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! 🙏
Our Morning Offering – 18 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood”
By the Merits of the Precious Blood of Jesus By Servant of God Pope Pius VII (1742-1823) Papacy from 1800 to 1823 Indulgenced Act of Oblation to Our Father
Eternal Father! I offer Thee the merits of the Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy well-beloved Son, my Saviour and my God, for all my wants, spiritual and temporal, in aid of the Holy Souls in Purgatory and chiefly for those who most loved this Precious Blood, the price of our redemption and who were most devout to the sorrows and pains of most Holy Mary, our dear Mother.
Glory be to the Blood of Jesus, now and forever and throughout all ages. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time this prayed is offered, 22 September 1817 with a Plenary Indulgence, once a month, under the usual conditions.
Note of Interest:On 15 August 1811 – the Feast of the Assumption – it is recorded that the Pope celebrated Mass and was said to have entered a trance and began to levitate in a manner that drew him to the Altar. This particular episode aroused great wonder and awe among attendants, which included the French soldiers guarding him, who were awestruck at what had occurred and left records of it.
Saint of the Day – 18 July – St Rufillus (5th Century) the 1st Bishop of Forlimpopoli, in the Province of Forli, Italy, Defender of the Faith, as zealous and faithful shepherd and protector of his people. a “dragon-slayer” symbolising the slaying of paganism and idolatry. Patronages – of the City of Forlimpopoli and of the Diocese of Forli-Bertinoro.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Forlimpopoli, Emilia, Italy, St Rufillus, the Bishop of that City.”
The information we have about the 1st Bishop of Forlimpopoli in Forlì, Saint Rufillus, comes from late literary sources. However the evidence of his cult throughout Emilia-Romagna indicates his existence and the great veneration he received over the centuries.
Medieval sources cite 13 Churches dedicated to him in the region: one in Bologna, near the San Rufillus Bridge, one in Casola Valsenio (Diocese of Imola), one in Vitignano di Meldola (Forlì), one in Ravenna, three in the Diocese of Faenza, three in the Diocese of Forlimpopoli, one in Florence and finally, the Saint’s Sepulchral basilica (Collegiate Church of Saint Rufillus) which existed in the City of Forlimpopoli but was located outside the City walls at the time of its Construction.
Recent excavations have dated the Apse to the 5th Century, while the rest of the ancient religious building underwent various destructions, reconstructions and renovations, culminating in the current Basilica dating to 1378. It is the only early Basilica in the City, and eminent scholars believed it to be the original Cathedral of Forlimpopoli.
Around 971, the Basilica was ceded to the Benedictines and became an Abbey, while the Cathedral sSat was transferred to another Church within the defensive walls, likely to the Basilica discovered beneath the foundations of the famous 14th Century fortress, now home to an Archaeological Museum.
All this to reiterate that, beyond the hagiographical uncertainties surrounding St Rufillus, the existence of such a widespread cult makes him a highly venerated Saint and, therefore, one of a holy life and zealous apostolic work among the population.
An ancient 11th Century sermon, recited on the Saint’s Feastday and written in excellent Latin, provides us with some information about Rufillus, endowed with the virtues proper to a Bishop. The document dates the Feast to 18 July and recounts the episode of the victory over the dragon; between Forlimpopoli and Forlì, 8 km away where a monstrous dragon lurked, its breath polluting the air, causing the deaths of several people.
Bishop Rufillus urged the faithful of the Diocese to fast and pray, so that the area would be freed from the pestilential monster. At the same time, he invited the Bishop of Forlì, St Mercuriale (30 April), to participate in the appeals to Heaven and to the dragon.
They both went to the dragon’s lair, where they wrapped their stoles around its throat and threw it into a deep well, blocking the mouth with a ‘memorial’ (a monument or an inscription). This episode is also recounted in the Vita of St Mercuriale and in that of Saints Gratus and Marcellus; the dragon represented the symbol of idolatry which was still quite widespread snf, therefore, saw the struggle of the 1st Bishop of Forlimpopoli committed to eradicating it, together with the work of other saintly Bishops of the region.
And with them he was also committed to combating the Arian heresy, whose driving force was in Rimini; from the documents relating to the aforementioned Bishops and to St.Peter Chrysologus, the Bishop of Ravenna, also his contemporary, the period of his Episcopate can be dated to the first half of the 5th Century.
According to some sources, he died at the age of ninety in Forlimpopoli. In 1362, after the destruction of the City, his Relics were transported to Forlì to the Church of St James. In May 1964, they returned to the Collegiate Basilica of Forlimpopoli, where they are now still highly venerated.
St Symphorosa and her seven sons / Also known as – The Martyrs of Tivoli – 8 Saints: A widow, St Symphorosa and her seven sons ( Crescens, Eugene, Julian, Justin, Nemesius, Primitivus and Stracteus) Martyred in Tivoli, Italy in the 2nd-century persecutions of Hadrian.
St Aemilian of Dorostorium St Alanus of Sassovivo St Alfons Tracki Blessed Angeline of Marsciano Bl Arnold of Amiens
Martyrs of Silistria – 7 Saints: Seven Christians who were Martyred together. No details about them have survived but the names – Bassus, Donata, Justus, Marinus, Maximus, Paulus and Secunda. They were martyred in Silistria (Durostorum), Moesia (in modern Bulgaria), date unknown.
Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) on the Feast of the Humility of Mary
The Humility of Mary
“Unfortunately, we often look for our share of glory on earth. We wish to appear to others, not only at our true value but much more than we are really worth. We imagine that the gifts and qualities which God has given us, belong to ourselves, whereas they are entirely His.
We like to put on a good appearance to win praise and renown – in other words, we wish to have our reward upon this earth. We should remember, however, that if we look for our reward now, we shall not have it in Heaven.
God sees when our motives in doing good are distorted and, when we appear before His Judgement Throne, He will say to us: “You have received your reward” (Cf Mt 6:2).
