we who on earth do reverence him for our Defender, may worthily be helped by the succour of his prayers to Thee on our behalf. 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 MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, The ANNUNCIATION, The INCARNATION

Our Morning Offering – 11 May – Blessed Shall be Her Name

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 11 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

Blessed Shall be Her Name
Anonymous Author

Praise we the Lord this day,
This day so long foretold,
Whose promise shone with cheering ray
On waiting Saints of old.

The prophet gave the sign
That those with faith might read;
A Virgin, born of David’s line
Shall bear the promised Seed.

Ask not how this should be,
But worship and adore;
Like her whom Heaven’s majesty
Came down to shadow o’er.

She meekly bowed her head
To hear the gracious word,
Mary, the pure and lowly maid,
The favoured of the Lord.

Blessed shall be her name
In all the Church on earth,
Through whom that wondrous Mercy came,
The Incarnate Saviour’s Birth.

Jesus, the Virgin’s Son,
We praise Thee and adore,
Who are with God the Father One
And Spirit evermore.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 11 May – Saint Illuminatus OSB (Died 13th Century) of San Severino Marche, Confessor

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 11 May – Saint Illuminatus OSB (Died 13th Century) of San Severino Marche in Umbria, Italy, a Monk at the Monastery of San Mariano (now Santa Caterina), Monk and Confessor., Miracle-worker. Born probably somewhere in Italy and died at the Monastery of San Severino Marche of natural causes. Patronage – of the City and Diocese of San Severino Marche. Also known as – Illuminato.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At San Severino, in the Marches of Ancona, St Illuminatus, Confessor.”

Unknown Monk

Information about Illuminatus, a Benedictine Monk who lived in the second half of the 13th Century, is scarce. His figure, venerated as a Saint by the City of San Severino Marche , has emerged over ttime thanks to popular devotion and some historic documents which attest to his sanctity and miracles.

Although tradition identifies him as a native of San Severino in the Marches of Ancona, he was actually born elsewhere. Historic sources associate him with the Monastery of San Mariano (now Santa Caterina), located near the City, where he spent his monastic life.

Santa Caterina Monastery

He lived in the second half of the 13th Century, a period of great religious fervour and the flourishing of the Benedictine movement.

Illuminatus distinguished himself by his sanctity and his deep faith and devotion. His fame spread rapidly, fueled by the numerous miracles attributed to him. Popular tradition tells of miraculous cures, divine intercessions and prodigies which increased his reputation as a Saint.

Devotion to Illuminatus took deep root in the hearts of the people of San Severino Marche. His fame as a miracle worker and intercessor with God, caused the community to venerate him as a Saint. In 1702 he was officially listed among the co-protectors of the City, confirming his role as an intercessor and celestial protector. The Liturgical Feast of St Illuminatud is celebrated on 11 May, the presumed date of his death. On this date, the City of San Severino Marche celebrated its Patron Saint with solemn processions, Holy Mass and great civin celebrations.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, NOTES to Followers, SAINT of the DAY

EASTER III – The Third Sunday after Easter, Happy Mother’s Day, Madonna dello Scoglio / Madonna of the Rock, Placanica, Reggio Calabria, Calabria, Italy (mid 1900s) and Memorials of the Saints – 11 May

Posted on by AnaStpaul

EASTER III – The Third Sunday after Easter

Wishing all Mothers a Blessed
and Happy Mothers’ Day
May Mary, the Mother of God,
our Lord Jesus Christ and our Mother,
be a guide and a comfort to us all.

Madonna dello Scoglio / Madonna of the Rock, Placanica, Reggio Calabria, Calabria, Italy (mid 1900s) – 11 May:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/11/madonna-dello-scoglio-madonna-of-the-rock-placanica-reggio-calabria-calabria-italy-and-memorials-of-the-saints-11-may/

St Anastasius of Lérida
St Anthimus of Rome
St Bassus of Sabina
St Bertilla
St Criotan of MacReddin
Bl Diego of Saldaña
St Evellius of Pisa
St Fabius of Sabina
St Francesco de Girolamo SJ
St Fremund of Dunstable
St Gengulphus of Burgundy

