Day: April 12, 2026

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, THE 4 LAST THINGS : HEAVEN By Fr Martin von Cochem, The LAST THINGS

Thought for the Day – 12 April – On the Nature of Heaven

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 12 April – During this Season of Alleluias and Joy, we will consider Fr von Cochem’s Reflections upon our Heavenly Homeland.

Excerpts from THE FOUR LAST THINGS —- DEATH, JUDGMENT, HELL and HEAVEN
FATHER MARTIN VON COCHEM (1625-1712) OSFC .

Nihil Obstat: Thomas L Kinkead, Censor Liborium
Imprimatur: Michael Augustine — Archbishop of New York (5 Oct 1899)

PART IV
ON HEAVEN

I.1 On the Nature of Heaven:

WE must not, as some do, picture Heaven to ourselves as a purely spiritual realm. For Heaven is a definite place, where not only God and the Angels are but where Christ is also in His Sacred Humanity and Our Lady with her human body. There too, all the blessed will dwell with their glorified bodies after the Last Judgement.

If Heaven is a definite locality, it must accordingly be a visible, not a spiritual Kingdom; for a place must, in its nature be to some extent conformable to those who abide in it.

Besides, we know that after the Last Judgement the Saints will behold Heaven with their bodily eyes and consequently it must be a visible Kingdom. We are ignorant of what the material structure of Heaven will be composed, we know only that it will be something infinitely superior to and more costly than, the matter of which the other spheres, the sun, the moon and other heavenly bodies, are formed.

For since God has created Heaven for Himself and for His Elect, He has made it so beautiful and so glorious that the blessed will never tire of the contemplation of its splendours for all eternity!

Yet, I repeat, it is not within the power of the writer to describe, nor within that of the reader, to comprehend, of what Heaven is actually composed of. Something may perhaps be learned concerning this from what St Teresa writes. Speaking of herself, she says :
“The Blessed Mother of God gave me a jewel and hung around my neck, a superb golden chain, to which a Cross of priceless value was attached. Both the gold and the precious stones thus given to me, are so unlike those which we have here in this world that no comparison can be instituted between them. They are beautiful beyond anything which can be conceived and the matter whereof they are composed, is beyond our knowledge. For what we call gold and precious stones, beside them appear dark and lustreless as charcoal! ”

From these words we may form some idea of the beauty, the rarity, the costly nature of the stones wherewith the walls of Heaven are built. We gather from them that the Light of Heaven is so dazzling as not only to eclipse the sun and stars but to cause all earthly brightness to appear as darkness. We have besides every reason to believe that in the Light of Heaven, all the colours of the rainbow are seen to flash, giving an indescribable charm to the eyes of the blessed. Moreover, the bodies of the redeemed are resplendent with light and the more Saintly their life on earth has been, the more brilliantly do they shine in Heaven.

What must be the glory of that celestial firmament, glittering with the radiance of many thousand stars! Nothing is more pleasing to the eye than light ; how brilliant, how beautiful must the light of Heaven be since, compared with it, the sun s bright rays are but darkness.

How the redeemed must delight in the contemplation of this clear and dazzling brightness!

O my God, grant me grace that on earth I may love the Light and eschew the works of darkness, in order that I may attain to the contemplation of the Eternal and Perpetual Light! Amen

Posted in CHILDREN / YOUTH, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, EASTER, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 12 April – “We are not alone!”

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Quote/s of the Day – 12 April – “The Month of the Resurrection and the Blessed Sacrament” – Low Sunday, The Octave Day of Easter – 1 John 5:4-10, John 20. 19-31 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ Blessed are they who have not seen
and have believed.”

John 20:29

“He asks for our faith and offers us salvation.
What He offers us, is so precious
that what He asks of us, is as nothing!”

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

“I shall reflect the image of God
in that I feed on love;
grow certain on faith and hope;
strengthen myself, on the virtue of patience;
grow tranquil by humility;
grow beautiful by chastity;
am sober by abstention;
am made happy by tranquillity
and am ready for death,
by practising hospitality.”

ACW – Ancient Christian Writer
Incomplete Work on Matthew
(Homily 40)

“True piety admits no other rule than that,
whatsoever things have been faithfully received
from our fathers, the same are to be
faithfully consigned to our children
and that, it is our duty,
not to lead religion whither we would
but rather, to follow religion whither it leads
and that, it is the part of Christian modesty
and gravity, not to hand down our own beliefs
or observances to those who come after us
but, to preserve and keep what we have received,
from those who went before us.”

St Vincent of Lérins (Died c445)
Author of the ‘Commonitorium.’

