Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY SPIRIT, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), FRUITS of the SPIRIT, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, The HOLY SPIRIT, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Thought for the Day – 4 June – Our Relationship with the Most Holy Trinity

Thought for the Day – 4 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Our Relationship with the Most Holy Trinity

“Finally, we are, or should be, the temples of the Holy Spirit.
Do you not know that you are the temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Cor 3:16; 6:19) writes St Paul.
Man,” writes St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Doctor of the Church, “is composed of body and soul. The Catholic is composed of body and soul AND the Holy Spirit.
Before this can be said of us, however, it is necessary for Divine Grace to flourish and bear fruit within us.
Then the soul will really have become God’s dwelling-place.
It will be like a miniature Heaven, in which the Lord gloriously reigns!

Let us study the Saints carefully.
They live in this world but they are not immersed in it.
Their souls are already in Heaven through grace, even as they will one day reside there in glory.
Because of this, their personalities radiate peace and contentment.

Of them it can truly be said: “Our citizenship is in Heaven” (Phil 3:20).
We should never allow sin to deprive us of the Holy Spirit.
Let everything in us be clean and pure, as becomes Saints of God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/02/thought-for-the-day-2-september-our-relationship-with-the-most-holy-trinity/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/12/thought-for-the-day-12-june-our-relationship-with-the-most-holy-trinity/

Advertisement
Posted in BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, DOCTORS of the Church, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), POETRY, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, ST FRANCIS de SALES, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY, The SIGN of the CROSS

Quote/s of the Day – 4 June – Trinity Sunday

Quote/s of the Day – 4 June – Trinity Sunday

In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
By St Hilary of Poitiers (315-368)

Father & Doctor of the Church

Father, keep us from vain strife of words.
Grant to us constant profession of the Truth!
Preserve us in a true and undefiled faith
so that we may hold fast to that
which we professed
when we were Baptised
in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
that we may have You for our Father,
that we may abide in Your Son
and in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Amen

An Act of Oblation
to the Holy Trinity
By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)

Doctor of Charity

I vow and consecrate to God
all that is in me,
my memory and my actions,
to God the Father;
my understanding and my words,
to God the Son;
my will and my thoughts,
to God the Holy Spirit.
I consecrate my heart, my body,
my tongue, my senses
and all my sorrows
to the Sacred Humanity of Jesus Christ,
who consented to be betrayed
into the hands of wicked men
and to suffer the torment
of the Cross for me.
Amen

The Sign of the Cross
In the Name of the Father
and of the Son
and of the Holy Ghost.

(50 Days. 100 Days if made with Holy Water
Blessed Pope Pius IX, 1865.)

WHENE’ER across this sinful flesh of mine
I draw the Holy Sign,
All good thoughts stir within me and renew
Their slumbering strength divine,
Till there springs up a courage high and true
To suffer and to do.

And who shall say but hateful spirits around,
For their brief hour unbound,
Shudder to see and wail their overthrow?
While on far heathen ground
Some lonely Saint hails the fresh odour, though
Its source he cannot know.

John Henry Newman (1801-1890)
Oxford – 25 November 1832

Posted in CARMELITES, CATECHESIS, DOCTORS of the Church, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), ONE Minute REFLECTION, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 June – But, if Each One is distinct, how can we say that the Three are One Essence? St Teresa of Avila

One Minute Reflection – 4 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Trinity Sunday and the Memorial of St Francis Caracciolo CRM (1563-1608) The Confessor – Romans 11:33-36, Matthew 28:18-20 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, Baptising them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” – Matthew 28:19-20

REFLECTION – “God gave me to see clearly the truth of the most Holy Trinity. It is just as learned theologians told me but I did not understand it as I do now… What I have seen is this – Three distinct Persons, Each One visible and Who speaks and to Whom we can speak. Afterwards, I thought how the Son alone took human flesh, which shows clearly that the Three Persons are distinct. The Persons love each other, communicate and know each other. But, if Each One is distinct, how can we say that the Three are One Essence? For this is what we believe. This is deepest truth and I would die for it a thousand times. In these Three Persons there is but One Will and One Power and One Might; neither can One be without the Others. There is One Sole Creator of all created things. Could the Son create an ant without the Father? No! because Their Power is One. The same is to be said of the Holy Ghost.

Thus, there is one God Almighty and the Three Persons are One Majesty. Is it possible to love the Father without loving the Son and the Holy Ghost? No, for those who please One of the Three Persons, please all Three Persons and those who offend One, offend all. Can the Father exist without the Son and without the Holy Ghost? No, for they are One in Being and where One is, there are the Three; they cannot be divided.

How is it, then, that we see that the Three Persons are distinct? And how is it that the Son, not the Father, nor the Holy Ghost, took human flesh? This is what I have never understood – theologians know it. What I know is that the Three were there when that marvellous work was done. I do not busy myself with much thinking about this, all my thinking comes down to this – God is Almighty, that He has done what He would do and can do what He wills. The less I understand it, the more I believe it and the greater the devotion it excites in me. May He be blessed for ever! Amen.” – St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) Carmelite, Founder, Reformer, Doctor of the Church (Relations, 33).

PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, Thou Who have given Thy servants, in the confession of the true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity and in the power of that Majesty, to adore its unity, grant, we beseech Thee, that in the firmness of this faith, we may ever be protected from all harm. And may the example and intercession of Thy Confessor, St Francis Caracciolo ever assist us on our journey to our eternal home. 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).

MAY the HEART of JESUS be loved everywhere. 100 Days, Indulgence Once a day – Bl Pope Pius IX 23 September 1860

Posted in BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), Our MORNING Offering, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Our Morning Offering – 4 June – Holy God, We Praise Thy Name

Our Morning Offering – 4 June – Trinity Sunday

Holy God, We Praise Thy Name

Holy God, we praise Thy Name.
Lord of all, we bow before Thee.
All on earth Thy sceptre claim;
all in heav’n above adore Thee.
Infinite Thy vast domain,
everlasting is Thy reign.

Hark, the loud celestial hymn,
angel choirs above are raising.
Cherubim and seraphim,
in unceasing chorus praising,
fill the heav’ns with sweet accord:
Holy, holy, holy Lord.

Holy Father, Holy Son,
Holy Ghost, three we name Thee
While in essence only One,
Undivided God, we claim Thee
and adoring, bend the knee,
while we own the Mystery.

Spare Thy people Lord, we pray,
By a thousand snares surrounded.
Keep us without sin today,
Never let us be confounded.
Lo, I put my trust in Thee,
Never Lord, abandon me.

Fr Ignaz Franz Poland (1719-1790) (Attri)
Archbishop of Schlawa, Germany, Hymnist, Musician
He also functioned as the Assessor for Theological Affairs at the Apostolic Vicariate. He wrote hymn lyrics and compiled religious music.
Translated by Fr Clarence A Walworth (1820-1900)
Convert, writer. He was one of the Founders of the Order of the Paulists in the USA.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 4 June – Blessed Werner von Ellerbach (Died 1126) Abbot.

Saint of the Day – 4 June – Blessed Werner von Ellerbach (Died 1126) Abbot. Died on 2 April, 2 May or 4 June (records vary) 1126 at Wiblingen Abbey near Ulm, Germany of natural causes. Also known as – Werner of Wiblingen, Varnerio.

Johannes Zwick: The donors give Werner the Relic of the True Cross of Christ – ceiling fresco in the Monastery Church in Wiblingen.

Werner was a Benedictine Monk of the Black Forest Abbey of St Blaise, who lived between the 11th and 12th centuries.

