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 CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRISTMAS Quotes, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MARIAN QUOTES, The DIVINE INFANT, The HOLY NAME, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR

Quote/s of the Day – 24 December – Emmanuel!

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Quote/s of the Day – 24 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

“… Let us keep the Feast,
not after the manner of a heathen festival
but after a Godly sort;
not after the way of the world
but in a fashion above the world;
not as our own
but as belonging to Him
Who is ours,
or rather as our Master’s;
not as of weakness
but as of healing;
not as of creation
but of re-creation.”

St Gregory of Nazianzen (330-390)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Taking up the newborn Emmanuel,
Mary beheld a Light incomparably fairer
than the sun and saw a Fire
that water cannot quench.
She received, in the covering of flesh
Whom she had borne,
the Light Who enlightens all things
and she was worthy,
to carry in her arms,
the Word Who carries the universe!” ”

St Amadeus of Lausanne (1108-1159)
Bishop, Cistercian Monk

(Homilies in praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary IV SC 72)

“She shall bring forth a Son
and thou shall call His Name Jesus;
for He shall save His people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21

“This great Name is compared to oil by the Holy Spirit:
“Thy Name is oil poured out” (Sg 1,3).
Why? Because, as Saint Bernard explains,
just as oil is both light, food and medicine,
so the Name of Jesus, is light for our minds,
food for our hearts, medicine for our souls.
Light for our minds – it was the brilliance
of this Name which enabled the world
to pass from the shadows of idolatry, to the Light of Faith.
… Food for our hearts … And medicine for our souls …
No-one who is tempted, will fall, if he calls on Jesus
and, for as long as he calls,
he will persevere and be saved (cf Ps 17:4).”

St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Doctor of the Church

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, ONE Minute REFLECTION, St JOSEPH, The NATIVITY of JESUS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 December – “Joseph, son of David ” – ‘the assistant for His plan of salvation.’

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One Minute Reflection – 24 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ – Romans 1:1-6, Matthew 1:18-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Joseph, son of David ” – Matthew 1:20

REFLECTION – “There is no doubt that Joseph was a very holy and trustworthy man, since the Mother of the Saviour was to be his wife. He was the “faithful and prudent servant” (Mt 24:45), for God established him to be His Mother’s support, the foster father of His flesh and the assistant for His plan of salvation.

We must recall, that he was of the House of David. He was son of David, not only by bonds of the flesh but even more, because of his faith, holiness and piety. God found in him, a second David, to whom He could confidently entrust His plans, even the most hidden. He revealed to him, as to another David, the mysteries of His Wisdom and disclosed to him, what no teacher in the world, could know. He allowed him to see and listen, to things that so many kings and prophets had wished to see and hear but which,, in spite of their desire, they had not been able to see or to hear (Mt 13:7), even more,, He made him carry and guide, embrace, nurture and protect Him. Both Mary and Joseph belonged to David’s race; in Mary was fulfilled the promise once made by the Lord to David, while Joseph was the witness of this fulfilment.” – St Bernard (1090-1153) (Surname de Fontaine) Priest, Cistercian Monk, The Last Father and Doctor Mellifluus (Mellifluous Doctor) (Homily on the “Missus est”, 2, 16).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who gladden us, year after year, with the expectation of our redemption, grant that we, who now welcome with joy Thy Only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, may also gaze upon Him without fear when He comes as our Judge, our Lord Jesus Christ. 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 ADVENT PRAYERS, BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, CHRISTMAS Prayers & Hymns, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The SECOND COMING

Our Morning Offering – 24 December – Magnis Prophetæ Vocibus, With Mighty Voice the Prophets Cry

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Our Morning Offering – 24 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Magnis Prophetæ Vocibus
With Mighty Voice the Prophets Cry
Unknown Author

With mighty voice the prophets cry
that Christ the Lord is drawing nigh;
rejoicing, they foresee the grace
by which He saves us and redeems.

And so our morning sun shines forth,
our hearts ablaze with radiant joy;
we hear the faithful voice resound,
precursor of God’s glorious gift.

At that first Advent, Christ our God
came forth not to condemn the world,
but came to cleanse our gaping wound,
to seek and save what had been lost.

Christ’s Second Coming warns us all
that He is standing at the gates,
to give to saints their glorious crowns
and open wide the heav’nly realm.

Eternal light is now foretold,
the saving star is shining forth,
its radiant splendour summons us
and calls us to the heav’nly court.

Christ Jesus, Thou alone we seek
to see Thee face-to-face as God;
may this unending vision be
an everlasting hymn of praise.
Amen.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 24 December – Saint Gregory of Spoleto (Died c304) Priest Martyr

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Saint of the Day – 24 December – Saint Gregory of Spoleto (Died c304) Priest Martyr. Died in Spoleto, Italy after many tortures by being beheaded in c304.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Spoleto, the holy Priest, Gregory. In the time of the Emperors Diocletian and Maximian, he was first beaten with rough clubs and then, after being exposed on the gridiron and improised, was struck on the knees with iron carding instrucments, burned on the sides with firebrands and finally, beheaded.”

Gregory was a holy Priest of Spoleto, in Italy, who employed his time, night and day, in fasting and prayer and in teaching others the holy law of God.

It happened that Flaccus, a General of the armed forces, arrived at that City with a special order from the Emperor Maximian, to punish all the Christians. An information was laid before him, stating that Gregory seduced many and despised the gods and the Emperors. Soldiers were immediately despatched to bring him bound before his tribunal. When he appeared, Flaccus, with a stern countenance, said: “Are you Gregory of Spoleto?” The Martyr answered, “I am.” Flaccus again said, “Are you the enemy of the gods and the enemy of the princes?” St. Gregory replied, “From my infancy, I have always served the God Who formed me out of the earth.” Flaccus asked, “Who is your God?” “He,” replied the Martyr, “Who made man to His Own Image and likeness, Who is all-powerful and immortal and Who will render to all men according to their works.” Flaccus said, “Do not use many words but do what I command you.” The Martyr replied, “I know not what your command implies but I do what I am bound to do.” Flaccus urged, “If you desire to save yourself, go to the wonderful temple and sacrifice to the great gods and you shall be our friend and shall receive many favours from our most invincible Emperors.” St Gregory said, “I desire not such a friendship, nor do I sacrifice to devils but to my God, Jesus Christ.”