Blessed Gregory Celli OSA (1225-1343) Priest of the Order of St Augustine renowned Preacher, Contemplative, Hermit. He was Beatified in 1769.
His Pious Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/11/saint-of-the-day-11-may-blessed-gregory-celli-of-verucchio-osa-c-1225-1343/

St Gualberto

St Ignatius of Laconi OFM Cap. (1701-1781) Friar of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. Known as “the Holy Friar,” “the Apostle of the Streets, “ “the Wonder-worker,” “the Miracle-Worker” and “Padre Santo.” Canonised on 21 October 1951 by Pope Pius XII.
“Padre Santo” Ignatius:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/11/saint-of-the-day-11-may-st-ignatius-of-laconi-o-f-m-cap-1701-1781/

Bl Illuminatus
St Illuminatus OSB (Died 13th Century) of San Severino Marche, Monk and Confessor
Bl James Walworth
Bl John Rochester
St Maiulo of Hadrumetum

St Mamertus (Died c477) Archbishop of Vienne, France, Theologian, Writer, Founder of the introduction of the praying of Litanies prior to Ascension Day, called “Rogation Days.”   Rogation days are days of prayer and fasting in the Church.   They are observed with processions and the praying of the Litany of the Saints.   The major Rogation is held on 25 April, the minor Rogations are held on Monday to Wednesday, preceding Ascension Thursday.   The word Rogation comes from the Latin verb rogare, meaning “to ask,” which reflects the beseeching of God, for the appeasement of His anger and for protection from calamities.
Rogation St Mammertus:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/11/saint-of-the-day-11-may-st-mamertus-died-c-475/

St Maximus of Sabina

St Mayeul (c906–994) Priest, the 4th Abbot of Cluny, Reformer., Miracle-worker.
Zealous St Mayeul:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/11/saint-of-the-day-11-may-saint-mayeul-of-cluny-c-906-994/

St Mozio of Constantinople
St Possessor of Verdun
St Principia of Rome
St Tudy
St Vincent L’Hénoret
Bl Vivaldus
St Walbert of Hainault

Martyrs of Camerino: An imperial Roman official, his wife, their children and servants, all of whom were converts and martyrs: Anastasius, Aradius, Callisto, Eufemia, Evodius, Felice, Primitiva, Theopista.

Martyrs of Carcassona – 14 Beati:

Martyrs of Osimo:
Diocletius
Florentius
Sisinius

DISCLAIMER:
Please note:
I cannot control the content of the Advertisements on this Site, or of pop-ups which may appear,
The revenue from the Advertisements, however, does provide a little assistance in the support of the Site.
I do apologise for any inappropriate content.

Posted in MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MARIAN TITLES, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, ROSARY QUOTES, ROSARY REFLECTIONS and QUOTES, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE, The IMITATION of MARY

Thought for the Day – 10 May – The Titles and Functions of Mary

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 10 May – The Imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Extracts from The Imitation
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
By Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)
Imprimatur 17 February 1947

PART ONE
THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES
Chapter II
OUR DUTIES TO MARY

SERMON
The Titles and Functions of Mary

I. Our duties toward Mary flow from the titles and functions of Mary herself. Her titles are the most beautiful and the most sweet – firstly, that of mother which one lovingly says at any age;
next, the title of model which one considers with admiration and joy.

II. Her functions are, in relation to her titles – the names
given by God are, at once, an evocation and a creation of the qualities signified by the names and titles themselves. Thus Mary, in virtue of her titles, exercises her functions of mother
who consoles, supports and nourishes, of advocate who counsels, directs and defends and lastly, of model, who exalts and attracts.

III. In a prayer exultant with joy and full of love, the faithful beg Mary to teach them to pray, as the Angels pray.
Prayer, here on earth, cries, weeps or is silent; prayer, in Heaven, is a vision, a contemplation and an ecstasy.

MEDITATION
The Supernatural Life

To live is to rise, it is to rise above the earth – see the flowers which live and those which are dead. Man loves to live so fully that he wishes to live a double life – hence, arises love which is the most beautiful possession on the earth.
This earthly existence is not, however, all of life.
There is the life of the soul, without which love itself is nothing.
Love which seems not to be immortal, does not satisfy the heart. The life which does not die is the supernatural life, the life of grace.
Mary has been given to us for a model and for a mother in this new life added to the earthly life.
He, who has not known this desire to rise still higher, has not as yet lived.
Let us live then, not in order to die but in order to attain immortality.

