Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul, Onze Zoeten Dame van Den Bosch, Arras / Our Lady of Arras, Netherlands (1380), Sts Cyril and Methodius, St Lawrence Brindisi and the Saints for 7 July

Onze Zoeten Dame van Den Bosch, Arras / Our Lady of Arras, Netherlands (1380) – 7 July:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/07/onze-zoeten-dame-van-den-bosch-arras-our-lady-of-arras-netherlands-1380-and-memorials-of-the-saints-7-july/

Saint Cyril (827-869)
Saint Methodius (826-885)
“Apostles to the Slavs,” Sibling Brother Bishops, Confessors, Theologians, Missionaries, Writers, Preachers, Patrons of Europe. Creators of the Glagolitic alphabet, the first alphabet used to transcribe Old Church Slavonic and Cyrillac Alphabet, which was developed from it.
Their Feast Day is 7 July (moved in 1969).
The great Saints Cyril & Methodius: 
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/14/saints-of-the-day-14-february-sts-cyril-827-869-methodius-826-885/

St Lawrence of Brindisi OFM Cap (1559-1619) Confessor, The “Franciscan Renaissance Man,” Priest and Friar of the Friars Minor Capuchin, Theologian, Vicar General of the Franciscans, Language scholar, Humanist, Philosopher, Biblicist, Preacher, Missionary, Professor, International Administrator, Confidant of Popes, Emperors, Kings and Princes, Diplomatic envoy, Army Chaplain, Military Strategist and Morale builder, Polemicist, Prolific writer.
He was Beatified on 1 June 1783 by Pope Pius VI and Canonised on 8 December 1881 by Pope Leo XIII.
His Zealous Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/21/saint-of-the-day-21-july-st-lawrence-of-brindisi-o-f-m-cap-doctor-of-the-church/

St Alexander
St Angelelmus of Auxerre
St Apollonius of Brescia

Blessed Pope Benedict XI OP (1240-1303) Cardinal-Priest of St Sabina, Bishop of Ostia then of Rome, Dominican Friar, Prior Provincial of Lombardy prior to becoming the Master of the Order in 1296, Apostolic Papal Legate to Hungary and France, Teacher, Preacher, Writer and renowned Scholar with special emphasis on Scriptural commentary. His Papacy began on 22 Ocober 1303 and ended at his death on 7 July 1304.
His Life pf Grace:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/07/saint-of-the-day-7-july-blessed-pope-benedict-xi-1240-1303/

Bl Bodard of Poitiers
St Bonitus of Monte Cassino
St Carissima of Rauzeille
St Eoaldus of Vienne

St Ethelburga of Faremoutier (Died 664) English Abbess, Princess. When her body was exhumed seven years after her death, it was found incorrupt.
Her Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/07/07/saint-of-the-day-7-july-saint-ethelburga-of-faremoutier-died-664-virgin-abbess/

St Hedda (Died 705) Bishop of Winchester, England
St Maelruan
St Medran
St Merryn
Bl Oddino Barrotti

St Odo (c1063-1122) Bishop of Urgell a zealous Defender of the rights of his See, builder and restorer of numerous Churches but most of all, Bishop Odo is remembered as a most gentle and generous benefactor of the poor, the needy and the ill. Patronage – of La Seu d’Urgell, Spain.
A Holy and Zealous Bishop:

https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/07/saint-of-the-day-7-july-saint-odo-of-urgell-c1063-1122-bishop/

St Odran
St Palladius of Ireland

St Pantænus (Died c216) Father of the Church, Theologian, Philosopher, Teacher, Confessor and Defender of the Faith, Writer and interpreter of the Sacred Scriptures, the Trinity and Christology, Missionary. Convert of the disciples of the Apostles. Head of the Alexandrian School of Learning – a famous pupil was St Clement of Alexandria.
A Life of Love:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/07/saint-of-the-day-7-july-st-pantaenus-father-of-the-church-died-c-216/

St Peter Fourier CRSA (1565-1640) Priest, Founder, Reformer, Confessor, Theologian, Teacher, Preacher, Apostle of Prayer, Penance and Charity, Marian devotee – “the Good Father of Mattaincourt” “le bon pere de Mattaincourt”. Although he died on 9 December his Feast Day is celebrated today, 7 July, possibly the date of the translation of part of his Relics.
St Peter spread everywhere devotion to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin. More than two centuries before the Miraculous Medal in 1830 and the proclamation of the dogma in 1854, he saw to the distribution of large quantities of a medal he had struck, on which were engraved the words – “Mary was conceived without sin.”
He was Beatified by Pope Benedict XIII in 1730 and Canonised by Pope Leo XIII in 1897. St Peter Fourier is honoured by a statue in St Peter’s Basilica among the Founders of religious orders.
His Zealous Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/09/saint-of-the-day-9-december-st-peter-fourier-c-r-s-a-1565-1640/

St Prosper (c390-c 436) Theologian, Married Layman, Writer, disciple and friend of St Augustine. St Prosper was the first continuator of St Jerome’s Universal Chronicle.
St Prosper’s Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/07/saint-of-the-day-7-july-saint-prosper-of-aquitaine-c-390-c-465/

St They

St Willibald (c700 – 787) Bishop of Eichstätt , Prince, Missionary.
A Holy Shepherd:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/07/saint-of-the-day-7-july-st-willibald-of-eichstatt-c-700-787/

Martyrs of Durres – 7 Saints: Also known as – Martyrs of Dyrrachium/Martyrs of Durazzo. A group of seven Italian Christians who fled Italy to escape the persecutions of Emperor Hadrian. Arrived in Dyrrachium, Macedonia to find Saint Astius tied to a cross, covered in honey, laid in the sun and left to be tortured by biting and stinging insects. When they expressed sympathy for Astius, they were accused of being Christians, arrested, chained, weighted down, taken off shore and drowned. We know little more about each of them than their names – Germaus, Hesychius, Lucian, Papius, Peregrinus, Pompeius and Saturninus. They were born in Italy and were Martyred at sea c117 off the coast of Dyrrachium (Durazzo), Macedonia (modern Durres, Albania).

