Month: October 2025

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN TITLES, NOVEMBER - Month of the SOULS in PURGATORY, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY SOULS

All Souls Day (Holy Day of Obligation), Notre-Dame des Miracles / Our Lady of Miracles and Virtues, Rennes, France (14th Century) and the Saints for 3 November

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The Holy Souls in Purgatory (due to having fallen on a Sunday) All Souls Day – The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed: Commemoration of the faithful departed in Purgatory. Abbot Odilo of Cluny instituted it in the Monasteries of his congregation in 998, other religious orders took up the observance and it was adopted by various Diocese and gradually by the whole Church. The Office of the Dead must be recited by the clergy on this day and Pope Benedict XV granted to all Priests, the privilege of saying three Masses of requiem – one for the souls in Purgatory
one for the intention of the Holy Father
one for the Priest’s intentions
If the feast should fall on Sunday it is kept on 3 November.
Patronage: Monselice, Italy
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/02/commemoration-of-all-souls-day-2-november/
AND:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/11/02/the-commemoration-of-all-the-holy-souls-in-purgatory-2-november/

Notre-Dame des Miracles et Vertus / Our Lady of Miracles and Virtues, Rennes, France (14th Century) – 3 November:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/03/notre-dame-des-miracles-et-vertus-our-lady-of-miracles-and-virtues-rennes-france-14th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

Blessed Martin de Porres OP (1579-1639) “Saint of the Broom,” Dominican lay Brother, Miracle-worker, Apostle of Charity, Mystic.
Full biography here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/11/03/saint-of-the-day-3-november-st-martin-de-porres-o-p-saint-of-the-broom/

St Acepsimas
St Acheric of Vosges
Bl Alphais of Cudot
Bl Berardo dei Marsi
Bl Berchtold of Engelberg
St Caesarius
St Cecilio Manrique Arnáiz
St Clydog
St Cristiolus
St Domnus (6th Century) Bishop and Confessor of Vienne
St Elerius
St Englatius
St Florus of Lodeve
St Gaudiosus of Tarazona
St Germanus
St Guenhael
St Hermengaudius of Urgell
St Hilary of Viterbo

St Hubert of Liege (c656-727) Bishop, the “Apostle of the Ardennes”
His Fervent Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/03/saint-of-the-day-3-november-saint-hubert-of-liege-c-656-727-the-apostle-of-the-ardennes/

Bl Ida of Toggenburg
St Libertine of Agrigento

St Malachy O’More(1094 – 1148) Bishop of Armagh, Abbot, Confessor, Reformer, Miracle-Worker, Primate of Ireland, gifted with the charism of Propjecy.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/03/saint-of-the-day-3-november-st-malachy-of-armagh-1094-1148/

St Papulus
St Pirminus (c690-753) Missionary Bishop
St Quartus

St Rumwold (c650-650) Infant Saint born with miraculous adult abilities and mystical gifts. Born in c650 at King Sutton, Northants, England and died three days later in the same place.
Three Days of Miracles:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/11/03/saint-of-the-day-3-november-saint-rumwold-of-buckingham-c650-650-infant-saint/

Blessed Simon Ballachi OP (c1210-1319) Lay Brother of the Order of Preachers, Mystic. He was Beatified by Pope Pius VII on 14 March 1817.
His Life Story:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/03/saint-of-the-day-3-november-blessed-simon-ballachi-op-c-1210-1319/

St Sylvia Mother of St Gregory the Great, Pope
St Theophilus
St Valentine of Viterbo
St Valentinian
St Vitalis
St William of Vosges

St Winifred (Died 7th Century) Virgin Martyr. Born in Tegeingl (modern-day Flintshire) Wales and died in Gwytherin (in modern-day Conwy) also in Wales.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In England, St Winifred, Virgin and Martyr.”
Brave Winifred:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/11/03/saint-of-the-day-3-november-saint-winifred-died-7th-century-virgin-martyr/

St Wulganus

Innumerable Martyrs of Saragossa: A large group of Christians martyred in Zaragoza, Spain by Dacian during the persecutions of Diocletian. Dacian ordered all Christians of the city into exile under pain of death; when they were assembled to leave, Dacian ordered imperial soldiers to massacre the lot of them. They were Martyred in 304.

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Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Hail MARY!, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, QUOTES on DEATH, ROSARY REFLECTIONS and QUOTES, The COMMUNION of SAINTS

Thought for the Day – 31 October – “Pray for Us … at the Hour of our Death”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 31 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“Month of the Holy Rosary”
“Pray for Us … at the Hour of our Death”

“We have come to the end of this month, which we have dedicated to Mary and her blessed Rosary.
Let us remember, however, that apart from this Month of October, we should dedicate our whole lives to her, up to our final moment of death.
We are always in need of Mary’s patronage and intercession with God.
Let us always have recourse to her, therefore, especially in danger and in suffering but, most especially, at the decisive moment of death, for this is the moment on which eternity depends.
This day will arrive sooner or later but, it will certainly come, “at an hour you do not expect” (Lk 12:40).

In the second part of the Hail Mary, the Church places on our lips, these words of supplication: “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.”
How many times we have recited this prayer?!
But do we ever think of death?
Let us remember that a mediation on death is the most valuable lesson in life.
One day, we shall find ourselves face-to-face with God, drawing our last breath on earth.
It may be on a sick bed, it may be in the middle of a street – we do not know.
It may be after a long illness at the end of which we are comforted by the Holy Sacraments and blessed by a Priest, or it may be quite unexpected.
But, it is certain that death will come.
Let us aim, therefore, at being always prepared, so that it may not come when we have no good works to offer and when our hearts are full of ourselves and of worldly interests.
Like Mary, let us lead lives of holiness and we shall be sure to die holy deaths.
Let us beseech our heavenly Mother to be by our side at that final moment to sustain us in the conflict and to consign our souls to her divine Son, Jesus. Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in "Follow Me", CATHOLIC Quotes, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on the POOR, St Francis de Sales, The BEATITUDES, The HEART, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN

Quote/s of the Day – 31 October – ‘ … Blessed, for the Kingdom of Heaven is yours.’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 31 October – The Vigil of All Saints – Apocalypse 5:6-12 – Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Blessed are you poor,
for the Kingdom of God is yours …”

Luke 6:20

“Govern my heart O Lord,
lest it drift into useless and disordered thoughts.
Do not permit me to become excessively preoccupied
with anything at all, even matters and concerns
which are useful and good in themselves.
Temper the affections of my soul,
so that I may neither love, nor hate
anything, in a way which exceeds due proportions.
Let me neither rejoice, nor be saddened,
beyond the measure which is fitting and rational.”

