Month: July 2025

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

The Feast of The Humility of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Madonna dell’Umiltà / The Madonna of Humility, Italy (1490), Madonna della Campitelli / Our Lady of Campitelli, Italy (524) St Alexius and Memorials of the Saints – 17 July

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The Feast of The Humility of the Blessed Virgin Mary or the Madonna of Humility:
The Feast of the Humility of the Blessed Virgin Mary was included in the General Roman Calendar of 1954 among the feasts ‘pro aliquibus locis’ (in some places) but was removed from the General Roman Calendar of 1960. However, many Diocese worldwide still celebrate this beautiful Feast as do all Traditional Catholics.
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/17/saint-of-the-day-17-july-the-humility-of-mary-by-st-alphonsus/

Madonna dell’Umiltà / The Madonna of Humility, Pistoia, Tuscany, Italy (1490) – 17 July:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/17/saint-of-the-day-17-july-the-madonna-of-humility-madonna-dellumilta-pistoia/

Madonna della Campitelli / Our Lady of Campitelli, Italy (524) – 17 July and 2 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/17/madonna-dellumilta-the-madonna-of-humility-pistoia-tuscany-italy-1490-madonna-della-campitelli-our-lady-of-campitelli-italy-524-and-memorials-of-the-saints-17-july/

St Alexius (Died early 5th Century) Confessor, Hermit, Mystic, beggar – known as “the Man of God.”
A Life of LDivine Love:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/17/saint-of-the-day-17-july-saint-alexius-of-rome-died-early-5th-century-the-man-of-god/

Martyrs of Compiegne (16 Carmelite Beati): Sixteen Blessed Teresian Martyrs of Compiègne.
Eleven Discalced Carmelite nuns, three lay sisters and two lay women servants who were Martyred together in the French Revolution. They were the earliest Martyrs of the French Revolution that have been recognised. They were: Angelique Roussel • Anne Pelras • Anne-Marie-Madeleine Thouret • Catherine Soiron • élisabeth-Julitte Vérolot • Marie Dufour • Marie Hanniset • Marie-Anne Piedcourt • Marie-Anne-Françoise Brideau • Marie-Claude-Cyprienne Brard • Marie-Françoise de Croissy • Marie-Gabrielle Trezel • Marie-Geneviève Meunier • Marie-Madeleine-Claudine Lidoine • Rose-Chretien de Neuville • Thérèse Soiron.
They were guillotined on 17 July 1794 at the Place du Trône Renversé (modern Place de la Nation) in Paris, France.
The 16 Martyrs Story:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/17/saints-of-the-day-17-july-the-carmelite-martyrs-of-compiegne-o-c-d/

St Andrew Zorard OSB (c980 – c1008) Hermit, Monk, Missionary, Spiritual guide, Ascetic. His cult was officially confirmed in July 1083 by Pope Gregory VII, thanks to the Hungarian King Ladislaus I.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/17/saint-of-the-day-17-july-saint-andrew-zorard-osb-c-980-c-1008/

Bl Bénigne
Bl Biagio of the Incarnation
St Clement of Ohrid
St Cynllo
St Ennodius (c473-521) Bishop and Confessor of Pavia
St Fredegand of Kerkelodor
St Generosus
St Gorazd
St Hyacinth of Amastris
St Kenelm

St Pope Leo IV (c790-855) The 103rd Bishop of Rome. Papal Ascension: 847. St Leo is particularly remembered for repairing Roman Churches those which had been damaged during the Arab raid and for building the Leonine Wall around Vatican Hill to protect the City. Pope Leo organised a league of Italian Cities which fought and won, the sea Battle of Ostia, against the Saracens.
St Leo IV’s Life and Works:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/17/saint-of-the-day-17-july-st-leo-iv-c790-855-the-103rd-bishop-of-rome/

St Marcellina (c330-c398) Consecrated Virgin, sister of St Ambrose and St Satyrus.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Milan, the Virgin St Marcellina, sister of the blessed Archbishop Ambrose, who received the religious veil from Pope Liberius, in the Basilica of St Peter at Rome. Her sanctity is attested by St Ambrse in his writings.”
Lovely Marcellina:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/07/17/saint-of-the-day-17-july-st-marcellina-c330-c398-virgin/


St Nerses Lambronazi
Bl Sebastian of the Holy Spirit
Bl Tarsykia Matskiv
St Theodosius of Auxerre
St Theodota of Constantinople
St Turninus

Martyrs of Scillium (12 Saints): A group of twelve Christians Martyred together, the final deaths in the persecutions of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Upon their conviction for the crime of being Christians, the group was offered 30 days to reconsider their allegiance to the faith; they all declined. Their official Acta still exist. Their names : • Acyllinus • Cythinus • Donata • Felix • Generosa • Januaria • Laetantius • Narzales • Secunda • Speratus • Vestina • Veturius
They were beheaded on 17 July 180 in Scillium, Numidia (in North Africa).

Posted in MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, MOTHER of GOD, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 16 July – The Intercession of Our Lady

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 16 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Intercession of Our Lady

“Our Lady’s intercession is very powerful with God.
St Bernard tells us that it is the Will of God, that everything comes to us through her holy hands (Sermo in Nativ BMV no 7).
He assures us, that Mary is the Mediatrix through whom we receive all favours from God (In Assump. BMV sermo 2, no 2).
Her power of intercession is the result of her divine and human Motherhood.
Because she is the Mother of God, Jesus refuses her nothing;  because she is our mother, she loves us dearly and is eager to obtain from God, the spiritual favours, for which we ask.
For this reason, we should approach her with complete confidence.
St Bernard also writes:  “If anyone feels that he is overwhelmed by the tempests of this world and cannot keep an even course, let him raise his eyes towards Mary, let him remember Mary and call upon her…. In danger and in doubt, let him remember and call upon her.   Let the thought of Mary never leave his mind;  let her name never be far from his lips and from his heart …” (Super Miss. Homil 2, no 17).
In all our necessities, we should have confident recourse to our heavenly Mother.
Let us remember, however, that if we wish to be true sons of Mary and to be sure of being heard by her, we should ask especially, for spiritual graces.
Afterwards, we may ask, with equal confidence but, with resignation to God’s Will, for temporal favours, provided they will not stand in the way of our eternal salvation.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, In the PRESENCE of GOD, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, MOTHER of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 16 July – The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 16 July – The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Ecclesiasticus Sirach 24:23 – Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/ –

… Rather blessed are those, who hear the Word of God
and keep it.”

Luke 11:28

“We too are blessed when we are mindful
of carrying Him constantly in our heart.
Certainly, Christ’s Conception in Mary’s womb
was a great marvel but it is no less of a marvel
to see Him become the guest of our heart.”

