Author: AnaStpaul

Passionate Catholic. Being a Catholic is a way of life - a love affair "Religion must be like the air we breathe..."- St John Bosco Prayer is what the world needs combined with the example of our lives which testify to the Light of Christ. This site, which is now using the Traditional Calendar, will mainly concentrate on Daily Prayers, Novenas and the Memorials and Feast Days of our friends in Heaven, the Saints who went before us and the great blessings the Church provides in our Catholic Monthly Devotions. This Site is placed under the Patronage of my many favourite Saints and especially, St Paul. "For the Saints are sent to us by God as so many sermons. We do not use them, it is they who move us and lead us, to where we had not expected to go.” Charles Cardinal Journet (1891-1975) This site adheres to the pre-Vatican II Catholic Church and all her teachings. . PLEASE ADVISE ME OF ANY GLARING TYPOS etc - In June 2021 I lost 100% sight in my left eye and sometimes miss errors. Thank you and I pray all those who visit here will be abundantly blessed. Pax et bonum! 🙏
Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN TITLES, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, SAINT of the DAY, St Alphonsus de Liguori,

First Saturday, Santa Maria degli Angelis / Our Lady of Angels, Assisi (13th Century), St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, St Stephen I (Died 257) Pope, Martyr and the Saints for 2 August

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FIRST SATURDAY of August

St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church, Founder of the Redemptorists, Spiritual Writer, Composer, Musician, Artist, Poet, Lawyer, Scholastic Philosopher and Theologian. The Roman Martyrology states of St Alphonsus today: “At Nocera-de-Pagani, Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, Bishop of St Agatha of the Goths and Founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorists), distinguished by his zeal for the salvation of souls, by his writings, his preaching and his example.
He was inscribed on the Calendar of the Saints by Pope Gregory XVI in the year 1839, the 52nd after his happy death and , in 1871, was declared Doctor of the Universal Church by Pius IX, according to a decree of the Sacred Congregation of Rites.“
St Alphonsus!:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/08/01/saint-of-the-day-1-august-st-alphonsus-maria-de-liguori-c-ss-r-1696-1787-doctor-of-the-church/
AND MORE:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/08/01/saint-of-the-day-1-august-st-alphonsus-maria-de-liguori-c-ss-r-doctor-of-the-church/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/08/02/saint-of-the-day-2-august-st-alphonsus-maria-de-liguori-1696-1787-plus/

Santa Maria degli Angelis / Our Lady of Angels, Assisi, Italy (13th Century) Feast Day and Portiuncula Indulgence: 2 August
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/02/santa-maria-degli-angelis-our-lady-of-angels-assisi-italy-13th-century-feast-day-and-portiuncula-indulgence-and-memorials-of-the-saints-2-august/

St Pope Stephen I (Died 257) Pope, Martyr, Bishop of Rome from 12 May 254 until his death. Born in Rome and died on 1 August 257 by being beheaded as he concluded Holy Mass in the Cemetery of Callistus.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/02/saint-of-the-day-2-august-saint-stephen-i-died-257-pope-martyr/

St Auspicius of Apt
St Betharius of Chartres (Died c623) Bishop
St Etheldritha of of Croyland

Blessed Frederic Campisani OFM (c1255-1335) Third Order Religious of the Friar s Minor, Hermit, Mystic, Miracle-worker, Exorcist.
His Devout Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/08/02/saint-of-the-day-2-august-blessed-frederic-campisani-ofm-c1255-1335-hermit/


Bl Gundekar of Eichstätt
Bl Joanna of Aza
Bl John of Rieti
St Maximus (3rd/4th Century) Bishop of Padua
St Pedro de Osma
St Plegmund
St Rutilius

St Serenus of Marseilles (Died c606) Bishop of Marseilles
His Saintly Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/02/saint-of-the-day-2-august-saint-serenus-of-marseilles-died-c-606/

St Sidwell

Posted in AUGUST - The Immaculate Heart of Mary, IMMACULATE HEART PRAYERS, IMMACULATE HEART PRAYERS, IMMACULATE HEART Quotes, MARIAN TITLES, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS

1 August – The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Posted on by AnaStpaul

August – The Month of the
Immaculate Heart of Mary

In 1944, Pope Pius XII set the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary to be celebrated on 22 August as the Octave of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin on 15 August. Two years earlier, on the 25th Anniversary of the Fatima apparitions, Pope Pius XII, Consecrated the Catholic family and whole human race, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

August also celebrates the Marian Feast of Our Lady of the Snows (St Mary Major) on 5 August, Our Lady Refuge of Sinners on 13 August, Our Lady of Knock on 21 August, Our Lady of Czestochowa and Our Lady Health of the Sick on 24 August.

Posted in AUGUST - The Immaculate Heart of Mary, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, QUOTES on CHASTITY, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Thought for the Day – 1 August – The Virginal Purity of Mary

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

The Virginal Purity of Mary

“Purity is the most beautiful of virtues.

It is a virtue which is admired by God and by men, even by the most corrupt.
It is often said, that it makes us like the Angels but in fact, looking at it in a particular way, it makes us superior to the Angels.
Since they have no bodies, the angels cannot sin against purity, while we have to fight many battles and overcome many temptations, in order to preserve our chastity.
Jesus had a very special love for this virtue.
He chose to be born of a Virgin and, He showed a particular affection for St John, who was a dedicated celibate.
On one occasion, He placed His Hands on the head of a little child and said: “Unless you turn and become like little children, you will not enter into the kingdom of Heaven “(Mt:18.3)

Unfortunately, the virtue of purity is as fragile as it is beautiful.
It can be lost in a single moment of weakness.
We must love this virtue as Mary loved it.
We must be prepared to make any sacrifice, even the most heroic, rather than lose it.
Worldly charm and beauty attract us and the devil works hard to control our imagination and our affections.
On account of the disturbance of original sin, the flesh is like a terrible weight retarding our spiritual advancement.
Sometimes it seems as if it is irresistibly drawing us towards the abyss of impurity.
But we need not be dragged down, if we are prepared to fly from the occasions of sin and to pray to God and to our heavenly Mother for her intercession.
We must always act at once, for there is no time to dally.
It is fatal to remain inactive and to allow temptation to make its way into our soul.
This kind of battle, said St Francis de Sales, is won only by soldiers who flee.
We must fly from the occasions of sin, no matter what sacrifice this entails.
Jesus has warned us, that it is better to enter Heaven without a hand or a foot, than to be cast into hell.

