Our Morning Offering – 20 February
I Wish to Love Thee, My God
By St Anthony Mary Claret (1807-1870)
I wish to love Thee, my God,
with all my heart,
with all my being,
with all my strength.
I consecrate to Thee,
my thoughts,
desires, words
and actions,
whatever I have
and whatever I can be.
Let me use what I have
for Thy greater honour
and glory,
according to Thy will.
Amen
Saint of the Day – 20 February – St Wulfric (c1080-1154) Priest,Penitent, Hermit, Ascetic, Advisor to Kings, gifted with the charism of prophecy and healing, Miracle-worker. Born in around 1080 near Bristol, England and died in Haselbury, Somerset, England of natural causes on 20 February 1154. He was a Hermit in Wiltshire, England and was frequently visited by King Stephen. Also known as – Wulfrick, Ulric, Ulrico, Ulrich.
Wulfric was born at Compton Martin, ten miles south of Bristol. After becoming a Priest, he at first exercised his ministry at Deverill, near Warminster. At this stage, he was apparently much addicted to hunting, with both hawks and hounds. A chance conversation with a beggar, however, converted him to his true vocation as a Priest and he returned to Compton Martin as Parish Priest.
In the year 1125, Wulfric came to St Michael and All Angels Church in Haselbury Plucknett, Somerset. He wished to spend the rest of his life as a Hermit, withdrawn from the world, living in a cell adjacent to the Church. This cell stood on the cold northern side of the building. Although he apparently failed to obtain Episcopal permission for this move, he was supported by the Cluniac Monks at Montacute.
Sir William FitzWalter had a great respect for his saintly neighbour; he sent provisions to him and visited him from time to time. Wulfric numbered among his intimate friends Osbern, the village Priest; William, a lay brother of Forde Abbey and Brichtric, who seems to have joined him as a disciple.
Soon, people came to him for guidance and blessings. During the reigns of Kings Henry I and then King Stephen, Wulfric exercised a powerful influence, not only in his own neighbourhood but also at Court. Henry I was informed, correctly, that he would shortly die, while King Stephen was chastised for the evils of his government. Wulfric received the gifts of prophecy and healing and was involved in many miraculous happenings. He became known as a healer of body, mind, and spirit for all those who sought him out.
One of his visitors was Matilda of Wareham who had been planning to work overseas. Wulfric persuaded her that she should become a Recluse. She was committed and agreed to go to Wareham to work for over two years while a cell was created for her. She returned with her servant Gertrude. She died in the cell after fifteen years and Gertrude agreed to take her place.
According to Abbot John of Forde Abbey, Wulfric lived alone in these simple quarters for 29 years, devoting much of his time to reading the Sacred Scriptures, fasting and praying. He adopted stern ascetic practices: he deprived himself of sleep, ate a frugal and meatless diet, spent hours reciting the Psalms sitting in a bath of cold water and wore a hair shirt and heavy chain-mail tunic.
One of the most influential Hermit Priests of England, he died in his cell on 20 February 1154. At his death, a scuffle occurred in and around St Michael’s Church between black-robed Norman Cluniac Monks from Montacute and the laity from Haselbury and Crewkerne who had been summoned by Osbern, the Priest of Haselbury. The Monks maintained that providing food for the saintly Hermit which they had done for many years, gave them a claim to the holy man’s mortal remains. But the locals, forced them to withdraw and Wulfric was buried in his cell by the Bishop of Bath, who had visited him at his death-bed. For security reasons, Fr Osbern moved Wulfric’s remains twice, until they came to rest somewhere near the west end of the Church, “… in a place known only to himself and God” which we think would have suited St Wulfric’s penitent and humble spirit just fine especially as this Church would now be a protestant one.
Notre-Dame de Bolougne-sur-Mer / Our Lady of Bolougne-sur-Mer, France (633) – 20 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/20/our-lady-of-bolougne-sur-mer-france-633-and-memorials-of-the-saints-20-february/
St Amata of Assisi OSC (Died c 1250)
St Bolcan of Derken
St Colgan
St Eleutherius of Tournai (c 456-532) the first Bishop of Tournai, France, Martyr. Confessor.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/20/saint-of-the-day-20-february-saint-eleutherius-of-tournai-c-456-532-bishop-martyr/
St Eucherius of Orleans OSB (c 687-743) Bishop Orléans, Benedictine Monk, Confessor.
About St Eucherius:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/20/saint-of-the-day-20-february-saint-eucherius-of-orleans-c-687-743/
St Falco of Maastricht
St Leo of Catania (c720-789) Bishop, Defender of Sacred Images for which opposition he was forced to flee into exile for some years, Hermit. Born in c720 in Ravenna, Italy and died on 20 February 789 in Etna, Sicily, Italy, natural causes. St Leo was the 15th Bishop of Catania, Sicily, famed for his love and care for the poor, his brave opposition to the iconoclastic Government of the time and for his Miracles.
Courageous St Leo:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/20/saint-of-the-day-20-february-st-leo-of-catania-c720-789-bishop/
St Nemesius of Cyprus
St Nemesius of Cyprus
Blessed Pietro of Treia OFM (1214-1304) Friar of the Friars Minor. Renowned and eloquent Preacher, Mystic and Ecstatic who levitated and experienced visions. Pope Pius VI, on 11 September 1793 approved the cult and Beatified him.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/20/saint-of-the-day-20-february-blessed-pietro-of-treia-ofm-1214-1304/
St Pothamius of Cyprus
St Serapion of Alexandria
St Silvanus of Emesa
St Valerius of Courserans
St Wulfric (c1080-1154) Priest and Hermit
St Zenobius of Antioch
Thought for the Day – 19 February – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Venial Sin is the great evil in the world next to mortal sin and, therefore, it deserves a punishment greater than all the miseries of earth.
God has taught us what sort of an evil it is, by one or two instances of the way in which He visits it in this life.
+1. Moses, the friend of God, the Chosen Ruler of His People, the meekest of men, to whom God conversed as friend with friend, once committed a Venial Sin. He gave way to momentary impatience and lost his temper under provocation. For this, God denied him admission into the Promised Land! After his long and faithful service, God sent him to die on Mount Nebo before the Jordan was crossed. All the forty years of weary travel did not avail him; the Venial Sin cut him off before the goal was reached!
