Our Morning Offering – 16 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – Pentecost VII
Glory Be to Jesus, Who in Bitter Pains By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori 1696–1787) [Attrib] Transl. Fr Edward Caswell CO (1814-1878) (An Indulgence of 100 days)
Glory be to Jesus, Who in bitter pain Poured for me the life-Blood From His sacred veins.
Grace and life eternal In that Blood I find; Blest be His compassion, Infinitely kind.
Blest through endless ages Be the precious stream, Which from endless torments Dost the world redeem.
Abel’s blood for vengeance Pleaded to the skies; But the Blood of Jesus For our pardon cries.
Oft as it is sprinkled On our guilty hearts, Satan in confusion Terror-struck departs.
Oft as earth exulting Wafts its praise on high, Angel-hosts rejoicing Make their glad reply.
Lift ye then your voices; Swell the mighty flood; Louder still and louder Praise the Precious Blood.
Saint of the Day – 16 July – St Helier of Jersey (Died c555) Martyr, Missionary from Belgium, Hermit, Ascetic, Miracle-worker. Born at Tongres, Belgium and died at Jersey in the Channel Islands. PATRONAGES – St Helier is the Patron Saint of Jersey and in particular of the Diocese and Capital City of Jersey, named for him – Saint Helier, he is invoked against and for the cure of EYE diseases and skin disorders, Also known as – Elerio, Elie, Helerous, Hielier, Helerius, Hélyi.
Helier was born to pagan parents in Tongeren (now in Belgium). His father was Sigebert, a nobleman from Tongres and his mother was Lusigard. Having had difficulties conceiving a child, they turned to a Christian teacher named St Cunibert, who advised them to pray to God and that when they had a child they must hand him over to God and that he, Cunibert, would bring him up in the Christian faith.
Their prayers having been answered, Helier was born but Helier’s father, the Frankish Governor of that place, eventually grew angry at the influence Cunibert exerted over his precocious son, who was already causing consternation with his youthful miracles. Helier’s father had Cunibert killed, whereupon Helier fled.
Helier’s wanderings led him to the coast of France where he sought retreat from the distractions of the world in the monastic community of Saint Marculf at Nantus (now St.-Marcouf-de-l’Isle in Manche).
Helier, however, found the monastic community did not provide the quiet he required to devote himself fully to a life of contemplation. St Marculf had received pleas from the few inhabitants of the island called Gersut, or Agna, now called Jersey, which was all but depopulated due to repeated attacks by Vikings. The inhabitants requested someone to help them and bring the Gospel to them as they had no shepherd to guide and care for their spiritual needs.
A medieval Chapel was constructed over ‘St Helier’s Bed’ the hollow in the rock whre Helier sheltered. The Hermitage rock is the focus of the annual pilgrimage
Marculf sent Helier and a companion, Saint Romard, to Jersey where he found a small community of fishermen on the sand dunes where the modern City of St Helier was to develop. Helier settled on a tidal islet, nowadays known as the Hermitage Rock, next to L’Islet,[ another tidal island now occupied by the 16th Century Elizabeth Castle. The Romard would travel back and forth between the hermitage on this rock and the fishing village.
The Elizabeth Castle
From the vantage point on his rock, Helier could see the sails of approaching attackers and would signal to the shore, whereupon the inhabitants would scatter into the surrounding marshes, thereby frustrating the attackers’ bloodlust. Small dark clouds on the horizon are still known in Jersey as the sails of St Helier.
Helier remained at his hermitage in fasting and prayer for about fifteen years. The belief is that around 555 he was Martyred by marauding pirates who beheaded him with an axe – hence the crossed axes on the parish crest.
Once while Marculf was visiting, a band of raiders arrived. The Holy men, Marculf, Helier and Romard, prayed atogether nd made the Sign of the Cross resulting in a great storm awhich suddenly arose and destroyed the raiders ships.
Although Helier’s fasting ensured that his body was of a very lean and weak statue, legend holds that he had the strength, when he was beheaded by attackers, to pick up his head and walk to shore. According to the hagiography, Romard discovered Helier’s body on the beach still clutching his head in his hands. He placed it in a boat and set off for the mainland. The boat, guided by the hand of God, arrived at Bréville-sur-Mer, where a miraculous Spring arose on the spot where Helier’s body had rested overnight. A Church was founded next to the Spring, which is now topped by a statue and still attracts those seeking a cure.
Marculf founded an Abbey on L’Islet not far from Helier’s Hermitage and named it for his pupil. It was later visited by St Samson of Dol.
Churches dedicated to Helier can be found in Rennes, St Helier, Beuzeville, Amécourt, Barentin (Seine-Maritime), Monhoudou (Sarthe). Evidence of veneration of the saint can be found in La Hague in the Cotentin at Querqueville and also at Omonville-la-Rogue where a 13th-Century mural in the Church of St John the Baptist links Helier with Thomas Becket.
St Helier’s Feast day, marked in Jersey by an annual municipal and Ecumenical Pilgrimage to the Hermitage on 16 July. The Hermitage is depicted on the Jersey 2 pence coin and on the 2010 issue of the Jersey £10 note.
In 2005, the tides necessitated an early morning start to the Pilgrimage.
