Thought for the Day – 5 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” The Third Joyful Mystery The Birth of Jesus
“Like the simple shepherds, let us prostrate ourselves with faith and with love before the Manger. Let us offer, as our gifts, our good resolutions; let us offer our hearts and ask God to change them and make them entirely His forever.
Quite suddenly, the darkness of the night and the wretchedness of the cave was illuminated by a bright light from Heaven. While men were unaware of, or indifferent to, the miraculous event which had taken place, bands of Angels descended from Heaven and sang: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace among men of goodwill” (Lk 2:13-14). Joseph bent over the Divine Infant and silently adored Him, while the Blessed Virgin knelt at His Feet in loving contemplation.
Let us too, learn to adore and love Him, as His Mother and Foster-Father did.”
Quote/s of the Day – 5 October – Pentecost XVII – Ephesians 4:1-6 – Matthew 22:34-46 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
THE GREAT COMMANDMENT
“‘You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and your whole mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ ”
Matthew 22:37-39
“But why does charity include love of ourselves? Why, because we are wearing God’s Image and Likeness and, since all men enjoy the same noble dignity, we love them too as we love ourselves … I say it is for love of God, from Whom he is, Whose he is, by Whom he is, in Whom he is, for Whom he is, Whom he resembles in a most particular manner.”
One Minute Reflection – 5 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – Pentecost XVII – St Placidus and Companions – Ephesians 4:1-6 – Matthew 22:34-46 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Master, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” … Matthew 22:36
REFLECTION – “The Lord asks of us only two things – love of His Majesty and love of our neighbour. These are what we must work for. By observing them with perfection, we do His Will and so, will be united with Him. But how far, as I have said, we are from doing these two things, as we ought, for so great a God! May it please His Majesty to give us His grace, so that we might merit, if we wish to reach this state that lies within our power.
The most certain sign, in my opinion, as to whether or not we are observing these two laws, is whether we observe well, the love of neighbour. We cannot know whether or not we love God, although there are strong indications for recognising that we do love Him but, we can know, whether we love our neighbour. And be certain that the more advanced you see you are, in love for your neighbour, the more advanced you will be in the love of God, for the love His Majesty has for us, is so great that to repay us for our love of neighbour, He will, in a thousand ways, increase the love we have for Him. I cannot doubt this. That is why, it is important for us to walk, with careful attention, to how we are proceeding in this matter, for if we practice love of neighbour with great perfection, we shall have done everything.I believe that, since our nature is bad, we will not reach perfection in the love of neighbour, if that love does not rise from love of God, as its root.” – St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582) Carmelite (Interior Castle, Fifth Dwelling Places, Ch 3).
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, maybe 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).
Our Morning Offering – 5 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – Pentecost XVII
Lord, My God, My Only Hope! Let Me Never Tire of Seeking Thee By St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of Grace
O Lord, our God, we believe in Thee, Father, Son and Holy Ghost. As far as I have been able, as much as Thou hast given me the power to do so, I have sought for Thee. I have desired to see that in which I believe; much have I striven and laboured.
Lord, my God, my only Hope, let me never tire of seeking Thee but make me seek Thy Face with constant ardour. Give me the strength to seek for Thee– Thou Who hast made me find Thee, Who hast given me, more and more, the hope of finding Thee.
Thou seest my strength and my weakness; do Thou sustain the one and heal the other; Thou seest my strength and my ignorance, where Thou hast opened to me, come, make me welcome; where Thou hast closed to me, open to my plea. Give me to remember, understand to know and to love Thee alone. Amen
Saint of the Day – 5 October – St Attilanus (c939-c1009) Bishop of Zamora, in Spain, Monk, friend , fellow missionary to the rural areas in Spain and spiritual student of St Froilan with whom he founded Monasteries including the the Monastery of Moreruela, Spain and where he became the Prior. Patronage of the Diocese of Zamora, Spain. Also known as – Atilanus, Attilano. Additional Feasts – 6 Octoger by the Benedictines and on 28 August in Tarragona, Spain.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “St Attilanus, the Bishop of Zamora, who was ranked among the Saints by Urban II.”
Later, with the support of King Alfonso III the Great (died 910), St Froilan and Attilanus, founded several Monasteries in the León region of Spain which attracted many men and women eager to live ‘under the rule of holy discipline.’ Tradition holds that these Monks and Nuns followed the Benedictine Rule.
The King then forced Froilan to accept the Episcopal See of León and Attilanus that of Zamora. Their Consecration took place in León on the day of Pentecost, perhaps in 900. Attilans’ name appears in a Charter of Alfonso dated in Sahagún on 28 April 909, and in various documents, some of which are from the Archives of Compostela, dating to January 916.
In a Vita, written after 1132, we read that Attilanus, after ten years of Episcopate, made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in penance for the sins committed during his youth and, as he was leaving Zamora, threw his Pastoral Ring into the eddies of the Duero River. Two years later, on his return, he lodged in a hut outside the City without being recognised then, opening a fish which his host had placed before him, he found the Ring inside. Suddenly, at the spontaneous ringing of all the Church bells, his tattered pilgrim’s clothes miraculously transformed into splendid Vestments.
