Thought for the Day – 8 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Feast of Pentecost
“Let us pray fervently to the Holy Ghost. Let us pray with the Church: “Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created and Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.”
Let us recollect ourselves in prayer before the Spirit of God on this day of Pentecost. Let us renew our resolutions and entrust them to Him so that He may help us to carry them out.
Aspiration: Come into our hearts, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of Truth.”
“He who abides in Me and I in Him, the same bears much fruit” John 5:5
“We are preserved in being, if we grow onto Him and cling fast to the holy commandment, which has been handed down to us and, if we are eager to keep the blessing of nobility, that is to say, if we never consent, in any way, to “grieve the Holy Spirit” (Eph 4:30), Who has come to dwell in us and, through Whom, we believe, God has made His home in us. … For just as the vine-stock supplies and distributes, the virtue of its own inherent natural quality to the shoots, so, too, the Only-Begotten Word of God, implants, in His people, a sort of affinity with His own nature and that of the Father. By the gift of the Spirit, they are united with Him by every kind of holiness. He nourishes them, so that they become devout and He moves them to knowledge of all virtue and good works.”
“Virtues are formed by PRAYER. PRAYER preserves temperance. PRAYER suppresses anger. PRAYER prevents emotions of pride and envy. PRAYER draws the Holy Ghost, into the soul and raises man to Heaven.”
Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Ghost By St Bonaventure (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
We beg the All-Merciful Father through Thee, His Only-Begotten Son, made Man for our sake, Crucified and Glorified for us, to send upon us, from His treasure-house, the Spirit of Sevenfold Grace, Who rested upon Thee in all His fullness.
The Spirit of Wisdom, enabling us to relish the fruit of the tree of life, which is indeed Thyself. The Gift of Understanding, to enlighten our perceptions. The Gift of Prudence, enabling us to follow in Thine Footsteps. The Gift of Strength, to withstand our adversary’s onslaught. The Gift of Knowledge, to distinguish good from evil, by the light of Thine holy teaching. The Gift of Piety, to clothe ourselves with charity and mercy. The Gift of Fear, to withdraw from all ill-doing and live quietly in awe of Thy Eternal Majesty.
These are the things for which we petition. Grant them for the honour of Thy Holy Name, to which, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, thanksgiving, renown and Lordship, forever and ever. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 8 June – “The Month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Pentecost Sunday – Acts 2:1-11 – John 14:23-31 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“But the Paraclete, the Holy Ghost, Whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things and bring all things to your mind, whatsoever I shall have said to you.” – John 14:26
REFLECTION – “The Apostles were sitting there in the Cenacle, the Upper Room, waiting for the Holy Ghost’s coming. Like torches, they were present there, ready and waiting to be set alight by the Holy Ghost so as to illumine the whole creation with their teaching… They were there like farm hands carrying seed in their coat pocket, waiting for the order to go out and sow. They were there like sailors whose boat is tied up in the harbour of the Son’s commandment and who are waiting for the gentle wind of the Spirit. They were there like shepherds who have just received their staff from the Chief Shepherd of the fold and who are waiting for the flock to be divided among them.
“And they began to speak in different tongues as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” O Cenacle, kneading trough into which has been thrown the leaven, leavening the whole world! O Cenacle, mother of all the Churches, who have witnessed the miracle of the burning bush (Ex 3). O Cenacle, amazing Jerusalem with a wonder far greater than that of the burning furnace which astonished the inhabitants of Babylon (Dn 3). The fire of the furnace burned all those around it but protected those in its midst – the flames of the Cenacle gather together those outside who wish to see them, while bringing comfort to those who receive them. O fire, whose coming is word, whose silence is light! O fire, establishing hearts in thankfulness!…
Some people, who were opposed to the Holy Ghost, said: “These people have had too much new wine; they are drunk.” Indeed, you speak truly! However, it is not as you think it is. It is not wine from the vineyard they have drunk. It is a new wine which flows from Heaven – a wine newly pressed on Golgotha. The Apostles caused it to be drunk and thus, they inebriated all creation. This is wine which was pressed on the Cross!” – St Ephrem (306-373) Deacon in Syria, Father and Doctor of the Church [Added by Pope Benedict XV in 1920] – (On the outpouring of the Holy Ghost).
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who on this day have taught the hearts of the faithful by the Light of the Holy Spirit, grant us by that Holy Spirit Himself, to know what is right and ever to rejoice in His consolation. 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).
Our Morning Offering – 8 June – “The Month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Pentecost Sunday
Veni Sancte Spiritus The Golden Sequence(Extract)
Come, Holy Ghost and bring from above The splendour of Thy Light. Come, Father of the poor, come, Giver of graces, Come, Light of our hearts. Best of Consolers, sweet Guest of the soul, And Comfort of the weary. Thou rest in labour, relief in burning toil, Consoling us in sorrow. O blessed Light, fill the innermost hearts Of those who trust in Thee. Without Thy indwelling, there is nothing in man And nothing free of sin. Cleanse what is sordid, give water in dryness, And heal the bleeding wounds. Bend what is proud, make warm what is cold, Bring back the wayward soul. Give to the faithful, who trustingly beg Thee Thy seven Holy Gifts. Grant virtue’s reward, salvation in death, And everlasting joy. Amen Alleluia!
