Author: AnaStpaul

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

Feast of St Andrew the Apostle, Day Two of the Immaculate Conception Novena, Virgen de la Concepción / Mary Immaculate, Mexico (1524) and Memorials of the Saints for 30 November

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Feast of St Andrew the Apostle
St Andrew!
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/30/saint-of-the-day-30-november-st-andrew-apostle-of-christ-martyr/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/11/30/feast-of-st-andrew-apostle-of-christ-martyr-30-november/

Novena in Honour of the Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary: THE SECOND DAY – 30 November:

Virgen de la Concepción, San Juan de los Lagos / Mary Immaculate of Saint John of the Lakes, Mexico) (1524) – 30 November, 2 February, 24 June, 15 August, 8 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/30/feast-of-st-andrew-the-apostle/

Today, 31 years ago, 30 November 1993, the late Bishop Daniel L Dolan was Consecrated as a Bishop. Remembering this zealous and loving Shepherd and praying for his eternal rest.

St Abraham of Persia
St Anders of Slagelse
Bl Andrew of Antioch
Bl Arnold of Gemblours

St Castulus of Rome (c288) Martyr, married to Saint Irene of Rome (the woman who assisted St Sebastian after he had been wounded by the Imperial archers) and father of 2 children, Military Officer and he was the Chamberlain (or officer, valet) of Emperor Diocletian. His Feast day was moved to 26 March in 1969.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/26/saint-of-the-day-26-march-saint-castulus-of-rome-died-c-288-martyr/
St Constantius of Rome
St Crider of Cornwall

St Constantius of Rome (Died c418) Priest Confessor,

Blessed Cuthbert Mayne (1544-1577) Priest Martyr. Additional Memorials – • 25 October as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, • 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai, • 1 December as one of the Martyrs of Oxford University.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/30/saint-of-the-day-30-november-blessed-cuthbert-mayne-1544-1577-priest-martyr/

St Domninus of Antioch
St Euprepis of Rome
Bl Everard of Stahleck

Blessed Frederick of Regensburg OSA (Died 1329) Lay Friar of the Hermits of St Augustine, devotee of the Blessed Sacrament. St Pius X Beatified him on 12 May 1909.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/30/saint-of-the-day-30-november-blessed-frederick-of-regensburg-osa-died-1329/

St Galganus Guidotti (1148-1181) Hermit, Penitent.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “Near Mount Siepi in Tuscany, Saint Galganus Guidotti, a Hermit, who, having converted to God after a dissipated youth, spent the rest of his life in voluntary mortification of the body.”
The Hermit of The Sword in the Stone Fame:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/11/30/saint-of-the-day-30-november-saint-galganus-guidotti-1148-1181-hermit-of-the-sword-in-the-stone-fame/

St Isaac of Beth Seleucia

Blessed John of Vercelli OP (1205-1283) Priest and Friar, Sixth Master General of the Order of Preachers, Founder of the The Society of the Holy Name, Canon lawyer, Professor. Beatified in 1903 by Pope Pius X.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/01/saint-of-the-day-1-december-blessed-john-of-vercelli-op-c-1205-1283/

Bl Joscius Roseus
St Justina of Constantinople
St Mahanes the Persian
St Maura of Constantinople
St Merola of Antioch
St Mirocles of Milan
St Sapor
St Simeon of Persia
St Trojan
St Tudwal of Tréguier
Bl William de Paulo
Zosimus the Wonder Worker

Martyrs of Saxony – 6 Saints: Missionaries who worked with Saint Willehad of Bremen. Martyrs. – Attroban, Benjamin, Emmingen, Folkard, Gerwald and Grisold. They were martyred on 30 November 782 at River Weser, Lawer Saxony, Germany.

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, In the PRESENCE of GOD, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CREATION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on NATURE - GOD'S CREATION, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD

Thought for the Day – 29 November – How to Remain Aware of the Presence of God

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 29 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

How to Remain Aware of the Presence of God

“Another way of increasing our sense of the Presence of God, is to perceive Him in all His creatures.
St Therese of the Child Jesus loved to contemplate the image of her Creator in the flowers of the fields and in the stars of the firmament.

God has created all things for our benefit and He is Present in all things.
He sees what use we make of them and can judge whether we employ them to honour Him, Who is our beginning and our end.
The ray of Divine Beauty,which shines in every created thing, should attract us towards its Creator and cause us to adore and serve Him.
Whenever we meet a learned and holy person, moreover, the reflection of God’s Power and Goodness, is even more compelling.
“Learn to love the Creator in the creature,” says St Augustine, “lest the thing which He has made should grip you and you shuld lose Him by Whom you also were created” (In Ps 19),

In other words, let us learn to see the Creator in all His creatures so that these may not enslave us but cause us to love Him, Who is our highest Good.”

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/11/28/thought-for-the-day-28-november-how-to-remain-aware-of-the-presence-of-god/

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, OUR Cross, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The HOLY CROSS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 29 November – ‘ … By the Cross, we put on Christ and cast aside our former self. … ‘

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 29 November – Quote/s of the Day – 29 November – Vigil of the Feast of St Andrew – Romans 13:11-14, Luke 21:25-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Let us walk becomingly, as in the day,
not in revelry and drunkenness,
not in debauchery and wantonness,
not in strife and jealousy.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Romans 13:13-14

“And bearing His own Cross,
He went forth to the place which is called Calvary
but in Hebrew Golgotha.”

John 19:17

“That is why all the faithful who love God
and their neighbour, truly drink the Cup
of the Lord’s Love even though,
they may not drink the cup of His Bodily Suffering.
And becoming inebriated from it,
they put to death, whatever in their nature
is rooted in earth.
They clothe themselves with the Lord Jesus Christ
and do not indulge fleshly desires.
They do not fix their gaze on visible things
but contemplate things, which the eye cannot see.
Thus they drink the Lord’s Cup
by preserving the holy bond of love –
without it, even if a man should deliver his body
to be burned, he gains nothing.
But the gift of love enables us to become,
in reality, what we celebrate
as Mystery in the Sacrifice.”

St Fulgentius of Ruspe (c462–533)
Bishop, Father

“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)

“… How can anyone put on Jesus Christ
and imitate His example,
if he does not study this Jesus,
Who must inspire and perfect our faith?
He must run the race to which he is challenged,
the glorious race in which,
he overcomes the enemy of the human family
and follows the Way of the Cross.
Under the lordly banner of that Cross,
he will attain eternal life.”