+2. David , the man after God’s Own Heart, in a moment of vanity, determined to number the people, boastfully priding himself on the strength of his fighting men.
In punishment of this, God sent a pestilence which, in less than three days, destroyed seventy thousand Israelites.
Jerusalem itself, would have been decimated, had not David entreated God to avert His destroying Hand.
How God must hate Venial Sin!
+3. After death, there will remain for most, a debt still to be paid for Venial Sin.
It is in Purgatory where we shall see its true character.
No earthly agony even approaches the agony of the Purgatorial Fire. The souls God loves, must be tormented there until they have paid the last farthing.
Alas! what do I still owe?
Am I doing my best to pay the debt and avoid adding to it?
Beg for an intense dread of Venial Sin .
Quote/s of the Day – 19 February – – Ferial Day – Septuagesima – 1 Corinthians 9,24-27.10; 1-5 – Matthew 20,1-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Know you not that they,
who run in the race,
all run indeed but one receiveth the prize?
So run that you may obtain.”
“What determines that the gifts of God dwells in us,
is the measure of each one’s faith.
Because, it is to the extent that we believe
that the enthusiasm to act is given us.
And so, those who act,
reveal the measure of their faith
proportionate to their action,
they receive their measure of grace
according to what they have believed. …”
“Since happiness is nothing else
than the enjoyment of the Supreme Good
and the Supreme Good is above us,
no-one can enjoy happiness,
unless he rises above himself.”
“Be brave and try to detach your heart
from worldly things.
Do your utmost to banish darkness
from your mind and come to understand
what true, selfless piety is.
Through confession, endeavour
to purify your heart of anything
which may still taint it.
Enliven your faith which is essential
to understand and achieve piety.”
One Minute Reflection – 19 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – Ferial Day – Septuagesima – 1 Corinthians 9,24-27.10; 1-5 – Matthew 20,1-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Or, is it not lawful for Me to do what I will?” – Matthew 20:15
REFLECTION – “These men were all ready to work but “no-one had hired them” they were hard workers yet, were made lazy, through lack of both ,work and an employer. Then, a Voice hired them, a Word set them going and, in their zeal, they did not fix on a wage for their work beforehand, as the first comers had done. The Master calculated their labours wisely and paid them as much as the others. Our Lord spoke this parable, so that no-one might say: “Since I was not called in my youth, therefore, I cannot be accepted.” He has shown that, no matter when they are converted, each one is welcomed … “He went out in the morning, at the third, the sixth, the ninth and the eleventh hour” – this can be understood of the beginning of His preaching and then of the course of His Life, up to the Cross, since, it was at the “eleventh hour” when the thief entered into Paradise (Lk 23:43). Lest we call the thief to account for it, Our Lord emphasises his goodwill; if someone had hired him, he would have worked: “No-one has hired us.”
Whatever we give to God, is far from worthy of Him and what He gives to us, is a great deal more than we are worth. We are hired for a task which matches our strength but offered a wage far greater than our work demands … He acts in the same way, to both the first and the last comers: “each one received one gold coin” bearing the King’s image. This signifies. the Bread of Life (Jn 6:35) which, is the same for all; there is a single medicine of Life for those who take it.
In the labour in the vineyard, the Master’s goodness is beyond reproach and nothing can be said against His uprightness. In His uprightness, He gave as He had agreed and in His goodness, He proved Himself merciful, as He desired to do. It was to teach us this that, our Lord spoke this parable and He summed it all up in the words: “Or, is it not lawful for Me to do what I will? (Mt 20:15).” – St Ephrem (306-373) Father and Doctor of the Church (Diatessaron 15: 15-17).
PRAYER – From all perils of soul and body defend us, O Lord, we beseech Thee and by the intercession of blessed and gloriosus ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of blessed Joseph, of thy blessed Apostles, Peter and Paul and of all the Saints, graciously grant us safety and peace, that all adversities and errors being overcome, Thy Church may serve Thee in security and freedom.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 – 19 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity”
Prayer of Blessed Severinus Boethius
(c 475-524) Martyr
O Father, enable our minds,
to rise to Thy ineffable dwelling place.
Let us find the light
and direct the eyes of our soul to Thee.
Dispel the mists and the opaqueness
of the earthly mass
and shine out with Thy splendour.
Thou art the serene and tranquil abode
of those who persevere
in their goal of seeing Thee.
Thou art, at the same time,
the Beginning, the Vehicle,
the Guide, the Way and the Goal.
Amen
Saint of the Day – 19 February – Saint Auxibius (Died c102) the 1st Bishop of Soloi on the Island of Cyprus. He was born in Rome and died in Soloi around the year 102. Also known as – Auxibius of Cyprus, … of Soloi, Ausibio…
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Soloi, St Auxibius, Bishop”
Auxibius was born into a wealthy family in Rome and grew up there with his brother, Tempstagoras. He was taught secular sciences.
To avoid his parents’ wish that he should marry, he secretly left Rome and came first to the Island of Rhodes and then, to the Island of Cyprus.
Auxibius lived in the area around Limnitis, near the then important City of Soloi. There he met the Apostle and Evangelist St Mark, who converted him through his preaching and Baptised him.
Auxibius was appointed as the Bishop of the City of Soli by Archbishop St Herakleidius, as a document from the 7th Century reports, although some give this honour to St Paul himself. This St Herakleidius (1st Century), showed the Apostles Paul and Barnabas, the way from Salamis to Paphos on their first missionary journey (45 – 53) in Cyprus and also led them to Tamassos, a City-Kingdom which was then important due to its copper mining. Paul and Barnabas BaptiSed Herakleidos and later Ordained him as Bishop of Tamassos, one of the first in Cyprus.
Auxibius held the Episcopal Seat for about 50 years before he died around the year 102.
The 4th Century Basilica, now in ruins, in Soli is named after St Auxibius.