St Andrew the Hermit St Antiochus of Sebaste Bl Arnold of Clairvaux Bl Arnold of Hildesheim St Athenogenes of Sebaste
St Bartholomew of Braga OP – ArchBishop of Braga also known as Bl Bartholomew of the Martyrs (Bartolomeu Fernandez dei Martiri Fernandes) (1514-1590) Portuguese Dominican Friar and Priest, Writer, Theologian, Advisor, Teacher and Catechetical writer, Apostle of Charity founding a series of hospitals and hospices in Braga and surrounds. St Bartholomew: https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/16/saint-of-the-day-16-july-blessed-bartholomew-of-the-martyrs-1514-1590/
St Generosus of Poitou St Gobbán Beg St Gondulf of Tongeren-Maastricht St Gondolf of Saintes St Grimoald of Saintes St Helier of Jersey (Died c555) Martyr, Hermit Bl Irmengard St Landericus of Séez Bl Madeleine-Françoise de Justamond Bl Marguerite-Rose de Gordon Bl Marguerite-Thérèse Charensol Bl Marie-Anne Béguin-Royal Bl Marie-Anne Doux
St Marie-Madeline Postel (1756-1846) Religious Sister and Founder of the Sisters of Christian Schools of which she is the Patron, Teacher, Franciscan tertiary. Pope Pius X later signified on 22 January 1908 his approval to two investigated miracles attributed to her intercession and so Beatified her on 17 May 1908. Pope Pius XI confirmed two additional miracles and Canonised Blessed Marie-Madeline on 24 May 1925. Her Life: https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/16/saint-of-the-day-16-july-st-marie-madeline-postel-
Bl Marie-Rose Laye Bl Milon of Thérouanne St Monulphus of Tongeren-Maastricht Bl Ornandus of Vicogne
Martyrs of Antioch – 5 Saints: Five Christians who were Martyred together. No details about them have survived by the names – Dionysius, Eustasius, Maximus, Theodosius and Theodulus. They were Martyred in Antioch, Syria, date unknown.
Thought for the Day – 15 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Voice of God
“It will go hard with the man who refuses to listen to God. He has reason to be afraid when he lets God’s inspirations and graces pass him by. Anyone who is deaf to God’s appeals, cannot be saved.
God spoke many times in the heart of His Apostle Judas but, he did not listen. Even in the Garden of Gethsemane. when Judas betrayed his Master with a kiss, Jesus spoke to him and called him His friend, giving him the kiss of peace and forgiveness. But, the traitor spurned this last appeal and went his way.
May this never be our fate. “Be not silent” let us plead, “Lord be not far from me!” (Ps 34:22). Above all, let us listen obediently to His Voice from whatever source it comes and let us do what He advises us.”
Quote/s of the Day – 15 July – Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Be you then also ready …” Luke 12:40
“Wretch! using the excuse that your Master is late, do you imagine He will not come at all? His coming is certain! Then why do you not stay on your guard? No, the Lord is not slow in coming – this lateness is purely in the imagination of the wicked servant!”
St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father and Doctor of the Church
“It is time now for us to rise from sleep!”
St Benedict (c 480-547)
“But vigilant faith not only performs good works, like living faith, it also penetrates and understands revealed Truths quickly and with great depth and subtlety of perception. It is active and diligent, in seeking and embracing those things which can increase and strengthen it. It watches and perceives from afar, all its enemies. It is always on the alert to discover the good and to avoid evil. It guards itself against anything which could ruin it. Vigilant, it walks firmly and easily keeps from falling over precipices.
This vigilant faith is accompanied by the Four Cardinal Virtues: Fortitude, Prudence, Justice and Temperance. It uses them as an Armoured Breastplate to put its enemies to flight, or to remain among them firm, invincible and unshaken. So great is its strength that it fears nothing because, not only is it strong but also, it is aware of its strength and by Whom it is supported —Truth itself!””
One Minute Reflection – 15 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St Henry II (972-1024) Confessor, Holy Roman Emperor. – Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Blessed are those servants, whom the Master, on His return, shall find watching.” – Luke 12:37
REFLECTION – “How blessed, how happy are those servants, “whom the lord when He comes shall find watching!” (Lk 12:37) Blessed watch, in which they watch for God the Creator of the universe, who fills all things and surpasses all!
Would that myself too, wretched though I be, yet His poor servant, He might deign so to arouse from the sleep of idleness, so to kindle with that fire of Divine Love that the flame of His Love, the longing of His so great Charity, would mount above the stars and the Divine Fire would ever burn within me!
Would that I were of such deserving, that my lamp might ever burn by night in the temple of my Lord that, to all entering the house of my God, it might give light (cf Mt 5:15). Lord, grant me, I pray Thee, in the Name of Jesus Christ Thy Son, my God that love which knows no fall, so that my lamp may feel the kindling touch and know no quenching, may burn for me and for others, may give light!” – St Columban (543-615) Monk, Irish Missionary, Abbot, Writer, Reformer, Teacher, Miracle-worker, Founder of numerous Monateries in present-day France and Italy. (Spiritual Instructions No 12:2)
PRAYER – O God, Who on this day took Henry, Thy Confessor, to the everlasting Kingdom from the throne of an earthly empire; we humbly beseech Thee, that as Thou enabled him, protected by the abundance of Thy grace, to overcome the temptations of the world, so grant that we, in emulation of him, may shun the allurements of this world and come to Thee with pure hearts.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 – 15 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” and Mary’s Day
Most Holy Mary By St John of the Cross (1542-1591) Doctor of the Church
Most holy Mary, Virgin of virgins, Shrine of the most Holy Trinity, joy of the Angels, sure Refuge of sinners, take pity on our sorrows, mercifully accept our sighs and appease the wrath of your most holy Son. Amen.
Saint or Feast of the Day – 15 July – The Feast of the the “Divisio Apostolorum – the Division of the Apostles” also known as (‘Dispersion’) a Feast which was very popular in the Middle Ages and continued into the Tridentine period on many local calendars but was never on the General Calendar. It is the Liturgical commemoration of an ancient tradition that some time after the Ascension, the Apostles cast lots for which part of the world each one of them would go, spreading out from Jerusalem. to preach the Gospel to all the ends of the earth.