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

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

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 … ‘

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

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

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

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 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.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE

Thought for the Day – 5 July – Living the Gospel

Thought for the Day – 5 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Living the Gospel

The Gospel teaches perfection.
It teaches the perfection of the interior life, as well as the exterior life, of private, as well as of domestic and social life.
There is no problem in the universe which has not been solved in the Gospel.

In regard to the spiritual life, its command is clear. “You are to be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48).
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with they whole mind … Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Mt 22:37, Mk 12:30, Lk 10:27).
“This is My commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you” (Jn 15:12).
“If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Lk 9:23).
“Blessed are the poor in spirit … the clean of heart … the peacemakers …” (Mt 5:3-10).
“If thou wilt be perfect, go, sell what thou hast and give to the poor and thou shall have treasure in Heaven” (Mt 19:21).
“Our Father who art in heaven … thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” (Mt 6:10).
“Father … not My will but Thine be done” (Lk 22:42).
Anyone who identifies himself with these maxims, rises above the level of a man, to that of an Angel.
His interior life soars to such a peak, that he seems to be leading a heavenly, rather than an earthly existence.
If he is living the Gospel, moreover, his external behaviour will be a faithful mirror of his interior life, for it is not enough to say “Lord, Lord” but a man must also do the will of the Father (Cf Mt 7:21).
A man’s domestic and social life, will follow the pattern of his private life.

When he has reached the summit of perfection, an invisible force will emanate from him, the force of good example.
This force will transform everything, within him and around him.
Like Mary and the Saints, he will become the loyal and powerful co-worker with Christ in the redemption of the human race and in the Christian transformation of society.
Redemption and restoration, can come only through the Gospel.
Other theories are always bound up with and impeded by, human egoism.
The doctrine of the Gospel is reinforced by the love of God and our neighbour.
In the Gospel, public and private justice is transformed into the charity of Christ which cannot be impeded by any earthly difficulty, nor by any human barrier, not even by death
!
Who shall separate us from the charity of Christ?” (Rom 8:35) asks St Paul.
Let us meditate on this.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 5 July – St Anthony Mary Zaccaria

Quote/s of the Day – 5 July – St Anthony Mary Zaccaria (1502-1539) Confessor, Priest, Founder of the Barnabits – The First Religious Order Named after St Paul The Apostle – Canonised by Pope Leo XIII on 27 May 1897.

Angel in human form! Angelic man!
Founder of the Clerics Regular of St Paul,
of the Angelic Sisters and of other pious Associations.
Destroyer of vices, Guardian of chastity,
Restorer of the service of God.
Perfect labourer for the salvation of souls,
Preacher of the Word of God,
Faithful disciple of St Paul.
Indefatigable worker in the Vineyard of the Lord,
constant enemy of the world,
of the flesh and of wickedness.
Conqueror of Demons.
Perfect image of the ardent charity of the Holy Ghost.
Today, a citizen of Heaven.
The City of Cremona, rejoicing
and proud of the glory of its children,
filled with admiration for its citizen
now gone to join the Angels,
erects this Monument in token of eternal gratitude
for his saintly life and heroic deeds. Amen!

Inscription on a Monument in Cremona, Italy
dedicated to Saint Anthony

ST ANTHONY’S WORDS:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/05/quote-s-of-the-day-5-july-st-anthony-mary-zaccaria-5/

St Anthony Mary Zaccaria (1502-1539)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 July – ‘ … What good are their other virtues to them? …’

One Minute Reflection – 5 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Pentecost IV – Within the Octave of Sts Peter and Paul – St Anthony Mary Zaccaria (1502-1539) Confessor, Priest, Founder of the Barnabits – The First Religious Order Named after St Paul The Apostle – 1 Timothy 4:8-16 – Mark 10:15-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Good Master, what shall I do that I may receive life everlasting?” – Mark 10:17

REFLECTION – “The incident of the rich young man and those like him, makes me think of a traveller who, wanting to visit a certain town, arrives at the foot of the walls, finds an inn there, goes down to it and, discouraged by the short distance still to do, loses all the benefit of the difficulties of his journey and prevents himself from visiting the beauties of the town. Such are those who keep the commandments but cannot bear the idea of losing their goods. I know many who fast, pray, do penance and practice all sorts of works of piety very well but, who do not spend a penny on the poor. What good are their other virtues to them?

These will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven, for “it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” Clear words and their Author does not lie but rare are those who let themselves be touched by them. How will we live when we are stripped of everything?” is what they exclaim. “What sort of life will we lead when everything has been sold and there is no longer any property?” Do not ask me what deep design underlies God’s commandments. He Who made our laws also knows the art of reconciling the impossible with the law.” – St Basil the Great (329-379) Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Father & Doctor of the Church (Sermon 7 on Wealth).

PRAYER – Grant, O Lord God that in the spirit of Paul the Apostle,
we may learn the knowledge of Jesus Christ which surpasses all understanding, wherein the blessed Anthony Mary was marvelously learned, who gathered together in Thy Church new households of Clerics and of Virgins. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, MARIAN PRAYERS, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, MOTHER of GOD, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS, THE FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTION

Our Morning Offering – 5 July – Mother of Love, of Sorrow and of Mercy

Our Morning Offering – 5 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – First Saturday

Mother of Love, of Sorrow and of Mercy
By St Bridget of Sweden (1303-1373)

O Blessed Virgin Mary,
Immaculate Mother of God,
who endured a martyrdom of love and grief,
beholding the sufferings and sorrows of Jesus!
Thou didst co-operate in the benefit of my redemption
by thy innumerable afflictions
and by offering to the Eternal Father,
His only-begotten Son, as a holocaust
and victim of propitiation for my sins.
I thank thee for the unspeakable love
which led thee to deprive thyself
of the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus,
true God and true Man, to save me, a sinner.
Oh! make use of the unfailing intercession
of thy sorrows with the Father and the Son,
that I may steadfastly amend my life
and never again crucify
my loving Redeemer by my sins
and that, persevering till death in His grace,
I may obtain eternal life
through the merits of His Cross and Passion.
Amen

Mother of love, of sorrow and of mercy, pray for us!