“We should also have great confidence
in the continual assistance which God offers us
in the temptations, troubles and trials of life.
When pain torments us,
when humiliations are difficult to bear,
when all is dark. we fear each moment
and we feel abandoned, let us trust in Him,
Who is the Way, the Truth and Life.
He says to us, as He said to Peter floundering in the waves:
“O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt?” (Mt 14:31).
He is always ready to console and comfort.
He is always there waiting for our call.
We are not alone!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, EASTER, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 April – ‘ … He entered, all the doors being shut!’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 12 April – “The Month of the Resurrection” – Low Sunday, The Octave Day of Easter – 1 John 5:4-10, John 20. 19-31 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“We have seen the Lord.” – John 20:25

REFLECTION – “While hiding in a house, the Apostles see Christ; He entered, all the doors being shut. But Thomas, who was absent at that time… shuts his ears and wants to open his eyes … He bursts out with his incredulity, hoping, in this way, his desire will be answered. “My doubts are not going to disappear until I see Him,” he says. “I shall put my finger in the marks of the nails and embrace this Lord of mine Whom I long for so much. Let Him reproach my lack of faith but let Him satisfy me with sight of Him. For now, I am unbelieving but, when I see Him, I shall believe. I shall believe when I clasp Him in my arms and gaze on Him. I wish to see the holes in those Hands which have healed the hands of Adam’s wrongdoing. I wish to see the Side which cast out death from mankind’s side. I wish, be my own witness, to see the Lord and another’s testimony is not enough for me. Your tales aggravate my impatience. The joyful news you bring does nothing but stir up my turmoil. I shall not be cured of this sickness, unless I touch its medicine with my own hands.”

The Lord appeared again and dispelled both the sadness and the doubt of His disciple. What am I saying? He did not dispel his doubts, He fulfilled his expectation! He entered, all the doors being shut!” – Basil of Seleucia (Died c468) Archbishop (Sermon for the Resurrection).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who have celebrated the Paschal Feast, may, by Thy bounty, retain its fruits in our daily habits and behaviour. 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 CHRIST the KING, EASTER, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, The LAMB of GOD, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION, The RESURRECTION

Our Morning Offering – 12 April – “Victimae Paschali Laudes” The Easter Sequence

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Our Morning Offering – 12 April – “The Month of the Resurrection and the Blessed Sacrament” – The Octave Day of Easter or Low Sunday

“Victimae Paschali Laudes”
The Easter Sequence
By Father Wipo of Burgundy (c995– c1050) (Attrib)

Christians, to the Paschal Victim
Offer your thankful praises!

A Lamb the sheep redeems,
Christ, Who only is sinless,
Reconciles sinners to the Father.

Death and life have contended
in that combat stupendous.
The Prince of Life, Who died,
reigns immortal.

Speak, Mary, declaring
What you saw, wayfaring.
“The tomb of Christ, Who is living,
the glory of Jesus’ Resurrection”

“Bright Angels attesting,
The shroud and napkin resting. ”
“Yes, Christ my Hope is arisen;
To Galilee He goes before you. ”

Christ indeed
from death is risen,
our new life obtaining.
Have mercy, Victor King,
ever reigning!
Amen. Alleluia!

Before the Gospel is proclaimed, the ancient Sequence “Victimae Paschali Laudes” of Easter Sunday is read or sung.
The Sequence (Sequentia) is the Liturgical Hymn of the Mass which occurs on four Feasts:– Easter, Pentecost, Corpus Christi and Our Lady of Sorrows.
This sequence, “Victimae Paschali Laudes” is attributed to Wipo of Burgundy (c995– c1050) who was a Priest, Poet and Historian, the Chaplain of the Holy Roman Emperor Conrad II during the 11th Century and possibly the Tutor of his son Emperor Henry III.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 12 April – Saint Vissia (Died c250) Virgin Martyr of Fermo,

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 12 April – Saint Vissia (Died c250) Virgin Martyr of Fermo, Ascoli, Piaceno, Italy. Born on an unknown date in Fermo and died there during the persecution of Emperior Decius in around 250.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Fermo in the Marches, St Vissia, Virgin and Martyr.”

The life of our Saint Vissia is shrouded in mystery. The Roman Martyrology attests to her veneration, as explained below but is silent on biographical details .

Saint Vissia, who ennobled her hometown by her Martyrdom, her name being part of a list of Saints vnerated in Fermo, was on 5 August 1581 sent by a local Prelate to an Oratorian Priest and friend of Cesare Baronio, who, as is well known, compiled the first ‘Roman Martyrology’ and included the holy virgins and Martyr on 12 April.

The presence of the skulls of 2 Virgin Martyrs of Fermo in separate Reliquaries in Fermo Cathedral, suggests a possible contemporary Martyrdom, perhaps by beheading, during the 7th persecution under Emperor Decius (249-251).

Local tradition places their sacrifice around 250, while an inscription in the Cathedral celebrates Vissia as the glory of her native City. The uncertainty regarding the dates and circumstances of her Martyrdom does not obscure the popular devotion paid to her and her fellow Virgin and Martyr, St Sophia.