The Common Office of the Apostles refers to this idea repeatedly, as, for example, in the first Antiphon of Matins, taken from Psalm 18. “Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth and their words unto the ends of the world” and, likewise, the third Antiphon from Psalm 44, “Thou shalt make them princes over all the earth; they shall remember Thy Name, O Lord.” …
The earliest reference to this Feast is a sequence which was well-known and widely used in the Middle Ages, written by one Godeschalk, a Monk of Limburg Abbey in Western Germany, who died in 1098.
There is a tradition known from the 4th Century, which declares that the Baptismal Creed, now called the Apostles’ Creed, was composed as a rule of the Faith by the Twelve before this dispersal, with each one of them contributing an one of the Aarticles of our Faith. … It is seen here in a Carthusian Breviary c1490, (starting near the top of the right column), in which the name of an Apostle is printed in red before each Article of the Creed.
St Henry II (972-1024) Holy Roman Emperor. Henry was well known for his Missionary spirit and for his protection of the Pope in times of trouble. Henry ruled with a spirit of great humility and always sought to give the glory to God. He used his position to promote the work of the Church and the peace and happiness of the people. Another Saints whose Feast was moved in 1969 from today, 15 July to 13 July. Biography: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/07/13/saint-of-the-day-13-july-st-henry-ii-holy-roman-emperor/
Divisio Apostolorum / Division of the Apostles: Commemorates the missionary work of the Twelve Apostles. It was first mentioned in the 11th Century and was celebrated in the northern countries of Europe during the Middle Ages. It is now observed in Germany, Poland and some Diocese of England, France and the United States.
St Abundantia of Spoleto St Abudemius of Bozcaada St Adalard the Younger
Blessed Anne-Mary Javouhey (1779-1851) “The Mother of the Slaves,” Religious Sister, Missionary and Founder of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Cluny. Imagine a Mother Teresa in the France of Napoleon’s day and you will have a picture of Anne-Marie Javouhey. Nanette, as she was called, was a “velvet brick,” a thin layer of gentleness covering her determined core. A competent leader, Nanette dominated every scene in her adventurous life. Blessed Anne-Marie was Beatified on 15 October 1950 by Pope Pius XII. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/15/saint-of-the-day-15-july-blessed-anne-mary-javouhey-1779-1851/
St Apronia
St Athanasius of Naples (c 830-c 872) Confessor, Bishop of Naples from 849 until his death, Papal Legate, Reformer and restoring of Monasteries, he built a Hospice for pilgrims and a new Monastery, a man of austerity and prayer. This Athanasius should not be confused with his nephew, Athanasius II, also the Bishop of Naples. About this St Athanasius, a Patron of Naples among +70 Patrons: https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/15/saint-of-the-day-15-july-st-athanasius-of-naples-c-830-c-872/
St Antiochus of Sebaste St Benedict of Angers
Blessed Bernard of Baden TOSF (1428-1458) Margrave of Baden, Germany (Margrave was originally the medieval title for the military commander assigned to maintain the defence of one of the border provinces of the Holy Roman Empire.) Tertiary of the Order of St Francis, Apostle of the poor and the needy. Bernard was Beatified on 16 September 1769 by Pope Clement XIV. His Canonisation process continues, at present, the second miracle required is being investigated. Blessed Bernard’s Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/15/saint-of-the-day-15-july-blessed-bernard-of-baden-tosf-1428-1458/
Bl Ceslas Odrowaz St David of Sweden St Donivald St Eberhard of Luzy St Edith of Tamworth St Eternus St Felix of Pavia St Gumbert of Ansbach St Haruch of Werden St Jacob of Nisibis St Joseph Studita of Thessalonica Bl Peter Aymillo St Plechelm of Guelderland Bl Roland of Chézery St Valentina of Nevers St Vladimir I of Kiev
Martyred Jesuit Missionaries of Brazil – 40 Beati: A band of forty Spanish, Portugese and French Jesuit Missionaries Martyred by the Huguenot pirate Jacques Sourie while en route to Brazil. They are – Aleixo Delgado • Alonso de Baena • álvaro Borralho Mendes • Amaro Vaz • André Gonçalves • António Correia • Antônio Fernandes • António Soares • Bento de Castro • Brás Ribeiro • Diogo de Andrade • Diogo Pires Mimoso • Domingos Fernandes • Esteban Zuraire • Fernando Sánchez • Francisco Alvares • Francisco de Magalhães • Francisco Pérez Godoy • Gaspar Alvares • Gonçalo Henriques • Gregorio Escribano • Ignatius de Azevedo • Iõao • João Fernandes • João Fernandes • Juan de Mayorga • Juan de San Martín • Juan de Zafra • Luís Correia • Luís Rodrigues • Manuel Alvares • Manuel Fernandes • Manuel Pacheco • Manuel Rodrigues • Marcos Caldeira • Nicolau Dinis • Pedro de Fontoura • Pedro Nunes • Simão da Costa • Simão Lopes • They were Martyed on 15 and 16 July 1570 on the ship Santiago near Palma, Canary Islands. They were Beatified on 11 May 1854 by Pope Pius IX.
Martyrs of Alexandria – 13 Saints: Thirteen Christians who were Martyred together. We know the names of three, no details about them and the other ten were all children. – Narseus, Philip and Zeno. Martyred in the early 4th-century in Alexandria, Egypt.
Martyrs of Carthage – 9 Saints: A group of nine Christians who were Martyred together. We know nothing else but their names – Adautto, Catulinus, Felice, Florentius, Fortunanziano, Januarius, Julia, Justa and Settimino. They were Martyred in Carthaginian and their relics at the Basilica of Fausta at Carthage.