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 5 July – Saint Philomena (Died c500) Virgin

Saint of the Day – 5 July – Saint Philomena (Died c500) Virgin of San Severino in Italy. Patronage of San Severino, Centola, Italy. Also known as – Filomena. Additional Feastday – the 1st Sunday in July in Sab Severino.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At San Severino in the Marche of Ancona, St Philomena, Virgin.

The figure of Saint Philomena, venerated in various Italian locations, presents complex and fascinating aspects, intertwining elements of popular devotion with historical and hagiographic records.

In particular, the Saint discovered in San Severino Marche in 1527 raises questions about her real identity and the cult associated with her.

In 1527, during excavations under the High Altar of the Church of San Lorenzo in Doliolo in San Severino Marche, a female body came to light accompanied by a epithet which attributed the body belonging to Saint Philomena of the Chiavelli lineage. According to the inscription, the Saint was transferred to that place by San Severino the Bishop during the era of the Gothic Kings. In the same year, Cardinal Ciocchi del Monte arranged for the body to be placed under an Altar dedicated to the Saint.

Initially, the Feast in honour of Saint Philomena was celebrated on 5 July, a date present in the Roman Martyrology. Subsequently, the anniversary was moved to the first Sunday of the same month in San Severino.

Despite popular devotion, a rigourous analysis from a historical point of view leads to the conclusion that the body found is not actually that of a holy Martyr. In fact, before the 16th Century, there is no mention in San Severino of the name, cult or relics of Saint Philomena. Furthermore, the content of the inscription which accompanied the body, attributing its deposition to San Severino, does not present historically valid elements.

Therefore, the most likely hypothesis is that it is a ‘holy body’ similar to that of the more famous Roman Saint Philomena, a figure around whom a wide and widespread cult developed.

Posted in INCORRUPTIBLES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

First Saturday, Within the Octave of Sts Peter and Paul, Our Lady of Mount Athos, Great Lavra, Greece , 8th Century, St Anthony Mary Zaccaria and the Saints for 5 July

FIRST SATURDAY

Within the Octave of Sts Peter and Paul

Our Lady of Mount Athos, Great Lavra, Greece , 8th Century – 5 July:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/05/our-lady-of-mount-athos-great-lavra-greece-8th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-5-july/

St Anthony Mary Zaccaria CRSP (1502-1539) Confessor, Priest, Founder, Philosopher, Doctor of Medicine/Physician, Renewal of the Forty Hours’ Adoration Devotion, Preacher, Administrator, one of the early leader of the Counter Reformation. Founder of the The Clerics Regular of St Paul (the Barnabites), the First Order Named after St Paul, Apostle. and the Angelic Sisters of St Paul.
His body is incorrupt.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/05/saint-of-the-day-5-july-st-anthony-mary-zaccaria-c-r-s-p-1502-1539/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/05/saint-of-the-day-5-july-st-anthony-mary-zaccaria-crsp-1502-1539/

St Agatho of Sicily
St Athanasius the Athonite
St Athanasius of Jerusalem
St Cast
St Cyprille of Libya
St Cyrilla of Cyrene
St Domèce
St Domitius of Phrygia
St Edana of West Ireland

Blessed Elias OFM (c1407-1484) Archbishop of Tours and Cardinal, Defender of the Church against the State and a political prisoner because of it, devout son of St Francis of Assisi, living a life of poverty and caring for the poor.
A True Shepherd:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/05/saint-of-the-day-5-july-blessed-elias-of-bourdeilles-ofm-c-1423-1484/

St Erfyl
St Fragan
St Grace of Cornwall
St Gwen
St Marinus of Tomi
St Mars of Nantes
St Marthe

St Modwenna (9th Century) Irish Princess, Nun, Founder of Burton Abbey in Staffordshire, Miracle-worker.
The Little we Know of St Modwenna:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/07/05/saint-of-the-day-5-july-saint-modwenna-9th-century-irish-virgin/


St Numerian of Treves
St Philomena (Died c500) Virgin of San Severino
St Probus of Cornwall
St Rosa Chen Aijieh
St Sedolpha of Tomi
St Stephen of Reggio
St Teresia Chen Qingjieh
St Theodotus of Tomi
St Thomas of Terreti
St Triphina of Brittany
St Triphina of Sicily

St Zoe of Rome (Died c286) Married laywoman, Martyr.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St Zoe, Martyr, wife of the blessed Martyr Nicostratus. Whilst praying at the tomb of the Apostle, St Peter, during the time of Diocletian, she was seized by the persecutors and cast into a dark dungeon, then, being suspended on a tree by her neck and hair and suffocated by loathsome smoke, she yielded up her soul in the confession of the Lord.
Her Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/05/saint-of-the-day-5-july-saint-zoe-of-rome-died-c286-married-laywoman-martyr/

Posted in JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, LENT, The LAMB of GOD, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION, The SACRED PASSION - Meditations for LENT

Thought for the Day – 4 July – The Eating of the Paschal Lamb

Thought for the Day – 4 July – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Octave Day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the First Friday of July

From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
The Eating of the Paschal Lamb

Our Blessed Lord , before He suffered , celebrated the Jewish rite which, above all the rest, foreshadowed His own sacred sufferings. The paschal lamb was an exact type of Himself, the Lamb of God, Who taketh away the sins of the world.

