Thought for the Day – 20 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Charitable Works
“When Jesus was asked, what was the first commandment, He replied: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind and with thy whole strength. This is the first commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is no other commandment greater than this” (Mk 12:30-31). As St Augustine says, the love of God and the love of neighbour are two branches of the same tree, the tree of charity. “If anyone says, ‘I love God’ and hates his brother,” St John warns us, “he is a liar” (1 Jn 4:20).
We must prove our love for God by showing charity towards our neighbour. All men are our brothers in Jesus Christ, Who has redeemed us by His Precious Blood. Our Lord has said that He will regard as done for Himself, anything which we do for the least of our brethren (Mt 25:10).
Like the Saints, we should see Jesus Himself living in the poor and the suffering. The Saints gave Him everything they had, not only their possessions but also their toil and their love.
Think how much those missionaries do who leave everything in order to go to foreign lands and win souls for Christ. Think of the charitable work of the sisters and nurses in the hospitals, asylums and orphanages. What are we doing?”
Quote/s of the Day – 20 September – The Vigil of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist – Wisdom 5:16-20 – Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.”
Luke 6:20
“Let him who is greatest among you, become as the youngest and he who is the leader, as the servant.”
Luke 22:25
“No Christian should think of himself as his own master but each should rather so think and act, as though given by God, to be slave to his fellow brothers and sisters.”
St Basil the Great (329-379) Father and Doctor of the Church
“Humility is the mother of many virtues because, from it are born: obedience, fear, reverence, patience, modesty, meekness and peace. He who is humble easily obeys everyone, fears to offend anyone, is at peace with everyone, is kind to all!”
St Thomas of Villanova OSA (1488-1555)
“Be generous to the poor orphans and those in need. The man to whom our Lord has been liberal ought not to be stingy. We shall one day find in Heaven, as much rest and joy as we ourselves have dispensed in this life.”
St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)
“Humility is not just about self-mistrust but about the entrusting of ourselves to God. Distrusting ourselves and our own strength produces trust in God and from that trust, generosity of soul is born.”
One Minute Reflection – 20 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Ember Saturday – The Vigil of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist – Wisdom 5:16-20 – Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.” –
REFLECTION – “As almost all men have a natural tendency to pride, the Lord begins the Beatitudes by casting aside the original sin of self-sufficiency and by counseling our imitation of Himself, Who is truly blessed, the genuinely voluntary Poor Man … so, we might become like Him, in a voluntary poverty which is according to our means, so as to share His blessedness, His happiness. “Have among you the same attitude which is also yours in Christ Jesus. Who, although He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave,” (Phil 2:5-7).
What could be more wretched for God, than to take the form of a slave? What lowlier for the King of the Universe, than to share our human nature? The King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Judge of the world, pays taxes to Caesar (1 Tim 6:17; Heb 12:23; Mk 12:17)! Creation’s Lord embraces this world, enters a cave, finds no place in an inn and takes refuge in a stable, in the company of irrational beasts. He, Who is pure and spotless, takes upon Himself, the stains of human nature and, after sharing all our poverty, goes as far as to experience our death. Consider the excessiveness of His voluntary poverty! Life tastes death; the Judge is dragged before the court; the Master of the lives of us all submits to a magistrate; the King of the Heavenly Powers does not escape the hands of torturers! This is the pattern, says the Apostle Paul, against which His humility is measured.” – St Gregory of Nyssa (c335-395) Bishop, Father of the Church, Brother of St Basil the Great (The Beatitudes 1).
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God that the worshipful Feast of Thy blessed Apostle and Evangelist, St Matthew, on the eve whereof we now stand, may avail us, to the increase, both of godliness toward Thee and of health to our own souls. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 20 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Vigil of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
Exsultet Orbis! Let the World Rejoice! Unknown Author
Now let the earth with joy resound, And Heaven the chant re-echo round; Nor Heaven nor earth too high can raise The great Apostles’ glorious praise.
O ye who, throned in glory dread, Shall judge the living and the dead, Lights of the world forever more! To you the suppliant prayer we pour.
Ye close the Sacred Gates on high. At your command apart they fly. O loose for us the guilty chain We strive to break and strive in vain.
Sickness and health your voice obey, At your command they go or stay. From sin’s disease our souls restore; In good confirm us more and more.
So when the world is at its end. And Christ to Judgment shall descend, May we be called, those joys to see Prepared from all eternity.
Praise to the Father, with the Son, And Holy Spirit, Three in One; As ever was in ages past And so shall be while ages last. Amen
(Roman Breviary for the Common of Apostles) An Office Hymn that was traditionally prescribed for Vespers and Lauds on the Feasts of Apostles and Evangelists outside Easter time. The Hymn is found as early as the 10th Century in a Hymnal of Moissac Abbey.
Saint of the Day – 20 September – Blessed Thomas Johnson O.Cart. (Died 1537) Priest Martyr, English Carthusian Monk of the Charterhouse in London. Unknown birthdate but died by being starved to death at Newgate Prison, London. Blessed Thomas holds the dubious title of being “the last of the Charterhouse Martyrs to die.”
The Carthusian Priest Thomas Johnson, like his fellow Monks at the London Charterhouse, was a victim of Henry VIII’s persecution after the schism from Rome.
