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 SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 22 May – St Quiteria (5th Century) Virgin Martyr

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 22 May – St Quiteria (5th Century) Virgin Martyr., Princess. Born in the 5th Century in Braga, Lusitania (now Portugal) and died in Aire-sur-l’Adouron the borders between France and Spain by beheading. Patronages – against rabies and rabid dogs, against anger, of the City of Higueruela in Spain. Also known as – Kitheriammal, Quiteira, Quitterie.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Spain, St Quiteria, Virgin Martyr.”

18th Century Portuguese painting of Quiteria

One will discover several Churches dedicated to Saint Quiteria while wandering between the south-west of France and the north of Spain, areas which, in the first centuries of Christianity, formed a single cultural entity. Several apostles of the area, such as Saint Saturnin of Toulouse, in fact worked on both sides of the Pyrenees. Furthermore, it should not be forgotten that a few centuries later ,a good part of southern Spain fell into the hands of the Arabs and this constituted a powerful stimulus to strengthen the Christian ties across the Pyrenees.

The centre of the cult paid to Quiteria is constituted by her ancient and valuable sarcophagus, kept since time immemorial, in the French City of Aire-Sur-Adour, in Gascony, on the banks of the Adour River, on the route which crosses the Pyrenees from north to south.

Ancient references help to strengthen the evidence of her cult which St Gregory of Tours also mentions. She is usually considered a virgin and marty, but her life is almost totally unknown.

Believed to have been a Princess, originally from Spanish Galicia, she ran away from home because her father wanted to marry her and make her renounce her personal vows within the Christian Faith.

Quiteria firmly refused and sought refuge in the Aire region but her father’s emissaries reached her and ruthlessly beheaded her. Legend tells that a dog then grabbed the Saint’s head by the hair, now detached and the depiction of this curious episode has spread the belief among the people that the Saint is a powerful defence against rabid dogs.

Quiteria is also venerated in Portugal, where, however, a different legend is attributed to her. The Martyrologium Romanum places the Feastday on the traditional date of 22 May.

Posted in ART DEI, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Beata Vergine di San Luca/ The Blessed Virgin of Saint Luke, Bologn, Italy, St Rita of Cascia, Widow and the Saints for 22 May

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Beata Vergine di San Luca, Bologna, Italy / The Blessed Virgin of Saint Luke, Bologna – 22 May, Saturday before the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord:. The Blessed Virgin of St Luke is the Patron Saint of Bologna.
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/22/beata-vergine-di-san-luca-bologna-italy-the-blessed-virgin-of-saint-luke-bologna-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

St Rita of Cascia (1386-1457) Mother, Widow, Stigmatist, Consecrated Religious, Mystic, – Patron of Impossible Causes, Abused Wives and Widows et al
About St Rita:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/05/22/saint-of-the-day-22-may-st-rita-of-cascia-patron-of-impossible-causes-abused-wives-and-widows/

St Aigulf of Bourges
St Atto of Pistoia
St Aureliano of Pavia
St Ausonius of Angoulême
St Baoithin of Ennisboyne

St Basiliscus of Pontus (Died c 310) Martyr, Bishop of Comana in Pontus, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey).
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/22/saint-of-the-day-22-may-st-basiliscus-of-comana-died-c-310-martyr-bishop/

St Beuvon (Died 986) Pilgrim, Apostle of the poor, Hermit, Knight
About St Beuvon:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/22/saint-of-the-day-22-may-st-beuvon-died-986/

St Boethian of Pierrepont
St Castus the Martyr
St Conall of Inniscoel
Bl Diego de Baja
Bl Dionisio Senmartin
St Emilius the Martyr
St Faustinus the Martyr

St Fulgentius (Mid 6th Century) Bishop of Otricoli , Miracle-worker, remembered by St Gregory the Great in his Dialogues.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/05/22/saint-of-the-day-22-may-saint-fulgentius-of-otricoli-mid-6th-century-bishop/

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Bl Fulk of Castrofurli
Bl Giacomo Soler
Bl Giusto Samper
St Helen of Auxerre

St Humility (c1226–1310) Wife, Mother, Nun – a founder of Vallumbrosan Convents in the region of Faenza in Italy and is considered the Founder of the Vallumbrosan Nuns.
Her Story:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/22/saint-of-the-day-22-may-saint-humility-of-faenza-c-1226-1310/

Blessed John Forest OFM (1471-1538) Martyr of Oxford University, Priest of the Order of Friars Minor. Beatified by Pope Leo XIII on 29 December 1886.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/22/saint-of-the-day-22-may-bl-john-forest-o-f-m-1471-1538-martyr/

St Julia (5th Century) Virgin Martyr
Her Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/22/saint-of-the-day-22-may-st-julia-5th-century-martyr/

St Lupo of Limoges
St Marcian of Ravenna Bishop and Confessor
St Margaret of Hulme
Bl Pedro of the Assumption
St Quiteria (5th Century) Virgin Martyr

St Romanus (Died c560) Abbot, Protector and benefactor of St Benedict during the latter’s early years as a Hermit.
Holy St Romanus:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/05/22/saint-of-the-day-22-may-saint-romanus-of-subiaco-died-c560-abbot/

St Timothy the Martyr
St Venustus the Martyr

DISCLAIMER:
Please note:
I cannot control the content of the Advertisements on this Site, or of pop-ups which may appear,
The revenue from the Advertisements, however, does provide a little assistance in the support of the Site.
I do apologise for any inappropriate content.

Posted in MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, The IMITATION of MARY, Thomas a Kempis

Thought for the Day –21 May – On the BEAUTY and LINEAGE of MARY

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day –21 May – The Imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Extracts from The Imitation
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
By Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)
Imprimatur 17 February 1947

Chapter VIII
On the BEAUTY and LINEAGE of MARY

i. O Mary, illustrious Virgin, engendered from the fruitful race of Patriarchs, nourished by the holy descendants of priests, O Mary, honoured with the dignity of Pontiffs, announced by the choir of Prophets, heiress of the grandeur of Kings, illustrious daughter of the House of David, supreme glory of the Tribe of Juda.
Sacred heroine of the valiant people of Israel, living symbol of a holy nation, miraculous child of blessed parents, thou merit glory and praise, thou merit tenderness and love.
Thou art a treasure among all women, thou, who even before the beginning of time had been chosen as the Mother of God.
The Patriarchs desired thy birth, O Mary, the wise Prophets announced thee, the just men and the Kings bore witness to thee, the people of Israel sighed for thee, until the day, when at last, thou appeared, O Mary, for the salvation of this dying world.

ii. Thy name is proclaimed in the whole universe, O Mary! from the rising to the setting of the sun, among all nations, Jews and Gentiles, Greeks and Latins, Romans and Scythians, everywhere thy name is announced with the Gospel.
Everywhere, too and everyday, thy name is preached in Churches and Chapels, in cloisters, in fields, in deserts.
It is repeated by the little and the great, by priests and doctors and preachers, who all equally seek to praise thee.
Yes, O Mary, together the choir of the just unites its harmonies and its voices, in order to chant thy attractions, thy grace and thy holiness.
Its love is so great, its love is so gentle that it can, without ever tiring, chant, contemplate, meditate and fete thy mysteries.
Mindful of the words of Wisdom:
‘Those who eat of me yet hunger for this bread,
those who drink of me still thirst for this wine.’

iii. Prayer: Come then, O Mary, Sweet Virgin Whom I Love!