+1. The paschal lamb was the means employed by Almighty God to deliver His people from Egypt. It was the sprinkling of its blood on the door-posts which caused the avenging Angel to pass by and leave the inmates unharmed.
So the Blood of Jesus Christ sprinkled on our souls, in the Sacraments and when we make an Act of Contrition, saves us from the vengeance which would otherwise fall upon us.
O Jesus! sprinkle me with One Drop of Thy Precious Blood and I shall be free from sin.

+2. The paschal lamb had to be drained of the last drop of its blood.
So the Lamb of God, shed the last drop of His Precious Blood for us. He was not satisfied with merely giving His Life for us but, He must needs endure all the intense agony, the burning thirst which came of this draining of His whole body for love of us.
How can I ever thank Him as I ought?

+3. The lamb suffers uncomplainingly.
It never murmurs against its lot, or struggles against those who lead it here and there; unlike the filthy swine which grunt and grumbles at every attempt to control them. None was ever so submissive as the Lamb of God.
Lo, I come to do Thy Will, O my God.
I am content to do it.

Can I echo these words?

Posted in CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, CONFESSION/PENANCE, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, MARIAN QUOTES, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 4 July – St Andrew of Crete

Quote/s of the Day – 4 July – The Feast of St Andrew of Crete (c660-c740) Bishop, Father of the Church

Then, let us run with Him as He presses on to His Passion.
Let us imitate those who have gone out to meet Him,
not scattering olive branches
or garments or palms in His path
but spreading ourselves before Him as best we can,
with humility of soul and upright purpose.
So may we welcome the Word as He comes (Jn 1:9);
so may God, Who cannot be contained within any bounds,
be contained within us.
For He is pleased to have shown us this gentleness,
He, Who is gentle and who “rides upon the setting sun”
(Ps 56:12) which refers to our extreme lowliness.
He is pleased to come and live with us
and to raise us up or bring us back to Himself.

Arise my soul
and review your deeds
which have preceded you.
Scrutinize them closely
and shed the rain of your tears,
declaring openly to Christ, our thoughts and deeds
so that you may be justified.

Being thy servant, O Mary,
is a surety of salvation
which God grants solely,
to those He will save
!”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/04/quote-s-of-the-day-4-july-st-andrew-of-crete-2/

St Andrew of Crete (660-740)
Bishop, Father of the Church

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, INDULGENCES, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 July – ‘ … Thou art our All … ‘

One Minute Reflection – 4 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Octave Day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the First Friday of July – Within the Octave of Sts Peter and Paul – Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19 – John 19:31-37 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

But one of the soldiers, with a spear, opened His side and, immediately, there came forth, blood and water. ” – John 19:34

REFLECTION – “Brethren, let us pursue our calling – we are called by Life to the Source of Life and this Source is a source, not just of ‘living water’ (Jn 4:10) but of eternal life, Source of Light and illumination. Indeed, all things flow from it, wisdom, life and eternal light… O Lord, Thou are Thineself this Source Who always exists and is always to be desired and, at where it is always permitted and always necessary for us to draw. ‘Lord Jesus, give us this water always’ that it may also become within us, a spring of water \welling up to eternal life’ (Jn 4:15.14). It is true that I am asking Thee for a great deal, who could deny it? But Thou, O King of glory, know well how to give great things and Thou hast promised them. There is nothing greater than Thou art and, it is Thee Thyself Who give to us, it is Thee Who gave Thyself for us.

Therefore, it is Thee we are asking for … since we desire nothing other than Thee. Thou art our All, our Life, our Light and our Salvation, our Food and our Drink, our God. Breathe into our hearts, I beseech Thee, O our Jesus; with the breath of Thine Spirit, wound our souls with Thy Love that each of us may say in truth – “Show me Him Whom my soul loves” (Sg 3:3) for I have been wounded by Thy Love.

I desire these wounds to be in me, O Lord. Happy the soul who loves wounds in this way – the soul who seeks the Source, who drinks and who, nevertheless, never ceases to thirst even as it drinks, nor to draw continually by desire, nor to continue drinking in its thirst. Thus, it always seeks in loving, for in its wound, it finds healing.” – St Columban (543-615) Father of the Church, Monk, Missionary, Founder of many Monasteries (Spiritual Instructions No 13: 2-3).

PRAYER – God, Who hast consecrated this day to the Martyrdom of Thy Apostles Peter and Paul, give Thy Church a precept to follow them in all things. 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).

DIVINE Heart of JESUS, convert sinners, save the dying, set free the holy souls in Purgatory. Indulgence 300 Days Everytime – St Pius X, 11 September, 1907.

Posted in Act of SPIRITUAL COMMUNION, DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC, HOLY COMMUNION, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, St Alphonsus de Liguori,, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Our Morning Offering – 4 July – Act of Spiritual Communion By St Alphonsus

Our Morning Offering – 4 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Octave Day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the First Friday of July

Act of Spiritual Communion
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

I desire, good Jesus,
to receive Thee in Holy Communion
and since I cannot now receive Thee
in the Blessed Sacrament,
I beseech Thee to come to me spiritually
and to refresh my soul with Thy sweetness.
Come, my Lord, my God and my All!
Come to me
and never let me ever again
be separated from Thee by sin.
Teach me Thy blessed ways,
help me with Thy grace to imitate Thy example,
to practise meekness, humility,
charity and all the virtues of Thy Sacred Heart.
My divine Master, my one desire is to do Thy will
and to love Thee, more and more.
Help me, that I may be faithful to the end, in Thy service.
Bless me in life and in death,
that I may praise Thee, forever in heaven,
Amen

Posted in INCORRUPTIBLES, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 4 July – St William (c1030- 1091) Abbot of Hirsau

Saint of the Day – 4 July – St William (c1030- 1091) Abbot of Hirsau Monastery in Germany, Reformer. The date of his birth is unknown but it is known that he was born in the Bavarian City of Regensburg in Germany around the year 1030 and died on 4 or 5 July in 1091at the Monastery in Hirsau the Black Forest. His Body is Incorrupt.