He was sent as the first Abbot to Wiblingen, near Ulm, after the foundation of the Benedictine Monastery there in 1093 by Hartmann of Swabia, Count of Kirchberg and his brother, Otto. The Abbey was consecrated in 1099 and the Counts donated to it a piece of the Holy Cross which they had obtained by participating in the first Crusade. The Abbey then became a magnet for pilgrims to Wiblingen to venerate the Holy Cross Relic. Under Werner’s administration it also became renowned for learning and its magnificent Library.

Wiblingen Monastery

According to the list of Abbots, Werner probably died on 2 April 1126, while according to a manuscript by St Blaisen he died on 2 May. According to another author, Blessed Werner died on 4 June, the date on which he is celebrated and remembered in the Monastery.

In the ancient Church of the Monastery the tomb of Blessed Werner was located in front of the Altar of the Holy Cross and the funeral slab was raised and placed on some columns.

Between 20 and 21 March 1782, the remains of Blessed Werner were enshrined with a bronze plaque. Some relics of Blessed Werner were donated to St Blaise Abbey.

Until the Thirty Years’ War, Wernerbrote loaves were blessed every year in the Wiblingen Monastery and distributed to protect against disease.

Grave slab for Werner in the Monastery in Wiblingen
Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Trinity Sunday, Virgen María Sembradora / Virgin Mary the Planter, Argentina, St Francis Caracciolo and Memorials of the Saints – 4 June

Trinity Sunday
Feast of the Most Holy Trinity
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/12/feast-of-the-most-holy-trinity-12-june/

Virgen María Sembradora / Virgin Mary the Planter, Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina – 4 June :
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/04/virgen-maria-sembradora-virgin-mary-the-planter-hurlingham-buenos-aires-argentina-and-memorials-of-the-saints-4-june/

St Francis Caracciolo CRM (1563-1608) Confessor, Priest, Co-Founder of the Congregation of the Clerics Regular Minor with Venerable John Augustine (1551-1587) the “Adorno Fathers,” Apostle of the Eucharistic Adoration.
His body was given enough preparation for a long journey to Naples. Truly, God has left His own sign on him. When the body was lanced, the blood spouted a red and scented fluid and his vital organs were incorrupt. Around his heart were printed the words of the Psalm: “The zeal of your house consumes me” (Ps 69:10).
Wow!:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/04/saint-of-the-day-4-june-saint-francis-caracciolo-crm-1563-1608/

St Aldegrin of Baume
St Alexander of Verona
St Alonio
St Aretius of Rome
Bl Boniface of Villers
St Breaca of Cornwall
St Buriana of Cornwall
St Christa of Sicily
St Clateus of Brescia
St Cornelius McConchailleach OSA (Died 1176) Archbishop of Armagh
St Croidan
St Cyrinus of Aquileia
St Dacian of Rome
St Degan
St Edfrith of Lindisfarne
St Elsiar of Lavedan
St Ernin of Cluain
Bl Francis Ronci
Bl Margaret of Vau-le-Duc
St Medan
Bl Menda Isategui
St Metrophanes of Byzantium
St Nennoc
St Nicolo of Sardinia
St Optatus of Milevis

Blessed Pacificus of Cerano OFM (c 1424-1482) Priest of the Order of the Friars Minor of St Francis, renowned Preacher, called the “very famous apostolic orator,” Writer of spiritual works.
His Lifestory:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/04/saint-of-the-day-4-june-blessed-pacificus-of-cerano-ofm-c-1424-1482/

St Petroc of Cornwall (Died c 594) Confessor, Abbot, Missionary, Miracle-worker, Founder of Monasteries and Churches, Prince. Petroc also had a great affinity with all animals and had a permanet wolf companion.
About St Petroc:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/04/saint-of-the-day-4-june-saint-petroc-of-cornwall-died-c-594-confessor/

St Quirinus of Croatia
St Quirinus of Tivoli
St Rutilus of Sabaria
St Saturnina of Arras
St Trano of Sardinia
St Walter of Fontenelle
St Walter of Serviliano
Blessed Werner von Ellerbach (11th-12th Century) Abbot

Martyrs of Cilicia – 13 Saints: A group of 13 Christians who were Martyred together. The only details about them that have survived are their names – Cama• Christa• Crescentia• Eiagonus• Expergentus• Fortunus• Italius • Jucundian• Julia• Momna• Philip• Rustulus• Saturnin
They were Martyred in Cilicia, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey), date unknown

Martyrs of Nyon – 41 Saints: A group of 41 Christians Martyred together for refusing to sacrifice to imperial Roman idols. We know the names of some but no other details. Amatus• Attalus• Camasus• Cirinus• Dinocus• Ebustus• Euticus• Eutychius • Fortunius• Galdunus• Julia• Quirinus• Rusticus• Saturnina• Saturninus • Silvius• Uinnita• Zoticus Martyred by being beheaded in Noviodunum (modern Nyon, Switzerland).

Posted in GOD is LOVE, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The NATIVITY of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 3 June – The Love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Revealed in the Gospel

Thought for the Day – 3 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Revealed in the Gospel

“If we meditate on the pages of the Gospel, we shall find that they are vibrant with the infinite love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Let us, in imagination, enter the cave of Bethlehem and kneel before the crib where the Divine Infant is lying.
Darkness is all around, darkness over the earth, darkness in the minds and hearts of the majority of men.
But, now, the heavens open and from the brightness the voices of angels ring out, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace among men of goodwill.”
Who is this infant?
He is the Eternal Word, the substantial image of God, Who, for love of us, has been made man.
He is the Infinite One Who has willed to unite Himself with the finite, in order to lift us towards Himself.
This little heart is throbbing like that of any baby but, in this throb, is expressed the love of the God-Man.
It is a profound mystery, that God should have loved man so much, that He became a tiny infant.
Yet, He did this so that we might love Him more easily and in order to show us His own immeasurable love.
There is about this Infant, a fascination, at once human and divine, which compels us to love Him, even as Mary, Joseph and the simple shepherds loved Him.
He is asking us for love, adoration and complete surrender.
Can we refuse Him?

Now let us take ourselves in imagination to Calvary and kneel at the foot of the Cross.
The heart which began to beat with the sacred love in the manger at Bethlehem, has given everything for us, has poured forth it’s precious blood for our salvation and, has bestowed on us, as a final gift, the Blessed Mother of God.
Now, this heart is consumed with love for us and ceases to beat only when it has give us everything.
“It is consummated” (Jn 19:30).
At Bethlehem we have experienced a joyful ecstasy of love.
Here, at the foot of the Cross, we should experience a deep sorrow, which will cause us to weep for our sins and to transform our lives after the model of Jesus Christ.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CATECHESIS, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, DIVINE MERCY, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on PHYSICAL SICKNESS, ILLNESS, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, ST FRANCIS de SALES

Quote/s of the Day – 3 June – A lesson in being sick …

Quote/s of the Day – 3 June – Ember Saturday of Pentecos – Joel 2:28-32, Luke 4:38-44 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

And standing over her,
He commanded the fever and it left her.
And immediately rising,
she ministered to them.

Luke 4:39

She believed firmly that God was not the first,
nor the second, nor the third cause of her illness,
for He is not the cause of sickness in any way whatever.
Since He is not the cause of sin,
then He is not the cause of sickness either.
But just as He permits sin,
He sends infirmities to correct and purify us of it.

Thus, we must be submissive to His Justice,
as well as to His Mercy, keeping a humble silence.
This will make us tranquilly embrace
the events of His Providence, as David did,
who, in his afflictions said:
“I suffered and was silent because I knew
that it was Thou Who sent them to correct me
and purge me of my guilt.
” [Ps.38: 10-12].