St Vincent Strambi CP (1745-1824)

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, BAPTISM, CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The RESURRECTION, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 November – “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 13:14

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 29 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – The Vigil of St Andrew Apostle –Romans 13:11-14, Luke 21:25-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 13:14

REFLECTION – “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh and its desires, so that you may be clothed with the Life of Him, Whom you have put on in this Sacrament. You have all been clothed with Christ by your Baptism in Him. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor freeman, there is neither male nor female, you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Such is the power of this Sacrament: it is a Sacrament of new life which begins here and now, with the forgiveness of all past sins and will be brought to completion, in the resurrection of the dead. You have been buried with Christ by Baptism into death, in order that, as Christ has risen from the dead, you also may walk in newness of life.

You are walking now by faith, still on pilgrimage in a mortal body away from the Lord but He, to Whom your steps are directed, is Himself the sure and certain Way for you – Jesus Christ, Who, for our sake became man. For all who fear Him, He has stored up abundant happiness which He will reveal to those who hope in Him, bringing it to completion, when we have attained the reality which, even now, we possess, in hope.

This is the octave day of your new birth. Today is fulfilled in you, the sign of faith that was prefigured in the Old Testament by the circumcision of the flesh, on the eighth day after birth. When the Lord rose from the dead, He put off the mortality of the flesh; His Risen Body was still the same Body but it was no longer subject to death. By His Resurrection, He consecrated Sunday, or the Lord’s Day. Though the third after His Passion, this day is the eighth after the Sabbath and thus also, the first day of the week.

And so, your own hope of resurrection, though not yet realised, is sure and certain because you have received the Sacrament or sign of this reality and have been given the pledge of the Spirit. If, then, you have risen with Christ, seek the things which are above, where Christ is seated at the Right Hand of God. Set your hearts on heavenly things, not the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, your Life, appears, then you too will appear with Him in glory.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (An excerpt from: Sermon 8 – On the Paschal Octave).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for the SOULS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering –29 November – Prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory By St Ignatius of Antioch

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering –29 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory”

Prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
By St Ignatius of Antioch (c 35-c 108)
Apostolic Father of the Church

Receive in tranquility and peace,
O Lord, the souls of Thy servants,
who have departed this present life
to come to Thee.
Grant them rest and place them
in the habitations of Light,
the abodes of blessed spirits.
Give them the life that will not age,
good things that will not pass away,
delights that have no end,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 29 November – Saint Saturninus of Toulouse (Died c257) Bishop Martyr.

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 29 November – Saint Saturninus of Toulouse (Died c257) Bishop Martyr. The 1st Bishop of Touylouse, France, Born in Patras, Greece and died by being cast from a high building. Patronage – of Toulouse. Also known as – Cernín, Sadurní, Sadurninho, Sarnin, Satordi, Saturdi, Saturnin, Saturnino, Serenín, Sernin, Zernin. Additional Memorial – 30 October (translation of Relics).

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Toulouse, in the time of Decius, the holy Bishop Saturninus, who was confined by the pagans in the capitol of that City and, from the highest part of the building, precipitated down the stairs. By which fall, having his head crushed, his brains dashed and his whole boty mangled, he rendered his worthy soul to our Lord.”

Saturninus was one of the “Apostles to the Gauls” and was sent to Toulouse by Pope Fabian. The Pope sent seven Bishops from Rome to Gaul, to preach the Gospel – St Gatien to Tours, St Trophimus to Arles, St Paul to Narbonne, St Saturninus to Toulouse, St Denis to Paris, St Austromoine to Clermont and St.Martial to Limoges.

Saturninus was the 1st Bishop of Toulouse. St Gregory of Tours chronicled his work as historical records. The Martyrology gave a genealogy for Saturninus; the son of Aegeus, King of Achaea, by his wife Cassandra, who herself, was the daughter of Ptolemy, King of the Ninevites.

Legend associated with Saturninus state, “He was given for his companion Papulus, later to become St Papulus the Martyr,” It also states that besides Papulus, he also had St Honestus (yesterday’s Saint of the Day) as a Disciple, whom he later sent off to evangelise in Spain..

That which we remember today, describes his Martyrdom which differs from that which is stated in the Roman Martyrology (see above 1916). To reach the Christian Church, Saturninus had to pass before the governing capital building of Toulouse, where there was an altar and, according to the Acts, the pagan priests ascribed the silence of their oracles to the frequent presence of Saturninus. One day they seized him and on his unshakeable refusal to sacrifice to the images, they condemned him to be tied by the feet to a bull, which dragged him about the town until the rope broke. Two Christian women piously gathered up the remains and buried them in a deep ditch to prevent porofanation by the pagans.

The Martyrdom of St Saturninus


A Church called the Taur (bull) was built where the bull stopped his rampage. St Saturninus’ Relics are now enshrined at the Toulouse Basilica, seemingly having survived the Revolution.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Vigil of the Feast of St Andrew, The First Day of the Immaculate Conception Novena, Notre Dame au Coeur d’Or / Our Lady of the Golden Heart of Beauraing, Belgium (1932) and Memorials of the Saints – 29 November

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Vigil of the Feast of St Andrew

The First Day of the Immaculate Conception Novena : THE FIRST DAY – 29 November

Notre Dame au Coeur d’Or / Our Lady of the Golden Heart of Beauraing, Belgium (1932) – 29 November:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/29/notre-dame-au-coeur-dor-our-lady-of-the-golden-heart-of-beauraing-belgium-1932-and-memorials-of-the-saints-29-november/

All Saints of the Seraphic Order (Franciscan): the Church celebrates the many Franciscan Saints who followed in the footsteps of St Francis. It is a special day for all Franciscans to celebrate the Feast of ‘All the Saints of the Seraphic Order.’
Also on this day in 1223, the final Rule of life for Franciscan Friars was approved. To commemorate this and all the saintly examples produced in the Franciscan Order, on this day all the Saints of the Seraphic order are remembered at Franciscan Churches throughout the world.