Let us be humble like Mary. Let us make God’s glory, rather than our own satisfaction, the object of our actions. It will sometimes happen that men will misunderstand us, perhaps even insult us. We are not forbidden to defend ourselves and explain our position. We may not have the heroic virtue of St Francis de Sales, who remained silent when he was caluminated. But we should not be too disturbed by lack of understanding or slander, nor should we be too elated by flattery. Only one thing should count with us and that is, the testimony of a good conscience before God. Everything else is passing and futile.
Our humility will be tested by the inevitable opposition, sometimes jealous and malicious, which we shall experience on the part of other men. On these occasions, we shall see if we are really meek and humble of heart, like Jesus and our Blessed Mother.”
Quote/s of the Day – 17 July – The Feast of The Humility of the Blessed Virgin Mary
“To arrive at the knowledge of the Truth, there are many paths – the first is humility, the second is humility and the third is humility!”
“Humility is a very strange entity. The moment we think we have it, we have already lost it!”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace)
“True humility consists in persuading and convincing oneself that without God, we are insignificant and despicable and, in acceptance, to be treated as such!”
St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)
“In order to overcome the power of the devil, the soul needs prayer and will not be able to understand his deceptions, without mortification and humility.”
St John of the Cross (1542-1591) Doctor of the Church
The most holy Virgin, Our Lady, gave us an outstanding example of this when she spoke these words: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38). When she said she was the handmaid of the Lord, she was performing the greatest act of humility it is possible to do and, all the more so, in that she was contradicting the praise given her by the angel – that she would be mother of God, that the child to be born from her womb would be called Son of the Most High, a greater dignity than any we might imagine – I say, she opposed her lowliness and unworthiness to all these praises and greatness, by saying that she was the handmaid of the Lord.”
Make Me Like Thineself, Mary My Mother By St Louis-Marie de Montfort (1673-1716)
My powerful Queen, thou art all mine, through thy mercy and I am all thine. Take away from me, all which may displease God and cultivate in me, all which is pleasing to Him. May the light of thy faith, dispel the darkness of my mind, thy deep humility, take the place of my pride, thy continual sight of God, fill my memory, with His Presence. May the love of thine heart inflame the lukewarmness, of mine. May thy virtues, take the place of my sins. May thy merits, be my enrichment and reconcile all which is wanting in me, before God. My beloved Mother, grant that I may have, no other spirit but thine, to know Jesus Christ and His Divine Will and to praise and glorify the Lord, that I may love God, with burning love like thine. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 17 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – The Feast of The Humility of the Blessed Virgin Mary – St Alexius –1 Timothy 6:6-12 – Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And everyone who has left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for My Name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold and shall possess life everlasting.” – Matthew 19:29
REFLECTION – “There is a kind of wealth which is deadly to all – the loss of it, unwelcome. Which, when it makes the soul pure – that is, poor and bare – hears the Saviour speaking thus: “Come, follow Me.” For to the pure in heart, He now becomes the Way. But into the impure soul the grace of God finds no entrance because that soul is unclean which is rich in lusts and enthrall to many worldly posessions.
For whoever holds possessions, gold, silver and houses, as gifts of God, witnesses his thanksgiving to God by coming to the aid of the poor. He knows that he possesses them more for the sake of others than his own and is superior to the possession of them, not the slave of the things he possesses. He does not carry them about in his soul, nor bind and circumscribe his life within them but is ever labouring at some good and divine work. Even should he be necessarily, at some time or other, deprived of them, he is able, with cheerful mind, to bear their removal equally with their abundance. This is someone who is blessed by the Lord and called “poor in spirit”a fitting heir of the Kingdom of Heaven (Mt 5:3)…
But someone who carries his riches around enclosed within his soul and, bears in his heart, instead of God’s Spirit, gold or land and is always acquiring possessions without end and is perpetually on the lookout for more, never looking up to Heaven, such a one is fettered in the toils of the world, being earth and destined to return to the earth (Gn 3:19). How can someone like that be able to desire the Kingdom of Heaven who, instead of a heart, carries land or metal and who is due to be surprised by death in the midst of his uncontrolled desires? For “where your heart is, there also will your treasure be” (Mt 6:21).” – St Clement of Alexandria (150-215) Father of the Church, Theologian (Sermon “What rich man can be saved?” )
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants, that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness both of mind and body and, by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, maybe delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness.ThroughJesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 17 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood”
Prayer in Praise of God By St Francis of Assisi (c1181-1226)
Thou art Holy, Lord, the only God and Thine Deeds art wonderful. Thou art Strong. Thou art Great. Thou art the Most High. Thou art Almighty. Thou, Holy Father art King of Heaven and earth. Thou art Three and One, Lord God, all Good. Thou art Good, all Good, Supreme Good, Lord God, Living and True. Thou art Love. Thou art Wisdom. Thou art Humility. Thou art Endurance. Thou art Rest. Thou art Peace. Thou art Joy and Gladness. Thou art Justice and Moderation. Thou art all our Riches and Thou art Suffice for us. Thou art Beauty. Thou art Gentleness. Thou art our Protector. Thou art our Guardian and Defender. Thou art our Courage. Thou art our Haven and our Hope. Thou art our Faith, our great Consolation. Thou art our Eternal Life, Great and Wonderful Lord, God Almighty, Merciful Saviour. Amen
Saint of the Day – 17 July – Saint Magnus Felix Ennodius (c473-521) Bishop and Confessor of Pavia, Father of the Church, Poet, Rhetorician, a man of great erudition and eloquence, well employed for the benefit of the Faith and the Church of Christ. He is commonly referred to by his surname. Born in Arles, France as agnus Felix in either 473 or 474 and died
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Pavia, St Magnus Ennodius, Bishop and Confessor.”
Ennodius was a highly important figure of the 5th Century. He was a Bishop but also a Latin poet and rhetorician, undoubtedly a figure of the highest cultural and spiritual importance in that dark and somewhat fragmented century. The high level of esteem in which he and his work was held earned him the title of Confessor of the Faith and Father of the Church.