Our fever patient did the same.
“Thou have sent me the fever
and I have accepted it. I have submitted myself,
both to Thy Justice and to Thy Mercy.
Just as Thou sent it to me, without my asking for it,
so Thou can take it away,
without my asking Thee to do so.
Thou knows better than I do
what is best for me.
I have no need to trouble myself about it.
It is sufficient for me
that Thou look at me and that Thou knows
that I am sick in my bed!

(Sermon for the Thursday
after the Third Sunday of Lent, 3 March 1622,
concerning the cure of St Peter’s mother-in-law).

He who seeks only the glory of God,
finds it in poverty, as in abundance.

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY SPIRIT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HOLY FACE, The HOLY SPIRIT, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 3 June –

One Minute Reflection – 3 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Ember Saturday of Pentecost – Joel 2:28-32, Luke 4:38-44 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

And when it was day, going out, He went into a desert place … ” – Luke 4:42

REFLECTION – “Lead me away, meanwhile, my Refuge and my Strength, into the heart of the desert as once Thou led Thy servant Moses; lead me where the bush burns, yet is not burnt away, where the holy soul which… is all aflame with the fullness of the fire of Thy Holy Spirit and, burning like the Seraphim, is not consumed but cleansed…

The soul attains to the holy place where none may stand or take another step, except he be bare-footed—having loosed the shoe-strings of all fleshly hindrances… This is the place where He, Who Is, Who cannot be seen as He Is, Is notwithstanding, heard to say, “I Am Who Am,” the place where, for the time, the soul must cover her face so that she does not see the Face of God and yet, in humble obedience must use her ears to hear what the Lord God will say concerning her.

Hide me then in the day of evil, O Lord, in the secret place of Thy tabernacle, in the hidden recesses of Thy Face, “far from the strife of tongues” (Ps 26:5; 30:21), for Thy yoke is easy and the burden Thou hast laid on me is light (Mt 11:30). And when Thou show me the difference between Thy service and the service of the world, gently and tenderly Thou asks me if it is not better to serve Thee, the living God, than to serve strange gods (Cf 2 Chron 12:8). And I, for my part, adore the hand that lays the load, I kiss the yoke and I embrace the burden and it is very sweet to me to sweat beneath its weight. For masters other than Thee, have long possessed me… I acknowledge Thy yoke and Thy light burden which lifts me up and does not crush me down. …” – William of St Thierry O.Cist (c1075 – c1148) Cistercian Monk, Mystic, Theologian, Writer (Meditations IV, 10-11).

PRAYER – Graciously pour into our minds, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the Holy Spirit, Whose wisdom created us and Whose providence governs us. 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).
All praise, honour and glory to the Divine Heart of JESUS. 50 Days Indulgence, Once a day, Raccolta, 168 Pope Leo XIII, 13 June 1901.

Posted in IMMACULATE HEART PRAYERS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN Saturdays, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Our Morning Offering – 3 June –

Our Morning Offering – 3 June – Ember Saturday of Pentecost – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” and First Saturday

To the Two Loving Hearts
By St John Eudes (1601-1680)

O Jesus, only Son of God, only Son of Mary,
I offer You the most loving Heart
of Your divine Mother
which is more precious
and pleasing to You than all hearts.

O Mary, Mother of Jesus,
I offer you the most adorable Heart
of your well-beloved Son,
who is the life and love and joy of your Heart.

Blessed be the Most Loving Heart
and Sweet Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ
and the most glorious
Virgin Mary, His Mother,
in eternity and forever.
Amen

Posted in A HOLY DEATH & AGAINST A SUDDEN DEATH, of the DYING, DEATH of CHILDREN, DEATH of PARENTS, PATRONAGE - BRIDES and GROOMS, PATRONAGE - PARENTS / FAMILIES / LARGE FAMILIES, PATRONAGE - WIDOWS, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 3 June – St Clotilde of France (c475-545) Widow

Saint of the Day – 3 June – St Clotilde of France (c475-545) Widow, Mother, Queen, Apostle of the poor and the sick. Born in c475 at Lyons, France and died on 3 June 545 at Tours, France of natural causes. Patronages – against death of children, adopted children, brides, exiles, parenthood, parents of large families, people in exile, queens, widows. Also known as – Chlodechildis, Chrodechildis, Clothilde, Clotichilda, Clotild, Clotilda, Clotildus, Croctild, Crotildes, Hlodihild, Hlotild, Hroþihildi, Rotilde.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Paris, St Clotilde, Queen, by whose prayers her husband, King Clovis, was converted to the Faith of Christ.

Clotilde was born in Lyon around 475, almost coinciding with the disappearance of the Roman Empire in the West (476). Even Roman Gaul had been disintegrating through the establishment of various independent Kingdoms by barbarian peoples, not infrequently rivals. With her birth she was already a Princess, as the daughter of King Childeric I, leader of the Burgundians, an eastern Germanic group which had arrived first on the left of the Rhine and then on the middle Rhone. However, in her life there would be the adverse fate of a painful series of tragedies and royal assassinations, among which she found salvation with a great faith in Christ Jesus.

In 481 her father was killed and then she, with her mother and older sister Croma, retired to Geneva. Together they gave themselves to a life of prayer and then of assistance to the needy. According to some stories, the young woman was also subjected to persecution and to the loss of her mother to assassination, until, through the Ambassadors, she received a proposal of marriage by Clovis, the young King of the Franks, another Germanic people who had settled in territories north of the Seine .

Clovis, who would become the progenitor of the Merovingians, was a pagan man, rather rude and irreligious. However, he gave his wife permission to Baptise each of his five children.. With the help and protection of the Bishop of Rheims, the future St Remigius, Clotilde was also beginning the slow but profound work of the moral conversion of her husband.

A true prodigy occurred in 496, when Clovis found himself forced to engage in battle against his enemies near Cologne. Fearing the worst, he called upon his wife’s God and emerged victorious. He then promised conversion to the Catholic Faith and on Christmas night of that year, he was Baptised in Rheims by the Bishop himself. Most of his subjects followed suit. This act was a success of Queen Clotilde, so important as to make France the “eldest daughter of the Church. ”

The Baptims of King Clovis I by St Remigius of Rheims

After his conversion, Clovis made friends with many Bishops, extending his power over a large part of France, which shortly after would have Paris as its Capital.

We also owe Clotilde the replacement of the three toads with three lilies in the shield of the French Monarchy, after she received one with the lilies as a gift from a mysterious hermit of the forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

Widowed after twenty years of marriage, the Queen of France underwent many other poignant dynastic trials, until she retired to Tours, near the tomb of St Martinto whom she was particularly devoted. In that region she founded Churches and Monasteries, dedicating herself to penance and works of charity.

Clotilde died in Tours on 3 June 545. In later times, she was brought from that City as a virtuous and courageous Saint to the tomb in Paris, next to the bodies of Clovis and Saint Guinevere Patroness of the Capital . Her mortal remains were then cremated in 1793 to prevent revolutionary desecration. Now they rest in a Basilica dedicated to her and built between 1846 and 1856, where on 3 June of each year, the Saint is solemnly commemorated.