St Blaise of Veroli

St Brendan of Birr (Died c573) Abbot, known as “Prophet of Ireland,” Founder of the Monastery at Birr in Central Ireland. Brendan is one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland and a friend and disciple of Saint Columba.
St Brendan’s Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/29/saint-of-the-day-29-november-saint-brendan-of-birr-died-c-573/

St Demetrius of Veroli
Blessed Denis of the Nativity OCD (1600-1638) Priest Martyr

Blessed Francesco Antonio Fasani OFM Conv (1681 – 1742) Priest and Friar of the Order of Conventual Friars Minor, Teacher, Confessor, Preacher, Mystic. He was Beatified in 1951 by Pope Pius XII 
His story:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/29/saint-of-the-day-29-november-st-francesco-antonio-fasani-1681-1742-29-november/

Bl Frederick of Ratisbon
St Hardoin of Brittany
St Illuminata of Todi
St James of Saroug
Bl Jutta of Heiligenthal
St Paphnutius of Heracleopolis
St Paramon
St Philomenus of Ancyra
St Radbod of Utrecht

Blessed Redemptorus of the Cross OCD (1598-1638) Martyr,, Portugeuse Lay Brother of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, Missionary. Died by torture in 1638, aged 40, on the Malay Archipelago.
Beatified on 10 June 1900 by Pope Leo XIII together with Blessed Denis of the Nativity, who was Martyred with Redemptorus.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/29/saint-of-the-day-29-november-blessed-redemptorus-of-the-cross-ocd-1598-1638-martyr/

St Sadwen of Wales

St Saturninus of Rome (Died c304) + Priest and Martyr and St Sisinius of Rome (Died c304) + Deacon and Martyr
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rome, on the Salarian road, the birthday of the holy Martyr Saturninus, an aged man and the Deacon Sisinius, in the time of the Emperor Maximian. After a long imprisonment, they were, by order of the Prefect of the City, placed on the rack, distended with ropes, scourged with rods and whips garnished with metal, then exposed to the flames, taken down from the rack and beheaded.”
Their Lives and Deaths:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/11/29/saint-s-of-the-day-29-november-saint-saturninus-of-rome-priest-martyr-and-saint-sisinius-of-rome-deacon-martyr-died-c304/

St Saturninus of Toulouse (Died c257) Bishop Martyr
St Walderic of Murrhardt

Posted in ADVENT PRAYERS

Reminder – St Andrew’s Christmas Novena – Begins on St Andrew’s Feast Day – 30 November

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Just a reminder of this beautiful Catholic tradition

Prepare for the arrival of our King!

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, GOD ALONE!, In the PRESENCE of GOD, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI

Thought for the Day – 28 November – How to Remain Aware of the Presence of God

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day –28 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) [Revisiting our old friend, Cardinal Bacci , until Advent begins on Sunday.]

How to Remain Aware of the Presence of God

“It is useful to consider the ways in which we can develop a constant and effective awareness of the Presence of God.
The first way in which we can do this, is by cultivating a lively faith, which will help us to see God everywhere.
“Do not I fill heaven and earth, saith the Lord?” (Jer 23:24).

This kind of faith should deepen our sense of God’s Presence and inspire in us sentiments of love and gratitude, which will guide us in all our actions.
We cannot expect that we shall be able to remain in a state of constant contemplation of God, for this is the privilege enjoyed by the blessed in Heaven, for whom faith has been replaced by the Beatific Vision.
We must be satisfied with exciting in ourselves, as often as possible, the active awareness of God’s Presence.
This should be a quiet and peaceful process, not involving undue mental effort or anxiety.

We should be able to attend quite naturally to our work and other obligations and, we should be helped and consoled in this, by directing our thoughts to God from time to time, in order to offer ourselves to Him.
This can easily be done by means of frequent ejaculatory prayer, by renewing, at regular intervals, our intention of doing everything for the love of God and by being prepared to endure, in complete acceptance of the Divine Will, all the hardships and trials of the day.
Whenever it is possible, moreover, we should escape from the care and confusion of the world into a quiet Church.
Here we can kneel in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Eucharist and express, in intimate prayer, our love for Him and our desire to serve Him.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration

Quote/s of the Day – 28 November – St Catherine Labouré

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 28 November – St Catherine Labouré DC (1806-1876) Visionary of the Miraculous Medal

“When I go to the Chapel,
I place myself before the good God and I say to Him:
‘Lord, I am here.
Tell me what Thou would have me do.’
If He gives me some task I am content and I thank Him.
If He gives me nothing, I still thank Him
Since I do not deserve to receive anything more than that,
and then, I tell God everything that is in my heart.
I tell hIm about my pains and my joys and then I listen.
… God always speaks to you
when you approach Him plainly and simply.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/28/quote-s-of-the-day-28-november-st-catherine-laboure-and-our-lady/

St Catherine Labouré (1806-1876)
Visionary of the Miraculous Medal

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, FATHERS of the Church, GOD the FATHER, ONE Minute REFLECTION, The LAST THINGS, The SECOND COMING, The SIGN of the CROSS, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 November – ‘…Consider how near He is and, that none of our thoughts, … escapes Him. …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 28 November – St Catherine Labouré DC (1806-1876) Virgin, Religious Sister of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul and the Marian Visionary of the Miraculous Meda – Feria Day of the Last Sunday after Pentecost – Colossians 1:9-14; Matthew 24:15-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And then shall appear the Sign of the Son of Man in Heaven. ” – Matthew 24:30

REFLECTION – “Let us fix our eyes on the Father and Creator of the world and cling to His splendid and surpassing gifts of peace and His benefits. Let us see Him with our mind and look with the eyes of the soul at His patient purpose. Let us consider how free from anger He is toward all His creation … For He ordered the universe to be in peace and harmony, in His kindness to all things but especially, to ourselves, who have taken refuge in His mercy …

Take care, dear friends that His many benefits do not bring condemnation upon us, if we do not live worthily of Him … Consider how near He is and, that none of our thoughts, nor the reflections in which we indulge, escapes Him. It is right, therefore, that we should not be deserters from that which He wills … . Far be it from us that Scripture, where it says: “How wretched are those who waver, who are of a doubting heart and say: “We heard those things even in our forefather’s time and here, we have grown old and none of them has happened to us.” You senseless people! Compare yourselves to a tree – take a vine. First it sheds its leaves, then a shoot appears, then a leaf, then a flower and afterward, a sour grape, then a ripe grape. You see in that, in a short time the fruit of the tree comes to maturity. In truth, His will, will be quickly and suddenly accomplished, as the Scripture also bears witness: “He will come quickly and not delay” (Is 13:22) and “The Lord will come suddenly to His Temple and the Holy One for Whom you seek.” (Mal 3:1).” – St Pope Clement I (c35-c101) Apostolic Father of the Church (Letter to the Corinthians 19-23)

PRAYER – From all perils of soul and body, defend us, O Lord, we beseech Thee and by the intercession of blessed and glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of blessed Joseph, of thy blessed Apostles Peter and Paul and of blessed Catherine Labouré and all the Saints, graciously grant us safety and peace that all adversities and errors, being overcome, Thy Church may serve Thee in security and freedom. Through 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 GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The WILL of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 28 November – Suscipe By St Ignatius Loyola

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 28 November

Suscipe
“Receive”
By St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

Receive, O Lord,
all my liberty.
Take my memory, understanding
and entire will.
Whatsoever I have or hold,
Thou hast given it – I give all back to Thee
and commit it wholly to be governed by Thy Will.
Thy Love and Thy Grace give unto me
and I am rich enough
and ask for nothing more!
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 28 November – Saint Honestus of Nimes (Died 270) Priest Martyr,

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 28 November – Saint Honestus of Nimes (Died 270) Priest Martyr, Missionary. A disciple of St Saturninus of Toulouse (Died c257) Bishop and Martyr and a native of Nîmes. Born at Nimes, France and died in 270 at Pamplona, Spain by Martyrdom. Also known as – Honestus of Pamplona, Honesto, Honest.

