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! 🙏
Saint of the Day – 17 May – Saint Cathan (6th or 7th Century) Bishop of the Isle of Bute, in the Scottish Hebrides. It is believed that he was one of the first Irish Missionaries to the Scottish lands. Also known as – Cadan, Catan, Chattan.
The Ruins of the Cemetary and Chapel of St Cathan on the Isle of Kil’Cathan/Bute
According to the Scots, the Relics of Bishop St Cathan rest on the Isle of Bute, where he may have been the Bishop. They were so famous that the land is often called Kil’cathan.
There is a Tomb bearing this name at Tamlacht near Londonderry in Ireland. Scholars believe there is the possibility that there were two Saints by this name (Benedictines).
St Paschal Baylon OFM (1540-1592) “Seraph of the Eucharist,” “Saint of the Blessed Sacrament,” “Servant of the Blessed Sacrament.” Franciscan Lay Brother, Mystic…….. A man remarkable for innocence of life and the spirit of penance. Pope Leo XIII declared him the heavenly patron of Eucharistic Congresses and Societies and Apostolates, formed in honour of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Official and traditional Patronages: Pope Leo XIII, on 28 November 1897, proclaimed him Patron of Eucharistic Congresses and Associations. Popularly he is also considered Patron of cooks and pastry chefs, on the basis of his humble services carried out in the Convent – according to tradition, Paschal is the creator of the famous desert called Zabaglione, whose name evidently derives from him. Probably due to a resemblance in the sound of Paschal’s Surname (“St Paschal Baylonne”). Paschal is finally invoked by single women looking for a husband and by women in general. About this Beautiful Saint: https://anastpaul.com/2017/05/17/saint-of-the-day-17-may-st-paschal-baylon/ AND: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/17/saint-of-the-day-17-may-st-paschal-baylon-o-f-m-1540-1592-the-seraph-of-the-eucharist/ AND: https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/17/saint-of-the-day-17-may-st-paschal-baylon-ofm-1540-1592-servant-of-the-blessed-sacrament/
St Heraclius of Noviodunum Bl Ivan Ziatyk St Madron of Cornwall St Maildulf of Malmesbury St Maw
St Paul of Noviodunum St Peter Lieou St Rasso of Grafrath St Restituta of Carthage St Silaus of Lucca St Solochanus of Chalcedon St Thethmar St Victor Roma
Martyrs of Alexandria – 3 Saints: Three Christians Martyred together; no details about them have survived except their names: Adrio, Basilla and Victor. 4th century Alexandria, Egypt.
Martyrs of Nyon: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little more than three of their names: Aquilinus, Heradius and Paul. 303 at Noyon, Switzerland.
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Thought for the Day – 16 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 (V) Duty
I. Duty is a harsh word, when it designates the obligation which binds a man to his post. It becomes a word full of sweetness, when it is applied to the voluntary attentions which the heart suggests for a loved one. Our duties to Mary should be of this type. These duties, extremely pleasing, are those of a son to his mother, of a friend to his friend.
The thought of Heaven is a force, as the thought of love is an allurement. To raise one’s thoughts, is to raise oneself completely –Altius cogita (think higher).
II. It is in the life of the soul, as in the present life; to think well, is the beginning of doing well. To have great thoughts is to prepare for great actions. Mary’s example, in this case, is more than a demonstration, it is an attraction and an aid. Mary, says the Gospel, kept all these things in her heart. As Pascal said, great thoughts come from the heart, it is they that create the action. Too often has mysticism been reproached as being only a dream. The mysticism of the Imitation, is an action, for it is perfection!
III. This action is arduous and often discouraging; besides, the soul begs Mary for confidence to be able to attain the goal of the spiritual life which is Heaven.
MEDITATION The Beauties of Mary
The dream of every soul would be to see Mary in her heavenly splendour – Dante had this dream and tried to translate it into his Paradise. He represents Mary to us under the symbol of an aureole of pure gold and he refers to her only, by the names of flowers and nature – “blooming rose” “lily full of whiteness”, “perfumed stem” “fragrant tree”, “singing lyre” “sparkling sapphire” “soaring flame” “arc which riseth.” He sees her only in the midst of flowers, surrounded by stars, crowned with splendours. For him, she epitomises, all which is charming here below in the being of a young girl, a virgin. The grace which extends itself in reflections, the beauty which radiates in magnificence, the love which gushes forth in transport. Before this dazzling vision, the poet lowers his eyes and kneels with arms extended. So, it seems, we too should do in order to contemplate the beauties of Mary.
“Now raise thy view” St Bernard then says to him, “unto the visage most resembling Christ – for, in her splendour only, shalt thou win the power to look on Him!” Mary, indeed, is beautiful, as all souls are beautiful by the reflection of Christ in them!
Practice: Imitate the Saints, who wore the shield and insignia of Mary, like the Scapular and the Rosary.
Thought: The remembrance of Mary is an aid and a support – “Adjuvat et sublevat – it aids and consoles.”
Fr & Dr Célestin Albin de Cigala (1865-1928) Faculty of Paris (1947) Doctor of Theology and Philosophy
Quote/s of the Day – 16 May – Sirach 44:16-17.22-23:45,3.7.15 – Matthew 25,14-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more.
Matthew 25:16
“ Well done, good and faithful servant … Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:23
“The parable of the talents is about all those who, instead of providing assistance to their brethren with their goods, their advice or, in some other way, live only for themselves … Jesus wants to show us, our Lord’s long patience in this parable but, He also alludes, it seems to me, to the final resurrection … In the first place, the servants who give an account of their dealings unequivocally acknowledge that which comes from their Master’s gift and, that which is the fruit of their stewardship. Someone who, for the sake of the other, has received the grace of word and teaching but does not put it to use, will have this grace taken away. But someone, who uses wisely and zealously, the grace received, will receive an even more abundant grace!”
St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father & Doctor of the Church
“What dost thou have that thou hast not received?”
One Minute Reflection – 16 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Ubaldus Baldassini (c1085-1160) Bishop and Confessor –Sirach 44:16-17.22-23:45,3.7.15 – Matthew 25:14-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Well done, good and faithful servant … Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”- Matthew 25:21
REFLECTION – “The Word of the Father, Only-begotten Son of God, Sun of Justice (Mal 3:20), is the great Merchant Who has brought us the price of our redemption. It is a truly precious exchange which we can never value sufficiently, when a King, Son of the King Most High, has become the Coin, the Gold has paid our dues, the Just Man is given for the sinner. Truly unmerited mercy, perfectly disinterested love, astonishing goodness … it is a completely disproportionate purchase, in which the Son of God is delivered up for the servant, the Creator is put to death for the one He has created, the Lord is condemned for His slave.
