Author: AnaStpaul

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

Our Morning Offering – 15 February – O Mother Blest By St Alphonsus

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Our Morning Offering – 15 February – Feast of The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Refuge of Sinners

O Mother Blest
By St Alphonsus Maira Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
Trans. Fr Edmund Vaughn C.SS.R. (1827 – 1908 )

O Mother blest, whom God bestows
On sinners and on just,
What joy, what hope thou givest those
Who in thy mercy trust.
Thou are clement, thou are chaste,
Mary thou art fair,
Of all mothers, sweetest best,
none with thee compare.

O heavenly Mother, mistress sweet!
it never yet was told
that suppliant sinner left thy feet,
unpitied, unconsoloed.
Thou are clement, thou are chaste, …

O Mother, pitiful and mild,
Cease not to pray for me;
For I do love thee as a child,
And sigh for love of thee.
Thou art clement, thou art chaste, …

Most powerful Mother, all men know
Thy Son denies thee nought;
Thou askest, wishest it, and lo!
His power thy will hath wrought.
Thou art clement, thou art chaste, …

O Mother blest, for me obtain,
Ungrateful though I be,
To love that God who first could deign
To show such love for me.
Thou art clement, thou art chaste,
Mary, thou art fair.
Of all mothers, sweetest, best,
None with thee compare.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 15 February – St Georgia (6th Century) Virgin, Recluse

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Saint of the Day – 15 February – St Georgia (6th Century) Virgin, Recluse. Also known as – Giorgia.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Clermont in Auvergne, St Georgia Virgin.”

St Gregory of Tours (594), very well informed regarding the history of Auvergne due to the many years he spent there, reports the following concerning the existence and virtues of St Georgia. (De Gloria Confessorum XXXIV).

, “She lived, towards the beginning of the 6th Century, in Clermont, “pious and devoted to God” she retired to the countryside, to offer more freely to God “her hosts of praise” and, everyday, she dedicated herself to fasting and prayer.

At her death, while her body was being transported to the Church, it was accompanied by an immense flock of doves which, during the ceremony in the Church, went to rest on the roof, to then take flight again and follow the coffin as it was carried in procession to the cemetery. They remained to guard the tomb for the rest of the day.

The appearance of the doves symbolised and honoured, the virginity of the Saint.”

Georgia’s remains are kept in the Church of St Cassian in Clermont. The Roman Martyrology mentions her today on 15 Februar, the day on which the Proper of Clermont also inscribes her veneration.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Epiphany VI (In Anticipation), Immaculate Heart of Mary: Refuge of Sinner, Notre-Dame de Paris / Our Lady of Paris, France (522), St Faustinus & St Jovinus (Died c 120) Martyrs and the Saints for 15 February

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Epiphany VI (In Anticipation)

Immaculate Heart of Mary: Refuge of Sinner
Listed in the Missal as a Feastday in some place.
What does this Feastday mean?
The Heart of Mary is the divinely-appointed Refuge of Sinners.
“O God,” exclaims St Alphonsus, “how great shall be the remorse of the damned Christian in thinking that, during life, he could have saved his soul with so much facility by invoking the intercession of this Mother of mercy; that he had not done so and that, there shall be no more time to do it.”
“Perhaps,” says St Bonaventure, “we are in doubt as to whether Our Lady will hear us when we address our prayers to her. No, Mary does not refuse and never has refused pity and aid, to any sinner who has invoked her intercession.”

Notre-Dame de Paris / Our Lady of Paris, France (522) – 15 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/15/our-lady-of-paris-france-522-and-memorials-of-the-saints-15-february/

St Agape of Terni

Blessed Angelus de Scarpetti OSA (Died c 1306) Religious of the Order of the Hermits of St Augustine, Missionary, miracle-worker.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/15/saint-of-the-day-15-february-blessed-angelus-de-scarpetti-osa-died-c-1306/

St Berach of Kilbarry
St Craton
St Decorosus of Capua
St Dochow
St Druthmar of Corvey
St Eusebius of Asehia
St Farannan of Iona

St Faustinus AND St Jovinus (Died c 120) Martyrs, Priest and Deacon respectively. Brothers. Both Evangelists, Preachers. Born at Brescia, Lombardy, Italy and the two brothers died together. They was thrown to the lions but the animals refused to touch them. Then beheaded in 120 at Brescia, Italy.

St Faustus of Monte Cassino
St Georgia (6th Century) Virgin
St Joseph of Antioch
St Onesimus the Slave
St Quinidius of Vaison

St Sigfrid of Sweden (Died 11th Century) “Apostle of Sweden,” Bishop, Missionary, Miracle-worker.
About St Sigfrid:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/15/saint-of-the-day-15-february-saint-sigfrid-of-sweden-died-11th-century-apostle-of-sweden/

St Severus of Abruzzi


St Walfrid/Galfrido (Died c765) Abbot. Born in 8th Century Pisa, Italy and died on 15 February 765 at Palazuollo, Italy of natural causes.
His Penitential Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/15/saint-of-the-day-15-february-saint-walfrid-galfrido-della-gherardesca-died-c765-abbot/

Martyrs of Antioch: 5 Saints:
A group of Christians murdered together. We know the names of five of them – Agapev, Baralo, Isicio, Joseph and Zosimus.

Martyrs of Passae:
Castulus
Lucius
Magnus
Saturninus

Martyrs of Sweden:
Sigfrid
Sunaman
Unaman
Winaman

Posted in QUOTES on SIN, The GREAT TRUTHS

Thought for the Day – 14 February – The Sins of Individual Men

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Thought for the Day – 14 February – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations on “The Great Truths”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

14th Day – The Sins of Individual Men

I will recount to Thee all my years,
in the bitterness of my soul.
(Ps xxxviii:15)

+1. When we look at the sin of Adam and see the consequences it entailed, what shall we say of the consequences which the sins of each one of us are likely to bring upon our heads?
Adam’s was a single sin, as opposed to our countless offences. He did not appreciate the results of sin as we do, he had not witnessed the misery which comes from it, as we do, he had not seen the flames of hell kindled by sin, as we do.
How much more grievous then, are the offences of each one of us!

+2. We must remember too, Adam’s sin was forgiven the very day it was committed and God, in His Mercy, sealed His forgiveness by the promise of the Redeemer.
Yet, see the consequences of forgiven sin! The long penance, the spread of moral corruption, the disease and death, the misery and sorrow, the banishment from the Face of God, all these still remained, although the guilt of sin was gone. What reason then, for me to tremble at the thought of all my past sins!