St Albert the Great (1200-1280)
Universal Doctor of the Church

“Do not fix your longings on anything
which you do not possess;
do not let your heart rest in that which you have;
do not grieve overmuch,
at the losses which may happen to you –
and then, you may reasonably believe
that although rich in fact,
you are not so in affection
but that you are poor in spirit
and, therefore, blessed,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is yours.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

“Be brave and try to detach your heart
from worldly things.
Do your utmost to banish darkness
from your mind and come to understand
what true, selfless piety is.
Through confession, endeavour
to purify your heart of anything
which may still taint it.
Enliven your faith which is essential
to understand and achieve piety.”

St John Bosco (1815-1888)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MEEKNESS, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on VIRTUE, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, The BEATITUDES, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN

One Minute Reflection – 31 October – “Blessed are you poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours …” – Luke 6:20, St Ambrose

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 31 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – The Vigil of All Saints – Apocalypse 5:6-12 – Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And He, lifting up His Eyes on His disciples, He said: “Blessed are you poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours …” – Luke 6:20

REFLECTION – “Let us examine how St Luke encompassed the eight blessings into the four. We know, there are four Cardinal Virtues – temperance, justice, prudence and fortitude. One who is poor in spirit, is not greedy. One who weeps is not proud but is submissive and tranquil. One who mourns, is humble. One who is just does not deny that which he knows is given jointly to all. One who is merciful, gives away his own goods. One who bestows his own goods, does not seek another’s, nor does he contrive a trap for his neighbour. These virtues are interwoven and interlinked, so that one who has one, may be seen to have several and a single virtue befits the Saints. Where virtue abounds, the reward too abounds …. Thus temperance ,has purity of heart and spirit, justice has compassion, patience has peace and endurance has gentleness.

“Blessed,” it says, “are the poor.” Not all the poor are blessed, for poverty is neutral. The poor can be either good or evil, unless, perhaps, the blessed pauper is to be understood as he whom the Prophet described, saying, “A righteous poor man is better than a rich liar.” Blessed is the poor man who cried and whom the Lord heard. Blessed is the man poor in offence. Blessed is the man poor in vices. Blessed is the poor man in whom the prince of this world finds nothing. Blessed is the poor man who is like that poor Man Who, although He was rich, became poor for our sake. Matthew fully revealed this when he said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” One poor in spirit is not puffed up, is not exalted in the mind of his own flesh. This beatitude is first, when I have laid aside every sin and I have taken off all malice and I am content with simplicity, destitute of evils. All which remains is that I regulate my conduct. For what good does it do me to lack worldly goods, unless I am meek and gentle?

Although there are many charms of delights in riches, yet there are more incentives to practice virtues. Although virtue does not require assistance and the contribution of the poor person is more commended than the generosity of the rich, yet with the authority of the heavenly saying, He condemns not those who have riches but those who do not, know how to use them. The pauper is more praiseworthy who gives with eager compassion and is not restrained by the bolts of looming scarcity. He thinks that he ,who has enough for nature, does not lack. So the rich person is the more guilty, who does not give thanks to God for what he has received but vainly hides wealth, given for the common use and conceals it in buried treasures. Then the offence consists, not in the wealth but, in the attitude.

Purify yourself with your tears. Wash yourselves with mourning. If you weep for yourself, another will not weep for you… One who is a sinner weeps for himself and rebukes himself that he may become righteous, for just people accuse themselves of sin. Let us pursue order for it is written, “Set in order love in me.” I have laid down sin. I have tempered my conduct. I have wept for my transgressions. I begin to hunger. I hunger for righteousness. The sick, when he is seriously ill, does not hunger, for the pain of the illness excludes hunger. What is the hunger for righteousness? What is the bread of which it is said, “I have been young and am old and I have not seen the righteous man forsaken, nor his seed begging bread?” Surely one who is hungry seeks increase of strength. What greater increase of virtue is there, than the rule of righteousness? – St Ambrose (340-397) Father and Doctor of the Church (Exposition on the Gospel of Luke, #5).

PRAYER – Multiply Thy grace upon us, O Lord our God and grant that by following in holiness of life, those whose glorious festival we anticipate, we may attain to their bliss. 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 DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR

Our Morning Offering – 31 October – O Mother Blest

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Our Morning Offering – 31 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels”

O Mother Blest
By St Alphonsus Maira Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
Trans. Fr Edmund Vaughn C.SS,R, (1827 – 1908 )

O Mother blest, whom God bestows
On sinners and on just,
What joy, what hope thou givest those
Who in thy mercy trust.
Thou are clement, thou are chaste,
Mary thou art fair,
Of all mothers, sweetest best,
none with thee compare.

O heavenly Mother, mistress sweet!
it never yet was told
that suppliant sinner left thy feet,
unpitied, unconsoloed.
Thou are clement, thou are chaste, …

O Mother, pitiful and mild,
Cease not to pray for me;
For I do love thee as a child,
And sigh for love of thee.
Thou art clement, thou art chaste, …

Most powerful Mother, all men know
Thy Son denies thee nought;
Thou askest, wishest it, and lo!
His power thy will hath wrought.
Thou art clement, thou art chaste, …

O Mother blest, for me obtain,
Ungrateful though I be,
To love that God who first could deign
To show such love for me.
Thou art clement, thou art chaste,
Mary, thou art fair.
Of all mothers, sweetest, best,
None with thee compare.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY, St PAUL!

Saint of the Day – 31 October – St Stachys (1st Century) the 1st Bishop of Constantinople.

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Saint of the Day – 31 October – St Stachys (1st Century) the 1st Bishop of Constantinople.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Constantinople, St Stachys, Bishop, who was Consecrated as the first Bishop of that City by the blessed Apostle, Andrew.”

Stachys is a Greek name, meaning “ear of corn, or fruit.” He is mentioned in Romans 16:9: “Greet Urban and my dear Stachys.”

We know nothing else about him except the accounts handed down to us by the Greeks – the Apostle St Andrew Consecrated him as the first Bishop of Byzantium or Argyropolis. Stachys founded a Church at Argyropouli, and many people gathered there to hear him preach.

It is not clear if Stachys was the same person whom Paul calls “dear” in the Epistle to the Romans but he is always associated in traditions with five other disciples, (Ampliatus, Urban of Macedonia, Apelles of Heraklion, Aristobulus of Britannia and Narcissus of Athens) that are the very same names mentioned together with him by Paul in Romans 16:8–11.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Vigil of All Saints Day or All Hallow’s Eve, Nuestra Señora del Rosario / Our Lady of the Rosary, Argentina, 17th Century and Memorials of the Saints – 31 October

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Vigil of All Saints Day or All Hallow’s Eve:
Eve of the Feast of All Hallows, that is, All Saints Day.
Halloween is a day on which many quaint customs are revived. It is popular in the United States and Scotland and in the US has become the second largest secular holiday of the year.

Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Río Blanco y Paypaya de Jujuy / Our Lady of the Rosary of Rio Blanco (of the White River) and Paypaya, Argentina, 17th Century – 31 October:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/31/solemnity-of-christ-the-king-vigil-of-all-saints-day-nuestra-senora-del-rosario-de-rio-blanco-argentina-and-memorials-of-the-saints-31-october/

Commemoration of All Holy Relics (Dominicans)

St Ampliatus
St Antoninus of Milan
St Apelles of Eraclea Sintica

St Arnulf (Died 840) Monk, Martyr of Novalesa.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/31/saint-of-the-day-31-october-saint-arnulf-of-novalesa-osb-died-c840-martyr/

St Begu of Hackness

Blessed Christopher OFM (Died 1272) Priest, Friar of the Order of Friars Minor during the life of St Francis, Missionary, sent by St Francis to preach against the heretic Albigensians in France.and Founder of Franciscan Monasteries there. … He was Beatified in 1905 by Pope Pius X.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/31/saint-of-the-day-31-october-blessed-christopher-of-romagna-ofm-died-1272/

St Epimachus of Melusio
St Erth of Cornwall

St Foillan (Died 655) Bishop Martyr, Missionary, Abbot
St Foillan’s Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/31/saint-of-the-day-31-october-st-foillan-of-fosses-died-655/

St Lucilla of Rome
Bl Maria de Requesens
St Narcissus

St Quentin (Died c287 Martyr, Roman Senator, Missionary. Died in c287 after horrible torments he was finally beheaded. Patronages – against coughs, whooping courgh, colds, against dropsy, against sneezing, of bombardiers, of Chaplains, locksmiths, porters, surgeons, tailors, various Italian Towns.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Saint Quentin, in France, St Quentinus, a Roman citizen and Senator, who endured Martyrdom under the Emperor Maximian. By the revelation of an Angel, his body was found incorrupt after the lapse of 55 years.”
Wonderful St Quentin:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/10/31/saint-of-the-day-31-october-saint-quentin-died-c287-martyr/


St Stachys (1st Century) Bishop of Constantinople

Blessed Thomas Bellacci TOSF (1370-1447) Lay Friar and Third Order Franciscan, Penitent, renowned Missionary Preacher, Papal Legate, Novice Master and Vicar General of the Order. Thomas was Beatified by Pope Clement XIV in 1771.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/31/saint-of-the-day-31-october-blessed-thomas-bellacci-tosf-1370-1447/

St Urban

St Wolfgang (c934 –994) “The Great Almoner,” Bishop of Regensburg , Monk, Missionary, Ascetic, Apostle of Charity. He is regarded as one of the three great German Saints of the 10th Century, the other two being Saint Ulrich and Saint Conrad of Constance. He was Canonised in 1052 by Pope Leo IX.
St Wolfgang’s life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/10/31/saint-of-the-day-31-october-saint-wolfgang-of-regensburg-c-934-994/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, ROSARY REFLECTIONS and QUOTES

Thought for the Day – 30 October – Prayer and Our Lady

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 30 October– Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“The Month of the Most Holy Rosary”
Prayer and Our Lady

“Mary’s was a life of constant prayer.
It is a thousand tmes more necessary, that ours, should be the same.
We are so weak and so prone to temptation that we are always in danger of falling into sin.
“Without me, you can do nothing,” (Jn 15:5) Jesus tells us.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. If anyone does not abide in me, he shall be cast outside as the branch and wither.” (Ibid).
“Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you ” (Mt 7:7).
In short, Jesus asks us to pray.
He wants us to pray because He wants to give us His graces.

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We cannot object that it is impossible for us to pray all the time because we have to work and fulfil other obligations.
The work, which has first claim on us, is the service of God, which is prayer.
Secondly, we can pray in tbe course of our daily work and of our different occupations, by offering to God, everything which we do.
No matter what we are doing, we can raise our minds to God in an act of love and so remain always, close to Him.

It is not our work which prevents us from praying constantly but our attachment to worldly things, our excessive love for ourselves and of other creatures.
We must avoid these distractions, if we wish to live like Mary in a continual state of prayer. ”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WATCHING, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 30 October – “And himself believed and his whole house.” John 4:53

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Quote/s of the Day – 30 October – Ferial Day – Ephesians 5:15-21 –John 4:46-53 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And himself believed
and his whole house.”

John 4:53

“So that our minds might be free of these illusions,
the Word invites us to shake this deep sleep
from the eyes of our soul, so that we might not slip away
from the true realities, by becoming attached
to that which has no consistency.
That is why He suggests that we
be watchful when He says:
“Let your loins be girt about
and your lamps burning …” (Lk 12:35)
For when the light shines before our eyes,
it chases sleep away and, when
our loins are held tight by a belt,
they prevent the body from succumbing to it…
The person who has fastened on
the belt of temperance
lives in the light of a pure conscience;
the trust of a child illuminates his life like a lamp…
If we live in this way, we will enter
a life, like that of the Angels!”

St Gregory of Nyssa (c335–c395)
Father of the Church
(Brother of St Basil the Great)

“He pours light into our minds,
arouses our desire
and gives us strength…
As the soul is the life of the body,
so the Holy Ghost is the life of our souls.”

St Peter Damian (1007-1072)
Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church

“Believing is:
an act of the intellect
assenting to the divine truth,
by command of the will,
moved by God through grace.”

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Doctor Angelicus.
Doctor Communis

“Do you also wish to go away?” He asked.
It was then that Simon Peter
made his memorable reply,
“Lord, to whom shall be go?
Thou hast the words of everlasting life.”
(Jn 6:68-69).
We also may experience, at times,
a sense of uncertainty
concerning the words of Jesus Christ.
There are such tremendous mysteries
in the Christian religion.
But, a religion which contained
no mysteries could scarcely be true.
There are mysteries of nature surrounding us
and within us.
How can we imagine that there are
no mysteries in God, the supreme
and most perfect Being?
Could it be possible
for our petty intellects fully
to comprehend God in Himself
and in His revelation?
Let us bow our heads, therefore,
before the mysteries of the Divinity.
Let us adore God and repeat with St Peter:
We cannot go away from You, O God
because You have the words of everlasting life.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on REASON/INTELLECT, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), Thomas a Kempis

One Minute Reflection – 30 October –’ … He grants understanding to the little ones …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 30 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – Ferial Day – – – Ephesians 5:15-21 –John 4:46-53 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Unless you see signs and wonders, you believe not.” – John 4:48

REFLECTION – “Whoever examines the majesty of God will be crushed by His glory” (Prv 25:27). God can do works which surpass man’s understanding… Faith is required of you and sincerity of life – not high intelligence, nor penetrating knowledge of the Mysteries of God. If you do not understand, nor grasp what is below you, how will you comprehend what is above you? Be subject to God, submit yourself to the faith and the light of knowledge will be given to you, as much as you need and can use.