The Judge commanded him to be buffeted on the face, beaten with clubs and tortured on the rack and at length, ordered his head to be cut off. This happened in 304. His Relics were originally enshrined in a Church which bears his name at Spoleto. In the 10th Century, St Bruno, the Archbishop of Cologne, transferred Gregory’s Relics to his City’s Cathedral, which gave rise to an impressive local iconography and cultus. In the few figures of the Saint (the 14th Century stained glass window of the Cathedral and the frontispiece of the Cologne Missal) Gregory is depicted in priestly robes with a book in his hand, the Palm of Martyrdom and the sword with which he was beheaded.

In 1037, Baronius found a copy of these Acta of our Saint Gregory, an authentic testimony of a glorious miracle wrought by the touch of these Relics.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

The Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, The final day of the Christmas Novenas and Memorials of the Saints 

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The Vigil of the Nativity oL Our Lord Jesus Christ
Midnight Mass is the first Liturgy of Christmastide which is celebrated on the night of Christmas Eve, traditionally beginning at midnight when Christmas Eve gives way to Christmas Day. This popular Christmas custom is a jubilant celebration of the Mass in honour of the Nativity of Jesus Christ.

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus
By St Alphonsus,
THE NINTH DAY

The Miraculous Monthly Novena to the
Infant Jesus of Prague
The Ninth Day

All the Holy Ancestors of Christ – A commemoration of all the holy ancestors of Jesus Christ.
MORE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/24/24-december-vigil-of-the-nativity-of-the-lord-mass-at-midnight-and-memorials-of-the-saints-24-december/

St Caran of Scotland

St Delphinus of Bordeaux (Died 403) the 2nd Bishop of Bordeaux, Defender of the True Faith, friend of St Ambrose and St Venerius of Milan. He was also instrumental in the conversion of the great St Paulinus of Nola, becoming his spiritual father and teacher.
Holy and Learned St Delphinus:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/24/saint-of-the-day-24-december-saint-delphinus-of-bordeaux-died-403-bishop/

St Euthymius of Nicomedia
St Gregory of Spoleto (Died c304) Priest Martyr

St Hanno of Worms OSB (Died 978) Benedictine Monk, Bishop of Worms from 950 until his death.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/24/saint-of-the-day-24-december-saint-hanno-of-worms-osb-died-978/

St Irmina of Oehren (Died c716) Virgin Princess, Nun, Abbess, Founder and Co-founder of 2 Monasteries, benefactress of St Willibrord, the great Missionary Saint of Germany. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Trier in Austrasia, in Germany, Saint Irmina, Abbess of the Monastery of Öhren, who, a virgin consecrated to God, gave Saint Willibrord a small Monastery she founded in her villa in Echternach and was a generous giver of her goods.”
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/24/saint-of-the-day-24-december-saint-irmina-of-oehren-died-c-716/

St Mochua of Timahoe

St Trasilla (Sixth Century) Virgin, Aunt of Saint Pope Gregory the Great (540-604)
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, the birthday of the holy Virgin, Trasilla, Aunt of St Gregory, Pope, who writs of her that at the hour of her death, she saw Jesus coming to her.”
St Trasilla’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/24/saint-of-the-day-24-december-st-trasilla-sixth-century-virgin/

Blessed Mercedarian Brother:
Blessed Dionysius Roneo
Blessed Philip Claro
Blessed Giulio Pons
Blessed Peter of Valladolid

Blessed Mercedarian Sisters:
Blessed Anna Maria Prieto
Blessed Anna de Arrano
Blessed Orsola de Larisgoizia
Blessed Maguna Mary
Blessed Margaret
Blessed Mary of the Assumption Sarria

Martyred Maidens of Antioch – 40 Saints: A group of forty Virgins Martyred in the persecutions of Decius. None of their names have come down to us. They were martyred in 250 in Antioch, Syria.

Martyrs of Tripoli – 6 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together, date unknown. The only details that have survived are six of the names – Drusus, Lucian, Metrobius, Paul, Theotimus and Zenobius. They were martyred in Tripoli, Libya.

Posted in ADVENT, ADVENT REFLECTIONS, Meditations for ADVENT, The O ANTIPHONS

Thought for the Day – 23 December – “O Radix Jesse”

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Thought for the Day – 23 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations for Advent
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“O Radix Jesse”

“O Root of Jesse , Who standest for a Sign to the nations, before Whom kings shall close their mouth,
of Whom the Gentiles shall entreat mercy;
Come to set us free and no longer delay!”

+1. The King Who is to Come is of the Root of Jesse, since He is of David’s Royal line. He is the true David, Who laid low the spiritual Goliath, the prince of darkness, who, in pagan times, defied the power of the living God.
He is above all, the Man after God’s Own Heart , in that the one motive of His Heart is to carry out His Father’s Will.
If this is the motive power of my life, then I too am of the Root of Jesse and in spite of failings, am a man after God’s Own Heart, in proportion as this motive, is ever present to me.

+2. Jesus is a Sign to the nations; a Sign of contradiction to His enemies but before Whom, the most powerful will have to close their mouth in humble subjection; a Sign to His friends, the men of goodwill in every clime and country, who will be drawn to Him to offer their joyful homage at His Feet, entreating of Him that mercy which He is more ready to grant, than they to ask.
To me He is a Sign, either fondly loved, or neglected and treated as of no account!

+3. O Root of Jesse O King and Saviour, Come and set us free; free from all which displeases Thee, free from the snares which entangle our feet, free from our perverse attachment to our own will , free from the power of the devil, free from our apathy in obeying Thy commands and holy inspirations, free from all which hinders us in Thy service; Come and say the Word and we shall be delivered!

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, GOOD RESOLUTIONS, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The DIVINE INFANT, The NATIVITY of JESUS

Quote of the Day – 23 December – Preparation for the Nativity

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Quote of the Day – 23 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

Preparation for the Nativity

“Our preparation, finally, should also embrace the will.
In other words, we should make good resolutions
during our Christmas Novena.
We should resolve to be more fervent in prayer,
to be more mortified and, to make greater efforts
to practise virtue.

