Day: July 6, 2025

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Love of Self, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Thought for the Day – 6 July– St Peter, Prince of the Apostles / St Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 6 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) – The Octave Day of Sts Peter and Paul

St Peter, Prince of the Apostles
St Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles

“It is good to admire the fidelity of St Peter and the designs of Divine Providence in making him the visible Head of the Church but, it is far better, to follow his example.
His love for Jesus, led him to leave his family and his fisherman’s trade, in order to follow Our Lord.
It led him to undertake long voyages, to endure imprisonment and to face Martyrdom.
What can we do for the love of Jesus?
Remember that, if love is to be sincere, it must be generous and effective.

Secondly, let us meditate on and imitate, the ardent and fearless faith of St Peter.
He was not afraid to preach the teaching of Christ before the Sanhedrin.
He was not afraid of Herod, who cast him into prison.

He was not afraid of the Roman Emperor, who caused him to be crucified.
Our faith should be steadfast and lively, like his!

Finally, let us imitate Peter in his repentance.
Although he loved Jesus very much and had such great faith in Him, in a moment of weakness and of imprudence, he denied Him three times.
All his life, however, be wept bitterly for this sin.
Whenever he heard a cock crowing, it was as if an arrow had pierced his heart.
He was not satisfied, until he was hanging upon the cross like his Divine Master and could prove his love for Jesus by a Martyr’s death.”

St Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles

We can learn many other virtues from St Paul, besides his zealous love for God and for his fellowmen.
We can also learn from him, the virtues of humility and of apostolic fervour.
The Apostle of the Gentiles reached such heights of sanctity, as to feel himself transformed into Christ Himself and to deserve to be taken up into the third Heaven, where he enjoyed a foretaste of eternal happiness.
Nevertheless, he considered himself unworthy to be called an Apostle and he realised, that all his gifts came to him from God.
“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to think anything as from ourselves but our sufficiency, is from God” (2 Cor 3:5).
Whenever we succeed in any project, we should think on the same lines because, it is only when we are humble and depend on the grace of God, that the success of our actions will redound to the glory of our Creator.
If the cancer of ambition or of self-love, should corrupt our purity of intention, our work would not be blessed by God and would not make us worthy of everlasting life.
Let us repeat often: “All for You, with You and in You, my God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/29/thought-for-the-day-29-june-st-peter-prince-of-the-apostles-st-paul-the-apostle-to-the-gentiles-2/

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GATE of HEAVEN, HYMNS, POETRY, St PETER!, The HEART

Quote/s of the Day – 6 July – The Gates of our true country

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 6 July – The Octave Day of Sts Peter and Paul

Decora Luce Aeternitatis
What Fairer Light?
Attrib. to H Elphis (Died 493) Wife of BL Severinus Boethius c 477– 524)
Trans. Msgr Ronald Knox (1888–1957)

What fairer light is this
than time itself doth own,
The golden day with beams
more radiant brightening?
The Princes of God’s Church
this Feast day doth enthrone,
To sinners heavenward bound
their burden lightening.

One taught mankind its creed,
one guards the Heavenly Gate,
Founders of Rome,
they bind the world in loyalty;
One by the sword achieved,
one by the cross his fate;
With laurelled brows
they hold eternal royalty.

Rejoice, O Rome, this day;
thy walls they once did sign
With princely blood,
who now their glory share with thee.
What city’s vesture glows
with crimson deep as thine?
What beauty else has earth
that may compare with thee?

To God the Three in One eternal homage be,
All honour, all renown, all songs victorious,
Who rules both heaven and earth
by one divine decree,
To everlasting years
in empire glorious.
Amen

5th cCntury Latin Hymn “Aurea Luce” attributed to H Elphis (Died 493), first wife of the Roman philosopher-poet Boethius (c475–c525). He would eventually be Martyred for his defence of the Faith against the Arian ruler, Theodoric.
Msgr Knox, a convert from Anglicanism, was a noted Scholar, Author, Hymnist and Translator, becoming the Secretary to St Pius X.
Under direction of his religious superiors, he re-translated the Latin Vulgate Bible into English from Hebrew and Greek sources.
What Fairer Light is set to the tune, Decora Lux by the English Catholic Composer, Samuel Webbe (1740–1816).