Some have grave temptations concerning faith and Sacraments which are not to be imputed to them but rather, to the enemy. Take no notice, do not argue with your thoughts, nor answer the doubts with which the devil attacks you; believe God’s Word, believe His Saints and Prophets and the wicked enemy will be routed. It is often most profitable to God’s servant, to endure such things. For the devil does not tempt the infidel or sinner, of whom he has already secure possession but, he uses various means, to tempt and harass the devout faithful.

Go on then with simple unquestioning faith and approach the Sacrament with reverent beseeching. Anything you cannot understand, commit it surely to God, Who is omnipotent. God does not deceive you – the over-confident person deceives himself. God walks in step with the simple ones, He shows Himself to the humble ones, He grants understanding to the little ones; “He reveals hidden meanings to little ones” and hides away His grace from the inquisitive and the proud. Human reason is feeble and fallible but true faith cannot be deceived.  All use of reason, all human inquiry should walk in the footsteps of faith; it should not go on in front of it, nor call it in question.” – Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471) (The Imitation of Christ IV, 18).

PRAYER – O God, our refuge and our strength, the very source of holiness, heed the devout prayers of Thy Church and grant that what we seek in faith, we may obtain in fact. 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 "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, JESUIT SJ, OUR Cross, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST

Our Morning Offering – 30 October – This is My Joy, To Follow My Saviour By St Alphonsus Rodriguez

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Our Morning Offering – 30 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – The Feast of – St Alphonsus Rodriquez SJ (1532-1617)

This is My Joy, To Follow My Saviour
A Prayer to Seek the Consolation of the Cross
By St Alphonsus Rodriguez SJ (1532-1617)

Jesus, love of my soul,
centre of my heart!
Why am I not more eager to endure pains
and tribulations for love of Thee,
when Thou, my God,
have suffered so many for me?
Come, then, every sort of trial in the world,
for this is my delight,
to suffer for Jesus.
This is my joy,
to follow my Saviour
and to find my consolation
with my Consoler on the Cross.
This is my happiness,
this my pleasure –
to live with Jesus,
to walk with Jesus,
to converse with Jesus,
to suffer with and for Him,
this is my treasure!
Amen

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 30 October – Saint Serapion (Died 211) Bishop of Antioch,

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 30 October – Saint Serapion (Died 211) Bishop of Antioch, Scholar and a learned Theologian. He served as the Bishop of Antioch from 191 until his death in 211. He is known through his theological writings, although sadly all but a few fragments of his works have perished.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Antioch, St Serapion, a Bishop, very celebrated for his learning.”

St Serapion of Antioch in the Església de Sant Antoni Abat (València)

Serapion was considered one of the major Theologians of his day. St Eusebius of Caesarea (c260-339) refers to three of his works in his history but agrees that others probably existed – firstly, is a private letter addressed to Caricus and Pontius against Montanism, from which Eusebius quotes an extract (Historia ecclesiastica V 19), as well as proofs, showing that it was circulated amongst Bishops in Asia and Thrace; next is a work addressed to a certain Domninus, who in time of persecution abandoned Christianity for the error of ‘Jewish will-worship’ (Hist. Eccles, VI 12).

Lastly, St Eusebius quotes (vi 12:2) from a pamphlet Serapion wrote concerning the heretical Docetic teaching of Peter, in which Serapion presents an argument to the Christian community of Rhossus, in Syria, against this heresy and condemns it. He recalls the permission to read this apocryphal work given in ignorance of its true character and expresses his intention to visit the Church to strengthen them in the True Faith.

Eusebius also alludes to a number of personal letters Serapion wrote to Pontius, Caricus and others, about this heretical Docetic teaching.

Serapion also acted with the support of St Pantaenus against the influence of Gnosticism in Osroene, by consecrating Mari of Edessa as the Bishop of Edessa, where Mari addressed the increasingly Gnostic tendencies, the Syrian Bardesanes, was introducing to its Christian community. He Ordained St Pantaenus as a Priest or Bishop in Edessa.

Serapion was succeeded as the Bishop of Antioch by St Asclepiades (Eusebius Historia Ecclesiastica VI 11:4).

Posted in JESUIT SJ, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna della Mondovi / Our Lady of Mondovi, Italy (16th Century) and the Saints for 30 October

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Madonna della Mondovi / Our Lady of Mondovi, Piemonte, Italy (16th Century) – 30 October:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/30/madonna-della-mondovi-our-lady-of-mondovi-piemonte-italy-16th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-30-october/

St Alphonsus Rodriquez SJ (1532-1617) a Spanish Lay Brother of the Society of Jesus, Doorkeeper, Mystic, Visionary, Apostle of Charity and of Prayer, Spiritual Adviser. Canonised o 6 September 1887 by Pope Leo XIII.
His Feast Day was moved in 1969.
Wonderful St Alphonsus:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/10/31/saint-of-the-day-31-october-st-alphonsus-rodriguez-sj-1532-1617/

Blessed AngeloOfM.Cap. (1669-1739) Priest and Friar of the Friars Minor Capuchin of Acri .
His Life of Grace:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/10/30/saint-of-the-day-30-october-st-angelo-of-acri-ofm-cap/

St Arilda
St Asterius of Amasea

Blessed Benvenuta Bojani OP (1254-1292) Member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic, Mystic, Repentant. Miracle-worker.
Holy Benvenuta:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/10/30/saint-of-the-day-30-october-blessed-benvenuta-bojani-op-1254-1292/

St Egelnoth the Good
St Eutropia of North Africa

St Gerard (Died 1119) Bishop of Potenza, Miracle-worker.
Miraculous St Gerard:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/30/saint-of-the-day-30-october-saint-gerard-of-potenza-died-1119/

St Germanus (Died c541) Bishop of Capua, Italy, Confessor, Papal Legate. St Germanus was a close friend of St Benedict of Nursia. The Roman Martyrology states: St Germanus, Bishop and Confessor, a man of great sanctity, whose soul, at the hour of death, was seen by St Benedict taken to heaven by angels.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/30/saint-of-the-day-30-october-saint-germanus-of-capua-died-c-541/

St Herbert of Tours

Blessed John Slade (Died 1583) Layman Martyr. Beatified on 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI.
The Roman Martyrology: “At Winchester in England, blessed John Slade, Martyr, who was hanged on the gallows and cruelly disemboweled for having refused the power of Queen Elizabeth I in spiritual matters.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/30/saint-of-the-day-30-october-blessed-john-slade-died-1583-layman-martyr/

St Lucanus of Lagny
St Marcellus the Centurion

St Marcian (1st Century) the 1st Bishop of Syracuse. Martyr, Disciple of St Peter and sent by the Apostle to Italy. Patronages – the City and Archdiocese of Gaeta, the Archdiocese of Syracuse, Sicily, Italy.
Holy St Marcian:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/10/30/saint-of-the-day-30-october-st-marcian-of-syracuse-1st-century-bishop-martyr/

St Maximus of Cumae
St Nanterius of Saint-Mihiel
Bl Raymond of Cardona
St Saturninus of Cagliari
St Serapion (Died 211) Bishop of Antioch
St Talarica of Scotland
Bl Terrence Albert O’Brien
St Theonestus of Philippi (Died 425) Bishop, Martyr
St Zenobia of Aegea
St Zenobius of Aegea

Martyrs in Africa: A group of 100 to 200 Christians murdered in the early persecutions and about whom we know nothing except that they died for their faith.