Come then, O Mary, sweet Virgin whom I love!
Come then, my hope and my consolation!
Come, for when I am near thee,
when I hear thy voice,
it seems, I already possess all good,
it seems, I am sheltered from all evil,
recalling thy sweet clemency,
I come to seek refuge under thine aegis,
O Mary, thou who knowest how to give,
to the weak – strength,
to the captive – freedom,
be for me, all merciful,
be, by thy love, a mother to me.
Thus I shall know,
through having experienced it.
All those who arc faithful in serving thee,
how thou console, with charm
and how thou defend, with assurance.

By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)
(Soliloquy of the Soul, Chapter V)

Translated By:
Fr & Dr C Albin de Cigala (1865-1928)
Faculty of Paris (1947)
Doctor of Theology and Philosophy

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, Hail MARY!, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The LITTLE OFFICE of MARY

Quote/s of the Day – 21 May – Hail full of grace!

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Quote/s of the Day – 21 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

“Hail full of grace!”

Luke 1:28

“By a woman came the flood of our ills
and, by a woman too,
our blessings have their spring.”

St Gregory Thaumaturgus (c213-c270)
“the Wonder-Worker” Bishop, Confessor, Father

“Through a woman, [Eve]
a curse fell upon the earth;
through a woman, [Mary]
there returned to the earth,
a blessing!”

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

“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

“Give thanks to Almighty God
Who resists the proud
and gives grace to the humble
and offer Him all the glory
that this Maiden accorded to His Majesty
by her practice of the richest humility
during her childhood
and throughout the rest of her life.”

St John Eudes CO (1601-1680)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), GOD is LOVE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The HOLY GHOST, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection– 21 May – ‘ … We are lovingly embraced by means of the Holy Ghost, in eternal Love!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 21 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Ferial Day – James 1:17-21 – John 16:5-14– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I will send Him to you.” – John 16:7

REFLECTION – “The going forth of a contemplative is a heavenly life … for by means of blissful love, he transcends his creaturely state and finds and savours, the riches and delight which God is Himself and which He causes ceaselessly, to flow forth into the hidden depths of the spirit, where the spirit bears a likeness to God’s own nobility. When an interior, contemplative person has thus attained his eternal image and, in this purity and by means of the Son, has possessed the Father’s bosom, then he is enlightened with Divine Truth…

You should know that, the heavenly Father, as a Living Ground and with all that lives in Him, has turned actively toward His Son, as toward His own eternal Wisdom (Pr 8:22) and, this same Wisdom, together with all which lives in it, has actively turned back toward the Father, toward that same Ground from which it comes forth. In this meeting between the Father and the Son, there arises the third Person, the Holy Ghost, Who is the Love of Them Both and Who is One with Them in the same nature. In a way, characterised by both activity and blissful enjoyment, the Holy Ghost embraces and penetrates the Father and Son and all which lives in both of Them, with such great riches and joy, all creatures must remain silent before this, for the incomprehensible wonder which resides in this Love, eternally transcends the understanding of all creatures.

But when a person understands this wonder and savours it without amazement, then has his spirit been raised above itself and been made one with the Spirit of God; it savours and sees without measure, like God Himself—the riches which it has itself become in the Unity of the Living Ground where it possesses itself in accordance with the mode of its uncreated being … Now this blessed meeting is actively renewed in us … For just as the Father ceaselessly sees all things anew, in the birth of the Son, so too, are all things loved anew, by the Father and the Son, in the flowing forth of the Holy Ghost. This is the active meeting of the Father and the Son, in which we are lovingly embraced by means of the Holy Ghost, in eternal Love!” – Bl Jan van Ruysbroeck (1293-1381) Canon Regular (The spiritual espousals III).

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, may be delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. 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 DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on MERCY

Our Morning Offering – 21 May – St Jerome Emiliani’s O Mary, Twice Mother of Mercy

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Our Morning Offering – 21 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

O Mary, Twice Mother of Mercy
By St Jerome Emiliani (1486–1537)

O Mary,
thou art twice Mother of Mercy
because thou hast been made
Mother of our most merciful Saviour,
and, furthermore because,
thou hast given to us
so many signs
of thy maternal care and love.
Turn upon us, we beseech thee,
thy glance of compassion
and grant, that we may always
live free from sin,
which is the only impediment
to receiving the fruits
of the Divine Mercies.
Amen.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 21 May – St Hospitius (Died 581) Confessor, Hermit

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Saint of the Day – 21 May – St Hospitius (Died 581) Confessor, Hermit, Ascetic, Penitent, Spiritual Guide, gifted with the Charisms of Prophecy and physical cures, Miracle-worker. Believed to have been born in Egypt in the 6th Century, he died in 581 in France. Patronage – of the French Town of San-Sospis named after him. Also known as – Sospis, Hospitus, Ospicio, Ospizio.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Nice, in France, St Hospitius, Confessor, distinguished by the virtue of abstinence and the spiorit of prophecy.”

Having retired to a tower near Villafranca, not far from Nice, Hospitius led a life devoted to prayer and the mortification of the flesh. His home, now known as St-Sospis in his honour, was the scene of a life stripped of all comforts – bread, herbs and dates made up his frugal diet, while heavy chains and a rough hair shirt encircled his body.

Hospitius was not only a model of austerity but also, included among his gifts, God had graced him with the ability to foresee the future. Famous is the prophecy he pronounced about the invasion of the Lombards – he accurately predicted the raid which would devastate Nice in 574. Hospitius was seized by these raiders but his life was spared when he worked a miracle in favour of his attacker, who subsequently embraced the Faith and then the religious life and was known personally to St Gregory of Tours. It was from this former Lombardian soldier that St Gregory, to whom we are indebted for the meagre details of the Saint’s life, learned of the austerities and numerous miracles of the saintly Hermit. This Statue of the event is displayed in the Church dedicated to St Hospitius in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (Alpes-Maritimes, France).

Hospitius’ fame spread far beyond the confines of his tower, attracting to his hermitage, countless pilgrims in search of comfort and cures. Numerous miracles were attributed to his intercession, including the cure of a man blind from birth and another, who was deaf and mute. It is said that the very dust of his tomb possessed healing properties.

Hospitius foretold his death and died around 581, surrounded by a devotion which has never waned over the many centuries. Even today, his figure inspires the faithful with his testimony of unshakable faith, strength of spirit and self-denial. He was buried by his friend, Austadius, the Bishop of Nice.

His memory is celebrated every year on 21 May and his Relics are kept in the Cathedral of Nice and in several other Churches in the Diocese.

Information about Saint Hospitius comes to us mainly from the works of Saint Gregory of Tours, his contemporary, who briefly described his life and virtues, much of this information gleaned from a Religious disciple of our Saint. Various biographies dedicated to the Saint were written over time but unfortunately none of them have reached us.