Fermo Cathedral
Posted in EASTER, MARIAN TITLES, PRAYERS for SEASONS, SAINT of the DAY

The Octave Day of Easter or Low Sunday, Quasimodo Sunday or Dominica In Albis, Nuestra Senora de la Caridad / Our Lady of Charity, Cobre, Cuba and the Saints – 12 April

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The Octave Day of Easter or Low Sunday
Quasimodo Sunday or Dominica In Albis
“At the end of the Octave, in the ancient Roman Church, the Newly-Baptised would remove their white Baptismal gowns which would be deposited at the Cathedral. Thus, the Saturday of the Octave is called “in albis” and the Sunday, which is technically outside the Octave and the beginning of the Easter season, is “in albis depositis.” Hitherto they were known as the “infantes… infants” in the Faith. In fact, the first Chant of Sunday’s Mass, in Introit, is from 1 Peter 2:2-3 in the Vetus Latina version which pre-dates the Vulgate of St Jerome. In the translation I’ll include the verse immediately before, because it is relevant to our work today:

Quasimodo Geniti I nfantes, rationabile, sine dolo lac concupiscite ut in eo crescatis in salutem si gustastis quoniam dulcis Dominus. … [So put away all malice and all guile and insincerity and envy and all slander.] Like newborn babes, long for the pure spiritual milk so that by it, you may grow up to salvation; for you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.”

Nuestra Senora de la Caridad / Our Lady of Charity, Cobre, Cuba OR Our Lady of Cobre – 12 Apri;:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/12/our-lady-of-charity-cobre-cuba-and-memorials-of-the-saints-12-april/

St Acutina

St Ailell of Cologne (Died 1040) Priest, Abbot of Great Saint Martin’s Monastery and of St Pantaleon’s in Cologne, Missionary, a strict disciplinarian and a talented and skilled leader, running two separate Monasteries for years. He was also a skilled Musician and is held to be the first to introduce Roman chant to Cologne.
Talented St Ailell:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/12/saint-of-the-day-12-april-saint-ailell-of-cologne-died-1040-priest-abbot/

St Alferius Pappacarbone of La Cava (930–1050) Priest, Founder and Abbot of Arsicia (La Trinità della Cava) which follows the Benedictine Rule, nobleman, Diplomat to Prince Waimar III of Salerno, Cluniac reformer, cave Hermit, Mystic and Ecstatic, Miracle-worker.
The Roman Martyrology states: “In the Monastery of Cava de ‘Tirreni in Campania, Saint Alferius, Founder and first Abbot, who, after having been adviser to Guaimario, Duke of Salerno, who became a disciple of Saint Odilone in Cluny, learned, in an excellent way, the discipline of monastic life.”
The Renowned La Cava Saint:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/12/saint-of-the-day-12-april-saint-alferius-of-la-cava-930-1050/

Blessed Andrew of Montereale OSA (c1479-1764) Priest and Friar of the Order oif the Hermits of St Augustine, renowned Scholar, Preacher, Teacher, Reformer. Confessor and Spiritual Director to the Royal Court of France, Miracle-worker. His life was devoted to teaching, preaching and leading the Augustinians from several positions of leadership. He was hailed, even during his lifetime, as a pious Miracle worker.

Blessed Angelo Carletti di Chivasso OFM (1411-1495) Religious Priest of the Friars’ Minor, Theologian, Teacher, Writer.
Blessed Angelo’s Zealous Life:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/04/12/saint-of-the-day-12-apil-blessed-angelo-carletti-di-chivasso/

St Artemón of Caesarea
St Basil of Parion
St Constantine of Gap (Died 529) Bishop and Confessor

St Damian of Pavia (Died c710) Bishop and Confessor, Defender of the Faith against heretics, Apostle of the poor and needy, In 679, Damian wrote a letter to Emperor Constantine IV on behalf of St Mansuetus, the Archbishop of Milan, against the heresy of Monothelitism. This letter, in a Latin edition, is the only extant writing from the hand of St Damian (sometimes attributed to St Mansuetus on whose behalf Damian was writing).
His Fervent Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2025/04/12/saint-of-the-day-12-april-st-damian-of-pavia-died-c710-bishop-and-confessor/

The Church of San Pietro in Vincoli in Pavia where our St Damian is enshrined

St Erkemboden of Thérouanne
St Florentin of Arles

St Pope Julius I (Died 337) Reign from 6 February 337 until his death on 12 April 352. He fought against the Arian Heresy and it is also believed that he is the Pope who set 25 December as the date of the Birth of Jesus.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rome, the birthday of Pope St Julius, who vigorously combated for the Catholic Faith against the Arians. After a life of brilliant deeds and great sanctity, he rested in peace.”
His Zealous Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/12/saint-of-the-day-12-april-saint-pope-julius-i-died-337/

St Lorenzo of Belem
St Peter of Montepiano

St Sabas the Lector

St Tetricus of Auxerre
St Vissia (Died c250) Virgin Martyr of Fermo
St Wigbert

St Zeno of Verona (c300 – 371) Bishop of Verona, Monk, Confessor, Reformer, believed to be a Martyr the persecutions of Constantius II and Julian the Apostate.
About St Zeno:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/04/12/saint-of-the-day-12-april-st-zeno-of-verona-c-300-371/