Practice: Reciting the Rosary, or simply carrying it, is a practice which aids the soul to rise to heavenly thoughts.

Thought: To live with Mary is to live in the security and the happiness of Heaven.
“He walks well and securely, who carries Mary in his heart.
Bene et secure ambulat qui Mariam in corde portal.”

Fr and Dr Célestin Albin de Cigala (1865-1928)
Faculty of Paris (1947)
Doctor of Theology and Philosophy

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HERESY, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on the POPE

Quote/s of the Day – 10 May – St Antoninus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 10 May – St Antoninus OP (1389-1459) Archbishop of Florence

“In the case, in which,
the Pope would become a heretic,
he would find himself,
by that fact, alone
and, without any other sentence,
separated from the Church.
A head separated from a body
cannot, as long as it remains separated,
be head of the same body
from which it was cut off.
A Pope, who would be
separated from the Church by heresy,
therefore, would,
by that very fact itself,
cease to be head of the Church.
He could not be a heretic
and remain Pope
because, since he is outside of the Church,
he cannot possess the keys of the Church.”

“Whoever imagines himself without defect
has an excess of pride.
God alone is perfect!”

“To ask favours without interposing Mary
is to attempt to fly without wings!”

“The prayers of Mary,
have the force of command with Jesus Christ.
Hence, it is impossible for the Son
not to grant a grace
for which the Mother asks.”

St Antoninus (1389-1459)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 May – ‘ … it is also the person who fails to do good! …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 10 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Antoninus OP (1389-1459) – – Sirach 44:16-27; 45:3-20 – Matthew 25:14-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“To one He gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one—to each according to his ability. Then he went away. Immediately …” – Matthew 25:15

REFLECTION – “One of the servants said: “Lord, Thou entrusted to me five talents” and another mentioned two. They acknowledge that they had received, from Him, the means to carry out their duties well; they give witness to their great gratitude and render their accounts to Him. What does the Master reply? “Well done, My good and faithful servant (for it is the property of kindness to notice one’s neighbour); you have been faithful in small matters, I will set you over great; enter into the joy of your Lord.” Thus Jesus refers to entire blessedness.

As for him who only received one talent, he went off and buried it. “This good for nothing servant, throw him into the darkness outside, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.” So you see, it is not just the thief, the miser, the wrongdoer, who will be punished at the end, it is also the person who fails to do good!… Indeed, what are those talents? They are the power each one holds, the authority one enjoys, the fortune one possesses, the teaching one is able to give and anything else of a similar kind. So let no-one come and say, I have nothing but one talent, I cannot do anything. For even with only one talent you can act in a praiseworthy manner!” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father & Doctor of the Church (Sermons on St Matthew’s Gospel No 78:2-3)

PRAYER – O Lord, may the merits of Antoninus, Your Confessor and Bishop, help us and just as we praise You for the wonders You have wrought in him, so may we glory in Your mercy toward us. T hrough 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 DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN Saturdays, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for SEASONS, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR

Our Morning Offering – 10 May – O Mother Blest By St Alphonsus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 10 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

O Mother Blest
By St Alphonsus Maira Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
Trans. Fr Edmund Vaughn C.SS.R. (1827 – 1908 )

O Mother blest, whom God bestows
On sinners and on just,
What joy, what hope thou givest those
Who in thy mercy trust.
Thou are clement, thou are chaste,
Mary thou art fair,
Of all mothers, sweetest best,
none with thee compare.

O heavenly Mother, mistress sweet!
it never yet was told
that suppliant sinner left thy feet,
unpitied, unconsoloed.
Thou are clement, thou are chaste, …

O Mother, pitiful and mild,
Cease not to pray for me;
For I do love thee as a child,
And sigh for love of thee.
Thou art clement, thou art chaste, …

Most powerful Mother, all men know
Thy Son denies thee nought;
Thou askest, wishest it, and lo!
His power thy will hath wrought.
Thou art clement, thou art chaste, …

O Mother blest, for me obtain,
Ungrateful though I be,
To love that God who first could deign
To show such love for me.
Thou art clement, thou art chaste,
Mary, thou art fair.
Of all mothers, sweetest, best,
None with thee compare.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint/s of the Day – 10 May – St Gordianus (Died c392) and St Epimachus (Died 250) Martyrs.