William was soon entrusted, at a tender age, to the Monastery of St Emmeram to be educated .While still young, he took the Benedictine Habit, receiving a solid ascetic, literary, scientific and technical education.

Gifted with great prudence, William knew how to combine rigid personal asceticism with a charming kindness towards others. In 1069 he was called to govern the Monastery of Hirsau in the Black Forest, rebuilt shortly before by Count Adalbert with the help of the Monks of Einsiedeln. The small community numbered only fifteen Religious. William, however, did not want to receive the Abbatial blessing until after the death of Frederick (died in 1071), who had been illegally removed by CountAdalbert.

In order to obtain full exemption for the Monastery, in 1075, William went to Rome to Pope Gregory VII. In Hirsau, William first introduced the customs of St Emmeram, then, imitating those of Cluny, he drew up their rigid and detailed Rules.

The “Hirsau Reform” spread to numerous foundations and of already existing Monasteries throughout Europe, numbering more than one hundred Monasteries. The community of Hirsau itself, grew so vigorously that it soon numbered more than one hundred and fifty Monks, for whom a new building had to be built, dedicated to Sts Peter and Paul. From here, colonies of Monks were sent to elsewhere to encourage and spread the Hirsau Rule and custom of spiritual life.

William also organised the institute of Lay Brothers in the Benedictine monastic community which was then accepted everywhere and gathered around it men and women as ‘oblates.’
In the Investiture Controversy, William was one of the pillars of the Gregorian Reform in Germany which the Monks of Hirsau preached and propagated. He wrote dialogues on Music and Astronomy and had a copy of the Vulgate inscribed for his Monastery.

He died on 4 or 5 July 1091 and was buried in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, which he himself had built. Around 1500 his Tomb was opened and it was found that both the body and the Abbot’s clothes were still perfectly well preserved. . Until the protestant suppression of Hirsau, he enjoyed public veneration.

Ehemalige Klosteranlage Hirsau, Stadt Calw, Baden-Württemberg
Posted in FATHERS of the Church, INCORRUPTIBLES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

FIRST FRIDAY, OCTAVE DAY of the SACRED HEART of JESUS, WITHIN THE OCTAVE of STS PETER & PAUL, Nuestra Señora del Refugio / Our Lady of Refuge, Mexico (1720), All the Holy Roman Pontiffs – 4 July

FIRST FRIDAY

OCTAVE DAY of the SACRED HEART of JESUS

WITHIN THE OCTAVE of STS PETER & PAUL

All the Holy Roman Pontiffs

St Albert Quadrelli

St Andrew of Crete (c660-c740) Bishop of Gorvina, Constantinople, Father of the Church, Monk at Mar Sabas, Noted and eloquent Preacher, Poet.
This Wondrous Father:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/07/04/saint-of-the-day-4-july-saint-andrew-of-crete-c660-c740-bishop/

St Anthony Daniel
St Aurelian of Lyons

St Bertha of Blangy (c644-c723) Widow, Abbess, Mother, Founder of a Monastery at Blangy, Artois and 3 Churches in the region. Born in c644 in France and died in c723 at her Convent in Blangy, France.
Her Pious Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/04/saint-of-the-day-4-july-saint-bertha-of-blangy-c644-c723-widow-abbess/

St Carileffo of Anille
Bl Cesidio Giacomantonio
St Donatus of Libya
St Edward Fulthrop
St Elias of Jerusalem
St Finbar of Wexford
St Fiorenzo of Cahors
St Flavian of Antioch
St Giocondiano
St Haggai the Prophet
Bl Henry Abbot
St Henry of Albano
St Hosea the Prophet
St Innocent of Sirmium
Bl John Carey

Blessed John Cornelius SJ (1557– 1594) Martyr, English Priest of the Society of Jesus, Missionary. Additional Memorials – 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai, 1 December as one of the Martyrs of Oxford University. Fr Cornelius and his three companions, the Martyrs of England, were Beatified by Pope Pius XI on 15 December 1929. All their bodies were retrieved and given proper burial by Lady Arundell.
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/04/saint-of-the-day-4-july-blessed-john-cornelius-sj-1557-1594-martyr/

St Jucundian
St Laurian of Seville
St Lauriano of Vistin
St Namphanion
Bl Natalia of Toulouse
St Odo the Good
Bl Odolric of Lyon
Bl Patrick Salmon
St Sebastia of Sirmium
St Theodore of Cyrene
St Theodotus of Libya
Bl Thomas Bosgrave
Bl Thomas Warcop

St Ulric (c890–973) Bishop of Augsburg, Germany, miracle-worker.
His Zealous Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/04/saint-of-the-day-4-july-saint-ulric-of-augsburg-c-890-973/

St Ulric (c1214-1284) Bishop of Ratzeburg
St Valentine of Langres
St Valentine of Paris
Bl William Andleby
St William (c1030-1091) Abbot of Hirsau Monastery in Germany. His Body is incorrupt.

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, EUCHARISTIC, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, HOLY COMMUNION, INDULGENCES, PAPAL PRAYERS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The HOLY VIATICUM

Thought of the Day – 3 July – A Forgotten Jewel in the Catholic Crown

Thought of the Day – 3 July – Thursday within the Octave of the Sacred Heart and The Feast of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus

A Forgotten Jewel in the Catholic Crown

Thy most loving Heart of Jesus,
dwells in this Sacrament burning with love for us.
It is there, continually performing
thousands of good deeds towards us.