O Christ, these are Thine Works, Thou Who descended from Heaven’s brightness into our hellish darkness, to bring Light to our gloomy prison. Thou came down from the Right Hand of the Divine Majesty, into our human misery, to redeem the human race, Thou Who descended from the Father’s glory, to death on the Cross, to triumph over death and its author. Thou art the only One and there is no other but Thee, Who could have been drawn to redeem us through Thine Own Goodness…
Let all the merchants of Teman (Bar 3:23) withdraw from this place … it is not they but Israel [Thy] beloved whom [Thou hast] chosen, Thou Who hide these mysteries from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to those babes and humble servants of Thine (Lk 10:21) … O Lord, I willingly embrace this purchase since it concerns me!… I remember all the things Thou hast done, Thou Who desire that I should keep them alive … Therefore, I shall profit by this talent which Thou hast lent to me until Thy return and will stand before Thee with great joy. O God, grant that I may then hear these sweet words: “Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Mt 25:21).” – St Bernard O.Cist. (1091-1153) Cistercian Monk, known as the Last Father and the Mellifluous Doctor of the Church (Selected sermons, no 42: The Five Purchases).
PRAYER – Mercifully give us Thine help, we beseech Thee, O Lord and by the intercession of blessed Ubaldus, ThyConfessor, stretch over us the Right Hand of Thy mercy against all wickedness of the devil. 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.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 – 16 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary”
O Purest of Creatures, Sweet Mother, Sweet Maid By Fr Frederick W Faber C.Orat. (1814-1863)
O Purest of creatures, sweet Mother, sweet maid, The one spotless womb wherein Jesus was laid! Dark night hath come down on us, Mother! and we Look out for thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!
Deep night hath come down on this rough-spoken world, And the banners of darkness are boldly unfurled; And the tempest-tossed Church,— all her eyes are on thee; They look to thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!
He gazed on thy soul, it was spotless and fair, For the empire of sin—it had never been there; None ever had owned thee, dear Mother but He. And He blest thy clear shining, sweet Star of the Sea!
Earth gave Him one lodging; t’was deep in thy breast, And God found a home where the sinner finds rest; His home and His hiding-place, both were in thee, He was won by thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!
Saint of the Day – 16 May – St Ubaldus Baldassini (c1085-1160) Bishop and Confessor, Reformer, untiring Shepherd and protector of his flock both in spiritual and temporal affairs, Apostle of all the needs of the poor and Defender of his City, Miracle-worker. Born in c1085 in Gubbio near Ancona, Umbria, Italy as Ubaldo Baldassini and died in the same City at around sunrise on Monday 16 May 1160 . Also known as – Ubaldus of Gubbio, Ubaldo… Ubald… Ubalde… Patronages – of Gubbio and Montovi, in Italy, St Ubaldus was Canonised in 1192 by Pope Celestine III.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Gubbio, St Ubaldus, a Bishop renowned for miracles.”
Ubaldus was born into the noble Baldassini family in c1085. His parents died while he was still a child and he was raised by an uncle. He was educated at St Secondus Monastery and then at St Marianus. However, he disapproved of the way of life of the Clergy of San Marianus and, in 1104, he return to St Secondus.
The old Bishop Rusticus died and was succeeded by St John of Lodi. At the request of the new Bishop, St Ubaldus returned to Sant Marianus.
Ubaldus was Ordained in 1114 and was elected Prior of the St Marianus Canonric some four years later He was sympathetic to the cause of Church reform and imposed an ascetic Rule on his community. [He imposed what is known as the Portuense Rule which Pope Paschal II had confirmed in 1116 for a community of Regular Canons at the Church of Santa Maria in Portu on the Island of Corizo near Ravenna. This Rule subsequently became widely diffused in Italy, France, Spain and Germany.]
In 1126, when a fire destroyed much of Gubbio, including the Cathedral and the Monastery, Ubaldus fled to the Eremo di Fonte Avellana, intent on dedicating himself to the monastic life. Ubaldus had donated his inheritance to the poor and to the restoration of Monasteries. Several bishoprics were offered to him,but he refused them all. However, when in 1128, the Episcopal See of Gubbio becoming vacant, he was sent, with some Clerics, by the faithful, to ask Pope Honorius II, for a newBishop. The Pope immediately Consecrated Ubaldus and sent him back to Gubbio. To his people he became a perfect pattern of all Christian virtues and a powerful protector in all their spiritual and temporal needs.
Ubaldus became its Bishop, just a year before the start of the Papal schism. His support Pope Innocent II (perhaps because this was the candidate supported by St Bernard) seems to have been influential in deciding the obedience of the Cities of Umbria.
One of his first acts as the Bishop was to begin the rebuilding of the City. During the years 1135-1140, our Saint Ubaldus, calmed the civil unrest which culminated in the establishment of the government of the region and the election of Consuls. In 1151, exiled nobles from Gubbio seem to have mobilised support from some eleven neighbouring Cities and a force under Perugian leadership attacked Gubbio. However, Ubaldus had rebuilt the walls of the City and the invaders were forced to mount a siege. Fortunately, St Ubaldus was able to dispatch soldiers to the surrounding mountains under cover of darkness. The following day the besieging army found itself surrounded and was forced to withdraw.
His assistance was again needed in 1155, when the Emperor Frederick I, who was camped with a large army after the sack of Spoleto, demanded a huge payment from Gubbio to prevent a similar seige. St Ubaldus pleaded with Frederick I, who was so impressed that he left the City in peace and granted it a number of territorial privileges.
St Ubaldus left and St Fredianus right
Ubaldus was known for his patience and heroic gentleness and was considered to have the gift of healing. Once it happened, that in repairing the wall of the City, the workmen encroached upon his vineyard. The Bishop mildly put them in mind of it, and desired them to forbear. The overseer of the work moved with fury, scornfully pushed him into a great heap of mortar. The good Bishop got up all covered with lime and dirt, without making the least expostulation. The people demanded that the overseer, in punishment for the offence, should be banished and his goods confiscated. The Saint endeavoured to present the incident as an accident but when that did not satisfy the people, who knew how it happened, he, being desirous to deliver the man out of the hands of the magistrates, maintained that the consideration of the misdemeanour belonging to his own jurisdiction, he would take care to render justice himself. Ubaldus then pardoned him.