We know the remedies – instant flight, heroic sacrifice and constant prayer.
We can leave the rest to the grace of God and to the maternal protection of Mary.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in AUGUST - The Immaculate Heart of Mary, FATHERS of the Church, IMMACULATE HEART PRAYERS, IMMACULATE HEART PRAYERS, INDULGENCES, MARIAN Aspirations and Ejaculations, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, MOTHER of GOD, PARTIAL Indulgence, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, Quotes on SALVATION, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, St Francis de Sales, The ANNUNCIATION, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, To JESUS through MARY

Quote/s of the Day – 1 August – Sweet Heart of Mary

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Quote/s of the Day – 1 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary”

Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation.

(1943 Raccolta – Indulgence 300 days)

“May the Blessed Virgin,
unique in her merits,
stand in the presence of her Creator
interceding always in our favour.
She will be radiant in the fullness of glory,
she who brought forth,
from her virginal womb,
the King of glory.”

St Amadeus of Lausanne (1108-1159) 

“The Blessed Virgin was chosen
to be the Mother of God
and, therefore, it is not to be doubted,
but that God fitted her for it
by His graces.”

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

“To ask favours without interposing Mary
is to attempt to fly without wings!”

“The prayers of Mary,
have the force of command with Jesus Christ.
Hence, it is impossible for the Son
not to grant a grace
for which the Mother asks.”

St Antoninus (1389-1459)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, St PETER!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 1 August – Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” – Matthew 16:16

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One Minute Reflection – 1 August – St Peter’s Chains – Acts 12:1-11, Matthew16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” – Matthew 16:16

REFLECTION – “Peter did not say “Thou are a Christ” or “a son of God” but “the Christ, the Son of God.” For there are many christs by grace, who have attained the rank of adoption [as sons] but [there is] only One Who is by nature the Son of God. Thus, using the definite article, he said, THE Christ, THE Son of God. And in calling Him, Son of the LIVING God, Peter indicates that Christ Himself is Life and that death has no authority over Him. And even if the flesh, for a short while, was weak and died, nevertheless, it rose again, since the Word, Who dwelled in it, could not be held under the bonds of death.” – St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Known as “The Pillar of Faith” Archbishop of Alexandria, Father and Doctor Incarnationis (Doctor of the Incarnation) (Fragment 190).

PRAYER – O God, Who didst loose the blessed Apostle, Peter, from his chains and didst make him go forth unharmed, loose, we pray, the chains of our sins and in Thy Merc, ward off from us every evil.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in HYMNS, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, IMMACULATE HEART PRAYERS, IMMACULATE HEART PRAYERS, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Our Morning Offering – 1 August – I’ll Sing a Hymn to Mary

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Our Morning Offering – 1 August – “The Month of the Immqculate Heart of Mary”

I’ll Sing a Hymn to Mary
By Father John Wyse (1825-1898)
Irish Priest and Hymn writer

I’ll sing a hymn to Mary,
The Mother of my God,
The Virgin of all virgins,
Of David’s royal blood.
O teach me, Holy Mary,
A loving song to frame,
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
To love and bless thy name.

O Lily of the Valley,
O Mystic Rose, what tree,
Or flower, e’en the fairest,
Is half so fair as thee?
O let me, tho’ so lowly
Recite my Mother’s fame.
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
I’ll love and bless thy name.

O noble Tower of David,
Of gold and ivory.
The ark of God’s own promise,
The gate of Heav’n to me.
To live and not to love thee
Would fill my soul with shame.
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
I’ll love and bless thy name.

When troubles dark afflict me
In sorrow and in care,
Thy light doth ever guide me
O beauteous Morning Star.
Lo, I’ll be ever ready
Thy goodly help to claim,
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
To love and bless thy name.

The saints are high in glory,
With golden crowns so bright;
But brighter far is Mary,
Upon her throne of light.
Oh that which God did give thee,
Let mortal ne’er disclaim;
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
I’ll love and bless thy name.

But in the crown of Mary,
There lies a wonderous gem,
As Queen of all the Angels,
Which Mary shares with them;
No sin hath e’er defiled thee,
So doth our faith proclaim;
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
I’ll love and bless thy name.

And now O Virgin Mary
My mother and my Queen,
I’ve sung thy praise so bless me,
And keep my heart from sin.
When others jeer and mock thee,
I’ll often think how I
To shield my Mother, Mary,
Would lay me down and die.

Verses 4, 5 and 6 omitted on image.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 1 August – Saint Verus (4th Century) Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 1 August – Saint Verus (4th Century) Bishop of Vienne in France. Verus was the 4th Bishop of the Diocese. Also known as – Vère or Vérus, Vero.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Vienne, St Verus Bishop.”

Unknown early French Bishop and Saint

Verus, whose origins and earlier life are unknown, was the Bishop of Vienne. In the official Chronology of the Vienne Diocese, he appears after Saint Martin and before Saint Justus.

The name of Bishop Verus is found in the Chronology of the cCty compiled by Bishop Adone in the second half of the 9th Century and is part of that list; all the first 40 Bishops of Vienne are mentioned as Saints.

His name is also included in the two Episcopal series existing at the time of Bishop Léger, author of a ‘Liber Episcopalis Viennensis Ecclesiae.’