St John Eudes (1601-1680)
Apostle of the Two Holy Hearts

On this date, we celebrate the Feast of The Eucharistic Heart of Jesus which occurs on the Thursday within the Octave of the Sacred Heart.

On 9 November 1921, Pope Benedict XV instituted the Feast of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus to be celebrated on the Thursday within the Octave of the Sacred Heart with a Proper Mass and Office.
In instituting the Feast, Pope Benedict XV wrote:

The chief reason for this Feast, is to commemorate the Love of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Mystery of the Eucharist. By this means the Church wishes, more and more, to excite the faithful to approach this Sacred Mystery with confidence and, to inflame their hearts with that Divine Charity which consumed the Sacred Heart of Jesus, when, in His Infinite Love, He instituted the Most Holy Eucharist, wherein the Divine Heart guards and loves them by living with them, as they live and abide in Him.
For, in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, He offers and gives Himself to us as Victim, Companion, Nourishment, Viaticum and Pledge of our future glory
!”

O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus!
By Pope Benedict XV (1854-1922)

O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus!
O Fount of every good!
I adore Thee, I love Thee
and sincerely repenting of my sins,
I present to Thee my poor heart.
Give it back to me
humble, patient,
pure and in everything,
conformed to Thy wishes.
Make me, O good Jesus,
live in Thee and for Thee.
Protect me in dangers,
comfort me in afflictions,
grant me health of body,
succour in my temporal needs,
Thy blessing in all my works
and the grace of a holy death.
Amen

Indulgence – 100 days
Once a day
Pope Benedict XV
4 December 1916

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, HOLY COMMUNION, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, SACRED HEART QUOTES, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 3 July – Beloved Sacrament!

Quote/s of the Day – 3 July – Within the Octave of the Sacred Heart and the Feast of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus

Give me Thyself, O My God
By St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

Give me Thyself, O my God,
give Thyself to me.
Behold I love Thee
and if my love is too weak a thing,
grant me to love Thee more strongly.
I cannot measure my love, to know
how much it falls short of being sufficient
but let my soul hasten to Thine embrace
and never be turned away,
until it is hidden in the secret shelter
of Thine presence.
This only do I know,
that it is not good for me
when Thou art not with me,
when Thou art only outside me.
I want Thee in my very self.
All the plenty in the world
which is not my God,
is utter want!
Amen

I understand that, each time
we contemplate the Host,
with desire and devotion,
in which is hidden
Christ’s Eucharistic Body,
we increase our merits in Heaven
and secure special joys to be ours later
in the Beatific Vision of God.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus,
Fountain of Eternal Life,
Thine Heart is a glowing furnace of Love.
Thou art my Refuge
and my Sanctuary.

St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)

The faith I have, when I am in the
Presence of the Blessed Sacrament,
is so strong, I find it impossible
to express what I feel…
When the time comes to leave,
I must force myself to overcome, the inclination
to prolong my stay with Jesus.”

St Anthony Mary Claret (1807-1870)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on WATCHING, St PETER!, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 3 July – “Upon this rock I will build My Church” – Matthew 16:18

One Minute Reflection – 3 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Leo II (611–683) Pope, Confessor – Within the Octave of the Sacred Heart and the Feast of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11 – Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Upon this rock I will build My Church” – Matthew 16:18

REFLECTION – “Brothers, when it comes to fulfilling my duties as Bishop, I discover that I am weak and slack, weighed down by the weakness of my own condition, while at the same time, I want to act generously and courageously. However, I draw my strength from the untiring intercession of the Almighty and Eternal Priest, Who, like us but equal to the Father, lowered His divinity to the level of man and raised humankind to the level of God. The decisions He made, give me a just and holy joy. For, when He delegated many shepherds to care for His flock, He did not abandon watching over His beloved sheep. Thanks to that fundamental and eternal assistance, I in turn, have received the protection and support of the Apostle Peter, who also does not abandon his function. This solid foundation, on which the whole of the Church is built, never grows tired of carrying the whole weight, of the building which rests on it.

The firmness of faith, for which the first of the Apostles was praised, never fails. Just as everything which Peter professed in Christ remains, so that which Christ established in Peter, remains… The order willed by God’s Truth remains. Saint Peter perseveres in the solidity which he received; he has not abandoned the governance of the Church which was placed in his hands. That, my brothers, is what that profession of faith, inspired by God the Father, obtained in the heart of the Apostle. He received the solidity of a rock which no assault can shake. In the entire Church, Peter says everyday: “Thou art the Messiah, the Son of the living God. – St Leo the Great (400-461) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon on the anniversary of his Consecration as Bishop).

PRAYER – Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Leo Thy Sovereign Pontiff, whom Thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole 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 CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS

Our Morning Offering – 3 July – July Morning Offering

Our Morning Offering – 3 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus”

July Morning Offering

Eternal Father,
I offer Thee the Precious Blood of Jesus,
in satisfaction for my sins
and for the wants of Holy Church.
Blessed be the Precious Blood of Jesus,
which renders bearable the thorns of earth,
redeems our souls,
purifies them from their iniquities
and prepares for them,
an eternal crown.
Amen.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 3 July – St Dathus (Died c190) Bishop and Confessor

Saint of the Day – 3 July – St Dathus (Died c190) Bishop and Confessor of Ravenna in Italy during the reign of the Roman Emperor, Commodus. Also known as – Dato, Datus, Dathius.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Ravenna, St Dathus, Bishop and Confessor.

The renowned Ravenna Cathedral Mosaics

Legend has it that he was elected as the Bishop thanks to the miraculous appearance of a dove flying above his head. He served faithfully during the respite from persecution under the reign of Emperor Commodus.