Martyrs of Pannonia – 5 Saints: Five 4th-century Martyrs killed together. No information about them has survived except the names – Agrippinus, Fortunatus, Martialis, Maximus and Secundinus.
Thought for the Day – 14 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Everlasting Salvation
“We should not be discouraged because our salvation requires so many sacrifices on our part. Jesus warned us that it would have to be so. “How narrow the gate and close the way that leads to life” (Mt 7:14). “The Kingdom of Heaven has been enduring violent assault and, the violent have been seizing it by force” (Mt 11:12). “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Lk 9:23).
All this is required for salvation and anyone who is not prepared to meet these demands, cannot gain everlasting happiness. Nevertheless, there is no need for despondency. What is difficult for man is easy for God. If we ask God for His grace and co-operate generously with it, we shall be saved.
Quote/s of the Day – 14 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
“He is the origin of all wisdom. The Word of God in the heights, is the source of wisdom. Christ is the source of all true knowledge, for He is “the way, the truth and the life.” (Jn 14:6). … As way, Christ is the teacher and origin of knowledge … Without this Light, which is Christ, no-one can penetrate the secrets of faith.”
“… One of the soldiers opened His side with a lance and immediately there came forth blood and water. ” John 19:34
“Let us draw near to the Heart of our most sweet Lord Jesus and we shall be glad and rejoice in it. How good and how sweet it is to dwell in this Heart! This is the hidden treasure, the pearl of great price which we discover, O Jesus, when we dig in the field of Thy Body (cf Mt 13:44). Who, then, would cast aside this Pearl? Far from it! For It, I will give away all my goods and offer in exchange, all my concerns and affections. I will lay down all my cares in the Heart of Jesus, it is He Who will suffice for me and Who will, without fail, supply all I need to live on!”
O Holy Lord By St Bonaventure (1217-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
O Holy Lord, Father Almighty, everlasting God, for the sake of Your bounty and that of Your Son, Who for me, endured suffering and death; for the sake of the most excellent holiness of His Mother and the merits of all His Saints, grant unto me, a sinner, unworthy of Your blessings, that I may love You only, may ever thirst for Your love, may have continually in my heart the benefits of Your Passion, may acknowledge my own wretchedness and, may desire to be trampled upon and to be despised by all men. Let nothing grieve me, save my guilt. Amen
Mother of Mercy By St Bonaventure (1217-1274) Seraphic Doctor
Virgin full of goodness, Mother of Mercy, I entrust to you my body and soul, my thoughts, my actions, my life and my death. O my Queen, help me, and deliver me from all the snares of the devil. Obtain for me the grace of loving my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, with a true and perfect love, and after him, O Mary, to love you with all my heart and above all things. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 14 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:14
REFLECTION – “I shall always love and reverence the Apostles sent by Christ and their successors, in sowing the seed of the Gospel, those zealous and tireless co-operators in propagating the Word, who may justly say of themselves: Let a man so account of us as the ministers of Christ and the dispensers of the mysteries of God. For Christ, like a most watchful and most faithful householder, wished that the Gospel lamp should be lighted by such ministers and delegates, with fire sent down from Heaven and once lighted, should not be put under a measure but set upon a candlestick, so that it may spread its brightness far and wide and put to flight, all darkness and error, rife among both Jews and Gentiles.
Now it is not enough for the Gospel teacher to be a brilliant speaker in the eyes of the people; he must also be as a voice crying in the desert and endeavour, by his eloquence, to help many to lead good lives, lest, if he omit his duty of speaking, he be called the dumb dog that is not able to bark, spoken of by the prophet. Yes, he should also burn, in such a way, that, equipped with good works and love, he may adorn his evangelical office and follow the leadership of Paul. He indeed, was not satisfied with bidding the Bishop of the Ephesians: Thus command and teach: conduct thyself in work as a good soldier of Christ Jesus but he unflaggingly preached the Gospel to friend and foe alike and, said with a good conscience to the Bishops gathered at Ephesus: You know how I have kept back nothing that was for your good but have declared it to you and taught you in public and from house to house, urging Jews and Gentiles to turn to God in repentance and to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Such should be the shepherd in the Church who, like Paul, becomes all things to all men, so that the sick may find healing in him; the sad, joy; the desperate, hope; the ignorant, instruction; those in doubt, advice; the penitent, forgiveness and comfort and finally, everyone, whatever is necessary for salvation. And so Christ, when He wished to appoint the chief teachers of the world and of the Church, did not limit Himself to saying to His disciples: You are the light of the world but also added these words: A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a measure but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all who are in the house. Those churchmen err, who imagine that it is by brilliant preaching, rather than by holiness of and all-embracing love, they fulfil their office.” – St Peter Canisius SJ (1521-1597) Doctor of the Church (Sermon excerpt).
PRAYER – O God, Who gave to Thy people, blessed Bonaventure, as a minister of salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, that we who cherished him on earth as a teacher of life, may be found worthy to have him as an intercessor in heaven. 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 – 14 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus,” The Friday Devotion of the Passion and Feast of St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
To Our Lady of Sorrows By St Bonaventure (1217-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
O most holy Virgin, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ, by the overwhelming grief you experienced when you witnessed the Martyrdom, the Crucifixion and the Death, of your Divine Son, look upon me, with eyes of compassion and awaken in my heart, a tender commiseration for those sufferings and a sincere detestation of my sins, in order that, being disengaged from all undue affection for the passing joys of this earth, I may sigh after the eternal Jerusalem and that, henceforward, all my thoughts and all my actions may be directed towards this one most desirable object, the honour, glory and love of our divine Lord Jesus, and to you, the Holy and Immaculate Mother of God. Amen.