Numerous miracles were attributed to St Ubaldus during his life and after his death. A number of miraculous cures were attributed to his intercession. The life of St Ubaldus was written by Theobald, his immediate successor in the Episcopal See.
St Ubaldus Shrine
When St Ubaldus died in 1160, he was buried in the old Duomo, beside the Relics of Sts Marianus and James. In 1188, Pope Clement III gave permission to Bishop Benedetto Bentivoglio, for the translation of the Relics of the saints of Gubbio, (presumably including the body of the future St Ubaldus) from the olf City to the site on the mountain, where the new City Cathedral had been constructed. Now known as the Basilica of St Ubaldus, it is frequented by numerous pilgrims.
Dante mentions Ubaldus in the Divine Comedy (Heaven Canto XI): “Between Tupino and the stream which falls from the blest Ubaldus’ chosen hill, the slope is green, a lofty mount below.”
The festival of La Corsa dei Ceri at Gubbio. The statue of Saint Ubaldo leads the procession, followed by ceri topped with the statues of Saint George and Saint Anthony the Great.
St Ubaldus Statue on the South Colonnade, Curved Arm, at St Peter’s Basilica.
St Abdas of Cascar Bl Adam of Adami Bl Adam of San Sabine
St Andrew Bobola SJ (1591-1657) Priest of the Order of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), Missionary, known as the Apostle of Lithuania and the “Hunter of Souls.” Beatification: 30 October 1853 by Pope Blessed Pius IX Canonisation: 17 April 1938 by Pope Pius XI His Holy and Zealous Life: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/05/16/saint-of-the-day-16-may-st-andrew-bobola-sj/
St Carantac St Carantoc St Diocletian of Osimo St Felix of Uzalis St Fidolus of Aumont St Fiorenzo of Osimo St Fort of Bordeaux St Francoveus St Gennadius of Uzalis St Germerius of Toulouse St Hilary of Pavia
St Ubaldus Baldassini(c1085-1160) Bishopand Confessor
St Victorian of Isauria Bl Valdimir Ghika
Martyrs of Saint Sabas: A group of Monks, whose names have not come down to us, who were massacred by Moors at the monastery of Saint Sabas in Palestine.
Martyrs of Caramasi Albertin-Marie Maisonade Ignace-Alexandre-Joseph Cardon Jan Chrysostom Zavrel Maturin-Marie Pitri Modeste-Marie Burgen Zosimo Maria Brambat
Martyrs of Osimo Diocletian Fiorenzo
Martyrs of Uzalis Felix Gennadius
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Thought for the Day – 15 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 V OUR DUTIES TO MARY
i. You must still learn, my son, how to seek God as Mary did. You must lean upon her powerful aid and be ever doubtful of your own strength, for fear of being enmeshed here below in your passions. Everyday you should rise above yourself with new thoughts and tender your desires to Heaven, toward the Heaven in which you see Mary your Queen, near Jesus the King and in the midst of the Court of Angels. Alas! Often our weakness will force us to descend into this vale of tears! It is then, above all, it will be necessary to make an effort to raise the voice in frequent supplication to Mary, who is the mother of mercy, so that she may tell her merciful Son how our soul lacks the wine of fervour, how it has need of the perfume of piety, in order to be able to praise Him as one should praise God. Because He alone, in truth, hastens to succour those who, in order to please Him ,have scorned the world and those, who are, for His sake scorned by the world because of His Name and His holy Gospel.
ii. It is often important indeed, to know of a refuge in which one may hide oneself against storms, in the presence of tempests, of tribulation. There is no spot, no place more secure, no port more tranquil, than the bosom of Mary. So, there is no runner more rapid to support us against the blows of the enemy, than an ardent prayer, rising from the plain to the well-armed stronghold of the Virgin Mary. This stronghold is the same one in which Jesus entered, to be clothed therein with a body like unto an armour, so as to chase afar the prince of darkness. Enter you too, within that fortress so as to be sheltered from those who assail you. Remain under the mantle of the Virgin Mary; you will be protected by the arms of a mother. The prayer of Mary puts to flight the.destructive rabble of evil enemies: her aid snatches us from imminent peril. Near her, he who wavers, finds support and he who is abandoned, assistance. It is a benefit, a very great benefit, for you, if you know how to show yourself worthy in this regard and, at the same time, strive attentively to please the Virgin Mary in everything. You will thus merit her graces here below and His glory on high, in the company of the Saints. Attach yourself to her and do not leave her until she has granted you her blessing, so as to lead you to Heaven.
iii. Prayer: O Mary, I Entrust Myself to Thine Heart
O Mary, O mistress filled with clemency, in the name of pure love and affection, I remain at thy feet. I beg thee, give to my heart, an increase of confidence. Fear pursues me and doubt gnaws at me; despair assails me in the midst of temptations: only one thing is still able to console me – it is that, I have sought to be harkened by thee, O Mother, I entrust myself to thine heart.
(By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471) Monastic Enchiridion, Chapter IV)
Translated by Fr & Dr Célestin Albin de Cigala (1865-1928) Faculty of Paris (1947) Doctor of Theology and Philosophy
Quote/s of the Day – 15 May – St John Baptiste de la Salle (1651-1719) “The Father of Modern Education,” Confessor, Priest, Founder
“Walk along God’s path.”
“Show the great love you have for Jesus, by being eager to talk with Him in prayer.”
Prayer for the Intercession of St John Baptist de La Salle
O Glorious Saint Jean Baptiste de la Salle, Apostle of Children and Youth, be thou, from the heights of Heaven, our guide and our patron. Offer thy prayers fo us and help us, that we may be kept free from every stain of error and corruption and remain ever faithful to Jesus Christ and to His Church. Grant that we, practising the virtues of which thou has been so wondrous an example, may be made partakers of the glory in Heaven, our true country. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 15 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St John Baptiste de la Salle (1651-1719) “The Father of Modern Education,” Confessor, Priest, Founder – Sirach 31:8-11 – Matthew 18:1-5 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And whoever receives one such little child for My Sake, receives Me.” – Matthew 18:5
REFLECTION – “Could God not have made the human person perfect right from the beginning? For God, Who has always been identical with Himself and Who is not created, everything is possible. But because the existence of the created beings began after God’s, they are necessarily inferior to God, Who made them … Thus, since they are created, they are not perfect. When they have just been born, they are small children and as small children, they are neither accustomed to, nor have they had practice in, perfect conduct … Thus, God could give perfection to the human person right from the beginning but, the human person was incapable of receiving this perfection, for he was only a small child.