Attilanus body was found in 1260 in the Cathedral of Sant’Ildefonso in Zamora, where it still rests today under the High Altar, except for his head which was taken, perhaps stolen, to the Cathedral of Toledo. His Ring and pilgrim’s staff also remain. The Feast of Attilanus, whose cult dates to the 12th Century, is celebrated on 5 October (6th by the Benedictines) and the Diocese of Zamora is placed under his Patronage.
St Placidus and Companions OSB (Martyrs of Messina) – 30 Saints: A group of about 30 Benedictine Monks and Nuns, some blood relatives, who were sent in the early days of the Order to establish Monasteries in the vicinity of Messina, Sicily, Italy and who were Martyred. We know the names, and a few details, about seven of them – Donatus, Eutychius, Faustu, Firmatus, Flavia, Placidus, Victorinus. 6th Century Messina, Sicily, Italy.
St Alexander of Trier St Anna Schaeffer St Apollinaris of Valence St Attilanus (c939-c1009)Bishop of Zamora St Aymard of Cluny St Boniface of Trier St Charitina of Amasa St Eliano of Cagliari
St Firmatus of Auxerre St Flaviana of Auxerre Bl Flora of Beaulieu St Gallo of Aosta St Jerome of Nevers Bl John Hewett St Magdalveus of Verdun St Mamlacha St Marcellinus of Ravenna
Blessed Pietro (c1250-1320) Knight of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and Grand Prior, Lawyer of Imola , Jurist, Mediator, Peace-maker. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Florence, blessed Pietro da Imola, who, a Knight of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, took care of the sick with pious charity.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/05/saint-of-the-day-5-october-blessed-pietro-of-imola-c1250-1320/
Blessed Raymond OP (c 1330-1399) Priest of Capua, “The Second Founder” of the Dominican Order of Preachers, Reformer, Spiritual Director, he worked with St Agnes of Montepulciano and St Catherine of Siena, Hagiographer, Teacher. The important Mystic, Reformer, Doctor of the Church, St Catherine of Siena, accepted him as her spiritual director because of his burning passion for the Church and for the revival of religious life, most especially in their own Order. In 1899 Pope Leo XIII Beatified him, on the 500th anniversary of his death. About Blessed Raymond: https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/05/saint-of-the-day-5-october-blessed-raymond-of-capua-op-c-1330-1399/
Bl Robert Sutton Bl Sante of Cori St Thraseas of Eumenia Bl William Hartley
Thought for the Day – 4 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” The Second Joyful Mystery Mary’s Visit to St Elizabeth
“But are we as grateful to God as we ought to be! Do we correspond with His graces? Are we prepared to make any sacrifice in order to share with others the gifts with which He has enriched us?
Let us remember that gratitude is a virtue which is very pleasing to God and draws down on us other graces and gifts.
In his panegyric on Trajan, the younger Pliny observes that the best means of soliciting new favours, is to show gratitude for those which we have already received. On the other hand, as St Bernard points out, ingratitude is like a scorching wind, which dries up the dew of Divine Mercy (Sermon 5 in Cant). Let us be grateful to God, therefore and do our best to share with others the gifts which we have received. “Because He Who is mighty has done great things for me and Holy is His Name!” (Lk 1:46-55).”
Quote/s of the Day – 4 October – St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226) Confessor, Founder
“But I say to you, Love your enemies …” Matthew 5:44
“Let us pay attention, all my brothers, to what the Lord says: “Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you,” for our Lord Jesus Christ, Whose footprints we must follow (cf 1 Pt 2:21), called His betrayer “friend” (Mt 26:50) and gave Himself willingly to those who crucified Him. Our friends, then, are all those who, unjustly afflict upon us, trials and ordeals, shame and injuries, sorrows and torments, martyrdom and death! We must love them greatly for we will possess eternal life because of what they bring upon us.”
“Alms are an inheritance and a justice which is due to the poor and which Jesus has levied upon us!”
Be strengthened in Almighty God and in the power of His might, for with His help, nothing is difficult. Throw off the heavy load of your own will, cast aside the burden of sin and gird yourselves as valiant warriors! Forget what you are leaving behind; strain forward to the great things before you. I tell you that every place where you set foot, shall be yours. For the Spirit, Who goes before your face is Christ the Lord. He will carry you to the topmost peak in the arms of His Love.”
“In beautiful things St Francis saw Beauty itself and through His vestiges imprinted on creation, he followed his Beloved everywhere, making, from all things, a ladder, by which he could climb up and embrace Him, Who is utterly desirable.”
