Quote/s of the Day – 6 August – The Transfiguration of the Lord
“Lord, it is good for us to be here …”
Matthew 17:4
“And lo a Voice out of the cloud, saying: This is My Beloved Son, in Whom I Am well pleased, hear ye Him.”
Matthew 17:5
“He leads them up a high mountain and shows them His royalty before suffering, His power before dying, His glory before being insulted and His honour before undergoing ignominy. In this way, when He will be captured and Crucified, His Apostles will understand that He did not undergo this because of weakness but, to consent and willingly so, for the salvation of the world.”
St Ephrem (306-373) Father & Doctor of the Church “The Harp of the Holy Ghost!
“By His loving foresight, He allowed them to taste for a short time, the contemplation of eternal joy, so that they might bear persecution bravely.”
The Venerable St Bede (673-735) Father and Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 6 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – The Transfiguration of Our Lord – 2 Peter 1:16-19 – Matthew 17:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“His Face shone like the sunand His garments became white as snow.” – Matthew 17:2
REFLECTION – “The Lord displays His glory before chosen witnesses and makes illustrious that bodily shape which He shared with others, with such splendour that His Countenance shone like the sun and His garments became as white as snow. In this Transfiguration, the chief object was to remove the scandal of the Cross from the hearts of the disciples and, to prevent their faith being disturbed, at the humiliation of His voluntary Passion, by revealing the excellence of His hidden dignity. But, with no less foresight, the foundation was laid, of the hope of holy Church, that the whole Body of Christ, might realise, with what a change it was to be endowed and that the members, might promise themselves, a share in that honour which had shone forth in their Head.
But to confirm the Apostles and to lead them onto all knowledge, still further, instruction was conveyed by this miracle. For Moses and Elias, that is, the law and the prophets, appeared talking with the Lord, so that, in the presence of these five men, might most truly be fulfilled, what was said – In two or three witnesses every word stands. What more stable, what more steadfast, than the Word, in the proclamation of which, the trumpet of the Old and of the New Testaments, sounds forth and the records of ancient witnesses, agree with the teaching of the Gospel? For the pages of both Covenants corroborate each other and He, Whom, under the veil of Mysteries, the types that went before, had promised, is displayed clearly and manifestly by the splendour of His present glory.
The Apostle Peter, therefore, being stirred by the revelation of these Mysteries, despising things worldly and scorning things earthly, was carried away by a certain excess of mind, to the desire of things eternal and, being filled with rapture at the whole vision, longed to make his abode with Jesus, in the place where he was gladdened by the sight of His glory. And so also he says: Lord, it is good for us to be here: if Thou wilt, let us set up here, three tents, one for Thee and one for Moses and one for Elias. But to this proposal the Lord made no reply, signifying that what he asked was not indeed wicked, but irregular, since the world could not be saved, except by Christ’s Death and by the Lord’s example in this, the faithful were called upon to believe that, although there ought not to be any doubt about the promises of happiness, yet, we should understand that, amid the trials of this life, we must ask for power to endure, rather than for glory.” – St Leo the Great (400-461) Pope, Father and Doctor (Sermon on the Transfiguration – excerpt).
PRAYER – O God, Who in the glorious Transfiguration of Thy Only-begotten Son strengthened the Mysteries of faith, by the testimony of the fathers and, by the Voice coming down in a shining cloud, miraculously betokened the complete adoption of Thy children, mercifully grant that we, be made co-heirs with that King of glory and sharers in that same glory. 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 – 6 August – The Transfiguration of Our Lord
Lux Alma, Jesu Light of the Anxious Heart By St Bernard (1091-1153). Father & Mellifluous Doctor of the Church
Light of the anxious heart, Jesus, Thou dost appear, To bid the gloom of guilt depart, And shed Thy sweetness here.
Joyous is he, with whom, God’s Word, Thou dost abide; Sweet Light of our eternal home, To fleshly sense denied.