The Church of St Clotilde in Paris
Posted in EMBER DAYS, MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY, THE FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTION

Ember Saturday, Madonna della Lettera / Our Lady of the Letter 1693 and Memorials of the Saints – 3 June

Ember Saturday – Fast and Abstinence
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/16/today-is-an-ember-day-did-you-remember/

First Saturday

Madonna della Lettera / Our Lady of the Letter (Messina, Sicily, Italy) 1693 – Patron of Messina, Palmi (Reggio Calabria) and of Finale (Palermo) – 3 June and 9 January:
HERE :
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/03/the-solemnity-of-corpus-christi-madonna-della-lettera-our-lady-of-the-letter-messina-sicily-italy-1693-and-memorials-of-the-saints-3-june/

St Adam of Guglionesi OSB (c 990-1072) “The Saint of the roving Relics” Abbot, Social Reformer, Peace-maker and may have been a Priest. Hermit.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/03/saint-of-the-day-3-june-saint-adam-of-guglionesi-osb-c-990-1072-the-saint-of-the-roving-relics/

St Albert of Como
St Athanasius of Traiannos
St Auditus of Braga
Bl Beatrice Bicchieri
St Caecilius of Carthage
St Clotilde of France (c475-545) Widow, Mother, Queen, Apostle of the poor and the sick.
St Conus of Lucania
St Cronan the Tanner
St Davinus of Lucca
Bl Diego Oddi
St Gausmarus of Savigny
St Genesius of Clermont
St Glunshallaich
St Hilary of Carcassone
St Isaac of Córdoba

St Juan Grande Román OH (1546-1600) Religious of the Hospitallers of Saint John of God who adopted the name “John the Sinner”
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/03/saint-of-the-day-3-june-st-juan-grande-roman-oh-1546-1600/

St Kevin of Glendalough (c 498-618) Priest, Founder and first Abbot of the Glendalough Monastery in County Wicklow, Ireland, Hermit, Ascetic and Mystic, scholar, Spiritual Adviser, Miracle-worker., he possessed a miraculous affinity with animals and nature.
St Kevin’s Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/03/saint-of-the-day-3-june-saint-kevin-of-glendalough-c-498-618/

St Laurentinus of Arezzo
St Liphardus of Orléans
St Morand of Cluny
St Moses of Arabia
St Oliva of Anagni
St Paula of Nicomedia
St Pergentinus of Arezzo
St Phaolô Vu Van Duong
St Urbicius

Martyrs of Africa – 156 Saints: 156 Christians Martyred together in Africa, date unknown; the only other information to survive are some of their names –
Abidianus• Demetria• Donatus• Gagus• Januaria• Juliana• Nepor• Papocinicus• Quirinus• Quirus.

Martyrs of Byzantium – 5 Saints: A group of Christians, possibly related by marriage, who were Martyred together. They were –
Claudius, Dionysiu, Hypatius, Lucillian, Paul.
They were Martyred in 273 in Byzantium.

Martyrs of Rome – 8 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together. We know nothing else about them but the names –
Amasius, Emerita, Erasmus, Lucianus, Orasus, Satuaucnus, Septiminus• Servulus.
They were Martyred in Rome, Italy, date unknown.

Martyrs of Rome – 85+ Christians Martyred together in Rome, Italy, date unknown. The only details that have survived are some of their names –

Apinus • Apronus • Aurelius • Avidus • Cassianus • Criscens • Cyprus • Domitius • Donata • Donatus • Emeritus • Extricatus • Exuperia • Faustina • Felicitas • Felix • Flavia • Florus • Fortunata • Fortunatus • Fructus • Gagia • Gagus • Gallicia • Gorgonia • Honorata • Januaria • Januarius • Justa • Justus • Libosus • Luca • Lucia • Matrona • Matura • Mesomus • Metuana • Nabor • Neptunalis • Obercus • Paula • Peter • Pompanus • Possemus • Prisca • Procula • Publius • Quintus • Rogatian • Romanus • Rufina • Saturnin • Saturnus • Secundus • Severa • Severus • Sextus • Silvana • Silvanus • Sinereus • Tertula • Titonia • Toga • Urban • Valeria • Veneria • Veranus • Victor • Victoria • Victorinus • Victuria • Victurina • Virianus • Weneria • Zetula.
They were Martyred in Rome date unknown.

Posted in GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS

Thought for the Day – 2 June – The Necessity of Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Thought for the Day – 2 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Necessity of Devotion
to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O my Jesus, Thou Who art Love itself, enkindle in my heart the Divine Fire which consumed and transformed the Saints.
Amen.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/02/thought-for-the-day-1-june-the-necessity-of-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/02/thought-for-the-day-2-june-the-necessity-of-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/

Posted in DIVINE MERCY, FATHERS of the Church, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on SIN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 2 June – Forgive and be forgiven

Quote/s of the Day – 2 June – Pentecost Friday – Joel 2:23-24; 26-27, Luke 5:17-26 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Thy sins are forgiven thee …
Arise and walk.”

Luke 5:23

Prayer for Mercy
and Forgiveness
By St Macarius of Egypt (c 300-390)

Lord, be merciful now
that my life is approaching its end
and the evening awaits me.
There is not enough time
for me to cleanse myself of my sins,
for they are so many.
Heal me while I am still on earth
and I shall be truly healthy.
In Thy mercy,
move me to repent,
so that I shall not be ashamed,
when I meet Thee in Heaven.
Amen

What evil can your enemy do to you
which would be comparable to that,
which you do to yourself? …
If you let yourself go, in indignation and anger,
you will be wounded, not because of the injury
your enemy inflicted upon you
but, from the resentment you feel because of it.
So do not say: “He insulted me, he slandered me,
he did a great number of wretched things to me.”
The more you say he did evil things to you,
the more you show that he did you good,
since he gave you an opportunity
to purify yourself of your sins.
Thus, the more he offends you,
the more he places you in a state
of obtaining the forgiveness of your faults from God.
For if we want, no-one can damage us;
even our enemies are thus doing us a great service…
So consider how many advantages
you draw from an injury that is suffered humbly
and gently!

St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Then the righteous shall shine like the sun
in the kingdom of their Father.

Matthew 13:43

So from now on, run well (cf. Gal 5:7)
and may the devil not bewitch you (cf Gal 3:1)
nor hinder you! …
May mercy, peace, charity,
freedom from envy,
from jealousy and ostentation
come upon you, docility, friendly speech,
solidarity, compassion
towards each other, humility.

St Theodore the Studite (759-826)

By sin, O Jesus,
I gave Thee Thy Death
but I do not despair of Thy Forgiveness.
Those Scourges call me,
those Arms extended invite me
that injured Heart offers me
a secure shelter.

St Gabriel Francis Possenti
of Our Lady of Sorrows (1838-1862)

Posted in CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE MERCY, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, INDULGENCES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 2 June – ‘ … Each day He sees our lack of faith … ‘

One Minute Reflection – 2 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – The Feast of the Martyrs Saints Marcellinus and Peter the Exorcist (Martyred in 304) – Joel 2:23-24; 26-27, Luke 5:17-26 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them in reply, “What are you thinking in your hearts?” – Luke 5:22

REFLECTION – “Thanks to the faith of others the cripple’s soul would be cured before his body. “Seeing their faith,” the Gospel says. Note here, my brethren, that God is not interested in what foolish people want and does not expect to find faith among the ignorant … among those who conduct themselves badly. On the other hand, He does not refuse to come to the help of others’ faith. Such faith is a gift of grace, at one with God’s will … In His Divine Goodness, Christ the Physician, strives to draw to salvation, even in spite of themselves, those affected by sickness of soul, those whom the burden of their sins and offences overwhelms, even to delirium. Yet, they do not want to submit.