“Veni Sancte Spiritus,” the “Golden Sequence” is a sequence prescribed in the Roman Liturgy for the Masses of Pentecost and its Octave, exclusive Trinity Sunday. It is usually attributed to either the 13th Century Pope Innocent III (c1160 – 1216) or to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Cardinal Stephen Langton (c1150 – 1228).
Saint of the Day – 8 June – St Clodulphus (c605-c696) Bishop of Metz, modern France, serving for around 40 years from approximately 647 until his death in 606 or 607. A man of great holiness and charity, he served his Diocese and his King and Government with brilliant and faithful apostolic fervour. Devoting himself to both spiritual and pastoral care of the most needy to the King and noblemen. Born in c605 and died on 8 June in c696. Patronage – of Metz. Also known as – Chlodulf, Clodould, Clodulphe, Clodulph, Clou, Cloud, Clodolfo, Clodulfo,
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Metz, St Clodulphus, Bishop.”
St Clodulphus and his wife Maria
Clodulphus was the son of St Arnulf, the Bishop of Metz and his wife, Doda. He was raised in an environment permeated by religious values and commitment to the community.
Together with his brother, Ansegis, Clodulphus distinguished himself for his abilities and his high sense of duty, obtaining important positions at the Court of the Kings of Austrasia, modern France.
However, it was at the death of his father’s successor, St Arnulf, on the Episcopal seat of Metz, that Clodulphus embarked on a path destined to leave an indelible mark on history. Although he was a layman and already led a devout and holy life, he was elected as the Bishop, accepting the office with humility and deep dedication.
Bishop Clodulphus led the Diocese of Metz for forty years, distinguishing himself for his wisdom, his generosity and his commitment to promoting the well-being of the people. His pastoral work was characterised by the attentive care of the clergy, the promotion of devotions and piety among the faithful and the realisation of numerous charitable works, including the distribution of alms to the most needy.
Clodulphus did not limit himself only to the spiritual aspect,but also proved to be a skilled administrator, wisely managing the resources of the Diocese and contributing to its economic and social development. It is thought that he also composed a biography of his father St Arnulf, testimony to his deep family ties and his admiration for his parent’s work.
In addition to his Episcopal role, Clodulphus played a leading role as an advisor to the Kings of Austrasia. His wisdom and political experience made him an important point of reference for the Sovereigns, who relied upon his judgement in crucial matters for the Kingdom.
Clodulphus’ influence also extended to the dynastic sphere. His brother, Ansegis, by marrying Begga, daughter of Pepin of Landen, became the founder of the Carolingian Dynasty, destined to profoundly mark European history. In this way, Clodulphus found himself playing an indirect but significant role in the birth of this powerful Dynasty.
Clodulphus died at the age of about ninety-one, leaving a lasting legacy in the Diocese of Metz and in Frankish history. As Patron Saint of the Diocese and City of Metz, Clodulphus is celebrated on 8 June each year.
Blessed Armand of Zierikzee OFM (Died c1524) Friar of the Order of the Friars Minor, renowned Scriptural Scholar. St Bron of Cassel Bishop, Spiritual student of Saint Patrick. St Calliope St Clodulf (c605-c696) Bishop of Metz Bl Engelbert of Schäftlarn St Eustadiola of Moyen-Moutier St Fortunatus of Fano Bishop
St Gildard of Rouen (c 456-c 545 Bishop of Rouen, Confessor * Twin Brother of St Medard below. The Roman Martyrology states of St Medard and his twin brother, St Gildard, today: “At Soissons, in France, the birthday of St Gildard, Bishop of Rouen, whose life and precious death are illustrated by glorious miracles – at Rouen, St Gildard, Bishop, twin brother of St Medard,who was born with his brother on the same day, Consecrated Bishops at the same time and being taken away from this life, also on the same day, they entered Heaven together!” About St Gildard: https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/08/saint-of-the-day-8-june-st-gildard-of-rouen-c-456-c-545/
Bl Giorgio Porta Bl Giselbert of Cappenberg St Heraclius of Sens
Blessed John Davy O.Cart. (c1490-1535) Deacon of the Carthusian Order, Martyr. Born in York in c1490 and died by being chained to a wall in the Tower prison, London and starved, until his death on 8 June 1535. Also known as – John Davies. Additional Memorial – 4 May as one of the Carthusian Martyrs of London. Blessed John was Beatified on 20 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2024/06/08/saint-of-the-day-8-june-blessed-john-davy-o-cart-c1490-1535-deacon-martyr/
Bl essedJohn Rainuzzi Bl Maddallena of the Conception
St Medard (c456-545) Bishop and Confessor * Twin Brother of St Gildard above. About these iluustrious Saint: https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/08/saint-of-the-day-8-june-saint-medard-c-456-545-bishop/ The Roman Martyrology states of St Medard and his twin brother, St Gildard, today: “At Soissons, in France, the birthday of St Medard, Bishop of Novon, whose life and precios death are illustrated by glorious miracles – at Rouen, St Gildard, Bishop, twin brother of St Medard,who was born with his brother on the same day, Consecrated Bishops at the same time and being taken away from this life, also on the same day, they entered Heaven together!”
St Melania the Elder St Muirchu St Pacificus of Cerano Bl Peter de Amer Bl Robert of Frassinoro St Sallustian St Syra of Troyes St Victorinus of Camerino
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