+3. I will glance over my past life and try to recall a few of my many offences.
What a career mine has been! What ingratitude to God! What selfishness, what uncharitableness to others, what meanness, what unfaithfulness to grace, what impurity, what low motives of action, what forgetfulness of God, what idle words, what waste of time, what continual following my own inclinations!
How can I hope to escape the just judgements of God?
Pray for shame and contrition at the sight of your sins!

Posted in CARMELITES, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, In the PRESENCE of GOD, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, OUR Cross, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, REDEMPTIVE Suffering, SAINT of the DAY, St PAUL!

Quote of the Day – 14 February – True Love

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Quote of the Day – 14 February – St Valentine (176-273) Bishop and Martyr

“Love one another
as I have loved you.”

John 15:12

“But I say to you,
Love your enemies …”

Matthew 5:44

“He gives according to the love He bears us …,
according to the courage He sees in each
and the love each has for His Majesty.
He will see, that whoever loves Him much,
will be able to suffer much for Him;
whoever loves Him little,
will be capable of little.
I myself hold,
that the measure for being able to bear,
a large or small cross, is love …”

St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582)

“Take God for your Spouse and Friend
and walk with Him continually
and you will not sin and will learn to love
and the things you must do
will work out prosperously for you.”

“The one who walks in the love of God
seeks neither gain nor reward
but seeks only, with the will,
to lose self and all things, for God
and this loss, the lover judges to be a gain!
Thus it is, as St Paul asserts:
“For me death is gain” [Phil 1:21],
that is, my death to all things and to myself,
for Christ, is my spiritual gain.
Consequently, the soul declares:
“I was found.”
The soul who does not know how to lose himself,
does not find himself but rather, loses himself,
as Our Lord teaches in the Gospel:
“For he who will save his life, shall lose it
and he who will lose his life for My Sake, will find it.”
(Mt 16:25).”

St John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Doctor of the Church

“LOVE
is the only way
to HEAVEN.”

St Joseph Calasanz (1557-1648)

“The measure of love,
is to love without measure.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of the Church

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HOSPITALITY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 February – “I was a stranger,” Christ says …

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One Minute Reflection – 14 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – St Valentine (176-273) Bishop and Martyr – Wisdom 10:10-14; Matthew 10:34-42 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And whosoever shall give to drink, to one of these little ones, a cup of cold water only … amen, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.” – Matthew 10:42

REFLECTION – “I was a stranger,” Christ says “and you took Me in” (Mt 25:35). And again, “Insofar as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did it to Me.” (Mt 25:40). In every believer and brother, though they be least of all, Christ comes to you! Open your house, take them in. “Whoever receives a prophet, shall receive a prophet’s reward.” … These are the qualities which ought to be in those who welcome strangers – readiness, cheerfulness, liberality. For strangers feel abashed and ashamed and, unless their host shows real joy, they feel slighted and go away and their being received, in this way, makes it worse, than not to have received them at all.

Therefore, set aside a room in your house, to which Christ may come; say, “This is Christ’s room; this is set apart for Him.” Even if it is very simple, He will not disdain it. Christ goes about “naked and a stranger,” He needs shelter, do not hesitate to give it to Him. Do not be incompassionate, nor inhuman. You are earnest in worldly matters, do not be cold in spiritual matters … You have a place set apart for your chariot but none for Christ, Who is wandering by?!  Abraham received strangers in his own home (Gn 18); his wife took the place of a servant, the guests, the place of masters. They did not know that they were receiving Christ, that they were receiving Angels.  If Abraham had known it, he would have lavished his whole substance.  But we, who know we receive Christ, do not show as much zeal as he did, who thought he was receiving mere men! – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 45 on the Acts of the Apostles),

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we who celebrate the anniversary of the death of Thy holy Martyr, Valentine, may, by his intercession, be delivered from all evils which threaten us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thine Son who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, One God forever, amen (Collect).

Posted in CONSECRATION Prayers, DOCTORS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR

Our Morning Offering – 14 February – The Morning Offering of St Alphonsus

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Our Morning Offering – 14 February

The Morning Offering
Of St Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of Church

My most sweet Lord,
I offer and consecrate
to Thee this morning
all that I am and have –
my senses,
my thoughts,
my affections,
my desires,
my pleasures,
my inclinations,
my liberty.
In a word,
I place my whole body
and soul in Thy Hands.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 14 February – St Auxentius (Died c473) Priest and Abbot

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Saint of the Day – 14 February – St Auxentius (Died c473) Priest and Abbot in Syria, ex-soldier and Imperial Guard, Hermit. Born in Syria amd died on 14 February 473 at Mount Skopas in Bithynia in present-day Turkey, of natural causes. Also known as – Aussenzio.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Bithynia, the Abbot St Auxentius.”

Auxentius, probably the son of a Persian named Addas, spent much of his life as a Hermit in Bithynia, a region of Constantinople.

Previously, he had been one of the Equestrian Guards of the Eastern Emperor, Theodosius II, who reigned from 408 to 450. Having learned of the eremitic life practiced by numerous ascetics, Auxentius decided to embrace their way of life, settling on the desert hill of Oxia, not far from Constantinople.

Auxentius soon gained a reputation for sanctity and many sought his guidance and advice on spiritual matters. It seems that he too was accused of Monophysitism, a doctrine which denied the human nature of Jesus but, he was soon exonerated.

He built a new hermitage on Mount Skopas, near Chalcedon, dedicating the rest of his life to the practice of mortification and the instruction of his ever-increasing number of disciples, among whom were also some women, who lived at the foot of Mount Skopas in special communities and were known as “the sackcloth-wearers.”

Upon Auxentius’ death, on 14 February probably in 473, the above-mentioned reclusive woemn obtained the Saint’s remains and buried them in the ccommunity Cchurch. On this anniversary, Saint Auxentius, Priest and Abbot is still commemorated today by the Martyrologium Romanum.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

St Valentine (176-273) Bishop and Martyr and the Saints for 14 February

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St Valentine (176-273) Bishop and Martyr
The story of Saint Valentine:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/02/14/blessed-memorial-of-st-valentine-14-february/

Notre-Dame de Bourbourg / Our Lady of Bourbourg, Flanders (1383) – 14 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/14/quinquagesima-sunday-2021-our-lady-of-bourbourg-flanders-1383-and-memorials-of-the-saints-14-february/

St Abraham of Harran

St Antoninus of Sorrento OSB (c555-625) Italian Abbot, Hermit, miracle-worker.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/14/saint-of-the-day-14-february-saint-antoninus-of-sorrento-osb-c-555-625-abbot/

St Auxentius (Died c473) Abbot
St Conran of Orkney

St Eleuchadius (2nd Century) Bishop and Confessor, Philosopher. Born in Greece and died in Ravenna, Italy of natural causes.
The Life of St Eleuchadius:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/14/saint-of-the-day-14-february-saint-eleuchadius-2nd-century-bishop-and-confessor/

St Juan García López-Rico O.SS.T. (1561-1613) Priest of the Trinitarian Order (The Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives), Reformer, Ascetic and Penitent, prolific Writer, Theologian.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/14/saint-of-the-day-14-february-st-juan-garcia-lopez-rico-o-ss-t-1561-1613/

St Modestinus of Avellino (c245-311) Bishop Martyr, Confessor, Missionary, Miracle-worker.
His Holy Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/14/saint-of-the-day-14-february-saint-modestinus-of-avellino-c-245-311-martyr/

St Nostrianus of Naples
St Theodosius of Vaison
St Valentine of Terni

St Vitale of Spoleto

Martyrs of Terni: Three Christians who gave proper burial to Saint Valentine of Terni. Martyred in the persecutions of Aurelius.
273 in Terni, Italy – Apollonius, Ephebus, Proculus.