Notre Dame-de-Bonne Nouvelle / Our Lady of Good Tidings, Lempdes, France (1500’s) – 18 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/19/saint-of-the-day-19-february-blessed-alvarez-of-cordova-op-c-1350-c-1430-priest/
Blessed Alvarez of Cordova OP (c 1350–c 1430) Priest of the Order of Preachers, Confessor, Ascetic, Royal Advisor and Tutor, founder of many Churches and Convents, miracle-worker.
A Zealous and Fruitfil Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/19/saint-of-the-day-19-february-blessed-alvarez-of-cordova-op-c-1350-c-1430-priest/
St Auxibius (Died c102) Bishop
St Baoithin
St Barbatus of Benevento (c610-682) “Apostle of the South” Bishop of Benevento, Preacher, Reformer, Confessor.
About St Barbatus:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/19/saint-of-the-day-19-february-st-barbatus-of-benevento-c-610-682-apostle-of-the-south/
St Beatus
St Belina
St Boniface of Lausanne
St Conon of Alexandria
St Conrad of Piacenza TOSF (c 1290-1351) Hermit, Pilgrim and Penitent, Member of the Third Order of St Francis.
The Life of St Conrad:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/19/saint-of-the-day-19-february-st-con
St Mansuetus of Milan (Died c685) Archbishop of Milan, Confessor, an active Defender of the Faith against heresy. Born in Rome and died in Milan in c685 of natural causes.
Holy Shepherd Manseuetus:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/19/saint-of-the-day-19-february-saint-mansuetus-of-milan-died-c685-archbishop-of-milan-and-confessor/
St Odran
St Proclus of Bisignano
St Quodvultdeus (Died c450) Bishop, Confessor, Father of the Church, Writer and Theologian, spiritual student, friend and correspondent of St Augustine, who dedicated some of his works to St Quodvultdeus. Name Meaning – “What God wants.”
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Naples, deposition of St Quodvultdeus, Bishop of Carthage, who was sent into exile together with his clergy by the Arian king Genseric and placed on disused ships without sails or oars. Against all hope he landed in Naples, where he died. Confessor of the faith.”
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/19/saint-of-the-day-19-february-saint-quodvultdeus-died-c-450-f/
St Valerius of Antibes
St Zambdas of Jerusalem
Thought for the Day – 18 February – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
+1. Venial sin does not, like mortal sin, kill the soul and make us the enemies of God but, it is a disease which disfigures the soul and renders it unfit for union with Him, until it has been purged away.
It is the path which leads to hell by paving the way, little-by-little, for the entrance of mortal sin. It is an unkindness which destroys the warmth of our love and creates a coldness towards God.
+2. Venial sin is small as compared with mortal sin but, it is small only, as ten thousand years are small, compared with eternity.
It is the greatest evil in the whole world, with the exception of mortal sin. It is committed against an Infinite God. It can only be expiated by the Infinite Merits of Jesus Christ; it will add to the sufferings of the lost, for all eternity!
+3. Venial sin is of two kinds –
(1) Deliberate, when knowing that which I am about to do, will give pain to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I nevertheless, do it to gratify myself
This is the worst kind and the guilt of it is sometimes very great.
(2) Indeliberate, or semi-deliberate – when on impulse or without thinking, I do that which is faulty. Yet, I might have foreseen the danger and been more vigilant!
Ask God to help you to appreciate, the grave evil of one
venial sin.
Quote/s of the Day – 18 February – St Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879)
Virgin, The Visionary of Lourdes,
“ If one dream should fall
and break into a thousand pieces …
never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up
and begin again.
That is the beauty of being alive …
We can always start all over again.
Enjoy God’s amazing opportunities
bestowed on us.
Have faith in Him always!”
“ I shall spend every moment loving.
One who loves, does not notice her trials;
or perhaps, more accurately,
she is able to love them.
I shall do everything for Heaven, my true home.
There, I shall find my Mother,
in all the splendour of her glory.
I shall delight with her
in the joy of Jesus Himself,
in perfect safety.”
“O Jesus, I would rather die,
a thousand deaths,
than be unfaithful to Thee!”
MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/18/quote-s-of-the-day-18-february-st-bernadette/
One Minute Reflection – 18 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – St Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879) Virgin, The Visionary of Lourdes – James 1:12-18; Luke 14:26-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“So likewise, everyone of you, who does not renounce all he possesses, cannot be My disciple.” – Luke 14:33
REFLECTION – “Our Lord Jesus Christ said to all, on many occasions and while giving many demonstrations of it: “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me,” (cf Lk 9:23) and again: “anyone of you who does not renounce all that he possesses cannot be My disciple.” Thus, He seems to demand of us the most entire renunciation… “Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be,” He says elsewhere (Mt 6:21). So if we keep back for ourselves any earthly goods or any perishable supplies, our minds will remain sunk in them as though in mud. Then, inevitably, our souls will become unable to contemplate God and will be unmoved by desire for the splendours of Heaven and for the good things promised us. We shall only be able to acquire those good things, if we ask for them unceasingly, with a burning desire that will, besides, make easy the effort needed to gain them.
To renounce ourselves, means to undo the bonds which bind us to this earthly passing life and free ourselves from human contingencies, so that we may become more equal to walking along the way which leads to God. It is to free ourselves from all hindrances, so as to possess and use, the goods that are “far more precious than gold and silver,” (Ps 118:72). And, to sum up, to renounce oneself, is to lift the human heart into the life of Heaven, so as to be able to say: “Our citizenship is in Heaven,” (Phil 3:20). Above all, it is to begin to grow like Christ, Who for our sake, became poor although he was rich (2 Cor 8:9). We need to become like Him, if we wish to live according to the Gospel.” – St Basil the Great (329-379)Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Father and Doctor of the Church (Greater Monastic Rules Q.8).
PRAYER – Almighty and eternal God, Who has dominion over both the living and the dead and has mercy upon all, whom Thou foreknow will be Thine own by faith and good works; we humbly beseech Thee that all, for whom we have resolved to make supplication, whether the present world still holds them in the flesh, or the world to come holds them out of the body, may, through the intercession of St Bedrnadette and all Thy Saints, obtain of Thine goodness and clemency, pardon for all their sins.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 – 18 February – St Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879) Virgin, The Visionary of Lourdes
The Memorare
By St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father and Mellifluous Doctor
REMEMBER,
O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known,
that anyone who fled
to thy protection,
implored thy help,
or sought thy intercession
was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence,
I fly unto thee,
O Virgin of virgins,
my Mother,
to thee do I come,
before thee I stand,
sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions
but in thy mercy
hear and answer me.