His name appears in the Acts and Decrees of the Council of Arles in 314. This attestation disproves the hypothesis that he was a disciple of the Apostles and a contemporary of Trajan and Nerva.

His Feastday has always been 1 August, according to Ado’s Martyrologie and the Bollandists.

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, St PETER!

First Friday, Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, St Peter’s Chains, Portiuncula Indulgence, Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes / Our Lady of Mercy, Barcelona, Spain (1218) and Memorials of the Saints – 1 August

Posted on by AnaStpaul

AUGUST – The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

FIRST FRIDAY of August

St Peter’s Chains
https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/01/1-august-the-feast-of-saint-peter-in-chains/

The Portiuncula Indulgence:
An Indulgence which may be gained in any Church so designated by the Bishop, by all the faithful who, after Confession and Holy Communion, visit such Churches between noon of 1 August and midnight of 2 August, or on the Sunday following. The Indulgence is toties quoties and is applicable to the souls in Purgatory.

Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes / Our Lady of Mercy, Barcelona, Spain (1218,) Founding of the Mercedarian Order – 1 August, 24 September :
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/01/feast-saint-peter-in-chains-the-portiuncula-indulgence-nuestra-senora-de-las-mercedes-our-lady-of-mercy-barcelona-spain-1218-and-memorials-of-the-saints-1-august/

St Adela Mardosewicz
St Alexander of Perga
St Almedha
St Arcadius
St Attius of Perga
St Buono
St Brogan
St Emericus

St Ethelwold (c912-984) Bishop of Winchester, Monk, Abbot, Reformer, Founder and restorer of many Monasteries and Convents.
St Ethelwold’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/01/saint-of-the-day-1-august-saint-ethelwold-of-winchester-c-912-984/

St Exuperius of Bayeux
St Faustus

St Felix of Gerona (Died c304) Deacon Martyr, Missionary, Preacher and courageous Evangeliser heading directly into the Diocletian persecutions.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Gerona in Spain, the birthday of the holy Martyr Felix. After enduring various torments, by order of Daciall, he was cut with knives, until he gave his undaunted soul to Christ.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/08/01/saint-of-the-day-1-august-st-felix-of-gerona-died-c304-deacon-martyr/

St Friard

Blessed Giovanni Bufalari OSA (c1318-c1350) Friar of the Order of the Hermits of St Augustine, Porter at his Monastery, Apostle of the poor and sick. Brother of Blessed Lucia Bufalari.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/01/saint-of-the-day-1-august-blessed-giovanni-bufalari-osa-c-1318-c-1350/
AND His Sister here:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/27/saint-of-the-day-27-july-blessed-lucy-bufalari-of-amelia-osa-died-1350-virgin/


St Jonatus
St Justin of Paris
St Kenneth of Wales
St Leontius of Perga
St Maur
St Nemesius Confessor No information about him has survived.
Bl Orlando of Vallombrosa
St Peregrinus of Modena
St Rioch
Bl Rudolph
St Secundel
St Secundus of Palestrina
St Sophia
St Verus (4th Century) Bishop pf Vienne in France

Seven Holy Brother Maccabees – 8 Saints: “At Antioch, the Martyrdom of the Seven Holy Brothers, the Maccabees and thei mother, who suffered under King Antiochus Epiphanes. Their relics were transferred to Rome and placed in the Church of St Peter in Chains.”

Saints Faith, Hope and Charity: The daughters of Saint Sophia. While still children, they were tortured and Martyred for their faith in the persecutions of Hadrian. They were scourged, thrown into a fire, and then beheaded.

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY

Thought for the Day – 31 July – Entrusting Ourselves to God

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

Entrusting Ourselves to God

“Sometimes the cross seems too heavy.
Physical or moral sufferings may give rise to a feeling of rebellion, or temptations may grow so strong that I feel overwhelmed and unable to experiece the supernatural influence of God’s grace.

At such times, I should remember the words of Jesus: “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light” (Mt 11:28).

If I leave myself entirely in God’s hands, my cross will become lighter.
My worries and woes, will be easier to bear and, I shall not be excessively elated by worldly pleasures.

All the Saints had perfect TRUST in God.
Therefore, they were always content.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Part One of ‘Entrusting Ourselves to God’ here:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/16/thought-for-the-day-16-july-entrusting-ourselves-to-god/

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on WISDOM, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY

Quote/s of the Day – 31 July – St Ignatius Loyola

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Quote/s of the Day – 31 July – St Ignatius Loyola SJ (1491-1556) Priest, Confessor, Founder, Theologian, Spiritual Writer, Mystic.

Suscipe
“Receive”
By St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

Receive, O Lord,
all my liberty.
Take my memory, understanding
and entire will.
Whatsoever I have or hold,
Thou hast given it – I give all back to Thee
and commit it wholly to be governed by Thy Will.
Thy Love and Thy Grace give unto me
and I am rich enough
and ask for nothing more!
Amen

“God takes special care
to detach from the passing pleasures of this world,
those whom He Loves with special predilection,
by sending them desires after heavenly bliss
and, by the sorrows and bitterness
of the present life.”

“A precious crown is reserved in Heaven
for those who endow their actions with
all the diligence of which they are capable,
for, it is not enough to do good,
we must do it well!”

“Truth, always shines with the brightness
which belongs to it, while falsehood,
is wrapped in darkness –
to dispel this darkness, it is enough,
to put falsehood in the presence of truth!”