The figure of St Hospitius is closely linked to the history of Provence in the 6th Century, a period marked by barbarian invasions and political upheavals. His prophecy on the arrival of the Lombards makes him an eyewitness to crucial events which shaped the future of the region.

Painting of Saint-Hospice interceding to the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the Chapel of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Nostra Signora degli Angeli / Our Lady of the Angels, Arcola, Italy (1556) and Memorials of the Saints – 21 May

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Nostra Signora degli Angeli / Our Lady of the Angels, Arcola, Italy (1556) – 21 May:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/21/nostra-signora-degli-angeli-our-lady-of-the-angels-arcola-italy-1556-and-memorials-of-the-saints-21-may/

St Adalric of Bèze
Bl Adilio Daronch
St Ageranus of Bèze
St Ansuinus of Bèze
St Antiochus of Caesarea Philippi

St Bairfhion of Killbarron
St Berard of Bèze

St Collen (Died c600) Welsh Abbot in Denbighshire, Wales
His Devout Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/05/21/saint-of-the-day-21-may-saint-collen-of-denbighshire-died-c600-welsh-abbot/

St Donatus of Caesarea
St Eutychius of Mauretania

St Genesius of Bèze

St Godric of Finchale (c1070-1170) Hermit, Merchant, Pilgrim, Hymnist, Spiritual Advisor to Saints, both great and small, friend of all animals.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/21/saint-of-the-day-21-may-saint-godric-of-finchale-c-1070-1170/

Bl Hemming of Åbo

St Hospitius (Died 581) Confessor, Hermit

St Isberga of Aire
Bl Lucio del Rio
St Mancio of Évora
St Nicostratus of Caesarea Philippi

Blessed Pietro Parenzo (Died 1199) Layman Martyr, Husband, Mayor of Orvieto, Reformer.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/21/saint-of-the-day-21-may-blessed-pietro-parenzo-died-1199-layman-martyr/

St Polieuctus of Caesarea
St Polius of Mauretania
St Restituta of Corsica
St Rodron of Bèze
St Secundinus of Cordova
St Secundus of Alexandria
St Serapion the Sindonite
St Sifrard of Bèze
Bl Silao
St Synesius
St Theobald of Vienne
St Theopompus
St Timothy of Mauretania
St Valens of Auxerre
St Vales
St Victorius of Caesarea

Martyrs of Egypt: Large number of Bishops, Priests, Deacons and lay people banished when the Arian heretics seized the diocese of Alexandria, Egypt in 357 and drove out Saint Athanasius and other orthodox Christians. Many were old, many infirm and many, many died of abuse and privations while on the road and in the wilderness. Very few survived to return to their homes in 361 when Julian the Apostate recalled all Christians and then many of those later died in the persecutions of Julian.

Martyrs of Pentecost in Alexandria: An unspecified number of Christian clerics and lay people who, on Pentecost in 338, were rounded up by order of the Arian bishop and Emperor Constantius and were either killed, or exiled, for refusing to accept Arian teachings. 339 in Alexandria, Egypt.

DISCLAIMER
Please note:
I cannot control the content of the Advertisements on this Site, or of pop-ups which may appear,
The revenue from the Advertisements, however, does provide a little assistance in the support of the Site.
I do apologise for any inappropriate content.

Posted in MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MOTHER of GOD, The IMITATION of MARY, Thomas a Kempis

Thought for the Day – 20 May – The Grandeurs and Tenderness of Mary

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 20 May – The Imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Extracts from The Imitation
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
By Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)
Imprimatur 17 February 1947

SERMON (VII)
The Eminent Dignity of the Mother Of God

I. In the suggestive language of poetry, when we compare God to the sun, we liken Mary to the moon, as the planet which comes immediately after the greatest.
Thus it is in reality – Mary is, after God, the most beautiful and the greatest marvel of the universe.
The dignity and the grandeur of a being is due to its functions.
What grandeur more sublime, what dignity more striking
than those of “Mother of God?”
The Greeks had created purposefully, in order to designate it, a word which applies only to Mary –Theotokos, “she who has brought forth God.”

II. In the enumeration of the privileges of Mary, the beauty, the sweetness, the power, the force and the majesty, nothing equal is found here on earth.
Just as the Temple of Solomon was unique in the world, thus Mary, is unique in the order of creation.
But, if grandeur frightens ordinarily, here it attracts, for to the grandeur, is attached too, tenderness – the tenderness of a Mother!

III. Hence, the Author asks Mary, in the final prayer, for the assistance of her power and the protection of her love – “Tutamen et solomen.”

MEDITATION
The Grandeurs and Tenderness of Mary

The enumeration of the privileges of Mary is her most beautiful eulogy, says St Germain.
Thou art, O my Mother, the panegyric of all the ages and of all spheres.
Thou ary great and thou art powerful, yjou art sovereign and thou art mistress, thou art Queen and thou art woman, thou art she, who is always named and thou
art she, who cannot be named at her worth.
Thou art the Mother and thou art the ineffable.
Thy tenderness is that of a virginal heart, inserted into the flesh of a Mother.
Just as the mother gives us both of her soul and of her body in forming us within her womb, thus thou gives us of thy heart and of thy substance when we receive Jesus, thy Son, in the Eucharist.
O inaccessible grandeur, O ineffable tenderness!

Practice:
Often recite the Litanies of the Holy Virgin which are
a summary of her privileges.

Thought:
O Mary, thou surpassest in greatness and sweetness, all
creatures – “Tn snpergressa es universas, O Maria! Thy sweetness extends throughout the universe, o Mary!

Fr & Dr Célestin Albin de Cigala (1865-1928)
Faculty of Paris (1947)
Doctor of Theology and Philosophy

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, franciscan OFM, Holy Name PRAYERS, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on the CHURCH, The HOLY NAME

Quote/s of the Day – 20 May – St Bernadine of Siena

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 20 May – St Bernadine of Siena OFM (1380-1444) “Apostle of the Most Holy Name of Jesus,” Confessor

Daily Prayer to the Most Holy Name
By St Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444)
Apostle of the Most Holy Name

Jesus,
Name full of glory, grace, love and strength!
Thou art the Refuge of those who repent,
our Banner of warfare in this life,
the Medicine of souls,
the Comfort of those who mourn,
the Delight of those who believe,
the Light of those who preach the True Faith,
the Wages of those who toil,
the Cure of the sick.
To Thou, our devotion aspires;
by Thee, our prayers are received;
we delight in contemplating Thee.
O Name of Jesus,
Thou art the glory
of all the Saints for eternity.
Amen

“The Name of Jesus, is in fact,
the great foundation of the Faith
which turns people into children of God.
The Catholic Faith indeed,
consists in the news of Jesus Christ,
as Light of the soul,
Gate of Life
and foundation
of eternal salvation.”

“Was it not through the brilliance
and sweet savour of this Name,
that God called us into
His marvelous light?”

“It is an axiom in Theology
that when a person is chosen by God
for any state, he receives,
not only the dispositions necessary for it
but, even the gifts which he needs
to sustain that state with decorum.”
(Speaking on the subject of the
Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God).