St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 4 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – St Francis of Assisi OFM (c1181–1226) Confessor, Founder – Galatians 6:14-18 – Matthew 11:25-30 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“I praise Thee, Father, … Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them to the little ones. ” – Matthew 11:25
REFLECTION – “The fact that the all-powerful God has been able to humble Himself even to the humility of the human condition, constitutes a greater proof than the impact and supernatural character of miracles. Indeed, when Divine power effects something of great sublimity, this is, after a fashion, in conformity with and appropriate to God’s nature… On the other hand, that God descended even to our lowliness is, in a certain way, the expression of an overwhelming power which, is not in the least restrained by what is contrary to its nature…
Neither the expanse of the heavens, the brightness of the stars, the governing of the universe, nor the harmony of created things, reveal the splendid power of God so much, as His indulgence, which leads Him to lower Himself to the weakness of our nature… God’s goodness, wisdom, justice and power, are revealed in His plans on our behalf: goodness in His will to “save that which was lost” (Lk 19,10); wisdom and justice, in His manner of saving us; power in the fact, that Christ became “in the likeness of men” (Phil 2,7-8) and made Himself conformable to the humility of our nature.” – St Gregory of Nyssa (c.335-395) Bishop, Father of the Church (Catechetical Discourse 23-26 ; SC 453).
PRAYER – O God, Who by the good works of blessed Francis enriched Thy Church by establishing a new religious family, grant us to imitate him by emulation of him, by looking upon the things of earth as nought and ever to rejoice in sharing Thy heavenly gifts. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 4 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – The Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226) Confessor, Founder
Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace. “The Peace Prayer” By St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy Peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow Love; where there is injury, Pardon; where there is doubt, Faith; where there is despair, Hope; where there is darkness, Light and where there is sadness, Joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned and it is in dying, that we are born to eternal life. Amen
Saint of the Day – 4 October – Saint Quintius (Died c570) Martyr. He was anative of Paris ad died in c.570 at L’Indrois near Montresor, France. Also known as – Quentin, Quintino.
According to a 13th Century Vita preserved in the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris, Quintinus, a native of the Paris region, was in the service of Guntram, a nobleman and dignitary at the Court of Clotaire I (Died 561).
Having rejected the obscene advances of his master’s wife, Aza, this vengeful woman decided to get have him murdered. She tasked him with leading horses to the banks of the Indre, where, once there, she had him beheaded by her accomplices. His head was thrown into a fountain and its waters became miraculous.
The tale is highly credible if placed in the historical and still very barbaric context of the 6th Century, where lust and violence were common at Frankish Courts. The obscure author concludes his tale with a violent invective against wicked women, intending to teach a moral lesson.
Quintius had a cult on 4 October as early as the 11th Century in Tours which gradually spread from there throughout the entire region.
St Quintius’ Relics have been preserved in the Cathedral of St Stephen in Meaux since at least the 13th Century. He was venerated in Meaux and Martyred for respecting God’s Commandments and his loyalty to his master.
St Aurea of Paris (Died 666) Virgin, Abbessof Saint Martial Convent in Paris during the reigns of King Dagobert I and King Clovis II which Aurea ruled for 33 years, known as a Miracle-worker both before and after her death. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Paris, still in France, Saint Aurea, Abbess, whom Saint Eligius placed at the head of a Monastery which he himself founded in this City under the rule of Saint Columba, in which he had gathered three hundred virgins.” Holy St Aurea: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/04/saint-of-the-day-4-october-saint-aurea-of-paris-died-666-virgin-abbess/
St Berenice St Caius of Corinth St Callisthene of Ephesus St Crispus of Corinth St Damaris of Athens St Diogenes of Milan St Domnina St Hierotheus Bl Julian Majali St Lucius of Alexandria St Peter of Damascus
Martyrs of Alexandria: A group of Christians, men and women, young and old, murdered together for their faith.The only names that have come down to us are the brothers Mark and Marcian.
Thought for the Day – 3 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” The First Joyful Mystery The Annunciation
“The Rosary is both a vocal and a mental prayer. When reciting the first five decades, we should meditate on the principal joyful mysteries of our Faith, beginning with the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin. In other words, during the first decade, we should visualise the scene described in the Gospel.
“The Angel Gabriel was sent from God to a Town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David and the Virgin’s name was Mary. And, when the Angel had come to her, he said “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women” (Lk 1:26-28).
Note the manner in which the Angel greets Mary. He proclaims that she is full of grace, pleasing and acceptable to God. He bows before her and says that she is blessed among women. On previous occasions Angels had appeared to Patriarchs, Kings and Prophets but always, as superior beings bearing a command from Almighty God. Why, then, does an Angel bow before this maiden and salute her with such reverence? The reason is twofold. Mary is the purest of creatures, immaculate from the moment of her conception; she is also destined to become the Mother of God, a destiny of quasi-infinite dignity. Let we, poor sinners, bow before her also and beg her to obtain for us from God, the graces of forgiveness and of sanctification. It is in this spirit, of loving humility that we should recite the First Decade of the Holy Rosary.”