Saint of the Day – 14 July – St Bonaventure (1221-1274) – Seraphic Doctor of the Church, Confessor, Friar of the Friars Minor Order of St Francis, Bishop, Cardinal, Theologian, Philosopher, Writer, Mystic, Preacher, Teacher. One of the eaqrly Biographers of St Francis.
St Bonaventure (1221-1274) Bishop and Cardinal, Doctor of the Church By Fr Francis Xavier Weninger SJ (1805-1888)
Practical Lessons on the life of this great Doctor
I. THE LOVE AND DEVOTION OF ST BONAVENTURE to the Passion and Death of our Lord, was great beyond description. He meditated upon them daily. The Crucifix was continually before his eyes and before it, he said his prayers, either prostrate on the ground or on bended knees.
I hope that you are not among those who are ashamed to keep an image of Christ in their room! – As in that case, I must remind you of the saying of our Lord, that, on the Judgement-day, He will be ashamed of those,, who on earth, are ashamed of Him. I will suppose, therefore, that you have a Crucifix in your room but why do you so seldom prostrate yourself before it? Why do you so seldom meditate on the Passion and Death of the Saviour? Is this a sign of love and gratitude towards Him? If any human being had suffered, for love of you, only half what Christ the Lord suffered, or, if he perhaps had died to save you from death, how would you feel towards him? And why have you not the same feelings towards your Redeemer?
Endeavour, at least, to show greater love for Him in future. Let no day pass without praying before the Crucifix, raise your eyes to it sometimes during the day and manifest, by short prayers and pious ejaculations, your love and devotion towards your suffering Saviour, for example: “With my whole heart I love Thee, O Jesus and, it is bitter grief to me that I have offended Thee, O merciful God!” Or “Cleanse my soul with Thy Precious Blood.” Or, “Jesus Christ, Who didst die for me upon the Cross, have mercy on me!”
II. ST BONAVENTURE VERY SELDOM received Holy Communion or said Mass, without shedding tears. Love to the Saviour in the most Holy Sacrament thus moved his heart.
How great is your devotion and love for the Blessed Sacrament, especially at the times when you receive it? How much time do you give to prayer before and after Holy Communion? Do you purify your soul from every stain by a sincere Confession? Do you adorn it with virtues that it may be a worthy dwelling for so great a Guest, as the only Son of the Almighty? Do you appear with due reverence at the table of the Lord? How much time do you give to thanksgiving after your dear Saviour has come to you and what is your devotion during the same? Examine yourself on these points and correct yourself where you have been negligent.
Before all things, however, take care that you never receive your Lord while in mortal sin, “For” says St James of Nisibis (Died 338) “this is a crime that cannot be excused,” a crime, the wickedness of which is so great, that it deserves no pardon, when committed voluntarily, as it offends Christ our Lord above all others. You know, you believe that He Whom you receive is not only your Saviour but also your Judge, Who has power to condemn you. Before Him you will soon appear to receive your sentence for all Eternity. How dare you, therefore, receive Him unworthily, when you know that you thus draw upon yourself, the wrath of your Judge and render yourself deserving of everlasting punishment?! Is there any crime, any blasphemy, which can be compared with this? And does there exist a punishment great enough to atone for so horrible an offence towards our dear Lord? “Woe to him, eternal woe, who dares to go unworthily to the table of the Lord,” says the Venerable Bede.
“Judas, the traitor, was the first to go to Holy Communion in mortal sin. What happened to him is known to you. At the moment he committed the Sacrilege, the devil took possession of him and incited him to betray his Lord. Guard yourself that you may not imitate his wickedness! otherwise, you will receive the same punishment. Let no one dare to approach the table of the Lord like Judas,” says St John. Chrysostom.
Blessed Gaspar de Bono OM (1530– 1604) Spanish Priest, Friar of the Order of Minims, Vicar Provincial of the Order. He was noted for his particular devotion to the Passion of Christ, carrying his Crucifix everywhere as a means of evangelisation and to be able to constantly immerse himself in his Saviour’s sufferings. His Loving Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/14/saint-of-the-day-14-july-blessed-gaspar-de-bono-om-1530-1604/
Bl Giorgio of Lauria Bl Hroznata of Bohemia Bl Humberto of Romans St Idus of Ath Fadha St Just St Justus of Rome St Liebert St Marciano of Frigento St Marchelm Bl Michael Ghebre St Optatian of Brescia St Papias of Africa Bl Richard Langhorne Bl Toscana of Verona St Ulric of Zell St Vincent Madelgaire
Thought for the Day – 13 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Accepting the Will of God
“Let us pray fervently to God for spiritual peace. Let us surrender ourselves to His Will and accept everything from His Hands, remembering that everything, joy and sorrow, sickness and health, temptation and spiritual consolation, should form a mystical ladder which will gradually bring us nearer to Heaven and finally unite us to God for evermore. Everything passes but God is unchangeable.
Sufferings have to end but the merits we gain remain, if we have offered our afflictions to God. Let us surrender ourselves completely into the hands of God, Who in His goodness, gives us some happiness on earth for our consolation and causes us to suffer, so that we may be purified and made holy.”