And that is why, in the last times, when our Lord gathered up all things in Himself (Eph 1:10), He came to us, not in His power but, in such a way, we were able to see Him. For He could have come to us in His inexpressible glory but, we were not yet able to bear the greatness of His glory. … Although, the Word of God was perfect, with humankind He became a small Child, not for Himself but because of the state of childhood, in which was humankind.” – St Irenaeus (c130-202) Bishop of Lyons, Martyr, Father of the Church (Against the Heresies IV 38, 1-2).
PRAYER – God, Who raised up the holy Confessor John Baptiste for the Christian education of the poor and to strengthen youth in the way of truth and through him, formed a new family in the Church, graciously grant, by his intercession and example, that we, striving to save souls out of zeal for Your glory, may be found worthy to share his heavenly crown. T hrough 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 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary”
Most Holy Virgin Mary, Help of Christians By St John Bosco (1815-1888)
Most Holy Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, how sweet it is to come to thy feet imploring thy perpetual aid. If earthly mothers cease not to remember their children, how canst thou, the most loving of all mothers, forget me? Grant then to me, I implore thee thy perpetual aid in all my necessities, in every sorrow and especially in all my temptations. I ask for thy unceasing assistance for all who are now suffering. Help the weak, cure the sick, convert sinners. Grant through thy intercession, many vocations to the religious life. Obtain for us, O Mary, Help of Christians, that having invoked thee on earth we may love and eternally thank thee in Heaven. Amen
Saint of the Day – 15 May – Saint Bercthun (Died 733) Abbot of the Monastery n Beverley, North Yorkshire, England. Born in the late 7th Century in Beverley, and died there on 15 May 733 . Also known as – Beorhthun, Berchthun, Berhthu, Bertctun, Bertin, Brithun, Brithwin, Brituno, Britwin, … of Beverley. Additional Memorial – 15 September on local calendars.
A Yorkshireman by birth, Bercthun after having been one of the disciples of St John of Beverley, Archbishop of York, he became a Deacon.
The Archbishop had a great regard for Bercthun, so much so, he entrusted him with the government of the Abbey he had founded in Indervoda or Deirvoda, which would become Beverley which was located in the north of Yorkshire nearby our Saint’s own home-ground and that of St John too.
And it was precisely to this Monastery St John retired after renouncing the government of his Archdiocese. The Venerable St Bede also mentioned Bercthun, calling him “most reverend and most truthful.”
Although we know very little about Bercthu’s personal history, his name appears in various hagiographic sources. The only certain date is the day of his death which occurred on 15 May and, depending on the sources, in the year 733 or 740.
Bercthun’s body was buried in the Monastery but after some miracles were attributed to him through his intercession, it was transferred to the Church and placed next to his master, St John.
St Bercthun is depicted in a bust in the British Library and is locally celebrated and remembered on 15 September possibly the date of the translation of St Bercthun’s Relics.
St Bercthun (Died 733) Abbot in Beverley, England St Bertha of Bingen St Caecilius of Granada St Caesarea of Otranto St Cassius of Clermont Bl Clemente of Bressanone St Colman Mc O’Laoighse St Ctesiphon of Verga
St Hilary of Galeata St Indaletius of Urci St Isaias St Isidore of Chios Bl Joan Montpeó Masip St Maximus of Clermont St Nicholas the Mystic St Rupert of Bingen St Secundus of Avila St Simplicius of Sardinia St Sophia of Rome St Victorinus of Clermont St Waldalenus of Beze
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Thought for the Day – 14 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 The Eminent Dignity of the Mother of God
I. The dignity of a person or of a being, is measured by its function. There is not on earth, nor even in Heaven, a function equal to that of the Divine Maternity of Mary. Mary is truly Theotokos, Mother of God and, at the same time, Mother of the Saviour because, in Jesus, the Divinity and the Humanity are substantially united. There is, therefore, no dignity superior to the dignity of Mary.
II. This eminent maternal dignity confers, on Mary, divine prerogatives, at the same time, it infuses into her, human tenderness superior to the most exquisite tenderness of mothers on earth. Even from the viewpoint of the physical function, of the beauty of the woman and of the mother, Mary is, above all those who have been outstanding in the world by their charms and attractions. St Dennis, the Areopagite, a refined Athenian and disciple of St Paul, having gone to Jerusalem and having seen Mary, found her so beautiful, he wished to prostrate himself before her, as before a goddess. Thus should we do in spirit!
III. It is what the disciple promises enthusiastically in the prayer addressed to Mary.
MEDITATION The Use of Time
Between the past which escapes us and the future which does not belong to us, there is the present which alone we possess. This is the time of action and of duty. To employ the present well, is to enrich your life; to waste it, is to die with it. The first rule to use time well, is to use it and not to lose it! Next, to use it in time and not to act at random. Finally, to use it profitably and not without goal and rule; put off nothing, delay nothing until later! This is the secret, par excellence, of success. Mary, here again, can serve us as model. She was undoubtedly, the valiant and diligent woman of whom the Gospel speaks. She fulfilled, with perfection, the motto of the noble Romans. Mary, indeed, was at once Israelite by birth and Roman by adoption. She is the perfect type of woman in the double sense of: fernina et mulier. Let us reproduce this model and this type.
Practice: St Francis de Sales purchased by an alms, each hour which he thought to have lost or misused – imitate him!
Thought: The thought of Mary is a consolation and a protection: “Solamen et dictarnen – Comfort and diration.”
Fr & Dr Célestin Albin de Cigala (1865-1928) Faculty of Paris (1947) Doctor of Theology and Philosophy
Quote/s of the Day – 14 May – The Octave Day of the Patronage of St Joseph
“Saint Joseph was the just man: by his constant fidelity -an effect of justice; by his perfect discretion – a sister to prudence; by his upright conduct – a mark of strength and by his inviolable chastity – a flower of temperance.”
St Albert the Great (1200-1280) Doctor of the Church
“To all fathers of families, Joseph is verily the best model of paternal vigilance and care. In the most holy Virgin Mother of God, mothers may find an excellent example of love, modesty, resignation of spirit and the perfecting of faith. And in Jesus, Who was subject to His parents, the children of the family, have a Divine Pattern of obedience which they can admire, reverence and imitate.”
Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903)
Apostolic Letter, “Breve Neminem Fugit” 1892
“As the Church of Christ is prefigured in the rites and ceremonies of the Old Law, so too, the chief personages who centre around Our Lord in the Redemption of the world, are foreshadowed in the Old Testament . We trace the outlines of Our Lady’s graces in Esther, Jahel, Bethsabee, Judith. So too, St Joseph’s place in the new dispensation, is anticipated in the place of the Patriarch Joseph at the Court of Pharaoh. Thus it is that, God, in His Love for His chosen ones, paves the way for them centuries before. From the beginning, He has prepared their work and the throne they are to earn in Heaven by their labours and sufferings for Him.”
One Minute Reflection – 14 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” –The Octave Day of St Joseph – Feast of St Boniface (Died c307), Martyr – Genesis 49:22-26 – Luke 3:21-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And Jesus, Himself, was beginning about the age of thirty years, being – (as it was supposed) – the son of Joseph … ” – Luke 3:23
REFLECTION – “How faithful in humility was the great Saint we are celebrating! That cannot be said in all its perfection for, in spite of what he was, in what poverty and lowliness he lived all the days of his life, a poverty and lowliness beneath which he kept hidden and concealed his great virtues and dignity!… Truly, I have no doubt at all, that the angels came, beside themselves with admiration, rank upon rank, to behold and wonder at his humility, while he sheltered that dearest Child, in the poor workshop where he worked at his employment, so as to feed the little Boy and the mother entrusted to him.
There is no doubt at all, that Saint Joseph was braver than David and wiser that Solomon, [who were his ancestors]. Nevertheless, seeing him reduced to the exercise of carpentry, who could have discerned this, unless they were enlightened by a heavenly light, so hidden did he keep the remarkable gifts, with which God had favoured him?
And what wisdom did he not have? For God gave him, His most glorious Son to care for… the universal Prince of heaven and earth… Nevertheless, you can see how low and humbled he was brought, more than can be said or imagined… he went to his own country and town of Bethlehem and none but he, was turned away from all those inns…
Notice how the Angel turns him about with both hands. He tells him he has to go to Egypt and he goes, he orders him to return and he returns. God wants him to be always poor… and he submits to it with love and not only for a while, for he was poor his whole life long.”- St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church – Conferences, no. 19) .
PRAYER – God, Who in Thine unspeakable foreknowledge didst choose thy blessed servant Joseph, to be the husband of Thine Own most holy Mother; mercifully grant now that he is in Heaven with Thee, we who on earth do reverence him for our Defender, may worthily be aided by the succour of his prayers, to Thee on our behalf. 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 – 14 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary”
Alma Redemptoris Mater Loving Mother of the Redeemer By Blessed Herman Contractus of Reichenau OSB (1013–1054)
Loving Mother of the Redeemer! Hear thou thy people’s cry, Star of the deep and portal of the sky! Mother of Him Who thee from nothing made, Sinking we strive and call to thee for aid; Oh, by that joy which Gabriel brought to thee, Thou Virgin first and last, let we thy mercy see.
Alma Redemptóris Mater, quæ pérvia cæli Porta manes, et stella maris, succúrre cadénti, Súrgere qui curat pópulo: tu quæ genuísti, Natúra miránte, tuum sanctum Genitórem Virgo prius ac postérius, Gabriélis ab ore Sumens illud Ave, peccatórum miserére.
Marian Antiphon Traditionally said from Advent to the Purification of the Blessed Virgin. Blessed Herman is the Author of the Salve Regina, the Veni Sancte Spiritus and the Alma Redemptoris Mater amongst others.
Saint of the Day – 14 May – St Boniface (Died c307) Martyred by beheading in c307 in Tarsus, Cilicia (in modern Turkey). Patronage – of the City of Cerchiara di Calabria in Italy. Also known as – Boniface of Tarsus, Bonifatius
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “The birthday of the holy Martyr Boniface, who suffered at Tarsus in Cilicia under Diocletian and Maximian. His body was subsequently carried to Rome and buried on the Latin Way.”
Boniface went from Rome to Tarsus in Cilicia to bring back the Relics of the Martyrs to his mistress, Aglaida of whom he was the steward. As a faithful follower of Christ, he in turn suffered Martyrdom under Galerius and his father-in-law Diocletian.
Both Boniface and Aglaida had been pagans and lived in dissoluteness. Tired of their way of life but also interested in understanding the phenomenon of Christianity, Aglaida decided to send Boniface on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land to collect the holy Relics of the Christian Martyrs.
Alexandre Cabanel – Aglaida and Boniface
When he arrived in Tarsus, Boniface discovered a massive persecution against Christians had begun, he immediately declared himself a Christian and, as such, was subjected to Martyrdom. His embalmed body was brought back to Rome to be buried in an oratory on the Via Latina.
Aglaida herself had too become a Christian. Leaving all her wealth to the poor, she retired to monastic life for the eighteen years she lived, receiving – the divine gift of exorcising evil spirits.
In memory of Boniface, Aglaida had a Church built on the Aventine which later became the basilica of Saints Boniface and Alexius (where the remains of St Alexius of Rome are also found), a place where, the Saint’s Relics were later transferred, on Palm Tuesday 1217, to a marble urn under the high Altar.
St Boniface is remembered on 14 May. He is the Patron of Cerchiara di Calabria in Italy. In 1969 the life of the saint was considered legendary and his name was removed from the general calendar of Saints. The Municipality of San Bonifacio takes its name from a noble Chapel dedicated to Saint Boniface of Tarsus.