Brightness of God above! Unfathomable grace! Thy presence be a fount of love Within Thy chosen place.
To Thee, Whom children see, The Father ever blest, The Holy Spirit, One and Three, Be endless praise addrest.
Translation by Cardinal Newman (1800-1890). There are eight translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Lauds on the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord. This Hymn is a cento from St Bernard’s Jesu Dulcis Memoria.
Saint of the Day – 6 August – St Hardulph 7th Century Hermit in Breedon-On-The-Hill, Leicestershire, England.
The ruins of Breedon Monastery
St Hardulph is a mysterious figure within Anglo-Saxon texts. It seems certain that his history is somehow intertwined with that of Eardwulf or Eaduulf of Northumbria and perhaps, they are one and the same man. Hardulph’s name chiefly appears immortalised in the joint dedication of the Priory Church at Breedon-On-The-Hill, Leicestershire, to St Mary and St Hardulph. The incomplete tale of Eardwulf agrees extremely well, with that of Hardulph, From that which we know, Eardwulf was recalled from exile in 796, to replace the deposed King Osbert of Northumbria. Eardwulf’s lineage is not known, other than that his father was also called Eardwulf.
The Angel of Breedom
A certain Eardwulf is also recorded as having succeeded a King Aldfrith of Northumbria in, 705 (according to the Venerable St Bede) — a full 91 years earlier, thus who perhaps maybe the same or a different King.
Eardwulf was inaugurated at York Cathedral on 26 May 796. In the year 790, it is reported that the Northumbrian King Aethelred I put Eardwulf to death in Ripon, Yorkshire. Eadwald was found alive the next day and so was venerated by some, as a Saint. Eardwulf was reinstated as King sometime between 808–830 (dependent on sources). Little is known about the end of his reign, although it is assumed that he died in or near Breedon-on-the-Hill and is buried there which could be why the Church is dedicated to him. This information comes from a list of saints’ final resting places written by Hugh Candidus in the 12th Century, which lists an ‘Ardulphus Rex’ as buried at Breedon. This is also where the link between Hardulph and Eardwulf is made.
The connection between Hardulph and Anchor Church becomes even more obscure. The main evidence linking the two is a fragment written in a 1541 book on the life of St Modwenna which lists a ‘St Hardulche’ as living in a ‘cell in a cliff a little from the Trent.’
Whilst Anchor Church is very likely the ‘cell’ referred to here, there is no explicit mention of it. Similarly, it has been pointed out that Modwenna died in the late 6th Century and so, unless this is a different Modwenna, this cannot be Eardwulf. The dating is closer to that of the ‘Eadwulf’ mentioned earlier, although not close enough.
The link then, is tentative — however, with the gaps in history and a great lack of written documents from the time-period, it is by no means impossible that all of which has previously been stated, is very close to the truth.
Hardulph, then, is an endlessly mysterious character. Perhaps we shall never know whether he truly ever inhabited Anchor Church and indeed, whether he was a King a long way from home, whisked away from a tumultuous home in Northumbria. Either way, the mystery of the cave and the mystery of the man seem a perfect fit for one another, a story perhaps never to be fully told but never ceasing to intrigue.
St Pope Sixtus II/ Xystus (Died 258) Pope and Martyr, Philosopher. 25th Pope from St Peter. Papal Ascension 30 August 257. He was Martyred along with seven deacons, (St Lawrence of Rome a few days later) during the persecutions of Christianity by Emperor Valerian. This is the St Sixtus who is commemorated in the Roman Canon Eucharistic Prayer. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/06/saint-of-the-day-6-august-saint-sixtus-ii-died-258-pope-and-martyr/
Bl Octavian of Savona St Stephen (Died 872) Abbot and Martyr of Cardeña
Martyrs of Cardeña: Two hundred Benedictine Monks at the Saint Peter of Cardegna monastery, Burgos, Spain who were Martyred in the 8th century by invading Saracens. They were buried by local Christians in a nearby churchyard in Burgos, Spain and Beatified in 1603 by Pope Clement VIII (cultus confirmed).