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint/s of the Day – 10 May – St Gordianus (Died c392) and St Epimachus (Died 250) Martyrs.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, on the Latin Way, the birthday of the holy Martyrs Gordianus and Epimachus. In the time of Julian the Apostate, the former was scourged for a long time and finally decapitated for confessing the Name of Christ. He was buried at night by the Christians, in a Crypt to which shortly before his burial, the remains of the blessed Martyr, Epimachus, had been translated from Alexandria, where he had been Martyred for the faith of Christ.”

Sts Gordianus and Epimachus depicted together in the Nuremberg Chronicle

These two holy Martyrs are named in all calendars of the Church since the 6th Century. Epimachus suffered at Alexandria under Decius, in the year 250, with one Alexander. They had been long detained in a hideous dungeon, were beaten with clubs, their sides were torn with iron hooks; lastly, they were both burnt in lime. This is related by St Dionysius of Alexandria, quoted by St Eusebius of Caesarea,

Gordianus was beheaded in Rome for his faith in Christ, under Julian the Apostate, in the year 392. His name occurs in the ancient Martyrologies. His body was laid in a cave, in which was deposited that of St Epimachus which was brought from Alexandria to Rome a little before St Gordianus’ Martyrdom.

St Gordianus

The Relics of both these Martyrs are now in the possession of the great Benedictine Princely Abbey of Kempten, in the Diocese of Ausbourg in Germany, see below.

Since 1969, this cult is now confined to local calendars.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna della Rovere, Italy (1671), St Antoninus Bishop, Confessor and the Saints for 10 May

Posted on by AnaStpaul

St Antoninus OP (1389-1459) “Antoninus the Counsellor,” Dominican Priest, Bishop, Confessor.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Florence, the Bishop St Antoninus, of the Order of Preachers, renowned for holiness and learning.”
His Devout Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/02/saint-of-the-day-2-may-saint-antoninus-of-florence-op-1389-1459-antoninus-the-counsellor/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/10/saint-of-the-day-10-may-saint-antoninus-of-florence-op-1389-1459-antoninus-the-counsellor/

Madonna della Rovere, Roble San Bartolomeo al Mare, Italy (1671) – 19 May (Additional Memorial 18 April):
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/10/madonna-della-rovere-roble-san-bartolomeo-al-mare-italy-and-memorials-of-the-saints-10-may/

St John of Avila (1499-1569) “Apostle of Andalusia”– known as “Father Master Avila”
About St John:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/10/saint-of-the-day-10-may-st-john-of-avila-1499-1569-apostle-of-andalusia-known-as-father-master-avila-doctor-of-the-church/

St Alphius of Lentini
Bl Amalarius of Metz
Bl Antonio of Norcia
St Aurelian of Limoges
Bl Beatrix d’Este the Elder
St Blanda of Rome
St Calepodius of Rome

St Catald of Taranto (Died c685) Irish Bishop, Monk, miracle-worker.
St Catald’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/10/saint-of-the-day-10-may-saint-catald-of-taranto-died-c-685/

St Comgall of Bangor
St Cyrinus of Lentini
St Dioscorides of Smyrna

+St Epimachus (Died 250) Martyr
St Felix of Rome
Bl Giusto Santgelp
+St Gordianus (Died c392) Martyr

Blessed Nicholas Albergati (1373-1443) Bishop, Cardinal Priest
St Palmatius of Rome
St Philadelphus of Lentini
St Quartus of Capua
St Quintus of Capua
St Simplicius of Rome
St Solange of Bourges
St Thecla
Bl William of Pontnoise

DISCLAIMER:
Please note:
I cannot control the content of the Advertisements on this Site, or of pop-ups which may appear,
The revenue from the Advertisements, however, does provide a little assistance in the support of the Site.
I do apologise for any inappropriate content.