Saturninus and Honestus evangelised in Spain and Honestus was Martyred at Pampelona during the persecutions of Aurelian.
We believe Honestus was a nobleman of Nimes who was appointed ‘apostle to Navarre and the Basque Country.’

At Pampelona, he converted the Senator Firmus and his family to Christianity, while Firmus’s son, Saint Firminus, was christened by Saint Saturninus. Honestus Baptised Firminus himself.

St Honestus is venerated especially in Pamplona and in Nimes, Probably his Relics were shared between the two Cities.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

St Catherine Labouré and all the Saints for 28 November

Posted on by AnaStpaul

St Catherine Labouré DC (1806-1876) Virgin, Religious Sister of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul and the Marian visionary of the Miraculous Medal. St Catherine was Canonised on 27 July 1947 by Pope Pius XII. Her body is Incorrupt
St Catherine’s Story:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/28/saint-of-the-day-28-november-st-catherine-laboure-dc-1806-1876/

Bl Calimerius of Montechiaro
St Fionnchu of Bangor

St Pope Gregory III (Died 741) Bishop of Rome 11 February 731 until his death on 28 November 741. (His Feast was moved to 10 December in 1969), The Roman Martyrology states: “At Rome, the blessed Pope Gregory III, who departed for Heaven with a reputation for great sanctity and miracles.“
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/28/saint-of-the-day-28-november-saint-pope-gregory-iii-died-741/

St Hilary of Dijon
St Hippolytus of Saint Claude
St Honestus of Nimes (Died 270) Priest Martyr
St Irenarcus

St James of the Marches OFM Conv. (1391-1476) Priest of the Friars Minor Conventional, Confessor, brilliant Preacher, Penitent, Reformer, Writer, Papal legate, Inquisitor, founder of several monasteries in Bohemia, Hungary and Austria. St James was Canonised on 10 December 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII. His body is Incorrupt.
About St James:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/11/28/saint-of-the-day-28-november-saint-james-of-the-marches-ofm-1391-1476/

By Francisco_de_Zurbaran

Blessed James Thompson (Died 1582) Priest Martyr.
He was Beatified on 29 December 1886 by Pope Leo XIII. Additional Memorial – 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/28/saint-of-the-day-28-november-blessed-james-thompson-died-1582-priest-martyr/

St Papius
St Quieta of Dijon
St Rufus
St Simeon the Logothete

St Sosthenes (1st Century) Bishop, Martyr, Jewish Ruler in Corinth, Converted by St Paul and became his disciple, who is mentioned by him in his First Epistle to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 1:1–2) and by St Luke in Acts 18:12–17.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Corinth, the birthday of St Sosthenes, fisciple of the blessed Apostle Paul, who is mentioned by that Apostle in his first Epistle to the Corinthians. He was chief of the synagogue when converted to Christ and, as a glorious beginning, consecrated the first fruits of his faith by being scourged in the presence of the Proconsul, Gallio.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/11/28/saint-of-the-day-28-november-st-sosthenes-1st-century-bishop/


St Stephen the Younger
Bl Theodora of Rossano

Martyrs of Constantinople – 8 Saints: A group of over 300 Christians Martyred during the persecutions of the Iconoclast Emperors. We have a lot of information on Saint Stephen the Younger, but for the others we have nothing but seven of their names – Andrew, Auxentius, Basil, Gregor, John, Peter and Stefan. They were
scourged, stoned and/or dragged to death through the streets of Constantinople in 764.

Martyrs of North Africa – 13 Saints: A group of thirteen Clerics killed or exiled in the persecutions of Arian Vandals in North Africa – Crescens, Crescentian, Cresconius, Eustace, Felix, Florentian, Habetdeum, Hortulanus, Mansuetus, Papinianus, Quodvultdeus, Urban and Valerian.

Martyrs of Tiberiopolis – 14 Saints: A group of fourteen Christian Laymen, Deacons, Priests and Bishops who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Julian the Apostate – Basil, Chariton, Comasios, Daniel, Etymasius, Hierotheos, John, Nicephorus, Peter, Sergius, Socrates, Theodore, Thomas and Timothy.
361 at Tiberiopolis, Phyrgia (in modern Turkey)

Posted in GOD ALONE!, HOW to PRAY at ALL TIMES, QUOTES on HEAVEN

Thought for the Day – 27 November – Au Revoir St Alphonsus!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 27 November – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

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

Au Revoir St Alphonsus!

“How good and kind God is to those who lovingly seek Him!
The Lord is good to the soul who seeks Him (Lam 3:25). He is found even by those who do not seek Him – I was found by those who did not seek Me (Rom 10:I2); with far greater willingness, He will anticipate those who seek Him, in order to serve and love Him.

I conclude with a thought from St Teresa.
It is this – The souls of the just should do on earth, through a spirit of love, that which the Blessed do in Heaven.
In Heaven the Saints occupy themselves only with God; all their thoughts are for His glory; all their pleasure is to love Him.
Do you act in the same way.
During your life on earth let God be your only happiness, the only object of your affections, the only end of all your actions and desires, until you arrive at that eternal Kingdom, where your love will be consummated and made perfect and your desires will be completely fulfilled and satisfied.”

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on WATCHING, St Francis de Sales, The SECOND COMING

Quote/s of the Day – 27 November – They will see the Son of Mancoming in the clouds of Heaven

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 27 November – Feria of the Last Sunday after Pentecost – Colossians 1:9-14; Matthew 24:15-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“They will see the Son of Man
coming in the clouds of Heaven
with much power and majesty.”

Matthew 24:30

“Watch” over your life. …
Sheep will turn into wolves
and love into hatred.
With the increase of iniquity,
people will hate, persecute
and betray each other.
Then the world deceiver
will appear in the disguise of God’s Son.
He will work “signs and wonders”
and the earth will fall into his hands.
He will commit outrages
such as have never occurred before.
Then humankind will come
to the “fiery trial“
and many will fall away” and perish.”

Unknown 1st Century Author [ACW-
Ancient Christian Writer] (Didache 16)

“Hope, O my soul, hope!
You know neither the day, nor the hour.
Watch carefully, for everything passes quickly,
even though your impatience, makes doubtful,
what is certain and turns
a very short time, into a long one.”