Martyrs of Alexandria: A group of Christians murdered in various ways for their faith in Alexandria, Egypt. We know the names and a few details about 16 of them – Agatho, Agatone, Ammonio, Ammonius, Antonius, Bassiano, Bassianus, Cirione, Cyrio, Dionysius, Dionysius, Lucio, Moses, Moses, Proto and Tonione.

Posted in QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The GREAT TRUTHS, The HOLY CROSS

Thought for the Day – 13 February – The Temporal Consequences of Adam’s Sin

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Thought for the Day – 13 February – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations on “The Great Truths”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

13th Day – The Temporal Consequences of Adam’s Sin

In Adam, all die.
(1 Cor xv:22)

No sooner had this first sin been consummated, than a blight fell upon the world. It had become the devil’s empire, for he had made Adam. its king, his slave!
What are the consequences to the inhabitants of the world?

+1. Adam and Eve were cast out of Paradise, never again to enter. Their peace was gone, there was confusion within them, concupiscence fought against reason. Pain and sorrow came upon them and disease and death. For nine hundred years, they toiled painfully in weariness upon the earth and after their death, had to wait three thousand years more, before they were admitted to the heavenly Paradise.
And all for one sin!

+2. The effects of their sin were not limited to themselves alone.
All their descendants inherited from them, an inheritance of woe. All the wars, famines, pestilences, all the broken hearts, all the wretched lives of millions, had their source in this one sin.
How almost infinite are the consequences of sin!
Yet, I think so little of my sins and of the punishment I shall have to pay for them!

+3. If we would behold the full malice of Adam’s sin, we must stand beneath the Cross and watch our God dying in unutterable anguish.
It was sin which nailed Him to the Cross.
It was sin which forced from Him, His agonising cry – “My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?”
Pray for a horror of sin, corresponding to its intensity of evil.

Posted in CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), franciscan OFM, GOD the FATHER, I BELIEVE!, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CHASTITY, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PURITY, The HOLY GHOST, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Quote/s of the Day – 13 February – The Most Holy and Blessed Trinity

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Quote/s of the Day – 13 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity”

“I shall reflect the image of God
in that I feed on love;
grow certain on faith and hope;
strengthen myself, on the virtue of patience;
grow tranquil by humility;
grow beautiful by chastity;
am sober by abstention;
am made happy by tranquillity
and am ready for death,
by practising hospitality.”

ACW – Ancient Christian Writer
Incomplete Work on Matthew

(Homily 40)

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

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

“The likeness of Wisdom has been stamped
upon creatures, in order that the world
may recognise the Word, Who was its Maker
and, through the Word, come to know the Father. ”

St Athanasius (297-373)
Father and Doctor of the Church

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

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

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on the CHURCH, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 February – ‘ … Is there not anything in you which another has to bear?’

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One Minute Reflection – 13 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – Ferial Day – Colossians 3:12-17 – Matthew 13:24-30 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Suffer both to grow until the harvest” – Matthew 13:30– Matthew 13:30

REFLECTION – “When that which is corruptible in us, clothes itself with incorruptibility and that which is mortal, clothes itself in immortality” (1 Cor 15:54), then there will be perfect sweetness, perfect rejoicing, endless praise and love without fear. … And here below? Do we not enjoy any kind of joy? … Certainly we find joy here below; here we taste in hope, of the life to come, a joy which will satisfy us completely in Heaven.

However, the wheat has much to bear in the midst of the darnel. The seed is mixed up with the straw and the lily grows among the thorns. … And indeed, what is it that was spoken to the Church? “As a lily among thorns, so is my beloved among my maidens” (Sg 2:2). It said, “Among my maidens” and not among foreigners. O Lord, what are the consolations Thou gives us? What the comfort? Or rather, what the alarm? Art Thou calling Thy own maidens “thorns”? By their behaviour, they are thorns, He answers but maidens through My Sacraments. …

But where is the Christian to take refuge then, if he is not to groan in the midst of false brethren? Where is he to go? What is he to do? Is he to fly away to the desert? Occasions for falling will follow him. Will he, who is doing so well, separate himself, to the extent, of not putting up with a single one of his confreres? What about him, then? Supposing nobody was able to put up with him, before his conversion? … So if, under the pretext of making progress, he cannot bear with anyone else, by this very fact, it is clear, he has not progressed as yet. Pay careful attention to these words – “Bear with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph 4:2-3). Is there not anything in you which another has to bear?” – St Augustine (354=430) Father & Doctor of Grace (Discourses on the Psalm Ps 99:8-9).

PRAYER – King of Heaven and earth, Lord God, rule over our hearts and bodies this day. Sanctify us and guide our every thought, word and deed according to the commandments of Thy law, so that now and forever, Thy grace may free and save us. Teach us Lord to walk in the ways of the Cross of Thy Son, our Saviour, longing for and rejoicing always in our heavenly home. Through the same Christ our Lord, with the Holy Ghost, God, forever, amen. (Collect)

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 13 February – O Lord, Our God, We Believe in Thee, Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

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Our Morning Offering – 13 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity”

O Lord, Our God, We Believe in Thee,
Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
By St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of the Church

O Lord, our God, we believe in Thee,
Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
As far as I have been able,
as much as Thou hast given me the power to do so,
I have sought for Thee.
I have desired to see that in which I believe;
much have I striven and laboured.