St Peter Damian (1007-1072)
Doctor of the Church

Mother of Salvation,
Blessed Lady
By St Anselm (1033-1109)
Magnificent Doctor
Marian Doctor

Mother of Salvation,
Blessed Lady,
you are the Mother of Justification
and those who are justified;
the Mother of Reconciliation
and those who are reconciled;
the Mother of Salvation
and those who are saved.
What a blessed trust
and what a secure refuge!
The Mother of God is our Mother.
The Mother of the One
in Whom alone, we hope
and Whom alone, we fear,
is our Mother! …
The One Who partook of our nature
and by restoring us to life,
made us children of His Mother,
invites us by this grace, to proclaim
that we are His brothers and sisters.
Therefore, our Judge, is also our Brother.
The Saviour of the world, is our Brother.
Our God has become –
through Mary – our Brother!
Anen

“Be our Mother, O Mary,
for you have borne us spiritually on Mount Calvary,
at the foot of the Cross.
Deign to obtain for us, through your intercession
that we may love Jesus as you loved Him
and follow Him faithfully, as you followed Him,
unto Death.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MARIAN TITLES, MOTHER of GOD, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUEENSHIP of MARY, THE ASSUMPTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 July – “Blessed is the womb which bore Thee ” – Luke 11:27

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 16 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Ecclesiasticus Sirach 24:23-31 – Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Blessed is the womb which bore Thee ” – Luke 11:27”

REFLECTION – “Hail, O favoured one, the Lord is with thee” (Lk 1:28). Could anything transcend the joy which is thine, O Virgin Mary? Could anything surpass this grace?… Truly, thou art “blessed among women” (Lk 1:42), for thou hast changed the condemnation of Eve into a blessing. Because of thee and through thee, Adam, who was hitherto cast down and condemned, received a blessing.

Truly, “thou art blessed among women” for through thee, the blessing of the Father came to mankind and reprieved them from the age-old sentence.
Truly, “thou art blessed among women” because through thee, thy ancestors found salvation. Thou were to give birth to the Saviour, Who would win for them, God’s salvation.

Truly, “thou art blessed among women” for without the seed of man thou bore the Fruit Who gives a blessing to the whole earth and frees it from being condemned to produce only thorns.

Truly, “thou art blessed among women” for although thou art a woman like any other woman, thou will, in actual fact, become the Mother of God. If the One to be born of thee is, in truth God Incarnate, thou rightly deserve to be called ‘she who gave birth to God’ inasmuch as thou truly do give birth to God.” – St Sophronius of Jerusalem (c560-638) Bishop, Father of the Church (Sermon for the Annunciation 2).

PRAYER – O God, Who honoured the Order of Carmel with the special title of the most blessed Mary, ever Virgin, Thy Mother, graciously grant, that we, who this day honour her commemoration with solemn rites, defended by her care, may be found worthy to attain everlasting happiness.Through the same Jesus Christ, Who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CARMELITES, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The LITTLE OFFICE of MARY

Our Morning Offering – 16 July – “The Flos Carmeli – The Flower of Carmel”

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Our Morning Offering – 16 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

“The Flos Carmeli
The Flower of Carmel”
By St Simon Stock (1165-1265)

O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel,
fruitful vine, splendour of Heaven,
Blessed Mother of the Son of God,
Immaculate Virgin,
assist me in this my necessity.
O Star of the Sea,
help me and show me herein
that thou art my Mother.
O Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Queen of Heaven and earth,
I humbly beseech thee from the bottom of my heart,
to succour me in this my necessity.
There are none that can withstand thy power.
O show me herein, that thou art my Mother. Amen.

O Mary, conceived without sin,
pray for those who have recourse to thee.
(Repeat three times)

Sweet Mother, I place this cause in thy hands.
(Repeat three times)

This prayer, the “Flos Carmeli”
(“The Flower of Carmel”),
was composed by St Simon Stock (1165-1265),
a Carmelite, so-called because he and other members of his Order lived atop Mount Carmel in the Holy Land.
St Simon Stock was visited by the Blessed Virgin Mary on 16 July 1251, at which time, she bestowed upon him a scapular, or habit, (commonly called “the Brown Scapular”) which became part of the Liturgical clothing of the Carmelite Order.
Oral tradition tells of St Simon Stock praying, with a passionate intensity to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, during a time of great distress and hardship for the Order. With fervour and faith, he prayed his prayer, the Flos Carmeli, for the first time.
And Our Lady answered his prayer.
Thus, for seven centuries the Flos Carmeli continues to be prayed to the Blessed Mother with the firm faith that she she will answer its petition, with her powerful assistance.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 16 July – St Sisenandus (Died 851) Deacon, Martyr of Córdoba

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 16 July – St Sisenandus (Died 851) Deacon, Martyr of Córdoba in Spain. Born in Beja, in Portugal and died in 851 in Córdoba, Spain. Patronage of his birth C ity of Beja, Portugal. Also known as – S isenandus of Beja, Sisenando; … of Cordoba

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Cordoba in SBejapain, St Sisemandus, Deacon and Martyr, who was strangled by the Saracens for the Faith of Christ.”

Portrait and Relic of Saint Sisenandus in the Cathedral of St James the Great, in Beja

Most of that which is known about Sisenandus comes from Eulogius of Córdoba’s Martryology “Memoriale Sanctorum.”
This Manuscript remained lost for centuries until its rediscovery by Pedro Ponce de León, Bishop of Plasencia, who had it transcribed and first published in 1574; interest in Sisenandus and the Martyrs of Córdoba at large only resurfaced after this date.

Sisenandus was born in an Iberian Peninsula under Islamic rule. Islamic authorities accorded Christians ‘dhimmi – protected’ status which allowed them to practice their religion with certain restricions, such as a prohibition on public displays of their Faith. These Christians, called Mozarabs, came to adopt elemnts of Arabic culture while retaining their own.

Sisenandus was born in modern-day Spain, from Beja and thence went to Córdoba as a young clerical student to conduct his studies at the Basilica of Saint Acisclus, a Martyr with his sister St Victoria during the reign of Diocletian c305. There, he received Holy Orders as a Deacon and as a fervent preacher, soon after, was arrested, tried and on 16 July 851 was Martyred by order of Abd al-Rahman II. His remains were thrown into the Guadalquivir, and later salvaged and brought to the Church of San Pedro in river in Córdoba.

In the late 16th Century, when Francisco de Reynoso y Baeza was the Bishop of Córdoba, the City of Beja sent a delegation to request the Relics of Saint Sisenandus — or, at least, part of them — be brouht to his birthplace both the Bishop and Philip II of Spain judged it a suitably devout demonstration of piety and allowed a radial bone to be brought to Beja in the year 1600.

The Relic was at first kept under the Tabernacle in the Church of Salvador but then transferred to its own temple. As this latter Chapel fell into disrepair and, eventually, abandonment, the Relics were translated to an Altar in the Cathedral of St James the Great, where they are kept to this day.