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD the FATHER, Hail MARY!, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on JOY, The ANNUNCIATION, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The IMITATION of CHRIST, Thomas a Kempis

Thought for the Day – 9 May – OUR DUTIES TO MARY

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 9 May – The Imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Extracts from The Imitation
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
By Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)
Imprimatur 17 February 1947
Translated from the French
Dr Célestin Albin de Cigala (1865-1928)

PART ONE
THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES
Chapter II
OUR DUTIES TO MARY

i. Choose, O my son, Mary for mother, for advocate and for model, before all things.
Greet her everyday with the Angelic Salutation. This salutation pleases her above all others.
If sometimes, the devil tempts you and turns you from your duties as a devout servant of Mary, do not permit that to stop you from invoking her always.
Think always of Mary; repeat the name of Mary, over and over.
Honour Mary; glorify Mary in everything; prostrate yourself before Mary; give yourself again to Mary.
Live with Mary; meditate with Mary; rejoice with Mary; weep with Mary; work with Mary; watch with Mary; act with Mary; rest with Mary.
With Mary, bear Jesus in your arms; live at Nazareth with Mary.
Go to Jerusalem, go with Mary; search, as Mary did, for Jesus.
Remain near the Cross with Mary, weep for Jesus; weep for Him with Mary; with Mary bury Jesus in the tomb; rise with Jesus and with Mary.
Rise to Heaven with Jesus and with Mary! Live always with Mary in life and in death.

ii. If you know how to think and act in this way, you will advance rapidly in perfection.
Mary will protect you with all her power and, Jesus will hear you in His gentle mercy.
What we do is very little. It is nothing. Nevertheless, if we do it with Mary, we shall rise, little by little, to God our Father.
We shall always find, consolation and joy, near Him.
Happy is he, who knows how to keep Jesus and Mary near him always, as hosts of his table, consolers in his troubles, aid in his danger, counsel in his doubt, protectors at his death.
Happy is he who, considering himself as a wayfarer in this world and, as a stranger, keeps Jesus for a Companion and Mary for a hostess.

iii. Prayer:
Ave Maria, Full of Grace!

O Mother, I come to you filled with hope.
I come to you recalling the exultant joy
which the Archangel Gabriel once brought to you,
when, falling on his knees before you,
he saluted your virginity, saying respectfully:
Hail, Mary, the Lord is with thee!
This greeting I say to you again,
O Mother, with the heart,
and, if I could, with the voice of all the faithful,
so that thus all creatures may sing with me
from the depth of their souls and their being:
Ave Maria, full of grace, the Lord is with thee,
thou art blessed, O Mother, among all women
and Jesus the fruit of thy womb,
is blessed on earth and in Heaven,
today and always.

(By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)
Soliloquy of the Soul, Chapter XVIII)

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, In the PRESENCE of GOD, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on the POOR, The DIVINE INFANT, The INCARNATION

Quote/s of the Day – 9 May – St Gregory Nazianzen

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 9 May – St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390) Bishop, Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church

“Let us become like Christ,
since Christ became like us.
He assumed the worse
that He might give us the better;
He became poor
that we, through His poverty,
might be rich.”

“The very Son of God,
Older than the ages,
the Invisible,
the Incomprehensible,
the Incorporeal,
the Beginning of beginning,
the Light of light,
the Fountain of Life and Immortality,
the Image of the Archetype,
the Immovable Seal,
the Perfect Likeness,
the Definition and Word of the Father:
He it is, Who comes to His Own Image
and takes our nature, for the Good of our nature
and unites Himself to an intelligent soul
for the good of the soul,
to purify like by Like.”

“Grace is given,
not to those who speak [their faith]
but to those, who live their faith!”

“Remember God more often
than you breathe.”