St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582)

“Fool that I am to offend God
for the sake of such trifling vanities.
I have forsaken God and for what – for nothing!
On the other hand, devotion and good deeds
will be seen as desirable and delightful
and you will ask yourself –
why did I not take this beautiful
and pleasant path of everlasting joy?
At that hour, your sins –
which at the time seemed so small –
will appear as vast as mountains
and your devotions truly small. …

Pray to God and cast yourself into His arms.
O my God, take me into Thy care on that terrible day;
may all other days be sad, if only that single day
will be a happy one!”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CATECHESIS, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 November – ‘ … Can we be said to love our Lord if we dread His Coming?! …’ St Augustine

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 27 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal – Feria of the Last Sunday after Pentecost – Colossians 1:9-14; Matthew 24:15-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“So you also, when you shall see all these things, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.” – Matthew 24:33

REFLECTION – “Then, all the trees of the forest shall leap for joy before the Lord, for He Comes, He Comes to rule the earth” (Ps 95:12-13). Our Lord came the first time and will come again anew. He came into His Church to begin with “on the clouds” (Mt 26:64). What are those clouds which bore Him? Apostles, preachers… He came, borne by His preachers to begin with and He filled the whole earth. Let us not resist His First Coming if we would not fear the Second…

What, then, should Christians do? Take advantage of this world but do not serve this world. What does that mean? “Possess as if one did not possess.” This is what Saint Paul said … “Brothers, the time is growing short. From now on… let those who weep act like those who do not weep, those rejoicing as not rejoicing, those buying as not owning, those using the world as not using it fully, For the world in its present form is passing away. I should like you to be free of anxieties” (1 Cor 7:29-32). Someone who is free of anxiety awaits the Lord’s Coming with assurance, for can we be said to love our Lord if we dread His Coming?! My brethren, are we not ashamed? Do we love Him and yet dread His Coming? Is it He we truly love or do we not rather prefer our sins? Therefore, let us hate our sins and love Him Who is to Come …

“All the trees of the forest shall leap for joy before the Lord, for He has Come” for the first time… “All the trees of the forest shall leap for joy” when He Comes again to judge the earth. Then, “because He has Come” He will find rejoicing, all those who believed in His Coming on the first occasion.” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church (Discourses on the Psalms Ps 95).

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 You. 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 MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, Our MORNING Offering

Our Morning Offering – 27 November – Prayer to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 27 November – Feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal – Patronages : … Special graces, miracles of healing, for conversions, for believers.

Our Blessed Lady and her Miraculous Medal are the solution to the difficulties we are facing. Now, more than ever, we need our Blessed Mother’s comfort and protection. Now, more than ever, we need to discover her peace. Now, more than ever, we need to know that our Mother is with us.

Prayer to Our Lady
of the Miraculous Medal

Virgin Mother of God, Mary Immaculate,
we unite ourselves to thee
under thy title of Blessed Mother,
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
May this medal be, for each one of us,
a sure sign of thy motherly affection for us
and a constant reminder
of our filial duties towards thee.
While wearing it, may we be blessed
by thy loving protection
and preserved in the grace of thy Son.
Most powerful Virgin,
Mother of our Saviour,
keep us close to thee,
every moment of our lives
so that like thee, we may live and act
according to the teaching
and example of thy Son.
Obtain for us, thy children,
the grace of a happy death,
so that in union with thee
we may enjoy
the happiness of heaven forever.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 27 November – St John of Pavia (Died c813) Bishop

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 27 November – St John of Pavia (Died c813) Bishop of Pavia between 801-813.

We know very little about John of Pavia except that which we have gleaned from the chronological records which claims that he was the Bishop of Pavia for 12 years.

John was highly regarded for his care of the poor, his insistence on clerical discipline and his work against vice in the general population of his Diocese.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal / The Medal of the Immaculate Conception (1830) and Memorials of the Saints – 27 November

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal / The Medal of the Immaculate Conception (1830) (the correct title is the latter):
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/27/memorial-of-our-lady-of-the-miraculous-medal-and-memorials-of-the-saints-27-november/

St Catherine Labouré DC (1806-1876) – Celebrated tomorrow:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/28/saint-of-the-day-28-november-st-catherine-laboure-dc-1806-1876/
AND:
The Miraculous Medal:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/28/thought-for-the-day-28-november-the-memorial-of-st-catherine-laboure-dc-1806-1876/

Two of the most famous conversions due to the Miraculous medal was that of Fr Alphonse Ratisbonne NDS (1814-1884), an anti-Catholic Jewish banker and Claude Newman (1923-1944).
Fr Alphonse Ratisbonne received a vision of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. After his conversion, he became a Priest and worked for the conversion of the Jewish people.

St Acacius of Sebaste
St Acharius of Noyon
St Apollinaris of Monte Cassino
St Barlaam

Blessed Bernardine of Fossa OFM (1420-1503) Priest, Friar of the Friars Minor, Missionary in Italy and a renowned Preacher, noted Historian, Lawyer, Ascetical Writer, rising within the Order to important positions. His cult was later confirmed by the Beatification of Pope Leo XII on 26 March 1828.
The Roman Martyrology states: “At L’Aquila, blessed Bernardino da Fossa (Giovanni) Amici, Priest of the Order of Minors, who preached the Catholic Faith in many Provinces of Italy.“
A Faithful Imitator of his Namesake, St Bernardine of Siena:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/27/saint-of-the-day-27-november-blessed-bernardine-of-fossa-ofm-1420-1503/

St Bilhild of Altmünster
St Eusician
St Facundus
St Fergus the Pict
St Gallgo of Wales
St Gregory of Sinai
St Gulstan
St Hirenarchus of Sebaste
St James Intercisus
St John Angeloptes
St John of Pavia (Died c813) Bishop
St Laverius

St Maximus of Riez (Died 460) Bishop, Confessor, Abbot, Hermit, zealous and highly efficient leader, Miracle-worker.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Riez, in France, St Maximus, Bishop and Confessor, who, from his tender years, was endowed with every grace and virtue. Being first the Superior of the Monastery of Lérins and afterwards, Bishop of the Church of Riez, he was celebrated for the working of miracles and prodigies.”
His Life of Love:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/11/27/saint-of-the-day-27-november-saint-maximus-of-riez-died-460-bishop-confessor/

St Primitivus of Sahagun

St Secundinus of Ireland (c373-448) Bishop, Missionary, Founder, first Bishop and Patron Saint of Domhnach Sechnaill, Co. Meath, who is traditionally believed to have been as a disciple of St Patrick and one of the first Bishops of Armagh, Poet and Hymnist.
A Zealous Shepherd:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/27/saint-of-the-day-27-november-st-secundinus-of-ireland-c-373-448-bishop/

St Severinus the Hermit
St Siffred of Carpentras
St Valerian of Aquileia

St Virgilius of Salzburg (c 00-784) Bishop, Abbot, early Astronomer, Architect, Writer, Poet, Patron of the Arts – he was called “the Apostle of Carinthia” and “the Geometer.”
His Multi-facetted Gifts:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/11/27/saint-of-the-day-27-november-saint-virgilius-of-salzburg-c-700-784/

High Altar, Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) Salzburg, Austria. Saint Rupert is depicted atop the altar carrying a barrel of salt in his left hand and a bishop’s crozier in his right. Saint Virgil is also represented atop the altar, opposite Saint Rupert.