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/05/20/quote-s-of-the-day-20-may-st-bernadine-of-siena-2/

St Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444)

Posted in CATECHESIS, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on the POOR, SAINT of the DAY, St Francis de Sales

One Minute Reflection – 20 May – ‘ … Always deprive yourself, therefore, of some part of your means … ‘

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 20 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Bernadine of Siena OFM (1380-1444) “Apostle of the Most Holy Name of Jesus” Confessor – Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11 – Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… Shall receive a hundredfold and shall possess life everlasting.” – Matthew 19:29

REFLECTION – “The possessions which we have, are not our own:, God has given them to us to cultivate and He wishes us to render them fruitful and profitable … Always deprive yourself, therefore, of some part of your means, giving them to the poor with a willing heart … It is true that God will return it to you, not only in the next world but also in this, for there is nothing which makes a person prosper, in temporal matters, as much as almsgiving. But until such time as God shall repay it, you will always be impoverished to that extent. Oh! how holy and rich is the impoverishment which is caused by almsgiving.

Love the poor and poverty, for by this love you will become truly poor, since, as Scripture says: “We become like the things that we love” (cf Hos 9:10). Love makes those who love, equal to one another: “Who is weak and I am not weak?” says St Paul (2 Cor 11:29). He might have said: “Who is poor, with whom I am not poor?” For love made him become, such as those whom he loved. If, then, you love the poor, you will be truly participating in their poverty and poor like them. Now, if you love the poor, be often among them; be pleased to see them in your house and to visit them in theirs; associate willingly with them; be glad that they are near you in the Churches, in the streets and elsewhere. Be poor in speech with them, speaking to them as their equal but be rich in deed, giving them of your goods, as one who possesses more abundantly.

Will you do even more? … Become a servant of the poor; go to serve them … with your own hands … and at your own expense. This service has more glory in it than a throne!” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church (Introduction to the devout life, Part three Ch 15).

PRAYER – O Lord Jesus, Who bestowed on blessed Bernardine, T Thy Confessor, an unusual love for Thine Holy Name, we beseech Thee, by his merits and intercession, graciously pour upon us the spirit of Thy love. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 20 May – O Blessed Lady by St Bernard

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 20 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

O Blessed Lady,
Mediatrix and Advocate
By St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father and Doctor of Light

Our Mediatrix and Advocate
O blessed Lady,
you found grace, brought forth the Life,
and became the Mother of Salvation.
May you obtain the grace for us to go to the Son.
By your mediation, may we be received by the One
who through you, gave Himself to us.
May your integrity compensate with Him
for the fault of our corruption
and may your humility,
which is pleasing to God,
implore pardon for our vanity.
May your great charity
cover the multitude of our sins
and may your glorious fecundity
confer on us, a fecundity of merits.
Dear Lady, our Mediatrix and Advocate,
reconcile us to your Son,
recommend us to Him
and present us to your Son.
By the grace you found,
by the privilege you merited,
by the Mercy you brought forth,
obtain for us the favour we ask of you,
O blessed Lady.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 20 May – St Austregisilus (c551-624) Bishop and Confessor

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Saint of the Day – 20 May – St Austregisilus (c551-624) Bishop and Confessor of Bourges , Apostle of Charity to the poor and suffering, Defender of his flock by his assiduous care against all forms of strife, Born in c551 in Bourges, France and died there on 20 May 624. Patronages – Bourges and Lyon in France.
Also known as – Aoustrille, Austregesilio, Outril, Outrille.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Bourges in France, St Austregisil, Bishop and Confessor.”

Statue of Austregisilus in the Church of Frontenas.

Born of a nobile family, Austregesilus’ youth was spent in the shadow of the Royal Court of King Guntram, where he had the opportunity to experience first-hand, the dynamics of power and the miseries of the people. It is said that, despite his noble origins, Austregesilus was deeply touched by the suffering of the weakest, developing a strong desire to devote himself to the service of God.

According to tradition, Austregesilus refused the marriage arranged for him by the Court, preferring to follow the Divine call to the Priesthood. This courageous choice, in contrast to the social expectations of the time, testifies to his profound faith and his desire to dedicate himself, body and soul, to the good of others.

Around 612, Austregesilus was Consecrated as the Bishop of Bourges, assuming leadership of the Diocese during a turbulent period marked by political conflicts and social tensions. Despite these difficulties, the new Bishop distinguished himself by his dedication to the people, becoming a beacon of hope and an example of Christian charity.

Saint Austregesilus committed himself fully to the pastoral care of his Diocese, regularly visiting all his Parishes and preaching the Gospel with fervour. His work was directed, in particular, to the most needy: the poor, orphans, the sick and those condemned to death. With dedication and compassion, Austregesilus did his utmost to alleviate their suffering, offering them not only material support but also, spiritual comfort.

In 614, Austregesilus participated in the Council of Paris, an important event which brought together the Frankish Bishops to discuss theological and disciplinary issues. His presence at the Council underlines his role as a reference within the Frankish Church and his commitment to promoting unity and cohesion among the faithful.

Saint Austregesilus died on 20 May 624, leaving a deep sorrow and eternal memory of sanctity and charity among his people. His figure soon became an object of veneration in Bourges and surrounds and a Church was dedicated to him in Bourges, of which he is still the Patron today.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Santa Maria delle Grazie / Holy Mary of the Graces Italy (1428), St Bernadine of Siena and Memorials of the Saints – 20 May

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles – Celebrated on the First Saturday after the Ascension – 20 May +2023:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/28/our-lady-queen-of-the-apostles-and-memorials-of-the-saints-28-may/

Santa Maria delle Grazie / Holy Mary of the Graces in Stia, Arezzo, Italy (1428) – 20 May:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/20/santa-maria-delle-grazie-holy-mary-of-the-graces-in-stia-arezzo-italy-1428-and-memorials-of-the-saints-20-may/

St Bernadine of Siena OFM (1380-1444) “Apostle of the Most Holy Name of Jesus,” Priest of the Order of St Francis, Missionary, Preacher, known as the “Apostle of Italy,” the “Star of Tuscany,” and the “Second Paul.”
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/05/20/saint-of-the-day-20-may-st-bernardine-of-siena/

St Abercius
Blessed Albert (Died 1245) Priest and Abbot of the Vallombrosan Abbey near Bologna, Italy.
St Alexander of Edessa
St Althryda
St Anastasius of Brescia
St Aquila of Egypt
Bl Arnaldo Serra and Companions
St Asterius of Edessa
St Austregisilus (c551-624) Bishop and Confessor of Bourgesof Bourges
St Basilla of Rome
St Baudelius of Nîmes
St Codrato

Blessed Columba OP (1467- 1501) Mystic, religious Sister of the Third Order of St Dominic in Rieti, Italy, Apostle of the poor, renowned for her spiritual counsel, devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and for antastic miracles.
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/20/saint-of-the-day-20-may-blessed-columba-of-rieti-op-1467-1501/

St Ethelbert of East Anglia (Died 794) Martyr King of East Anglia
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/20/saint-of-the-day-20-may-saint-ethelbert-died-794-martyr/

Bl Guy de Gherardesca
St Helena
St Hilary of Toulouse
St Lucifer of Caglieri
St Marcello

St Plautilla (Died 67) A Roman Widow, Mother of St Flavia Domitilla. She was Baptised by St Peter and is believed to have seen the Martyrdom of St Paul.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St Plautilla, wife of an ex-Consul and mother of the blessed Flavia Domitilla. She was Baptised by the Apostle, St Peter and after giving the example of all virtues, rested in peace.”
Blessed Indeed St Plautilla:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/05/20/saint-of-the-day-20-may-st-plautilla-of-rome-died-67-a-roman-widow/

St Talaleo of Egea
St Thalalaeus of Edessa
St Theodore of Pavia

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Please note:
I cannot control the content of the Advertisements on this Site, or of pop-ups which may appear,
The revenue from the Advertisements, however, does provide a little assistance in the support of the Site.
I do apologise for any inappropriate content.