Everyday and, if possible, every hour,
let us think of and invoke the Divine Child.
Let us ask Him to help us to model our lives on His,
so that they may be full of humility,
of love for God and for our fellowmen,
of perfect resignation to suffering
and of voluntary mortification and penance,
designed to prove our love for Jesus
and to expiate our sins.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, ONE Minute REFLECTION, Quotes on SALVATION, The INCARNATION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 23 December – “And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. ”– Luke 3:6

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One Minute Reflection – 23 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” –1 Corinthians 4:1-5 – Luke 3:1-6– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. ” – Luke 3:6

REFLECTION – “What we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerning the Word of Life, we proclaim now to you” (1 Jn 1:1-3) … The Incarnate Word was made known to the Apostles in two ways – first of all, they recognised Him by sight, as receiving knowledge of the Word from the Word Himself; secondly, by hearing, this time by receiving knowledge of the Word from the witness of St John the Baptist.

Concerning the Word, John the Baptist first affirms that: “We have seen His glory”… For Saint John Chrysostom these words are connected with that which precedes in John’s Gospel: “The Word became Flesh.” What the Evangelist means is – the Incarnation has bestowed on us the blessing, not merely of becoming children of God but, of seeing His glory. For indeed, weak and feeble eyes cannot, of themselves, look at the Light of the Sun but when it shines through a cloud, or some other opaque body, then they can do so. Before the Incarnation of the Word, human minds were incapable, of themselves, of beholding the Light “which enlightens everyone.” But so that they might not be deprived of the joy of seeing Him, the Light Himself, the Word of God, desired to be clothed with Flesh, so we might be able to see Him.

Thus, people “turned toward the desert and lo! the glory of the Lord appeared in a Cloud” (Ex 16:10), namely the Word of God in Flesh … And Saint Augustine comments, so that we might be able to see God, the Word cured men’s eyes, by making a healing eye-ointment of His Flesh … That is why, immediately after saying: “The Word became Flesh”the Evangelist adds: “And we saw His glory” as if to say, no sooner had the ointment been applied, than our eyes were cured … This is the glory which Moses desired to see but of which he saw only a shadow and a symbol. The Apostles, on the other hand, saw His Majesty itself!” – St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Dominican, Doctor of the Church (Commentary on St John’s Gospel 1:178).

PRAYER – O God, Who, by the message of an Angel, willed to take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant that we, Thy suppliants, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with Thee. Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in ADVENT PRAYERS, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, CHRISTMAS Prayers & Hymns, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, QUOTES on FEAR, The LAMB of GOD, The SECOND COMING

Our Morning Offering – 23 December – Hark, a Herald Voice Is Sounding

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Our Morning Offering – 23 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

Hark, a Herald Voice Is Sounding
Vox Clare
Unknown Author – 5th or 6th Century
Trans: Fr Edward Caswall C.Orat. (1814-1878)

Hark! A herald voice is sounding!
“Christ is near,” we hear it say.
Cast away the works of darkness,
all you children of the day!”

2 See, the Lamb, so long expected,
Comes with pardon down from Heav’n.
Let us haste, with tears of sorrow,
one and all, to be forgiv’n.

3 So, when next He Comes in glory
and the world is wrapped in fear,
He will shield us with His mercy
and with words of love draw near.

4 Honour, glory, might, dominion
to the Father and the Son
with the everlasting Spirit
while eternal ages run!
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 23 December – Saint Frithbert of Hexham (Died 766) Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 23 December – Saint Frithbert of Hexham (Died 766) Bishop of Hexham, England serving his Diocese for 32 years and administering Lindisfarne. He died on 23 December 766 of natural causes. Also known as – Fridebert, Frithubeorht, Frideberto, Frithelbert.

The Reredos at Hexham Abbey depicting the 7 Canonised Bishops. St Firthbert is shown second from the right,

As the 7th Bishop of Hexham, Frithbert served as the Bishop for a lengthy 32 years until his death. He had been Cconsecrated on 8 September 734 by Archbishop Ecgbert. The Diocese which developed in the territory between the Rivers Aln and Tees, had its Seat in the Monastery founded by St Wilfrid of York in 674. Only thirteen Bishops of this ancient Diocese are known and 7 of them are Canonised Saints. After the devastating raids of the Danish Vikings in the 9th Century, around the year 821, the Diocese was united with that of Lindisfarne.

In 750, when Cynewul, then the Bishop of Lindisfarne – was imprisoned for political reasons during a dynastic clash, Frithbert also administered the See of Lindisfarne.

He died on 23 December 766, the same year as Archbishop Ecgbert. St Bede praised Firthbert as a “truly faithful Bishop.”

St Frithbert’s Relics were re-discovered at Hexham in 1154.

Hexham Abbey
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Notre-Dame de Ardilliers / Our Lady of Ardilliers (1454), Day 8 Christmas Novenas and Memorials of the Saints – 23 December

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Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus
By St Alphonsus
THE EIGHTH DAY

The Monthly Novena to the
Miraculous Infant of Prague
The Eighth Day

Notre-Dame de Ardilliers de Saumur / Our Lady of Ardilliers, Saumur, Anjou, France (1454) – 23 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/23/notre-dame-de-ardilliers-de-saumur-our-lady-of-ardilliers-saumur-anjou-france-1454-and-memorials-of-the-saints-23-december/

St Besa of Egypt (5th Century) Abbot, a wise, compassionate and effective administrator, shepherd of the surrounding peoples Besa was the Senior Abbot of more than one double Monastery in the desert region of Thebes. 
St Besa’s Life of Grace:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-saint-besa-of-egypt-5th-century-abbot/

St Bincema
St Dagobert II of Austrasia
St Frithbert of Hexham (Died 766) Bishop

Blessed Hartmann OSA (c 1090-1164) Bishop of Brixen, Italy and Friar of the Hermits of St Augustine, Reformer of the Clergy, Advisor and Confessor to the Holy Roman Emperor, Leopold I, Miracle-worker.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-bl-essed-hartmann-osa-c-1090-1164-bishop/