Quote/s of the Day – 3 October – St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873–1897)
“It is above all, the Gospel which supports me during my prayer. There, I find all which my poor little soul needs. There, I always discover new lights, hidden and mysterious meaning. … Just when I need it, I discover lights which I had not seen before.”)
“Our vocation, yours and mine, is not to go harvesting in the fields of ripe corn. Jesus does not say to us: “Lower your eyes, look at the fields and go and reap them,” our mission is still loftier. Here are Jesus’ words: “Lift up your eyes and see…. ” See how, in My Heaven, there are places empty; it is for you to fill them … each one of you is My Moses praying on the mountain (Ex 17:8) ask Me for labourers and I shall send them, I await only a prayer, a sigh from your heart!” ”
O Jesus, Dear Holy Child By St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873 – 1897)
O Jesus, dear Holy Child, my only treasure, I abandon myself to Thy every whim. I seek no other joy than that of calling forth Thy sweet Smile. Vouchsafe to me, the graces and the virtues of Thy Holy Childhood, so that, on the day of my birth into Heaven, the Angels and Saints may recognise in Thy Spouse, Thérèse of the Child Jesus. Amen
Lenten Offering By St Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face of Lisieux (1873-1897)
O my God! I offer Thee all my actions of this Lent for the intentions and for the glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I desire to sanctify every beat of my heart, my every thought, my simplest works, by uniting them to Its Infinite Merits and I wish to make reparation for my sins, by casting them into the furnace of Its Merciful Love. O my God! I ask of Thee for myself and for those whom I hold dear, the grace to fulfil perfectly Thy Holy Will, to accept for love of Thee, the joys and sorrows of this passing life, so that we may one day be united together in Heaven, for all eternity. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 3 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873–1897) – Isaias 66:12-14 – Matthew 18:1-4 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the Kingdom of Heaven.” – Matthew 18:4
REFLECTION – “Remember this saying : “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble” (Jas 4:6). Keep before yourself the Lord’s words: “Those who humble themselves will be exalted and those who exalt themselves will be humbled” (Mt 23:12)… If it seems to you that you have some good quality, set it to your account but without forgetting your faults; do not boast about what you have done well today; do not set aside recent and past evil. If the present gives you reason to glory, remember the past! That is how you will pierce the abcess of pride! And if you see your neighbour sinning, beware you do not just consider him in the light of this lapse but, think too, about what he is doing, or has done which is good. Very often you will discover him to be better than yourself if you examine your life as a whole and do not add up the fragmentary bits. For God does not examine us in a fragmentary fashion … Let us often remember all this, so as to preserve ourselves from pride, humbling ourselves, so as to be raised up!
Let us imitate the Lord, Who came down from Heaven to the lowest depths … Yet, after such a humbling, He caused His glory to shine forth, glorifying with Himself, those who had been despised together with Him. These were indeed, in fact, His first blessed disciples who, poor and naked, went out through all the world, without words of wisdom, without sumptuous escort but alone and in anguish, vagabonds by land and by sea, beaten with rods, stoned, pursued and, in the end, put to death. Such as these are for us the divine teachings of our Father. Let us imitate them that we may also come to eternal glory, Christ’s perfect and authentic gift.” – St Basil the Great (329-379) Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon on Humility 5-6).
PRAYER – O Lord, Who said: Unless you become as little children, you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, grant us, we beseech Thee, so to follow the footsteps of blessed Thérèse the Virgin, in humility and simplicity of heart that we may obtain everlasting rewards.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 3 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – The Feast of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873–1897) and A First Friday of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Daily Offering to the Sacred Heart of Jesus By St Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face (of Lisieux) OCD (1873-1897)
O my God! I offer Thee all my actions of this day for the intentions and for the glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I desire to sanctify every beat of my heart, my every thought, my simplest works, by uniting them to His Infinite Merits and I wish to make reparation for my sins, by casting them into the furnace of His Merciful Love. O my God! I ask of Thee for myself and for those whom I hold dear, the grace to fulfil perfectly Thine Holy Will, to accept for love of Thee, the joys and sorrows of this passing life, so that we may one day, be united together in Heaven for all Eternity. Amen
Saint of the Day – 3 October – St Hesychius (Died c381) Confessor and Hermit of Palestine, spiritual student of St Hilarion (c291-371). Also known as – Esichio.Not to be confused with: Saint Hesychius of Jerusalem (Died c450) Priest, Exegete, Scholar, Monk, Hermit, Writer OR: St Hesychius of Jerusalem, who lived a little time after the above Saint and was a contemporary of St Gregory the Great (540-604).
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Palestine, St Hesychius, Confessor, disciple of St Hilarion and the companion of his travels,”
According to the Life of Saint Hilarion by Saint Jerome, Hesychius became a Monk between 328 and 354 in Majuma, near the City of Gaza, in Palestine and accompanied his master to Egypt, for the first time in 359 and a second time in 362-63.
After returning to Gaza, where he restored the Monastery, he joined Hilarion in Sicily (365) and went with him to Epidaurus, in Dalmatia and then to Cyprus where St Hilarion remained. Hesychius, however, returned to Palestine, from where he occasionally went to Cyprus to see hisbeloved master.