In London, Thomas Johnson was involved in the terrible events as we know from the lives of the other Charterhouse Martyrs which saw the Carthusian Monks first arrested on 20 May 1537 and then slowly left to die in freezing conditions, in hunger, in immense suffering and abuse in the infamous, fearsome and horrible Newgate Prison.
Of the ten of his incarcerated brothers, Thomas Johnson was the one who survived the longest; in fact, all the the others, exhausted by privations, died between June and August 1537 i.e. lasting for between weeks to 2 months.
It is speculated that, in addition to probably having a stronger constitution, capable of longer enduring the oppression imposed by the jailers, Thomas Johnson was kept alive longer in the hope of obtaining his acceptance of the Act of Supremacy. However, all was in vain, as the ‘final victim’ ascended to Heaven on 20 September 1537, cexactly 4 months after his arrest, onsumed by hunger and thirst, remaining faithful to the principles of his faith, despite having been severely tested by having outlived his beloved brothers.
All the Carthusian Martyrs were Beatified by Pope Leo XIII on 9 December 1886. Their memory is commemorated in London, each on the day of their death and also together on 4 May as the Carthusian Martyrs of London.
Blessed Thomas Johnson O.Cart. (Died 1537) Priest Martyr
Martyrs of Constantinople – 3 Saints: A Priest and two Bishops who were imprisoned, tortured and Martyred for the defence of icons in the iconoclast persecutions of Emperor Leo the Isaurian. – Andrea, Asiano and Hypatius. They were Martyred in 735 in Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey) and their bodies were thrown to the dogs.
Martyrs of Pergen – 6 Saints: A group of lay people Martyred in the persecutions of Emperor Elagabalus. The names that have come down to us are Dionysius, Dioscorus, Philippa, Privatus, Socrates and Theodore. They were crucified c 220 at Pergen, Pamphylia, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey).
Thought for the Day – 19 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Crucifixion
“At last, Jesus reaches Calvary, breathless and reduced to utter exhaustion. The instrument of torture is taken from Him and laid upon the ground. Our divine Redeemer suffers acute pain, as He is again stripped of His garments, which have stuck to His wounds. Now, He is stretched, an innocent victim, on the altar of sacrifice, the Cross. One of the executioners grasps His hand, pierces it with a large nail and attaches it to the wood. Then, he does the same with the other hand and with the two feet. His Mother is close at hand. She feels in her heart the blows of the hammer which lacerate the living flesh of Jesus. Jesus remains silent “as a meek lamb that is carried to be a victim” (Jer 11:19).
Now, the executioners raise the Cross and fixes it in the hole already prepared. The shock of this impact sends a shudder of terrible pain throughout the Victim’s members and entire frame. Behold Him now, suspended between Heaven and earth, the Mediator between God and humanity, the Victim of Expiation for the innumerable sins of men.
Come near to the Cross and kiss the bloodstained feet. While the Jews are insulting Him and most of the Apostles have abandoned Him, let us tell Him how much we love Him. Let us tell Him of our sorrow for our sins and of our determination to make amends for our faults and for our ingratitude, by living in accordance with His teachings and example.”
Quote/s of the Day – 19 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Januarius of Naples (Died c304) Confessor, Bishop, Martyr and his Martyred Companions – Hebrews 10:32-38 – Matthew 24:3-13 – cripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Tell us when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy Coming and of the consummation of the world? ”
Matthew 24:3
“But he who shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved.”
Matthew 24:13
“It is written, ‘God is not mocked.’ (Gal 6: 7) Indeed, God cannot be mocked, nor circumvented, nor deluded by any man’s astute deceit. … Let each of you, then, I beg you, brethren, confess his fault while the sinner is yet in this world, while Confession is still possible, while the satisfaction and remission granted by the Priests, is still acceptable to God!”
St Cyprian of Carthage (c200-258) Martyr, Bishop of Carthage, Father of the Church
“Let us then, my brethren, endure in hope. Let us devote ourselves, side-by-side with our hoping, so that the God of all the universe, as He beholds our intention, may cleanse us from all sins, fill us with high hopes from what we have in hand and grant us the change of heart which saves. God has called you and you have your calling!”
St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387) Father and Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 19 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Januarius of Naples (Died c304) Confessor, Bishop, Martyr and his Martyred Companions – Hebrews 10:32-38 – Matthew 24:3-13 – cripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Tell us when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy Coming and of the consummation of the world? ” – Matthew 24:3
REFLECTION – “Not one stone will remain upon another: all shall be destroyed.” These words were true of the Temple built by Solomon … for everything built by human hands either wears away or disintegrates or is overthrown by violence or destroyed by fire … But there is also a temple within everyone of us which crumbles whenever faith is lacking and, most especially, if in Christ’s Name, one falsely tries to gain possession of interior convictions. Perhaps this is the most helpful interpretation, where we are concerned. Indeed, what is the point of my knowing the day of judgement? Being aware of so many sins, what is the point of knowing the Saviour will one day come, if He has not come into my soul, if He is not recalled to my mind, if Christ does not live in me, if Christ does not speak in me? So it is to me Christ must come and it is for my sake, His coming must take place.