St Ivo of Chartres (c1040-1115) Bishop of Chartres, France from 1090 until his death, Confessor, Reformer, Defender of the Faith, Lawyer, Canon Lawyer, Teacher and Theologian, Writer. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Chartres in France, Saint Ivo, Bishop, who re-established the Order of the Canons and did much work and wrote to promote harmony between the clergy and the civil powers and for the good of the Church.”
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-saint-ivo-of-chartres-c-1040-1115/

St John Cirita
St John Stone
St Mardonius of Rome
St Mazota of Abernethy
St Migdonius of Rome

Blessed Nicolás Factor-Estaña OFM (1520-1583) Priest of the Order of Friars Minor, Painter, Preacher, Ascestic, Spiritual Director.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-blessed-nicolas-factor-estana-ofm-1520-1583/

St Servulus (Died c 590) Layman, Beggar, paralysed by Palsy from birth. Saint Servulus was a perfect model of submission to the divine Will; it would be difficult to offer a more consoling example to persons afflicted by poverty, illnesses and the other miseries of life. It is Saint Gregory the Great who narrates for us his edifying story.
St Servulus’ Life of devotion:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-saint-servulus-died-c-590/

Martyrs of Crete – 10 Saints: A group of ten Christians who died in the persecutions of Decius. They were – Agathopus • Basilides • Cleomenes • Eunician • Euporus • Evaristus • Gelasius • Saturninus • Theodulus • Zeticus They were martyred in 250 on the island of Crete.

Posted in "Follow Me", ADVENT REFLECTIONS, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, Meditations for ADVENT, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The O ANTIPHONS

Thought for the Day – 22 December – “O Adonai”

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Thought for the Day – 22 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations for Advent
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“O Adonai”

“O Lord and Leader of the house of Israel,
Who didst appear to Moses in a flame of fire in the bush
and didst give to him the law on Mount Sinai,
Come to Redeem us with Thine outstretched Arm.”

+1. The Saviour for Whom we look, is also Our Lord (Adonai), the Leader and Chief to Whom we have sworn fealty.
We speak of Him continually under the familiar Name of Our Lord and, each time we do so, we reassert our acknowledgment of the obligation to follow where He leads and, to be subject to Him, in all things.
O happy followers of such a Leader!
If we tread in His Footsteps and obey His Voice, He will set our feet in green pastures and lead us to the fountains of the water of life.

+2. The flame of fire in the burning bush, was a figure of Jesus in Mary’s Sacred womb.
Holy indeed was the place where God was present and whence He promised to His people their deliverance from Egypt. So He still speaks, as if concealed in Mary’s womb and reminds us that He has made her holy with a holiness second only to His own and, when we draw nigh to her, we hear His Voice announcing to us that He has heard our prayers offered through her and will come to deliver us from our enemies .

+3. What shall be our prayer to Him, when He inspires us to make our request with boldness, at the throne of grace? Come to redeem us with Thine outstretched Arm Come to deliver us from the effects of our past sins. Come to deliver us from the attachment to some sin which still lurks within us. Come to deliver us from all our countless negligences and imperfections.
Come with Thine Arm outstretched toward us; from the foe, O Lord and Lover of our souls!

Posted in GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, SACRED HEART QUOTES

Quote/s of the Day – 22 December – St Frances Xavier Cabrini

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Quote/s of the Day – 22 December – St Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917)

“My good Jesus, give me the grace
to love Thee with all my heart
and to serve Thee with great fidelity
in this life, so that I may become
a grain of sand to build Thy glory
for all eternity.”

“Work in me, oh adorable Heart of Jesus
because Thou knowest well,
how incapable I am of doing perfectly,
everything Thou wants of me.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/22/quote-s-of-the-day-22-december-st-frances-xavier-cabrini/

St Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917)

Posted in ADVENT REFLECTIONS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, Quotes on SALVATION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 December – “And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. ” – Luke 3:6

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 22 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Fourth Sunday of Advent – Corinthians 4:1-5 – Luke 3:1-6 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. ” – Luke 3:6

REFLECTION – “And all flesh did see the salvation of God, even of the Father, for He sent the Son to be our Saviour. And in these words by “flesh,” man generally is to be understood, that is, the whole human race. For thus all flesh shall see the salvation of God: no longer Israel only but all flesh. For the gentleness of the Saviour and Lord of all, is not limited, nor did He save one nation merely but rather embraced, within His net, the whole world and has illuminated all who were in darkness. And this is what was celebrated by the Psalmist’s lyre, “All the nations whom Thou hast made, shall come and worship before Thee, O Lord.” While, at the same time, the remnant of the Israelites is saved, as the great Moses also long ago declared, saying, “Rejoice ye nations with His people.” – St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Known as “The Pillar of Faith” Archbishop of Alexandria, Father and Doctor of the Church (Homiletic Commentary on Luke 3:1-6 – Fragment).

PRAYER – Put forth Thy power, O Lord, we beseech Thee and delay not and with Thy great might, come to our aid, so that what is hindered by our sins, maybe hastened by Thy merciful goodness. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen (Collect)

Posted in ADVENT PRAYERS, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS to the DIVINE INFANT JESUS, The DIVINE INFANT

Our Morning Offering – 22 December – Saviour of the Nations, Come!

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Our Morning Offering – 22 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Veni Redemptor Gentium
Saviour of the Nations, Come!
St Ambrose’s (340-397)
Father & Doctor of the Church

Saviour of the nations, come!
Virgin’s Son, here make Thy home!
Marvel now, O Heaven and earth,
That the Lord chose such a birth.

Not by human flesh and blood;
By the Spirit of our God
Was the Word of God made flesh,
Woman’s offspring, pure and fresh.

Wondrous birth! O wondrous Child
Of the Virgin undefiled!
Though by all the world disowned,
Still to be in Heaven enthroned.

From the Father forth He came
And returneth to the same,
Captive leading death and hell
High the song of triumph swell!

Thou, the Father’s only Son,
Hast over sin the victory won.
Boundless shall Thy kingdom be;
When shall we its glories see?

Brightly doth Thy manger shine,
Glorious is its Light Divine.
Let not sin o’ercloud this Light;
Ever be our faith thus bright.

Praise to God the Father sing,
Praise to God the Son, our King,
Praise to God the Spirit be
Ever and eternally.
Amen!