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

Thursday within the Octave of the Sacred Heart and The Feast of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, Notre-Dame-de-la-Carole / Our Lady of la Carole, Paris (1418), St Pope Leo II (611–683) and Memorials of the Saints – 3 July

Thursday within the Octave of the Sacred Heart and
The Feast of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus

https://anastpaul.com/2023/06/22/21-june-feast-of-the-eucharistic-heart-of-jesus-thursday-within-the-octave-of-the-sacred-heart/

Notre-Dame-de-la-Carole / Our Lady of la Carole, Paris (1418) – 3 July:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/03/feast-of-st-thomas-apostle-notre-dame-de-la-carole-our-lady-of-la-carole-paris-1418-and-memorials-of-the-saints-3-july/

St Pope Leo II (611–683) Bishop of Rome from 17 August 682 to 28 June 683, the day of his death. He is one of the Popes of the Byzantine Papacy.
His Holy Life of Grace:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/03/saint-of-the-day-3-july-st-pope-leo-ii-611-683/

St Anatolius of Alexandria (Died 283) Bishop, Scholar, Scientiest, Philosoper, Conputist, Mathematian, Writer .
Brilliant and Pious St :Anatolius

https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/03/saint-of-the-day-3-july-st-anatolius-of-alexandria-died-283-bishop/

St Anatolius of Constantinople (Died c458) Bishop, Confessor. He died in d458 of unknown causes but it is believed he was martyred by heretics.
His Life and Death;

https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/03/saint-of-the-day-3-july-saint-anatolius-of-constantinople-died-c-458/

Bl Andreas Ebersbach
Bl Barbara Jeong Sun-mae
St Bladus
St Byblig
St Cillene
St Dathus (Died c190) Bishop and Confessor of Ravenna
St Eusebius of Laodicea
St Firminus
St Firmus
Bl Gelduin
St Giuse Nguyen Ðình Uyen
St Gunthiern
St Guthagon

St Heliodorus (c332-c390) the first Bishop of Altino in Italy, disciple, close friend and assistant of St Jerome. Scholar, ex-soldier,
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Altino, St Heliodorus, a Bishop, distinguished for holiness and learning.”
Holy Heliodorus:

https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/03/saint-of-the-day-3-july-st-heliodorus-332-390-bishop/

St Hyacinth of Caesarea
St Irenaeus of Chiusi
St Maelmuire O’Gorman
St Mark of Mesia
St Mennone the Centurian
St Mucian of Mesia
St Paul of Mesia

St Raymond Gayrard (Died 1118) ArchDeacon, Canon of the Lateran Canons Regular at St Sernin Basilica in Toulouse, France.
The Roman Martyrology reads:In Toulouse on the Garonne in France, Saint Raymond Gayrard, who, as a teacher, remained a widower, passionately devoted himself to works of charity, founded a hospice and was finally admitted among the Canons of the Basilica of St Saturnin.
https://anastpaul.com/2023/07/03/saint-of-the-day-3-july-saint-raymond-of-toulouse-died-1118/

Martyrs of Alexandria – 13 Saints: Thirteen Christian companions Marytred together. No details about them have survived but the names – Apricus, Cyrion (2 of), Eulogius, Hemerion, Julian, Julius, Justus, Menelaus, Orestes, Porfyrios and Tryphon (2 of). They martyred in Alexandria, Egypt, date unknown.

Martyrs of Constantinople – 24 Saints: A group of 24 Christians Martyred in the persecutions of Arian Emperor Valens. We know little more than their names – Acacios, Amedinos, Ammonius, Ammus, Cerealis, Cionia, Cionius, Cyrianus, Demetrius, Eulogius (2), Euphemia, Heliodoros, Heraclios, Horestes, Jocundus, Julian, Martyrios, Menelaeus, Sestratus, Strategos, Thomas, Timotheos and Tryphon. They were martyred in c367 in Constantintinople.

Theodotus and Companions – 6 Saints: Six Christians who were imprisoned, tortured and Martyred together in the persecutions of Trajan. Saint Hyacinth ministered to them in prison. We know nothing else about them but their names – Asclepiodotus, Diomedes, Eulampius, Golinduchus, Theodota and Theodotus. They were beheaded in c110, location unknown.

Posted in CHARITY - Fr Richard Clarke SJ, QUOTES on PATIENCE, St JOSEPH, The INCARNATION

Thought for the Day – 2 July – The Visitation

Thought for the Day – 2 July – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

The Visitation

+1. The visit of Mary to her cousin St Elizabeth took place a short time after the Annunciation . It had been suggested to her by the Angel’s message, telling her that Elizabeth was to bear a son.
St Joseph knew nothing of this, yet, he raised no objection to the journey. He had already conceived such a reverence for his spotless spouse that it was enough for him that she entertained a wish. He knew that she never acted on impulse, or without a due cause and so, when Mary asked his leave to visit her cousin, he at once consented.
So we too, should consult, as far as possible, the wishes of others, especially our spouses, seeking to conform our will to others in the spirit of charity.

+2. St Joseph would not allow his young wife to journey alone. He went with her as her escort. What a happiness to him to wait upon her! How tenderly he watches over her
How thoughtfully he sees to all her wants!
Men often idealise those they love but there was no need to idealise Mary. She was an ideal in herself. And when he approached her, Joseph somehow felt that he was drawing near to God and that God dwelt in her ,in some other way than by His graces and gifts.

+3. Arriving at their journey’s end, St Joseph, in his humility, saw to their material needs and did not hear the words of Elizabeth saluting Mary as the Mother of God and announcing the joy of her unborn babe at His Presence.
St Joseph was ignorant and remained in ignorance of the Mystery of the Incarnation. He had to wait – this was to be the law of his life as it is, of the lives of all who are very dear to God.

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the KING, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, Hail MARY!, JESUIT SJ, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE

Quote/s of the Day – 2 July – The Visitation

Quote/s of the Day – 2 July – The Feast of the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Mary, having merited to give flesh
to the Divine Word
and thus, supply the price
of our redemption
that we might be delivered
from eternal death, therefore,
she is more powerful
than all others,
to help us gain eternal life.