The Lord’s Second Coming takes place, as the world draws to a close, when we are able to say: “The world is crucified to me and I to the world” (Gal 6:14)… To the one to whom the world is dead, Christ is everlasting; to such a one, the temple is spiritual, the Law spiritual, even the Passover is spiritual … And so, for that person, Wisdom’s Presence has come to pass, along with virtue and justice and the presence of the Resurrection, for Christ indeed Died once for the sins of the people, in order daily, to redeem the sins of the people.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop, Father & Dpctpr of the Church (Commentary on Saint Luke’s Gospel 10:6-8)
PRAYER – O God, Who gladdens us by the annual festival of Thy Martyrs Januarius and Companions, grant that we, may be inspired by the example of those, in whose merits we rejoice.Through tJesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 19 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross”
In Thine Hour of Holy Sadness By St Bernard (1090-1153) Father & Doctor of the Church
In Thine hour of holy sadness could I share with Thee, what gladness should Thine Cross to me be showing. Gladness past all thought of knowing, bowed beneath Thine Cross to die! Blessed Jesus, thanks I render that in bitter death, so tender, Thou now hear Thy supplicant calling, Save me Lord! and keep from falling, from Thee, when my hour is nigh. Amen.
Saint of the Day – 19 September – St Eustochius (Died c461) Bishop of Tours, a zealous shepherd and defender of the Church and his flock against secular interference, a Reformer of the discipling amongst the Clerics. He formed new Parishes and built new Churches. Born in Auvergne, France and died in c461 in Tours, France. Also known as – Eustachius.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Tours, St Eustochius, Bishop, a man of great virtue.”
A wooden Statue of an unknown French or Flemish Bishop
Eustochius was descended from an illustrious family of Auvergne and, according to St Gregory of Tours, was a man of eminent virtue.
Being raised to the See of Tours after the death of St Brice in 444, Eustochius, at the Council of Angers, strenuously defended the privileges of the Church which were threatened by a law imposed by Emperor Valentinian III.
Eustochius, thereafter, had a principal share in composing the Decrees reached at that Council concerning discipline.
Eustochius also increased the number of Parishes in his Diocess and built in the City of Tours, a Church, wherein he translated the Relics of Saints Gervasius and Protasius which St Martin had received from Rome.
He died in c461 and was buried in the Church built by St Brice over the Tomb of St Martin.
Notre-Dame de la Salette / Our Lady of La Salette), La Salette-Fallavaux, Isère, Rhône-Alpes, France (1846) 19 September: Our Lady appeared to two small children, Melanie Mathieu and Maximin Giraud, on the mountain of La Salette in the French Alps. She was crying and around her neck was a crucifix, with a hammer and pincers on either side – 19 September 1846. Approved by the Diocesan Bishop in 1851. Read the story here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/19/feast-of-our-lady-of-la-salette-19-september/
St Arnulph of Gap Bl Carolus Hyon Song-Mun St Constantia of Nocera St Desiderius of Pozzuoli St Eustochius (Died c461) Bishop of Tours St Felix of Nocera St Festus of Pozzuoli
St Goeric (c570-c643)Bishop of Metz – Goeric is listed as the 30th Bishop of Metz, having governed that See from 625 to 642 or 643. The Roman Martyrology rads: “In Metz in Austrasia, still in the territory of today’s France, Saint Goeríco or Abo, Bishop, who succeeded Saint Arnulf, whose body was transported with veneration to this City.” His Life of Service: https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/19/saint-of-the-day-19-september-saint-goeric-of-metz-c570-c643-bishop/
St Maria de Cervellón OdeM (1230 – 1290) Virgin, Catalan Superior of Second Order of the Mercedarians in her region. Mystic, graced with the gift of bilocation, Apostle of the poor, the abandoned, the needy. She was the first woman to wear the Habit of the ‘ Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Ransom. She is considered the Founder of the Mercedary Nuns. Her entry in the Roman Martyrology states: “At Barcelona in Spain, blessed Maria de Cervellione, Virgin of the Order of Our Lady of Ransom. She is commonly called Maria of Help on account of the prompt assistance she renders to those who invoke her.“ Patronages – Mercadarian Nuns and Sisters, Navigators, against shipwreck, Spanish sailors, of the abandoned. On 13 February1692, Pope Innocent XII gave a favourable judgement and confirmed her immemorial cult;and she was introduced into the Roman Martyrology as a Saint on 8 November 1729. Her body is Incorrupt. Her Holy Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/19/saint-of-the-day-19-september-st-maria-de-cervellon-odem-1230-1290/ Please watch this video if you are able to spare the time. It is absolutely beautiful.
Martyrs of Antioch – 3 Saints: Christians imprisoned, tortured and executed in various ways in the persecutions of Emperor Probus; some names have come down to us – Dorymedon, Sabbatius and Trophimus. c 277 at Antioch (in modern Turkey).
Martyrs of Phunon – (4 aints): Four bishops in Egypt who were sentenced to forced labour in a rock quarry and martyred in the persecution of Diocletian. Noted for celebrating Mass in prison. – Elias, Nilus, Patermuzio and Peleus. They were burned to death in 310 at Phunon, near Petra in Palestine.
Thought for the Day – 18 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Christ’s Work in Us
“It is not enough that Jesus live in us – He must increase and act in us continually. The Spiritual life is like natural life. It cannot stop, for to halt would mean death! If Jesus is our life, He should live in us with ever-increasing intensity. Life is like a stairway, we are either going up or coming down.
If we continue to climb energetically towards Jesus, we shall be coming nearer to Christian perfection. If, on the other hand, we halt, the supernatural life of Jesus in us, will begin to weaken. Tepedity will replace fervour and sin will succeed tepidity. It is difficult to remain unchanged because, life involves movement. ‘Jesus Christ,” writes St Augustine, “was born a baby but, He did not remain one. He grew to boyhood, to adolescence and then, to maturity.”