Thought for the Day – 5 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Theological Virtues of Our Lady
“We also possess the Catholic Faith, or at any rate, believe that we possess it, for we often recite the Creed and were received, at Baptism, into the family of the Catholic Church.
But is our faith alive? When a man is living his faith, he has a constant realisation of the Presence of God, Who has created him, maintains him in existence, has redeemed him, loves him and commands him to do good. Otherwise, our faith is dead, for as St James writes, “faith, without works, is dead” (Js 2:26). If our faith is not living, neither is our hope nor our charity.
Let us examine ourselves thoroughly. Perhaps we do not think about God enough and, as a result our faith is weak. Perhaps we place all our hope in earthly things and look for these passing pleasures, which cannot satisfy or hearts. Perhaps we love ourselves and our possessions too much and have too little love for God, our only real good. It maybe that we are constantly seeking our own interests and ease and are lacking in sincere and active charity towards our neighbour, when he is in need, even though he is our brother in Jesus Christ and we should love him as ourselves. If this is the way matters stand, we are not genuine Catholics, for we have not the three theological virtues, which should form the basis of our lives. Neither are we sincere sons of Mary, who possessed these three virtues in an outstanding manner. Let us examine ourselves with a view to forming a few good and earnest resolutions.”
Quote/s of the Day – 5 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Dedication of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Snows – Sirach 24:14-16: Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here:
“Blessed is the womb which bore thee”
Luke 11:27
“No matter how sinful one may have been, if he has devotion to Mary, it is impossible that he be lost.”
St Hilary (315-368) Father and Doctor of the Church
“Mary signifies “Light-Giver” or “Star of the Sea” for she gave birth to the Light of the World. In the Syriac tongue, however, Mary means “Lady” and beautifully so, since she gave birth to the Lord.”
St Isidore of Seville (c560-636) Father & Doctor of the Church
“Being thy servant, O Mary, is a surety of salvation which God grants solely, to those He will save!”
St Andrew of Crete (660-740) Bishop, Father of the Church
“When we appeal to the throne of grace, we do so through Mary, honouring God by honouring His Mother, imitating Him, by exalting her, touching the most responsive chord in the Sacred Heart of Christ, with the sweet name of Mary!”
St Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621) Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 5 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Dedication of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Snows – Sirach 24:14-16 – Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Blessed is the womb that bore Thee ” – Luke 11:27
REFLECTION – “Once indeed, God ejected the mortals and first parents of the human race from the paradise of Eden, when they had drunk deeply from the wine of disobedience and had become so affected by the hangover of sin, through the intoxication of that transgression which led to the sleepiness of the mind’s eye. …
Then Adam and Eve, the founders of our race, exclaimed with a loud voice in great rejoicing: “Blessed are you, O daughter, who bore for us the penalties of the commands that had been broken. When you had gained a mortal body from us, you gave birth to a covering of immortality for us. You repaid us so that it might be well with us, since you received birth from our loins. From beyond the grave, you have called us back to our ancient seat: we closed paradise for ourselves but you made open the way of the Tree of Life. Through our actions, sadness came forth from happiness; through you, even more joyful things have returned, from sorrow. In what possible way could you be acceptable to death, O Immaculate one? You are the bridge of life and the ladder to Heaven: you are a boat over the sea of death, reaching to immortality.”
But the woman herself, as she did not shrink from the truth, said: “Into Thy hands, my Son, I commend my spirit. Receive this soul which is dear to Thee which Thou hast preserved free from any sin. I hand over my body, not to the earth but to Thee. Take me to Thyself, that where Thou art, Thou, the Child of my womb, so there I also may be Thy companion. I am hastening to Thee, Who hast often come to me on this side of that long distance.”