Martyrs of Antioch – 3 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith. Little information has survived except for their names – Auxilius, Basileus and Saturninus.

Martyrs of Nagasaki – 11 Beati: A group of eleven Christians Martyred together for their faith during a period of official persecution in Japan. They are:
Blessed Alexius Nakamura
Blessed Antonius Kimura
Blessed Bartholomaeus Seki
Blessed Ioannes Iwanaga
Blessed Ioannes Motoyama
Blessed Leo Nakanishi
Blessed Matthias Kozasa
Blessed Matthias Nakano
Blessed Michaël Takeshita
Blessed Romanus Motoyama Myotaro
Blessed Thomas Koteda Kyumi
They were Martyred on 27 November 1619 in Nagasaki, Japan and Beatified on 7 May 1867 by Pope Pius IX.

Posted in GOOD RESOLUTIONS, HOW to PRAY at ALL TIMES, QUOTES on MEDITATION

Thought for the Day – 26 November – A Method of MENTAL PRAYER, Part III Conclusion

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 26 November – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

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

A Method of MENTAL PRAYER
or Meditation According to St Alphonsus.
Excerpt – Part III Conclusion

III. CONCLUSION.

Three short fervent Acts:

(1) Thank God for the Light He has given you.

(2) Renew your resolution to abstain from some fault, or to do some good thing, during the day.

(3) Ask the Eternal Father, for the love of Jesus and Mary, to aid you to keep your resolutions.
At the end of meditation, always pray for poor sinners and for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.

NB: – The acts and prayers of petition should occupy the most of the time. Thus, in a half-hour’s prayer, give three minutes to the preparation; reflect for five minutes and then pray for the balance of the time left to you.

Posted in Act of SPIRITUAL COMMUNION, DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, Holy Name PRAYERS, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on SLOTH, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The HOLY NAME

Quote/s of the Day – 26 November – St Leonard of Port Maurice

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 26 November – St Leonard of Port Maurice OFM (1676-1751) Confessor, Priest and Franciscan Friar

“Oh Most Sacred Name,
Name of peace,
Balsam of Life,
which is the centre of all the sighs,
of the most fervent lovers of Jesus.
The Sign of those who truly love Jesus
is to bear Jesus imprinted in the heart
and to Name often and with devotion,
the Most Holy Name of Jesus.”

“What graces, gifts and virtues
the Holy Mass calls down!”

“If you practice the holy exercise
of Spiritual Communion a good many times each day,
within a month you will see
yourself completely changed.”

A Short Act of Spiritual Communion
By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Doctor of the Church

My Jesus,
I believe that Thou art present
in the Blessed Sacrament.
I love Thee above all things
and I desire Thee in my soul.
Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally,
come at least spiritually, into my heart.
As though Thou were already there,
I embrace Thee
and unite myself wholly to Thee,
permit not, that I should ever,
be separated from Thee.
Amen

“Avoid sloth, bad company,
dangerous conversations and games;
remembering that time passes and never returns
that you have a soul and, if you lose
your soul, you lose all.”

St Leonard of Port Maurice OFM (1676-1751)

Posted in "Follow Me", DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, St PETER!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The HEART, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 November – ‘ … In following the Lord, they gave up everything they might have desired … ‘

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 26 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – St Sylvester Gozzolini OSB Silv. (1177– 1267) Priest, Abbot – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6; 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

REFLECTION – “You have heard, my brethren that Peter and Andrew abandoned their nets to follow the Redeemer at the first sound of His Voice (Mt 4:20) … Perhaps someone will say to himself, under his breath, “What have those two fisherman abandoned to answer the Lord’s call? They had practically nothing.” But, in this matter we should think of their disposition of heart, rather than their fortune. The person who has not kept hold of anything for himself, has left a good deal; the person who has forsaken everything, has left a good deal, even if it is but small.

As for ourselves, we passionately hold onto what we possess and what we do not have, we pursue with all our desire. Indeed, Peter and Andrew left a great deal, since both forsook even the desire to possess. They forsook a great deal because, in giving up their goods, they also gave up their covetousness. In following the Lord, they gave up everything they might have desired, if they had not followed Him.” – St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 5 on the Gospel).

PRAYER – Most merciful God, Who when the holy Abbot Sylvester was devoutly meditating upon the vanity of this world beside an open grave, graciously willed to call him into the desert and enrich him with unusual merits, we humbly pray that, following his example, despising the things of earth, we may thoroughly enjoy Thy everlasting presence. 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 PRAYERS for SEASONS, PRAYERS for the SOULS, The HOLY SOULS

Our Morning Offering – 26 November – Traditional Tuesday Prayerfor the Poor Souls

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 26 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory”

Traditional Tuesday Prayer
for the Poor Souls
(By the Crowing with Thorns)

Lord God Almighty,
I beseech Thee,
By the Precious Blood
which Thy Divine Son Jesus
shed in His bitter
Crowning with Thorns,
deliver the Souls in Purgatory
and, in particular, amongst them all,
deliver that one who would be the last
to issue from those pains
that it tarry not so long a time
before it comes to praise Thee,
in Thy glory
and bless Thee forever.
Amen

Our Father, Hail Mary, De Profundis

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 26 November – Blessed Pontius of Faucigny (c1100-c1178) Abbot

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 26 November – Blessed Pontius of Faucigny (c1100-c1178) Abbot, Founder and the 1st Abbot of the Monastery of Faucigny. Born in c1100 in Faucigny, Savoy (in modern France) and died on 26 November 1178 or 1179 in Sixt, Savoy, also in modern France, of natural causes.

Pontius was born around the year 1100 to the noble family of Faucigny, lords of the region of Savoy. At a very young age he entered the Abbey of the Canons Regular of Abondance, of which he revised the Constitutions, harmonising them with the original Augustinian Rule.

In 1144 he was commissioned to found a religious house in Sixt region, also in Savoy which was ten year later, in 1155, promoted to an Abbey by Pope Adrian IV. Pontius became its first Abbot, while remaining in constant contact with Abondance.