He was born in 473 or 474, related to the highest nobility of Rome. It is thought he may have descended from Felix Ennodius, who was the Pro-Consul of Africa between 408 and 423. His Father appears to have been named Firminus; Ennodius himself, in fact, cites this name, alongside that of Gerontius, as one of the two Grandfathers of his nephew Lupicinus. We also know of the existence of two Sissters and two Nieces: one, Euprepia, was the Mother of Lupicinus, the other, whose name is unknown, was the Mother of Parthenius.
Ennodius, orphaned at an early age, was raised by his paternal Aunt in northern Italy, more precisely in Pavia, a City to which he would be particularly attached and linked for his name and work, especially later as the Bishop.
At the age of sixteen, around 489-490, Ennodius lost his Guardian Aunt and found himself alone in a region then gripped by the misery resulting from the armed conflicts between Theodoric and Odoacer. However, he found refuge with a pious and wealthy family and became engaged to their Daughter but for reasons which are not entirely clear (one hypothesis is that the family was ruined by the war) the marriage did not take place.
Around 493, we know, Ennodiush entered the Clergy of Pavia, whose Bishop was Epiphanius, who died on 21 January 496 (or 498). Our Saint then became a Deacon in the Church of Milan, whose Bishop Lawrence (490-512) was his relative and it is precisely during his Milanese period that the bulk of his works date.
Known for his literary talent, he was induced to write in defence of Pope Symmachus during the long conflict between the latter and the Deacon Lawrence. This would be the beginning of an increasingly strong visibility throughout the Catholic Church and an opportunity to admire his eloquence and doctrinal erudition.
In July 511, he was struck by a serious fever, from which he recovered through the intercession of St. Victor. This illness was accompanied by a moral crisis which led him to renounce the literary trivialities he had practiced, until then, with too much complacency and to replace it with a maturity of faith which allowed him to live his vocation with greater devotion and determination.
In 514, he became the Bishop of Pavia. Given that it was the Seat of the Kingdom, everything suggests that Theodoric had been involved in this appointment. His work as a shepherd was intense and marked by charity and the need to confirm the Clergy and people in correct doctrine.
In 515 and 517, along with other Italian Bishops, Ennodius took part in several missions sent by Pope Hormisdas to the East to attempt to resolve the conflict between the two Churches. This would be the pinnacle of his Ecclesiastical diplomacy in the service of the Pope and for the good of the entire Church. A few years later, he died and, as his Epitaph records, was buried on 17 July 521.
Of Ennodius, 9 books of Epistles and Sermons have survived, a collection of writings in prose and verse on various subjects, including Hymns, descriptions of travels, epigrams, a panegyric to Theodoric (dated 507) and the biography of his predecessor, Saint Epiphanius.
Ennobius’ Relics and Tomb are venerated in the Basilica of St Michael in Pavia.
TheFeast of The Humility of the Blessed Virgin Mary or the Madonna of Humility: The Feast of the Humility of the Blessed Virgin Mary was included in the General Roman Calendar of 1954 among the feasts ‘pro aliquibus locis’ (in some places) but was removed from the General Roman Calendar of 1960. However, many Diocese worldwide still celebrate this beautiful Feast as do all Traditional Catholics. https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/17/saint-of-the-day-17-july-the-humility-of-mary-by-st-alphonsus/
Martyrs of Compiegne (16 Carmelite Beati): Sixteen Blessed Teresian Martyrs of Compiègne. Eleven Discalced Carmelite nuns, three lay sisters and two lay women servants who were Martyred together in the French Revolution. They were the earliest Martyrs of the French Revolution that have been recognised. They were: Angelique Roussel • Anne Pelras • Anne-Marie-Madeleine Thouret • Catherine Soiron • élisabeth-Julitte Vérolot • Marie Dufour • Marie Hanniset • Marie-Anne Piedcourt • Marie-Anne-Françoise Brideau • Marie-Claude-Cyprienne Brard • Marie-Françoise de Croissy • Marie-Gabrielle Trezel • Marie-Geneviève Meunier • Marie-Madeleine-Claudine Lidoine • Rose-Chretien de Neuville • Thérèse Soiron. They were guillotined on 17 July 1794 at the Place du Trône Renversé (modern Place de la Nation) in Paris, France. The 16 Martyrs Story: https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/17/saints-of-the-day-17-july-the-carmelite-martyrs-of-compiegne-o-c-d/
Bl Bénigne Bl Biagio of the Incarnation St Clement of Ohrid St Cynllo St Ennodius (c473-521) Bishop and Confessor of Pavia St Fredegand of Kerkelodor St Generosus St Gorazd St Hyacinth of Amastris St Kenelm
St Pope Leo IV (c790-855) The 103rd Bishop of Rome. Papal Ascension: 847. St Leo is particularly remembered for repairing Roman Churches those which had been damaged during the Arab raid and for building the Leonine Wall around Vatican Hill to protect the City. Pope Leo organised a league of Italian Cities which fought and won, the sea Battle of Ostia, against the Saracens. St Leo IV’s Life and Works: https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/17/saint-of-the-day-17-july-st-leo-iv-c790-855-the-103rd-bishop-of-rome/
St Marcellina (c330-c398) Consecrated Virgin, sister of St Ambroseand St Satyrus. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Milan, the Virgin St Marcellina, sister of the blessed Archbishop Ambrose, who received the religious veil from Pope Liberius, in the Basilica of St Peter at Rome. Her sanctity is attested by St Ambrse in his writings.” Lovely Marcellina: https://anastpaul.com/2023/07/17/saint-of-the-day-17-july-st-marcellina-c330-c398-virgin/
St Nerses Lambronazi Bl Sebastian of the Holy Spirit Bl Tarsykia Matskiv St Theodosius of Auxerre St Theodota of Constantinople St Turninus
Martyrs of Scillium (12 Saints): A group of twelve Christians Martyred together, the final deaths in the persecutions of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Upon their conviction for the crime of being Christians, the group was offered 30 days to reconsider their allegiance to the faith; they all declined. Their official Acta still exist. Their names : • Acyllinus • Cythinus • Donata • Felix • Generosa • Januaria • Laetantius • Narzales • Secunda • Speratus • Vestina • Veturius They were beheaded on 17 July 180 in Scillium, Numidia (in North Africa).