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings?
And yet not one of them is forgotten before God.
Yes, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Therefore, do not be afraid, you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Luke 12:6-7

“It seems to me you ought to resolve to carry out
peacefully what you can.
Do not worry about all the rest
but entrust to Divine Providence
that which you are unable to accomplish on your own.
What is pleasing to God, is the reasonable care and attention
we give, to accomplishing well, whatever business
we must undertake through duty.
What is not pleasing to God,
is anxiety and disquiet of mind.
The Lord wants our limitations and weaknesses,
to find their support in His Strength;
He wants us to hope that His Goodness
will complete and perfect, the imperfectness of our means.
… May the Divine Goodness always be pleased
to communicate His Light of Wisdom to us,
so that we may clearly see and firmly accomplish,
His good pleasure, for ourselves and for others …
so that we may accept from His Hand,
whatever He sends us, taking due note
of what is the most important – patience,
humility, obedience and charity!”

(Letter of 17 November 1555)

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/31/quote-s-of-the-day-31-july-st-ignatius-loyola-2/

St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on MISSION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection –31 July – ‘What harvest is this? …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 31 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Ignatius Loyola SJ (1491-1556) Priest, Confessor, Founder, Theologian, Spiritual Writer, Mystic – 2 Timothy 2:8-10; 3:10-12 – Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest that He send labourers into Hi, s harvest.” – Luke 10:2

REFLECTION – “The gospel that has just been read to us invites us to seek out what this harvest might be of which the Lord says to us that: “The harvest is indeed great, the laborers are few, so pray the lord of the harvest that He send labourers into His harvest.” So it was that,, in addition to those twelve disciples whom He called Apostles (those who have been sent), He sent out seventy-two others. All of them, as His own words reveal, were sent to work at a harvest that had already been prepared.  What harvest is this? They were not going to reap a harvest from the Gentiles, where nothing had yet been sown, so we must think of a harvest among the Jews. It was in order to reap this harvest that the Lord of the harvest came. But to the other peoples He sent, not reapers but sowers. Among the Jews, then, there was a harvest but elsewhere, the sowing. And it was particularly, while reaping among the Jews, that He chose the Apostles. Harvest time had come, the harvest was ripe, for the Prophets had done their sowing among them…

Did not the Lord declare to His disciples: “You say the harvest will be a long time. I tell you, look up and see, the fields ripe for harvest,” (Jn 4:35)? And again, He said: “Others have done the work and you are sharing the fruits of their work,” (ibid v.38).  Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and the Prophets, have done the work, they worked hard to sow the seed. At His coming, the Lord found the harvest to be ripe and He sent out the reapers, with the scythe of the Gospel.” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 101).

PRAYER – O God, Who, to spread abroad the greater glory of Thy Name through St Ignatius, strengthened the Church militant with new power; grant that we ,who are struggling on earth, may, by his help and after his example, be found worthy to be crowned with him in Heaven. 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 GOD ALONE!, HYMNS, JESUIT SJ, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 31 July – I Love Thee, O Thou Lord Most High!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 31 July – St Ignatius Loyola SJ (1491-1556) Priest, Confessor, Founder, Theologian, Spiritual Writer, Mystic

I Love Thee, O Thou Lord Most High!
Translation and Parphrase
of St Ignatius Loyola’s Latin Hymn
By Fr Edward Caswell CO (1814-1878)

I love, I love Thee, Lord most high!
Because Thou first hast loved me;
I seek no other liberty
But that of being bound to Thee.

May memory no thought suggest,
But shall to Thy pure glory tend;
My understanding find no rest
Except in Thee, its only End.

My God, I here protest to Thee,
No other will have I than Thine;
Whatever Thou hast given me,
I here again to Thee resign.

All mine is Thine — say but the word,
Whate’er Thou wllest shall be done;
I know Thy Love, all-gracious Lord;
I know It seeks my good alone.

Apart from Thee, all things are naught;
Then grant, O my supremest bliss!
Grant me to love Thee as I ought;
Thou givest all in giving this!

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 31 July – Saint Calimerius (Died c190) Bishop and Martyr of Milan.

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 31 July – Saint Calimerius (Died c190) Bishop and Martyr of Milan. Patronage – Milan. Also known as – Calimero. Additional Memorial in Milan – 25 September along with their other Sainted Bishops.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Milan, during the persecution of Antoninus, St Calimerius, Bishop and Martyr, who was arrested, covered with wounds and pierced through the next with a sword. He terminated his Martyrdom by being precipitated into a well.”

Born into a noble family, after a trip to Rome, he was Ordained ato the Priesthood.

Upon the death of the Bishop of Milan, St Castriziano, to whom he had been a faithful assistant, Calimerius was elected by the people to succeed him.

He served his Episcopal See from 270 to 280. Tradition holds that St Calimeriuswas a Martyr, having tbeen hrown into a well by the pagans, where he died.

St Calimerius is buried in the Basilica dedicated to him in Milan. In the 8th Century, his Relics were found immersed in a well in the Basilica’s Crypt which still exists today.

On the Saint’s Feastday, water from the well was distributed to the sick and many miracles were granted at St Calimerius’ intercesseion.

The Milanese Church commemorates its 4th Martyred Bishop on 31 July. Along with the other Milanese Bishop Saints, St Calimerius is also celebrated on 25 September.