“Give something, however small,
to the one in need.
For it is not small to one, who has nothing.
Neither is it small to God,
if we have given what we could.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/09/quote-s-of-the-day-9-may-st-gregory-nazianzen/

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

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD is LOVE, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The HEART, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 May – ‘ … Love is the fulfilment of the Law …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 9 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390) Bishop, Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church – Sirach 39:6-14 – Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I am not come to destroy but to fulfil.” – Matthew 5:17

REFLECTION – “Grace which was formerly veiled, so to speak, in the Old Testament, has been fully revealed in the Gospel of Christ by a harmonious disposition of the times, just as God usually disposes of everything with harmony … But within this wonderful harmony, we notice a great difference between the two ages. On Sinai, the people did not dare draw near the place where the Lord was giving His Law; in the Upper Room, the Holy Ghost comes down on all those assembled there, while waiting for the fulfilment of the promise (Ex 19:23; Acts 2:1). In the first instance, the Finger of God inscribed the laws on tablets of stone but now, it is in human hearts where He writes it (Ex 31:18; 2 Cor 3:3). Formerly the Law was written without and brought fear to sinners but now, it has been given to them within, to make them righteous …

Indeed, as the Apostle Paul says, everything written on the stone tablets, “you shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill. .. you shall not covet” and whatever other commandments there may be, are summed up in this saying: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself. Love does no evil to the neighbour; hence, love is the fulfilment of the Law” (Rm 13:9f.; Lv 19:18) … This charity has been “poured into our hearts through the Holy Ghost Who is given to us” (Rm 5:5).” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (On the spirit and the letter, 28-30).

PRAYER – O God, Who gave to Your people, blessed Gregory, as a minister of salvation, grant, we beseech You, that we, who cherished him on earth as a teacher of life, may be found worthy to have him as an intercessor 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 FATHERS of the Church, Hail MARY!, MARIAN PRAYERS, MOTHER of GOD, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 9 May – Hail to Thee, Forever Virgin,Mother of God,

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 9 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

Hail to Thee, Forever Virgin,
Mother of God,
By St Methodius of Olympus (Died c311)

Hail to thee forever-Virgin
Mother of God,
our unceasing joy!
for unto thee do I again return. . . .
Hail, thou fount of the Son’s Love for man. . . .
Wherefore, we pray thee,
the most excellent among women,
who boast in the confidence
of thy maternal honours
that thou wouldst, unceasingly,
keep us in remembrance.
O holy Mother of God,
remember us, I say,
who make our boast in thee
and who, in august hymns
celebrate thy memory
which will ever live
and never fade away.
Amen

(From “Oration on Simeon and Anna”)

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 9 May – Saint Vincent (Died c950) Abbot

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 9 May – Saint Vincent (Died c950) Abbot of San Pedro de Montes Abbey at Vierzon in Spain. He was probably born in Spain and died there in c950, having been the Abbot for 14 years.

San Pedro de Montes Abbey at Vierzon in Spain

We have very little information about this Saint. All we know is that he had been a Monk in the Monastery of St Peter in Montes and a disciple of the Abbot, St Gennadius (Died 936). When St Gennadius was Consecrated as the Bishop of the Astorga Diocese, Vincent was elected as the Abbot of the Monastery of St Peter.

Both Master (who returned to his Monastery to retire) and Disciple died in their Monastery and were buried there.

San Pedro de Montes Abbey at Vierzon in Spain
Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna del Bosco / Our Lady of the Woods, Lombardy, Italy (1617), St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390) and Memorials of the Saints for 9 May

Posted on by AnaStpaul

St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390) Archbishop of Constantinople, Father, Doctor, Confessor, Theologian, Philosopher, Orator, Poet, Writer, he is remembered as the “Trinitarian Theologian.” He is widely considered one of the most accomplished rhetorical stylist of the patristic age. Along with his great friends and colleagues, the brothers St Basil the Great and St Gregory of Nyssa, he is known as one of the Cappadocian Fathers. The Cappadocia region, in modern-day Turkey, was an early site of Christian activity, with several missions by St Paul in this region.
The Roman Martyrology states of him today: “At Naziazus, the birthday of St Gregory, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, surnamed “The Theologian” because of his remarkable knowledge of divinity. At Constantinople, he restored the Catholic Faith, which was fast waning and repressed the rising heresies.”
Wonderful St Gregory:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/09/saint-of-the-day-9-may-st-gregory-nazianzen-330-390-great-father-and-doctor-of-the-church/
AND:
(In 1969, St Gregory’s Feast was combined with that of St Basil the Great – “Two Bodies one Spirit” and was then celebrated on 2 January).
Their lives here:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/02/saint-s-of-the-day-2-january-st-basil-the-great-329-379-and-st-gregory-of-nazianzen-330-390-two-bodies-one-spirit/