Thought for the Day – 16 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Intercession of Our Lady
“Our Lady’s intercession is very powerful with God. St Bernard tells us that it is the Will of God, that everything comes to us through her holy hands (Sermo in Nativ BMV no 7). He assures us, that Mary is the Mediatrix through whom we receive all favours from God (In Assump. BMV sermo 2, no 2). Her power of intercession is the result of her divine and human Motherhood. Because she is the Mother of God, Jesus refuses her nothing; because she is our mother, she loves us dearly and is eager to obtain from God, the spiritual favours, for which we ask. For this reason, we should approach her with complete confidence. St Bernard also writes: “If anyone feels that he is overwhelmed by the tempests of this world and cannot keep an even course, let him raise his eyes towards Mary, let him remember Mary and call upon her…. In danger and in doubt, let him remember and call upon her. Let the thought of Mary never leave his mind; let her name never be far from his lips and from his heart …” (Super Miss. Homil 2, no 17). In all our necessities, we should have confident recourse to our heavenly Mother. Let us remember, however, that if we wish to be true sons of Mary and to be sure of being heard by her, we should ask especially, for spiritual graces. Afterwards, we may ask, with equal confidence but, with resignation to God’s Will, for temporal favours, provided they will not stand in the way of our eternal salvation.”
Quote/s of the Day – 16 July – The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Ecclesiasticus Sirach 24:23 – Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/ –
… Rather blessed are those, who hear the Word of God and keep it.”
Luke 11:28
“We too are blessed when we are mindful of carrying Him constantly in our heart. Certainly, Christ’s Conception in Mary’s womb was a great marvel but it is no less of a marvel to see Him become the guest of our heart.”
St Peter Damian (1007-1072) Doctor of the Church
Mother of Salvation, Blessed Lady By St Anselm (1033-1109) Magnificent Doctor Marian Doctor
Mother of Salvation, Blessed Lady, you are the Mother of Justification and those who are justified; the Mother of Reconciliation and those who are reconciled; the Mother of Salvation and those who are saved. What a blessed trust and what a secure refuge! The Mother of God is our Mother. The Mother of the One in Whom alone, we hope and Whom alone, we fear, is our Mother! … The One Who partook of our nature and by restoring us to life, made us children of His Mother, invites us by this grace, to proclaim that we are His brothers and sisters. Therefore, our Judge, is also our Brother. The Saviour of the world, is our Brother. Our God has become – through Mary – our Brother! Anen
“Be our Mother, O Mary, for you have borne us spiritually on Mount Calvary, at the foot of the Cross. Deign to obtain for us, through your intercession that we may love Jesus as you loved Him and follow Him faithfully, as you followed Him, unto Death. Amen.”
One Minute Reflection – 16 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Ecclesiasticus Sirach 24:23-31 – Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
Blessed is the womb which bore Thee ” – Luke 11:27”
REFLECTION – “Hail, O favoured one, the Lord is with thee” (Lk 1:28). Could anything transcend the joy which is thine, O Virgin Mary? Could anything surpass this grace?… Truly, thou art “blessed among women” (Lk 1:42), for thou hast changed the condemnation of Eve into a blessing. Because of thee and through thee, Adam, who was hitherto cast down and condemned, received a blessing.
Truly, “thou art blessed among women” for through thee, the blessing of the Father came to mankind and reprieved them from the age-old sentence. Truly, “thou art blessed among women” because through thee, thy ancestors found salvation. Thou were to give birth to the Saviour, Who would win for them, God’s salvation.
Truly, “thou art blessed among women” for without the seed of man thou bore the Fruit Who gives a blessing to the whole earth and frees it from being condemned to produce only thorns.
Truly, “thou art blessed among women” for although thou art a woman like any other woman, thou will, in actual fact, become the Mother of God. If the One to be born of thee is, in truth God Incarnate, thou rightly deserve to be called ‘she who gave birth to God’ inasmuch as thou truly do give birth to God.” – St Sophronius of Jerusalem (c560-638) Bishop, Father of the Church (Sermon for the Annunciation 2).
PRAYER – O God, Who honoured the Order of Carmel with the special title of the most blessed Mary, ever Virgin, Thy Mother, graciously grant, that we, who this day honour her commemoration with solemn rites, defended by her care, may be found worthy to attain everlasting happiness.Through the same Jesus Christ, Who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 16 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
“The Flos Carmeli The Flower of Carmel” By St Simon Stock (1165-1265)
O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein that thou art my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth, I humbly beseech thee from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in this my necessity. There are none that can withstand thy power. O show me herein, that thou art my Mother. Amen.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for those who have recourse to thee. (Repeat three times)
Sweet Mother, I place this cause in thy hands. (Repeat three times)
This prayer, the “Flos Carmeli” (“The Flower of Carmel”), was composed by St Simon Stock (1165-1265), a Carmelite, so-called because he and other members of his Order lived atop Mount Carmel in the Holy Land. St Simon Stock was visited by the Blessed Virgin Mary on 16 July 1251, at which time, she bestowed upon him a scapular, or habit, (commonly called “the Brown Scapular”) which became part of the Liturgical clothing of the Carmelite Order. Oral tradition tells of St Simon Stock praying, with a passionate intensity to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, during a time of great distress and hardship for the Order. With fervour and faith, he prayed his prayer, the Flos Carmeli, for the first time. And Our Lady answered his prayer. Thus, for seven centuries the Flos Carmeli continues to be prayed to the Blessed Mother with the firm faith that she she will answer its petition, with her powerful assistance.
Saint of the Day – 16 July – St Sisenandus (Died 851) Deacon, Martyr of Córdoba in Spain. Born in Beja, in Portugal and died in 851 in Córdoba, Spain. Patronage of his birth C ity of Beja, Portugal. Also known as – S isenandus of Beja, Sisenando; … of Cordoba
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Cordoba in SBejapain, St Sisemandus, Deacon and Martyr, who was strangled by the Saracens for the Faith of Christ.”