O my brethren, if only we wanted to, if only we all wanted to perceive our soul’s paralysis in all its depth! Then we would see that it is lying on a stretcher of sins, deprived of strength. Christ’s action within us, would be a source of light and we would understand that each day He sees our lack of faith, harmful as it is, that He draws us towards healing remedies and sharply presses our rebellious wills. “My son” He says, “your sins are forgiven you. – St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 50 ; PL 52, 339).

PRAYER – O God, Who made thy blessed Martyrs, Marcellinus and Peter the Exorcist, glorious by their remarkable confession of Thy glory; grant, by their intercession and example, that Thy charity may continually increase in our hearts. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
SACRED Heart of JESUS, I trust in Thee.
300 Days Indulgence Once a Day – Plenary, Once a month. Raccolta 175 – St Pius X, 19 August 1905 and 27 June 1906.

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY SPIRIT, Our MORNING Offering, PENTECOST, PRAYERS, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST

Our Morning Offering – 2 June – O Holy Spirit of God By Fr Erasmus Rotterdam

Our Morning Offering – 2 June – Pentecost Friday

O Holy Spirit of God
By Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus (1466-1536)
(Fr Erasmus of Rotterdam)

O Holy Spirit of God
with Your holy breath,
You purify the hearts and minds of humankind,
comforting them,
when they are in sorrow,
leading them,
aright when they have gone astray,
kindling them,
when their hearts are cold,
reconciling them,
when they are at variance
and enriching them,
with Your many gifts.
By Your working,
all things live.
We make our prayer to You,
maintain and day by day,
increase, the gifts which You
have granted us,
so that with Your Light
before us and within us,
we may pass through this world,
without stumbling
and without straying.
Who with the Father and the Son,
are One God,
now and forever.
Amen

Fr Erasmus of Rotterdam was a Dutch Philosopher and Theologian who is considered one of the greatest scholars of the northern Renaissance. As a Catholic Priest, he was an important figure in classical scholarship who wrote in a pure Latin style.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 2 June – Saint Eugene I (Died 657) the 75th Bishop of Rome

Saint of the Day – 2 June – Saint Eugene I (Died 657) the 75th Bishop of Rome elected on 10 August 654 and died at Rome on 2 June 657 of natural causes, aged just 42. He was chosen to become Pope after the exile of Martin I by Emperor Constans II over the dispute regarding the Monothelitism Heresy.

Eugene was a Roman from the Aventine region along the Tiber, He was the son of Rufinianus and had become a cleric in the Church at an early age and spent his life in dedication to the Church.

His election to papacy came under unusual circumstances. His predecessor, Pope Martin I, was still alive and living in exile as a prisoner of Emperor Constans II. In fact, on 18 June 653, Constans troops forcibly carried Martin out of the City for refusing to submit to their demand o accept Monothelitism. This is a belief that Jesus had only one will and which is considered blasphemous by the Church.

At the time of his appointment, many Romans believed that Pope Eugene I was being placed on the Throne of St Peter as a pawn to do the Emperors’ will against the wishes of Pope Martin I. However, a letter sent by Martin shortly before his death indicated his approval of Eugene as his successor and Pope Eugene I’s actions,, once in power, demonstrated that he was no puppet of the Byzantine Emperor.

The challenges facing Pope Eugene I began as soon as he took power. Emperor Constans II immediately demanded that Eugene capitulate to the demands which Pope Martin had refused to do. These included acknowledging Peter as the Patriarch of Constantinople and allowing the tolerance of Monthelites. Despite threats to exile him like Martin and to roast him alive along with his Roman supporters, Pope Eugene I stood firm against the demands and refused to deny the Mysteries of the Faith

Emperor Constans II did not get the chance to make good on his threats against Pope Eugene I. The capture of the City of Rhodes in 654 and Constans’ defeat at the naval battle of Phoenix in 655 ,stopped his aggression towards the Church.

Pope Eugene I went onto lead the Church for another two years until his peaceful death at the young age of 42 of natural causes.
Pope Eugene I consecrated 21 Bishops to serve throughout the world during his time as the Pope. He was buried at St Peter’s Basilica. St Eugene I was succeeded by Pope Vitalian.

The Cathedral of Saint Eugene, where Pope St Eugene I is the Patron Saint, is in the Diocese of Santa Rosa in California.

Posted in EMBER DAYS, MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY

Pentecost Friday, Ember Day, Madonna delle Lacrime / Madonna of the Tears, Italy (1511) and Memorials of the Saints – 2 June

Pentecost Friday

Ember Friday of Fast and Abstinence
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/16/today-is-an-ember-day-did-you-remember/

Madonna delle Lacrime / Madonna of the Tears, Ponte Nossa, Bergamo, Lombardy, Italy (1511) – 2 June:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/02/madonna-delle-lacrime-madonna-of-the-tears-ponte-nossa-bergamo-lombardy-italy-1511-2-june/

St Marcellinus Priest Martyr
St Peter the Exorcist Exorcist Martyr
(Martyred in 304)

Their Blessed Lives and Deaths:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/02/saints-of-the-day-sts-marcellinus-and-peter-the-exorcist/

St Ada of Ethiopia
St Adalgis of Thiérarche
St Armin of Egypt
St Barbarinus
St Blandina the Slave
St Bodfan of Wales
St Daminh Ninh
Bl Demetrios of Philadelphia
St Dorotheus of Rome

St Erasmus (Died c 303) Martyr – also known as Saint Elmo – Bishop of Formiae, Campagna, Italy. St Erasmus or Elmo is also one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and the Saint from whom comes the famous miracle of “Saint Elmo’s fire.”
His Holy Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/02/saint-of-the-day-2-june-st-erasmus-died-c-303-martyr/

St Eugene I (Died 657) Bishop of Rome elected on 10 Augugust 654, and died at Rome on 2 June 657 of natural causes, aged just 42.
St Evasius
Bl Giovanni de Barthulono

St Guido of Acqui (c 1004-1070) Bishop of Acqu in north-west Italy from 1034 until his death, zealous Reformer both in the lives of his clergy and his people. He built the Cathedral of Acqui amongst other religious buildings, including a Convent for Nuns. He donated his personal inheritance to the upkeep of the Diocese, the poor and for his building projects.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/02/saint-of-the-day-2-june-saint-guido-of-acqui-c-1004-1070-patron-saint-against-famine/

St Honorata
St Humatus
St John de Ortega
St Joseph Tien

St Nicholas Peregrinus the Pilgrim (1075-1094) Confessor
His Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/02/saint-of-the-day-2-june-saint-nicholas-peregrinus-the-pilgrim-1075-1094/

St Photinus of Lyons
St Rogate
Bl Sadoc of Sandomierz
St Stephen of Sweden

Martyrs of Lyons and Vienne: A group of 48 Christians from the areas of Vienne and Lyon, France, who were attacked by a pagan mob, arrested and tried for their faith, and murdered in the persecutions of Marcus Aurelius. A letter describing their fate, possibly written by Saint Irenaeus of Lyons, was sent to the churches in the Middle East. Only a few names and details of their lives have survived; some of them have separate entries on this date –

  • Alexander of Vienne
  • Attalus of Pergamos
  • Biblis of Lyons
  • Blandina the Slave
  • Cominus of Lugdunum
  • Epagathus of Lugdunum
  • Maturus the Novice
  • Photinus of Lyons
  • Ponticus of Lugdunum
  • Sanctius of Vienne
  • Vettius of Lugdunum
    They were martyred in assorted ways on on various during 177.