Quote/s of the Day – 13 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – 1 Petet 5:1-4; 5:10-11, Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:16
“Hide me then in the day of evil, O Lord, in the secret place of Thy tabernacle, in the hidden recesses of Thy Face, “far from the strife of tongues” (Ps 26:5; 30:21), for Thy yoke is easy and the burden Thou hast laid on me is light (Mt 11:30). And when Thou show me the difference between Thy service and the service of the world, gently and tenderly Thou asks me if it is not better to serve Thee, the living God, than to serve strange gods (Cf 2 Chron 12:8). And I, for my part, adore the hand that lays the load, I kiss the yoke and I embrace the burden and it is very sweet to me to sweat beneath its weight. For masters other than Thee, have long possessed me… I acknowledge Thy yoke and Thy light burden which lifts me up and does not crush me down. …”
William of St Thierry O.Cist (c1075 – c1148)
“It is an old custom with the servants of God, always to have some little prayers ready and to be darting them up to Heaven frequently during the day, lifting their minds to God out of the filth of this world. He who adopts this plan, will get great fruit, with little pains.”
St Philip Neri (1515-1595)
“Amongst all loves, God’s is so to be preferred that we must always stand prepared in mind, to forsake them all for that alone!”
(Treatise on the Love of God, Book 10, Chapter 7)
“Let us always belong to God, unreservedly and without interruption. May He ever live and reign in our hearts.”
(Letter to Madame de Chantal)
“He who most loves, will be most loved.”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 13 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St Anacletus (c25-c89) 3rd Bishop of Rome and Martyr – 1 Petet 5:1-4; 5:10-11, Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Upon this rock I will build My Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven and, whatever you loose on earth, shall be loosed in Heaven.” … Matthew 16:18-19
REFLECTION – “Peter was to receive on deposit, the keys of the Church, or rather the keys of Heaven and, he should see himself entrusted with the numerous people. What did the Lord actually say to him? “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven” (Mt 16:19). For Peter had a somewhat abrupt character; if he had been without sin what sort of forgiveness would the disciples have received from him? This is why Divine Grace allowed him to fall into a certain fault, in order that his own trial should make him benevolent towards others. Do you see how God can let someone fall into sin; this Peter, the leader of the Apostles, the unshakable foundation, indestructible rock, first in the Church, impregnable harbour, unshakable tower — this same Peter, who had said to Christ: “Even though I should have to die with Thee, I will not deny Thee” (Mt 26:35), Peter who, by a divine revelation, had confessed the truth: “Thou are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Mt 16:16). … But as I said, God arranged it in this way and allowed Peter to sin because He had it in mind, to confer numerous people upon him and He feared, that his roughness, joined to his impeccability, might make him unsympathetic towards his brothers. He gave way to sin so that, remembering his own failure and the kindness of the Lord, he might testify to others, a grace of philanthropy in accord with the divine design conceived by God. The fall had been permitted to the one who was going to see himself entrusted with the Church, the Pillar of the Church, the Harbour of the Faith; the fall had been permitted to Peter, the Doctor of the Universe, in order that, the forgiveness received, might remain the foundation of love for others.” – (Attr) St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (On the Apostle Peter and the Prophet Elijah).
PRAYER – Look forgivingly on thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Anacletus thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, whom thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church.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 – 13 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus”
By the Merit of the Precious Blood of Jesus By Pope Pius VII (1742-1823) Papacy from 1800 to 1823 Indulgenced Act of Oblation to Our Father
Eternal Father! I offer Thee the merit of the Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy well-beloved Son, my Saviour and my God, for all my wants, spiritual and temporal, in aid of the Holy Souls in Purgatory and chiefly for those who most loved this Precious Blood, the price of our redemption and who were most devout to the sorrows and pains of most Holy Mary, our dear Mother.
Glory be to the Blood of Jesus, now and forever and throughout all ages. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time this prayed is offered 22 September 1817 with a Plenary Indulgence, once a month, under the usual conditions.
Note: On 15 August 1811 – the Feast of the Assumption – it is recorded that the Pope. Pius VII, celebrated Mass and was said to have entered a trance and began to levitate in a manner which drew him to the aAtar. This particular episode aroused great wonder and awe among participants which included the French Soldiers guarding him, who were ingreat wonder and awestruck disbelief, at the miraculous incident which had occurred. There is a Cause in progress and Pope Pius VII has since been elected as the Patron of the Diocese of Savona and the Patron of prisoners.
Saint of the Day – 13 July – Saint Turian (Died c750) French Abbot and Confessor, Bishop of Dol, Born in Brittany, France and died in c750 of natural causes. Also known as – Turiaf, Thivisiau, Tuien, Turiav, Turiave, Turiavus, Turien, Turiano, Turiavo, Turian of Dol.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Bretagne, St Turian, Bishop and Confessor, a man of admirable simplicity and innocence.”
Turian was born in Brittany to French nobility in the Diocess of Vannes, in the neighbourhood of the Abbey of Ballon.
At a young age, Turian entered the Monastery at Dol where he was instructed in piety and learning and promoted to Holy Orders by Saint Thiarmail.
The then Bishop of Dol, St Samson, appointed him his vicar and and at his death, probably in 733, our Saint was placed in that Episcopal Seat.
Admirable was the austerity of his life, his zeal, his charity, his watchfulness, his fervour in prayer and his firmness in maintaining discipline.
A powerful lord named Rivallon having committed many acts of violence, the Bishop went to his castle at Lanncafrut and by his strong remonstrances made him sensible of the enormity of his crimes. By the Bishop’s injunction, Rivallon underwent a canonical penance for seven years and repaired all injustices and oppressions by a sevenfold satisfaction.
The Crucifix in the St Turian’s Church Square
Saint Turian died on the 13th of July, probably about the year 750, although even the year is not certain. In the wars of the Normans, Turian’s Relics were brought to Paris and are still kept in the Abbey of Saint Germain-des-Prez. The new Paris Breviary mentions that dreadful fires have been sometimes miraculously extinguished by our Saints intercession wrought by prayer at the Shrine of his Relics.
There is a Town name for him wherein the Parish Church of St Turian resides.