When she had said this, she heard in reply: “Come to My rest, My blessed Mother: arise, come, My Beloved, most blessed among all women. Behold, the winter is ended. You are all fair, My Beloved and there is no spot of stain found in you: the odour of your ointments are more precious than all other aromas.” – St John Damascene (675-749) Father and Doctor of the Church (An excerpt from his Homily 9: On the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary).
PRAYER – Grant us, Thy servants, O Lord God, we beseech Thee, to enjoy lasting health of mind and body and by the intercession of glorious and Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may be delivered from present sorrow and partake of the fullness of eternal happiness. 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 – 5 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Feast of the Dedication of Our Lady of the Snows
O Mary, Immaculate Virgin Prayer for Health of Soul and Body
O Mary, Immaculate Virgin, our salvation lies in thy hands. Cleanse our souls, we beseech thee, from the leprosy of sin and assist us in our corporal infirmities. And, if it be the will of God that we must be acquainted with sickness and suffering, obtain for us, at least, perfect patience and resignation, in whatsoever God may dispose. Amen.
Saint of the Day – 5 August – Saint Memmius (Died c300) the 1st Bishop of Châlons-sur-Marne, now called Châlons-en-Champagne and Châlons for short, by default he was the Founder of that Diocese and is now its Patron Saint. Also known as – “The Apostle of Châlons,” Menge,, Meinge, Memmie.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Châlons, in France, St Memmius, a Roman citizen who, being Consecrated Bishop of that City by St Peter, brought to the Truth of the Gospel, the people committed to his care.”
According to tradition, Memmius was a Roman citizen who was Consecrated by Saint Peter and sent to Gaul (modern France) to preach the Gospel.
However, the earliest known account of Memmius comes from St Gregory of Tours, who names him as the City’s Bishop and its Patron Saint and extols his miraculous healing powers both in life and posthumously which he ,himself experienced at the Saint’s tomb. when he miraculously cured one of his servants, who had fallen ill in Chalons.
According to a Vita written at various times with subsequent additions, Memmius achieved such success that he converted all the inhabitants, to the point that no-one could be found to enforce the edicts of persecution against him. It is said that Memmius, initially rejected by the people of Châlonnais, withdrew to the Bauchet Woods, where he waited for God’s time by praying and working. A painting and a stained-glass window in the Cathedral show Memmius resurrecting the Governor’s son who had drowned.
St Memmius miraculously restores the Governor’s son to life after drowning
The Bishop’s miracles touched the hearts of the inhabitants and his preaching converted many. Saint Memmie was thus the first bishop of Châlons.Memmius was thus able to die in peace after eighty years of service and was succeeded by Donatian, his Deacon.
The cult of Memmius is very well attested. From the testimony of St Gregory of Tours, it appears that already in the latter’s time, a Basilica had been erected over the Tomb of the 1st Bishop officiated by Monks, later replaced by Canons Regular. Memmius’ name appears in all codices of the St Jerome’s Martyrology on 5 August with this eulogy: ‘on this date Memmius was accepted into the historical Martyrologies and then into the Roman Martyrology, with a eulogy derived from the Vita mentioned above.
The Saint’s Tomb, however, was not in the City of Châlons but in a nearby Village which today bears his name, Saint-Memmie. The village of Saint Memmie grew up around his Tomb, where his Relics and those of Saint Pome, his sister, of Saint Donatien and of Saint Domitien, his 2 initial assistants, the latter who succeeded him, are preserved to this day.
Twelve Churches in the Diocese have Saint Memmiudas their Patron Saint and an entire district bears his name.
St Eusignius St Gormeal of Ardoilen Bl James Gerius St Margaret the Barefooted (1335-1395) Married Laywoman St Mari St Memmius (Died c300) Bishop of Châlons-sur-Marne
St Nonna of Nazianzen (c305-c374) Widow of St Gregory Nazianzen the Elder, (c276-374) the saintly Bishop of Nazianzen and Mother of St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390) Doctor of the Church, his younger brother St Caesarius Nazianzen (c331-368) a Physician and St Gorgonia (Died c375) Married, Mother. St Gregory Nazianzen’s Mother: https://anastpaul.com/2023/08/05/saint-of-the-day-5-august-st-nonna-of-nazianzen-c305-374-widow/
St Sobel St Theodoric of Cambrai-Arras St Venantius of Viviers St Viator
Martyrs of the Salarian Way: Twenty-three Christians who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. Died in 303 on the Salarian Way in Rome, Italy.