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 22 December – Saint Honoratus of Toulouse (3rd Century) Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 22 December – Saint Honoratus of Toulouse (3rd Century) the 2nd Bishop of Toulouse, France Born in Navarre, Spain and died Toulouse, France of natural causes. Also known as – Honore, Onorato.

Bust of St Honoratus in Toulouse

We have very little information about this Saint, of whom we know only that he was the 2nd Bishop of Toulouse, in modern France. He was converted to Christianity by the Founder of the Church in Toulouse, Saint Saturninus who then sent him, to Pampolona in Spain ​​to evangelise the region.

There he met Firminus, son of the senator Firmus, the Governor of Pamplona, ​​converted him and took him back to Toulouse to meet St Saturninus, who then Baptised him and later Ordained him as a Priest. Firminus later founded the Diocese of Amiens and there died a Martyr’s death.

Our Saint was chosen as his successor and Consecrated as the Bishop of Toulouse by his Spiritual Master, St Saturninus. Most of this information is extracted from the Vita of St Firminus.

The cult of Saint Honoratus began in the 13th Century when his Tomb was discovered in the Basilica of Saint-Sernin in Toulouse and whereafter, a Shrine was erected containing his Relics and miracles were reported.

St Honoratus’ Relics In Toulouse
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

The Fourth Sunday of Advent, Christmas Novenas, Notre-Dame de Chartres / Our Lady of Chartres / The Chartres Pilgrimage) (1935) and the Saints for 22 December

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The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
THE SEVENTH DAY

The Monthly Novena to the
Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague
The Seventh Day

Notre-Dame de Chartres / Our Lady of Chartres, (Pèlerinage de Chartres / The Chartres Pilgrimage) Mother of Youth (1935): also known as the Pilgrimage of Christendom, has been gathering thousands of people on the Solemnity of Pentecost for a three-day trek from the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris to the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Chartres:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/22/notre-dame-de-chartres-our-lady-of-chartres-pelerinage-de-chartres-the-chartres-pilgrimage-mother-of-youth-1935-and-memorials-of-the-saints-22-december/

St Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917) – Italian-American Religious Sister, who founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She was the first naturalised citizen of the United States to be canonised on 7 July 1946 by Pope Pius XII.
About St Frances:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-st-frances-xavier-cabrini-m-s-c-1850-1917/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-st-frances-xavier-cabrini-1850-1917-virgin/

St Abban of New Ross
Bl Adam of Saxony
St Amaswinthus of Málaga
St Athernaise of Fife
St Bertheid of Münster
St Chaeremon of Nilopolis

St Flavian of Acquapendente (Died 363) Martyr Layman, Prefect of Imperial Rome, Husband of Saint Dafrosa, Father of Saint Bibiana and Saint Demetria. The Roman Martyrology states: “At Rome, ex-Prefect, who, under Julian the Apostate, was condemned to be branded for Christ and banished to Aquae Taurinae, where he gave up his soul to God in prayer.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-saint-flavian-of-acquapendente-died-363-martyr/

St Honoratus of Toulouse (3rd Century) Bishop

St Hungerus Frisus of Utrecht (Died 866) Bishop of Utrecht
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-saint-hungerus-frisus-of-utrecht-died-866/

St Ischirione of Alexandria

Blessed Jutta OSB (c 1084-1136) Nun of the Benedictine Order, Foundress and Abbess, Spiritual Director (most notably of St Hildegard of Bingen), Mystic, miracle worker.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-blessed-jutta-of-disibodenberg-osb-c-1084-1136/

Bl Ottone of Toulouse

Blessed Thomas Holland SJ (1600-1642) Priest of the Society of Jesus and Martyr. of England and Wales. With eyes closed in prayer, Fr Holland looked at a Priest secretly in the crowd and received absolution. After he was hanged, his body was beheaded and quartered and exposed on London Bridge. Fr Holland was only forty-two years of age and a Jesuit for eighteen years. Pope Pius XI Beatified him on 15 December 1929.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-blessed-thomas-holland-sj-1600-1642-priest-and-martyr-his-faith-was-his-crime/

St Zeno of Nicomedia (Died c303) Martyr, Roman Commander.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Nicomedia, St Zeno, soldier, who derided Diocletian for sacrificing to Ceres, wherefore, he had his jawbone fractured, his teeth plucked out and his head struck off.”
St Zeno’s Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-saint-zeno-of-nicomedia-died-303-martyr/

Martyrs of Ostia – 3 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together. The only details about them to survive are three names – Demetrius, Florus and Honoratus. They were martyred at Ostia, Italy.

Martyrs of Rhaitu – 43 Saints: 43 Monks Martyred by Blemmyes, in Raíthu, Egypt, date unknown.

Martyrs of Via Lavicana – 30 Saints: A group of 30 Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. Died in c 303 in Rome, Italy and were buried between two bay trees on the Via Lavicana outside Rome.

Posted in ADVENT REFLECTIONS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOD ALONE!, Meditations for ADVENT, PRAYERS of PETITION, QUOTES on WISDOM, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The O ANTIPHONS

Thought for the Day – 21 December – “O Sapientia”

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Thought for the Day – 21 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations for Advent
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

“O Sapientia”

Before the Feast of Christmas, the Coming Saviour is welcomed in seven Antiphons which greet Him under various titles and entreat Him to Come quickly to enlighten and deliver His people.
“O Wisdom, Who camest forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching in Thy strength from end to end and sweetly disposing all things, Come and teach us the way of prudence.”

  1. The first Title given to Jesus is that of Wisdom. He is the Eternal Wisdom of God and the Source of all wisdom to men from one end of time to the other. With Him, is all wisdom; without Him, is no wisdom.
    Yet I have sometimes fancied myself wise when I was acting quite apart from Him and perhaps, His wishes or commands. What utter folly!

+2. It is the Eternal Word Who disposes all things sweetly.
Everything which happens in Heaven or earth, is arranged by Him and is arranged not unkindly, or harshly, or bitterly but sweetly. Why then do I regret what I ought to know He has arranged sweetly, i.e. with designs of love for me, if I take it in the correct spirit?