In 1632, in accord with changes called for by the Council of Trent, Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644) revised the original text of Aurea Luce and divided it into two new Hymns for Lauds and Vespers: Decora Lux and Beate Pastor Petre. In the Liturgy of the Hours, What Fairer Light is used on 29 June, the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul, Apostles. The above is the Older version.

“There are the Gates of our true country,
the two lights of the immense world.
There Paul’s voice is heard like thunder;
there Peter withholds or hurls the bolt .
The former opens the hearts of men,
the latter opens Heaven.
Peter is the Foundation-stone,
Paul the Architect of the temple
where stands the Altar
by which God is propitiated.
Both together form a single Fountain,
which pours out its healing
and refreshing waters.”

St Venantius Fortunatus (c 530 – c 609)
“The Troubadour of Christ”

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 July – ‘ Thou shalt catch men … After the proof of thy humility … ‘

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 6 July – “The Solemnity Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Pentecost IV – The Octave Day of Sts Peter and Paul – Romans 8:18-23 – Luke 5:1-11 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ And Jesus saith to Simon – Fear not, from henceforth. thou shalt catch men. ”– Luke 5:10

REFLECTION – “Peter threw himself humbly at Jesus’ feet. Recognising his Lord in Him, he said: “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man and am not worthy to stay with Thee. Depart from me, for I am only a man and Thou art the God-man; I am sinful and Thou art holy; I am a servant, Thou the Master. Let distance separate Thee from me, who am distanced from Thee by the weakness of my nature, the ugliness of my sins and the weakness of my strength..”

But the Lord comforted Peter by showing him the catch of fish which showed how he would become a fisher of men. “Do not be afraid,” He said to him, “Do not be frightened but believe and rejoice. For thou art destined for an even greater catch another kind of boat and another kind of net, will be given thee. Hitherto thou hast caught fish with thy nets but from now on, thou wilt catch men with thy words. The Word of God is like a fisherman’s bait. Just as the hook does not catch the fish until it has been taken by it, so the Word of God does not capture a man for eternal life unless this Word, has first of all, entered his thoughts. From now on, it is men thou wilt catch. ‘From now on’ – that is to say, after all that has taken place, after the proof of thy humility, thou wilt be responsible for catching men. For humility has the force of attraction and it is good to know how not to boast in one’s own power if one is to have authority over others.” – Ludolph of Saxony (1300-1377) Carthusian Monk, Theologian, Writer (The life of Jesus Christ 1 Ch 29:9-11)

PRAYER – O God, Who made this day holy by the Martyrdom of Your Apostles Peter and Paul, grant Thy Church to follow in all things, the teaching of those, from whom she first received the faith. 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, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, St Alphonsus de Liguori,, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION

Our Morning Offering – 6 July – Glory Be to Jesus

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 6 July – “The Solemnity and Month of the Most Precious Blood”

Glory Be to Jesus,
Who in Bitter Pains
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor
Trans. Fr Eward Caswell C.Orat. (1814–1878)

Glory be to Jesus!
Who in bitter pains
Poured for me the Life-Blood,
From His Sacred veins.

Grace and life eternal
In that Blood I find,
Blessed be His compassion,
Infinitely kind!

Blessed through endless ages
Be the precious stream!
Which from endless torment
Doth the world redeem.

There the fainting spirit
Drinks of life her fill.
There, as in a fountain,
Bathes herself at will.

O the Blood of Christ!
It soothes the Father’s ire,
Opens the Gate of Heaven,
Quells eternal fire.

Abel’s blood for vengeance
Pleaded to the skies
But the Blood of Jesus,
For our pardon cries.

Oft as it is sprinkled
On our guilty hearts,
Satan in confusion,
Terror-struck, departs.

Oft as earth exulting
Wafts its praise on high,
Hell with terror trembles,
Heaven is filled with joy.

Lift ye, then, your voices,
Swell the mighty flood,
Louder still and louder,
Praise the Precious Blood!