On 24 October 1651, Saint Sisenandus was decreed the Patron Saint of the City of Beja.

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, INCORRUPTIBLES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Nuestra Señora del Carmen / Our Lady of Carmen, Spain, (17th Century) and Memorials of the Saints – 16 July

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Lady of Mount Carmel – When Mary gave the Scapular to an early Carmelite named Saint Simon Stock. (Optional Memorial)
About:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/07/15/feast-of-our-lady-of-mount-carmel-16-july/

AND:
The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/16/thought-for-the-day-16-july-the-memorial-of-our-lady-of-mount-carmel/

Nuestra Señora del Carmen / Our Lady of Carmen (Rute, Córdoba, Andalucía, Spain) (17th Century)– 16 July, 13 February – Patron of Rute:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/16/our-lady-of-mount-carmel-nuestra-senora-del-carmen-rute-cordoba-andalucia-spain-17th-century-and-memorials-of-the-

St Andrew the Hermit
St Antiochus of Sebaste
Bl Arnold of Clairvaux

Blessed Arnulf Died 1180) Abbot of Hildesheim Monastery.
His Body is/was Incorrupt.
The Life of Love of Blessed Arnulf:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/16/saint-of-the-day-16-july-blessed-arnulf-of-hildesheim-died-1180-abbot/

St Athenogenes of Sebaste

St Bartholomew OP – ArchBishop of Braga also known as Bl Bartholomew of the Martyrs (Bartolomeu Fernandez dei Martiri Fernandes) (1514-1590) Portuguese Dominican Friar and Priest, Writer, Theologian, Advisor, Teacher and Catechetical writer, Apostle of Charity founding a series of hospitals and hospices in Braga and surrounds.
St Bartholomew:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/16/saint-of-the-day-16-july-blessed-bartholomew-of-the-martyrs-1514-1590/

St Benedict the Hermit

Blessed Ceslaus Odrowaz OP (c1184– 1242) (Brother of St Hyacinth) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, Confessor, Spiritual Advisor, miracle-worker. He was raised to the Altars by Pope Clement XI in 1713
About Blessed Ceslaus:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/16/saint-of-the-day-16-july-blessed-ceslaus-odrowaz-op-c-1184-1242/

St Domnin
St Domnio of Bergamo
Bl Dorothée-Madeleine-Julie de Justamond
St Elvira of Ohren
St Faustus of Rome and Milan

St Fulrad (c710-784) Abbot of Saint Denis Monastery, Chaplin and Counsellor of both King Pippin the Younger and King and Emperor Charlemagne, Founder of numerous Monasteries, Writer/Historian,, he oversaw the construction of a Basilica at St Denis.
About the Zealous Life of St Fulrad:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/16/saint-of-the-day-16-july-saint-fulrad-of-saint-denis-c-710-784/

St Generosus of Poitou
St Gobbán Beg
St Gondulf of Tongeren-Maastricht
St Gondolf of Saintes
St Grimoald of Saintes

St Helier (Died c555) Martyr, Hermit, Missionary to Jersey from Belgium, Hermit, Ascetic, Miracle-worker.
PATRONAGES – St Helier is the Patron Saint of Jersey and in particular of the Diocese and Capital City of Jersey, named for him – Saint Helier, he is invoked against and for the cure of EYE diseases and skin disorders,
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/07/16/saint-of-the-day-16-july-st-helier-of-jersey-died-c555-martyr-missionary-hermit/

Bl Irmengard
St Landericus of Séez
Bl Madeleine-Françoise de Justamond
Bl Marguerite-Rose de Gordon
Bl Marguerite-Thérèse Charensol
Bl Marie-Anne Béguin-Royal
Bl Marie-Anne Doux

St Marie-Madeline (1756-1846Virgin, Religious Sister and Founder of the Sisters of Christian Schools of which she is the Patron, Teacher, Franciscan Tertiary. Pope Pius X later signified on 22 January 1908 his approval to two investigated miracles attributed to her intercession and so Beatified her on 17 May 1908. Pope Pius XI confirmed two additional miracles and Canonised Blessed Marie-Madeline on 24 May 1925.
Her Devoted Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/16/saint-of-the-day-16-july-st-marie-madeline-postel-

Bl Marie-Rose Laye
Bl Milon of Thérouanne
St Monulphus of Tongeren-Maastricht
Bl Ornandus of Vicogne

St Reinildis c 630 – c 700) Virgin, Laywoman, Martyr, Pilgrim. Patronage – against eye diseases, the Town of Saintes in France.
Her Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/16/saint-of-the-day-16-july-st-reinildis-of-saintes-c-630-c-700/

Bl Simão da Costa
St Sisenandus (Died 851) Deacon, Martyr of Cordoba in Spain
St Tenenan of Léo
St Valentine of Trier

St Vitalian (Died 699) Bishop of Capua, Hermit, Miracle-worker.
St Vitalian’s Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/03/saint-of-the-day-3-september-saint-vitalian-of-capua-died-699/

St Vitaliano of Osimo

Martyrs of Antioch – 5 Saints: Five Christians who were Martyred together. No details about them have survived by the names – Dionysius, Eustasius, Maximus, Theodosius and Theodulus. They were Martyred in Antioch, Syria, date unknown.

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Posted in "Follow Me", ArchAngels and Angels, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, CREEDS, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, In the PRESENCE of GOD, Of and for VOCATIONS, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on PURITY, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The HEART, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 15 July – The Division of The Apostles

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 15 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – The Feast of the the “Divisio Apostolorum – The Division of the Apostles” also known as (‘Dispersion’)

“… It was their vocation
to call sinners to repentance,
to heal those who were sick,
whether in body or spirit,
to seek in all their dealing,
never to do their own will
but the Will of Him who sent them and,
as far as possible, to save the world
by their teaching.”

St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444)
Bishop, Father & Doctor of the Church

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God,
the Father Almighty,
Creator of Heaven and earth
and in Jesus Christ,
His only Son, our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
He descended into hell;
on the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into Heaven
and is seated at the Right Hand
of God the Father Almighty;
from thence He shall come
to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost,
the Holy Catholic Church,
the Communion of Saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body
and life everlasting.
Amen

“Day by day follow God’s path,
keeping Him closely attached to you by His promise.
In fact, He Himself said, through the mediation of His Apostles,
to all those who seek His will and His testimonies
that He would be with them
until the end of the world (Mt 28:20)
where paths and footsteps
will be unknown (cf Ps 76:20),
as the divine David said in his songs.
Yet, in an invisible way,
He is present to the eyes of the mind,
making Himself seen by those
who have a pure heart
and conversing with them.
So pursue your path …. ”