Portrait and Relic of Saint Sisenandus in the Cathedral of St James the Great, in Beja
Most of that which is known about Sisenandus comes from Eulogius of Córdoba’s Martryology “Memoriale Sanctorum.” This Manuscript remained lost for centuries until its rediscovery by Pedro Ponce de León, Bishop of Plasencia, who had it transcribed and first published in 1574; interest in Sisenandus and the Martyrs of Córdoba at large only resurfaced after this date.
Sisenandus was born in an Iberian Peninsula under Islamic rule. Islamic authorities accorded Christians ‘dhimmi – protected’ status which allowed them to practice their religion with certain restricions, such as a prohibition on public displays of their Faith. These Christians, called Mozarabs, came to adopt elemnts of Arabic culture while retaining their own.
Sisenandus was born in modern-day Spain, from Beja and thence went to Córdoba as a young clerical student to conduct his studies at the Basilica of Saint Acisclus, a Martyr with his sister St Victoria during the reign of Diocletian c305. There, he received Holy Orders as a Deacon and as a fervent preacher, soon after, was arrested, tried and on 16 July 851 was Martyred by order of Abd al-Rahman II. His remains were thrown into the Guadalquivir, and later salvaged and brought to the Church of San Pedro in river in Córdoba.
In the late 16th Century, when Francisco de Reynoso y Baeza was the Bishop of Córdoba, the City of Beja sent a delegation to request the Relics of Saint Sisenandus — or, at least, part of them — be brouht to his birthplace both the Bishop and Philip II of Spain judged it a suitably devout demonstration of piety and allowed a radial bone to be brought to Beja in the year 1600.
The Relic was at first kept under the Tabernacle in the Church of Salvador but then transferred to its own temple. As this latter Chapel fell into disrepair and, eventually, abandonment, the Relics were translated to an Altar in the Cathedral of St James the Great, where they are kept to this day.
On 24 October 1651, Saint Sisenandus was decreed the Patron Saint of the City of Beja.
St Bartholomew OP – ArchBishop of Braga also known as Bl Bartholomew of the Martyrs (Bartolomeu Fernandez dei Martiri Fernandes) (1514-1590) Portuguese Dominican Friar and Priest, Writer, Theologian, Advisor, Teacher and Catechetical writer, Apostle of Charity founding a series of hospitals and hospices in Braga and surrounds. St Bartholomew: https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/16/saint-of-the-day-16-july-blessed-bartholomew-of-the-martyrs-1514-1590/
St Generosus of Poitou St Gobbán Beg St Gondulf of Tongeren-Maastricht St Gondolf of Saintes St Grimoald of Saintes
St Helier (Died c555) Martyr, Hermit, Missionary to Jersey from Belgium, Hermit, Ascetic, Miracle-worker. PATRONAGES – St Helier is the Patron Saint of Jersey and in particular of the Diocese and Capital City of Jersey, named for him – Saint Helier, he is invoked against and for the cure of EYE diseases and skin disorders, His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/07/16/saint-of-the-day-16-july-st-helier-of-jersey-died-c555-martyr-missionary-hermit/
Bl Irmengard St Landericus of Séez Bl Madeleine-Françoise de Justamond Bl Marguerite-Rose de Gordon Bl Marguerite-Thérèse Charensol Bl Marie-Anne Béguin-Royal Bl Marie-Anne Doux
St Marie-Madeline (1756-1846Virgin, Religious Sister and Founder of the Sisters of Christian Schools of which she is the Patron, Teacher, Franciscan Tertiary. Pope Pius X later signified on 22 January 1908 his approval to two investigated miracles attributed to her intercession and so Beatified her on 17 May 1908. Pope Pius XI confirmed two additional miracles and Canonised Blessed Marie-Madeline on 24 May 1925. Her Devoted Life: https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/16/saint-of-the-day-16-july-st-marie-madeline-postel-
Bl Marie-Rose Laye Bl Milon of Thérouanne St Monulphus of Tongeren-Maastricht Bl Ornandus of Vicogne
Martyrs of Antioch – 5 Saints: Five Christians who were Martyred together. No details about them have survived by the names – Dionysius, Eustasius, Maximus, Theodosius and Theodulus. They were Martyred in Antioch, Syria, date unknown.
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Quote/s of the Day – 15 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – The Feast of the the “Divisio Apostolorum – The Division of the Apostles” also known as (‘Dispersion’)
“… It was their vocation to call sinners to repentance, to heal those who were sick, whether in body or spirit, to seek in all their dealing, never to do their own will but the Will of Him who sent them and, as far as possible, to save the world by their teaching.”
St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Bishop, Father & Doctor of the Church
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the Right Hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen
“Day by day follow God’s path, keeping Him closely attached to you by His promise. In fact, He Himself said, through the mediation of His Apostles, to all those who seek His will and His testimonies that He would be with them until the end of the world (Mt 28:20) where paths and footsteps will be unknown (cf Ps 76:20), as the divine David said in his songs. Yet, in an invisible way, He is present to the eyes of the mind, making Himself seen by those who have a pure heart and conversing with them. So pursue your path …. ”
St Theodore the Studite (759-826) Abbot, Confessor, Father of the Church
Prayer of St Patrick
I bind unto myself today the power in the love of the Seraphim, in the obedience of the Angels, in the ministration of the Archangels, in the hope of Resurrection unto reward, in the prayers of the Patriarchs, in the predictions of the Prophets, in the preaching of the Apostles, in the faith of the Confessors, in the purity of the holy Virgins, in the deeds of Righteous men. Amen
Thought for the Day – 15 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Carrying our Cross
“We also read in the Imitation of Christ: “No man has so heartfelt a sense of the Passion of Christ, as he whose lot it has been, to suffer like things.” (Imitation of Christ, Bk II, Ch 12) If you carry your cross willingly, it will lead you to your longed for destination, where suffering ends and everlasting joy begins. If you carry it unwillingly, the weight will become unbearable and you will have to bear it in any case! If you fling away the cross which you are carrying, immediately, an even heavier one will be laid upon you! Look upon them as wonderful consolations because, the sufferings of this life cannot be regarded as the measure of that glory which will be ours in Heaven … (Rom 8:18). We are fortunate and greatly blessed, if we deserve to suffer a little, for the Name of Jesus … Only when we begin to die ourselves, can we begin to live in God. Nothing is more acceptable to God and more helpful for us in this world, than to suffer willingly for love of Christ.”