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

She is the eldest daughter of the Great King.
If you enjoy her favour,
she will introduce you
to the Monarch of the Universe.
No-one has so great an interest with Him than Mary,
who was the occasion of His coming down from Heaven
to become man, for the redemption of mankind.

St John the Merciful (c552-c 616)

You must know that when you
‘hail’ Mary, she immediately greets you!
Do not think that she is one of those rude women
of whom there are so many, on the contrary,
she is utterly courteous and pleasant.
If you greet her, she will answer you right away
and converse with you!

St Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444)

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
!’”

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

Posted in ADVENT, ADVENT REFLECTIONS, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, Quotes on SALVATION, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 2 July – “Behold the King is coming, let us hasten to meet our Saviour”

One Minute Reflection – 2 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Song 2:8-14 – Luke 1:39-47 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” – Luke 1:43

REFLECTION – “Behold the King is coming, let us hasten to meet our Saviour” (Advent Liturgy). Solomon put it very well when he said: “As cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country” (Prv 25:25). He certainly brings good news who announces the coming of the Saviour, the reconciliation of the world and the good things of the world to come. “How welcome the feet of them who preach peace and bring good tidings!” (Is 52:7)…

Such messengers are waters of refreshment and a draught of saving wisdom to a soul athirst for God. For such a soul, the herald of the Coming and of the other Mysteries of the Saviour, draws and proffers water “with joy from the springs of the Saviour” (Is 12:3). And so, it seems to me, the soul is heard to reply to the messenger … in the words of Elisabeth. It has drunk of the same spirit as she has and says: “And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed art thou who hast believed because those things shall be accomplished which were spoken to thee by the Lord.

And really, brethren, we should go to meet the coming Christ with joy in our heart … “O my Saviour and my God! (Ps 42:5) what an honour that Thou should have saluted Thy servants. How much the greater that Thou shouldst have saved them? … Thou hast given us salvation! not only by greeting with the kiss of peace in Thine Incarnation, those Thou had previously saluted with words of peace but,more, by effecting their salvation through Thy death on the Cross.” Let us, therefore, rise up with joyful eagerness and hasten to welcome our Saviour. Let us adore Him and salute Him at a distance, crying out to Him: “Deliverance, Lord, deliverance! Lord, grant us the victory! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord” (Ps 117:25-26).” – Blessed Guerric of Igny (c1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot (2nd Sermon of Advent).

PRAYER – Bestow upon Thy servants, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the gift of heavenly grace that as the child-bearing of the Blessed Virgin marked the beginning of our salvation, so may the solemn Feast of her Visitation bring us an increase of peace.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 BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, HYMNS, MARIAN Antiphons, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The LITTLE OFFICE of MARY

Our Morning Offering – 2 July– The Feast of the Visitation – The Magnificat

Our Morning Offering – 2 July – The Feast of the Visitation

The Magnificat
The Canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Luke 1:46-55

Indulgence 100 days

My soul doth magnify the Lord.
And my spirit hath rejoiced
in God my Saviour.
For He hath regarded the humility
of His handmaid,
for behold, from henceforth,
all generations shall call me blessed.
For He Who is mighty hath done
great things unto me: and holy is His Name.
And His mercy is from
generation to generation
unto thos who fear Him.
He hath shown strength with His Arm,
He hath scattered the proud
in the imagination of their heart.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat
and hath exalted the humble.
He hath filled the hungry with good things
and the rich He hath sent empty away.
He hath upheld His servant Israel,
being mindful of His Mercy.
As He spoke unto our fathers,
to Abraham and his seed forever.

Glory be to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Ghost
as it was in the beginning,
is now and ever shall be,
world without end!
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint/s of the Day – 2 July – Blessed/s Giovanni (Died c1420) and Pietro da Fabriano Becchetti OSA (Died c1421) Priests

Saint/s of the Day – 2 July – Blessed/s Giovanni (Died c1420) and Pietro da Fabriano Becchetti OSA (Died c1421) Priests and cousins (some sources make them brothers) of the Order of the Hermits of Saint Augustine. Born in the 14th Century in Fabriano, Italy and died in the 15th Century in the their Birth Town. Also known as – John and Peter Becchetti.

In the history of the Order we read: “In Fabriano in the Marches, commemoration of the blesseds Giovanni and Pietro Becchetti, Priests of the Order of the Hermits of St Augustine; united more by the same way of life than by blood ties; they died in 1420 and 1421, respectively.

Blessed Giovanni Becchetti

Giovanni, who had taught at Rimini, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Theology in 1385. He then was sent to Oxford, England for further study. There he earned his Master’s in Theology.

He returned to Italy and was appointed as the Director of the Augustinian House of Studies in Perugia.

The date of Giovanni’s death is not known. We know that he was still living in May 1420, as a letter written by him on 7 May of that year is preserved in the Archives of the Order in Rome.

Blessed Pietro Becchetti

Documents show that Pietro was studying for the Degree of Lector in Theology in 1385. He was professor in the Augustinian House of Studies in Rimini in 1388.

While he was in Rimini, the Prior General appointed him Visitator to investigate a complaint which had been made about that House. Later he was professor in Venice.

Greatly devoted to the Passion of Christ, Pietro made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land to follow Our Lord’s Steps and to visit Jesus’ holy Tomb.

The date of Pietro’s death is not known. We know that he was still living in 1421, as there is record of the Prior General having written a letter to him on 20 February of that year.

Both Giovanni and Pietro died at Fabriano. Their remains are preserved at the Church of Saint Augustine there.

Both being distinguished by their scholarly wisdom, personal piety, deep prayer life and preaching, our Blesseds were Beatified in 1835 by Pope Gregory XVI.