+3. Come and teach us the way of prudence.
This is our first petition to Him, Who is to Come.
If only He imparts prudence, all must be well.
Prudence chooses the correct end, that is, the glory of God and the means to that end, – that which we know God asks of us now in our present circumstances. Teach me, O Jesus the lesson of prudence which will guide me safely to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on WISDOM, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Quote/s of the Day – 21 December – “My Lord and my God”

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Quote/s of the Day – 21 December – The Feast of St Thomas, Apostle – Ephesians 2:19-22; John 20:24-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“My Lord and my God”

John 20:28

“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

“What is it to serve God
and to go to Heaven?
Nothing else but to love!”

St Aloysius Gonzaga (1568-1591)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 December – A splendid Decree! Saintly doubt of the disciple!

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One Minute Reflection – 21 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Ember Saturday – Feast of St Thomas, Apostle of Christ – Ephesians 2:19-22; John 20:24-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“My Lord and my God!” – John 20:28

REFLECTION – “Thomas said to the Twelve: “Unless I shall see in His Hands the print of the nails and put my finger into the place of the nails and put my hand into His Side, I will not believe!” (Jn 20:25). The name ‘Thomas‘ means ‘abyss‘ for by his doubt he gained an even deeper understanding and became firmer in his faith. … It was not by chance but by Divine Decree that Thomas was absent and unable to believe that which he heard. A splendid Decree! Saintly doubt of the disciple!

“Unless I shall see in His Hands,” he said (Jn 20:25). He wished to see raised up the fallen tent of David, of which Amos had said: “On that day, I shall raise up the fallen tent of David; I shall repair the breaches of its walls” (cf Am 9:11). ‘David‘ stands for the Divinity; the ‘tent‘ Christ’s own Body in which the Divinity was contained as in a tent, falen, crushed in death and the Passion. The breaches in the walls stand for the Wounds of His Hands, Feet and Side. These are the Wounds which the Lord would rebuild in His Resurrection. It was of them that Thomas said: “Unless I put my finger into the place of thenail and my hand into His Side, I will not believe!”

The Lord, understanding, did not want to leave His honest disciple, who was to become a vessel of election, in doubt. And so, He removed the smoke of doubt from his mind, in an act of kindness, just as he removed the blindness of infidelity from Paul. “Put your finger here and see My Hands and bring your hand and put it into My Side and do not be unbelieving but believe.” Then Thomas said to him: “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28)” – St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Franciscan, Doctor of the Church (Sunday in the Octave of Easter).

PRAYER – O Lord, grant us, we beseech Thee, to glory in the Feast-day of blessed Thomas, Thy Apostle, that we maybe helped continually by his patronage and imitate his faith with a devotion like his. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Our Morning Offering – 21 December – Exsultet Orbis! Let the World Rejoice! – The Feast of St Thomas, Apostle

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Our Morning Offering – 21 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Feast of St Thomas, Apostle

Exsultet Orbis!
Let the World Rejoice!
Unknown Author

Now let the earth with joy resound,
And Heaven the chant re-echo round;
Nor Heaven nor earth too high can raise
The great Apostles’ glorious praise.

O ye who, throned in glory dread,
Shall judge the living and the dead,
Lights of the world forever more!
To you the suppliant prayer we pour.

Ye close the Sacred Gates on high.
At your command apart they fly.
O loose for us the guilty chain
We strive to break and strive in vain.

Sickness and health your voice obey,
At your command they go or stay.
From sin’s disease our souls restore;
In good confirm us more and more.

So when the world is at its end.
And Christ to Judgment shall descend,
May we be called, those joys to see
Prepared from all eternity.

Praise to the Father, with the Son,
And Holy Spirit, Three in One;
As ever was in ages past
And so shall be while ages last.
Amen

(Roman Breviary for the Common of Apostles)
An Office Hymn that was traditionally prescribed for Vespers and Lauds on the Feasts of Apostles and Evangelists outside Easter time. The Hymn is found as early as the tenth century in a hymnal of Moissac Abbey.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 21 December – Saint James of Valencia O.deM. (Died 1362) Martyr,

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Saint of the Day – 21 December – Saint James of Valencia O.deM. (Died 1362) Martyr, Missionary, Frair of the Mercedarians (the Order of Our Lady of Mercy and the Redemption of the Captives), Apostle of the poor. Born in Valencia, Spain and died in 1362 by being stoned to death in Algiers, Tunisia, North Africa whilst on a mission to ransom prisoners.

At the age of 27, James entered the Mercedarian Convent of El Puig. Spain where he took the Vows and Habit of the Order.

James was A great friend of the poor, he led a life completely crucified in the practice of rigid austerities which all his fellow religious admired.

In the year 1362, while he was in Algiers in Africa to redeem slaves and captives, he was captured by the Jews while preaching Christ in the synagogue. In hatred of the Faith, he was killed with sticks and stones and gloriously reached the choir of Martyrs.

The Order celebrates his Feast Day today on 21 December.

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

The Feast of St Thomas, Apostle of Christ, Martyr, EMBER SATURDAY, Novenas, Notre-Dame de Saint-Acheul / Our Lady of Saint Acheul, Amiens, France (4th Century) and Memorials of the Saints – 21 December

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EMBER SATURDAY

The Feast of St Thomas, Apostle of Christ, Martyr
His Feast was moved to 3 July in 1969
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/03/saint-of-the-day-feast-of-st-thomas-apostle-of-christ/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/03/feast-of-st-thomas-apostle-of-christ-martyr-3-july/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/03/saint-of-the-day-3-july-st-thomas-the-apostle-of-christ/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-feast-of-st-thomas-apostle-of-christ-martyr/

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus
By St Alphonsus – THE SIXTH DAY

The Monthly Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague
The Sixth Day

Notre-Dame de Saint-Acheul / Our Lady of Saint Acheul, Amiens, France, founded by Saint Firmin, Bishop (4th Century) – 21 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/21/feast-of-st-thomas-apostle-of-christ-christmas-novena-to-the-christ-child-day-six-notre-dame-de-saint-acheul-our-lady-of-saint-acheul-amiens-france-4th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

Bl Adrian of Dalmatia

St Anastasius II of Antioch (Died 609) Bishop and Martyr, Confessor, Defender of the Faith.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-saint-anastasius-ii-of-antioch/