Posted in MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, QUEENSHIP of MARY, The IMITATION of MARY, Thomas a Kempis

Thought for the Day – 19 May – The GREATNESS and PRIVILEGES of MARY

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 19 May – The Imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Extracts from The Imitation
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
By Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)
Imprimatur 17 February 1947

Chapter VII
The GREATNESS and PRIVILEGES of MARY

i. In order to succeed in knowing, at least in part, the greatness and dignity of the Virgin Mary, briefly note, the eminent graces with which God has clothed her, while exalting her above Angels and Saints in Heaven and, above all men on earth.
She is the holy virgin, she is the beloved Mother, of whom is said in the Church and throughout the universe, “Thou art raised, Holy Mother of God, higher than the angels, raised to the throne of Heaven.“
Review with care the deeds and acts of the ancient Patriarchs.
It is from their root that Mary was born, Virgin and Mother equally, a rose without thorns amid the thickets.
Just as formerly Christ was prefigured in His Birth, in His
Death and in His Life, by Patriarchs, Prophets, and Kings, by Judges, Priests and Levites, by Doctors and finally by Scribes, in words, in symbols and in signs –
likewise, as by a Divine Ordination, the Blessed Virgin Mary was equally announced, by celebrated virgins of past epochs, by illustrious mothers, by exemplary widows,
by all women living in sanctity.

ii. By testimony of the Holy Scripture, Mary was, from all time and will be always, the holiest Virgin among all virgins, the most beautiful woman among all women, the sweetest Mother among all mothers, the purest daughter among all daughters, the gentlest mistress among all mistresses, the most illustrious Queen among all queens.
In her are found again assembled, dwelling and shining with an unequalled brilliance, all virginal beauty and all virtuous charm, all divine thought and all the love of the heart, every virtuous work and every fruit of sanctity.
Mary never had a predecessor, she has not today an equal, she will never henceforth, have a peer.
Just as formerly among the holy temples Solomon’s was the most adorned, the richest, the most renowned, the most unique – so, the symbolic temple of Mary surpasses, in excellence, the temples of the Saints.
It alone merits more of love and glory.

iii. Prayer:
O Mary, Star which Shines in the Sky,
Virgin, Queen of Heaven

O Mary, Star which shines in the sky,
Virgin, Queen of Heaven,
Sovereign ol the World,
no woman can be compared to thee,
no matter with whatever virtues
Heaven may have adorned her
because thou art unique
in the midst of the elect.
God the Father, secs thee
as thou were before all ages
and created thee upon earth,
at the selected time,
in order to make of thee the Mother of His Son.
O Miracle ineffable, O joy unhoped for!
This Son of the Living God to save the universe
becomes thy Son and thou art His mother!
Thus thou became our mediatrix,
and the mediatrix of the entire world.
O Mary, the most beautiful of all women,
let the whole world glorify thee,
honour thee, sing to thee and love thee!
May every creature repeat thy praises
in Heaven and on earth,
now and forever.

( By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)
Sermons to the Novices, XXV)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of PETITION, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on REASON/INTELLECT, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on WISDOM

Quote/s of the Day – 19 May – St Alcuin (c735-804) “The Schoolmaster of Europe”

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Quote/s of the Day – 19 May – St Alcuin (c735-804) “The Schoolmaster of Europe” Deacon, Confessor

O Lord, our God!
By St Alcuin (c735-804)

O Lord, our God,
Who has called us to serve Thee,
in the midst of the world’s affairs,
when we stumble, catch and hold us;
when we fall, lift us up;
when we are hard pressed with evil, deliver us;
when we turn from what is good, turn us back!;
and bring us at last to Thy glory.
Amen

“… Through all the pages of Holy Scripture
we are urged to learn wisdom.
In toiling toward the happy life,
nothing is more lofty,
nothing more pleasant,
nothing bolder against vices,
nothing more praiseworthy
in every place of dignity
and moreover, according to the words
of philosophers, nothing is more
essential to government,
nothing more helpful in leading a moral life,
than the beauty of wisdom,
the praise of learning
and the advantages of scholarship. ”

“I am made all things to all men
that I may instruct many
to the profit of God’s Holy Church … ”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/05/19/quote-s-of-the-day-19-may-st-alcuin-of-york/

St Alcuin (c735-804)
Father of the Church

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the CHURCH, St PETER!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 May – ‘ … Do you see how God can let someone fall into sin? … ‘

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 19 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Pope Celestine V (1210-1296) – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11 – Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Upon this rock I will build My Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven and, whatever you loose on earth, shall be loosed in Heaven.” … Matthew 16:18-19

REFLECTION – “Peter was to receive on deposit, the keys of the Church, or rather the keys of Heaven and, he should see himself entrusted with the numerous people. What did the Lord actually say to him? “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven” (Mt 16:19).
For Peter had a somewhat abrupt character; if he had been without sin what sort of forgiveness would the disciples have received from him? This is why Divine Grace allowed him to fall into a certain fault, in order that his own trial should make him benevolent towards others.
Do you see how God can let someone fall into sin; this Peter, the leader of the Apostles, the unshakable foundation, indestructible rock, first in the Church, impregnable harbour, unshakable tower — this same Peter, who had said to Christ: “Even though I should have to die with Thee, I will not deny Thee” (Mt 26:35), Peter who, by a divine revelation, had confessed the truth: “Thou are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Mt 16:16). …
But as I said, God arranged it in this way and allowed Peter to sin because He had it in mind, to confer numerous people upon him and He feared, that his roughness, joined to his impeccability, might make him unsympathetic towards his brothers.
He gave way to sin so that, remembering his own failure and the kindness of the Lord, he might testify to others, a grace of philanthropy in accord with the Divine design conceived by God. The fall had been permitted to the one who was going to see himself entrusted with the Church, the Pillar of the Church, the Harbour of the Faith; the fall had been permitted to Peter, the Doctor of the Universe, in order that, the forgiveness received, might remain the foundation of love for others.” – (Attr) St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (On the Apostle Peter and the Prophet Elijah).