Before dying, Saint Hilarion wrote a small will in favour of Hesychius, leaving him the Gospel, his clothes and a hair shirt. Hesychius took St Hilarion’s body to Majuma.
We do not know when and where he himself died. His Feast was fixed on today’s date by the Roman Martyrology.
St Adalgott O.Cist. (Died 1160) Bishopof Chur , Monk in Citeaux, then disciple of Saint Bernard at Clairvaux,, Abbot at Disentis in Switzerland and then Bishop of Chur, Reformer of monastic life and of the Clergy, Apostle of the sick and founder of a Hospital in his Diocese. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Chur in Switzerland, blessed Adalgotto, Bishop, who, disciple of Saint Bernard in Clairvaux, was a great lover of monastic discipline.” Holy Adalgott: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/03/saint-of-the-day-3-october-saint-adalgott-of-chur-o-cist-died-1160-bishop/
Bl Agostina of the Assumption St Candidus the Martyr St Cyprian of Toulon Bl Damian de Portu St Dionysius the Aeropagite Bl Dominic Spadafora Bl Edmund of Scotland St Ewald the Black St Ewald the Fair St Froilan
Martyrs of Alexandria – 9 Saints: A number of Christian Martyrs remembered together. We know the names Caius, Cheremone, Dionysius, Eusebio, Fausto, Lucio, Maximus, Paul, Peter and that there were at least two more whose names have not come down to us, and that’s about all we know.
Thought for the Day – 2 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Our Guardian Angels
“The realisation that our Guardian Angel is always close at hand, should be a warning to us. It should prevent us from doing anything displeasing to God. Would we venture to do anything unbecoming in the presence of our Father or Mother, or of anyone for whom we have any regard? Definitely not and still less, should we dare to perform an evil action in the presence of our Angel, to whom we owe such gratitude and in the presence of God, our Creator, Lord and Redeemer, Who could, at any moment, snap the thread which binds us to life and plunge us into eternity.
Furthermore, when pride convinces us that we are of some importance, let us turn to our Angel and pray for the virtue of humility. When we begin to seethe with anger and long to utter words which are harsh and injurious, let us ask our Angel to pray on our behalf, for the gift of Christian gentleness. When the devil fills our minds with impure images and thoughts, let us ask our Angel to beseech God to give us the Christian fortitude to resist temptation and to imitate his angelic purity.
Finally, when tepidity is sapping the vigour of our interior life, let us pray to our Guardian Angel in the hope of obtaining a share in his intimate union with God.
Let us pray the Guardian Angel prayer or at least say: “My Guardian Angel enlighten me. My Guardian Angel help me. My Guardian Angel, protect me.” Amen.”
Quote/s of the Day – 2 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” and the Feast of the Guardian Angels
“You should be aware, the word “Angel” denotes a function, rather than a nature. Those holy Spirits of Heaven have, indeed, always been spirits. They can only be called Angels when they deliver some message. Moreover, those who deliver messages of lesser importance are called Angels and those. who proclaim messages of supreme importance are called Archangels.”
St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church
“In every lodging, at every corner, have reverence for thy Angel. Do not dare to do, in his presence, what you would not dare to do, if I were there. Or do you doubt that he is present whom you do not behold? What if you should hear him? What if you should touch him? What if you should scent him? Remember, that the presence of something is not proved only by the sight of things.”
St Bernard (1090-1153) Mellifluous Doctor of the Church
“Our Guardian Angels are our most faithful friends for they are with us, day and night, always and everywhere. We ought often, to invoke them.”
St Jean-Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859)
“The good Angels are around you, like a company of Sentinels on guard!”
One Minute Reflection – 2 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” and the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels – Exodus 23:20-23 – Matthew 18:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“… Their Angels in Heaven, always see the Face of My Father …” – Matthew 18:10
REFLECTION – “Although the good God is sufficient unto Himself, nevertheless, He makes use of the ministry of the Angels to govern the world … When we see God taking such care of our lives, we conclude that our souls are something truly great and precious, if He is to employ all that is greatest in His Court for the souls’ preservation and sanctification. He has given us His Son to save us; this same Son … gives to each of us,one and, even several Angels, who are solely occupied in asking, on our half, the graces and aids we might need, to ensure our salvation … Oh, how little people know what they are and what they were made for! In Holy Scripture we read that the Lord said to His people: “See, I am sending an Angel before you, to guard you on the way” (Ex 23:20) …
We should often pray to our Guardian Angels, carefully respect them and, above all, try to imitate them in all our actions. And the first thing we need to imitate in them, is the thought of the Presence of God … Surely, if we were completely penetrated with God’s Presence, how could we do evil? How much more pleasing to God would be all our good deeds! … God said to Abraham: “Would you be blameless? Walk in My Presence” (Gn 17:1). How could we possibly forget God so easily, when we have Him always with us? Why are we not full of respect and gratitude towards our Angels, who accompany us day and night? … Perhaps you will say: “I am to unworthy to merit it.” My brethren, not only does God not lose sight of you for an instant but, He gives you an Angel who never ceases to guide your steps. Ah, happiness too great, yet too little known!” – St Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859) Priest, Curé of Ars, Patron of Parish Priests (Sermon for the Feast of the Guardian Angels).