It is necessary for us to grow also. More precisely, it is necessary that Jesus grow continuously in us through faith, charity and good works. “Court the good,” admonishes St Paul, “from a good motive always … until Christ is formed in you” (Gal 4:18-19).
It is not enough that Christ be born in us, it is necessary that He increase to the fullness of perfection (Cf Eph 4:13-16). “Jesus increases daily,” writes Origen, “in the soul of the holy and just man, which mirror His grace, His wisdom and His sanctity. In the soul of the unfortunate sinner, however, Christ decreases and dies.”
What kind of life has Jesus in my soul? If I am in the state of grace, He lives in my soul but, how does He live? In some, those of us who are tepid, worldly and dissipated, Jesus is hidden and languid. In those who are lazy, mediocre and indifferent, He seems to sleep, as He slept in the boat during the storm on the lake of Galilee. In those souls which have given in to temptation and surrendered themselves to sin, He is Crucified and dying.
Finally, there are souls in which He reigns supreme and which are resplendent with the magnificence of His gifts and graces. If we find ourselves in the last category, let us humbly thank God. But, if we are forced to count ourselves among the tepid or the lazy or the sinful, let us rouse ourselves at once and pray fervently to God, to help us to save our souls!”
Quote/s of the Day – 18 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Joseph of Cupertino OFM Conv (1603-1663) Confessor – 1 Corinthians 13:1-8; Matthew 22:1-14 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“If I speak with the tongues of men and of Angels and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And if I should have prophecy and should know all mysteries and all knowledge and if I should have all faith, so that I could remove mountains but have not charity, I am nothing!”
St Paul 1 Corinthians 13:1-2
“Love the Lord and so, learn to love yourselves that when, by loving the Lord, you shall have loved yourselves, you may securely love your neighbour as yourselves. … So then, have faith with love. This is the “wedding garment!”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
“ It is necessary, therefore, to obey the Eternal Father by following Our Lord in order to hear His Word. And behold, how we are taught that all persons, whatever their condition may be, must pray and meditate, for it is there, principally, where this Divine Master speaks to us. … But, it will not do us any good to listen, if we do not DO what He says to us, observing His commandments and His wishes faithfully,”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of Charity
“But who really loves his neighbour as if he were himself? Only the Saints. … The example of St Paul will suffice, however. He said that his life was so much the life of Christ, that it was not he himself, who was living any longer but Christ in him. (Rom 9:3). Do we possess this sincere and active love of our neighbour? Let us examine ourselves in this regard. Let us remember that if we are lacking in this charity towards our brothers in Jesus, we are not genuine Christians!”
One Minute Reflection – 18 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Joseph of Cupertino OFM Conv (1603-1663) Confessor – 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 – Matthew 22:1-14 – Scripture search here: https://www. drbo.org/
Now the king went in to see the guests and he saw there a man who had not on a wedding garment. And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?‘” – Matthew 22:11-12
REFLECTION – “What is that “wedding garment” then? … The wedding garment” is such charity as this. “Although I speak with the tongues of men and of Angels and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.” Tongues have come in alone and it is said to them, “Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment? “I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge and although I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains and have not charity, I am nothing.”
See, these are the miracles of men who very often have not “the wedding garment.” “Although,” he says,” I have all these and have not Christ, I am nothing.” … If then I have not charity, although I bestow alms freely upon the poor, although I have come to the confession of Christ’s Name even unto blood and fire, these things may be done even through the love of glory and so are vain. … For “the wedding garment” is taken in honour of the union, the union, that is, of the Bridegroom to the Bride. You know the Bridegroom – it is Christ. You know the Bride – it is the Church. Pay honour to the Bride, pay honour to the Bridegroom. If you pay due honour to them both, you will be their children. Therefore, in this make progress. Love the Lord and so learn to love yourselves, that when, by loving the Lord, you shall have loved yourselves, you may securely love your neighbour as yourselves. …So then, have faith with love. This is the “wedding garment!” … St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace.
PRAYER – O God, Who willed that all things be drawn unto Thy Son, when He was raised above the earth, mercifully grant, by the merits and example of Thy seraphic Confessor Joseph that, having been raised above all earthly desires, we may be found worthy to come unto Him. 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).
Our Morning Offering – 18 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross”
To Our Lady of Sorrows By St Bonaventure (1217-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
O most holy Virgin, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ, by the overwhelming grief thou experienced when thou witnessed the Martyrdom, the Crucifixion and the Death, of Thy Divine Son, look upon me, with eyes of compassion and awaken in my heart, a tender commiseration for those sufferings and a sincere detestation of my sins, in order that, being disengaged from all undue affection for the passing joys of this earth, I may sigh after the eternal Jerusalem and that, henceforward, all my thoughts and all my actions may be directed towards this one most desirable object, the honour, glory and love of our divine Lord Jesus, and to thee, the Holy and Immaculate Mother of God. Amen.
Saint of the Day – 18 September – St Eumenius (3rd Century?) Bishop and Confessor, Miracle-worker. Also known as – Emenius, Emenes, … of Gortyna, … the Wonder-Worker.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Gortyna, Crete, St Eumenus, Bishop and Confessor.”