Martyrs of Sandomierz: A group of 49 Dominicans, some of whom received the habit from Saint Dominic de Guzman himself. They worked separately and together to bring the faith and establish the Dominican Order in Poland, basing their operations in and around Sandomierz. In 1260 they were all Martyred by the Tartars as they were singing the Salve Regina at Compline; the custom of singing the Salve Regina at the deathbed of Dominicans, stems from this incident. We know a few details about a few of the martyrs, but most survive only as names –

  • Zadok• Andrea, chaplain• James, novice master• Malachi, convent preacher
  • Paul, vicar• Peter, guardian of the garden• Simone, penitentiaryfriars
  • Abel, Barnabas, Bartholomew, Clemente, Elia, John, Luke, Matthew, Philip
    deacons• Giuseppe, Joachim, Stefanosub-deacons• Abraham, Basil, Moses, Taddeoclerics• Aaron, Benedict, David, Dominico, Mattia, Mauro, Michele, Onofrio, Timothyprofessed students• Christopher, Donato, Feliciano, Gervasio, Gordian, John, Mark, Medardo, Valentinonovices• Daniele, Isaiah, Macario, Raffaele, Tobialay brothers• Cyril, tailor• Jeremiah, shoemaker
  • Thomas, organist
    They were Martyred in 1260 at Sandomierz, Poland and Beatified on 18 October 1807 by Pope Pius VII (cultus confirmation).
Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, SACRED HEART QUOTES, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS

Devotion for June – THE MONTH OF THE MOST SACRED HEART of JESUS

Devotion for June –

THE MONTH OF THE MOST SACRED HEART of JESUS

Devotion to the Sacred Heart is a wonderful expression of the Church’s piety and love for Christ, her Spouse and Lord: it calls for a fundamental attitude of conversion and reparation, of love and gratitude, apostolic commitment and dedication to Christ and His saving work.

Among the promises made by our Lord to St Margaret Mary was the assurance that, “Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in my Heart, never to be blotted out.”

The Twelve Promises of Jesus
to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)
“Apostle of the Sacred Heart
For those Devoted to His Sacred Heart:

  1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
  2. I will establish peace in their families.
  3. I will console them in all their troubles.
  4. They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life
    and especially at the hour of their death.
  5. I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.
  6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source of an infinite ocean of mercy.
  7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.
  8. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.
  9. I will bless the homes where an image of My Heart
    shall be exposed and honoured.
  10. I will give to Priests the power of touching the most hardened hearts.
  11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names
    written in My Heart, never to be effaced.
  12. The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those
    who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance – they shall not die under my displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments. My Heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.

From Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque’s Vision of Jesus

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, NOTES to Followers, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, SACRED HEART QUOTES, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS

Thought for the Day – 1 June – Devotion to the Sacred Heart

Thought for the Day – 1 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Devotion to the Sacred Heart

“All devotions which have been approved by the Church are valuable because they are acts of religion which have as their object, the author of all holiness and source of all goodness.
By these acts, God is adored, thanked and supplicated by His children who have been redeemed by the Precious Blood of Christ.
Devotion to the Blessed Virgin and to the Saints, is also directed, ultimately, towards God, Who has endowed His faithful servants, especially the Mother of Jesus, with His gifts and graces and has established them as mediators by His Throne.
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, however, is not one of the many pious practices merely permitted or recommended by the Church.
Fundamentally, it is a devotion which is essential for any Christians, insofar, as it is the cult of the love of God made man for our sakes.

We know that Christianity is the religion of love.
“God is love and he who abides in love, abides in God and God in him” (1 Jn 4:16).
Everything flows from God’s love for mankind – both the Creation and the Redemption, for God created us out of love and redeemed us with the love of His Only-begotten Son Who became man and died for us
and, both the Old and the New Law, for the basis of the Old Law was “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength,” (Deut 6:4) and the commandment of charity, was called by Jesus His own commandment, on which His entire teaching was based.
The Sacraments, especially the Blessed Eucharist, have their origin in the same infinite love.
So have the graces which God gives us, our justification, through the merits of our Redeemer and the final reward for which we hope in Heaven.
Devotion to the Sacred Heart is the worship of this infinite love, of which, it is a living symbol.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

I am running out of the wondrous words of our beloved Cardinal Bacci. As many enriching writings as there are in our beautiful Faith, I have found none other as direct and powerful as he AND, most importantly, one who covers the entire Liturgical year.
I will, therefore, introduce, where appropriate, other reflections but where no-one else, in my knowledge, has a suitable meditation, I will be re-visiting our dear Cardinal Bacci, i.e. starting from post one and perhaps highlighting a different quote than previously.

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, FRUITS of the SPIRIT, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on the FAMILY, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 1 June – St Angelica de Merici

Quote/s of the Day – 1 June – The Memorial of St Angelica de Merici (1474-1540)

As our Saviour says:
“A good tree is not able to produce bad fruit.”
He says: A good tree, that is, a good heart
and a soul on fire with charity,
can do nothing but good and holy works.
For this reason Saint Augustine said:
“Love and do what you will,” namely,
possess love and charity and then do what you will.
It is as if he had said: Charity is not able to sin.

We must give alms.
Charity wins souls
and draws them to virtue.

Disorder in society
is the result
of disorder
in the family.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/01/quote-s-of-the-day-1-june-st-angela-merici/

St Angelica de Merici (1474-1540)

Posted in "Follow Me", JESUIT SJ, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on MISSION, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, The KINGDOM of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 1 June – ‘ … Alas! what an immense number of souls are excluded from Heaven through your fault …’

One Minute Reflection – 1 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Pentecost Thursday – Acts 8:5-8, Luke 9:1-6 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

And He sent them to preach the Kingdom of God …” – Luke 9:2

REFLECTION – “Since I came here, I have had no rest. I have been from village to village and every child not yet Baptised I have Baptised… But the children would not let me say my Office or eat or rest until I had taught them some prayers. It was then that I really began to feel that of such is the Kingdom of Heaven (Mk 10:14). I could not reject so religious a request without myself being irreligious. I made a start with the Sign of the Cross and taught them the Apostles’ Creed, the Our Father and the Hail Mary. I saw, immediately, that they were very intelligent. If only there were someone to train them in the principles of Christianity, I am sure that they would be extremely good Christians.

Very many out here fail to become Christians simply because there is no-one available to make them Christian. I have very often had the notion, to go round the universities of Europe and especially, Paris and to shout aloud everywhere, like a madman and to bludgeon those people who have more learning than love, with these words: Alas! what an immense number of souls are excluded from Heaven through your fault and thrust down to hell!

If only those people devoted themselves to this care in the way they do to literature. Then they would be able to render God an account of their doctrine and of the talents entrusted to them! Many of them, moved by this thought and helped by meditation on the things of God, would take pains to hear what the Lord is speaking in them and, putting aside their own selfish desires and worldly matters, would put themselves fully at God’s service and call. They would indeed cry from their soul: “Lord, here I am. What would you have me do? Send me wherever you wish, even as far as India.”St Francis Xavier (1506-1552) Jesuit Missionary (Letters 4 and 5 to Saint Ignatius Loyola).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who on this day have taught the hearts of the faithful by the Light of the Holy Spirit, grant us by that Holy Spirit Himself, to know what is right and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the same Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Sweet Heart of my JESUS, Make me love Thee ever more and more!300 Days Indulgence Once a day, Plenary Once a month – Blessed Pope Pius IX – 26 November 1876

Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, Our MORNING Offering, PAPAL PRAYERS, PARTIAL Indulgence, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Our Morning Offering – 1 June – Indulgenced Prayer to the Sacred Heart by Pope Leo XIII

Our Morning Offering – 1 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus”

O DIVINE Heart of JESUS
Pope Leo XIII

Indulgence 100 Days, Once a day
Raccolta 167
13 March 1901.