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, INDULGENCES, MARIAN Antiphons, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MARIAN TITLES, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on MEDIOCRITY, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, ROSARY REFLECTIONS and QUOTES, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Thought for the Day – 29 October – Mary, Our Hope – “our life, our sweetness and our hope.”

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Thought for the Day – 29 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“Month of the Holy Rosary”
“Mary, Our Hope”

“In the beautiful prayer, known as the Salve Regina or Hail, Holy Queen, the Church salutes Mary as “our life, our sweetness and our hope.”
Mary is our hope, because, she gave us our Saviour, Jesus and, because, she prays to Him continually for the graces which we need.
Following the example of Luther, modern protestants raise the objection that Mary cannot be regarded as a source of hope, because, all our trust should be placed in God.
Anyone who places his trust in creatures, draws down God’s curse upon himself, they say and, they go on to quote from Jeremias: “Cursed be the man who trusteth in man” (Jer 17:5).
But this is true only, when we trust in creatures independently of God, as if we can derive any good from them, without recourse to God.
We invoke Mary, however, as the Mother of God and our mediatrix with Him.
She is our hope, insofar as she obtains for us from God, the graces and favours which we require.
St Bernard assures us, that God has placed in Mary’s hands, all the riches which He wishes to bestow on us (Serm de aquaed).
“He will never experience eternal ruin,” says St Anselm, “for whom Mary has once prayed.”
St Bernard calls upon Mary as the foundation of all his hope (Ibid).
Let us remember, that Mary is our loving Mother who wishes us to pray to her because, she knows that if she intercedes on our behalf, she will certainly be heard.
It should be most consoling to us to have such a good and powerful Mother in whom, we can safely trust in every peril and in every necessity.
Let us pray to her with love and faith, in the certainty that, we shall be answered in the way that is best for us.
Let us say along with St John Damascene: “O Mother of God, if I place my trust in you, I shall be saved. If I am under your protection, I have nothing to fear because to be devoted to you, is to possess a weapon of salvation which God grants only to those, whom He desires to redeem” (Serm de Nat, cap 4).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the KING Prayers, CONSECRATION Prayers, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, PAPAL ENCYLICALS, PAPAL PRAYERS, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

Quote of the Day – 29 October –Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (5 year Indulgence)

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Quote of the Day – 29 October – Resumed Mass of Sunday – The Feast of Christ the King – Colossians 1:12-20 – John 18:33-37 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Consecration of the Human Race
to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

From the Encyclical Letter of Pope Pius XI
Quas Primas
11 December 1925

Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race,
look down upon us humbly prostrate in Thy Presence.
We are Thine and Thine we wish to be
but, to be more surely united to Thee,
behold, each one of us this day,
freely dedicates himself to Thy Most Sacred Heart.
Many, indeed, have never known Thee;
many, too, despising Thy precepts, have rejected Thee.
Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus
and draw them to Thy Sacred Heart.
Be Thou King, O Lord, not only of the faithful
who have never forsaken Thee but too,
of the prodigal sons who have abandoned Thee;
grant that they may quickly return
to their Father’s house, lest they perish
of wretchedness and hunger.
Be Thou King of those whom heresy holds in error
or discord keeps aloof;
call them back to the harbour of truth
and the unity of faith, so that soon there may be
but one fold and one Shepherd.

Be Thou King of all those, who even now,
abide in the shadow of idolatry or Islam
and refuse not Thou to bring them
into the Light of Thy Kingdom.
Look finally, with eyes of pity,
upon the children of that race
which was for so long a time, Thy chosen people
and let Thy Blood which was once invoked upon them
in vengeance, now descend upon them
in a cleansing flood of redemption and eternal life.
Grant, O Lord, to Thy Church assurance of freedom
and immunity from harm;
unto all nations give an ordered tranquillity;
bring it to pass, from pole to pole,
that the earth may resound with one cry:
Praise to the Divine Heart which wrought our salvation!
to It be honour and glory forever and ever.
Amen.

Indulgence: 5 years, each time)
11 December 1925
Pope Pius XI

Posted in CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 October – “My Kingdom is not of this world.”

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One Minute Reflection – 29 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – Resumed Mass of Sunday – Ferial Day – Colossians 1:12-20 – John 18:33-37 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Pilate, therefore, said to Him, Thou are then a King?” – John 18:37

REFLECTION – “What a stupendous thing it was for the King of the ages to become King of men! For Christ did not become King of Israel to exact tribute, to equip armies with swords, to subdue visible foes. He became King of Israel that He might rule over men’s souls, counsel them about eternity that, He might lead those, who would believe in Him, hope in Him and love Him, to the Kingdom of Heaven. Accordingly, it was not to increase His power–it was condescension on His part which made Him,, the Son of God, co-equal with the Father, the Word by Whom all things were made – wish to become King of Israel. It was an indication of His mercy; it did not augment His power. He, Who on earth was called King of the Jews, in Heaven is called, Lord of the Angels. But is Christ King of the Jews only and not King of the Gentiles too? When, in prophecy He said, “But I have established My Kingdom upon Sion, My holy mountain. I will make known the decree of the Lord,” He added immediately, so that the mention of Mount Sion, might not lead men to believe He had been anointed King of the Jews solely: “The Lord has said to Me – Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee. Ask of Me and I will give Thee the Gentiles for Thy inheritance and the ends of the earth, for Thy possessions.”

Jesus answered – “My Kingdom is not of this world. If My Kingdom were of this world, My followers would have fought that I might not be delivered to the Jews. But as it is, My Kingdom is not from here.” This is what the good Master wished us to know. First, we had to learn, how vain was the notion of His Kingdom that it should be hostile, either to the Romans or to the Jews.  When the Roman governor asked Jesus “Art thou King of the Jews?” the Lord could have answered: “My Kingdom is not of this world.” But Christ asked in His turn, ”Dost thou say this of thyself, or have others told thee of Me?” because, He wished to show, from Pilate’s answer, that He, Jesus, had been charged with this, as a crime by the Jews, before Pilate. Thus He laid bare to us the thoughts of men which He knew and which were vain. After the reply of Pilate, Jesus replied to them, to both Jews and Gentiles, more fittingly and more opportunely, “My Kingdom is not of this world.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon on Christ the King) Roman Breviary

PRAYER – Almighty and eternal God, Who willed to restore all things in Thy beloved Son, the King of the Universe, graciously grant that the peoples of the earth torn asunder by the wound of sin, may submit to His most gentle rule.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, MARIAN Antiphons, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, Our MORNING Offering, PARTIAL Indulgence, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUEENSHIP of MARY, QUOTES on HOPE

Our Morning Offering – 29 October – Salve Regina, Hail Holy Queen

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Our Morning Offering – 29 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels”

Salve Regina
Hail Holy Queen
[An Indulgence of 300 days–1925]


By Blessed Herman of Reichenau (1013–1054)

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,
Hail our life, our sweetness and our hope.
To thee do we cry,
Poor banished children of Eve;
To thee do we send up our sighs,
Mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate,
Thine eyes of mercy toward us;
And after this our exile,
Show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

This line, below, by St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) Doctor of the Church

O clement, O loving,
O sweet Virgin Mary.