Amen
Saint of the Day – 18 February – St Helladius (c566-633) Bishop and Confessor, Archbishop of Tiledo for 18 years, Abbot before that, Apostle of the poor and needy. Born in c566 in Toledo, Spain and died there in 632 of natural causes. For his charity towards the poor, he was called “A Sun which Illuminates the Darkness.” Also known as – Eladio, Eladius, Elladio, Heladio.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Toledo, St Helladius, Bishop and Confessor.”
The life of Saint Helladius has been handed down to us from the account written by Saint Ildefonso (607-670) of Toledo, who is said to have received his diaconal Ordination from the hands of our Saint.
An Official at the Visigoth Court, he was its representative at the Council of Toledo in 589, designated for his particular merits, his ability and his erudition. Already at that time, according to Ildefonsus’ narrative, Helladius was attracted to religious life and used to help the Monks of Agalai, a Monastery on the banks of the Tagus River, with their manual laboUr.
He eventually entered as a Novice Monk and, in 605, was elected as the Abbot but despite the prestigious position, Helladius continued to carry out all the duties as a simple religious, even the heavy task of carrying wood for the stove.
Due to the extreme charity demonstrated by Helladius towards the poor, “it was as if his warmth and vitality, flowed directly into their limbs and their souls”.
In 615, when the Episcopal See of Toledo became vacant, Helladius accepted election as the new Archbishop, although reluctant to abandon the Monastery. Little is known, however, of his eighteen years as the Archbishop, beyond his generosity towards the neediest. Some authors point out that he may have retired to the Monastery to prepare for his death.
Helladius was venerated as a Saint immediately after his death.
Notre-Dame de Laon / Our Lady of Laon, Rheims, France (500), founded by St Remigius – 18 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/18/our-lady-of-laon-rheims-france-500-and-memorials-of-the-saints-18-february/
St Simeon of Jerusalem (Died c 106) Martyr, Bishop of Jerusalem, Cousin of Jesus. Son of Cleopas, was a Jewish Christian leader and the second Bishop of Jerusalem (62 or 70–106).
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/18/saint-of-the-day-18-february-st-simeon-died-c-106-martyr/
St Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879) of Lourdes – Virgin, The Visionary of Lourdes, Consecrated Religious. Born on 7 January 1844 at Lourdes, Hautes-Pyrénées, France and died on 16 April 1879, Nevers, Nièvre, France of natural causes, aged 35. Her Body is incorrupt and is on display in Nevers, France.
She was Canonised on 8 December 1933 by Pope Pius XI.
St Bernadette!
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/04/16/saint-of-the-day-16-april-saint-bernadette-soubirous-1844-1879/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/18/saint-of-the-day-18-february-st-bernadette-soubirous-1844-1879-virgin/
St Esuperia of Vercelli
St Ethelina
St Flavian (Died 449) Martyr, Archbishop of Constantinople, Confessor, Defender of the Christ’s two natures, both divine and human.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/18/saint-of-the-day-18-february-st-flavian-of-constantinople-died-449-martyr/
Blessed John of Fiesole/Fra Angelico OP – The Angelic Friar Giovanni (1387-1455)
The Artist:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/18/saint-of-the-day-18-february-blessed-john-of-fiesole-fra-angelico-o-p-1387-1455/
St Gertrude Caterina Comensoli
St Helladius (c566-633) Bishop and Confessor
Bl John Pibush – one of the Martyrs of Douai
St Leo of Patera
St Paregorius of Patara
St Sadoth of Seleucia
St Tarasius of Constantinople
St Theotonius OSC (1082-1162) Priest of the Canons Regular, Reformer of religious life in Portugal, Royal Counsellor,, Apostle of the poor, Founder of the Canons Regular of the Holy Cross, now known as “The Crosiers.” He is the first Portuguese Saint.
His Life Story:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/18/saint-of-the-day-18-february-saint-theotinius-1082-1162/
Bl William Harrington
Martyrs of North Africa – 7 Saints: Group of Christians who were Martyred together, date unknown. We know nothing else but seven of their names – Classicus, Fructulus, Lucius, Maximus, Rutulus, Secundinus and Silvanus.
They were born and martyred in North Africa.
Martyrs of Rome – 5 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know nothing else but their names – Alexander, Claudius, Cutias, Maximus and Praepedigna. They were martyred in 295 in Rome, Italy.
Thought for the Day – 17 February – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
+1. The worst aggravation of the sufferings of hell is that, they will never end.
If only they would cease, or be alleviated, after a thousand or a million years, the day of hope would shine on the inmates of that prison-house, even though far away in the dim distance. It is the knowledge that, at the end of countless millions of years, they will still be suffering as they are now which makes the agony of the lost so intolerable.
Forever, never! Forever, never!
+2. Add to this, the frightful monotony of their torments. How wearily the time drags on through a night, sleepless on account of acute pain!
But what will be the monotony of anguish which will make those endless ages drag along in unchanging misery? Nothing to vary the blackness of darkness around them; nothing to vary the worm of remorse ever gnawing at their heart nothing to vary the excruciating agony of the fire which will never be quenched.
+3. All this is the necessary result of their being fixed in an unchanging enmity with God.
If only they could receive in their souls, one spark of the Love of God, hell would at once cease to be hell. One thought of love would turn their agony of despair into joyful hope.
But no such thought will ever come to them.
Make many Acts of Love of God and ask Him that you may never be separated from Him by sin.
Quote/s of the Day – 17 February – Septuagesima
“Why stand you here idle, all the day?”
“Prepare the way of the Lord
make His paths straight” …
“What is the surest kind of witness?
“Anyone who acknowledges that Jesus Christ
came among us in the flesh” (cf 1 Jn 4:2)
and who keeps the commands of the Gospel…
How many there are, each day,
of these hidden martyrs of Christ
who confess the Lord Jesus!
… So be faithful and courageous
in interior persecutions,
so that you may also win
the victory in exterior persecutions.”