Thought for the Day – 4 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Presence of God
“In times of temptation, it is especially necessary for us to place ourselves in the presence of God. We are courting disaster, if we do not raise our minds and hearts to God to implore His help, when temptation assails us. Like the Apostles on the lake of Genesareth, when their frail boat was battered by the storm tossed waves and was in danger of being wrecked, let us cry out with the same faith and confidence, when we are assaulted by the devil: “Lord save us! We are perishing!” (Mt 8:25). God knows our weakness and will certainly have mercy on us.
Let us not lose courage if He seems to be slow in granting His enlightenment and His grace and leaves us prey to the onslaughts of our passions. Like the Canaanite woman in tbe Gospel, let us continue to pray with constancy and with faith and the merciful God will take pity on us at last.”
Quote/s of the Day – 4 August – St Dominic de Guzman OP (1170-1221) Confessor, Founder
St Dominic’s Blessing By St Dominic de Guzman OP (1170-1221)
May God the Father, Who made us, bless us. May God the Son, send His healing among us. May God the Holy Ghost, move within us and give us eyes to see with, ears to hear with, and hands, with which Thy work, might be done. May we walk and preach the Word of God to all. May the Angel of peace watch over us and lead us at last, by God’s grace, to the Kingdom. Amen
“I feel a longing and a need to become a Saint. I did not know it was so easy to become one but now I see one can be holy and happy too. I feel I simply MUST become a Saint!”
“The Holy Rosary is the best artillery against demons and their followers.”
“Whoever devoutly serves the Blessed Virgin through the recitation of the Rosary, will infallibly, receive blessings according to their spiritual and temporal needs.”
One Minute Reflection – 4 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Dominic de Guzman OP (1170-1221) Confessor, Founder – 2 Timothy 4:1-8 – 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 – “In order to clarify the role of the servants,He set at the head of His people, the Lord spoke this word related in the Gospel: “Who, then is the faithful and prudent steward whom the Master will put in charge of His servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his Master on arrival, finds doing so”… If we should be wondering in what that food allowance consists, Saint Paul gives us the answer; it is “the measure of faith which God has apportioned” (Rom 12:). That which Christ called, an allowance of food, Paul termed, a measure of faith, to teach us that there is no other spiritual food than the Mystery of Christian faith. We give you this allowance of food in the Lord’s Name every time we speak to you according to the rule of the true Faith, illumined by the spiritual gift of grace. As for that allowance, you receive it at the hands of the Lord’s stewards each time you hear the Word of Truth from the mouth of God’s servants.
May that food allowance which God shares among us, be our nourishment. Let us draw from it the solid food of worthy behaviour so that we may come to the reward of eternal life. For fear lest we collapse along the way, let us believe in Him Who gives Himself to us as Food (Mt 15:32) and reserves Himself to be our Reward, that we may find joy when we reach our homeland. Let us believe and hope in Him; let us love Him above all and in all. For Christ is our Food and will be our Reward. Christ is the nourishment and comfort of travellers on their way; He is the contentment and rejoicing of the blessed in their repose.” – St Fulgentius of Ruspe (467-532) Bishop Father (Sermon 1, 2-3).