Tune: “Bemerton (Caswall)” Friedrich Filitz 1847

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 6 July – Saint Justus (6th Century?) Monk

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 6 July – Saint Justus (6th Century?) Monk of Condat, Jura, in the valley of Bienne, France. Also known as – Giusto.

In the heart of the Jura mountains, in France, the name of Saint Justus of Condat resonates, a Monk shrouded in mystery and veneration. His figure, although outlined by hagiographic fragments, emerges as a beacon of faith and devotion, illuminating the centuries with the light of his sanctity.

Unknown Monks kneeling in prayer

The ancient papers and records of the Monastery of Condat, today known as Saint-Claude, preserve his name, awarded the title of Saint. Since the most remote times, his memory was celebrated on 6 July fueling the cult of a pious man dedicated to monastic life.

However, the biographical information on Saint Justus is fragmentary, almost evanescent like the mists which envelop his mountains. History gives us only echoes of his existence, whispers of a Monk who dedicated his life to prayer and contemplation in that territory of Condat.

The choirstalls at Condat, illustrated by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, 1856

Despite the scarcity of details, devotion to Saint Justus has not been affected. Indeed, over the centuries his fame has spread, so much so that, in the 9th Century some of his Relics were transferred to Salaise in France, where they still rest today.

In 1903, St Pius X, officially confirmed the cult of Saint Justus, elevating him to an illustrious witness of the Christian Faith. His figure, although shrouded in mystery, continues to inspire and call the faithful to contemplate the Divine and to devote themselves to the spiritual life.

Jura
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

The SOLEMNITY of the MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, PENTECOST IV, The OCTAVE DAY of SAINTS PETER & PAUL and the Saints for 6 July

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The SOLEMNITY of the MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

PENTECOST IV

The OCTAVE DAY of SAINTS PETER & PAUL

Notre-Dame d’Iron / Our Lady of Iron, Dunois, France (1631) – 6 July:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/06/notre-dame-diron-our-lady-of-iron-dunois-france-1631-and-memorials-of-the-saints-6-july/

Bl Angela of Bohemia
Bl Christopher Solino
St Cyril of Thessaloniki

St Dominica of Campania (c287-303) Virgin Martyr
Her Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/06/saint-of-the-day-6-july-saint-dominica-of-campania-c-287-303-virgin-martyr/

St Gervais

St Goar (6th Century) Priest and Confessor, Hermit.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In the region of Treves, St Goar, Priest and Confessor.”
Holy Goar:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/06/saint-of-the-day-6-july-st-goar-6th-century-priest-and-confessor/

St Godelieve
St Justus (6th Century?) Monk of Condat
St Monenna
St Noyala of Brittany
St Petrus Wang Zuolung

St Palladius of Ireland (Died c 432) The First Bishop sent to Ireland preceding St Patrick and “Apostle of the Scots.”
About St Palladius:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/06/saint-of-the-day-6-july-saint-palladius-of-ireland-died-c-432-apostle-of-the-scots/

St Romulus of Fiesole (Died c 90) Martyr, Bishop, Disciple of Saint Peter.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/06/saint-of-the-day-6-july-saint-romulus-of-fiesole-died-c-90-martyr/

St Saxburgh of Ely
St Sisoes the Great
Bl Suzanne Agathe de Loye

Blessed Thomas Alfield (c 1552-1585) Priest Martyr. Thomas was Beatified on 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/07/06/saint-of-the-day-6-july-blessed-thomas-alfield-c-1552-1585-priest-martyr/

St Tranquillinus of Rome

Martyrs of Campania – 23 Saints: A group of 23 Christians arrested, tortured and then beheaded together in the later 3rd century by order Gf Governor Rictiovarus during the persecutions of Diocletian. The names that have come down to us are – Antoninus, Arnosus, Capicus, Cutonius, Diodorus, Dion, Isidore, Lucia, Lucian, Rexius, Satyrus and Severinus.

Martyrs of Fiesole – 5 Saints: Five Christians Martyred together during the persecutions of Emperor Domitian – Carissimus, Crescentius, Dulcissimus, Marchisianus and Romulus. c 90 near Fiesole, Italy.