One Minute Reflection – 15 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – – – St Henry II (972-1024) Confessor, Holy Roman Emperor – Ecclesiasticus Sirach 31:8-11 – Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to Him at once, when He Comes and knocks.” – Luke 12:35-36
REFLECTION – “God is the Supreme Being, therefore, direct the thoughts of your mind to Him and do not think of anything else, except to watch for His Coming. Let the soul gather together its thoughts, dispersed by sin, as though it were gathering together children romping about! Let it take them back to the house of its body and there, wait for the Lord, at all times with fasting and love, until He Comes and gathers them up in truth…
If our hearts are not swollen with pride and, if we do not send our thoughts out to feed in the pastures on the mad weeds of sin and if, to the contrary, we lift up our minds and lead our thoughts into the Lord’s Presence with fervent wills, then, in His good Will, the Lord shall certainly Come to us and truly unite us to Himself …
So make haste to please the Lord, wait for Him in your heart without ceasing, seek Him in your thoughts, stir up your will and your love, to reach out towards Him at every moment! Then you will see how He Comes to you and makes His home within you.” – St Macarius of Egypt (c300-390) (Attrib) Monk, Father (Sermon 31).
PRAYER – O God, Who on this day took Henry, Thy Confessor, to the everlasting Kingdom from the throne of an earthly empire; we humbly beseech Thee, that as Thou enabled him, protected by the abundance of Thy grace, to overcome the temptations of the world, so grant that we, in emulation of him, may shun the allurements of this world and come to Thee with pure 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).
Our Morning Offering – 15 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” –
My Sorrowful Mother, Help Me to Bear My Crosses By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
My sorrowful Mother, by the merit of that grief which you felt at seeing your beloved Jesus led to death, obtain for me the grace to bear with patience, those crosses which God sends me. I will be fortunate if I also shall know how to accompany you with my cross until death. You and Jesus, both innocent, have borne a heavy cross and shall I, a sinner who has merited hell, refuse mine? Immaculate Virgin, I hope you will help me to bear my crosses with patience. Amen
Saint of the Day – 15 July – St David of Sweden (Died 1082) the 1st Bishop of Västeras in Sweden, Monk and Missionary, called “The apostle of Västmanland.” Born in England and died in Västeras
Our Saint David who is celebrated today 15 July, was the bishop of Västeras in Sweden. He was a Cluniac Monk of Anglo-Saxon origins sent as a missionary to Sweden around 1020.
He worked evangelising the still-pagan Swedes, starting in the south and then in the central-eastern region of the country. He lived in the place where the Church of Munkathorp now stands which, with his name, recalls the Monk (munk) who baptised new converts in the waters of a nearby spring.
In the Ecclesiastical history of Sweden, he is remembered as the apostle of Västmanland and the 1st Bishop of Västerås. He likely died in 1082 and was buried in Munkathorp. In 1463, 4 Centuries later, his Relics were translated to the Cathedral of his Episcopal See.
Unfortunately, as with so many Catholic Saints’ Relics, when Lutheranism entered and overwhelmed Sweden with its doctrines, they were taken and buried in the cemetery (if not destroyed completely) and his sarcophagus was destroyed.
His symbol is a glove because tradition has it that he once hung his gloves on a ray of sunshine. His liturgical Feastday is today 15 July.
St Henry II (972-1024) Confessor, Holy Roman Emperor. Henry was well known for his Missionary spirit and for his protection of the Pope in times of trouble. Henry ruled with a spirit of great humility and always sought to give the glory to God. He used his position to promote the work of the Church and the peace and happiness of the people. Another Saints whose Feast was moved in 1969 from today, 15 July to 13 July. Biography: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/07/13/saint-of-the-day-13-july-st-henry-ii-holy-roman-emperor/
St Abundantia of Spoleto St Abudemius of Bozcaada St Adalard the Younger
Blessed Anne-Mary Javouhey (1779-1851) “The Mother of the Slaves,” Religious Sister, Missionary and Founder of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Cluny. Imagine a Mother Teresa in the France of Napoleon’s day and you will have a picture of Anne-Marie Javouhey. Nanette, as she was called, was a “velvet brick,” a thin layer of gentleness covering her determined core. A competent leader, Nanette dominated every scene in her adventurous life. Blessed Anne-Marie was Beatified on 15 October 1950 by Pope Pius XII. :“The Mother of the Slaves” https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/15/saint-of-the-day-15-july-blessed-anne-mary-javouhey-1779-1851/
St Apronia
St Athanasius (c830-c 872) Confessor, Bishop of Naples from 849 until his death, Papal Legate, Reformer and restoring of Monasteries, he built a Hospice for pilgrims and a new Monastery, a man of austerity and prayer. This Athanasius should not be confused with his nephew, Athanasius II, also the Bishop of Naples. About this St Athanasius, a Patron of Naples among +70 Patrons: https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/15/saint-of-the-day-15-july-st-athanasius-of-naples-c-830-c-872/
St Antiochus of Sebaste St Benedict of Angers
Blessed Bernard TOSF (1428-1458) Margrave of Baden, Germany (Margrave was originally the medieval title for the military commander assigned to maintain the defence of one of the border provinces of the Holy Roman Empire.) Tertiary of the Order of St Francis, Apostle of the poor and the needy. Bernard was Beatified on 16 September 1769 by Pope Clement XIV. His Canonisation process continues, at present, the second miracle required is being investigated. Blessed Bernard’s Holy Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/15/saint-of-the-day-15-july-blessed-bernard-of-baden-tosf-1428-1458/
St David of Sweden (Died 1082) Bishop of Västeras in Sweden, Martyr St Donivald St Eberhard of Luzy St Edith of Tamworth St Eternus St Felix of Pavia St Gumbert of Ansbach St Haruch of Werden St Jacob of Nisibis St Joseph Studita of Thessalonica Bl Peter Aymillo St Plechelm of Guelderland
The Coronation of Saint Rosalia,with Sts Peter and Paul, is an oil on canvas Painting by Sir Anthony van Dyck – 1629.