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

Prayer of St Patrick

I bind unto myself today
the power in the love of the Seraphim,
in the obedience of the Angels,
in the ministration of the Archangels,
in the hope of Resurrection unto reward,
in the prayers of the Patriarchs,
in the predictions of the Prophets,
in the preaching of the Apostles,
in the faith of the Confessors,
in the purity of the holy Virgins,
in the deeds of Righteous men.
Amen

St Patrick (c386-461)
“The Apostle of Ireland”

Posted in GOD ALONE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The HOLY NAME of MARY

Thought for the Day – 15 July – Carrying our Cross

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 15 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Carrying our Cross

“We also read in the Imitation of Christ: “No man has so heartfelt a sense of the Passion of Christ, as he whose lot it has been, to suffer like things.” (Imitation of Christ, Bk II, Ch 12)
If you carry your cross willingly, it will lead you to your longed for destination, where suffering ends and everlasting joy begins.
If you carry it unwillingly, the weight will become unbearable and you will have to bear it in any case!
If you fling away the cross which you are carrying, immediately, an even heavier one will be laid upon you!
Look upon them as wonderful consolations because, the sufferings of this life cannot be regarded as the measure of that glory which will be ours in Heaven … (Rom 8:18).
We are fortunate and greatly blessed, if we deserve to suffer a little, for the Name of Jesus …
Only when we begin to die ourselves, can we begin to live in God.
Nothing is more acceptable to God and more helpful for us in this world, than to suffer willingly for love of Christ.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, In the PRESENCE of GOD, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, QUOTES on WATCHING, The HEART, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 15 July – ‘ … Reach out towards Him at every moment! …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 15 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – – – St Henry II (972-1024) Confessor, Holy Roman Emperor – Ecclesiasticus Sirach 31:8-11 – Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to Him at once, when He Comes and knocks.” – Luke 12:35-36

REFLECTION – “God is the Supreme Being, therefore, direct the thoughts of your mind to Him and do not think of anything else, except to watch for His Coming. Let the soul gather together its thoughts, dispersed by sin, as though it were gathering together children romping about! Let it take them back to the house of its body and there, wait for the Lord, at all times with fasting and love, until He Comes and gathers them up in truth…

If our hearts are not swollen with pride and, if we do not send our thoughts out to feed in the pastures on the mad weeds of sin and if, to the contrary, we lift up our minds and lead our thoughts into the Lord’s Presence with fervent wills, then, in His good Will, the Lord shall certainly Come to us and truly unite us to Himself …

So make haste to please the Lord, wait for Him in your heart without ceasing, seek Him in your thoughts, stir up your will and your love, to reach out towards Him at every moment! Then you will see how He Comes to you and makes His home within you.” – St Macarius of Egypt (c300-390) (Attrib) Monk, Father (Sermon 31).

PRAYER – O God, Who on this day took Henry, Thy Confessor, to the everlasting Kingdom from the throne of an earthly empire; we humbly beseech Thee, that as Thou enabled him, protected by the abundance of Thy grace, to overcome the temptations of the world, so grant that we, in emulation of him, may shun the allurements of this world and come to Thee with pure hearts.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 PRAYERS, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, OUR Cross, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, St Alphonsus de Liguori,, The PASSION

Our Morning Offering – 15 July – My Sorrowful Mother, Help Me to Bear My Crosses

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 15 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” –

My Sorrowful Mother,
Help Me to Bear My Crosses
By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

My sorrowful Mother,
by the merit of that grief
which you felt
at seeing your beloved Jesus
led to death,
obtain for me the grace
to bear with patience,
those crosses which God sends me.
I will be fortunate
if I also shall know how
to accompany you
with my cross until death.
You and Jesus,
both innocent,
have borne a heavy cross
and shall I,
a sinner who has merited hell,
refuse mine?
Immaculate Virgin,
I hope you will help me
to bear my crosses with patience.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 15 July – St David of Sweden (Died 1082) Bishop

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 15 July – St David of Sweden (Died 1082) the 1st Bishop of Västeras in Sweden, Monk and Missionary, called “The apostle of Västmanland.” Born in England and died in Västeras

Our Saint David who is celebrated today 15 July, was the bishop of Västeras in Sweden. He was a Cluniac Monk of Anglo-Saxon origins sent as a missionary to Sweden around 1020.

He worked evangelising the still-pagan Swedes, starting in the south and then in the central-eastern region of the country. He lived in the place where the Church of Munkathorp now stands which, with his name, recalls the Monk (munk) who baptised new converts in the waters of a nearby spring.

In the Ecclesiastical history of Sweden, he is remembered as the apostle of Västmanland and the 1st Bishop of Västerås. He likely died in 1082 and was buried in Munkathorp. In 1463, 4 Centuries later, his Relics were translated to the Cathedral of his Episcopal See.

Unfortunately, as with so many Catholic Saints’ Relics, when Lutheranism entered and overwhelmed Sweden with its doctrines, they were taken and buried in the cemetery (if not destroyed completely) and his sarcophagus was destroyed.

His symbol is a glove because tradition has it that he once hung his gloves on a ray of sunshine. His liturgical Feastday is today 15 July.

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

The Divisio Apostolorum / Division of the Apostles, Mariae Virginis Molanus / Our Lady of Molanus, Jerusalem (1099), St Henry II and many more Saints celebrated today – 15 July

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Mariae Virginis Molanus / Our Lady of Molanus, Jerusalem (1099) – 15 July:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/15/b-mariae-virginis-molanus-our-lady-of-molanus-jerusalem-1099-and-memorials-of-the-saints-15-july/

St Henry II (972-1024) Confessor, Holy Roman Emperor. Henry was well known for his Missionary spirit and for his protection of the Pope in times of trouble. Henry ruled with a spirit of great humility and always sought to give the glory to God. He used his position to promote the work of the Church and the peace and happiness of the people.
Another Saints whose Feast was moved in 1969 from today, 15 July to 13 July.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/07/13/saint-of-the-day-13-july-st-henry-ii-holy-roman-emperor/

The Divisio Apostolorum / Division of the Apostles: Commemorates the missionary work of the Twelve Apostles. It was first mentioned in the 11th Century and was celebrated in the northern countries of Europe during the Middle Ages. It is now observed in Germany, Poland and some Diocese of England, France and the United States.
https://anastpaul.com/2023/07/15/15-july-the-feast-of-the-the-divisio-apostolorum-the-division-of-the-apostles/

St Abundantia of Spoleto
St Abudemius of Bozcaada
St Adalard the Younger

Blessed Anne-Mary Javouhey (1779-1851) “The Mother of the Slaves,” Religious Sister, Missionary and Founder of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Cluny. Imagine a Mother Teresa in the France of Napoleon’s day and you will have a picture of Anne-Marie Javouhey. Nanette, as she was called, was a “velvet brick,” a thin layer of gentleness covering her determined core. A competent leader, Nanette dominated every scene in her adventurous life. Blessed Anne-Marie was Beatified on 15 October 1950 by Pope Pius XII.
:“The Mother of the Slaves”
https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/15/saint-of-the-day-15-july-blessed-anne-mary-javouhey-1779-1851/