Bl Anne-Andrée Minutte St Arno of Würzburg Bl Berthold of Scheide St Dogfan Bl Élisabeth Verchière St Esdras the Prophet St Eugene of Carthage St Giustina of Arzano
St Iosephus Wang Kuiju
Blessed James of Voragine OP (c1226 – 3 or 16 July 1298) Italian Archbishop of Genoa, Author of the ‘Golden Legend’ (a collection of lives of Saints and treatises on Christian festivals, one of the most popular religious works of the Middle Ages and is still published and referred to today – completed 1265), Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers of St Dominic, Writer, Scholar of great genius, Prior and Provincial General of the Order. Blessed James was Beatified on 11 May 1816 by Pope Pius VII. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/13/saint-of-the-day-13-july-blessed-james-of-voragine-op-c-1226-1298-author-of-the-golden-legend/
Bl Jean of France St Joel the Prophet Bl Marie-Anastasie de Roquard Bl Marie-Anne Depeyre Bl Marie-Anne Lambert
St Muritta of Carthage St Myrope St Salutaris of Carthage St Sarra of Egypt St Serapion of Alexandria Serapion of Macedonia St Silas (1st Century) Disciple of Sts Paul and Barnabas Bl Thérèse-Henriette Faurie Bl Thomas Tunstal St Turian (Died c750) French Abbot and Bishop
Martyrs of Cyprus – 300 Saints: 300 Christians who retired to Cyprus to live as cave Hermits, devoting themselves to prayer and an ascetic life devoted to God. Tortured and Martyred for their faith and their bodies thrown into the various caves in which they had lived. We know the names of five of them but no other details even about them – Ammon, Choulélaios, Epaphroditus, Eusthénios and Héliophotos. They were beheaded in the 12th century on Cyprus and their bodies dumped in the cave where they had lived and only rediscovered long afterwards.
Martyrs of Philomelio – 31 Saints: 31 soldiers Martyred for their faith in the persecutions of prefect Magno, date unknown. The only name that has come down to us is Alexander. In Philomelio, Phrygia (in modern Turkey).
Thought for the Day – 12 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Grace of God
“It is astonishing to consider how much St Paul accomplished when he had been transformed by the grace of God. Formerly, a persecutor of Christians, he became the Apostle of the Gentiles. Enlightened by faith and inspired by charity, he travelled the globe, spreading everywhere, the religion of Jesus Christ.
He feared neither the anger of the hostile Jews, nor the tribunals of the Roman judges, neither long and difficult journeys, nor scourging, shipwreck and imprisonment. “The love of Christ impels us,” (2 Cor 5:14) he said. It was the love of God which drove him on and on, until he met his martyrdom. But what about ourselves? We also have received grace from God. Often we hear His voice appealing to us to abandon our sinful ways, to practise virtue, to love Him more ardently and to prove our love, by deeds. If we co-operate, we shall be able to say with St Paul: “by the grace of God, I am what I am and his grace in me has not been fruitless,” (1 Cor 15:10) and “I have laboured … yet, not I but the grace of God with me” (ibid).
It is wise to recall, however, that Judas also received special graces from God. He did not correspond with them and was probably damned for eternity. If we fail to correspond with God’s graces, the result will be tragic for ourselves.”
Quote/s of the Day – 12 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St John Gualbert (c985-1073) Abbot – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6, Matthew 5:43-48 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“But I say to you, love your enemies …” Matthew 5:44
St John Gualbert said to his enemy, “I cannot refuse what you ask in Christ’s Name. I grant you your life and I give you my friendship. Pray that God may forgive me my sin.”
St John Gualbert (c985-1073) “The Merciful Knight”
“To the extent that you pray, with all your soul, for the person who slanders you, God will make the truth known to those who have been scandalised by the slander.”
St Maximus the Confessor (c 580–662)
“Remember the sufferings of Christ, the storms that were weathered… the crown that came from those sufferings which gave new radiance to the faith… All Saints give testimony to the truth that without real effort, no-one ever wins the crown.”
St Thomas à Becket (1118-1170) Martyr, Archbishop of Canterbury
“Above all, avoid false accusations and the distortion of truth regarding your neighbour.”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church
The Lord’s Prayer Jesus Matthew 6:9-13
Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our trespasses As we forgive those who trespass against us And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 12 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St John Gualbert (c985-1073) Abbot – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6, Matthew 5:43-48 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“But I say to you, Love your enemies …” Matthew 5:44
REFLECTION – “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.” – St Francis of Assisi (c1181-1226) Founder of the Friars Minor (Earlier Rule, #22).
PRAYER – May the intercession of the blessed Abbot John commend us to Thee, O Lord, so that through his merits we may obtain that which we cannot accomplish by our own. 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).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 – 12 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus”
Grant Me Grace, O Merciful God Daily Prayer of St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) (Which he was accustomed to recite everyday before the image of Christ.) Doctor Angelicus & Doctor Communis
Grant me grace, O merciful God, to desire ardently all that is pleasing to Thee, to examine it prudently, to acknowledge it truthfully and to accomplish it perfectly, for the praise and glory of Thy Name. Amen
Saint of the Day – 12 July – Saint Leo of Cava (c990-1079) The second Abbot of the Abbey of La Trinità della Cava, Apostle of the poor and needy. Born in c990 in Lucca, Tuscany, Italy and died in 1079 at the Monastery of the Holy Trinity in La Cava de Tirreni at Salerno, Italy of natural causes.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In the Monastery of La Trinità della Cava in Campania, Saint Leo I, Abbot, who provided for the poor with the work of his own hands and defended them from the powerful.”