St Boniface (6th Century) Bishop of Ferentino St Boniface of Tarsus Martyr St Corona the Martyr St Costanzo of Capri St Costanzo of Vercelli Bl Diego of Narbonne St Dyfan St Engelmer St Erembert of Toulouse St Felice of Aquileia St Fortunatus of Aquileia St Gal of Clermont-Ferrand
St Henedina of Sardinia St Justa of Sardinia St Justina of Sardinia
St Maria Domenica Mazzarello FMA (1837-1881) Virgin, Religious Sister and Founder with St John Bosco of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. They were founded to work alongside Saint John Bosco and his Salesians of Don Bosco in his teaching projects in Turin. They continue to be a teaching Order worldwide and are now called the Salesian Sisters of St John Bosco.Her Body is incorrupt. Maria was Beatified on 20 November 1938 and Canonised on 24 June 1951. Her incorrupt body is venerated in the Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians, in Turin, Italy, which is the Mother Basilica of the Salesians, built by St John Bosco. A Church in southeast Rome bears her name, Santa Maria Domenica Mazzarello – the Statue below resides there. Her Saintly Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/14/saint-of-the-day-14-may-st-maria-domenica-mazzarello-fma-1837-1881/
St Maria Domenica Mazzarello FMA (1837-1881) Virgin
St Pons of Pradleves St Pontius of Cimiez St Tuto of Regensburg St Victor the Martyr
Martyrs of Seoul – 5 Beata: A group of lay people Martyred together in the apostolic vicariate of Korea. • Petrus Choe Pil-je • Lucia Yun Un-hye • Candida Jeong Bok-hye • Thaddeus Jeong In-hyeok • Carolus Jeong Cheol-sang 14 May 1801 at the Small West Gate, Seoul, South Korea
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Thought for the Day – 13 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 IV The GRANDEURS and GLORIES of MARY
i. Who is she who rises from the emptiness of this world steeped in the delights of Paradise? O Mary, greater than the heavens, thou hast the world under thy feet and thou art seated close to God, on the throne of honour which Jesus gave to thee. Thy mercy which surpasses all mercy, draws me to thee, for thou art ever the aid and consolation of those who suffer. I have need, O Mother, of being consoled and fortified. More than that, I have need of the grace of thy Son because I know, without it, I can accomplish nothing. Thou art able, O my Mother, if thou wish, to lift me up and help me with thy powerful succour. Thou canst comfort me with thine abundant consolation. I feel myself engulfed by temptation, so I run to thee, since I feel that, near to thee, I shall find help as well as pity.
ii. And if I may approach thy majesty and greet thee with reverence and honour, I feel that I must approach thee with love. There is no praise which I can offer thee; rather, I am forced to present to thee, supplication. He who wishes to come near thee irreverently, will be confounded, therefore, I wish to come to thee, O Mother, with confidence, with respect, with humility, so as to merit thy clemency and thine aid. Yes, it is with respect, with love and confidence I come, O Mary, to offer to thee, in my turn, the salutation the kneeling Angel offered thee. I offer it to thee, arms extended and hands upraised, I offer it to thee, thousands and thousands of times and I beg everyone to offer it for me because, I know of nothing sweeter that I may give.
iii. Prayer: O Mother, More Beloved than All Mothers
O Mother, more beloved than all mothers, O Mary, if sometimes I have forgotten thee, I regret and weep for it today. But thou, oh! do not forget me, thou who alone brought forth Mercy by giving birth to Jesus. Kneeling, I salute thee, I bow before thee, I join my hands and prostrate myself, so that thou may listen with greater love to my prayer. I say, before thee and I wish ever to repeat it: “Hail Mary, full of grace the Lord is with thee; thou art blessed among all women and Jesus, the fruit of thy womb, is blessed!”
(By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471) Soliloquy of the Soul, Chapter XXIII)
Translated by: Fr & Dr Célestin Albin de Cigala (1865-1928) Faculty of Paris (1947) Doctor of Theology and Philosophy
Quote/s of the Day – 13 May – St Robert Bellarmine SJ (1542-1621) Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church
“It is granted to few, to recognise the true Church, amidst the darkness, of so many schisms and heresies and, to fewer still, so to love the Truth which they have seen, as to fly to it’s embrace!”
“A Pope who is a manifest heretic automatically (per se), ceases to be Pope and Head, just as he ceases, automatically, to be a Catholic and a Member of the Church. Wherefore, he can be judged and punished by the Church. This is too, the teaching of all the ancient Fathers.”
“Charity is that, with which no man is lost and without which, no man is saved.”
“Freedom of belief is pernicious, it is nothing but the freedom to be mistaken.”
“It seems unbelievable that a man should perish in whose favour Christ said to His Mother: ‘Behold thy son’, provided that he has not turned a deaf ear to the words, which Christ addressed to him: ‘Behold thy Mother!’”
“When we appeal to the throne of grace, we do so through Mary, honouring God by honouring His Mother, imitating Him, by exalting her, touching the most responsive chord in the Sacred Heart of Christ, with the sweet name of Mary!”
Custodes Hominum Psallimus Angelos Praise We the Guardian Angels of Men By St Robert Bellarmine SJ (1542-1621) Archbishop of Capua, Theologian Doctor of the Church
Angel-guardians of men, spirits and powers we sing, Whom our Father hath sent, aids to our weakly frame, Heavenly friends and guides, help from on high to bring, Lest we fail through the foeman’s wile.
He, the spoiler of souls, Angel-traitor of old, Cast in merited wrath out of his honoured place, Burns with envy and hate, seeking their souls to gain Whom God’s mercy invites to Heaven.
Therefore, come to our help, watchful ward of our lives: Turn aside from the land, God to thy care confides Sickness and woe of soul, yea and what else of ill Peace of heart to its folk denies.
Now to the Holy Three praise evermore resound: Under Whose Hand Divine resteth the triple world Governed in wondrous wise, glory be Theirs and Might While the ages unending run. Amen
This Hymn by St Robert Bellarmine,was added to the Roman Breviary in 1608, by command of Pope Paul V. It is for Vespers in the Office for “the Holy Guardian Angels. Double of the second class,” 2 October..
St Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621) Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 13 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Robert Bellarmine SJ (1542-1621) Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church – Wisdom 7:7-14 – Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“But he who shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.” – Matthew 5:19
REFLECTION – “The Lamp on the lampstand is our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the Father’s true Light “Who enlightens everyone coming into the world” (Jn 1:9) in other words, the Father’s Wisdom and Word. Having accepted our flesh, He truly became and was called, the “Light of the world.” By our faith and devotion, He is honoured and exalted in the Church. In this way, He is made visible to all nations and shines out for “all the people in the house,” namely the whole world, as He said: “They do not light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand where it gives light to all in the house” (Mt 5:15).
As we have seen, Christ calls Himself a Lamp. God by nature, He became flesh according to the plan of salvation – a Light held within the flesh, as if in a vase… This is what David was thinking when he said: “Your Word is a Lamp to my feet and a Light for my path” (Ps 118:105). Since He causes the darkness of ignorance and the evil of men to vanish, my Saviour and my God, is called a Lamp in Scripture. And since He is the only one able to obliterate the darkness of ignorance and disperse the shadows of sin, He has become the way of salvation for all. He leads towards the Father, all those who, through understanding and virtue, walk with Him along the path of the commandments, as on a road of righteousness.