Posted in JESUIT SJ, SAINT of the DAY

St Ignatius Loyola and all the Saints celebrated on 31 July

Posted on by AnaStpaul

St Ignatius of Loyola SJ (1491-1556) Inigo Lopez de Loyola – Confessor, Priest, Mystic Founder of the Society of Jesus and Theologian, Author of the Spiritual Exercises.
Biography here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/07/31/saint-of-the-day-31-july-st-ignatius-loyola-founder-of-the-society-of-jesusthe-jesuits/
AND:
More on St Ignatius:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/31/31-july-st-ignatius-loyola/ a/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/31/saint-of-the-day-31-july-revisiting-st-ignatius-loyola-1491-1556-confessor/

St Calimerius (Died c190) Bishop and Martyr of Milan

Blessed Everard Hanse (Died 1581) Priest Martyr.
His Life and Gruesome Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/31/saint-of-the-day-31-july-blessed-everard-hanse-died-1581-priest-martyr/

St Fabius of Caesarea
St Firmus Bishop and Confessor f Tagaste

St Germanus of Auxerre (c 378 – c 448) Bishop of Auxerre (c 378 – c 448) Lawyer, Missionary, Reformer, Exorcist, Miracle-Worker.
St Germanus’ Life of Grace:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/31/saint-of-the-day-31-july-st-germanus-dauxerre-c-378-c-448/

Blessed Giovanni Colombini (1300-1367) Confessor, Layman, Husband and Father, Founder of the Apostolic Clerics of Saint Jerome (the Jesuati), Apostle of the poor and the sick, Penitent, Missionary, Miracle-worker. After many miracles had occurred at his tomb, Pope Gregory XIII inserted Giovanni Colombini’s name in the Roman Martyrology, fixing 31 July for the celebration of his feast
His Zealous and Devoted Life
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/31/saint-of-the-day-31-july-blessed-giovanni-colombini-1300-1367/

St Helen of Skofde
St Neot

Martyrs of Syria – 350 Saints: 350 monks massacred by heretics for their adherence to orthodox Christianity and the decrees of the Council of Chalcedon. 517 in Syria.

Martyrs of Synnada: 3 Saints
Democritus
Dionysius the Martyr
Secundus

Posted in "Follow Me", CHARITY - Fr Richard Clarke SJ, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MORTAL SIN

Thought for the Day – 30 July – Charity, a Supreme Love

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 30 July – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

CHARITY
Meditations for a Month

Charity, a Supreme Love

Charity does not exist within the soul of anyone who does not love God above all things. If some created being has the first place in our heart and God only the second, then, we are the enemies, not the friends of God. He must have all our heart or none!
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with thy whole heart and thy whole soul.”
If, any person or thing, hinders this supreme love for God, we must avoid it at any cost. If this is impossible, we must pray earnestly that we may never fall into the terrible misfortune of loving the creature more than the Creator, Who is God, blessed forever.

This, however, does not mean that we must have a stronger feeling of love for God than for some loved object upon earth. We cannot always control our feelings. We are creatures of sense and our senses and imagination have great power over us.
Nor does it mean that the love of God is to swallow up the love of created things. This is impossible.
Nor, again, does it mean, there must be no possible circumstances which we can imagine, wherein we could not promise to choose God, however violent the temptation might be.
It simply means that, as I am now and under the present circumstances, I would give up anything rather than mortally offend God.

This supreme love of God includes a conviction that God is our best friend and, therefore, He will never ask of us what is beyond our power. He will provide an escape from every temptation, however violent.
Hence, I will have no fear about the future. God will never ask of me what He does not give me strength to perform!

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, HYMNS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 30 July – Be Thou my Vision …

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 30 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Abdon and St Senen (Died c250) Martyrs – 2 Corinthians 6:4-10; Matthew 5:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward
will be great in Heaven.”

Matthew 5:12

“I know a man in Christ—
whether he was in or outside the body,
I do not know, God knows—
who was snatched up to the third heaven. . .
and heard secret words,
words which it is not granted to man to utter.”

2 Corinthians 12:2-4

“A servant of the Lord
stands bodily before men
but mentally,
he is knocking at the gates of Heaven.
with prayer.”

St John Climacus (c 525-606)
Father of the Church

Be Thou My Vision
By St Dallan Forgaill (c530- 598)
Martyr

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy Presence my Light.

Be Thou my Wisdom and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord.
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my Battle-shield, Sword for my fight,
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.
Thou my soul’s shelter, Thou my high tower.
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always.
Thou and Thou only, First in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Son,
Heart of my heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

St Dallan here:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/01/29/saint-of-the-day-29-january-st-dallan-forgaill-c-530-598/

“Give of your earthly goods
and receive eternal ones;
give earth and receive Heaven!”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“ In this vale of tears, even the happiest life is misery
compared to the life in Heaven.
Even the perfect tranquillity and peace,
enjoyed by the Saints of God on earth,
is confusion and trouble compared
to the peace of Heaven.
Yet, we can begin even here,
a life which contains the germ of Paradise.
The essential element of Heaven,
is union with God,and those,
who are united to God by supernatural charity,
have in them, the seed of Heaven’s happiness.”

How to Begin Heaven on Earth
Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PURITY, The HEART, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 30 July – ‘ … The vision of God is promised ONLY to people with a pure heart. …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 30 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Abdon and St Senen (Died c250) Martyrs – 2 Corinthians 6:4-10 – Matthew 5:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“They shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8

REFLECTION – “We want to see God, we seek to see Him, we ardently desire to see Him. Who does not desire this? But note what the Gospel says: “Blest are the pure of heart, they shall see God.” Do what is necessary in order to see Him! To compare it with something from material reality, how can you want to contemplate the rising sun if your eyes are sick? If your eyes are healthy that light will be a pleasure for you; if they are sick, it will be torture for you. You will surely not be allowed to see, with an impure heart, that which one can only see with a pure heart. You will be moved away, put at a distance, you will not see!

How often did the Lord proclaim people to be ‘blest‘? What reasons for eternal happiness did He cite, what good works, what gifts, what merits and what rewards? No other! the beatitude says, “They shall see God.” This is what the others say: “How blest are the poor in spirit, the reign of God is theirs. Blest are the lowly; they shall inherit the land. Blest are the sorrowing; they shall be consoled. Blest are they who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall have their fill. Blest are they who show mercy; mercy shall be theirs.” So none other asserts, “They shall see God.”