PRAYER – O God, Who raised blessed Peter Celestine to the lofty dignity of Supreme Pontiff and taught him to prefer self-abasement instead; mercifully grant that by his example, we may look upon all worldly things as naught and may be worthy to reap, in joy, the rewards promised to the humble.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 BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN Antiphons, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Our Morning Offering – 19 May – Tota Pulchra Es, Maria

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Our Morning Offering – 19 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

Tota Pulchra Es, Maria
You Are All Beautiful, Mary
Unknown Author – 4th Century

You are all beautiful, Mary,
and the original stain is not in you.
You are the glory of Jerusalem,
you are the joy of Israel,
you give honour to our people.
You are an advocate of sinners.
O Mary, O Mary,
Virgin most intelligent,
Mother most merciful.
Pray for us,
Plead for us,
To the Lord Jesus Christ.

Tota pulchra es, Maria.
Et macula originalis non est in Te.
Tu gloria Ierusalem.
Tu laetitia Israel.
Tu honorificentia populi nostri.
Tu advocata peccatorum.
O Maria, O Maria,
Virgo prudentissima.
Mater clementissima.
Ora pro nobis.
Intercede pro nobis.
Ad Dominum Iesum Christum.

This prayer used by the Church since the 4th Century for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the Purity of the Blessed Virgin. It takes some text from the book of Judith and other text from Song of Songs, specifically 4:7. Many composers have set this prayer to music over the centuries.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 19 May – St Pudentiana (Died c160) Virgin Martyr(?)

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Saint of the Day – 19 May – St Pudentiana (Died c160) Virgin Martyr(?) although sources do not confirm her Martyrdom. Patronage – Co Patron of the Philippines, with St Rose of Lima under the Principal patronage of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conveption. Also known as – Potentiana.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, the saintly virgin, Pudentiana, who, after numberless tribulations, after with great respect, burying many Martyrs and distributing all her goods to the poor for Christ’s sake, departed from this world to go to Heaven.”

This mosaic is present in the Apse of the Basilica dedicated to St Pudentiana in Rome

According to her Acta and the Martyrology of Reichenau, she was a Roman virgin of the early Church, daughter of Saint Pudens, friend of the Apostles and Disciples and sister of St Praxedes, also a Martyr.

These 2 sisters, together with Pope Pius I, built a Baptistry in the Church inside their father’s house and started to Baptise pagan converts there.

Pudentiana died at the age of 16, possibly a Martyr and is buried next to her father St Pudens, in the Priscilla Catacombs on the via Salaria.

While there is evidence for the life of Pudens, there is no direct evidence for either Pudentiana or Praxedes. However, these 2 have a Church in Rome but not their fahter.

Santa Pudenziana, a Basilica in Rome, is named for her, and her commemoration in the General Roman Calendar fell on 19 May until its 1969 revision. Pudentiana is still mentioned on 19 May in the Roman Martyrology.

St Pudentiana on the South Colonnade at St Peter’s. Here she raises a sponge used to collect the blood of the Martyrs.

The Spanish Conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi, the Founder of the modern City of Manila, Philippines, gained possession of the territory on 19 May 1571. As it was the Feastday of Saint Pudentiana, Legazpi declared her the Patron.

By the Apostolic Letter “Impositi Nobis Apostolici” of 12 September 1942, Pope Pius XII, at the request of the Philippine Episcopacy, declared the Virgin Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception, as principal Patron of the Country, with Saints Pudentiana and Rose of Lima, as secondary patrons. His Decree mentions the historic documents, indicated Pudentiana as Patron from the 16th Century and Rose of Lima from the 17th.

St Pudentiana’s Relics were transferred to the Basilica in Rome, (see below) dedicated to her and her sister from the Catacombs of Priscilla.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Notre-Dame de Flines / Our Lady of Flines, Douay (1279), St Pope Celestine V, St Pudentiana Virgin Martyr, St Alcuin of York and Memorials of the Saints – 19 May

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Notre-Dame de Flines / Our Lady of Flines, Douay (1279) – 20 May:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/19/notre-dame-de-flines-our-lady-of-flines-douay-1279-and-memorial-of-the-saints-19-may/

St Pope Celestine V (1210-1296) Papal Ascension , 5 July 1294 – Papal Abdication, 13 December 1294.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/05/19/saint-of-the-day-19-may-st-pope-celestine-v/

St Pudentiana (Died c160) Virgin Martyr

St Pudens Martyr ather of St Pudentiana

St Alcuin of York (c735-804) Deacon, Confessor, Teacher, Founder of educational institutions in Monasteries and Cathedral Chapters. Accredited with the the invention of cursive script.
“The Schoolmaster of Europe.”
https://anastpaul.com/2023/05/19/saint-of-the-day-19-may-saint-alcuin-of-york-c735-804-the-schoolmaster-of-europe-deacon-confessor/

Blessed Augustine Novello OSA (1240– 1309) Priest and Friar of the Order of St Augustine. Miracle-worker, Prior General of the Order, Reformer of the Constitutions, Professor of Canon and Civil Law.
Blessed Augustine’s life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/19/saint-of-the-day-19-may-blessed-augustine-novello-osa-1240-1309/

St Calocerus of Rome
St Crispin of Viterbo
St Cyriaca of Nicomedia and Companions
St Cyril of Trèves
St Dunstan of Canterbury
St Evonio of Auvergne
St Hadulph of Saint-Vaast
Bl Humiliana de’ Cerchi

St Ivo Hélory TOSF (1253-1303) “Advocate of the Poor,” Priest, Franciscan Tertiary in of Kermartin
An interesting man and Saint:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/19/saint-of-the-day-19-may-st-ivo-of-kermartin-1253-1303-advocate-of-the-poor/

Bl Juan of Cetina
St Parthenius of Rome
Bl Peter de Duenas
Bl Peter Wright
St Philoterus of Nicomedia
St Theophilus of Corte

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Please note:
I cannot control the content of the Advertisements on this Site, or of pop-ups which may appear,
The revenue from the Advertisements, however, does provide a little assistance in the support of the Site.
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Posted in MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MARY, MATER ECCLESIAE, QUOTES on MEDITATION, QUOTES on MOTHERHOOD, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, Thomas a Kempis

Thought for the Day – 18 May – The Role of the Mother in Mary

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 18 May – The Imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Extracts from The Imitation
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
By Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)
Imprimatur 17 February 1947

SERMON (VI)
The Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Dominion and power are interesting in the hands of a protector, only if he exercises them in favour of the protected.
I. The intervention of Mary,for us,poor sinners, is necessary in every state of life. But especially in the moment of temptations then, above all, is her protection useful to us.
Temptations do not come to us from without, they originate within us, still more than around us.

II. What are they?
Each one knows them and recognises them.
Therefore, let us seek the Blessed Virgin Mary at the moment of these intimate struggles, in order to beg assistance of her and in order to receive consolation.
“Solamen et dictamen – Comfort and advice.” –

III. The faithful ask the Mother for the light to recognise their way and to be able to follow it well.
Let us go to Mary, as to a Mother and as to a Queen.

MEDITATION
The Role of the Mother in Mary

That which denotes the grandeur and the charm of maternity in a woman, arc grief and tenderness.
Grief which rends the heart, as it rends the body, in order to give life.
Tenderness which binds the child to the mother and the mother to the child, in such a way, as to form only one being, as they form only one flesh.
All these characteristics are found physically in the human maternity of Mary, in her relationship with Jesus and mystically, in the spiritual maternity of Mary vis-a-vis all Christians but, more especially Religious.
The poem of maternal love which each mother lives, often without knowing it, is found in Mary with more grandeur and glory.
It is necessary to know how to understand it and to meditate upon it, in order to better perceive it and transfer it into life; this is the end of meditation.