Eumenius was the Bishop of Gortyna, the ancient metropolis of Crete, Greece. Although no Vita exists, there is abundant evidence of his cult in the Greek Church and with much information on the Saint’s life.
Eumenius had dedicated himself to a life of prefection from a young age, especially practisng humility, penance and charity toward all. For this reason, he not only distributed his considerable wealth to the poor but also always avoided criticising or listening to criticism of others.
Being elected as the Bishop of Gortyna, Eumenius performed a holy and zealous apostolate and numerous miracles there, for which all sources insist on calling him Eumenius ‘the Wonder-Worker.’
Some of these sources also recount that he went to Rome, where he also performed miracles and was a “bright torch of doctrine” to all. From there, he went to the Thebaid, where he died at a very advanced age on 18 September. The local inhabitants, however, returned his body to the island of Crete, where he was buried in a place called Rado and there too, “from then until today,” the miracles due to his intercession have continued.
St Joseph of Cupertino OFM Conv. (1603-1663) Confessor, Religious Priest of the First Order of St Francis and Friar, Mystic, Miracle-worker. If ever a tiny child began life with nothing in his favour it was Joseph of Cupertino; he had only one hopeful and saving quality—that he knew it. … – Read on and be ashamed, for this is a Saint before the Throne of God! All about the this holy Flying Saint here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/18/saint-of-the-day-18-september-st-joseph-of-cupertino-o-f-m-conv-1603-1663/
St Eustorgius (Died c349) The Ninth Bishop of Milan, Confessor, Defender of the Faith. Both St Athanasius and St Ambrose remember Eustorgius of Milan as one of the most steadfast and illustrious opponents of the Arian heresy. The Roman Martyrology says of him: “At Milan, St Eustorgius, Bishop of that City, highly recommended by blessed Ambrose.” A Holy Shepherd: https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/18/saint-of-the-day-18-september-saint-eustorgius-of-milan-died-c-349/
St Ferreolus the Tribune St Ferreolus of Limoges St Hygbald St Irene of Egypt
St Methodius of Olympus (Died c311) Confessor, Bishop, Martyr, Ecclesiastical Scholar and Author, renowned Theologian. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “The same da, [as St Joseph of Cupertino] the birthday of St Methodius, Bishop of Olympus in Lycia and afterwards of Tyre. Most renowned for his eloquence and learning. St Jerome says that he won the Crown of Martyrdom at Chalcis in Greece at the end of the last persecution there.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/18/saint-of-the-day-18-september-saint-methodius-of-olympus-died-c311-bishop-martyr/
Thought for the Day – 17 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Carrying our Cross
“There is only one way to become holy and to win Heaven. This is the way of the Cross. The Imitation of Christ contains some moving thoughts on the subject of the Royal Road of the Cross. We shall summarise them here.
The words of Jesus seem difficult to many: “Renounce yourself, take up your cross and follow Me.” But, it would be much more difficult to hear on the last day those terrible words: “Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire.” Those who listen now and accept the message of the Cross, need not be afraid of hearing this irrevocable sentence on that day. Why avoid the way of the Cross if it is the only road which leads to Heaven? In the Cross there is salvation; in the Cross there is protection from our enemies. If we carry our cross with submission and love, we shall find peace of soul. If we intertwine our cross with the Cross of Jesus, we shall obtain energy of mind, joy of spirit and perfect holiness. If we die on the Cross with Jesus, we shall live with Him in eternal happiness. If we are His companions in suffering, we shall also be with Him one day in glory (Rom 6:8).
Everything depends on our dying on the Cross with Jesus. There is no other way to life and to true interior peace but the way of the Holy Cross and of daily mortification (Imitation of Christ, Bk II ch 12).”
Quote/s of the Day – 17 September – The Commutation of the Stigmata of Saint Francis of Assisi
“All I want to know is Christ and the power flowing from His Resurrection!”
“Jesus is happy to come with us, as Truth is happy to be spoken, as Life to be lived, as Light to be lit, as Love is to be loved, as Joy to be given, as Peace to be spread.”
“Remember, when you leave this earth, you can take nothing with you, which you have received, only that, which you have given.”
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
One Minute Reflection – 17 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Commutation of the Stigmata of St Francis of Assisi – Galatians 6:14-18 – Matthew 16:24-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me.” – Matthew 16:24
REFLECTION – “In achieving the mystery of His Love, the Lord “took the form of a servant” and, for us, “deigned to humble Himself even to the death of the Cross” (Phil 2:8). He did this so that, through the lowliness which all could see, He might secretly achieve, for us, that hidden eminence amongst the dwellers of Heaven. Only realise, from what we first fell and you will become aware, that by the design of God’s Wisdom and Love, we are being refashioned for Life. In Adam, we fell through pride and, in Christ, we are humbled, that we may dissolve the sin of that ancient crime, by obedience to the opposite virtue. So, we who by proud conduct, have sinned, win approval by humble service.
Therefore, let us rejoice and glory in Him, Who made us both His battle and His victory, when He said: “Have confidence, for I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33) … He, Who is unconquered, will fight for us and conquer in us. Then the prince of this darkness shall be cast out (cf Jn 12:31). He is not, to be sure, expelled from the world but from the individual, for when faith enters us, we shut him out and provide a place for Christ…
Let orators keep their eloquence, philosophers their wisdom, rich men their wealth and kings their kingdoms. Christ is our Glory, Property and Kingdom! Our wisdom lies in the “foolishness of our preaching,” our strength, in the weakness of the flesh, our glory, in the stumbling block of the Cross (cf 1 Cor 1:21).” – St Paulinus of Nola (355-431) Bishop, Father of the Church (Letter 38:3-4.6).