PRAYER – O God, Who graciously enlightened Thy Church by the good works and teaching of St Dominic, Thy Confessor, grant by his intercession, that she may never be deprived of temporal helps and may ever advance in spiritual growth. 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 – 4 August – On the Feastday of St Dominic, a prayer by a Dominican
O Merciful God By St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor Angelicus Doctor Communis
O merciful God, grant that I may ever perfectly do Thy Will in all things. Let it be my ambition to work only for Thy honour and glory. Let me rejoice in nothing but that which leads to Thee, nor grieve for anything, which leads away from Thee. May all passing things be as nothing in my eyes and may all which is Thine be dear to me and Thou, my God, dear above them all. May all joy be meaningless without Thee and may I desire nothing apart from Thee. May all labour and toil delight me, when it is for Thee. Make me, O Lord, obedient without complaint, poor without regret, patient without murmur, humble without pretence, joyous without frivolity, and truthful without disguise. Amen
Saint of the Day – 4 August – Saint Perpetua (Died c80) Matron of Rome, disciple of St Peter, Apostle by whom she was converted and Baptised.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St Perpetua, who was Baptised by the blessed Apostle Peter. She, converted her son Nazarius and her husband, Africanus, to the Faith. She buried the remains of many holy Martyrs and finally went to our Lord, endowed with an abundance of merits.”
Statue of St Peter
As a young married woman and mother, St Perpetua, after her conversion by St Peter, Apostle, succeeded in converted her pagan husban named Africanus and her son, Nazarius, bringing them both to St Peter for Baptism.
Thereafter, in her courageous zeal for Christ and His Church, she proceeded by her corporal works of mercy, to collect and bury the bodies of those holy Martyrs of Christ who had been brutally murdered.
We have received no further information but do have the knowledge of her own Relics being solemnly enshrined partially in Milan and others, in Cremora, Italy.
St Dominic de Guzman OP (1170-1221) Confessor, Founder of the Dominicans – The Order of Preachers – Priest, Founder, Teacher, Preacher, Mystic, Miracle-Worker, Apostle of the Holy Rosary. At Dominic’s Baptism, Blessed Joan, his Mother, saw a star shining from his chest, which became another of his symbols in art and led to his patronage of astronomy. https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/08/08/saint-of-the-day-8-august-st-dominic-de-guzman-founder-of-the-dominican-order-of-preachers/ A lovely personal description of St Dominic here: https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/04/saint-of-the-day-4-august-st-dominic-confessor/ The Roman Martyrology states today: “At Bologna, St Dominic, Confessor, Founder of the Order of Friars Preachers, most renowned for sanctity and learning. He preserved his chastity unsullied to the end of his life and by his great merits, raised three persons from the dead. After having repressed heresies by his preaching and instructed many in the religious and Godly life, he rested in peace on the 6th of this month. His Feast, however, is celebrated on this day by decree of Pope Paul IV.”
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Thought for the Day – 3 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Human Soul
The human body is one of the most wonderful creations of God. Unlike the bodies of most animals, it does not bend, towards the earth but stands up, towards the sky, in the direction of our true heavenly fatherland. It communicates with creation outside it, by means of the five senses. It has contact with other bodies too, as a way of making use of them, when the opportunity arises, by means of the sense of touch. It has the sense of taste, to distinguish between different flavours and to act as a guide to it’s sustenance. The sense of smell, enables it to experience perfumes and to avoid unhealthy odours. By means of hearing and speech, it can communicate with other people, understand their ideas and express it’s own, as well as, listen to the wonderful music of creation. Lastly, there is sight, the most astounding of the senses, which helps us o see in earthly objects, an enchanting reflection of the eternal Beauty of God. The scientist is lost in admiration at the perfection of the human body and if his science is also wisdom, he should exclaim: ‘This is the hand of God!’
Nevertheless, in comparison with the greatness of the human soul, the perfections of the body are quite insignificant. The soul is like a breath of the Divine Spirit and a ray of the Divine Wisdom. It is a simple, spiritual and immortal being, which bears in itself, the Image of God. Unlike the body, it is not tied to this earth but can soar high above it, by means of it’s faculty of thought. It can investigate the secrets of God’s own nature and is also capable of immense love. We should indeed be grateful to God for His Infinite Goodness.