In 1172 he was called to succeed Burcardius as the Abbot of Abondance and the following year he obtained the dignity of Abbey for the Monastery of Grandval.

However, wishing to be able to prepare himself more effectively for death, he abandoned all his duties to retire to Abondance as a simple Monk He died there on 26 November 1178 or 1179 and was buried in the Abbey Church.

His mortal remains, a few years later, were the object of an elevation and from then on he received a regular cult. On 14 November 1620, Saint Francis de Sales, a great devotee of the holy Abbot, his compatriot from Savoy, opened his tomb to take some of his Relics. Francis’s successor, Charles Augustus de Sales, also had great respect for Pontius.

The “Bollandists” observe that seven centuries passed between Pontius’s death and the appearance of his first biography, a factor which led to great caution regarding the veracity of certain data. Only in 1866, the cause for the official recognition of the cult paid to him from time immemorial was initiated by the Bishop of Annecy, Claude Magnin and was subsequently resumed in 1890 by Monsignor Ernest Isoard. Pope Leo XIII confirmed the cult “ab immemorabili” of Blessed Pontius of Faucigny, with a decree dated 15 December 1896. His Feast is still celebrated today on the anniversary of his death most especially by the Canons of the Lateran and by the Diocese of Annecy.

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

Reminder: The Novena in Honour of the Immaculate Conception begins on 29 November, Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Westrozebeke / Our Lady of Westrozebeke, Belgium (1482), St Sylvester, Abbot; St Leonard of Port Maurice and many more Saints for 26 November

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Reminder: The Novena in Honour of the Immaculate Conception begins on 29 November: Novena in honour of the Immaculate Conception
Begins 29 November
Feast 8 December

Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Westrozebeke / Our Lady of Westrozebeke, Staden, West Flanders, Belgium (1482) – 26 November, Third Sunday of June:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/26/onze-lieve-vrouw-van-westrozebeke-our-lady-of-westrozebeke-staden-west-flanders-belgium-1482-and-memorials-of-the-saints-26-november/

St Leonard of Port Maurice OFM (1676-1751) Confessor, Priest and Friar of the Friars Minor, Preacher – in particular Parish Mission, Ascetic Writer, Spiritual Director. St Leonard founded many pious apostolates, societies and confraternities and exerted himself to spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Perpetual Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Passion of Christ. He was among the few to insist that the concept of the Immaculate Conception of Mary be defined as a Dogma of the Faith. He was Beatified on 19 June 1796 by Pope Pius VI and Canonised on 29 June 1867 by Pope Pius IX.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/27/saint-of-the-day-27-november-st-leonard-of-port-maurice-ofm-1676-1751/

St Sylvester Gozzolini OSB Silv. (1177– 1267) Priest, Abbot, Founder of the Silvestrini Congration, Mystic, gifted with the charism of prophecy and miracles, but also subject to violent attacks by the devil.
St Sylvester’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/26/saint-of-the-day-26-november-saint-sylvester-gozzolini-osb-silv-1177-1267/

St Peter of Alexandria (Died 311) Martyr, “The Seal of the Martyrs” Bishop of Alexandria. Tradition attests that the Egyptian Bishop, St Peter, was the last believer to suffer death at the hands of Roman imperial authorities for his faith in Christ. Hence the title “The Seal of the Martyrs.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/26/saint-of-the-day-26-november-st-peter-of-alexandria-died-311-martyr-the-seal-of-the-martyrs/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/26/saint-of-the-day-25-november-saint-peter-of-alexandria-died-311-bishop-martyr-the-seal-of-the-martyrs/

Bl Albert of Haigerloch
St Alypius Stylites
St Amator of Autun
St Basolus of Verzy

St Bellinus of Padua (Died 1151) Bishop of Padua and Martyr, Reformer (he led a reform of the spiritual lives of the Clergy in his Diocese) he rebuilt the Cathedral and opened schools, Miracle-worker.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/26/saint-of-the-day-26-november-saint-bellinus-of-padua-died-1151-bishop-of-padua-and-martyr/

St Conrad of Constance

Bl essed Delphina of Glandèves TOSF (1283-1360) Virgin, Virgin Laywoman, Married in Chastity to St Elzear (below) Widow, Recluse, Apostle of the Poor and needy.
Sometimes regarded as ‘Saint’ – the anniversary of her death and birthday into Heaven is today, 28 November. After the Vatican II Council, her Feast day was moved to 27 September:
Blessed Delphina’s Chaste Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/27/saint-of-the-day-27-september-saint-delphina-tosf-1283-1360-virgin/

St Egelwine of Athelney
St Ida of Cologne
St James the Hermit
St Magnance of Ste-Magnance
St Marcellus of Nicomedia
St Martin of Arades
St Nicon of Sparta
Blessed Pontius of Faucigny (c1100-c1178) Abbot
St Sabaudus of Trier

St Siricius, Pope (c334-399) Confessor, Bishop of Rome from December 384, Confessor, Defender of the Faith against heresies, Reformer of clerical discipline, Born in Rome and died there of natural causes aged around 64. In response to inquiries from Bishop Himerius of Tarragona, Siricius issued the Directa Decretal, containing Decrees of Baptism, Church discipline and other matters. His are the oldest completely preserved Papal Decrees. He is sometimes said to have been the first Bishop of Rome to call himself “Pope or Papa” – the word derived from the Greek, Papa, meaning Father.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St Siricius, Pope and Confessor, celebrated for his learning, piety and zeal for religion, who condemned various heretics and published salutary laws concerning Ecclesiastical discipline.”
A True Shepherd.:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/11/26/saint-of-the-day-26-november-st-pope-siricius-c334-399-confessor/

St Stylinus
St Vacz – 11th Century Hermit in Visegrád, Hungary. No further information is available.

Martyrs of Alexandria – 650+- Saints: A group of approximately 650 Christian Priests, Bishops and Laity Martyred together in the persecution of Maximian Galerius. We have the names and a few details only seven of them – Ammonius, Didius, Faustus, Hesychius, Pachomius, Phileas and Theodore. The were born in Egypt and were martyred there in c 311 in Alexandria, Egypt.

Martyrs of Capua – 7 Saints: A group of seven Christians Martyred together. The only details about them to survive are the names – Ammonius, Cassianus, Felicissimus, Nicander, Romana, Saturnin and Serenus. They were martyred in Capua, Campania, Italy, date unknown.

Martyrs of Nicomedia – 6 Saints: A group of six Christians Martyred by Arians. Few details have survived except their names – Marcellus, Melisus, Numerius, Peter, Serenusa and Victorinus. Martyred in 349 in Nicomedia, Bithynia, Asia Minor (modern Izmit, Turkey).