“We are to become vessels
of God’s compassionate love for others.”
“Never forget that the way
which leads to Heaven is narrow
that the gate leading to Life,
is narrow and low
that there are but few who find it
and enter by it and if, there be some,
who go in and tread the narrow path,
for some time, there are but very few,
who persevere therein.”
“The surest and quickest way
to attain perfection, is to strive
for purity of heart.
Once the obstacles have been removed,
God finds a clear path and does wonders,
both in and through, the soul.”
Guide Me Lord
By St Albert the Great (1200-1280)
Doctor of the Church
O Lord Jesus Christ,
Who seeks those who stray
and receives them when returning,
make me approach Thee
through the frequent hearing of Thy Word,
lest I sin against my neighbour,
by the blindness of human judgement,
through the austerity of false justice,
through comparing his inferior status,
through too much trust in my merits
or through ignorance of the Divine Judgement.
Guide me to search diligently,
each corner of my conscience,
lest the flesh dominate the spirit!
Amen
One Minute Reflection – 17 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – Ferial Day – Septuagesima – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 10:1-5 – Matthew 20:1-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“But about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing and he saith to them: Why stand you here idle, all the day?” – Matthew 20:6
REFLECTION – “We can apply these hourly periods to each individual person’s life. Morning is the childhood of our understanding. The third hour can be taken as our youth because, the sun is advancing on high, as the impetuosity of age increases. The sixth hour is that of young adulthood because, when we reach our full strength, it is as if the sun is in the centre of the heavens. The ninth hour we take to be old age because, like the sun descending from its zenith, this age lacks the warmth of youth. The eleventh hour is the age which is called infirm, or old … Since then, one person is brought to a good life in childhood, another in youth, another in young adulthood, another in old age, another at the age of infirmity, it is as if workmen are being called to the vineyard at different hours.
Look at your conduct, my friends and see if you are still God’s workmen. Let everyone reflect on what he is doing and consider whether he is labouring in the Lord’s vineyard … One who has neglected to live for God, up to the last period of his life, has stood idle, as it were, up to the eleventh hour! … “Why stand you here idle, all the day?” meaning, “Even though you have not been willing to live for God in your childhood and young adulthood, at least come to your right mind in the final time of your life. Come to the Ways of Life!”…
Did not the thief come at the eleventh hour? (Lk 23:39) He possessed nothing by the length of his life but he had something, coming late … He confessed God on the cross and he gave forth his last breath, almost as he spoke. The Householder began paying the denarius beginning with the last because, He called the thief to the repose of Paradise before he called Peter!” – St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father and Doctor (Sermons on the Gospel no 11).
PRAYER – O Lord, we beseech You, graciously hear the prayers of Your people, that we who are justly punished for our sins may be mercifully delivered for the glory of Your name. 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 – 17 February – Feast of the Flight into Egypt
My Beloved Redeemer
Prayer for the Flight into Egypt (Excerpt)
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Doctor of the Church
My beloved Redeemer,
I have many times driven Thee out of my soul
but now I hope, that Thou
have again taken possession of it.
I beseech Thee,
do Thou bind it to Thyself
with the sweet chains of Thy love.
Oh, do Thou make Thyself loved,
make Thyself loved by all the sinners
who persecute Thee,
give them light,
make them know the love
Thou hast borne them
and the love Thou deserves,
since Thou goes wandering over the earth
as a poor Infant,
weeping and trembling with cold
and seeking souls to love Thee!
O Mary, most holy Virgin,
O dearest Mother
and companion of the sufferings of Jesus,
do thou help me always
to carry and preserve thy Son
in my heart,
in life and in death!
Amen.
Saint of the Day – 17 February – Saint Silvinus (c650-c717) Bishop, Missionary evangeliser in north-eastern pagain regions of France, gifted with miracles. Born of Celtic origins and died on 15 February c717 at the Abbey of Auchy-les-Moines, Artois, in Belgium of natural causes. Also known as – Silvinus of Thérouanne, … of Toulouse, … of Auchy, Silvain…. Silvin …. Silvino…. Additional Memorial – 15 February in Auchy France.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In the territory of Thérouanne, St Silvinus, Bishop of Toulouse.”
Born to a noble family, Sylvinus was of Celtic origins. He renounced a life of wealth and power, to embrace poverty and celibacy.
Ordained a Priest and then a Bishop, he devoted himself to evangelisation and charity, in north-eastern France, still largely pagan.
Silvinus was distinguished by his humility and austerity and was venerated during his life-time for his sanctity and his intercessory gifts of performing miracles.
He died in c717 and was buried in the Monastery of Auchy-les-Moines. Several Churches, Towns and Villages are named after him (Saint-Sylvain-d’Anjou or Saint-Sylvain [Calvados] ). The male first name, Sylvainm is very popular and common in France, Belgium and other French-speaking regions in Africa and, of course, Quebec, Canada.
The Flight into Egypt (Year 1)- 17 February:
It was on the seventeenth of February, fifty five days after the Nativity of Jesus, when King Herod’s soldiers — sent to slaughter all little boys in Bethlehem and its neighbourhood who were two years old or under, in order to destroy a rival King, Jesus — were getting perilously near the cave at Bethlehem, where at first they little expected Our Lord to be. Saint Joseph received a message from God through an Angel, whereupon he took Our Lady and the Divine Infant and set off leaving the land of the Jews to travel to a land of the Gentiles. They took no-one with them, by way of servants or friends, as Saint Peter Chrysologus tells us.
The Town to which the Holy Family fled was called Fostat. It was three hundred miles from Bethlehem. A Church has been erected there, on the site of the house where the Holy Family lived during their exile. The little Town where the Holy Family lived in Egypt was not far from Heliopolis, a City in which — when Jesus, Mary and Joseph passed through it — statues of pagan gods crashed to the ground. Both Fostat and Heliopolis are not far from Cairo in Egypt.