PRAYER – O God, Who in Thy wondrous providence graciously send Thy Angels to watch over us, grant that we, who pray to Thee maybe ever under their protection and may rejoice in their unending companionship. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 2 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” and the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels
O My Good Angel Prayer to One’s Guardian Angel Appointing him Intercessory at the Hour of Death By St Charles Borromeo (1538-1584)
My good Angel – I know not when or how I shall die. It is possible I may be carried off suddenly and before my last sigh, I may be deprived of all intelligence. Yet, how many things I would wish to say to God, on the threshold of eternity. In the full freedom of my will today, I come to charge thee to speak for me at that fearful moment. Thou will say to Him, then, O my good Angel – That I wish to die in the Roman Catholic Apostolic Church in which all the Saints, since Jesus Christ, have died and, out of which, there is no salvation. That I ask the grace, of sharing in the Infinite Merits of my Redeemer and that I desire to die, in pressing to my lips, the Cross which was bathed in His Blood! That I detest my sins because they displease Him and that I pardon, through love of Him, all my enemies, as I wish myself to be pardoned. That I die willingly because He orders it and that I throw myself, with confidence, into His adorable Heart, awaiting all His mercy. That in my inexpressible desire to go to Heaven, I am disposed to suffer everything it may please His Sovereign Justice to inflict on me. That I love Him before all things, above all things and for His own sake; that I wish and hope, to love Him with the elect, His Angels and the Blessed Mother, during all eternity. Do not refuse, O my Angel, to be my interpreter with God and to protest to Him, that these, are my sentiments and my will. Amen.
Saint of the Day – 2 October – St Leudomer (Died c593) Abbot Founder of an Abbey at Corbion near Chartres, Miracle-worker. Also known as – Lomer (French), Laumer, Launomar or Launomaro.
The Vita of Saint Leudomer reveals that, as a youth, he was a shepherd, before being accepted into the Monastery of St Maximinus (Died 520) near Orleans and where he eventually became a Priest in Chartres.
The Vita also states that Leudomer lived to be more than one hundred years old. One known copy of this Vita was begun by Orderic Vitalis (Monk, Historian, Writer) while he was copyist at the library of Saint-Évroul.
Leudomer was initially trained for the Priesthood by a Priest by the name of Chirmirius, was Ordained and then served in Chartres and the surrounds, where he was made both Canon and Cellarer. Later in life, he withdrew to live a eremitic lifestyle in the forests of La Perche. There, due to his reputation for performing miracles, including the gift of prophecy, a number of disciples came to his hermitage in the forest.
According to Rev Alban Butler, the location of this hermitage was later the site of Fontevraud Abbey. In around 570, the presence of these disciples led Leudomer to found a monastic community, the Monastery of Curbio.
In c920, his Relics were translated to Blois where a Monastery had been constructed and dedicated to him, the Monastery of Saint-Leudomer. While most of his Relics were translated to the Monastery at Blois, his head was translated to a Priory in Auvergne.The monastery outside of Blois would eventually be destroyed during the French Revolution, although the Church itself still stands, known as the Church of Saint Nicholas.
In the early twentieth century, an event in the life of St Leudomer – an incident involving the theft of the Saint’s favourite cow – was published in The Book of Saints and Friendly Beasts, a collection of brief hagiographical tales for children, compiled by Abbie Farwell Brown. Leudomer’s Vita states that the Abbot was so holy that ‘savage wild beasts obeyed when he commanded’ amd this obedience was intended to remind readers of the idyllic lives of Adam and Eve in Paradise.
St Leudomer (Died c593) Abbot St Modesto of Sardinia St Saturius of Soria St Theophilus of Bulgaria
St Thomas de Cantilupe (c1218-1282) Bishop of Hereford, Confessor, learned Scholar, known for his care of the poor and his protection of them against feudal landlords, Miracle-worker, Chancellor of Oxford University, Lord Chancellor of England. Thomas de Cantilupe was the last Englishman Canonised before the Reformation. An amazing Life and in death, a wondrous Miracle-worker: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/02/saint-of-the-day-2-october-saint-thomas-de-cantilupe-of-hereford-c-1218-1282/
St Ursicinus II (Died 760) Bishop of Chur in Switzerland, Monk, Abbot, Hermit, Restorer of the Monastery of Disentis and Architect and builder of 3 Churches in the Diocese. The Roman Martyrology states: “In the territory of today’s Switzerland, Saint Ursicinus, Bishop of Chur and first Abbot of the Monastery of Disentis which he founded.” His Zealous Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/02/saint-of-the-day-2-october-saint-ursicinus-ii-died-760-bishop/
Martyred in Nagasaki, Japan: A husband, wife and two sons, who were all martyred together in the persecutions in Japan. They were beheaded on 2 October 1622 in Nagasaki, Japan and Beatified by Pope Pius IX on 7 May 1867. Blessed Andreas Yakichi Blessed Franciscus Yakichi Blessed Lucia Yakichi Blessed Ludovicus Yakichi
1 October – Devotion for the Month of the Most Holy Rosary and the Holy Angels
An Indulgence of 7 years is granted to all the faithful who devoutly recite the Rosary during the Month of October–granted by Pope Leo XIII, in the same Encyclical, Supremo Apostolatus Officio.