St Apronia

St Athanasius (c830-c 872) Confessor, Bishop of Naples from 849 until his death, Papal Legate, Reformer and restoring of Monasteries, he built a Hospice for pilgrims and a new Monastery, a man of austerity and prayer. This Athanasius should not be confused with his nephew, Athanasius II, also the Bishop of Naples.
About this St Athanasius, a Patron of Naples among +70 Patrons:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/15/saint-of-the-day-15-july-st-athanasius-of-naples-c-830-c-872/

St Antiochus of Sebaste
St Benedict of Angers

Blessed Bernard TOSF (1428-1458) Margrave of Baden, Germany (Margrave was originally the medieval title for the military commander assigned to maintain the defence of one of the border provinces of the Holy Roman Empire.) Tertiary of the Order of St Francis, Apostle of the poor and the needy. Bernard was Beatified on 16 September 1769 by Pope Clement XIV. His Canonisation process continues, at present, the second miracle required is being investigated.
Blessed Bernard’s Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/15/saint-of-the-day-15-july-blessed-bernard-of-baden-tosf-1428-1458/

Blessed Ceslas Odrowaz OP (c1180-1242) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, receiving the Habit from St Dominic himself. Ceslas was almost certainly Saint Hyacinth’s (1185-1257) older brother. It seems I posted the Blessed Ceslas on one of his many Feast Days, 16 July in 202:  https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/16/saint-of-the-day-16-july-blessed-ceslaus-odrowaz-op-c-1184-1242/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/15/saint-of-the-day-15-july-blessed-ceslas-odrowaz-op-c1180-1242-priest/

St David of Sweden (Died 1082) Bishop of Västeras in Sweden, Martyr
St Donivald
St Eberhard of Luzy
St Edith of Tamworth
St Eternus
St Felix of Pavia
St Gumbert of Ansbach
St Haruch of Werden
St Jacob of Nisibis
St Joseph Studita of Thessalonica
Bl Peter Aymillo
St Plechelm of Guelderland

St Rosalia (c1130-1166) Virgin of Palermo, Sicily, Italy.
Another Saint with many Feastdays:
“The Little Saint”
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/04/saint-of-the-day-4-september-saint-rosalia-c-1130-c-1160/

The Coronation of Saint Rosalia,with Sts Peter and Paul, is an oil on canvas Painting by Sir Anthony van Dyck – 1629.

St Valentina of Nevers No information has survived.
St Vladimir I of Kiev

Martyred Jesuit Missionaries of Brazil – 40 Beati: A band of forty Spanish, Portugese and French Jesuit Missionaries Martyred by the Huguenot pirate Jacques Sourie while en route to Brazil. They are – Aleixo Delgado • Alonso de Baena • álvaro Borralho Mendes • Amaro Vaz • André Gonçalves • António Correia • Antônio Fernandes • António Soares • Bento de Castro • Brás Ribeiro • Diogo de Andrade • Diogo Pires Mimoso • Domingos Fernandes • Esteban Zuraire • Fernando Sánchez • Francisco Alvares • Francisco de Magalhães • Francisco Pérez Godoy • Gaspar Alvares • Gonçalo Henriques • Gregorio Escribano • Ignatius de Azevedo • Iõao • João Fernandes • João Fernandes • Juan de Mayorga • Juan de San Martín • Juan de Zafra • Luís Correia • Luís Rodrigues • Manuel Alvares • Manuel Fernandes • Manuel Pacheco • Manuel Rodrigues • Marcos Caldeira • Nicolau Dinis • Pedro de Fontoura • Pedro Nunes • Simão da Costa • Simão Lopes •
They were Martyed on 15 and 16 July 1570 on the ship Santiago near Palma, Canary Islands. They were Beatified on 11 May 1854 by Pope Pius IX.

Martyrs of Alexandria – 13 Saints: Thirteen Christians who were Martyred together. We know the names of three, no details about them and the other ten were all children. – Narseus, Philip and Zeno. Martyred in the early 4th-century in Alexandria, Egypt.

Martyrs of Carthage – 9 Saints: A group of nine Christians who were Martyred together. We know nothing else but their names – Adautto, Catulinus, Felice, Florentius, Fortunanziano, Januarius, Julia, Justa and Settimino. They were Martyred in Carthaginian and their relics at the Basilica of Fausta at Carthage.

Martyrs of Pannonia – 5 Saints: Five 4th-century Martyrs killed together. No information about them has survived except the names – Agrippinus, Fortunatus, Martialis, Maximus and Secundinus.

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on TRUTH

Thought for the Day – 14 July – Humility

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 14 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Humility

“Humility is, in fact, truth.
Many think it is a menial fiction, or a pious congregation and that only a few can really achieve it.

In other words, we must disregard ourselves.
We must be content to be unknown and unesteemed.
This might seem to be contrary to, or at least, superior to human nature but it is based on the simple naked truth.
What have we that is not a gift of God?
All we have in the natural and supernatural order, we have received from God: “What hast thou that thou hast not received? And if thou hast receive it, why dost thou boast as if thou hast not received it?” (1 Cor 4:7).

Our defects and sins are the only things which are really our own!
So we have a double motive for humility.
Everything good about us is a gift from God.
Only our sins belong to us!”

“As “pride is the beginning of all sin,”
(Eccl. 10:15)
so humility is the foundation of all virtue.
Learn to be really humble and not,
as the hypocrite, humble merely in appearance.”

St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/21/thought-for-the-day-21-january-humility/

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 14 July – St Bonaventure

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 14 July – St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church

“Since happiness is nothing else
than the enjoyment of the Supreme Good
and the Supreme Good is above us,
no-one can enjoy happiness,
unless he rises above himself.”

“Men do not fear a powerful hostile army,
as the powers of hell fear the name
and protection of Mary.”

“Although you feel tepid,
approach with confidence,
for the greater your infirmity,
the more you stand in need
of a physician!”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/14/quote-s-of-the-day-14-july-st-bonaventure-3/

St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on PRIESTS, the PRIESTHOOD and CONSECRATED LIFE, QUOTES on WATCHING, St PAUL!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 July – ‘… The dispensers of the Mysteries of God. …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 14 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church – Pentecost VIII – 2 Timothy 4:1-8 –Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:14

REFLECTION – “I shall always love and reverence the Apostles sent by Christ and their successors, in sowing the seed of the Gospel, those zealous and tireless co-operators in propagating the Word, who may justly say of themselves: Let a man so account of us as the ministers of Christ and the dispensers of the Mysteries of God. For Christ, like a most watchful and most faithful householder, wished that the Gospel lamp should be lit by such ministers and delegates, with fire sent down from Heaven and once lit, should not be put under a measure but set upon a candlestick, so that it may spread its brightness far and wide and put to flight, all darkness and error, rife among both Jews and Gentiles.