Our Lady of Constantinople, Bari, Turkey (566) – 17 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/17/our-lady-of-constantinople-bari-turkey-566-and-memorials-of-the-saints-17-february/
St Alexis Falconieri OSM (Died 1310) – One of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servites.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/17/saint-of-the-day-17-february-saint-alexis-falconieri-13th-century-1310/
St Benedict of Cagliari
St Bonosus of Trier
St Constabilis of Cava OSB (c 1070-1124) Abbot, Miracle-worker, known as “The Blanket of the Brothers” for his gentle kindness and caring humility for all the Monks in their trials and sorrows.
“The Blanket of the Brothers” :
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/17/saint-of-the-day-17-february-saint-constabilis-of-cava-osb-c-1070-1124/
St Donatus the Martyr
St Evermod of Ratzeburg
St Faustinus the Martyr
St Finan of Iona (Died 661) the Second Bishop of Lindisfarne succeeding St Aidan.
About St Finan:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/17/saint-of-the-day-17-february-saint-finan-of-iona-or-lindisfarne-died-661/
St Fintan of Clonenagh (c 524 – 603) Abbot, “Father of the Irish Monks,” disciple of St Columba of Iona. Fintan was granted the gifts of prophecy and miracles.
“Father of the Irish Monks”:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/17/saint-of-the-day-17-february-saint-fintan-of-clonenagh-c-524-603-father-of-the-irish-monks/
St Flavian of Constantinople
St Fortchern of Trim
St Guevrock
St Habet-Deus
St Julian of Caesarea
St Loman of Trim
Blessed Luke Belludi OFM (c1200- c 1285) Friar of the Order of Friars Minor, companion of St Anthony of Padua on his travels, miracle-woker, founder of convents.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/17/saint-of-the-day-17-february-blessed-luke-belludi-ofm-c-1200-c-1285/
St Lupiano
St Mesrop the Teacher
St Polychronius of Babylon
St Romulus the Martyr
St Secundian the Martyr
St Silvinus (c650-c717) Bishop
St Theodulus of Caesarea
Thought for the Day – 16 February – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Every thought of the lost will aggravate, not alleviate, their sufferings. Let us review one or two of the thoughts which will be ever present to their minds.
+1. They might so easily have been saved!
One act of contrition at the last, one grace accepted out of the countless graces which were deliberately set at naught and they might have been with the Angels in Heaven, instead of with the devils in hell. To know that we have just missed some advantage which we might, with a little trouble, have secured for ourselves, is always a tormenting thought. How much more when it is Heaven which is lost!
+2. If the advantage is lost, purely through our own fault, this greatly increases our misery. We fools! We had so many chances, we knew so well we were forfeiting our eternal inheritance! It is this which changes sorrow into remorse and adds to suffering, the horror and blackness of despair!
All through our own fault! What a thought to dwell with me through all eternity!
+3. What is it that we have lost?
This will be the bitterest thought of all.
We have lost the sweet music of Heaven, we have lost the company of the Saints and Angels, we have lost the enchanting happiness of gazing on the Sacred Humanity of Jesus in all its glory and, above all, we have lost the unspeakable joy of the Beatific Vision. We fools!
Pray God that the dread of this thought hereafter, may keep you from sin.
Quote/s of the Day – 16 February – Septuagesima Sunday
“So shall the last be first
and the first last.
For many are called
but few chosen.”
“It is written, ‘God is not mocked.’ (Gal 6: 7)
Indeed, God cannot be mocked,
nor circumvented, nor deluded
by any man’s astute deceit. …
Let each of you, then, I beg you, brethren,
confess his fault while the sinner is yet in this world,
while Confession is still possible,
while the satisfaction and remission
granted by the Priests,
is still acceptable to God!”
“Let us then, my brethren, endure in hope.
Let us devote ourselves, side-by-side with our hoping,
so that the God of all the universe,
as He beholds our intention,
may cleanse us from all sins,
fill us with high hopes from what we have in hand
and grant us the change of heart which saves.
God has called you and you have your calling!”
“There is still time for endurance,
time for patience,
time for healing,
time for change.
Have you slipped?
Rise up!
Have you sinned?
Cease!
Do not stand among sinners
but leap aside!”
“Listen to the Lord’s appeal:
‘Come, then, return to Me
and learn to know Me as your Father,
Who repays good for evil,
love for injury
and boundless charity
for piercing wounds!”
One Minute Reflection – 16 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – Septuagesima Sunday – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 10:1-5 – Matthew 20:1-16. – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“So shall the last be first and the first last.
For many are called but few chosen.” – Matthew 20:16
REFLECTION – “What did that criminal do that he received a share in Paradise following the cross? … While Peter denied Christ, this criminal, raised up on his cross, bore witness to Him. I am not saying this to denigrate Peter but, to draw attention to that criminal’s greatness of soul. … While a whole rabble were standing around Him, murmuring, yelling and heaping oaths and abuse on them both, this criminal paid no attention. He did not even consider the wretched condition of the Crucifixion right before his eyes. All this, he passed over, with a glance full of faith …. He turned towards our heavenly Lord and entrusted himself to Him and said: “Lord, remember me when Thou comes into Thy Kingdom” (Lk 23:42). Let us not casually avoid this criminal’s example, or be ashamed of taking as teacher, the man whom our Lord was not ashamed to lead first into Paradise! …
He did not say to him, as He said to Peter: “Come after me, and I will make you a fisher of men” (Mt 4:19). Nor did he say to him as to the Twelve: “You will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Mt 19:28). He favoured him with no title, showed him no miracle. This criminal did not see Him raise a dead man, nor cast out demons; he did not see the sea obeying Him. Christ said nothing to him about the Kingdom, nor yet about hell. And yet, he bore witness to Him before all and inherited the Kingdom!” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father & Doctor of the Church (Sermon for Good Friday “The Cross and the criminal” ).
PRAYER – O Lord, we beseech You, graciously hear the prayers of Your people, that we who are justly punished for our sins may be mercifully delivered for the glory of Your name. 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 – 16 February – Septuagesima Sunday
Soul of My Saviour,
Sanctify My Breast
Trans. Attri. to Fr John Hegarty (1752-1834)
Soul of my Saviour,
sanctify my breast;
Body of Christ,
be Thou my saving Guest;
Blood of my Saviour,
bathe me in Thy tide;
Wash me with water
flowing from Thy side.