Beginning on 1 September 1883, with Supremo Apostolatus Officio, Pope Leo XIII wrote a total of eleven Encyclicals on the Rosary, ending with Diuturni Temporis in 1898. In 1885, Pope Leo XIII ordered the Rosary to be recited everyday during the month of October in every Parish Church and Cathedral, throughout the world. Those of the faithful who could not be present at this recital he exhorted to say it with their families or in private.
“The greatest method of praying is to pray the Rosary.”
Thought for the Day – 1 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Month of the Holy Rosary
“We should say the Rosary devoutly everyday. This beautiful prayer is very pleasing to Our Lady and, the Church, is particularly anxious that we should recite it during the month of October. Families who say the Holy Rosary together can hope for a special blessing from God and for the maternal protection of Mary.
If possible, every family should gather together in the evening and recite the Rosary before an image of our Blessed Mother. If the parents set an example, their child will join them. It is consoling to come together after the toil and trouble of the day, in order to confide our cares and hopes to Mary.
Do you say the Rosary everyday? If you have neglected this pious practice, begin today! Do not plead lack of time. There is time for so many other things, so surely, there is time to pray and to entrust ourselves, in a special way, to the protection of our heavenly Mother!? The practice of reciting the Holy Rosary, will win for you, the blessing of God and the patronage of the Blessed Virgin.”
Quote/s of the Day – 1 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels”
The Fifteen Promises is a tradition held by the Order of Preachers, that the Blessed Virgin Mary made Fifteen specific Promises through Saint Dominic (1170-1221) and Blessed Alain de la Roche (1428-1475), to those who faithfully pray the Rosary.
The 15 Promises of The Most Holy Rosary Given by The Blessed Virgin Mary
1.Those who faithfully serve me, by the recitation of the Rosary shall receive signal graces. 2. I promise my special protection and the greatest graces, to all those who shall recite the Rosary. 3. The Rosary shall be a powerful armour against hell. 4. It will destroy vice, decrease sin and defeat heresies. It will cause virtue and good works to flourish. It will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God. It will withdraw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities and will lift them to the desire of eternal things. Oh, that souls would sanctify themselves by this means. 5. The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the Rosary, shall not perish. 6. Whoever shall recite my Rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its Sacred Mysteries, shall never be conquered and never overwhelmed by misfortune. God shall not chastise him in His justice, he shall not perish by an unprovided death Sinners shall convert. The just shall grow in grace and become worthy of eternal life. 7. Whoever shall have a true devotion to the Holy Rosary, shall not die without the Sacraments of the Church. 8. Those who are faithful, in reciting the Rosary, shall have, during their life and at their death, the Light of God and the plenitude of His graces. At the moment of death, they shall participate in the merits of the Saints in paradise. 9. I shall deliver from Purgatory, those who have been devoted to the Rosary. 10. The faithful children of the Rosary, shall merit a high degree of glory in Heaven. 11. You shall obtain all you ask of me, by the recitation of the Rosary. 12. All those who propagate the Holy Rosary, shall be aided by me, in their necessities. 13. I have obtained from my Divine Son, that all the advocates of the Rosary, shall have for intercessors, the entire Celestial Court during their life and at the hour of death. 14. All who recite the Rosary are my sons and brothers of my only Son, Jesus Christ. 15. Devotion to my Rosary is a great sign of predestination.
“The Rosary, recited with meditation on the mysteries, brings about the following marvellous results:
It gradually gives us a perfect knowledge of Jesus Christ;
It purifies our souls, washing away sin;
It gives us victory over all our enemies;
It makes it easy for us to practice virtue;
It sets us on fire with love of Our Blessed Lord;
It enriches us with graces and merits;
It supplies us with what is needed to pay, all our debts to God and to our fellow men and finally, it obtains all kinds of graces for us from Almighty God.”
One Minute Reflection – 1 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and the Holy Angels” – St Remigius (c438-533) Confessor, “Apostle of the Franks” Bishop –Ecclesiasticus Sir ach 44:16-27; 45:3-20 – Matthew 25:14-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Well done, good and faithful servant … Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”- Matthew 25:21
REFLECTION – “The Word of the Father, Only-begotten Son of God, Sun of Justice (Mal 3:20), is the great Merchant Who has brought us the price of our redemption. It is a truly precious exchange which we can never value sufficiently, when a King, Son of the King Most High, has become the Coin, the Gold has paid our dues, the Just Man is given for the sinner. Truly unmerited mercy, perfectly disinterested love, astonishing goodness …, it is a completely disproportionate purchase, in which the Son of God is delivered up for the servant, the Creator is put to death for the one He has created, the Lord is condemned for His slave.