Lord, my God, my only hope,
let me never tire of seeking Thee
but make me seek Thy Face with constant ardour.
Give me the strength to seek after Thee –
Thou Who hast made me,
Who hast given me, more and more,
the hope of finding Thee.
Thou seest my strength and my weakness;
do Thou sustain the one and heal the other;
Thou seest my strength and my ignorance.
Where Thou hast opened to me,
come make me welcome;
where Thou hast closed to me, open to my plea.
Give me to remember, understand and love Thee.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 13 February – Saint Castor (Died c400) Priest, Hermit

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Saint of the Day – 13 February – Saint Castor (Died c400) Priest, Hermit, evangeliser. Born in Aquitaine in France and died in around 400 in Karden , today part of Treis-Karden on the Moselle in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Patronage – of the City of Koblenz, in Germany. Also known as – Castore, Kastor, … of Karden. The name Castor is derived from Greek and means “the excellent one.”

This painting at the Basilica of St Castor in Koblenz

According to the legendary life story from the 10th/12th Century, Castor was a student of the Saint Bishop Maximinus of Trier and was Ordained a Priest by him.

St Castor is presented to Bishop Maximin by his parents. Designed by Joseph Anton Nikolaus Settegast for Frescoes in the Koblenz Cathedral.

He lived as a Hermit in Karden and there, united disciple companions to lead an exemplary pious life. Castor’s companions included the Aquitanian pilgrim Saint Potentinus and Potentinus’ two sons Felicius and Simplicius.

Statue in front of the Church of St Castor in Karden

A tale tells how Castor asked Moselle boatmen for salt. But they only mocked him and wanted to continue sailing. Suddenly a violent wind arose and whipped the waves so high that the boat threatened to capsize. In their distress, the boatmen begged the man of God for help. Castor knelt down and prayed – as suddenly as it had come, the storm subsided. The pagan boatmen were converted by this miracle and thanked Castor with plenty of salt.

Relic Shrine, 1906, in the Kastorkirche in Koblenz

Castor died at Karden at an advanced age.

Reliquary made of gilded fir-tree wood, 15th Century, in the Church of St Castor in Karden

Castor’s cult maintained in Trier was – like that of Potentinus of Steinfeld – evidently intended to strengthen influence in the Lower Moselle region, since the area actually belonged to the Diocese of Mainz. Bishop Wiomad of Trier found – again possibly to document a claim to this area – bones in Karden around 782 which were identified as Castor’s Relics and transferred them to the Church then dedicated to St Paulinus of Trier which then received the Patronage of Castor. In 836, most of these Relics were then brought by Archbishop Hetti of Trier to Koblenz, to the later Collegiate Church built by him, of which Castor became the Patron; this Church was rebuilt in the 11th/12th Century as a Basilica dedicated to St Castor.

St Castor’s Basilica in Koblenz
The Statue of St Castor at Koblenz Basilica
Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CARMELITES, DOMINICAN OP, franciscan OFM, INCORRUPTIBLES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Mother of Mercy, Notre-Dame de Pellevoisin / Our Lady of Pellevoisin, France (1876) and the Saints for 13 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Mother of Mercy, Notre-Dame de Pellevoisin / Our Lady of Pellevoisin, France (1876) – 13 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/13/mother-of-mercy-our-lady-of-pellevoisin-france-1876-and-memorials-of-the-saints-13-february/

St Adolphus of Osnabruk
St Aimo of Meda

Blessed Archangela Girlani O Carm (1460-1494) Virgin, Carmelite Nun, Mystic with the gift of levitation.
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/13/saint-of-the-day-13-february-blessed-archangela-girlani-o-carm-1460-1494/

St Benignus of Todi
Bl Berengar of Assisi
St Castor (Died c400) Priest, Hermit

Blessed Jordan of Saxony OP (1190-1237) Religious Priest, Preacher, the Second Master-General of the Order of Preachers, after St Dominic.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/13/saint-of-the-day-13-february-blessed-jordan-of-saxony-o-p-1190-1237/

St Catherine de Ricci OP (1522-1590) Virgin, Tertiary of the Order of Preachers, Mystic, Stigmatist, Ecstatic, Counsellor to many in both secular and spiritual matters, a highly admired Administrator and Advisor,blessed with many mystical charism including visions of Christ, both as a Baby and Adult, bilocation and miracles. Her body is Incorrupt.
A Mighty Handmaid:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/13/saint-of-the-day-13-february-saint-catherine-de-ricci-op-1522-1590/

Blessed Christine of Spoleto OSA (1435-1458) Widow, mother, Nun of the Order of Saint Augustine.
About Blessed Christine:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/13/saint-of-the-day-13-february-blessed-christine-of-spoleto-osa-1435-1458/

St Dyfnog
St Ermenilda of Ely
Bl Eustochium of Padua OSB (1444-1469) Virgin

St Fulcran of Lodève (Died 1006) Bishop of Lodève, Reformer, especially within the Clergy and Religious Orders, builder of many Churches, Convents and Hospitals, Apostle of the poor and needy, Miracle-worker.
St Futeran’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/13/saint-of-the-day-13-february-saint-fulcran-of-lodeve-died-1006-bishop/

St Fusca of Ravenna
St Gilbert of Meaux
St Gosbert of Osnabruck
St Guimérra of Carcassone
St Huno

St Julian of Lyon
St Lucinus of Angers
St Marice
St Martinian the Hermit
St Maura of Ravenna
St Modomnoc
St Peter I of Vercelli
St Stephen of Lyons

St Stephen of Rieti (Died c590) Abbot.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rieti, the Abbot, St Stephen, a man of wonderful patience, at whose death, as is related by the blessed Pope, St Gregory, the holy Angels were present and visible to all.”
St Stephen Pray for Us!:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/13/saint-of-the-day-13-february-saint-stephen-of-rieti-died-c590-abbot/

Posted in QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SIN, The GREAT TRUTHS

Thought for the Day – 12 February – Man’s First Sin

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 12 February – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations on “The Great Truths”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

12th Day – Man’s First Sin

Pride is the beginning of all sin.
(Ecclus x:15)

+1. In Paradise before the Fall, Adam and Eve enjoyed a happiness beyond compare. They knew no pain, sickness, sorrow. They were created immaculate and adorned with a high degree of supernatural grace; they were exempt from all concupiscence; their lives passed in a continual round of unfailing delight; each evening God Himself, came to hold sweet converse with them.

+2. What was it which ruined their happiness?
The tempter came and suggested to Eve, a distrust of God, whispered into her ear, motives of disobedience. Eve listened and consented and in her heart, deliberately revolted against God.
Pride
brought with it concupiscence; she looked at the fruit which God had forbidden, took it, ate it, gave it to Adam. He also ate it and thus lost, for himself and all his posterity, the gift of original justice and all the graces and blessings which accompanied it.
One single sin ruined the world!
How ought I to dread and hate sin?!

+3. What was the history of this first sin?
The same as of every sin.
First the listening to the tempter’s voice then a jealousy of God, as of One Who interferes with our happiness; then, a positive revolt and undisguised pride and after this, every other sin, especially the indulgence of bodily appetite and depraved desires.
If I examine myself, I shall find that each sin I commit,
follows the same course.
Pray to avoid the first beginnings of sin.