St Valentina of Nevers No information has survived. St Vladimir I of Kiev
Martyred Jesuit Missionaries of Brazil – 40 Beati: A band of forty Spanish, Portugese and French Jesuit Missionaries Martyred by the Huguenot pirate Jacques Sourie while en route to Brazil. They are – Aleixo Delgado • Alonso de Baena • álvaro Borralho Mendes • Amaro Vaz • André Gonçalves • António Correia • Antônio Fernandes • António Soares • Bento de Castro • Brás Ribeiro • Diogo de Andrade • Diogo Pires Mimoso • Domingos Fernandes • Esteban Zuraire • Fernando Sánchez • Francisco Alvares • Francisco de Magalhães • Francisco Pérez Godoy • Gaspar Alvares • Gonçalo Henriques • Gregorio Escribano • Ignatius de Azevedo • Iõao • João Fernandes • João Fernandes • Juan de Mayorga • Juan de San Martín • Juan de Zafra • Luís Correia • Luís Rodrigues • Manuel Alvares • Manuel Fernandes • Manuel Pacheco • Manuel Rodrigues • Marcos Caldeira • Nicolau Dinis • Pedro de Fontoura • Pedro Nunes • Simão da Costa • Simão Lopes • They were Martyed on 15 and 16 July 1570 on the ship Santiago near Palma, Canary Islands. They were Beatified on 11 May 1854 by Pope Pius IX.
Martyrs of Alexandria – 13 Saints: Thirteen Christians who were Martyred together. We know the names of three, no details about them and the other ten were all children. – Narseus, Philip and Zeno. Martyred in the early 4th-century in Alexandria, Egypt.
Martyrs of Carthage – 9 Saints: A group of nine Christians who were Martyred together. We know nothing else but their names – Adautto, Catulinus, Felice, Florentius, Fortunanziano, Januarius, Julia, Justa and Settimino. They were Martyred in Carthaginian and their relics at the Basilica of Fausta at Carthage.
Martyrs of Pannonia – 5 Saints: Five 4th-century Martyrs killed together. No information about them has survived except the names – Agrippinus, Fortunatus, Martialis, Maximus and Secundinus.
Thought for the Day – 14 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Humility
“Humility is, in fact, truth. Many think it is a menial fiction, or a pious congregation and that only a few can really achieve it.
In other words, we must disregard ourselves. We must be content to be unknown and unesteemed. This might seem to be contrary to, or at least, superior to human nature but it is based on the simple naked truth. What have we that is not a gift of God? All we have in the natural and supernatural order, we have received from God: “What hast thou that thou hast not received? And if thou hast receive it, why dost thou boast as if thou hast not received it?” (1 Cor 4:7).
Our defects and sins are the only things which are really our own! So we have a double motive for humility. Everything good about us is a gift from God. Only our sins belong to us!”
“As “pride is the beginning of all sin,” (Eccl. 10:15) so humility is the foundation of all virtue. Learn to be really humble and not, as the hypocrite, humble merely in appearance.”
St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
Quote/s of the Day – 14 July – St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
“Since happiness is nothing else than the enjoyment of the Supreme Good and the Supreme Good is above us, no-one can enjoy happiness, unless he rises above himself.”
“Men do not fear a powerful hostile army, as the powers of hell fear the name and protection of Mary.”
“Although you feel tepid, approach with confidence, for the greater your infirmity, the more you stand in need of a physician!”
One Minute Reflection – 14 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church – Pentecost VIII – 2 Timothy 4:1-8 –Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:14
REFLECTION – “I shall always love and reverence the Apostles sent by Christ and their successors, in sowing the seed of the Gospel, those zealous and tireless co-operators in propagating the Word, who may justly say of themselves: Let a man so account of us as the ministers of Christ and the dispensers of the Mysteries of God. For Christ, like a most watchful and most faithful householder, wished that the Gospel lamp should be lit by such ministers and delegates, with fire sent down from Heaven and once lit, should not be put under a measure but set upon a candlestick, so that it may spread its brightness far and wide and put to flight, all darkness and error, rife among both Jews and Gentiles.
Now it is not enough for the Gospel teacher to be a brilliant speaker in the eyes of the people; he must also be as a voice crying in the desert and endeavour, by his eloquence, to help many to lead good lives, lest, if he omit his duty of speaking, he be called the dumb dog that is not able to bark, spoken of by the prophet. Yes, he should also burn, in such a way, that, equipped with good works and love, he may adorn his evangelical office and follow the leadership of Paul. He indeed was not satisfied with bidding the Bishop of the Ephesians: This command and teach: conduct thyself in work as a good soldier of Christ Jesus but he unflaggingly preached the Gospel to friend and foe alike and, said with a good conscience to the Bishops gathered at Ephesus: You know how I have kept back nothing that was for your good but have declared it to you and taught you in public and from house to house, urging Jews and Gentiles to turn to God in repentance and to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Such should be the shepherd in the Church who, like Paul, becomes all things to all men, so that the sick may find healing in him; the sad, joy; the desperate, hope; the ignorant, instruction; those in doubt, advice; the penitent, forgiveness and comfort and finally, everyone, whatever is necessary for salvation. And so Christ, when He wished to appoint the chief teachers of the world and of the Church, did not limit Himself to saying to His disciples: You are the light of the world but also added these words: A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a measure but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all who are in the house. Those churchmen err, who imagine that it is by brilliant preaching, rather than by holiness of life and all-embracing love, they fulfil their office.” – St Peter Canisius SJ (1521-1597) Doctor of the Church (Sermon excerpt).