O DIVINE Heart of JESUS,
grant, we beseech Thee,
eternal rest to the souls in purgatory,
the final grace to those who shall die today,
true repentance to sinners,
the light of the faith to pagans
and Thy Blessing to me and mine.
To Thee, O most compassionate Heart of JESUS!
I commend all these souls
and I offer to Thee, on their behalf,
all Thy merits,
together with the merits
of Thy most Holy Mother
and of all the Saints, Angels
and all the Sacrifices of the Holy Mass,
Communions, prayers and good works,
which shall be accomplished today,
throughout the Christian world.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 1 June – St Peter of Pisa (744–799) Deacon, Hermi,

Saint of the Day – 1 June – St Peter of Pisa (744–799) Deacon, Hermi, Poet, Linguist, Grammartician. Peter was born in Lombardy, in the first half of the 8th Century and died there too, around 799. Also known as – Petrus, Petrus Grammaticus.

We have little personal information of Peter. All we know is that in 776, after Charlemagne’s conquest of the Lombard Kingdom, Peter was summoned to the Carolingian Court along with Paul the Deacon and St Alcuin of York.

Peter had originally taught at Pavia, in Italy. Peter of Pisa was asked to be Charlemagne’s primary Latin teacher. Peter’s poetry provides a personal look at the workings of the innermost sanctum surrounding Charlemagne. Peter’s grammar texts provide insight into the transformation Latin education underwent in this period.

Already a mature man, he was Charlemagne’s honoured guest for several years and an integral part of his learned Court circle . Another Lombardian Saint Paulinus of Aquilrisa (c726-802) Priest, Theologian and a most eminent Scholar also joined our Peter in Charlemagne’s Court of learned teachers.

A close bond existed between Charlemagne and Peter and between Peter and Paulinus but Peter apparently was not much liked by either Einhard or St Alcuin of York. Peter seems to have been proud of Paulinus’ intellectual superiority over the others, including himself. He instructed Charlemagne in Latin grammar and probably read the Latin authors with him. Einhard mentions this fact and describes Peter as elderly.

It seems likely that both Peter and Paulinus brought manuscripts from Italy which kept Carolingian scribes busy for many years.

Like Paul the Deacon, Peter was important as a grammartician. In a manner typical of the 8th Century, he illustrated his teaching with writings of ancient pagan and Christian authors. His Book on Grammar is preceded by a dedication in elegiac verse stating that the work was composed “by Peter for love of his lord” and praising Charlesmagne as the Conqueror of the Lombards, builder of Churches, Converter of heathen and punisher of evildoers.

Peter returned to Italy around 790, where he lived as a hermit in prayer and fasting, seeking the Lord in solitude. Peter died there he in 799.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Pentecost Thursday, Madonna delle Grazie / Our Lady of Grace, Piedmont, Italy (1630), St Angelica de Merici and Memorials of the Saints – 1 June

Pentecost Thursday

1 JUNE – The MONTH of the SACRED HEART of JESUS

Madonna delle Grazie / Our Lady of Grace, Leini, Torino, Piedmont, Italy (1630) – 1 June:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/01/madonna-delle-grazie-our-lady-of-grace-leini-torino-piedmont-italy-1630-and-memorials-of-the-saints-1-june/

St Angelica de Merici (1474-1540) Virgin, Founder the Company of St Ursula, later called the Ursulines, whose Nuns established places of prayer and learning throughout Europe and, later, worldwide, most notably in North America. Third Order Franciscan, Mystic, Apostle of the poor, sick and needy, Teacher, Penitent and Ascetic. She was Beatified on 30 April 1768 by Pope Clement XIII and Canonised on 24 May 1807 by Pope Pius VII.
(Her Feast day was moved in 1969 to 27 January.)
About this “Mover and Shaker” Female Saint:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/27/saint-of-the-day-27-january-st-angela-merici-1474-1540/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/01/saint-of-the-day-1-june-saint-angela-de-merici-1474-1540/

St Agapetus of Ruthenia
Bl Alfonso Navarrete Benito
Bl Arnald Arench
Bl Arnold of Geertruidenberg
St Atto of Oca
St Candida of Whitchurch
St Caprasius of Lérins
St Clarus of Aquitaine
St Claudius of Vienne
Bl Conrad of Hesse
St Conrad of Trier
St Crescentinus
St Cronan of Lismore
St Damian of Scotland
St Dionysius of Ruthenia
St Donatus of Lucania
St Felinus of Perugia
Bl Ferdinand Ayala
St Firmus
St Fortunatus of Spoleto
Bl Gaius Xeymon
St Gaudentius of Ossero
St Giuse Túc
St Gratian of Perugia
Bl Herculanus of Piegare
St Iñigo of Oña
St Ischryrion and Companions
Bl James of Strepar
Bl John Pelingotto
Bl John Storey
St Juventius
Bl Leo Tanaka
St Melosa
St Pamphilus of Alexandria
St Peter of Pisa (744–799) Deacon, Hermit
St Porphyrius of Alexandria
St Proculus of Bologna
St Proculus the Soldier
St Ronan
St Secundus of Amelia
St Seleucus of Alexandria
St Simeon of Syracuse
St Telga of Denbighshire
St Thecla of Antioch

Blessed Teobaldo Roggeri (c1100-1150) Layman Shoemaker, Porter, Apostle of the poor and needy, Penitent, Pilgrim. The Roman Martyrology states of him today: “In Alba in Piedmont, Blessed Teobaldo, who, driven by love for poverty, gave all his possessions to a widow and became a porter out of a spirit of humility, to carry the burdens of others on himself.”
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/01/saint-of-the-day-1-june-blessed-teobaldo-roggeri-c-1100-1150/

St Thespesius of Cappadocia
St Wistan of Evesham
St Zosimus of Antioch

Martyrs of Alexandria – 5 Saints: A group five of imperial Roman soldiers assigned to guard a group of Egyptian Christians who were imprisoned for their faith in the persecutions of Decius. During their trial, they encouraged the prisoners not to apostatize. This exposed them as Christians, were promptly arrested and executed. Martyrs. Their names are – Ammon, Ingen, Ptolomy, Theophilis and Zeno. They were beheaded in 249 at Alexandria, Egypt.

Martyrs of Caesarea – 3 Saints: Three Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Galerius. We know little more about them than the name – Paul, Valens and Valerius. They diedf in 309 at Caesarea, Palestine.

Martyrs of Lycopolis – 6 Saints: Five foot soldiers and their commander who were Martyred for their faith by order of the imperial Roman prefect Arriano during the persecutions of Decius. In Lycopolis, Egypt.

Martyrs of Rome – 6 Saints: A group of spiritual students of Saint Justin Martyr who died with him and about whom we know nothing else but their names – Carito, Caritone, Evelpisto, Ierace, Liberiano and Peone. In Rome, Italy.

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH

Thought for the Day – 31 May – Pray for Us … at the Hour of Our Death

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

Pray for Us … at the Hour of Our Death

O Mary, my tender Mother, be at my side throughout my life but especially at the hour of death.
Shelter me beneath thy maternal mantle and never let me be far apart from thee.
Grant that I may have a calm and peaceful death like thine own, a death made easy by a great love for Jesus and for thee, by the reception of the Holy Sacraments and by thy special blessing and presence, amen.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/31/thought-for-the-day-31-may-pray-for-us-at-the-hour-of-our-death/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/31/thought-for-the-day-31-may-pray-for-us-at-the-hour-of-our-death-2/

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Hail MARY!, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, QUEENSHIP of MARY, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The INCARNATION, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER

Quote/s of the Day – 31 May – The Queenship of Mary

Quote/s of the Day – 31 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Queenship of Mary

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

St John the Merciful (c 552-c 616)

Just as Mary surpassed in grace
all others on earth,
so also, in Heaven, is her glory unique.
If eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
nor the human heart conceived
what God has prepared
for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9),
who can express, what He has prepared,
for the woman who gave Him birth
and who loved Him,
as everyone knows,
more than anyone else?