PRAYER – O Lord, Jesus Christ, Who, to inflame our hearts with the fire of Thy love, when the world was becoming cold in spirit, renewed in the flesh of most blessed Francis, the sacred marks of Thine own Passion, graciously grant that by his merits and prayers, we may steadfastly carry our cross and bring forth worthy fruits of penance. 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).
Our Morning Offering – 17 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Feast of The Stigmata of St Francis of Assisi:
Crucis Christi mons Alvernae By St Francis of Assisi OFM (c1181-1226)
Let Alverna’s holy mountain That high mystery proclaim, Of the sigus of life eternal Which on blessed Francis came; While he sobbed and while he sighed, Grieving for the Crucified.
There, within a lowly cavern, Far from all the world withdrawn, As the Saint his watch was keeping, With incessant scourgings torn, Ever musing more and more On the wounds which Jesus bore;
As he prayed in cold and hunger; As he poured his glowing tears; In his fervent spirit mounting Far above terrestrial spheres, Every earthly thing forgot In his Saviour’s bitter lot.
Lo to him, in form seraphic, Borne upon a Cross on high, Six irradiant wings expanding Came the King of glory nigh, Gazing on him with a face Of benignity and grace.
He saw that tender glance returning, Saw th’ Incarnate Light of Light; Saw his gracious meek Redeemer, Robed in glory Infinite; Drank the words which from Him fell,– Words divine, unspeakable!
Straightway all the sacred summit Kindles like a flaming pyre; Holy Francis sinks enraptured Fainting with ecstatic fire And upon his flesh appear Christ’s immortal Stigmata!
Honour to the high Redeemer, Who for us in torments died, In Whose Image blessed Francis Suffered and was sanctified, Counting everything but loss For the glory of the Cross.
This Hymn is given in a Franciscan Breviary, printed at Venice in 1495, as the Hymn at first Vespers on the Feast of the Stigmata of St Francis 17 Sept (Paris, 1597).
The Five Sundays in Honour of The Sacred Stigmata (Feast 17 September)
All the faithful who, upon the five Sundays which immediately precede the Feast of the Sacred Stigmata of St Francis of Assisi, OR upon any other five consecutive Sundays during the year, shall exercise themselves, either in pious meditation, or in vocal prayer, or in any other work of Christian piety, in honour of the said Sacred Stigmata, a Plenary Indulgence is granted once a year, on each of the 5 Sundays, on the usual conditions.(Leo XIII, 21 Nov 1885).
Saint of the Day – 17 September – Blessed Cherubino Testa OSA (1451-1479) Priest, Friar of the Hermits of St Augustine, Miracle-worker. Cherubino had a great devotion to the Passion of Christ, spending many hours in devout mediation on our Crucified Saviour. Born in 1451 in Avigliana, near Turin, Italy and died there, at the Augustinian Convent in 1479, aged just 28. Also known as – Cherubino of Avigliana, Cherubim… Querubin… He is also remembered on 16 December on the Augustinian Calendar.
Cherubino was born into the noble Testa family of Avigliana. From his early life he was inclined towards a religious life and he joined the Hermits of St Augustine at the Convent established by Blessed Adrian Berzetta in his hometown of Avigliana.
There he led a life free of vanity but full of mortifications and holiness, always ready to obey and to be of service wherever he was needed. He was known for his serenity and for his great devotion to the Passion of Christ’s. Frequently he spent an entire day weeping in sorrow during his contemplations of the Crucified Jesus.
Cherubino died when he was only 28 years of age on 17 September 1479 in the same Convent at Avigliana. It is said that, as his soul was leaving his body, the locality’s bells started ringing on their own as though they were announcing his entry into Heaven.
In a painting which hung near the entrance of the old Convent of Tolentino in the Marche, Blessed Cherubino was shown with a halo, with lilies emerging from his heart and, with a Crucifix held in his right hand.
There are some Augustinian writers, who said that the lilies emerging from his heart emitted the same fragrance as that which could be discerned coming forth from his grave. When it was decided to translate his remains, a lily flower miraculously emerged from his heart.
These miracles were studied after his death and were confirmed when Pope Pius IX declared him Blessed on 21 September 1868.