PRAYER – O God, Who gave to Thy people, blessed Bonaventure, as a minister of salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who cherished him on earth as a teacher of life, may be found worthy to have him as an intercessor in heaven. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 14 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood”
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
Saint of the Day – 14 July – Saint Marcellin (Died c775) Priest, Confessor, Monk, Missionary. Born in England, he was, from childhood, a disciple of St Willibrord and his companion in labour for Christ. He died in c775 in Oldenzaal, Netherlands. Patronages – of Deventer and Overijssel. Also known as – Marcellinus, Marchelm, Marculf, Marchelmo, Marcellino, Marcellin, Marchelme, Markulf, Marchelmus.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Deventer, Belgium, St Marcellin, Priest and Confessor.”
Marcellin was a disciple of Saint Willibrord and became one of the Anglo-Saxon Monks who landed on the Continent to evangelise the Germanic peoples.
Marcellin was sent by St Gregory, the Bishop of Utrecht, together with St Lebuin; to the region of Overyssel, where they built a Church in Wilp.
From there, Marcellin evangelised the easternmost pregions, as far as Oldenzaal, where he died at a very old age. His body was taken to Deventer, where it is venerated in the Church of St Lebuin; a part of it was transferred to the Jesuit College in Emmerich.
St Colman of Killeroran St Cyrus of Carthage St Deusdedit of Canterbury St Donatus of Africa
Blessed Gaspar de Bono OM (1530– 1604) Spanish Priest, Friar of the Order of Minims, Vicar Provincial of the Order. He was noted for his particular devotion to the Passion of Christ, carrying his Crucifix everywhere as a means of evangelisation and to be able to constantly immerse himself in his Saviour’s sufferings. His Loving Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/14/saint-of-the-day-14-july-blessed-gaspar-de-bono-om-1530-1604/
Bl Giorgio of Lauria Bl Hroznata of Bohemia Bl Humberto of Romans St Idus of Ath Fadha St Just St Justus of Rome St Liebert St Marcellin of Frigento St Marciano (Died c775) Priest, Confessor Bl Michael Ghebre St Optatian of Brescia St Papias of Africa
Blessed Richard Langhorne (c1624-1679) Martyr, Layman, Barrister. He was murdered on a false charge of treason as part of the fabricated Popish Plot. He fell under suspicion because he was a Roman Catholic and because, he had acted as legal adviser to the Jesuits at a time of acute anti-Catholic hysteria. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/14/saint-of-the-day-14-july-blessed-richard-langhorne-c1624-1679-martyr-layman/
Bl Toscana of Verona St Ulric of Zell St Vincent Madelgaire
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Thought for the Day – 13 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Following Jesus, the Divine Model
“When we have renounced ourselves and have embraced our cross with resignation and love, we must follow Jesus. We must follow Him in a special way as the Infallible Teacher of tTuth. The teachings of men cannot satisfy our intellects. Still less, can they satisfy our hearts. What they teach is either incomplete or false. This is proved by the fact that the doctrines of men have succeeded and replaced one another, down through the Centuries while “the Word of the Lord endures forever” (1 Peter 1:25).
The teaching of Christ produces an extraordinary renovation in the individual, in the family and in society. It is this renewal which we call Christianity and Christian civilisation. There is a wide chasm between paganism and Christianity. This gulf would be even wider, only for the fact that Christianity has not yet been fully put into practice throughout the universe. There is only one reform necessary. This is to realise the Christian ideal everywhere. We must begin by carrying it out ourselves. Let us follow Jesus, Who is saying to us: “I Am the Way and the Truth and the Life” (Jn 14:6). “He who follows Me does not walk in darkness” (Jn 8:12).
Let us follow our Divine Master and we shall be sure that we are travelling towards Heaven!”
Quote/s of the Day – 13 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – –
“Leave there thy offering before the Altar and go first to be reconciled to thy brother and then, coming, thou shalt offer thy gift.”
Matthew 5:24
“Lord, do not hold this sin against them”
Acts 7:60
“No-one heals himself by wounding another.”
St Ambrose (340-397) Father and Doctor of the Church
“… Every man is both debtor and creditor… A beggar asks you for alms but you, too, are God’s beggar, for when we pray we are all beggars of God. We stand – or rather, prostrate ourselves – at our Father’s door (cf Lk 11:5); we beseech Him with groans, anxious to receive a grace from Him and this grace is God Himself! What does the beggar ask of you? Bread. And what is it that you are asking of God but Christ, Who said: “I am the Living Bread come down from Heaven” (Jn 6:51).”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
“To the extent that you pray, with all your soul, for the person who slanders you, God will make the truth known to those who have been scandalised by the slander.”
One Minute Reflection – 13 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” –Pentecost V – St Anacletus (c25-c89) 3rd Bishop of Rome and Martyr – 1 Petet 3:8-15; 5:10-11 – Matthew 5:20-24 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Leave there thy offering before the Altar and go first to be reconciled to thy brother and then, coming, thou shalt offer thy gift.” – Matthew 5:24
REFLECTION – “The measure with which you measure shall be measured out to you” (Mt 7:2). And the servant who, after having had all his debt forgiven him by his master, would not forgive his fellow-servant, is confined to prison. Because he was unwilling to forgive his fellow-servant, he lost the forgiveness which had been granted him by the Lord (Mt 18:23f). And these things Christ sets forth still more strongly in his precepts by the greater force of his censure. He says: “When you stand praying, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions. But if you do not forgive, neither will your heavenly Father forgive your transgressions” (Mk 11:25) …
For God commands us to be peacemakers and of one heart and of one mind, in His House. And such as He has made us by a second birth, so by a second birth He wishes to preserve us that we, who are the children of God, may abide in the peace of God and that we ,who have one spirit, may have one heart and mind. Thus God does not receive the sacrifice of a person who is in disagreement but commands him to go back from the Altar and first be reconciled to his brother that so God also, may be appeased by the prayers of the peacemaker. The greater sacrifice to God is our peace and fraternal concord and a people united in the unity of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” – St Cyprian of Carthage (200-258) Bishop of Carthage, Martyr, Father of the Church (The Lord’s Prayer, 23).
PRAYER – Look forgivingly on thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Anacletus thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, whom thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church.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).
AnaStpaul 
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