℣ Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
℟ that we may be made worthy
of the promises of Christ.

[An Indulgence of 300 days–1925]

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 29 October – Saint Dodone (8th Century) Abbot

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Saint of the Day – 29 October – Saint Dodone (8th Century) Abbot of the Monastery at Wallers-en-Fagne, France, Hermit. Born in Vaux, France and died in around mid Century in his Hermitage at Moustiers-en-Fagne, northern France. Also known as Dod, Doddone, Dodonis, Dodonus.

St Folcuin, the Abbot of Lobbes (Died 990), devotes a chapter to St Dodon, a disciple of Saint Ursmar (Died 713), in his “The Acts of the Abbots of Lobbes – Gesta Abbatum Lobiensium.”

Shortly after 980, a Monk of Lobbes took up these records and compiled a Vita Dodone, in which only the account of the two elevations of the Saint’s Relics and their translations can be confirmed.

Finally, we note that the report in the Ecclesiastical records of the region, Dodone was sent to Wallers by St Landelin, (2 centuries earlier) and not by St Ursmar.

Originally from the Village of Vaux, he was entrusted by his parents to St Ursmar, the Abbot of Lobbes, who Baptised and educated him.

Distinguished by his aptitude and piety, Dodone was sent as the Superior to the Abbey of Wallers, a dependency of Lobbes. But, preferring the Hermit life, Dodon soon withdrew a little way north of his Abbey, to the site of the current Moustiers-en-Fagne and died there around the middle of the 8th Century.

His remains were exhumed in 888 under the Bishop of Cambrai, Dodilo (died after 901) and were interred in the Church of the Priory of Wallers. Around 930, they were then disinterred again and raised on the Altar of the Priory Church. They rest today in the small Church of Moustiers-en-Fagne, see below.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Nostra Signora di Oropa / Our Lady of Oropa, Italy (3rd Century), Beata Vergine delle Grazie / The Blessed Virgin of Grace, Udine, Italy (1479) and the Saints we remember today 29 October

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Resumed Mass of Sunday

Ferial Day

Nostra Signora di Oropa / Our Lady of Oropa, Piedmont, Italy (3rd Century) – 29 October:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/29/nostra-signora-di-oropa-our-lady-of-oropa-piedmont-italy-3rd-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-29-october/

Beata Vergine delle Grazie / The Blessed Virgin of Grace, Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy (1479) – Fourth Sunday of October:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/24/twenty-second-sunday-after-pentecost-beata-vergine-delle-grazie-the-blessed-virgin-of-grace-udine-friuli-venezia-giulia-italy-1479-and-memorials-of-the-saints-24-october/

St Abraham Kidunaia (c296-c366) Priest, Hermit. The Vita of St Abraham was written by his friend, St Ephrem (306-373) Father and Doctor of the Church.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/29/saint-of-the-day-29-october-saint-abraham-kidunaia-c-296-c-366/

Saint Achahildis (Died c970) Married Laywoman, Apostle of the poor, Miracle-worker, she built the Church in Wendelstein, Germany.
Her Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/29/saint-of-the-day-29-october-saint-achahildis-died-c-970/

St Abraham of Rostov
St Anne of Mount Olympus
St Colman of Kilmacduagh
St Dodone (8th Century) Abbot of the Monastery at Wallers-en-Fagne
St Donatus – In the year 600, Saint Gregory the Great (540-604), had the Relics of St Donatus enshrined onthe Island of Corfu. No further information has survived.
St Ermelinda of Meldaert
St Eusebia Virgin Martyr of Bergamo
St Felician of Carthage
St Honoratus of Vercelli
St John Bishop and Confessor of Autun
St Colman of Kilmacduagh


St Kennera
St Mary of Edessa
St Narcissus of Gerona

St Narcissus (c99-c215) Bishop of Jerusalem, Miracle-worker.
His Life of Service:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/10/29/saint-of-the-day-29-october-st-narcissus-of-jerusalem-c-99-c-215/

St Sigolinus of Stavelot
St Stephen of Cajazzo
St Terence of Metz

St Theodore (Died c575) Abbot of Vienne, Priest, Hermit, Miracle-worker, disciple of St Caesarius of Arles (470-543). He passed his whole life in the doing of good works and to him the Diocese of Vienne owes the erection of several Churches and Monasteries.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Vienne, the departure from this world of the blessed St Theodore, Abbot.”
His Life of Holy Activity:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/10/29/saint-of-the-day-29-october-saint-theodore-of-vienne-died-c575-abbot-2/

St Zenobius of Sidon

Martyrs of Douai – 160 Saints and Beati: 160 Priests, Laymen and Religious who studied at the English College in Douai, France, then returned to minister to covert Catholics in England during a period of government persecution of the Church and were murdered for their work.

Martyrs of Lucania – 4 Saints: A group of Christians executed together for their faith. Only their names have survived – Felician, Hyacinth, Lucius and Quintus. Their Martyrdom occurred in Lucania, southern Italy.

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DANTE ALIGHIERI!, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, MOTHER of GOD, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, ROSARY QUOTES, The INCARNATION, The REDEMPTION

Thought for the Day – 28 October – “Mary, Mother of God”

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Thought for the Day – 28 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“Month of the Holy Rosary”
“Mary, Mother of God”

“The near-infinite greatness of Mary, flows from the fact, that she is the Mother of God.
The Eternal Word of the Father, consubstantial with Him in nature and equal to Him in Majesty, willed to become man in order to set us free from the slavery of sin and to regain Heaven for us.
He became man in the chaste womb of the Virgin Mary.
He took a human body and soul and was born of her, as the God-Man.
For this reason, there is attributed to His Divine Person, the title of Son of Mary and to Mary, the title of Mother of God.