Posted in "Follow Me", ADVENT QUOTES, CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TRUTH, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 12 February – ‘ … By the Cross, we put on Christ ‘ and Follow Him

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 12 February – The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order (1233) – Ecclesiasticus 44:1-15; Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And everyone who has left house,
or brethren, or sisters, or father,
or mother, or wife, or children, or lands
for My Name’s sake,
shall receive a hundredfold
and shall possess life everlasting.”

Matthew 19:29

“He Who is immortal, voluntarily shed His Blood.
He Who created the Host of Angels,
was bound at the hands of soldiers
and He Who is to judge the living and the dead,
was dragged to justice (cf. Acts 10:42; 2 Tm 4:1).
Truth was exposed to false witnesses,
was slandered, struck, covered with spittle,
hung on the Wood of the Cross –
the Lord of Glory (cf. 1 Cor 2:8)
endured every outrage and suffering
without Himself needing these trials. …

So, there is nothing surprising about it,
if we submit to even one of these trials,
since such is our condition …
Therefore, we too have to be offended and tempted,
afflicted by the cutting off of our wills!”
(Catecheses 1)

By the Cross, death was slain
and Adam was restored to life.
The Cross is the glory of all the Apostles,
the Crown of the Martyrs,
the Sanctification of the Saints.
By the Cross, we put on Christ
and cast aside our former self.
By the Cross we, the sheep of Christ,
have been gathered into one flock,
destined for the Sheepfold of Heaven.”

St Theodore the Studite (759-826)
Abbot, Confessor, Father of the Church

“It is only right, my brothers,
to celebrate our Lord’s Coming
with all possible devotion,
so greatly does His comfort gladden us…
and His love burn within us.
But do not just think about His First Coming,
when He Came “to seek and save the lost” (Lk 19:10);
think, too, of that other Coming,
when He will come to take us with Him.
I should like to see you constantly
occupied in meditating on these two Comings…
for they are the two arms of the Bridegroom …”

St Bernard (1091-1153)
Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 February – ‘ … In exchange for her rags and ashes …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 12 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order (1233) – Ecclesiasticus 44:1-15; Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“At that time, Peter said to Jesus: Behold we have left all things and have followed Thee: what, therefore, shall we have? ” – Matthew 19:27

REFLECTION – “For forty years, to use the analogy made by Saint Paul (1 Cor 9:24), Clare had now run the race in the stadium of very great poverty. She was drawing close to the goal of her heavenly vocation and, to the reward promised to the victor … Divine Providence hastened to fulfil what it had in mind for Clare – Christ desired to bring His little, poor one into His Royal Palace at the close of her pilgrimage. She, on her part, longed with all the impulse of her desire … to behold, reigning on high in His Glory, the Christ Whose poverty she had imitated on earth …

All her daughters had gathered around their mother’s bed … Then, speaking to herself, Claire said to her soul: “Go in all safety; you have a good Guide for the road. Go, for He Who created you, has also sanctified you. He has always kept you and loved you with tender love, as a mother loves her child. Blessed are you, O Lord, Who have created me!” One of the Sisters asked her, to whom she was speaking. Clare answered: “To my blessed soul.” Her guide for the journey was not far off. Indeed, turning towards one of her daughters, she said: “Do you see what I can see? – The King of Glory!” …

Blessed be her departure from this vale of sorrow, a departure which was, for her, the entry into the life of blessedness! As a reward for her fasts here below, she now knows the joy which reigns at the table of the Saints. In exchange for her rags and ashes, she has entered into possession of the blessedness of the heavenly Kingdom, where she is clothed in the robe of eternal glory!” – Thomas of Celano OFM (c1185-1260) Franciscan Friar and close assistant to St Francis, Biographer of Saint Francis and Saint Clare (Life of Saint Clare).

PRAYER – O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, to keep alive the memory of Your most holy Mother’s sorrows, through the Seven holy Fathers enriched your Church with a new family of her Servants, graciously grant that we may be so united with them in their sorrows, as also to share their joys. Who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HOPE, The HOLY GHOST, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Our Morning Offering – 12 February – Patris et Filii Concordia By St Bede

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 12 February – “The Month of the Most Holy and Blessed Trinity”

Patris et Filii Concordia
Come Holy Ghost,
Love of Father and Son.
By St Bede the Venerable (673-735)
Father and Doctor of the Church

O COME to me, my only Hope,
O Lord my God.
Come to me, true Light,
Father, Almighty God.
Come, Light from Light,
both Word and Son of God,
God Almighty.
Come Holy Ghost, Love of Father and Son,
One God Almighty.
Come One Almighty God,
Father and Son and Holy Ghost.

Teach faith, stir up hope, pour out love.
Thy will is present with me
(yet not from me but from Thee)
to leave the world and the earth
and to seek the Heavens.
But this will is a feeble feather, without Thy help.
Give wings of faith
that I might fly on high to Thee.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 12 February – Saint Ethelwald (Died c740) Bishop of Lindisfarne

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 12 February – Saint Ethelwald (Died c740) Bishop of Lindisfarne from 721 until his death, Abbot.
Also known as – Aethelweald, Aedilauld, Ethilwald, Ethelwold. Additional Memorial – 21 April (translation of his Relics). Ethelwald is the last Bishop of Lindisfarne to have been revered as a Saint. He is often mistaken for his near contemporary, Æthelwold of Farne.

Born between the 7th and 8th Centuries, Ethelwald was a disciple of Saint Cuthbert (c634-687) known as “The Wonder-Worker of England.”

Having entered the Monastery of Melrose, he became first Prior and thethe Abbot. In 721, after the death of Bishop Ealfrid, he was elected as the Bishop of Lindisfarne.

He is most remembered for his contribution to the production of the renowed Illuminated Lindisfarne Gospels. Ethelwald took the raw Manuscripts which his predecessor Eadfrith had collected and had Billfrith bind them. The Lindisfarne Gospel ( which I have been blessed to see) now resides in the British Museum.