Madonna del Bosco / Our Lady of the Woods, Imbersago, Como, Lombardy, Italy (1617) – 9 May:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/09/madonna-del-bosco-our-lady-of-the-woods-imbersago-como-lombardia-italy-1617-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

St Banban the Wise
St Beatus of Laon
St Beatus of Lungern
St Brynoth of Scara
St Dionysius of Vienne
Bl Fortis Gabrielli
St Gerontius of Cervia

Blessed Giovanni Benincasa of Montepulciano OSM (1375-1426) Religious Friar of the Servite Order, Hermit, Mystic, Penitent. His Beatification received formal approval from Pope Pius VIII on 23 December 1829.
His Devout Life

St Giuse Hien
St Gorfor of Llanover

St Gregory of Ostia
St Hermas of Rome
Isaiah the Prophet
St John of Châlon

Blessed Thomas Pickering (c1621-1679) Martyr, Benedictine Lay Brother. He was one of the 107 Martyrs of England and Wakes. They were Beatified by Pope Pius XI on 15 December 1929 and is, therefore, remembered with them all on 4 May. In character, he was described, as the most charitable and sweet-tempered of men.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/09/saint-of-the-day-9-may-blessed-thomas-pickering-osb-c-1621-1679-martyr/

St Vincent (Died c950) Abbot of Montes

Martyrs of Persia: 310 Christians murdered together for their faith in Persia. No details about them have survived.

20 Mercedarian Martyrs of Riscala: 20 Mercedarian friars who were murdered by Huguenot heretics for refusing to denounce their faith. 16th century at the Santa Maria convent at Riscala, France.

DISCLAIMER:
Please note:
I cannot control the content of the Advertisements on this Site, or of pop-ups which may appear,
The revenue from the Advertisements, however, does provide a little assistance in the support of the Site.
I do apologise for any inappropriate content.

Posted in MARIAN REFLECTIONS, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on VICE, QUOTES on VIRTUE, The IMITATION of CHRIST, Thomas a Kempis

Thought for the Day – 8 May – The Model and Imitation – The Work of Sanctification

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 8 May – The Imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Extracts from The Imitation
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
By Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)
Imprimatur 17 February 1947

PART ONE
THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES
Chapter I

SERMON
The Model and Imitation

I. To imitate is to reproduce a model – but, the model can be larger or smaller than the reproduction. Thus, it is in the imitation of Jesus, of Mary and of the Saints.
The models in this case are greater than nature.
We can, nevertheless, succeed in resembling them by reproducing their life.

II. Life is a complexity of virtues and of faults, of forces and of instincts. Nothing is evil by nature but, according as one rises or falls, one becomes good or bad. It can be said that a middle way does not exist. One must choose vice or virtue.
To practice virtue an effort must be made; such is the meaning of the Latin word – “virtus.”

III. The Christian soul, in the face of the Divine model, Mary, exalts itself to the practice of the virtues which it admires in her, who is, at the same time, a sublime model and an admirable mistress, an example and a mother.

MEDITATION
The Work of Sanctification

It is a science, to know how to regard a model; it is an art, to be able to reproduce it. This art and this work, contain the whole secret of the spiritual life.
Consideration is meditation or contemplation, the study of Divine harmonies. We emulate the Saints and, in order to do so, we must suffer. That is why, grief teaches, more than joy. He who has not suffered, what does he know?!
A heart which loves has already been half-opened by a sword!
Strike the heart, for in it is genius, said the poet and there too, is sanctity!

Practice: To wear a medal of Mary, as beautiful as possible, is an easy means of recalling that, to imitate her, one must make an effort.

Thought: To one who loves Mary, everything seems sweet and light.
“Bitter things become sweet, heavy things become light.
Amara dulcia fiunt, gravia levia veniunt.”

Dr Célestin Albin de Cigala (1865-1928)
Faculty of Paris
Doctor of Theology and Philosophy