There is a relationship between Mary and each of the three Divine Persons, for she is the daughter of God the Father, the spouse of the Holy Spirit by whose power the Word became incarnate in her and the mother of the Word made Man.
She is, moreover, in the words of Dante, the “termine fisso di eterno consiglio” (Paradiso 33:1-3).
In other words, she is the centre of the eternal plan which God established for the redemption of the human race.
It was God’s eternal design to reunite creation to the Uncreated, by means of Mary.
She became the mother of the Eternal Word, in whom the divine and human natures were indissolubly united.
He redeemed us by His infinite merits but, in this work of redemption, He employed the co-operation of His holy Mother.
All the graces, privileges and virtues of Mary, flow from this great mystery of her divine Motherhood.
As befitted the future Mother of God, she was conceived free from the stain of original sin and full of grace.
Her mortal life was a continuous ascent towards the highest peak of sanctity.
When she died, she was assumed body and soul into Heaven, where she was crowned in glory, as Queen of Angels and Queen of Saints.
When we consider the sublime nobility of Our Lady, we should be moved to love and venerate her.
This love and veneration does not subtract in the slightest from God’s glory, because, she is the Mother of God.
In fact, it is a great advantage to us, to imitate her and to call on her to intercede for us.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in "Follow Me", CREEDS, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on VOCATIONS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Quote/s of the Day – 28 October – The Apostles Sts Simon and Jude

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Quote/s of the Day – 28 October – The Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles

“If anyone serves Me,
he must follow Me
and where I Am,
there will My servant be too.”

John 12:26

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

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

“Love consists,
not in feeling great things
but, in having great detachment
and in suffering for the Beloved.”

St John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Doctor Mysticus

The Apostles’ Creed

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

Prayer of St Patrick

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

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

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CATHOLIC Quotes, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 October – “If God is for us, who is against us?”

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One Minute Reflection – 28 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – The Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles – Ephesians 4:7-13 – John 15:17-25 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“You are not of the world … I have chosen you out of the world, therefore, the world hateth you.” – John 15:19

REFLECTION – “All good and faithful Christians but above all, the glorious Martyrs, can say: “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Rom 8:31) The world conspired, peoples plotted in vain, princes formed a league against them (Ps 2:1); people invented new torments and formulated incredible forms of torture. They were covered with disgrace and deceitful accusations, they were locked into unbearable dungeons, their flesh was wracked with nails of iron, they were massacred by the sword, they were thrown to wild beasts, given to the flames and these Martyrs of Christ, called out: “If God is for us, who is against us?”

The whole world is against you and you say: “Who is against us?” But the Martyrs answer: “What does this whole world matter to us, since we are dying for the One by Whom the world was made?” Thus, may the Martyrs say and say again and may we hear it and say it with them: “If God is for us, who is against us?” They may let their fury loose, they may revile us, accuse us unjustly, heap calumny upon us; they may not only kill us but torture us. What will the Martyrs do? They will repeat: “But surely, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.” (Ps 54:4). … But if the Lord is the upholder of my life, how can the world harm me? … It is He Who will also restore my body … “The hairs of our head are all numbered.” (Lk 12:7) … So let us say – let us say with faith, let us say with hope, with a heart on fire with love: “If God is for us, who is against us?!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 334 for the Holy Martyrs).

PRAYER – O God, Who has given us a way of coming to know Thy Name through Thy blessed Apostles Simon and Jude, grant us to honour their everlasting glory, by becoming more holy and to become more holy by honouring it. 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, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Our Morning Offering – 28 October – Exsultet Orbis! Let the World Rejoice! – Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles

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Our Morning Offering – 28 October – The Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles

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 tenth century in a hymnal of Moissac Abbey.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 28 October – Saint Cyrilla (3rd Century) Virgin Martyr

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Saint of the Day – 28 October – Saint Cyrilla (3rd Century) Virgin Martyr of Rome. Cyrilla was the daughter of Emperor Decius and St Tryphonia.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, in the reign of Claudius, St Cyrilla, Virgin daughter of St Tryphonia, who was pierced through the throat for the faith of Christ.”

Although we have little information of St Cyrilla, tradition recalls her works of charity and almsgiving.

She, together with her mother converted 46 soldiers and their families. When she refused to sacrifice to the pagan gods, she was Martyred by the sword.

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR

The Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles of Christ, Lord of Miracles/Señor de los Milagros de Nazarenas, Notre-Dame de Vivonne / Our Lady of Vivonne, Savoy, France and the Saints remembered on 28 October

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The FEAST of SAINTS SIMON and JUDE, APOSTLES https://anastpaul.com/2018/10/28/feast-of-the-apostles-sts-simon-and-jude-28-october/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/10/28/feast-of-saints-simon-and-jude-apostles-of-christ-28-october
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/28/saints-of-the-day-28-october-feast-of-saints-simon-and-jude/

Lord of Miracles/Señor de los Milagros de Nazarenas – A mid-17th-century painting of the Crucifixion which is venerated in Lima, Peru and its celebration involves one of the largest processions in the world.
It was painted by an unnamed African taken to Peru as a slave from what is now Angola. Above the Cross is the Holy Ghost and God the Father. Below and to the right of Jesus, is His mother, the Virgin Mary with her heart pierced by a Sword of Sorrow. Kneeling and weeping at the foot of the Cross is St Mary Magdalene.
The name originated on 13 November 1655 when everything around it was destroyed in an earthquake which left the painting standing and undamaged. Christ is shown enduring the pain of Crucifixion.
Every year in October, hundreds of thousands of devotees participate in a procession honouring the imag,e through the streets of Lima. Boulevards are decorated in purple from 18 or 19 and the final Feast 28 October, to celebrate the Lord of Miracles.

Notre-Dame de Vivonne / Our Lady of Vivonne, Savoy, France – 28 October:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/28/feast-of-saints-simon-and-jude-apostles-of-christ-lord-of-miracles-senor-de-los-milagros-de-nazarenas-notre-dame-de-vivonne-our-lady-of-vivonne-savoy-france-and-memorials-of-the-saints-28-oc/

St Abdias of Babylon
St Abraham of Ephesus
St Alberic of Stavelot
St Anastasia the Elder
St Anglinus of Stavelot
St Cyril of Rome
St Cyrilla (3rd Century) Virgin Martyr of Rome
St Diomedes the Younger
St Dorbhene of Iona

St Eadsin (Died 1050) Archbishop of Canterbury from 1038 to 1050, Monk. He crowned St Edward the Confessor as King of England in 1043.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/28/saint-of-the-day-28-october-saint-eadsin-of-canterbury-died-1050/

St Elius of Lyon
St Faro of Meaux

St Fidelis of Como (Died c 304) Soldier Martyr
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/28/saint-of-the-day-28-october-saint-fidelis-of-como-died-c%e2%80%89304-martyr/

St Ferrutius

St Gaudiosus (Died c453) Bishop of Abitinae in North Africa, Monk and founder of a Monastery where he introduced the Rule of St Augustine.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Naples, St Gaudiosus, an African Bishop, who came to Campania because of the persecution of the Vandals and closed his holy career peacefully in a Monastery near that City.”
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/28/saint-of-the-day-28-october-saint-gaudiosus-of-naples-died-c453-bishop/

St Genesius of Thiers
Bl Germain of Talloires
St Godwin of Stavelot

St Honoratus (c330-415) Bishop of Vercelli and close friend of the great Father and Doctor of the Church, St Ambrose (340-397).
His Illustrious Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/10/28/saint-of-the-day-28-october-saint-honoratus-of-vercelli-c330-415-bishop/

St Maria Ascuncion
St Remigius of Lyons
St Rodrigo Aguilar Aleman
St Salvius of Amiens

Martyrs of Avila – 3 Saints: Two sisters and a brother who, during a period of persecution, fled Talavera de la Reina, Spain, were caught and executed. Martyrs: Christeta, Sabina and Vincent. 303 in Avila, Spain.