Strength and protection,
may Thy Passion be;
O Blessed Jesus, hear
and answer me;
Deep in Thy Wounds, Lord,
hide and shelter me;
So shall I never, never,
part from Thee.
Hear me, Lord Jesus,
listen as I pray;
“Lead me from night,
to never-ending day.
Fill all the world,
with love and grace Divine,
And glory, laud and praise,
be ever Thine.”
This Hymn is based on the original Latin text of the Anima Christi. Fr Hegarty is attributed with its translation and/or arrangement.
He was born in County Derry, Ireland, educated at Dublin University and was Ordained in June 1890 and spent most of active apostolic years in Brisbane, Australia. He died aged 82 years.
Saint of the Day – 16 February – Blessed Gregory X OFM (or TOSF) (1210-1276) Pope Papacy began 1 September 1271 until his death on 10 January 1276, Diplomat and Peacemaker, Reformer of Papal Elections, Third Order Franciscan. This Tertiary Pope, a friend of St. Bonaventure, was a true son of St Francis, known for his love for the holy places in Palestine and his efforts to promote peace. Born as Theobald Visconti in Piacenza, Italy, in 1210 and died at Rezzo, Italy, on 10 January 1276 of natural causes. Patronages – of Third Order Franciscans, of the Diocese of Aresso, Italy. He wwas Beatified on 8 July 1713 bvbPope Clement XI and addedd to the Martyrology by Pope Benedict XIV (reigned 1740-1758). A miracle is awaited for his Canonisation which remains an open Cause.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Arezzo, in Tuscany, Blessed Gregory X, a native of Piacenza, who was elected Sovereign Pontiff while he was Archdeacon of Liege. He held the 2nd Council of Lyons, received the Greeks into the unity of the Church, appeaseddiscords among Christians, made generous efforts for the recovery of the Holy Land and governed the Church in the most holy manner.”
Gregory X, is remembered for his extraordinary journey from an Archdeacon to the Papacy, despite not being a Priest at the time of his election. His story reflects the influence of Saints and the shaping of Church history.
Theobald Visconti was born into a very distinguished family, studied Canon Law at Paris and Liege and became the Archdeacon of Liége. In this position he was entrusted with preaching the last Crusade. In Paris, where he engaged with intellectual circles for over twenty years, his closest friends were the Franciscans, particularly St Bonaventure.
He accompanied Cardinal Ottoboni on a mission to England. Theobald was at Acre in the Holy Land on pilgrimage, when he was informed that, although he was not yet Ordained, he had been chosen as the Supreme Pontiff. This had been enacted by a committee of six Cardinals who had been charged with selecting a new Pope, when the rest of the Cardinals failed to agree on a candidate to fill the Pontifical throne, which had been vacant for three years.
He returned to Rome, was Ordained a Priest on 19 March and then consecrated as Pope on 27 March 1272, taking the name Gregory X. Perhaps Gregory X’s most enduring legacy is the establishment of the Papal Conclave system. After the prolonged election process which led to his own Papacy, Gregory instituted reforms to expedite future Papal Elections. The Second Council of Lyons decreed that Cardinals should convene in isolation after a Pope’s death, with strict measures to encourage a swift decision. This marked the beginning of the Conclave process, isolating the Cardinals from external influences and streamlining the election process. The Conclave’s name, meaning “with a key”symbolises this seclusion.
He laboured to end the warfare between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines factions, placed Florence under interdict for refusing efforts at reconciliation with its neighbours and approved Rudulph of Hapsburg, as the German Emperor.
Gregory also convoked the 14th General Council at Lyons in 1274 which effected a short-lived reconciliation with the Eastern Churches but was unsuccessful in launching the Crusade (which was the general reason the Eastern Churches were willing to negotiate a reunion).
Gregory died on his way back from the Council in Lyons. He is buried inside the Cathedral Church of Arezzo. He was succeeded by the Dominican Peter of Tarantaise of Savoy (Pope Innocent V)Gregory’s close collaborator throughout his Pontificate.
Septuagesima Sunday:
The word “Septuagesima” is Latin for “Seventeenth.”
It is both the name of the Liturgical Season and the name of the Sunday.
Septuagesima Sunday marks the beginning of the shortest Liturgical Season.
This Season is seventeen (17) days long and includes the three Sundays before Ash Wednesday.
The length of the Season never changes but the start date is dependent on the movable date of Easter, which can fall between 22 March-25 April.
Septuagesima Sunday can be as early as 18 January.
Dom Prosper Guéranger OSB (1805-1875) Abbot of Solesmes from 1837-1875, devoted a whole volume of his great work – The Liturgical Year, to Septuagesima. In his Preface, Dom Guéranger referred to Septuagesima as a Season of “transition, inasmuch as it includes the period between two important Seasons – Christmas and Lent. … The Church, therefore, has instituted a preparation for the holy time of Lent. She gives us the three weeks of Septuagesima, during which she withdraws us, as much as may be, from the noisy distractions of the world, in order that our hearts may be the more readily impressed by the solemn warning she is to give us, at the commencement of Lent, by marking our foreheads with ashes.”
The Septuagesima Season helps the faithful ease into Lent. I t is a gradual preparation for the serious time of penance and sorrow; to remind the sinner of the grievousness of his errors and to exhort him to penance.
Liturgically it looks very much like Lent. The Gloria and Alleluia are omitted, the tone becomes penitential with the Priest wearing Purple Vestments.
The main difference is that there are no fasting requirements.
Notre-Dame de l’ Epine / Our Lady of the Thorn, Chalons-sur-Marne, France (1400) – 16 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/16/our-lady-of-the-thorn-chalons-sur-marne-france-1400-and-memorials-of-the-saints-16-february/
St Aganus of Airola
Blessed Bernard Scammacca OP (1430-1487) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, Preacher, Apostle of charity, Mystic, with a gift of prophecy and a great devotion to the Passion of Christ.
About Bl Bernard:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/16/saint-of-the-day-16-february-blessed-bernard-scammacca-o-p-1430-1487/
St Faustinus of Brescia (not the St Faustinus brother of St Jovinus – 15 February).
Blessed Gregory X (1210-1276) Pope Papacy began 1 September 1271 until his death on 10 January 1276.