The Lampstand is Holy Church because the Word of God shines out through her preaching. This is how the beams of its Truth, can enlighten the whole world… On one condition, however, as long as it is not hidden under the letter of the Law. Anyone who clings to Scripture according to the letter only, is living according to the flesh; he is placing the Lamp under a bushel basket. But when, to the contrary, the Church is set on the lampstand, it enlightens everyone.” – St Maximus the Confessor (580-662) Abbot and Theologian, Father (Question 63 to Thalassius)
PRAYER – O God, Who endowed blessed Robert, Your Bishop and Doctor, with wondrous learning and virtue to repel the deceits of error and to defend the rights of the Apostolic See, grant, by his merits and intercession, that we may ever grow in love of truth and that the hearts of the erring may return to the unity of Your Church. 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 – 13 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Robert Bellarmine SJ (1542-1621) Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church
A Hymn to Mary the Virgin By St Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621) Doctor of the Church.
Virgin adored and clothed with the sun, grant me thine aid. Virgin most beautiful, mystical rose, take abode in my heart. Virgin most chaste, all undefiled, grant me true peace. Virgin deserving of all honour and praise, give me thy love. Virgin elect and full of all grace, lead me to God. Virgin most blessed, star of the sea, dispel the storms besetting me. Virgin most virtuous, holy and sweet, show me the way. Virgin illustrious, with thy burning light, enlighten thou my mind. Virgin more precious than jewels or gold, make reparation for me. Virgin most worthy of all praise, mother, daughter and immaculate spouse. Virgin and Mother, make me more pleasing to Jesus thy Son. Virgin most innocent of any stain or fault, make me more worthy of God. Virgin enriched with every gift and grace, obtain the remission of my sins. Virgin most pure, grant me to enjoy the bliss of heavenly love. Virgin, thou lily among thorns, I pray thee for the grace of a happy death. Virgin more rare than the rarest dream, bring joy to my heart. Virgin so great, there is none like thee on earth, bring peace to my soul. Virgin most true, loving Mother too, Virgin Mary. Amen
St Robert Bellarmine’s Hymn to Mary the Virgin: Among St Robert’s extant writing, there is a short poem of twenty stanzas which he composed in the nature of a Litany to the Blessed Virgin. The text was first published in Italian some fifty years ago and to the best of the writer’s knowledge, has never been translated into English. Each verse-line begins with the name “Virgin,” joined to a title and petition to Our Lady, starting with the letter “A” and going down the Italian alphabet to “V” Thus the first seven verses begin with the invocation: “Vergine adorna … Vergine Bella …Vergine casta … Vergine degna … Vergine eletta … Vergine felice … Vergine gradita …” A translation to this tribute to the Virgin Mother reads as above: – Fr John A Hardon SJ (1914-2000).
Saint of the Day – 13 May – Saint Agnes of Poitiers (Died 588) the 1st Abbess og the Convent of Sainte-Croix, a Monastery founded in Poitiers by Saint Radegonde (c518-587) in around 552. The date and place of St Agnes’ birth are unknown but she died at the Sainte-Croix Monastery in Poitiers of natural causes.
We know little about Agnes’ origins except through the life of Saint Radegonde, to whom she would have been very close from a young age and whom she would have accompanied throughout her life.
Agnes, educated as a daughter by the holy Queen Radegunde, when the latter, after retiring from Court, founded the Monastery of the Sainte-Croix in Poitiers. Agnes, being begged by her benefactress, St Radegunde, who did not want this office for herself, became the 1st Abbess, with the abbatial blessing bestowed upon her by Saint Germanus, the Bishop of Paris, in the presence of other Bishops.
St Agnes left St Radegunde, right
After a few years, following conflicts which arose between the Monastery and the Bishop of the City, Merovech, over questions of jurisdiction, the Saint deemed it appropriate to temporarily retire to Arles together with St Radegunde. On her return, Agnes introduced into the Monastery the Rules dictated to her by St Caesarius of Arles, the Bishop there, for a female Abbey.
The prudence with which Agnes exercised the difficult art of government, in addition to attracting more than 200 Nuns, meant that, after the death of Saint Radegundr, she was able to reconcile with Bishop Merovech, who had the final direction of the religious community. The relationship between the two authorities, i.e. the Bishop and the Abbess, improved wonderfully when St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609) , successor of Merovech. The 2 future Saints, Agnes and Venantius became fast friends and St Venantius left us precise testimonies regarding our Saint for today, of her virtues and abilities as Abbess. St Venantius spoke of Agnes in his letters and verses.
Agnes died on 13 May 588, nine months after Radegunde and was buried in the Church of Saint Mary outside the City walls. The new Proper of the Diocese of Poitiers celebrates and commemorates Saint Agnes today on the date of her birthday into Heaven.
Rose Petals raining down on Pentecost Sunday in St Mary and the Martyrs (Pantheon), Rome
St Abban (Died c520) Irish Hermit who served the Lord inAbbington, England, Founded a Monastery.
St Agnes of Poitiers (Died 588) Abbess
St André-Hubert Fournet (1752-1834) “The Good Father” – Priest and Co-Founder with St Jeanne-Élisabeth Bichier des Ages of the Congregation of the Daughters of the Cross, Apostle of the poor, needy, children and the aged. Until his old age, the Good Father kept an expression of simplicity and humility. In the sun of God’s love, the transfiguration of his being continued in deep holiness, charity, humility and zeal. After the approval of 2 miracles, he was Beatified on 16 May 1926 by Pope Pius XI and Canonised on June 1933 by the same Pope, after a further 2 miracles. About “The Good Father” St André-Hubert : https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/13/saint-of-the-day-13-may-saint-andre-hubert-fournet-1752-1834-the-good-father/
St Anno of Verona St Argentea of Cordoba St Euthymius the Illuminator Bl Fortis Gabrielli Bl Gerard of Villamagna Bl Gemma of Goriano St Glyceria of Trajanopolis
Blessed Julian of Norwich (c1342-c 1416) (aged 73–74) Anchorite, Mystic, Writer, Ascetic, Spiritual director. At the time of Julian’s death, people from all over Europe travelled to her room, or cell, to ask her advice. Everyone recognised that she was close to God. The Church never formally declared her a saint but through the ages, people have called her “Blessed.” Lived in Love: https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/13/saint-of-the-day-13-may-blessed-julian-of-norwich-c-1342-c-1416/
St Lucius of Constantinople St Mael of Bardsey Bl Magdalen Albrizzi St Merewenna of Rumsey St Mucius of Byzantium St Natalis of Milan St Onesimus of Soissons St Servatus of Tongres St Valerian of Auxerre
Martyrs of Alexandria: A group of Christians Martyred in the Church of Theonas, Alexandria, Egypt by order of the Arian Emperor Valens. Their names have not come down to us. 372 in Alexandria, Egypt.