Posted in ACT of ADORATION, ACT of CONTRITION, ACT OF FAITH, HOPE & CHARITY, ACT of LOVE, GOOD RESOLUTIONS, HOW to PRAY at ALL TIMES, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS of PETITION, QUOTES on MEDITATION

Thought for the Day – 25 November – A Method of MENTAL PRAYER, II The Body of the Prayer

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 25 November – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

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

A Method of MENTAL PRAYER
or Meditation According to St Alphonsus.
Excerpt – Part II THE BODY OF THE PRAYER.

II. THE BODY OF THE PRAYER.

Use the mind in thinking on some subject as much as is necessary in order to pray fervently. But do not imagine that very much is necessary in order to pray. Do not wait for a great fire to burn up in your soul but cherish any little spark you may feel.

To help your mind, read a text of Scripture or a short Meditation in a book.
St Teresa used a book in her Meditations for seventeen years.

Meditate for a few minutes on any thought which has struck you, that is, think for a short time on the meaning, the lessons it teaches and ask yourself: What have I done about this hitherto? What shall I now do?
But remember, you think only in order that you may pray.

The great benefit of Mental Prayer consists. less in meditation or thinking, than in acts, prayers and resolutions – the fruits of Meditation. The thinking is the needle which draws after it the golden thread of the fruits (the acts, prayers and resolutions)..
The thread is more important than the needle.
The chief part of the time of Meditation should, then, be spent in making:

  1. Acts and Affections:
    Examples. –Acts of Humility: ‘My God, I am nothing in Thy sight.’ Act of Thanksgiving: ‘My God, I thank Thee for Thy goodness.’ Act of Love: ‘ My God, I love Thee with my whole heart. I wish to please Thee in all things. I will only what Thou wiliest. I love Thee because Thou art Infinitely Good. Do with me and mine all that pleases Thee because it is Thy Will.’
    Acts of Love and of contrition are golden chains binding us to God. St Thomas says: ‘ Every Act of Love merits eternal life. Make then many simple but fervent, Acts of Love and Sorrow.
  2. Prayers of Petition:
    In mental prayer, it is extremely useful and, perhaps better than all else, to make many earnest petitions for the graces you wish. Always ask, above all, for (a) the perfect forgiveness of all past sin; (b) the perfect love of God and (c) the Grace of a holy death. …
  3. Resolutions:
    ‘The progress of a soul,‘ says St Teresa, ‘ does not consist in thinking much of God but in loving Him and this love is gained by resolving to do much for Him.‘
    Make one practical resolution which you mean to keep during the day.
Posted in "Follow Me", ACT of CONTRITION, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 25 November – Our Lamps are going out – Matthew 25:8

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 25 November – Sirach 51:1-8; 5:12, Matthew 25:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Our lamps are going out.”

Matthew 25:8

“I have not become as wise
as those five wise Virgins.
… But I have become the most wretched of the foolish ones
by failing to keep some oil for my lamp,
namely, mercy together with virginity
or, still more, the anointing from Baptism’s Sacred fount…

Therefore, the doors of the wedding hall
are closed to me too, in my negligence.
But, O my Bridegroom,
while I am still in my body here below,
listen to my soul, Your Bride…
From now on, I will cry aloud piteously,
“Oh, open to me Your Heavenly Door,
bring me into Your Wedding Chamber on high,
make me worthy of Your Holy Kiss,
Your pure and spotless Embrace.
Oh let me not hear the Voice saying
it does not know me!
I am blind; set alight with Your own Light
my spirit’s extinguished flame!”

St Nerses Chnorhali (1102-1173)
Armenian Bishop

“Remove from your lives
the filth and uncleanness of vice.
Your upright lives must make you
the salt of the earth for yourselves
and for the rest of humankind…”

St John of Capistrano OFM (1386-1456)

O Infinite Goodness – Act of Contrition
By St Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621) – Doctor of the Church

O my God,
I am exceedingly grieved,
for having offended Thee
and with my whole heart,
I repent of the sins I have committed.
I hate and abhor them above every other evil,
not only because, by so sinning,
I have lost heaven and deserved hell
but still more because I have offended Thee,
O infinite Goodness,
who art worthy to be loved above all things.
I most firmly resolve,
by the assistance of Thy grace,
never more to offend Thee for the time to come
and to avoid those occasions
which might lead me into sin.
Amen

Posted in CARMELITES, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on PURITY, The HEART

One Minute Reflection – 25 November – ‘ … I would not have left Him alone so often! …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 25 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – St Catherine of Alexandria (Died c305) Virgin Martyr – Sirach 51:1-8; 5:12, Matthew 25:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But at last came also the other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answering said: Amen I say to you, I know you not.” – Matthew 25:11-12

REFLECTION – “Well, let us imagine that within u, is an extremely rich palace, built entirely of gold and precious stones; in sum, built for a Lord such as this. Imagine, too, as is indeed so, you have a part to play, in order for the palace to be so beautiful; for there is no edifice as beautiful, as is a soul pure and full of virtues. The greater the virtues the more resplendent the jewels. Imagine, also, that in this palace dwells this mighty King, Who has been gracious enough to become your Father and that, He is seated upon an extremely valuable throne which is your heart. …

You will laugh at me, perhaps and say, that which I am explaining, is very clear and you will be correct; for me, although, it was obscure for some time. I understood well that I had a soul. But what this soul deserved and Who dwelt within it, I did not understand because, I had covered my eyes with the vanities of the world. For, in my opinion, if I had understood, as I do now that, in this little palace of my soul, dwelt so great a King, I would not have left Him alone so often! I would have remained with Him at times and striven more, so as not to be so unclean. But what a marvellous thing, that He, Who would fill a thousand worlds and many more with His Grandeur, would enclose Himself in something so small!” – St Teresa of Jesus OCD (1515-1582) Virgin, Carmelite Founder, Mystic, Writer (The Way of Perfection Chapter 28: 9-11).

PRAYER – O God, Who gave the law to Moses on Sinai’s height and through Thy holy Angels, miraculously placed there, the body of blessed Catherine, Thy Virgin and Martyr, grant, we beseech Thee that by her merits and intercession, we may reach that towering eminence which is Christ our Lord.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 CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on WISDOM

Our Morning Offering – 25 November –Eternal Light, Shine into our Hearts

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 25 November

Eternal Light, Shine into our Hearts
By St Alcuin of York (735-804)

Eternal Light, shine into our hearts,
Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil,
Eternal Power, be our support,
Eternal Wisdom, scatter the
darkness of our ignorance,
Eternal Pity, have mercy on us
that with all our heart
and mind
and soul
and strength,
we may seek Thy Face
and be brought,
by Thine Infinite Mercy
to Thy Holy Presence;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord
Amen