St Baudacarius of Bobbio
St Beornwald of Bampton
Bl Bezela of Göda

Blessed Daniel of the Annunciation OdeM Mercedarian Friar. Daniel was a Mercedarian Friar at the Monastery of Santa Maria della Pace in Naples, Italy. He was a staunch defender of the freedom of the Church from state control and of his Order.(13th Century?)
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-blessed-daniel-of-the-annunciation-odem/

St Dioscorus

Blessed Dominic Spadafora OP (1450-1521) Dominican Priest, renowned Preacher and Evangelist. His body is incorrupt.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-blessed-dominic-spadafora-op-1450-1521/

St Festus of Tuscany
St Glycerius of Nicomedia
St James of Valencia O.deM. (Died 1362) Martyr
St John of Tuscany
St John Vincent

St Severin of Trèves (Died c300) Bishop, Confessor, Defender of the Faith, Misionary and Apostle to the Germans in the lower Moselle region.
Additional Feast celebrated on 15 October on some calenders:
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/10/15/saint-of-the-day-15-october-saint-severus-of-trier-died-c455-bishop-and-confessor/

Bl Sibrand of Marigård
St Themistocles of Lycia

Blessed Tommaso Vitali OSM (1425-1490) Priest and Friar of the Order of the Servants of Mary (the Servites), a renowned and highly effective Preacher and patient spiritual guide.
The Life of a True Shepherd:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-blessed-tommaso-vitali-osm-1425-1490-priest/

Posted in "Follow Me", ADVENT REFLECTIONS, Meditations for ADVENT, OUR Cross, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on Will (Sensual or Inferior), The SECOND COMING

Thought for the Day – 20 December – The Dangers of the Careless Soul

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Thought for the Day – 20 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations for Advent
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

The Dangers of the Careless Soul

+I. There is in human nature a fatal tendency to procrastinate, especially when that which we know we ought to do, is something to which we are naturally disinclined.
All men are naturally disinclined to do violence to themselves and force their pride and self-will, to yield before the sway of Christ, to put on His yoke and carry His cross.
Hence, men put off and make excuses to themselves and fancy that what is difficult to them to-day, will be easy to morrow .
O fatal mistake!
Each day that we postpone the task of submission, it becomes
more difficult, more distasteful.
Why then do I not hasten to submit myself entirely to Christ?

+2. From day-to-day, the careless soul thus goes on putting off, crying: “Tomorrow I will amend my ways” and when tomorrow comes, it still cries: “Tomorrow.” How fatal is this folly!
Tomorrow may never come, or, if it comes, you may have forfeited the grace!
“Today, if ye will hear His Voice, harden not your hearts.‘

+3. This postponement is always accompanied by some deliberate disobedience to the commands or to the holy inspirations of the Spirit of God.
Thus the careless soul becomes more engrossed in earthly things and more and more disinclined to make the necessary effort. Therefore, it is that, so many will be surprised by the Coming of their Judge at the moment when they least expect Him and are quite unprepared to meet Him.
O Jesus, save me at any cost from the deadly state of the careless soul!

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CATHOLIC Quotes, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on the POOR, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 20 December – This is My commandment … and this is that wedding garment

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Quote/s of the Day – 20 December – The Vigil of St Thomas, Apostle – Ember Friday, Third Week of Advent – Sirach 44:25-27, 45:2-4, 45:6-9; John 15:12-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“This is My commandment
that you love one another,
as I have loved you. ”

John 15:12

“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 and Doctor of Grace

“Truly blessed is he who cleaves,
with his thought, to the Prayer of Jesus,
constantly calling to Him in his heart,
just as air cleaves to our bodies,
or the flame to the candle.”

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

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

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

“We must help one another,
as much as we can
and leave the rest to God.”

(Letters to Persons in Religion,I, 8)

“Love the poor and poverty,
for it is by this love
that you shall become truly poor.”

(Introduction to the Devout Life
Part III Chapter 15)

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

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 20 December – ‘ … Such is the nature of charity. …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 20 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Vigil of St Thomas, Apostle – Ember Friday, Third Week of Advent – Sirach 44:25-27, 45:2-4, 45:6-9; John 15:12-16 – Scripture search here:

“This is My commandment that you love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love than this no man hath that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:12-13

REFLECTION – “The more we are united to our neighbour, the more we are united to God. So that you may understand the meaning of this saying, I am going to give you an picture, taken from the Fathers – imagine a circle drawn on the ground that is to say, a line drawn into a round shape, with a compass, having a centre. We refer to the middle of the circle as being the exact centre. Now, give your attention to what I am saying. Imagine that this circle is the world, its centre is God and each radius represents different ways or kinds of lifestyle. When the Saints, desiring to draw near to God, move towards the middle of the circle, then to the degree to which they penetrate further into its interior, they draw closer to each other, even as they draw closer to God. The closer they draw to God, the closer they draw to each other and the closer they draw to each other, the closer they draw to God.

From this you will understand that the same thing applies conversely, when we turn away from God to withdraw outside the circle – then it becomes obvious that, the more we withdraw from God, the more we withdraw from each other and, the more we withdraw from each other, the more we also withdraw from God.

Such is the nature of charity. To the extent that we stand outside and do not love God, to the same extent, each one of us stands apart, with regard to their neighbour. But, if we love God, then, insofar as we come closer to God, through our love for Him, we also participate in love of neighbour to the same extent. And insofar as we are united to our neighbour, we are equally so to God.” – St Dorotheus of Gaza (c505-c565) Abbot, Father of the Church (Instructions VI, 76-78).

PRAYER – Put forth Thy power, O Lord, we beseech Thee and delay not and with Thy great might, come to our aid, so that what is hindered by our sins, maybe hastened by Thy merciful goodness. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen (Collect)

Posted in ADVENT PRAYERS, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRISTMAS Prayers & Hymns, HYMNS, The DIVINE INFANT, The SECOND COMING

Our Morning Offering – 20 December – “Christ is Near!”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 20 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

“Christ is Near!”
Vox clara ecce intonas
Hear the Herald Voice Resounding
Unknown Sixth Century
Trans. Fr Edward Caswell C.Orat. (1814-1878)

Hear the herald voice resounding:
“Christ is near!” it seems to say,
“Cast away the dreams of darkness,
Welcome Christ, the Light of day!”

Wakened by this solemn warning,
Let the earthbound soul arise;
Christ her Sun, all sloth dispelling,
Shines upon the morning skies.