Now it is not enough for the Gospel teacher to be a brilliant speaker in the eyes of the people; he must also be as a voice crying in the desert and endeavour, by his eloquence, to help many to lead good lives, lest, if he omit his duty of speaking, he be called the dumb dog that is not able to bark, spoken of by the prophet. Yes, he should also burn, in such a way, that, equipped with good works and love, he may adorn his evangelical office and follow the leadership of Paul. He indeed was not satisfied with bidding the Bishop of the Ephesians: This command and teach: conduct thyself in work as a good soldier of Christ Jesus but he unflaggingly preached the Gospel to friend and foe alike and, said with a good conscience to the Bishops gathered at Ephesus: You know how I have kept back nothing that was for your good but have declared it to you and taught you in public and from house to house, urging Jews and Gentiles to turn to God in repentance and to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Such should be the shepherd in the Church who, like Paul, becomes all things to all men, so that the sick may find healing in him; the sad, joy; the desperate, hope; the ignorant, instruction; those in doubt, advice; the penitent, forgiveness and comfort and finally, everyone, whatever is necessary for salvation. And so Christ, when He wished to appoint the chief teachers of the world and of the Church, did not limit Himself to saying to His disciples: You are the light of the world but also added these words: A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a measure but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all who are in the house. Those churchmen err, who imagine that it is by brilliant preaching, rather than by holiness of life and all-embracing love, they fulfil their office.” – St Peter Canisius SJ (1521-1597) Doctor of the Church (Sermon excerpt).

PRAYER – O God, Who gave to Thy people, blessed Bonaventure, as a minister of salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, 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 the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS to THE HOLY GHOST, The HOLY GHOST

Our Morning Offering – 14 July – St Bonaventure’s Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Ghost

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 14 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood”

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

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 14 July – Saint Marcellin (Died c775) Priest, Confessor

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 14 July – Saint Marcellin (Died c775) Priest, Confessor, Monk, Missionary. Born in England, he was, from childhood, a disciple of St Willibrord and his companion in labour for Christ. He died in c775 in Oldenzaal, Netherlands. Patronages – of Deventer and Overijssel. Also known as – Marcellinus, Marchelm, Marculf, Marchelmo, Marcellino, Marcellin, Marchelme, Markulf, Marchelmus.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Deventer, Belgium, St Marcellin, Priest and Confessor.”

Marcellin was a disciple of Saint Willibrord and became one of the Anglo-Saxon Monks who landed on the Continent to evangelise the Germanic peoples.

Marcellin was sent by St Gregory, the Bishop of Utrecht, together with St Lebuin; to the region of Overyssel, where they built a Church in Wilp.

From there, Marcellin evangelised the easternmost pregions, as far as Oldenzaal, where he died at a very old age. His body was taken to Deventer, where it is venerated in the Church of St Lebuin; a part of it was transferred to the Jesuit College in Emmerich.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Mare de Déu de Canòlich / Mother of God of Canòlich, Spain (1223), St Bonaventure! and the Saints – 14 July

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Mare de Déu de Canòlich / Mother of God of Canòlich, Canòlich, Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra, Spain (1223) – 14 July and 4th Saturday of May:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/14/mare-de-deu-de-canolich-mother-of-god-of-canolich-canolich-sant-julia-de-loria-andorra-spain-1223-and-memorials-of-the-saints-14-july/

St Bonaventure of Bagnoregio OFM (1221-1274) – Seraphic Doctor of the Church, Confessor, Friar of the Friars Minor Order of St Francis, Bishop, Cardinal, Theologian, Philosopher, Writer, Mystic, Preacher, Teacher. One of the eaqrly Biographers of St Francis.
St Bonaventure!
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/15/saint-of-the-day-15-july-st-bonaventure-o-f-m-1221-1274-doctor-of-the-church/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/15/saint-of-the-day-15-july-st-bonaventure-seraphic-doctor/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/07/14/saint-of-the-day-14-july-st-bonaventure-1221-1274-confessor-bishop-doctor/

Blessed Angelina di Marsciano

Blessed Boniface O.Cart. (c 1207-1270) Carthusian Monk and Prior, Archbishop of Canterbury. Beatified on 7 September 1838 by Pope Gregory XVI. His body is incorrupt.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/14/saint-of-the-day-14-july-blessed-boniface-of-canterbury-o-cart-c-1207-1270/

St Colman of Killeroran
St Cyrus of Carthage
St Deusdedit of Canterbury
St Donatus of Africa

Blessed Gaspar de Bono OM (1530– 1604) Spanish Priest, Friar of the Order of Minims, Vicar Provincial of the Order. He was noted for his particular devotion to the Passion of Christ, carrying his Crucifix everywhere as a means of evangelisation and to be able to constantly immerse himself in his Saviour’s sufferings.
His Loving Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/14/saint-of-the-day-14-july-blessed-gaspar-de-bono-om-1530-1604/

Bl Giorgio of Lauria
Bl Hroznata of Bohemia
Bl Humberto of Romans
St Idus of Ath Fadha
St Just
St Justus of Rome
St Liebert
St Marcellin of Frigento
St Marciano (Died c775) Priest, Confessor
Bl Michael Ghebre
St Optatian of Brescia
St Papias of Africa

Blessed Richard Langhorne (c1624-1679) Martyr, Layman, Barrister. He was murdered on a false charge of treason as part of the fabricated Popish Plot. He fell under suspicion because he was a Roman Catholic and because, he had acted as legal adviser to the Jesuits at a time of acute anti-Catholic hysteria.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/14/saint-of-the-day-14-july-blessed-richard-langhorne-c1624-1679-martyr-layman/

Bl Toscana of Verona
St Ulric of Zell
St Vincent Madelgaire

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Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Thought for the Day – 13 July – Following Jesus, the Divine Model

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 13 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Following Jesus, the Divine Model

“When we have renounced ourselves and have embraced our cross with resignation and love, we must follow Jesus.
We must follow Him in a special way as the Infallible Teacher of tTuth.
The teachings of men cannot satisfy our intellects.
Still less, can they satisfy our hearts.
What they teach is either incomplete or false.
This is proved by the fact that the doctrines of men have succeeded and replaced one another, down through the Centuries while “the Word of the Lord endures forever” (1 Peter 1:25).

The teaching of Christ produces an extraordinary renovation in the individual, in the family and in society.
It is this renewal which we call Christianity and Christian civilisation.
There is a wide chasm between paganism and Christianity.
This gulf would be even wider, only for the fact that Christianity has not yet been fully put into practice throughout the universe.
There is only one reform necessary.
This is to realise the Christian ideal everywhere.
We must begin by carrying it out ourselves.
Let us follow Jesus, Who is saying to us: “I Am the Way and the Truth and the Life” (Jn 14:6). “He who follows Me does not walk in darkness” (Jn 8:12).