Practice:
Offer a sacrifice each day to Mary – however small it may be.

Thought:
A mother is, in life, the bark and the star –
“Stella et nacella.”

Fr & Dr Célestin Albin de Cigala (1865-1928)
Faculty of Paris (1947)
Doctor of Theology and Philosophy

Posted in "Follow Me", BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, CATECHESIS, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, CREEDS, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), GOD the FATHER, I BELIEVE!, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on STRENGTH, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HOLY GHOST, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 18 May – The Father, the Word, the Paraclete

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 18 May – Easter IV – James 1:17-21 – John 16:5-14 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“If I go not, the Paraclete
will not come to you
but if I go, I will send Him to you. ”

John16:7

“This is the order of our faith,
the foundation of the edifice
and the support of our conduct –
God, the Father, uncreated, uncontainable, invisible,
One God, the Creator of all –
this is the first article of our faith.
And the second article – the Word of God,
the Son of God, Christ Jesus our Lord,
Who was revealed by the Prophets
according to the character of their prophecy
and according to the nature
of the economies of the Father,
by Whom all things were made
and Who, in the last times, to recapitulate all things,
became a Man amongst men,
visible and palpable, in order to abolish death,
to demonstrate life and to effect communion
between God and man.
And the third article – the Holy Ghost,
through Whom the Prophets prophesied
and the Patriarchs learnt the things of God
and the righteous, were led in the path
of righteousness and Who, in the last times,
was poured out in a new fashion
upon the human race, renewing man,
throughout the world, to God.”

St Irenaeus (130-202)
Martyr, Father of the Church

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

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

“The whole Trinity
has marked mankind
with Its likeness.
With the memory, it resembles the Father;
with the understanding, it resembles the Son;
by love, it resembles the Holy Ghost … ”

St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231)
Evangelical Doctor of the Church

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on MISSION, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 18 May – I will send Him to you. – John16:7

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 18 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Easter IV – St Venantius (Died c 250) Martyr – James 1:17-21 – John 16:5-14 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But I tell you the truth, it is expedient to you that I go; for if I go not, the Paraclete will not come to you but if I go, I will send Him to you.” – John16:7

REFLECTION – “The Holy Ghost is the Wheat which comforts us along the road to the fatherland, the Wine which gives us joy in tribulation, the Oil which sweetens life’s sorrows. This threefold support, was needed by the Apostles who had to go out to preach through the whole world. This is why Jesus sends the Holy Ghost to them. They are filled with Him – filled, so that no impure spirits might gain entrance into them; when a container is completely full, nothing else can enter into it.

The Holy Ghost “will teach you.” (Jn 16:13) so that you can know; He will prompt you. so that you can will. He gives both knowledge and will add to this our “ability,” according to the measure of our strength and we shall be temples of the Holy Ghost (1 Cor 6,:9).” – St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Franciscan, Doctor of the Church – Sermons

PRAYER – O God, Who made this day holy by the triumph of blessed Venantius, Thy Martyr, listen to the prayers of Thy people and grant that we, who honour his noble deeds, may imitate the constancy of his faith. 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 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The LITTLE OFFICE of MARY

Our Morning Offering – 18 May – INVIOLATA! INVIOLATE!

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Our Morning Offering – 18 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Easter IV

INVIOLATA!
INVIOLATE!
Unknown Author
(11th Century)

Thou art inviolate, undefiled
and chaste, O Mary.
Thou has become the resplendent
Gate of Heaven,
O loving and dearest Mother of Christ,
Accept our devout acclamations
in praise of thee.
That our minds and bodies
may be pure,
Devoted hearts and lips
now implore thee.
Through thy sweet sounding prayers,
Gain us pardon forever.
O kind one, who alone
didst remain inviolate.
Amen

The Hymn Inviolata has been claimed by the Carmelite Order, as a Traditional Hymn originating within their ranks. The Hymn is also used by Dominican Friars in the chanting of Compline. Its origins trace to the 11th Century. It appears in Hymnals from 1860 to 1920.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 18 May – St Felix (Died c304) Bishop of Spoleto

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Saint of the Day – 18 May – St Felix (Died c304) Bishop of Spoleto in Italy, Martyr. Martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian in Salona, Dalmatia. Also known as – Felix of Epetium, of Martana, of Spalato, of Spello, of Split, of Stobrec, Felice…

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Spoleto, St Felix, a Bishop, who obtained the Palm of Martyrdom under the Emperors Diocletian and Maximian.”

The “Prologus Paschae” written in 395, tells of Bishop Felix’s Martyrdom in Salona, not in Spoleto, during the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian. Here we read: “During the consulship of Diocletian and Maximian, … the Christians suffered the sixth persecution.”

The testimony of the Prologus is, at this point, confirmed by contemporary documents and can be accepted without fear, with the exception of the consular date which evidently must be brought back to at least the year 303, the beginning of the persecution.

Felix’s cult is ​​still alive in Split, the ancient Salona, ​​where, in the Franciscan Church his Relics are preserved and he has been celebrated since time immemorial on 18 May. On the same day the Saint is honoured in Stobrec, formerly Epetium, a few miles from Split, in the vicinity of which the ruins of a Church dedicated to him have been brought to light. Stobrec too, considers him one of its ancient Bishops but wrongly, because the Town was never an Episcopal Seat.

In the Martyrology of the 9th Century, on 18th May we find this eulogy:
“On the same day, Saint Felix, Bishop, who obtained the Palm of Martyrdom at the City of Spelle, under the Emperor Maximian.” The same name and the same day of veneration (18 May) as Felice di Spalato. This and other circumstances have led the best scholars, to conclude that Felice di Spello is, in reality, nothing more than the namesake of Spalato and it is probable that the assonance of the words had, as has occurred in many other cases, its share of blame in the genesis of the error. Certainly it was only because of the similarity that Baronio (he himself confesses it) created Felice the Bishop of Spoleto.

In addition to Epetium, Spello and Spoleto, Felice was considered the Bishop of Martana, another Diocese which never existed, where he is celebrated on 30 October. The passio of Felice of Martana is identical, except for the topographical notes, to that of Felice of Spello. Furthermore, since Martana is located in the territory of Todi, the historians of the latter City, since Felice could not have been the Bishop of Martana, assigned him the Seat of Todi.