He died around the year 740 and was buried in the Cathedral. His Relics, together with those of Saint Cuthbert and other Saints, were transferred to Scotland in 875, then to Chester in 883 and finally, to Durham in 995. Below might be St Ethelwald’s Tomb residing in the now protestant Cathedral at Durham. I have been there and have seen St Cuthbert’s Tomb but I cannot recall seeing St Ethelwald’s.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna del Pilerio, Italy (12th Century), Notre-Dame-de- Argenteuil / Our Lady of Argenteuil, Paris, France (c 500), The Seven Holy Founders and the Saints for 12 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Madonna del Pilerio, Italy (12th Century) – 12 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/12/madonna-del-pilerio-our-lady-of-argenteuil-paris-france-and-memorials-of-the-saints-12-february/

Notre-Dame-de- Argenteuil / Our Lady of Argenteuil, Paris, France (c 500) – 12 February: Cathedral of Our Lady of Argenteuil, Paris, built by King Clovis I containing a portion of the Seamless Garment of Christ.
All about this Marian Title:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/12/feast-of-our-lady-of-argenteuil-and-the-seamless-tunic-12-february/

The Seven Holy Founders of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary (the Servites)
Pope Leo XIII Canonised them all on 15 January 1888. After the Canonisation of the Seven Founders, their Feast was inserted in the General Roman Calendar for celebration on 11 February, the anniversary of the granting of canonical approval to the order in 1304. In 1909, 11 February became the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and the Feast of the seven founders was moved to 12 February.
In 1969 the Feast was moved to 17 February.
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/02/17/saints-of-the-day-17-february-the-seven-holy-founders-of-the-servite-order-osm-formation-on-15-august-1233/

St Alexius of Kiev
St Ammonius of Alexandria
Bl Anthony of Saxony

St Anthony Kauleas of Constantinople (c829-901) Bishop, Confessor, Defender of orthodoxy. Anthony was a pious man exercising mortification and penances. He generously endowed monastic foundations and founded or re-founded the Kauleas Monastery with the support of the emperor, who preached at the Church’s dedication. Buried in the Church of his Monastery, Anthony was held responsible for many miracles.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Constantinople, St Anthony, a Bishop in the time of the Emperor Leo VI.”
Holy and Courageous St Anthony:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/12/saint-of-the-day-12-february-st-anthony-kauleas-of-constantinople-c829-901-bishop-confessor/

St Benedict of Aniane OSB (747-821) “The Second Benedict,” Monk. Next to St Benedict himself, St.Benedict of Aniane influenced the shape of Benedictine monasticism in the West more than anyone else.
The Second St Benedict:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/saint-of-the-day-12-february-st-benedict-of-aniane-747-821-the-second-benedict/

Bl Benedict Revelli
St Damian of Africa
St Damian of Rome
St Ethelwald (Died c740) Bishop of Lindisfarne

St Eulalia of Barcelona (c 290-c 303) Virgin Martyr
Her Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/12/saint-of-the-day-12-february-saint-eulalia-of-barcelona-c-290-c-303-virgin-and-martyr/

St Gaudentius of Verona (Died c465) Bishop and Confessor

St Goscelinus of Turin (Died 1053) Abbot
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/12/saint-of-the-day-12-february-saint-goscelinus-of-turin-osb-died-c-1053/

Bl Gregory of Tragurio
Bl Humbeline of Jully
St Julian of Alexandria

St Julian the Hospitaller / St Julian the Poor – Layman
Holy St Julian:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/02/12/saint-of-the-day-12-february-st-julian-the-hospitaller/

Bl Ladislaus of Hungary
Bl Ludan

St Meletius of Antioch (Died 381) Bishop of Antioch, Confessor.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/12/saint-of-the-day-12-february-saint-meletius-of-antioch-died-381-bishop-of-antioch/

St Modestus of Alexandria
St Modestus of Carthage
St Modestus the Deacon
Bl Nicholas of Hungary
St Sedulius
Bl Thomas of Foligno

Martyrs of Albitina – 46 Saints:
During the persecutions of Diocletian, troops were sent to the churches of Abitina, North Africa on a Sunday morning; they rounded up everyone who had arrived for Mass and took them all to Carthage for interrogation by pro-consul Anulinus. The 46 who proclaimed their Christianity were executed. We know some of their names and stories. They were tortured to death in 304 in prison at Albitina, North Africa.

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The GREAT TRUTHS

Thought for the Day – 11 February – The First Sin

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 11 February – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations on “The Great Truths”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

IIth Day – The First Sin

God spared not the angels who sinned
(2 St Peter ii:4)

+1. There was a time when sin was unknown in God’s universe. All creatures obeyed Him and were happy and at peace. Thousands and tens of thousands of Holy Angels showed forth the glory of God by their joyful obedience.
Created in a state of supernatural grace, they were each, in his own degree, full of wisdom, of perfect beauty.

+2. Their trial during their time of probation consisted in having to acknowledge their dependence on and their subjection to, God. The larger number of them did so in a spirit of loyal, loving and unwavering obedience. But a third portion of them, led by Lucifer, refused to obey. They conceived an inordinate love of themselves and, from this arose a desire to be independent of God. They would not humble themselves, they considered it unworthy that they should submit to the Will of God in all things. Thus, pride grew up within them and they deliberately placed themselves in opposition to God.

+3. This open rebellion against God, lasted but a moment!
În an instant all their supernatural beauty was gone, the malice of their souls corrupted their whole being! All their beauty was turned to loathsome foulness! Cast out of God’s Heaven, they were hurled down to the lowest hell; outcasts for all eternity, filled with eternal misery and despair.
And all this – the effect of one sin and that, a sin of thought!
Beg of God an appreciation, of the unspeakable evil of pride, of sin!

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, DOGMA, FATHERS of the Church, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN QUOTES, MOTHER of GOD, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Quote/s of the Day – 11 February – “I am the Immaculate Conception”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 11 February – Apparition of the Immaculate Conception, the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lourdes

“I am the Immaculate Conception”

Our Lady to St Bernadette
at Lourdes on 25 March 1858

(On Friday, 8 December 1854, Pope Pius IX (or Pio Nono as he was called) solemnly proclaimed the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary to be a Dogma of the Catholic Faith. Around 4 years later, Our Lady confirmed this Dogma by her words to St Bernadette.)

“Gracious Lady,
thou art a Mother and Virgin,
thou art the Mother
of the body and soul
of our Head and Redeemer,
thou art too, truly Mother
of all the members of Christ’s Mystical Body.
For through thy love,
thou hast co-operated
in the begetting of the faithful in the Church.
Unique among women,
thou art Mother and Virgin,
Mother of Christ and Virgin of Christ.
Thou art the beauty and charm of earth, O Virgin.
Thou art, forever, the image of the holy Church.
Through a woman came death,
through a woman came Life,
yes, through thee, O Mother of God.“

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

“You have guarded the integrity
of the temple [of your body];
you have kept your tabernacle free from all sin,
so that the Father becomes your guest,
the Holy Ghost overshadows you
and the Only-begotten Son Incarnate
is born of you.”

St Hesychius of Jerusalem (Died c450)
Priest, Exegete, Father

NVIOLATA!
INVIOLATE!
Unknown Author
(11th Century)

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

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

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!