Posted in Hail MARY!, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, ROSARY REFLECTIONS and QUOTES

Thought for the Day – 27 October – “Hail Mary … Holy Mary”

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Thought for the Day – 27 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“Month of the Holy Rosary”
“Hail Mary … Holy Mary”

“The Angel’s greeting was later completed by the salutation of St Elizabeth.
As soon as Elizabeth saw the Blessed Virgin coming to visit her, she cried out in humble veneratin: “Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb!” (Lk 1:42).

In the first part of the Hail Mary, then, we pay her the words of the Gospel, the highest tributes ever accorded to any human creature, proclaiming her to be full of grace, blessed among women and Mother of the Redeemer.
The second part, which was later added by the Church,  (composed and proposed by St Peter Canisius 1521-1597) Doctor of the Church), is a heartfelt supplication addressed to Mary as the Mother of God and our Mother.
“Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, amen.”
It would be difficult to find a more touching plea.
We ask our heavenly Mother to intercede for us now – because we have such great need of her assistance in this vale of tears and temptations.
May she be always by our side, to shelter us beneath her mantle!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, In the PRESENCE of GOD, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The HEART, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 27 October – Abide in Me and I in you.

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Quote/s of the Day – 27 October – Vigil of Saints Simon and Jude – 1 Corinthians 4:9-14, John 15:1-7 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Abide in Me and I in you.
As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,
unless it abide in the vine,
so neither can you,
unless you abide in Me.”

John 15:4

“… Open the door to Him at once,
when He Comes and knocks.”
Luke 12:35-36

“So make haste to please the Lord,
wait for Him in your heart without ceasing,
seek Him in your thoughts,
stir up your will and your love,
to reach out towards Him at every moment!
Then you will see how He Comes to you
and makes His home within you.”

St Macarius of Egypt (c300-390)

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

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

“Meditate well on this – Seek God above all things!
It is right for you to seek God,
before and above, everything else
because the Majesty of God
wishes you to receive what you ask for.
This will also make you more ready
to serve God and will enable you
to love Him more perfectly.”

St Paschal Baylon (1540-1592)
“Seraph of the Eucharist”

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, QUOTES on VIRTUE, QUOTES on WATCHING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 October – Cultivating our vine …

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One Minute Reflection – 27 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – The Vigil of Saints Simon and Jude – 1 Corinthians 4:9-14 – John 15:1-7 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I Am the vine, you the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, the same bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5

REFLECTION – “I have all due respect for the opinion which faithfully and fittingly interprets this vineyard of our text, as the whole Church, Christ being the Vine, Christians the branches, the Father,the Gardener and the Rich Man, the daylight, the whole of time or the life of man, the hours, the ages of the world or of individuals, the marketplace, this world’s grasping and insatiable business.

But, for my part, I view my whole self, soul and body both and, not just my soul, as the one vine which I may not neglect but must dig about it and cultivate it, to prevent it being overrun by unwelcome weeds and by the roots of other plants, or be smothered by its own offshoots. Pruned, it must be or it will grow wild: trimmed so that it may yield more fruit. It must be altogether enclosed. fenced-in, or every passer-by will freely plunder it; the greatest danger of all, being that the wild boar from the thickets … may ravage it (cf. Ps 79:14). To sum all this up briefly – it must be cultivated with the greatest care, otherwise the noble shoots of this choice vine, will go to seed, will turn into a worthless vine and, far from delighting both God and man (cf. Ps 103:15), may only succeed in saddening both of them.
It must also be guarded with the utmost watchfulness that all the exertion spent on it and hopes placed in it, may not be extinguished, either by stealthy stealing, of those who devour the poor in secret (Hab 3:14) or by sudden and unprepared disasters, It was in this sense, as though referring to a vine, in his keeping that the First Man was given Paradise, as Scripture says, “he should cultivate it and keep it” (Gn 2:15).” – Bl Isaac of Stella O.Cist. (c1100 – c1170) Cistercian Monk, Abbot, Theologian, Philosopher (Sermon 16 – First for Septuagesima Sunday).

PRAYER – Almighty God, grant, we beseech Thee, as we are preparing for Thine Apostles Simon and Jude, their glorious birthday, so the same may beseechThy Majesty to win Thy goodness for us.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS to the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 27 October – Prayer to Sts Simon and Jude

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Our Morning Offering – 27 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – The Vigil of Saints Simon and Jude

Prayer to Sts Simon and Jude
From the Liturgical Year, 1903

Great evils surround us!
is there any hope left to the world?
The confidence of thy devout clients
proclaims thee, O Jude,
the Patron of desperate cases
and for thee, O Simon,
this is surely the time
to prove thyself Zelotes, full of zeal.
Deign, thou both,
to hear the Church’s prayers
and aid her, with all thy Apostolic might,
to re-animate faith,
to rekindle charity
and to save the world!
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 27 October – St Desiderius (Died c623) Bishop of Auxerre,

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Saint of the Day – 27 October – St Desiderius (Died c623) Bishop of Auxerre, France. Desiderius was the 19th Bishop of Auxerre. Born in Aquitaine, in modern France and died in Auxerre.

In the list of shepherds of the Diocese, he appears after Saint Aunarius and before Saint Palladius. Ancient texts say he was born in Aquitaine to Nectaria, a noblewoman related to Queen Brunechilde.

Desiderius is mentioned in the text “Gesta pontificum Autissiodorensium – The Acts of the Pointiffs of Autissio” in the Chronicle of Fredegar.

He was Consecrated as the Bishop on 3 October 605 and governed the Diocese of Auxerre for eighteen years with wisdom and pastoral care. Saint Desiderius was present at the Council of Paris in 614.

It is said that he made numerous donations to the Churches of Auxerre, Toulouse, Cahors and Burges. Many Monasteries also benefited from his donations, including that of Saint Julien. He is also said to have been responsible for the liberation of many serfs.

He died on 27 October c623 and was buried in the Basilica of Saint Germanus, in the Tomb of his predecessor, Saint Aunarius.

His Relics were translated twice – the first, in 859, to a new crypt in the same Church and a second in 939, to the Church of Notre Dame de Moutiers in Yonne.

In the proper of the Diocese of Sens, he is commemorated on 27 October, the day of his death.