Posted in franciscan OFM, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Easter IV, Madonna dell’Alno / Our Lady of the White Poplar, Italy (1480), St Venantius (Died c250) Martyr and the Saints for 18 May

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Easter IV – The 4th Sunday after Easter

Madonna dell’Alno / Our Lady of the White Poplar, Canzano, Teramo, Abruzzo, Italy (1480): 18 May
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/18/madonna-dellalno-our-lady-of-the-white-poplar-canzano-teramo-abruzzo-italy-1480-and-memorials-of-the-saints-18-may/

St Venantius (Died c250) Martyr – St Venantius was a 15-year-old who was tortured and martyred by decapitation at Camerino during the persecutions of Decius.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/18/saint-of-the-day-18-may-saint-venantius-of-camerino-died-c-250-martyr/

St Pope John I (c 470 – 526) – 53rd Pope from 13 August 523 to his death in 526.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/05/18/saint-of-the-day-18-may-st-pope-john-i/

Blessed Burchard (Died c 1192) Priest, Miracle-worker.
Blessed Burchard:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/18/saint-of-the-day-18-may-blessed-burchard-of-beinwil-died-c-1192-priest/

St Dioscorus of Kynopolis
St Elgiva of Shaftesbury

St Eric (c1120-1161) Martyr, King of Sweden
About St Eric:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/18/saint-of-the-day-18-may-saint-eric-of-sweden-c-1120-1161-king-of-sweden-martyr/

St Felix of Cantalice OFM Cap (1515-1587) Capuchin Friar – (the first Capuchin to be Canonised), Confessor, Apostle of Charity, Preacher, Teacher, Writer.
About St Felix:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/18/saint-of-the-day-18-may-st-felix-of-cantalice-o-f-m-cap-1515-1587/

St Felix (Died c304) Bishop of Spoleto, Martyr
St Feredarius of Iona
St Merililaun


Blessed Nicholas Denise OFM (Died 1509)
His Devoted Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/05/18/saint-of-the-day-18-may-blessed-nicholas-denise-of-beuzeville-ofm-died-1509-priest/


St Ortasio of Alexandria
St Potamon of Heraclea
St Serapione of Alexandria

Blessed William of Toulouse OSA (c 1297-1369) Priest of the Order of St Augustine
His life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/18/saint-of-the-day-blessed-william-of-toulouse-osa-c-1297-1369/

Martyrs of Ancyra – 8 Saints: Seven nuns Martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian and the innkeeper who was executed for giving them a Christian burial: Alexandria, Claudia, Euphrasia, Julitta, Matrona, Phaina, Thecusa and Theodatus. c.304 in Ancyra, Galatia (in modern Turkey).

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Posted in MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MARIAN TITLES, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The HOLY NAME of MARY, The IMITATION of MARY, Thomas a Kempis

Thought for the Day – 17 May – Of the POWER and ABILITIES of MARY

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Thought for the Day – 17 May – The Imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Extracts from The Imitation
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
By Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)
Imprimatur 17 February 1947

Chapter VI
OF THE POWER AND ABILITIES OF MARY

i. Mary is faithful in her promises and generous in her gifts to her pious servants.
She enjoys the veneration of Angels but yet, she accepts the attentions of men.
She tenderly sheds tears with the unhappy; she is compassionate with the sorrows of those who suffer;
she comes to give assistance in the struggles of those who are tempted; she turns herself ever, to those who pray to her.
All those who go with confidence and devotion to seek refuge with her and call upon her name, find in her abundance and consolation.
A Queen, she commands the Angels in Heaven and can send them to succour the needy.
In the same way, she has empire everywhere over the demons and can prevent them from harming her servants.
The demons dread the Queen of Heaven and her name alone suffices to disperse them.
They tremble before the awesome and holy name of Mary,
before the name which causes joy to Christians, they no
longer dare to show themselves before us or to again try their insidious assaults.
As soon as they hear this holy name resound, they tremble, they prostrate, they flee as before a burst of thunder from the sky.
And the more often this name is pronounced by us, the more it is invoked devotedly and piously, the more quickly the demons fly from us.

ii. It is for us a duty, sacred above all, at every moment, that of loving the holy name of Mary.
It ought to be, a cult, for all the faithful; for Religious, a meditation; for people in the world, a devotion; for preachers, a veneration; for those who suffer, a consolation; in all dangers, a protection.
Mary is truly, very near to God; very dear to His Beloved Son, Jesus.
All powerful in her intercession, in obtaining pardon and succour for the unfortunate sons of Adam.
In all the circumstances of life, she intervenes with her Son to obtain mercy for the culpable.
She, too, like Jesus Himself, is always heard, because of the honour which is due to her.
Thus, therefore, let every pious Christian hurry to seek refuge near Mary, if he wishes to escape from the shipwrecks of the world and to arrive at the port of eternal salvation.
We may indeed expect much from her because, although placed above us all, she loves to come to the least of us, happy to be called Advocate of the unfortunate and more happy still, mother of orphans.

iii. Prayer: O Mary, Gentle Mother, My Cherished Queen

O Mary, gentle Mother,
beloved Mother above all,
thou art the star on the horizon of the sea,
the star which smiles on the lost mariner,
the star which leads to the haven of peace.
Let it rise to thee, O Mary,
my simple prayer.
May the flame of my desire
arise toward thee, my cherished Queen.
Defend my cause at the tribunal of thy Son,
for no-one is found innocent before Him.

(By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)
Sermon to the Novices, Chapter XXIII)

Translated By:
Fr & Dr Célestin Albin de Cigala (1865-1928)
Faculty of Paris (1947)
Doctor of Theology and Philosophy

Posted in GOD ALONE!, In the PRESENCE of GOD, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN

Quote/s of the Day – 17 May – St Paschal Baylon

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Quote/s of the Day – 17 May – The Memorial of St Paschal Baylon OFM (1540-1592) Confessor, “Seraph of the Eucharist,” “Saint of the Blessed Sacrament,” “Servant of the Blessed Sacrament.” Franciscan Lay Brother.

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

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/17/quote-s-of-the-day-17-may-st-paschal-baylon-2/

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

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on WATCHING, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 17 May – ‘ … May your door be open to Him Who comes …’

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One Minute Reflection – 17 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Paschal Baylon OFM (1540-1592) Confessor – 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, the Word, stirs up the lazy and arouses the sleeper. For indeed, someone who comes knocking at the door is always wanting to come in. But it depends on us, if He does not always enter, or always remain. May your door be open to Him Who comes; open your soul, enlarge your spiritual capacities, that you may discover the riches of simplicity, the treasures of peace and sweetness of grace. Expand your heart; run to meet the Sun of that Eternal Light that “enlightens everyone” (Jn 1,9). It is certain that this true Light shines for all but, if anyone shuts their windows, then they themselves shut themselves off from this Eternal Light.

So, even Christ remains outside, if you shut the door of your soul. It is true that He could enter but He does not want to use force, He does not put those who refuse under pressure. Descended from the Virgin, born from her womb, He shines throughout the universe to give Light to all. Those who long to receive the Light which shines with an everlasting brightness, open up to Him. No night comes to intervene. Indeed, the sun we see each day gives way to night’s darkness but the Sun of Justice (Mal 3:20) knows no setting for Wisdom is not overcome by evil.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan and Father and Doctor of the Church – 12th Sermon on Psalm 118

PRAYER – O God, Who endowed blessed Paschal, Your Confessor, with a wondrous love for the Sacred Mysteries of Your Body and Blood, mercifully grant that we may be found worthy to share in the same spiritual abundance, which he received in this Divine Banquet. Who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MOTHER of GOD, Our MORNING Offering

Our Morning Offering – 17 May – I’ll Sing a Hymn to Mary By Father John Wyse

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Our Morning Offering – 17 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin 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.