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, GOD the FATHER, Hail MARY!, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MARIAN TITLES, MOTHER of GOD, The ANNUNCIATION, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The INCARNATION, The NATIVITY of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 11 February – “Hail, full of grace!” – Luke 1:28

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 11 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Lourdes – Apocalypse 11:19; 12:1, 10; Luke 1:26-31 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Hail, full of grace!” – Luke 1:28

REFLECTION – “The degeneration caused by sin had obscured the beauty of our original nobility. But when, the mother of Supreme Beauty is born, our nature finds its purity once more and sees itself moulded according to the perfect model, worthy of God (Gn 1:26) … We had all preferred the world below to that above. There no longer remained any hope of salvation. The state of our nature cried aloud to Heaven to come to the rescue … Then at last, in His good pleasure, the world’s Divine Artificer determined to make a new world appear, a different world full of harmony and youth.

Now, was it not fitting that a most pure virgin, without stain, should place herself at the service of this mysterious plan, first of all? … And where was this virgin to be found, if not in this woman, alone of her kind, chosen by the world’s Creator before all generations? Yes, she indeed is Mother of God, divinely named Mary, whose womb gave birth to God Incarnate and whom, He, Himself, had supernaturally prepared as His Temple…

In this way, then, the design of the Redeemer of our race was to bring about a birth and, as it were, a new creation to replace the one which went before. Therefore, just as in Paradise, He had taken a litle clay out of the pure and spotless earth, to fashion the first Adam (Gn 2:7), so, at the moment of bringing about His own Incarnation, He made use of another earth, so to speak, namely this pure and immaculate Virgin, chosen from among all other beings He had created. It is in her that He, Adam’s Creator, has remade us in our very substance and become a new Adam (1 Cor 15:45) that the old, might be saved by the new and eternal.” – St Andrew of Crete (c650-c730) Bishop and Father of the Church (Sermon 1 for the Nativity of the Mother of God).

PRAYER – O God, Who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin, prepared a worthy dwelling for Thy Son, we humbly beseech Thee that, recalling the apparition of the same Virgin, we may obtain health for both soul and body. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in Hail MARY!, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, MOTHER of GOD, QUEENSHIP of MARY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Our Morning Offering – 11 February – Hail! all Hail! Great Queen of Heaven, Notre Dame de Lourdes

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 11 February – Apparition of the Immaculate Conception at Lourdes

Hail! all Hail! Great Queen of Heaven,
Notre Dame de Lourdes
Unknown Author
First Published in 1905

Hail! all Hail! great Queen of Heaven,
Hail sweet Notre Dame de Lourdes,
‘Neath whose care our weary exile,
Is from countless ills secured.

Refrain:
Then let men and angels praise thee,
Fount of grace to all assured,
While in gladsome strains we are singing,
Hail! sweet Notre Dame de Lourdes
Hail! sweet Notre Dame de Lourdes.

Blessed thou above all others,
Mary Mistress of the spheres,
Star of hope, serenely beaming
Through this darksome vale of tears.
Refrain

Happy angels joy to own thee,
O’er their choirs exalted high,
Throned in blissful light and beauty,
Empress of the starry sky.
Refrain

As the fount is still unsealing
Its pure treasures softly fair,
May each drop be fraught with healing,
Dearest Mother, at thy prayer.
Refrain

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 11 February – Saint Castrensis (5th Century) Bishop

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 11 February – Saint Castrensis (5th Century) Bishop of Carthage and then in Italy, of Castel Volturno or Sessa Aurunca. Patronages – All in Italy: Castel Volturno, Marano di Napoli, the City and Archdiocese of Monreale, San Castrese di Sessa Aurunca. Also known as – Castrensis of Sessa, Castrensis of Campania, Castrensis of Africa, Castrense… Castrese… Castrenze… Additional Memorial – 1 September as one of the Exiles of Campania; in Castel Volturno he is celebrated in August; in Capua on 29 December and on the 2nd Sunday in May, as the date of the translation of his Relics.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Capua, St Castrensis, Bishop.”

St Castrensis depicted in the Naplian Marble Calendar

Castrensis who lived around the 5th Century, is remembered in the “Marble Calendar” of Naples even though very little is known about him.

During the persecution of the Vandals led by Genseric (390-477), together with other Priests and faithful, he was sent off embarked on an old ship without a rudder, an anchor and cables, with the aim of drowning all on board. But they landed miraculously in Campania, Italy on 10 May, where he began to carry out his Apostolate.

It is uncertain whether he was the Bishop of Castel Volturno or Sessa Aurunca but he led the faithful of his City with love and zeal.

Biographers report two miraculous prodigies performed by him during his life and the liberation of a man possessed by the devil and the saving of a ship full of people (both episodes are depicted in two Mosaic panels in the Cathedral of Monreale, see below). The inscription above the Mosaics says:
“He saves the sailors and rescues them from the anger of the demon which he had forced to go out from the body of the posessed man.”

Castrensis died at the end of the 5th Century “among his people, after having celebrated the Mysteries and having descended, by himself, into the tomb” and was immediately venerated by the people throughout Campania and in many other regions.

The Blessed Virgin with St Castrensis, on the right of St John the Baptist

He was considered a martyr because he was depicted in some paintings, discovered around 1881 in a cave in Calvi (Caserta) and dating to the 7th Century, together with the Martyr Priscus.

The Archbishop of Capua, Alfano, who had to accompany Princess Giovanna, daughter of King Henry II of England and sister of Richard the Lionheart, to Palermo, brought as a wedding gift to King William II, the body of St Castrensis without the head which remained in Capua (see Vita di Guglielmo II , Palermo 1770).

The Relics are today preserved in the Cathedral of Monreale, in the Chapel of the same name , inside a silver urn made by Cardinal Cosimo Torres, in 1637. On the plaque of the urn one can read:
“ St Castrensis, eternal Bastion of the City of Monreale. ”

Castrensis is highly venerated in Castel Volturno (Caserta), where, in August, a procession along the river, is held in his honour. In Capua, which celebrates St Castrensis on 29 December and the second Sunday of May, the date of the translation).