His Feast was one of those moved in 1969. Today is the date of his celebration.
A Very Interesting Pope:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/10/saint-of-the-day-10-january-blessed-pope-gregory-x-1210-1276/
St Honestus of Nimes
St John III of Constantinople
St Julian of Egypt
St Juliana of Campania
St Juliana of Nicomedia
Blessed Mariano Arciero
St Maruta (Died 415) Bishop, Confessor, Theologian, Writer, honoured in the Syrian Rite Church as a Doctor of the Church. He was a friend of Saint John Chrysostom and acted as an Ambassador between the East Roman Emperor and the Persian Emperor.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/16/saint-of-the-day-16-february-saint-maruta-died-c-415/
Blessed Nicola Paglia OP (1197-1256) Priest of the Order of Preachers , faithful travelling companion of St Dominic, Superior General (twice). A cultured and far-sighted man, he promoted the study of Sacred Scripture and the compilation of biblical Concordances.
Blessed Nicola’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/16/saint-of-the-day-16-february-blessed-nicola-paglia-op-1197-1256/
Blessed Philippa Mareria OSC (c1195-1236) Nun of the Poor Clares, foundress of the monastery of Franciscan Sisters of Saint Philippa Mareri of the Poor Clares, Penitent.
Her Lifeof Penance:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/16/saint-of-the-day-16-february-blessed-philippa-mareri-osc-c-1195-1236/
Martyrs of Cilicia – 12 Saints: A group of Christians who ministered to other Christians who were condemned to work the mines of Cilicia in the persecutions of Maximus. They were arrested, tortured and martryed by order of the governor Firmilian. They were Daniel, Elias, Isaias, Jeremy, Samuel. The group also includes the three known have been sentenced to the mines – Pamphilus, Paul of Jamnia, Valens of Jerusalem
and those who were exposed as Christians as a result of these murders –
Julian of Cappadocia, Porphyrius of Caesarea, Seleucius of Caesarea, Theodule the Servant. They were Martyred in 309 in Cilicia, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey).
Thought for the Day – 15 February – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Try to represent to your imagination, the eternal prison-house. Listen to the shrieks and howls and cries of despair which issue thence; see the agony written on the faces of the inmates; approach, if you dare, to the devouring flame, taste the burning thirst which longs for one drop of water as an indescribable luxury.
+1. What is it that the lost are suffering here?
The pain of fire. Touch a piece of red- hot iron and see how long you can bear it? Yet, the lost souls in hell, endure an agony far worse than this, not in one portion of their body but in all the entire body.
Their eyes burn in the sockets like molten balls of fire. The fire surrounds them like water, nay, it is within and without them, it dries up their tongue, it consumes their entrails, it penetrates to the very marrow of their bones.
My God, may I never incur this agony!
+2. This fire is no ordinary fire. It is a supernatural fire – the breath of God kindles it.
The torment of burning, as known to us, is a suffering far less than the torment of hell. If the lost could be transferred to a bath of seething, molten lead, it would be a far less suffering, than that of the fire in which they are steeped in hell!
+3. About this fire, there is none of the light of ordinary fire. It carries with it the blackness of utter darkness. No ray of light will ever pierce its hideous gloom, no word of comfort, no relief, no hope of change. Nothing to alleviate the eternal misery which comes of sin.
Pray that if the love of God or hope of Heaven does not keep you from sinning, at least the fear of hell-fire may stop you in time!
Quote/s of the Day – 15 February – Feast of The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Refuge of Sinners
Heart of Mary, Refuge of Sinners, Pray for Us!
(Indulgence 300 days)
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation.
(1943 Raccolta – Indulgence 300 days)
“Mary will certainly save repentant sinners
who have recourse to her
but she cannot pay any attention to hardened sinners, who pray to her with their lips,
while their hearts remain steeped in sin.
We must have complete confidence in her
but, we must also have a sincere intention
of raising ourselves under her protection,
from the slavery of sin,
to the friendship of God.”
“Mary, my merciful Mother,
you see how wretched I am
and how often I have fallen.
I wish to reform and sanctify myself
but I am not able without your powerful assistance, the weakness of my nature
is an insurmountable obstacle.
Come to my aid, O Mother of mercy.
Obtain for me, forgiveness f
rom your Divine Son.
Obtain for me too, the grace
of a complete change of heart,
so that I may be truly your child
here upon the earth and share
in your glory in Heaven.
Amen.”
One Minute Reflection – 15 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – Epiphany VI (Anticipated) – Feast of The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Refuge of Sinners – 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10; – Matthew 13:31-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“I will utter things hidden, from the foundation of the world.” – Matthew 13:35
REFLECTION – “In one of the Psalms the Prophet says: “My soul pines for Thy salvation; I hope in Thy Word” (118:1) … Who is expressing this ardent desire if not “the chosen race, the royal priesthood, the people set apart for God” (1 Pt 2:9) each in their own day, in each one of those, who have lived, are living or will live, from humanity’s first beginning until the end of the world? … This is why our Lord Himself, says to His disciples: “Many Prophets and righteous men have wished to see that which you see.” It is their voice, then, we must recognise in this Psalm … Their longing has never come to an end in the Saints, nor does it end even now in “the Body of Christ, the Church” (Col 1:18) until “the Desired of all nations” comes (Hag 2:8) …
So, the beginning of the Church’s era, before the Virgin had given birth, comprised Saints who longed to see Christ’s coming in the flesh and, the period where we are now, following the Ascension, comprises other Saints who long to see the revealing of Christ to judge the living and the dead. From the beginning to the end of time, the Church’s longing has never lost its intensity, excepting only, when our Lord was alive on earth in the company of His disciples.” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo, Father and Doctor of Grace (Discourses on the Psalms Ps 118 No 20).
PRAYER – O God most kind, Who as a salvation for sinners and a refuge for the miserable, didst will the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the Ever Virgin Mother of Thine only Son and the distributor of His graces; grant, we pray, that while celebrating the memory of this most loving Mother’s Heart, we may obtain for sinners, the grace of conversion and an abundance of heavenly gifts, for all the faithful. Through the same Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God forever amen. (Collect).
AnaStpaul 
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