The apparition of the Virgin to St Leo
Leo. a native of Lucca, became one of the first disciples of St Alferius, the noble hermit from Salerno, while he was still living in his Arsicia cave, at the foot of Monte Finestra, today in the Municipality of Cava de ‘Tirreni.
The goodness, humility and piety which distinguished Leo, meant that the old hermit Alferius, wante him as his successor at the helm of the nascent Abbey of the Trinità di Cava, which he founded.
Leo governed the Monastery for almost thirty years, from 1050 to 1079, personally leading a very simple life’ The beginnings of his government as Abbot was troubled by the arrogance of a local Lord whose name is unknown, who even attacked the Monastery by taking the Abbot prisoner for a short time!
But Leo managed to gain the favour of the neighbouring Barons, who bestowed many donations on the Abbey of the Trinity. It is said of Leo that he often went to collect wood in the woods and then sold it in Salerno and, with the proceeds, he sought out the poor and the needy in the surrounding regions.
When he too became old, he entrusted the office of Abbot to St Peter of Pappacarbone but Leo had to resume governance of the Monastery to soften the Cluniac rigour established by Peter of Pappacarbone, which had aroused discontent among the Monks.
During his government, Pope Gregory VII solemnly confirmed the Ordo Cavensis.
He died on 12 July 1079 and was buried in the ‘Arsicia’ cave which is now incorporated into the Chapel of the Sainted Fathers, where the Relics of St Alferius and other Saints and blessed Abbots of the famous Abbey are enshrined.
In 1641, a new Altar and Mausoleum was erected in this Chapel. On 21 December 1893, the Church, through Pope Leo XIII, confirmed the cult of the first four Abbots: Saints Alferius, Leo, Peter I, Constabilis.
Bl Conrad of Maleville Bl David Gonson St Epiphana St Faustus the Soldier St Felix of Milan * Commemorated with St Nabor St Fortunatus of Aquileia (1st Century – Died c66) Deacon St Hermagorus of Aquileia (1st Century – Died c 66) Bishop, Disciple of St Mark the Evangelist Bl Guy Vignotelli St Hilarion of Ancyra St Jason of Tarsus Bl Jeanne-Marie de Romillon
St John the Georgian Bl Lambert of Cîteaux St Leo of Cava (Died 1079) The second Abbot of the Abbey of La Trinità della Cava Bl Madeleine-Thérèse Talieu Bl Marguerite-Eléonore de Justamond Bl Marie Cluse St Menas the Soldier St Menulphus of Quimper St Nabor of Milan * Commemorated with St Felix St Paternian of Bologna St Paulinus of Antioch St Phêrô Khan St Proclus of Ancyra St Proculus of Bologna St Uguzo of Carvagna St Ultán
St Viventiolus of Lyons
Three Holy Exiles: Three Christian men who became Benedictine Monks at the Saint James Abbey in Regensburg, Germany, then Hermits at Griestatten and whose lives and piety are celebrated together. – Marinus, Vimius and Zimius.
Martyrs of Rome – Four members of the Imperial Roman nobility. They were all soldiers, one or more may have been officers, and all were Martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian – Basilides, Cyrinus, Nabor and Nazarius. Died in c 304 outside Rome, Italy and were buried there along the Aurelian Way.
Martyrs of Nagasaki – 8 Beati: Additional Memorial – 10 September as one of the 205 Martyrs of Japan Eight lay people, many them related to each other, who were martyred together: Catharina Tanaka Ioannes Onizuka Naizen Ioannes Tanaka Ludovicus Onizuka Matthias Araki Hyozaemon Monica Onizuka Petrus Araki Chobyoe Susanna Chobyoe 12 July 1626 in Nagasaki, Japan Beatified on 7 May 1867 by Pope Blessed Pius IX.
So once again we had an unscheduled BLACK-OUT yesterday – hence the shortage of posts.
At least most of you know the situation in South Africa, for the rest who have not heard of the crises called Loadshedding (controlled or scheduled power outages), if I suddenly disappear mid-word – it will definitely be another ESKOM power outage, either scheduled which has simply failed to return to ON or unscheduled which, at present, seems almost as common as ‘scheduled’ – a very BIG SIGH ….
Be it light or be it dark, I never cease praying for you all … 🙏🙏🙏🤗💖 Ana
Thought for the Day – 11 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Enemies of the Soul
“The second enemy is the world. There are so many beautiful things around us reflecting the power and the goodness of God. These should be an invitation to us to love their Creator and a spiritual ladder which leads us towards Him. Unfortunately, we often go astray in the midst of the passing beauty of this world. Often we set our hearts upon this beauty, our hearts which should belong wholly to God and which can find peace and happiness in Him alone. Sometimes worldly objects deceive the senses and ensnare the will. Riches, pleasures and honours attract us and we fail to remember that everything on earth passes like a shadow and that when we shall stand before the Judgement Seat of God, only our good works will accompany us!”
Our Morning Offering – 11 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus”
Heal Us, Lord God By St Albert of Trapani O.Carm. (c1240-1307)
O my God, Thou hast created the human race by Thine wonderful power. It is an act of Thy clemency which hast called us to share Thy glory and eternal life. When the first sin condemned us to suffer death, out of Thine goodness, Thou wished to redeem us through the Blood of Thy Son, To unite us to Thyself through our faith and Thy great mercy. Thou hast brought us back from the shame of our sin, Thou hast veiled our dishonour in the brightness of Thy glory. Look now and see that which Thou hast created, giving it subtle limbs and joints and made beautiful through its immortal soul, is now subject to the attack of Satan. Be pleased Lord, to reconstitute Thine work and heal it. May Thy power be glorified and may the malice of the enemy be stunned! Amen
AnaStpaul 
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