The vision of God is promised ONLY to those with a pure heart. This is not without a reason, since the eyes which allow us to see God are in the heart. Those are the eyes the Apostle Paul was speaking of when he said: “May He enlighten your innermost vision” (Eph 1:18). So, at the present time because of their weakness, those eyes are enlightened by faith; later, because of their strength, they will be enlightened by vision… “Now we see indistinctly, as in a mirror; then we shall see face-to-face.” (1 Cor 13:12).” (1 Cor 13:12).” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 53).

PRAYER – O God, Who bestowed upon Thy Saints, Abdon and Sennen, an abundance of grace to bring them to this glory, grant to Thy servants forgiveness of their sins, so they may be found worthy to be freed from all harm, through the interceding merits of Thy Saints. 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, FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on PURITY, The BEATITUDES

Our Morning Offering – 30 July – Lord Jesus, Think on Me

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 30 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood”

Lord Jesus, Think on Me
By St Synesius of Cyrene (375-430)
Bishop of Ptolemais, Father

Lord Jesus, think on me
and purge away my sin,
from earth-born passions set me free,
and make me pure within.
Lord Jesus, think on me,
With care and woe oppressed,
let me Thy loving servant be
and taste Thy promised rest.
Lord Jesus, think on me,
nor let me go astray,
through darkness and perplexity
point Thou the heav’nly way.
Lord Jesus, think on me,
that, when the flood is past,
I may eternal brightness see
and share Thy joy at last.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 30 July – St Hatebrand OSB (Died 1198) Abbot,

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 30 July – St Hatebrand OSB (Died 1198) Abbot, Monk at Saint Paul’s Abbey in Utrecht, Netherlands. Hatebrand became the Abbot there or possibly he founded a new Monastery in the region of Antwerp but this cannot be verified . Born in Frisia and died at his Monastery there in modern Antwerp in Belgium

This Painting of St Hatebrand resides in the St. Andrieskerk in Antwerpen.

Hatebrand a native of the region became a Benedictine Monk at St Paul’s Monastery in Utrecht. In around 1183 he became the Abbot and/or founded a Monastery near Felwerd possibly in Bsouth Belgium.

Our St Hatebrand is famed for having revived the Benedictine Order and Rule in the area of Frisia.

He died in 1198 and his Relics are at Sint-Benedictuskerk in Mortsel which is now in Belgium in the Province of Antwerp.

St Benedict Church where St Hatebrand’s Relics are enshrined
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Notre-Dame-de-Gray / Our Lady of Gray, France (1602), Sts Abdon and Senen, Martyrs and the Saints – 30 July

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Notre-Dame-de-Gray / Our Lady of Gray, France (1602) – 30 July:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/30/notre-dame-de-gray-our-lady-of-gray-france-1602-and-memorials-of-the-saints-30-july/

* St Abdon and St Senen (Died c250) Martyrs. Both our Martyrs were born in Persia and died in Rome by tortures and finally beheading around 250 under the persecutions of Emperor Decius. Patronages – against eye diseases, against rickets, against vermin, of barrel and cask makers, of blind children and children in general, of farmers and gardeners, of Arles and the Diocese of Perpignan in France, of Calasparra, in Murcia, Spain.
Their Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/30/saint-s-of-the-day-30-july-saint-abdon-and-saint-senen-died-c250-martyrs/

Bl Antonio di San Pietro
Bl Edward Powell
St Ermengyth

St Godelieve (c1049-1070) Flemish Laywoman. Born in c1049 at Londefort-lez-Boulogne, France and died by being strangled by her mother-in-law’s and husband’s servants on 6 July 1070 at Gistel, Belgium. Patronages – difficult marriages, against abuse and spousal abuse, against throat diseases, in-law problems, for good weather and against storms.
Her Life and Sad Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/30/saint-of-the-day-30-july-saint-godelieve-c-1049-1070/

St Hatebrand OSB (Died 1198) Abbot
St Julitta of Caesarea

Blessed Manés de Guzmán OP (c1168-1235) Dominican Priest and Friar, Brother of Saint Dominic. He was Beatified on 2 June 1834 by Pope Gregory XVI.
Holy Bl Manés de Guzmán:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/30/saint-of-the-day-30-july-blessed-manes-de-guzman-op-c-1168-1235/

Blessed Manés on the left and Saint Dominic on the right

Bl Richard Featherstone
St Rufinus of Assisi
* St Senen
St Tatwine of Canterbury
St Terenzio of Imola
Bl Thomas Abel
St Ursus of Auxerre

Martyrs of Tebourba – 3 Saints: Three girls Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little else about them but the names – Donatilla, Maxima and Secunda. 304 at Tebourba in North Africa.

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, GOD the FATHER, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on SIN, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The REDEMPTION

Thought for the Day – 29 July – Why God Created Us

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

Why God Created Us

“We should ask the reason for everything which comes from the Hand of God.
Have you ever seriously considered WHY you are in this world?
It is certainly not for the sake of this passing earthly existence, for the sake of earning your living, or enjoying yourself.
You know well, that the passing pleasures of this life do not satisfy the human heart and cannot be the final goal of life.
Each one of us has a thirst for all that is infinite, eternal and perfect.
God alone can satisfy this thirst.
Just as we are created by God, so we are created for Him.
Just as we came from God, so we are gradually travelling back towards Him, for He is the final goal of our earthly journey.
We should meditate on this great truth which we were first taught in the Catechism, namely, that we were created to know, love and serve God on this earth and to be happy with Him forever in Heaven.
Let us not allow ourselves to be dazzled by earthly beauty.
God alone is the eternal beauty which will satisfy our hearts.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/26/thought-for-the-day-26-march-why-god-created-us/

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 29 July – Being Marthas and acting like Marys … St Augustine

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Quote/s of the Day – 29 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Martha, Sister of Saint Lazarus and Saint Mary of Bethany – 2 Corinthians 10:17-18; 11:1-2 – Luke 10:38-42 –Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious
and troubled about many things
and yet, only one thing is needful.
Mary has chosen the best part
and it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:41-42 –