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Thought for the Day – 12 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 The Virtues a Good Servant of Mary Ought to Practice and the Offices He Ought to Fulfil
I. The Latins have two words to designate the good actions to be accomplished in life. The word “virtus” in order to designate an action made with effort and goodwill and, the word “officium” in order to characterise an action accomplished as a duty but, without attachment of the heart. That which is required here of a good servant of Mary, are virtues, which is to say, meritorious acts, élan of the heart and not only works which, domestics themselves can fulfil. There are firstly, the interior virtues – humility, patience and purity.
II. Afterwards there are the exterior virtues or virtues of action – effort in work, elevation of the mind, union in mental prayer, zeal in vocal prayer.
III. These united virtues ought to animate all practices of devotion, if we wish these practices become spiritual acts of meritorious virtue and not only material offices of remunerated work. Thus Mary acted; thus we ourselves should act.
IV. The servant, therefore, asks of Mary, who is a mother and a model, to aid him in this work and to console him amid the difficulties of the work.
MEDITATION The Active Life
Life is like fire – it only preserves itself, while communicating itself. The ancients used to represent it by a flame and that is, indeed, the truth. To live it is necessary to act. The active life supposes –will and effort. Mary has known and practiced this life, as all the Saints have practiced it. Life which passes selfishly by, disillusions and engenders boredom; “taedium vitae.” Unfortunate is the soul who permits himself to live, without rising! He will have lived most, who will have acted most, through his heart, through his soul and through his body, through love, through the mind and through works. Is there a more beautiful model than Mary, in the Temple, at Nazareth, on Calvary, with St. John? Such a one has lived long, who has lived little, said a wise man. Let us live like Mary and with Mary.
Practice: Do not allow a single day to pass without having made an effort in at least one small thing.
Thought: A lukewarm life is a dull one; live as Mary did. “Look at Mary, contemplate and marvel! Aspice Mariam, contemplare et mirare!”
Fr and Dr Célestin Albin de Cigala (1865-1928) Faculty of Paris (1947) Doctor of Theology and Philosophy
Quote/s of the Day – 12 May – Wisdom 5:1-5; John 4:46-53.
“And himself believed and his whole house.”
John 4:53
“You did not choose Me but I chose you…”
John 15:16
“That is amazing grace! For what were we before Christ had chosen us besides being wicked and lost? What then has He chosen in those who are not good? You cannot say, I am chosen because I believed. For if you believed in Him, you had already chosen Him. Nor can you say, before I believed I did good works and, therefore, was chosen. For what good work is there before faith when the Apostle says, “Whatever is not of faith is sin?” What is there for us to say, then but that we were wicked and were chosen, that by the grace of having been chosen, we might become good?”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
“So that our minds might be free of these illusions, the Word invites us to shake this deep sleep from the eyes of our soul, so that we might not slip away from the true realities, by becoming attached to that which has no consistency. That is why He suggests that we be watchful when He says: “Let your loins be girt about and your lamps burning …” (Lk 12:35) For when the light shines before our eyes, it chases sleep away and, when our loins are held tight by a belt, they prevent the body from succumbing to it… The person who has fastened on the belt of temperance lives in the light of a pure conscience; the trust of a child illuminates his life like a lamp… If we live in this way, we will enter a life like that of the Angels!”
St Gregory of Nyssa (c335–c395) Father of the Church (Brother of St Basil the Great)
One Minute Reflection – 12 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Nereus & Companions, Martyrs – Wisdom 5:1-5 – John 4:46-53 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Unless you see signs and wonders, you believe not.” – John 4:48
REFLECTION – “Whoever examines the majesty of God will be crushed by His glory” (Prv 25:27). God can do works which surpass man’s understanding… Faith is required of you and sincerity of life – not high intelligence, nor penetrating knowledge of the mysteries of God. If you do not understand, nor grasp what is below you, how will you comprehend what is above you? Be subject to God, submit yourself to the faith and the light of knowledge will be given to you, as much as you need and can use.
Some have grave temptations concerning faith and sacraments, which are not to be imputed to them but rather, to the enemy. Take no notice, do not argue with your thoughts, nor answer the doubts with which the devil attacks you; believe God’s word, believe His saints and prophets and the wicked enemy will be routed. It is often most profitable to God’s servant, to endure such things. For the devil does not tempt the infidel or sinner, of whom he has already secure possession but, he uses various means, to tempt and harass the devout faithful.
Go on then with simple unquestioning faith and approach the Sacrament with reverent beseeching. Anything you cannot understand, commit it surely to God, Who is omnipotent. God does not deceive you – the over-confident person deceives himself. God walks in step with the simple ones, He shows Himself to the humble ones, He grants understanding to the little ones; “He reveals hidden meanings to little ones” and hides away His grace from the inquisitive and the proud. Human reason is feeble and fallible but true faith cannot be deceived. All use of reason, all human inquiry should walk in the footsteps of faith; it should not go on in front of it, nor call it in question.” – Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471) (The Imitation of Christ IV, 18).
PRAYER – May the holy feast of Your Martyrs, Nereus, Achilles, Domitilla and Pancras, ever comfort us, we beseech You, O Lord and make us worthy to serve You. And 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.
Our Morning Offering – 12 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary”
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God By St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Father & Doctor of the Church
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God, Virgin and Mother! Morning Star, perfect vessel. Hail, O Mary, Mother of God, Holy Temple in which God Himself was conceived. Hail, O Mary, Mother of God, Chaste and pure dove. Hail, O Mary, Mother of God, who enclosed the One Who cannot be encompassed in your sacred womb. Hail, O Mary, Mother of God, From you flowed the true light, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Hail, O Mary, Mother of God, Through you the Conqueror and triumphant Vanquisher of hell, came to us. Hail, O Mary, Mother of God, Through you, the glory of the Resurrection blossoms. Hail, O Mary, Mother of God, You have saved every faithful Christian. Hail, O Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen
AnaStpaul 
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