Let us follow our Divine Master and we shall be sure that we are travelling towards Heaven!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SCANDAL, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 13 July – Forgiveness

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 13 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – –

“Leave there thy offering before the Altar
and go first to be reconciled to thy brother
and then, coming, thou shalt offer thy gift.”

Matthew 5:24

“Lord, do not hold this sin against them”

Acts 7:60

“No-one heals himself
by wounding another.”

St Ambrose (340-397)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“… Every man is both debtor and creditor…
A beggar asks you for alms but you, too,
are God’s beggar, for when we pray
we are all beggars of God.
We stand – or rather, prostrate ourselves –
at our Father’s door (cf Lk 11:5);
we beseech Him with groans,
anxious to receive a grace from Him
and this grace is God Himself!
What does the beggar ask of you?
Bread. And what is it that you are asking of God
but Christ, Who said:
“I am the Living Bread come down from Heaven”
(Jn 6:51).”

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

“To the extent that you pray, with all your soul,
for the person who slanders you,
God will make the truth known
to those who have been scandalised
by the slander.”

St Maximus the Confessor (c580–662)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, The UNFORGIVEABLE SIN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 July – Go first to be reconciled to thy brother … Matthew 5:24

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 13 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” –Pentecost V – St Anacletus (c25-c89) 3rd Bishop of Rome and Martyr – 1 Petet 3:8-15; 5:10-11 – Matthew 5:20-24 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Leave there thy offering before the Altar and go first to be reconciled to thy brother and then, coming, thou shalt offer thy gift.” – Matthew 5:24

REFLECTION – “The measure with which you measure shall be measured out to you” (Mt 7:2). And the servant who, after having had all his debt forgiven him by his master, would not forgive his fellow-servant, is confined to prison. Because he was unwilling to forgive his fellow-servant, he lost the forgiveness which had been granted him by the Lord (Mt 18:23f). And these things Christ sets forth still more strongly in his precepts by the greater force of his censure. He says: “When you stand praying, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions. But if you do not forgive, neither will your heavenly Father forgive your transgressions” (Mk 11:25) …

For God commands us to be peacemakers and of one heart and of one mind, in His House. And such as He has made us by a second birth, so by a second birth He wishes to preserve us that we, who are the children of God, may abide in the peace of God and that we ,who have one spirit, may have one heart and mind. Thus God does not receive the sacrifice of a person who is in disagreement but commands him to go back from the Altar and first be reconciled to his brother that so God also, may be appeased by the prayers of the peacemaker. The greater sacrifice to God is our peace and fraternal concord and a people united in the unity of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” – St Cyprian of Carthage (200-258) Bishop of Carthage, Martyr, Father of the Church (The Lord’s Prayer, 23).

PRAYER – Look forgivingly on thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Anacletus thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, whom thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 13 July – I Love Thee, O My God By St John Marie Baptiste Vianney

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 13 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Pentecost V

I Love Thee, O My God
By St John Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859)

I love Thee,
O my God
and my only desire is to love Thee
until the last breath of my life.
I love Thee,
O my infinitely lovable God
and I would rather die loving Thee
than live without loving Thee.
I love Thee, Lord
and the only grace I ask,
is to love Thee eternally.
My God,
if my tongue cannot say
in every moment that I love Thee,
I wish my heart to repeat it to Thee
as often as I draw breath!
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 13 July – St Eugenius (Died 505) Bishop and Confessor

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Saint of the Day – 13 July – St Eugenius (Died 505) Bishop and Confessor of Carthage, in North Africa, a zealous and learned shepjerd, apostle of the poor and needy, pious and devout, Patronage – of Albi in Calabria, Italy. Also known as – Eugene.

A Statue pf St Eugenius at Albi

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Africa, the holy Confessor, Eugenius, the faithful and virtuous Bishop of Carthabe and to all the Clergy of the Church, to the number of about 500 or more, among whom were many small children amployed as Lectors. In the persecution of the Vandals under the Arian King Hunneric, they were subjected to scourging and starvation and driven into a most painful banishment whicle they bore, with joy for God’s sake. In their number were also 2 distinguished persons, the Archdeacon Salutaris and Murtta, occupying the 2nd rank among the ministers of the Church. Both had confessed the Faith 3 times and were illustrious by their sturdy perseverance in Christianity.” (As printed in the Roman Martyrology 1914).

The Episcopal See of Carthage had remained vacant for 24 years, when, in 481, Huneric permitted the Catholics, on certain conditions, to choose one who should fill the Seat.

The faithful, impatient to enjoy the comfort of a shepherd, chose Eugenius, a citizen of Carthage, eminent for his learning, zeal, piety and prudence. His loving care to the distressed were excessive and he refused himself everything in order to give more to the poor.

His virtue gained him the respect and esteem even of the Arians but at length envy overcame them and the King sent an order to Eugenius, never to sit on the Episcopal Throne, preach to the people, or admit into his Chapel any Vandals, among whom several were Catholics. The Saint boldly answered that the laws of God commanded him not to shut the door of His Church to any who desired to serve Him therein. Huneric, enraged at this response, persecuted the Catholics in various ways. Many nuns were so cruelly tortured that they died on the rack. Great numbers of Bishops, Priests, Deacons and eminent Catholic laymen, were banished to a desert, filled with scorpions and venomous serpents.
The faithful followed their Bishops and Priests with lighted tapers in their hands and mothers carried their little babes in their arms and laid them at the feet of the Confessors, all crying out with tears:
“Going yourselves to your crowns, to whom do you leave us? Who will baptise our children?
Who will impart to us the benefit of penance and discharge us from the bonds of sin by the favour of Absolution?
Who will bury us with solemn supplications at our death?
By whom will the Divine Sacrifice be made?”

The Bishop Eugenius was spared in the first storm but afterwards was carried into the uninhabited desert country in the province of Tripolis and committed to the guard of Antony, an inhuman Arian bishop, who treated him with the utmost barbarity.

Gontamund, who succeeded Huneric, recalled our Saint to Carthage, opened the Catholic Churches and allowed all the exiled Priests to return.

After reigning for a further 12 years, Gontamund died,and his brother Thrasimund was called to the crown. Under this Prince, St Eugenius was again banished and died in exile, on the 13th of July 505, in a Monastery which he had built and governed, near Albi in which City he is highly honoured to this day.