“Martha’s life is our own world;
Mary’s life, the world we are waiting for.
Let us live this one in uprightness,
so that we may gain the other, in its fullness.
What do we already possess
of that life here below?
… At this moment precisely,
we are leading the life to come to a certain extent –
you have gathered together,
away from matters of business,
apart from family cares
and are present here to listen.
When you act like this,
then you resemble Mary. ”

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

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOD ALONE!, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FRIENDSHIP, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, St Francis de Sales, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 July – ‘Love everyone with a great, charitable love but …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 29 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Martha, Sister of Saint Lazarus and Saint Mary of Bethany – 2 Corinthians 10:17-18, 11:1-2 – Luke 10:38-42 –Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But one thing is necessary. Mary hath chosen the best part which shall not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:42

REFLECTION – “Love everyone with a great, charitable love but have no friendship except for those who communicate with you in the things of virtue. … If this communication be in the sciences, the friendship is certainly very commendable but still more so, if it be in virtues, in prudence, discretion, fortitude and justice. Should your mutual and reciprocal communications relate to charity, devotion and Christian perfection, O God, how precious will this friendship be! It will be excellent because it comes from God; excellent because it tends to God; excellent because its very bond is God; excellent because, it shall last eternally in God. Oh, how good it is to love on earth as they love in Heaven and to learn to cherish one another in this world, as we shall do eternally in the next!

I speak not here of that simple love of charity which we must have for all but of that spiritual friendship, by which two, three or more souls communicate one to another their devotion and spiritual affections and make themselves have but one spirit. (Cf. Acts 4:32) Such happy souls may justly sing: “Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Ps 132:1). … I consider all other friendships as but so many shadows in comparison with this one …. For Christians who live in the world and desire to embrace true vrtue, it is necessary to unite themselves together by a holy and sacred friendship. By this means they encourage, assist and conduct one another to good deeds … Surely no-one can deny that our Lord loved Saint John, Lazarus, Martha and Mary .with a more sweet and most special friendship, for Scripture tells us so.” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church (Introduction to the Devout Life III 19).

PRAYER – Graciously hear us, God our Saviour, that as we rejoice in the festival of blessed Martha, Thy Virgin, so may we be nourished by the food of her heavenly teaching as to be enlightened by the fervour of her dedicated holiness.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 ACT of CONTRITION, GOD ALONE!, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, Our MORNING Offering, PAPAL PRAYERS, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The HEART, The WILL of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 29 July – O Good Jesus, Make Me Live in Thee and for Thee

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 29 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood”

O Good Jesus, Make Me
Live in Thee and for Thee
By Pope Benedict XV (1854-1922)

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

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 29 July – Saint Kilian (8th Century) Abbot

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 29 July – Saint Kilian (8th Century) Abbot of Inish-caltra Monastery, Scholar, Poet and Writer. Also known as – Coelan, Chelian.

Inish-caltra Monastery

Inish-caltra was an Island Monastery of Lough Derg, County Clare. Its monastic school continued to produce a number of scholars over the centuries and our Saint Kilian is said to have authored a metrical life of Saint Brigid of Kildare.

Alas, the surviving manuscripts are not of good quality and the language used is not that of our Saint’s time, so scholars find some difficulties with the attribution to Saint Kilian. If nothing else though, Canon O’Hanlon’s account below gives us an insight into some of the difficulties faced by the great 17th Century hagiologist, Father John Colgan, as he sought to collate the existing sources for the lives of Ireland’s Saints:

Unknown Irish Monk

“This highly gifted, esteemed and worthy Religious, had laboured so earnestly and so well, in his great and holy avocation to meet that God, Whose service was the sole absorbing object of his life that his future rewards were secured, even before they were fully realised.
An elegant scholar, his mind, was furthermore enlightened by the gifts of grace. It is much to be regretted, however, that his personal history has been so obscured and it has become so difficult of elucidation. T
he Natalis of St Chelian, Kilian or Coelan, a Monk of Inis-keltra, occurs on the 29th of July, according to the Martyrology of Tallagh.”

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna dei Miracoli / Holy Mary of Miracles, Morbio Inferiore, Ticino, Switzerland (1594), St Martha and Memorials of the Saints – 29 July

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Madonna dei Miracoli / Holy Mary of Miracles, Morbio Inferiore, Ticino, Switzerland (1594) – 29 July:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/29/madonna-dei-miracoli-holy-mary-of-miracles-morbio-inferiore-ticino-switzerland-1594-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

St Martha – Sister of Saint Lazarus and Saint Mary of Bethany. Friend of Jesus and hostess to Him in her house. May have been part of an early mission to France.
St Martha:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/29/saint-of-the-day-29-july-st-martha-virgin-1st-century/
More on St Martha here:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/29/saint-of-the-day-29-july-st-martha/

St Antony
Bl Beatrix of Valfleury
St Callinicus of Paphlagonia
St Faustinus of Spello
St Felix II Pope and Martyr
St John the Soldier
St Kilian (8th Century) Abbot of Inish-caltra Monastery

Blessed Luis Bertran OP (1594-1627) Martyr, Spanish Priest and Missionary of the Order of Preachers. Beatified on 7 May 1867 by Pope Pius IX.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/29/saint-s-of-the-day-29-july-blessed-luis-bertran-op-1594-1627-and-companions-martyrs/

St Lupus (c383-c479) Bishop and Confessor of Troyes, France. Defender – defended the City from the devatating fury of the Huns and strenuously fought the rampant heretical climate. He was also a friend of Bishop St Euphronius of Autun (Died c473).
His Devout and Zealous Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/29/saint-of-the-day-29-july-saint-lupus-of-troyes-c383-c479-bishop-and-confessor/

Bl Mancius of the Cross
St Olaf II
St Olaus of Sweden
Bl Petrus of Saint Mary
St Prosper of Orleans
St Seraphina
St Serapia of Syria
St Sulian

St William Pinchon (1180-1234) Bishop of Saint Brieuc, Confessor. William was a champion for the poor and defended the rights and privileges of the Church against secular intervention.
His LZealous ife:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/29/saint-of-the-day-29-july-st-william-pinchon-of-saint-brieuc-1180-1234/

Four Anonymous Martyrs

Martyrs of Rome – 23 Saints also known as St Simplicius and Companions: Antony, Beatrix, Eugene, Faustinus, Felix, Flora, Lucilla, Rufo, Simplicius, Theodore, Eugene, Flora the Martyr, Lucilla, Theodore.