See the Lamb so long expected,
Comes with pardon down from Heav’n;
Hasten now, with tears of sorrow,
One and all to be forgiv’n.

So when next He comes with glory,
Shrouding all the earth in fear,
May He then as our Defender
On the clouds of heav’n appear.

Honour, glory, virtue, merit,
To the Father and the Son,
With the co-eternal Spirit,
While eternal ages run.
Amen!

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 20 December – St Hoger (Died 916) Bishop

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 20 December – St Hoger (Died 916) Bishop of Hamburg-Bremen in Saxony, modern Germany where he died of natural causes on 20. Hoger was a Reformer and strict disciplinarian of the Clergy. Also known as – Hogerus, Hojerus, Holger, Hotgerns, Huggar.

Bremen Cathedral Facade showing some of it’s Saints

Hoger born in the 9th Century. He became a Monk in the Monastery of Corvey (New Corbie) at Höxter on the Weser River in Saxony, Germany.

Towards the end of the life of the holy Archbishop, Adalgar of Hamburg-Bremen, age and illness made it necessary for him to obtain an auxiliary Bishop and the choice fell on Hoger. Later, five neighbouring Bishops were assigned to assist the Archbishop in his duties.

Adalgar died on 9 May 909 and Hoger succeeded as the 4th Archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen. He was known for his strict application of clerical discipline.

Shortly after his death, under his successor Reginwart (916-918), the Diocese was attacked by the Huns, who burned Bremen.

Hoger died on 20 December 916 in Bremen. He was buried in the Church of St Michael in Bremen. 120 years later, in 1036, his Relics were translated and enshrined in the Cathedral on the occasion of the recognition of his cultus as a Saint. His Feast Day is the day of his death.

Bremen Cathedral
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Vigil of St Thomas, Apostle, EMBER FRIDAY, Christmas Novenas – Fifth Day, Notre-Dame de Molène / Our Lady of Molene, France (1075) and the Saints for 20 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

VIGIL OF ST THOMAS, APOSTLE

EMBER FRIDAY – Fast and Abstinence

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
THE FIFTH DAY

The Monthly Novena to the Miraculous
Infant Jesus of Prague
The Fifth Day

Notre-Dame de Bon Retour à Île-Molène / Our Lady of Molene, France (1075) – 20 December
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/20/notre-dame-de-bon-retour-a-ile-molene-our-lady-of-molene-france-1075-christmas-novena-day-five-and-memorials-of-the-saints-20-december/

St Attala of Strasbourg
St Bajulus of Rome
St Crescentius of Africa
St Damian of Padua
St Dominic of Brescia

St Dominic de Silos OSB (1000-1073) Monk, Abbot. He was a Spanish Monk, to whom the Abbey of Santo Domingo de Silos, where he served as the Abbot, is dedicated. The mother of the better-known Saint Dominic de Guzmán, the Blessed Joan of Aza, prayed at his Shrine before she was able to conceive the son she named for him. That son would grow up to found the Dominican Order. Dominic’s special patronage thus became connected with pregnancy and until the establishment of the Second Spanish Republic in 1931, his abbatial crozier was used to bless the queens of Spain and was placed by their beds when they were in labour.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/20/saint-of-the-day-20-december-st-dominic-de-silos-o-s-b-c1000-1073/

St Eugene of Arabia
St Hoger (Died 916) Bishop
Bl John de Molina
St Julius of Gelduba
Bl Lorenzo Company
St Liberatus of Rome
St Macarius of Arabia
St Malou of Hautvillers
St Paul of Latra
Blessed Peter de la Cadireta

Blessed Peter Massalenus (1375-1453) Monk, Mystic
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/20/saint-of-the-day-20-december-blessed-peter-massalenus-1375-1453-monk/

St Philogonius of Antioch (Died 324) Bishop, Widower, Lawyer, Patriarch of Antioch. Defender of the true Faith against Arianism, in fact, he was one of the first to publicly denouce the heresy, Defender of the people against persecution, Ascetic.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/20/saint-of-the-day-20-december-saint-philogonius-of-antioch-died-324/

St Thomas of Dover

St Ursicinus of Saint-Ursanne (c552-c625) Abbot, Hermit, disciple of St Columban (543-615).  Born in c552 in either France or Ireland and died on 20 December in c625 near modern St-Ursanne, Jura, Switzerland of natural causes. Patronages – against stiff neck, Besançon in France, in Switzerland – Basel, Saint-Ursanne.
A Saint Patron against a Stiff Neck!:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/20/saint-of-the-day-20-december-saint-ursicinus-of-saint-ursanne-c552-c625-abbot/

Posted in "Follow Me", ADVENT REFLECTIONS, ArchAngels and Angels, GOD ALONE!, Meditations for ADVENT, OUR Cross, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on JOY, The SECOND COMING

Thought for the Day – 19 December – The Preparation for His Approach

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Thought for the Day – 19 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations for Advent
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

The Preparation for His Approach

Who is there who does not desire to meet Jesus Christ, when He Comes Again, with joy and not with trembling?
To insure this, three things are necessary.

+1. We must have friends among those ,who will come again with Him. Just as few die a happy death, unless they have some advocates in Heaven, so few indeed, will meet Our Lord, with joy, unless they have some who will welcome them as having befriended them for Christ’s Sake.
Unless we have been men of supernatural charity, we shall stand defenceless on that day. Alas! how faint and feeble my charity has been! how little I have done to procure friends, who will plead for me on that day!

+2. We must too, have had the thought of Jesus often present to our minds in life, if His Coming is to be a joyful one to us. He must be no stranger to us. He must have been our Guide, our Friend, our Maste , our Companion!
We must have walked with God on earth, if we are to walk with Him in the Celestial Paradise.
The more familiar has been our friendship with Him, the greater will be our happiness in meeting Him when He Coms again.

+3. We must also, have carried our cross willingly after Him on earth, if we are to meet Him with a well-grounded confidence of a great reward in the Kingdom which He has won for His elect. O how overflowing will be the delight of those who have lived mortified and self-denying lives for His Sake !
What a trifle will all their sufferings then appear in comparison with their abounding joy, when the Archangel’s trumpet sounds!