A Statue portraying Saint Eugenius, in the Church museum in Sant’Eustorgio (Milan).
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna del Soccorso / Our Lady of Soccorso, Sicily, Italy ( 1718), St Pope Anacletus and Memorials of the Saints – 13 July

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Madonna del Soccorso / Our Lady of Soccorso, Castellammare del Golfo, Trapani, Sicily, Italy ( 1718) – 13 July, 21 August:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/13/madonna-del-soccorso-our-lady-of-soccorso-castellammare-del-golfo-trapani-sicily-italy-1718-and-memorials-of-the-saints-13-july/

St Pope Anacletus (c 25-c 89) 3rd Bishop of Rome and Martyr:
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/04/26/saint-of-the-day-26-april-st-pope-cletus/

Bl Anne-Andrée Minutte

St Arno of Würzburg (Died 892) Bishop Martyr.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/13/saint-of-the-day-13-july-saint-arno-of-wurzburg-died-892-bishop-martyr/

Bl Berthold of Scheide
St Dogfan
Bl Élisabeth Verchière
St Esdras the Prophet
St Eugenius (Died 505) Bishop and Confessor of Carthage
St Giustina of Arzano

St Josephus Wang Kuiju

Blessed James OP (c1226 – 3 or 16 July 1298) Italian Archbishop of Genoa, Author of the ‘Golden Legend’ (a collection of lives of Saints and treatises on Christian festivals, one of the most popular religious works of the Middle Ages and is still published and referred to today – completed 1265), Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers of St Dominic, Writer, Scholar of great genius, Prior and Provincial General of the Order. Blessed James was Beatified on 11 May 1816 by Pope Pius VII.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/13/saint-of-the-day-13-july-blessed-james-of-voragine-op-c-1226-1298-author-of-the-golden-legend/

Bl Jean of France
St Joel the Prophet
Bl Marie-Anastasie de Roquard
Bl Marie-Anne Depeyre
Bl Marie-Anne Lambert

St Mildred OSB (Died c700) English Abbess of Thanet, “The Fairest Lily of the English”
“The Fairest Lily of the English”
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/13/saint-of-the-day-13-july-st-mildred-of-thanet-osb-died-c-700-the-fairest-lily-of-the-english/

St Muritta of Carthage
St Myrope
St Salutaris of Carthage
St Sarra of Egypt
St Serapion of Alexandria
Serapion of Macedonia
St Silas (1st Century) Disciple of Sts Paul and Barnabas
Bl Thérèse-Henriette Faurie
Bl Thomas Tunstal

St Turian (Died c750) French Abbot and Bishop.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Bretagne, St Turian, Bishop and Confessor, a man of admirable simplicity and innocence.”
A Simple Life of Love:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/07/13/saint-of-the-day-13-july-saint-turian-died-c750-french-abbot-and-confessor-bishop/

Martyrs of Cyprus – 300 Saints: 300 Christians who retired to Cyprus to live as cave Hermits, devoting themselves to prayer and an ascetic life devoted to God. Tortured and Martyred for their faith and their bodies thrown into the various caves in which they had lived. We know the names of five of them but no other details even about them – Ammon, Choulélaios, Epaphroditus, Eusthénios and Héliophotos. They were beheaded in the 12th century on Cyprus and their bodies dumped in the cave where they had lived and only rediscovered long afterwards.

Martyrs of Philomelio – 31 Saints: 31 soldiers Martyred for their faith in the persecutions of prefect Magno, date unknown. The only name that has come down to us is Alexander. In Philomelio, Phrygia (in modern Turkey).

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD

Thought for the Day – 12 July – The Beggars of God

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Thought for the Day – 12 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Beggars of God

“Both in the natural and in the supernatural order, we are in continual need of the aid of God.
We did not exist and God, in His Infinite Goodness, created us.
It is He, Who preserves us in existence from day to day and from moment to moment.
The act of conservation, is like a continuous creation.
If God did not sustain us, we should return immediately to the dust from which we came: “Remember, man, that dust you are and unto dust you shall return” (Gen 3:19).

We are continually dependent on our Lord and Creator for our existence and activity.
If we remained always aware of this tremendous fact, we would never offend God.
We would show Him a filial gratitude and humbly implore His assistance.

We are so poor and He is so rich.
We are so weak and He is so strong.
We are blind and He is the true Light, which illumines every man who comes into the world (Jn 1:9).
Ask for God’s help with confidence, perseverance and resignation to His Holy Will.
As St Augustine says, we are the beggars of God!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, QUOTES on ENEMIES, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 12 July – But I say to you, love your enemies …

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Quote/s of the Day – 12 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St John Gualbert (c985-1073) Abbot – Ecclesiasticus Sirach 31:8-11 – Matthew 5:43-48 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But I say to you,
love your enemies …”

Matthew 5:44

St John Gualbert said to his enemy,
“I cannot refuse what you ask
in Christ’s Name.
I grant you your life
and I give you my friendship.
Pray that God may forgive me my sin.”

St John Gualbert (c985-1073)
“The Merciful Knight”

“You do not, in your enemies,
love what they are
but what you would have them become,
by your prayers!”

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

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, franciscan OFM, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 July – “But I say to you, Love your enemies …” – Matthew 5:44

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 12 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St John Gualbert (c985-1073) Abbot – Ecclesiasticus Sirach 31:8-11 – Matthew 5:43-48 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But I say to you, Love your enemies …” – Matthew 5:44

REFLECTION – “Let us pay attention, all my brothers, to what the Lord says: “Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you,” for our Lord Jesus Christ, Whose footprints we must follow (cf 1 Pt 2:21), called His betrayer “friend” (Mt 26:50) and gave Himself willingly to those who crucified Him. Our friends, then, are all those who, unjustly afflict upon us, trials and ordeals, shame and inju­ries, sorrows and torments, martyrdom and death! We must love them greatly for we will possess eternal life because of what they bring upon us.” – St Francis of Assisi (c1181-1226) Founder of the Friars Minor (Earlier Rule, #22).

PRAYER – May the intercession of the blessed Abbot John commend us to Thee, O Lord, so that through his merits we may obtain that which we cannot accomplish by our own. 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).Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in franciscan OFM, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of PETITION, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 12 July – I Beg Thee, Lord

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Our Morning Offering – 12 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” –

I Beg Thee, Lord
By St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226)

I beg Thee, Lord,
let the fiery, gentle power
of Thy Love
take possession of my soul
and snatch it away,
from everything under Heaven,
that I may die,
for love of Thy Love,
as Thou saw fit, to die
for love of mine!
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 12 July – Saint Proculus (Died c542) Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 12 July – Saint Proculus (Died c542) Bishop and Martyr of Bologna, Italy. Patronage – of Bologna.
Also known as – Proclus.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “St Proclus who won the Palm of Martyrdom after most bitter torments in the time of the Emperor Trajan and the Governor Maxillis”

Proculus was a Bishop of Terni, in Umbria, Italy who, attempting to flee persecution from the Goths, came to Bologna where he was subsequently decapitated during the persecutions of Trajan.

The Bolognese have held Proculus in veneration from very ancient times. His remains are preserved in the Church of San Procolo in Bologna.

He is depicted in a Statue on the spire of the south transept of the Duomo di Milan (maybe the one above).