St Agathoclia St Brogan of Ross Tuirc Blessed Cherubino Testa OSA (1451-1479) Priest, Friar St Columba of Cordova St Flocellus
St Francis Mary of Camporosso OFM Cap (1804-1866) Lay Friar of the Friars Minor Capuchin Branch, “Quaestor” or Alms collector, as well as humble services such as Infirmarian, Cook, Gardener, Sacristan, gentle carer of the Poor, the sick, the imprisoned, the needy of all kinds, both spiritual and material. Francesco was gifted with immense graces to touch the hearts of all, both small and great and to listen and advise, often blessed with the gifts of prophecy and mind-reading. Born Giovanni Evangelista Croese on 27 December 1804 at Camporosso, Liguria, Kingdom of Sardinia. Italy and died on 17 September 1866 (aged 61) at Genoa, Italy. P The Beloved Questor: https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/11/saint-of-the-day-11-may-st-francesco-maria-da-camporosso-ofm-cap-1804-1866-the-beloved-questor/
Blessed Hildegard Abbess at Bingen OSB (1098-1179). She was Beatified on 26 August 1326 by Pope John XXII. St Hildegard is also known as Saint Hildegard and Sibyl of the Rhine, was a German Benedictine Abbess, Theologian, Writer, Composer, Philosopher, Poet, Mystic, Visionary, Founder, Scientist, Artist and Polymath. Amazing Hildegard: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=39136&action=edit
Thought for the Day – 16 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Our Martyrdom
“St Ambrose describes virtue, as a slow martyrdom. In this sense, we must all be Martyrs. There is only one difference. The Martyrs of the Church shed their blood and gave up their lives for Jesus, within one hour or one day and gained their reward immediately. Our Martyrdom, on the other hand, will be prolonged. It will last all our lives and will end only when we accept death with resignation from the hands of God. Ours is the Martyrdom of virtue. Let us clearly understand, that solid Christian virtue is a slow and continual Martyrdom which will only end with death. It is not a flower which springs up spontaneously in the garden of the soul. It is like a seed which is thrown on the damp earth and must die there slowly, so that it can generate young shoots which will produce the ears of corn. “Unless the grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone. But, if it dies, it brings forth much fruit” (Jn 12:24-25). It is necessary, then, to descend into the mire of humility and to remain there until we die. Only after we have died to ourselves, shall we rise again in God (Cf ibid). After the death of our lower instincts and vices, we shall find a new life.”
Quote/s of the Day – 16 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of Saint Corneliu, Pope & Martyr and Saint Cyprian, Bishop & Martyr
May We Confess Thy Name to the End By St Cyprian of Carthage (200-258) Bishop and Martyr Apostolic Father of the Church
Good God, may we confess Thy Name to the end. May we emerge unmarked and glorious from the traps and darkness of this world. As Thou hast bound us together by charity and peace and, as together, we have persevered under persecution, so may we also rejoice together in Thy Heavenly Kingdom. Amen
“He not only receives and pardons , those adversaries, those blasphemers, those persistent enemies of His Name, provided they do PENANCE for their offences and acknowledge the CRIIMES committed BUT, He admits them to the reward of the Kingdom of Heaven!”
“God’s Merciful Design has warned us that the day of our own struggle, our own contest, is at hand! By that shared love which binds us close together, we are doing all we can, to exhort our congregation, to give ourselves unceasingly to fastings, vigils and prayers in common. These are the heavenly weapons which give us the strength to stand firm and endure; they are the spiritual defences, the God-given armaments which protect us.”
One Minute Reflection – 16 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of Saint Corneliu, Pope & Martyr and Saint Cyprian, Bishop & Martyr – Wisdom 3:1-8 – Luke 21:9-19 – Scripture search herehttps://www.drbo.org/
“And you shall be hated by all men for My Name’s sake. But not a hair of your head shall perish.” – Luke 21:17-18
REFLECTION – “If God’s gift to the world in sending it His Son is so good, so worthy of God, why did He then defer His gift for so long? Why, when evil in the world was still in its early stages, did God not cut short its hidden development? I have time to respond briefly to this objection – that it is God’s foreknowledge and Wisdom, the One Who is good by nature, Who has impeded this gift. Just as with physical illnesses … doctors wait until the disease which is hidden within the body to begin with, manifests itself without, so that he can apply the remedy it requires once it has become visible, so once the disease of sin had attacked the human race, the world’s Physician waited until no kind of wickedness should remain concealed.
That is why God did not apply His remedy to the world immediately after Cain’s jealousy and murder of his brother Abel … It was when vice had reached its peak and there was no single act of evil which men had not attempted that God set about curing the wound, no longer in its beginnings but in its full development. In this way, the Divine remedy could extend to every human weakness…
But then, why was the grace of the Gospel not at once extended over all? True, the Divine call is addressed equally to all alike, without distinction of condition, age or race … But, He Who has the free arrangement of all things within His Hands, pushed to the extreme His respect for humankind. He has permitted each one of us to have our own domain over which we alone are masters – this is the will, the faculty which does not know bondage which remains free, founded on the autonomy of reason. Therefore, faith is at the free disposition of those who receive the message of the Gospel.” – St Gregory of Nyssa (335-395) Bishop, Father of the Church, [The brother of St Basil the Great] (Catechetical Instruction 29-30)
PRAYER – May the feast of the blessed Martyrs and Bishops, Cornelius and Cyprian, protect us, O Lord, we beseech Thee and may their holy prayer recommend us to Thee.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 16 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of Saint Corneliu, Pope & Martyr and Saint Cyprian, Bishop & Martyr
Deus, Tuorum Militum O God, of Those Who Fought Thy Fight Unknown Author (6th Century)
O God, of those who fought Thy fight, Portion and prize and Crown of Light, Break every bond of sin and shame As now we praise Thy Martyr’s name.
He recked not of the world’s allure But sin and pomp of sin forswore: Knew all their gall and passed them by, And reached the throne prepared on high.
Bravely the course of pain he ran, And bore his torments as a man: For love of Thee, his blood outpoured, And thus obtained the great reward.
With humble voice and suppliant word We pray Thee, therefore, Holy Lord, While we Thy Martyr’s Feast Day keep, Forgive Thy loved and erring sheep.