O Christ, these are Thine Works, Thou Who descended from Heaven’s brightness into our hellish darkness, to bring Light to our gloomy prison. Thou came down from the Right Hand of the Divine Majesty, into our human misery, to redeem the human race, Thou Who descended from the Father’s glory, to death on the Cross, to triumph over death and its author. Thou art the only One and there is no other but Thee Who could have been drawn to redeem us through Thine Own Goodness…
Let all the merchants of Teman (Bar 3:23) withdraw from this place … it is not they but Israel [Thy] beloved whom [Thou hast] chosen, Thou Who hide these mysteries from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to those babes and humble servants of Thine (Lk 10:21) … O Lord, I willingly embrace this purchase since it concerns me!… I remember all the things Thou hast done, Thou Who desire that I should keep them alive … Therefore, I shall profit by this talent which Thou hast lent to me until Thy return and will stand before Thee with great joy. O God, grant that I may then hear these sweet words: “Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Mt 25:21).” – St Bernard O.Cist. (1091-1153) Cistercian Monk, known as the Last Father and the Mellifluous Doctor of the Church (Selected sermons, no 42: The Five Purchases).
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God that the solemn feast of blessed Remigius, Thy Confessor and Bishop, may both increase our devotion and advance our salvation. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 1 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels”
Queen of the Holy Rosary, Our Lady of Pompeii (Portion)
O blessed Rosary of Mary, Sweet chain which unites us to God, Bond of Love, which connects us with the Angels, Tower of Safety against the assaults of hell, Sure Harbour in the universal shipwreck, never more shall we part with thee; thou shall be our comfort in the hour of agony: to thee, the last kiss of our life and the last word of our dying lips, shall be thy sweet name – Queen of the Rosary of Valle di Pompeii. Mother dear, only refuge of sinners, supreme comforter of the afflicted, blessed be thy name, now and forever, on earth and in heaven. Amen.
Hail Queen, Mother of mercy: ℣ Vouchsafe that I may praise thee, o sacred Virgin. ℟ Give me strength against thy enemies. ℣ Pray for us, Queen of the most holy Rosary ℟ That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
This Prayer has been approved by the Congregation of Rites and Pope Leo XIII has granted an Indulgence of Seven Years and Seven Quarantines to those who devoutly recite it on 8 May or on the first Sunday in October. (Rescript of 18 June 1887)
Saint of the Day – 1 October – Saint Severus Priest and Confessor of Orvieto, in Umbria, Italy, Miracle-worker. Two entries in the Roman Martyrology probably relate to this Saint: ✴under 15 February: “In the Province of Valeria, St Severus, Priest, of whom St Gregory (the Great) says that by his tears he recalled a dead man to life”; and: The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Orvieto, St Severus, Priest and Confessor.”
Crucifixion with the Virgin and SS Severus (damaged), Augustine, Mary Magdalene, John the Evangelist, Elizabeth, John the Baptist and Martirius (lost) Fresco (13th Century) in SS Severus and Martirius.
The Abbey of Saints Severus and Martirius (23 January) outside Orvieto is dedicated to our Saint together with St Martirius.
Dialogues of Pope Gregory the Great: These two men are mentioned in successive stories in the Dialogues of Pope Gregory.
Book I, Chapter 12: of Severus, a Priest in the same Province
This chapter relates of a Parish Priest called Severus who lived in a valley in the Province of Valeria.
The account records that he delayed visiting a dying man (because he was busy in his vineyard) and, therefore, failed to give him Extreme Unction before he died. On hearing of the death, “the good man fell a trembling and cried out aloud that he had killed him; whereupon he fell a weeping and in that manner came to the corpse … suddenly the dead man returned to life.”
He recounted that, as he had been taken “ through dark places, suddenly a beautiful young man with others met us, who said … ‘Carry him back again; for Severus the Priest laments his death and our Lord, for his tears, hath given him longer life.’”
Severus duly administered the Sacrament, and the man died again having confessed his sins.
The date chosen for the Feast of St Severus in Orvieto (1st October) is also the date of the translation of the presumed Relics of another St Severus whose Feast is 15 February to Trier in the 10th Century. This St Severus was from Munstermaifeld, in Germany and these Relics are now in Saints Martin and Severus Church there.
The supposed Relics of Saints Severus and Martirius in Orvieto were, in 1613, moved to Sant’ Angelo (which belonged to the Abbey), presumably for greater security. They were placed in a new Reliquary and the High Altar of Sant’ Angelo was restored in order to receive it. The old Reliquary was then destroyed. An attempt was made to steal the Reliquary in July 2011 but the stolen objects were, fortunately, recovered.
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