St Bernard (1090-1153)
The Last Father
and Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

The Angels rejoiced to see their Queen,
the Apostles rejoiced to see their lady
and both obeyed her, with loving devotion.
… Therefore, when the Virgin of virgins
was led forth by God and her Son,
the King of kings. amid the company of exulting Angels
and rejoicing Archangels,
with the Heavens ringing with praise,
the prophecy of the psalmist was fulfilled,
in which he said to the Lord:
At your right hand stands the Queen,
clothed in gold of Ophir.

St Amadeus of Lausanne O.Cist (1108-1159)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, Hail MARY!, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, QUEENSHIP of MARY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 31 May – ‘ … This woman, alone of her kind, chosen by the world’s Creator … ‘

One Minute Reflection – 31 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Queenship of Mary – Eccli 24:5; 14:7; 14:9-11; 24:30-31, Luke 1:26-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Hail, full of grace!”– Luke 1:28

REFLECTION – “The degeneration caused by sin had obscured the beauty of our original nobility. But when the mother of supreme Beauty is born, our nature finds its purity once more and sees itself moulded according to the perfect model, worthy of God (Gn 1:26)… We had all preferred the world below to that above. There no longer remained any hope of salvation. The state of our nature cried aloud to Heaven to come to the rescue… Then, at last, in His good pleasure, the world’s Divine Artificer determined to make a new world appear, a different world full of harmony and youth.

Now, was it not fitting, that a most pure virgin without stain, should place herself at the service of this mysterious plan, first of all?… And where was this virgin to be found if not in this woman, alone of her kind, chosen by the world’s Creator before all generations? Yes, she indeed is Mother of God, divinely named Mary, whose womb gave birth to God Incarnate and whom, He Himself, had supernaturally prepared as His temple…

In this way, then, the design of the Redeemer of our race was to bring about a birth and, as it were, a new creation to replace the one that went before. Therefore, just as in Paradise He had taken a little clay, out of the pure and spotless earth, to fashion the first Adam (Gn 2:7), so, at the moment of bringing about His own Incarnation, He made use of another earth, so to speak, namely this pure and immaculate Virgin, chosen from among all other beings He had created. It is in her that He, Adam’s Creator, has remade us in our very substance and become a new Adam (1 Cor 15:45) that the old might be saved by the new and eternal.” – St Andrew of Crete (660-740) Bishop, Father (Sermon 1 for the Nativity of the Mother of God).

PRAYER – Grant we beseech Thee, O Lord, that we who keep the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Queen, safe under her protection, may be worthy to have peace now and glory, in the future. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY SPIRIT, DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, Our MORNING Offering, PENTECOST, PRAYERS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY SPIRIT

Our Morning Offering – 31 May – Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Ghost by St Bonaventure

Our Morning Offering – 31 May – Pentecost Wednesday

Prayer for the Gifts
of the Holy Ghost
By St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

We beg the All-Merciful Father through Thee,
His Only-Begotten Son, made Man for our sake,
Crucified and Glorified for us,
to send upon us, from His treasure-house,
the Spirit of Sevenfold Grace,
Who rested upon Thee in all His fullness.

The Spirit of Wisdom,
enabling us to relish the fruit of the tree of life,
which is indeed Thyself.
The Gift of Understanding,
to enlighten our perceptions.
The Gift of Prudence,
enabling us to follow in Thine Footsteps.
The Gift of Strength,
to withstand our adversary’s onslaught.
The Gift of Knowledge,
to distinguish good from evil,
by the light of Thine holy teaching.
The Gift of Piety,
to clothe ourselves with charity and mercy.
The Gift of Fear,
to withdraw from all ill-doing
and live quietly in awe
of Thy Eternal Majesty.

These are the things for which we petition.
Grant them for the honour of Thy Holy Name,
to which, with the Father and the Holy Ghost,
be all honour and glory, thanksgiving, renown
and Lordship, forever and ever.
Amen

Posted in MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 31 May – St Petronilla (1st Century) Virgin Martyr.

Saint of the Day – 31 May – St Petronilla (1st Century) Virgin Martyr. Born in the 1st Century as a Roman citizen and died in the same Century. Her Relics reside at Saint Peter’s Basilica Rome. Patronages – against fever, heirs of the Throne [Dauphins] of France, mountain travellers, treaties between Popes and Frankish Emperors, Acciano, Italy. Also known as – Petronilla of Rome, Aurelia Petronilla, Pernelle, Perolin, Perrenotte, Perrette, Perrine, Perronell, Petronella, Peyronne, Peyronnelle, Pierrette, Pérette, Périne, Pétronille.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Rome in the cemetery of Domitilla on the Via Ardeatina, Saint Petronilla, Virgin and Martyr.

As for many Saints of the early Christian era, even in this case there are conflicting reports or ‘Vitas.’ Also for Petronilla, despite the fact that she has had such a widespread cult, we have dubious legends about her.

What is certain is that she was buried in the Domitilla Cemetery near or within the underground Basilica of the Catacombs. Archaeological sources indicate the oldest testimony in a 4th Century fresco which still exists behind the apse of the underground Basilica, built by Pope Siricius between 390 and 395. The fresco depicts the blessed introduced into a paradise full of roses, held by the hand of a girl with her head covered and on whose side is written “Petronilla Mart(yr).

Fresco of the mid-4th Century, with the Martyr Petronilla on the right, leading a young woman named Veneranda into the garden of Paradise.

Petronilla is traditionally identified as the daughter of the Apostle St Peter, although this may stem simply from the similarity of their names. It is believed she may have been a converted by St Peter (and thus a “spiritual daughter”or his disciple or servant. It is said that Peter cured her of paralysis.

Many stories found in the writings of St Marcellus (and retold in The Golden Legend) say that Peter, who thought his daughter too beautiful, asked God to afflict her with a fever, of which he refused to cure her until she began to be perfected in the love of God.

She is said to have refused Count Flaccus’ hand in marriage. Traditions say she died a natural death but accounts of her Martyrdom can be found.

Petronilla is thought to have been Aurelia Petronilla, a scion of the gens Flavius, the family of Vespasian and Domitian. She was also related to St. Domitilla, who was exiled in the 1st Century to Pandateria, whose property on the Via Ardentina became a Catacomb Cemetary. Inscriptions there describe Petronilla as a Martyr.

During the Papacy of Siricius (384-399), a Basilica was built on the site of her tomb. In the 8th Century, Pope Gregory III established a place of public prayer in the Basilica and her Relics were translated o St Peter’s, where a Chapel was dedicated in her honour.

The Burial and Reception of St Petronilla into Heaven by Giovanni Francesco Barbieri (Guercino)

Emperors Charlemagne (died 814) and Carlomen (died 771) were considered adopted sons of St Peter and they, along with the French Monarchs who succeeded them, considered Petronilla their sister. Her Chapel became the Chapel of the Kings of France. Her emblem, like that of St. Peter, is a set of keys.

St Petronilla Statue on the Colonnade of St Peter’s Basilica, Rome