All honour, laud and glory be, O Jesu, Virgin-born, to Thee, All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete. Amen
An Ambrosian Hymn traditionally assigned for Matins and Vespers for the common feast of a Martyr in the Roman Breviary. It dates probably from the sSxth Century and is attributed to the unknown author of Rex Gloriose Martyrum and jesu, Redemptor Omnium. The Hymn exists in a longer versJon of eight strophes and a shorter one of four or five, which is probably earlier. The Vatican Antiphonary provided two different melodies for use in the Paschal Season and during the Octave of the Nativity, during which the Feast of Saint Stephen the Protomartyr occurs. The Hymn is a prayer asking God to forgive the sins of His servants on the day of the Martyr’s triumph over the pleasures of the world and the torture of persecution.
Saint of the Day – 16 September – St Ludmila (c860-921) Martyr, Mother, Widow, apostle of the poor and ill. Ludmila was the grandmother of Saint Wenceslaus, who is widely referred to as Good King Wenceslaus. Born in c860 at Mielnik (in modern Poland) and died by strangulation by hired assassins at Tetin, (modern Czech Republic) on 15 September 921 by the orders of her daughter-in-law, due to her influence over Saint Wenceslaus, her Grandson. Patronages – against in-law problems, Catechists, converts, Duchesses, mothers, widows, Bohemia, Czech Republic, the City of Prague, Czech Republic. Also known as – Ludmilla. Saint Ludmila was Canonisd shortly after her death. As part of the process of Canonisation, in 925, St Wenceslaus translated her remains to St George’s Basilica, Prague.
Anyone who has been to Prague will certainly remember, among its countless and breath-taking monuments and statuess, shrines and displays, the enormous Wenceslas Square, strategically located between the Old Town and the New as a symbol of national destiny and Czech identity in modern history.
There, beneath the National Museum, stands the equestrian Monument of the Patron Saint, Saint Wenceslas (c905–935), the propagator of Christianity in Bohemia and murdered as a young man by his diabolical brother, Boleslav. His large Statue is surrounded by the four Bohemian Patron Saints: Adalbert and Agnes behind him, Prokop and, not coincidentally, Ludmila herself.
St Ludmila on the left
She was Wenceslas’ Grandmother, with a name which translates from Slavic means “beloved of the people” and the title, after her death of “mother of the poor” for her charitable works. She was born around 860 in Lusatia, a historical region located in Central Europe and divided today between Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic. Her father, Slavibor, was the Duke of Milsko and Ludmilla married Borisvoj, Duke of Bohemia,in 873, while still a teenager. The two were later Baptized by Saints Cyril and Methodius, Apostles of the Slavs in the 9th Century.
The couple were blessed with three sons and three daughters and were committed to their Christian education and, at the same time, to the spread of Christianity in that region.
Widowed in 894, Ludmila donated all her possessions to the poor and devoted herself to a life of piety, living with her eldest son, Vratislaus. When he died prematurely in 916, the nobles entrusted the Regency of the Duchy to his wife, Drahomira and the education of their firstborn grandson, Wenceslaus, to his Christian Grandmother. Drahomira, still essentially attached to paganism and jealous of her mother-in-law’s influence over the child, forced Ludmila to retreat to Tetin Castle. There, in 920, the poor widow was strangled with the widow’s veil she wore, likely on Drahomira’s orders.
Wenceslas, as soon as he came of age and became the Duke himself, had his Grandmother’s Relics, venerated and miracle-working, translated to the Basilica of the Ducal Castle in Prague. Unfortunately, this Basilica was transformed into a museum during the communist regime in Czechoslovakia.
St Abundantius of Rome St Abundius of Rome St Cunibert of Maroilles St Curcodomus St Dulcissima of Sutri
St Edith of Wilton (961-984) Virgin, Nun, Princess, Founder of a Church and a Hospital for the poor. Born in 961 at Kensing, Kent, England and died on 15 September 984 aged just 23 years, a date foretold by Saint Dunstan of Canterbury, of natural causes. Edith is one of the most venerated female Saints of England. Her extensive legacy continues to this day – there is a Pilgrimage route, “St Edith’s Way” and annual devotions take place on her Feast day. An Astounding Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/16/saint-of-the-day-16-september-saint-edith-of-wilton-961-984-virgin-nun-princess/
Blessed Luigi Ludovico Allemandi (c1390-1450) Bishop and Cardinal, called “The Cardinal of Arles.” Blessed Luigi was a Priest driven by immense love for the Holy Mother of God and for the Church. His involvement in various Councils and Papal dissentions, were the result of his great desire to maintain the purity of the Chair of Peter. He was Beatified in 1527 by Pope Clement VII. His Devoted Life; https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/16/saint-of-the-day-blessed-luigi-ludovico-allemandi-c-1390-1450/
St Lucia and St Geminianus (Died c300) Virgin Martyrs of Rome + St Ludmila (c860-921) Widow, Martyr of Bohemia St Marcian the Senator Bl Martin of Huerta Bl Michael Himonaya
Bl Paul Fimonaya St Priscus of Nocera St Rogellus of Cordoba St Sebastiana St Servus Dei St Stephen of Perugia
Martyrs of the Via Nomentana: Four Saints: Christian men Martyred together, date unknown – Alexander, Felix, Papias and Victor. They were Martyred on the Via Nomentana outside Rome, Italy.
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