Posted in GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The HEART

Thought for the Day – 28 July – The Power of God’s Love in the Christian Life

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

The Power of God’s Love in the Christian Life

“Everyday, in the lives of the Saints, was a continual act of love of God.
This was how they became holy.
They loved God intensely all the time.
They loved Him above all things.
Everything which they thought, desired or did, was directed to Him.
Their entire lives were consecrated to Him.

We should all desire to be holy, if we do, we must love God with our whole heart, strength and will.
Not until then, will every action of ours become meritorious.
Holiness is born of the love of God.
Without the love of God, everything is futile and useless; our conversation is so much idle chatter;  our desires are empty dreams which excite us for a while and then dissolve like bubbles of soap;  our actions are unprofitable and our enterprises are not aimed at a true objective;  our achievements can inflate us for a time but they will leave us disillusioned at the hour of death.

The love of God is necessary for us.
He alone is entirely worthy of our affection.
Other loves are passing but, this love is eternal.
Other loves confuse and trouble us but, the love of God gives us peace of soul.
Other loves weaken and vanish with time but, the love of God is the source of all holiness in this life and of eternal happiness in the next.
Why, then, do we not forget our worldly preoccupations?
Let us give our hearts to God forever and we shall be in possession of the one true happiness which never fades.“

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in "Follow Me", DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, OUR Cross, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, St Francis de Sales, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Quote/s of the Day – 28 July – ‘ … Rejoice, you who are last in this world …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 28 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Sts Nazarius and Celus, Martyrs and St Pope Victor I (Died c199)

“Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in Heaven.”
Matthew 5:12

“ Rejoice, ardent travellers,
at undergoing exile and maltreatment
in a foreign land in the name
of the commandment of God!
Rejoice, you who are last in this world
but lords of blessings
which exceed our understanding (cf Phil 4:7).
Yet a little while and we shall have vanquished.
And blessed shall we be;
blessed also, it shall be said,
are the places, family and countries
which have borne you (cf Lk 11:27-28).”

St Theodore the Studite (759-826)

“Rejoice and be happy!
Persevere to the end
and prefer to die
rather than abandon the post,
to which God has called you!”

St Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)

“Crosses, contempt,
sorrows and afflictions,
are the real treasures
of the lovers of Jesus Christ Crucified.”

St Margaret Mary Alacoque
(1647-1690)

“You must choose – is it better
that there should be thorns in your garden,
in order to have roses,
or that there should be no roses
in your garden,
in order to have no thorns?”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOD ALONE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The HOLY NAME, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 July – ‘ … He will not refuse what He has promised. …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 28 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Sts Nazarius and Celus, Martyrs and St Pope Victor I (Died c199 – Wisdom 10:17-20 – Luke 21:9-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And you shall be hated by all men for My Name’s sake. But not a hair of your head shall perish.” – Luke 21:17-18

REFLECTION – “Such as breathe out violence, have risen up against me” (Ps 26:12) … The psalmist struggles in the hands of those who pursue and attack him; he is breathless, struggling but he holds firm; he is assured, since God upholds him, God helps him, God leads him, God guides him. Both transported with joy by what he has been able to admire and sing and struck with groanings by that which he has had to suffer, in the end, he breathes and cries out: “I believe I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living” (v.13). Oh, how sweet is the Lord’s bounty, immortal, incomparable, eternal, unchanging! And when shall I see you, O bounty of the Lord? “I believe I shall see,” but not in the land of mortals but “in the land of the living.” The Lord will bring me out of the land of mortals who deigned for my sake to accept this land of mortals and die at the hands of mortals…

May we listen too, to the Voice of the Lord which, from on high, exhorts and consoles us. Let us listen to the Voice of Him Whom we have for Father and Mother (cf. v.10). For He has heard our groaning, He has seen our sighs, He has sounded the desires of our hearts for “the one thing we ask” (v.4). Thanks to Christ’s intercession, He has favourably received our one prayer, our one request. And while we are completing our pilgrimage in this world, even as the road is a long one, He will not refuse what He has promised. He says to us: “Hope in the Lord.” He Who has promised is all powerful, He is trustworthy, He is faithful. “Hope in the Lord, be stouthearted” (v.14). Therefore, do not let yourself be troubled.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (2nd Discourse on Psalm 26).

PRAYER – May the Martyrdom of Thy Saints Nazarius, Celsus and Victor, give us courage, O Lord and may it give us a help to counter our weakness. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God forever, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 28 July – Late Have I Loved Thee!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 28 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood”

Late Have I Loved Thee!
By St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

Late have I loved Thee,
Beauty ever ancient and ever new,
late have I loved Thee!
Lo, Thou were within
but I outside,
seeking there for Thee
and upon the shapely things
Thou hast made
I rushed headlong – I, misshapen.
Thou wast with me
but I was tnot with Thee.
They held me back far from Thee,
those things which would have no being,
were they not in Thee.
Thou called, shouted,
broke through my deafness.
Thou flared, blazed,
banished my blindness.
Thou lavished Thy fragrance,
I gasped
and now I pant for Thee.
I tasted Thee
and now I hunger and thirst.
Thou touched me
and I burned for Thy peace.
Amen