A Processional Statue of St Castrensis probably from Castel Volturno
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and the Saints for 11 February

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Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes / Our Lady of Lourdes (11 February and 16 July of 1858)
Our Lady of Lourdes:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/11/our-lady-of-lourdes-and-memorials-of-the-saints-11-february/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/02/11/the-memorial-of-the-apparitions-of-our-lady-of-lourdes-our-lady-of-the-immaculate-conception-and-the-26th-world-day-of-prayer-for-the-sick/

St Ampelius of Africa
St Ardanus of Tournus
Bl Bartholomew of Olmedo

St Caedmon (Died c680) Monk and the is the earliest English known Poet of Sacred verse,
Biography of St Caedmon:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/11/saint-of-the-day-11-february-st-caedmon-died-c-680/

St Calocerus (Died c130) Bishop and Confessor of Ravenna
St Castrensis (5th Century) Bishop
St Dativus the Senator
Bl Elizabeth Salviati
St Etchen of Clonfad
St Eutropius of Adrianopolis
St Felix the Senator

St Gobnata (6th Century) Abbess, Founder of a Convent and ‘Order’ of Sisters, Miracle-worker, Apostle of the sick. Patronages – of bees, beekeepers.
About St Gobnata or Abigail:

St Pope Gregory II (669-731) Bishop of Rome from 715-731, Pope Gregory was a man of immense intellect and used his talents in negotiating peace in times of war and fought for the truth of the faith against heresies. He was a miracle-worker who placed all his trust in God ‘s Divine Providence.
About “The Defender of Icons”
https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/11/saint-of-the-day-11-february-saint-pope-gregory-ii-669-731-defender-of-icons/

St Helwisa
St Jonas of Muchon

St Lazarus of Milan (Died 449) Archbishop of Milan.
About this St Lazarus:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/11/saint-of-the-day-11-february-saint-lazarus-of-milan-died-449-archbishop-of-milan/

St Lucius of Adrianople
St Pedro de Jesús Maldonado-Lucero
St Saturninus of Africa
St Secundus of Puglia

St Severinus of Agaunum (Died c507) Abbot, Miracle-worker, gifted with Prophecy and healing the sick. Born in Burgundy, France and died in c507 at Chateau-Landon in Gatinais, of natural causes whilst travelling towards his Monastery.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Chateau-Landon, St Severin, Abbot of the Monastery of Aqaunum, by whose prayers the Christian King Clovis, was deliovered from a long sickness.”
Holy Severinus:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/11/saint-of-the-day-11-february-st-severinus-of-agaunum-died-c507-abbot/

St Simplicius of Vienne (Died c417) Bishop
St Theodora the Empress

Guardians of the Sacred Scriptures: Also known as – Anonymous Martyrs in Africa – Martyrs of Africa – Martyrs of Numidia – Martyrs of the Sacred Books
A large number of Christians tortured and murdered in Numidia (part of modern Algeria) during the persecutions of Diocletian but whose names and individual lives have not survived. They were ordered to surrender their sacred books to be burned. They refused. Martyrs. c 303 in Numidia.

Martyrs of Africa – 5 Saints: A group of five Christians who were Martyred together; we know nothing else but the names of four of them – Cyriacus, Oecominius, Peleonicus and Zoticus.

Posted in GOD is LOVE, QUOTES on MORTAL SIN, QUOTES on SIN, The GREAT TRUTHS, VENIAL SIN

Thought for the Day – 10 February – The Cause of Our Failure

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Thought for the Day – 10 February – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations on “The Great Truths”
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

10th Day – The Cause of Our Failure

He who shall sin, shall hate his own soul.
(Prov viii:36)

Hitherto, we have been speaking of the means of reaching the End, for which we were created and, in which alone, we shall find true and lasting satisfaction. We now come to the cause of our failure and the obstacles in our way.

+I. There is only one obstacle in our way, only one real hindrance to our progress towards happiness and peace, only one barrier between ourselves and God.
This obstacle is sin.
As long as it remains, it is an insuperable obstacle.
A single mortal sin, unrepented of, will, forever shut me out from the Presence of God.
A single venial sin, unredeemed, will prevent me from attaining to happiness until the debt has been paid!

+2. What do we mean by sin?
We mean any conscious violation of the law of God. Whenever we do that which God has declared to be a serious offence against Him, we become the enemies of God, we forfeit all hope of Heaven, except as far as God, of His gratuitous compassion, may afterwards give us the grace to repent and be forgiven.
Have I ever thus lost sight of God and of Heaven?
And if so, am I sure that I have regained His Love?

+3. Why is sin so terrible
Because it is an outrage to a God of Infinite Holiness, of Infinite Majesty. Because it is an act of ingratitude, to One Who has laden us with benefits, Who Loves us with a Love which surpasses all bound or measure because, it is a deliberate rejection of the Divine Friendship and, as far as we are concerned, forever!
Pray for a hatred and detestation of all sin!.

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Love of Self, St Francis de Sales

Quote/s of the Day – 10 February – That Oil, that Wedding Garment …

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Quote/s of the Day – 10 February –2 Corinthians 10:17-18; 11:1-2, Matthew 25:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But the wise took oil
in their vessels”

Matthew 25:4

“The wise ones’ lamps were burning,
from the oil inside them,
from the assurance of their consciences,
from their inner boast,
from their deepest charity.”

“Love the Lord and so,
learn to love yourselves
that when, by loving the Lord,
you shall have loved yourselves,
you may securely love
your neighbour as yourselves. …
So then, have faith with love.
This is the “wedding garment!”

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

“We should always love our neighbour,
as in the breast of Christ”

(The Spirit of St François de Sales II, 1)

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of the Church

“He loves you as though He had
no-one else to love but you alone.
You, too, should love Him alone
and all others for His Sake.
Of Him you may say and, indeed, you should say:
My Beloved to me and I to Him (Cant, 2:16).
My God has given Himself all to me
and I give myself all to Him;
He has chosen me for His beloved
and I choose Him, above all others,
for my only Love.”

“How to Pray at All Times”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE, St PAUL!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 February – ‘ … Do you think it might be charity? …’

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One Minute Reflection – 10 February – “The Month of the Blessed Trinity” – St Scholastica (c482-547) Virgin Nun, St Benedict’s twin – 2 Corinthians 10:17-18, 11:1-2; Matthew 25:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But the wise took oil in their vessels” – Matthew 25:4

REFLECTION – “It is some great thing, some exceedingly great thing, that this oil signifies. Do you think it might be charity? If we try out this hypothesis, we hazard no precipitate judgement. I will tell you why charity seems to be signified by the oil. The Apostle says, “I will show you a still more excellent way.” “If I speak with the tongue of mortals and of angels but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” This is charity. It is “that way above the rest,” which is, with good reason, signified by the oil. For oil swims above all liquids. Pour in water and pour in oil upon it, the oil will swim above. If you keep the usual order, it will be uppermost, if you change the order, it will be uppermost. “Charity never fails!” … St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor (Sermon 93).

PRAYER – O God, Who, to show us the way of innocence, caused the soul of Thy Virgin, blessed Scholastica, to fly up to heaven in the likeness of a dove, grant us, through her merits and prayers, to live innocently, so that we may be found worthy to reach everlasting joys. 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).