Quote/s of the Day – 3 August – The Finding of the Relics of St Stephen, Protomartyr: – Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59; Matthew 23:34-39 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And you shall be hated by all men, for My Name’s sake. But, not a hair of your head shall perish.”
Luke 21:17-18
“Lord, do not hold this sin against them”
Acts 7:60
“We are to become vessels of God’s compassionate love for others.”
St Clare (1194-1253)
“ It is necessary, therefore, to obey the Eternal Father by following Our Lord in order to hear His Word. And behold, how we are taught that all persons, whatever their condition may be, must pray and meditate, for it is there, principally, where this Divine Master speaks to us. … But, it will not do us any good to listen, if we do not DO what He says to us, observing His commandments and His wishes faithfully,”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of Charity
“You must be reconciled to your enemies, speak to them, as if they had never done you anything but good, all your life, keeping nothing in your heart but the charity, which the good Christian should have, for everyone, so that we may all appear with confidence, before the tribunal of God.”
One Minute Reflection – 3 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – The Finding of the Relics of St Stephen, Protomartyr – Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59 – Matthew 23:34-39 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Lord, do not hold this sin against them” – Acts 7:60
REFLECTION – “Let us imitate our Lord and pray for our enemies … He was Crucified yet, at the same time, prayed to His Father for the sake of those who were crucifying Him. But how could I possibly imitate our Lord, one might ask? If you wish to, you will be able to. If you were not able to do it, how could He have said: “Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart”? (Mt 11:29) …
If you have difficulty in imitating our Lord, at least imitate him who is also His servant, His Deacon – I would speak of Stephen. Just as Christ, in the midst of those crucifying Him, without considering the Cross, without considering His own predicament, pleaded with the Father on behalf of His tormentors (Lk 23:34), so His servant, surrounded by those who were stoning him, attacked by all, crushed beneath a hail of stones and, without taking any account of the suffering they were causing him, said: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). Do you see how the Son spoke and how His servant prayed? The former said: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,” and the latter said: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Moreover, to make us better realise, the fervour with which he was praying, he did not just pray, as he stood beneath the blows of the stones but, he spoke on his knees with sincerity and compassion …
Christ said: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Stephen cried out: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Paul, in his turn, said: “I offer up this sacrifice for my brethren, my kin according to race” (cf.Rm 9:3). Moses said: “If you would only forgive their sin! And if you will not, then strike me out of the book that you have written!” (Ex 32:32). David said: “May your hand fall on me and my kindred,” (2 Sam 24:17). … What kind of forgiveness do we think we shall receive if we ourselves do the opposite of what is asked of us and pray against our enemies, when the Lord Himself and His servants of both Old and New Testaments, direct us to pray on their behalf?” – St John Chrysostom (345-407) Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon for Good Friday “The Cross and the bandit”).
PRAYER – Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to imitate what we celebrate, so that we may learn to love even our enemies because we keep the anniversary of the death of him, who knew how to plead, even for his persecutors with our Lord, Jesus Christ, Thy Son. 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).
In The Name Of The Whole Christian People The Universal Prayer of St Clement I (c88–c101) Pope and Martyr, Apostolic Father of the Church
We beg Thee, Master, be our help and strength. Save those among us who are oppressed, have pity on the lowly and lift up the fallen. Heal the sick, bring back the straying and feed the hungry. Release those in prison, steady those who falter and strengthen the fainthearted. Let all nations come to know Thee, the One God, with Thy Son Jesus Christ and ourselves, Thy people and the sheep of Thy pasture. Do not keep count of the sins of Thy servants but purify them, through the bath of Thine Truth and direct our steps. Help us to walk in holiness of heart and to do what is good and pleasing in Thine eyes and in the eyes of our rulers. Master, let Thine Face shine on us to grant us every good in peace, protect us by Thine powerful Hand, deliver us from every evil, by the might of Thine Arm. Grant us and all who dwell on this earth, peace and harmony, O Lord. Amen
Saint of the Day – 3 August – St Pietro (c1033-1105) Bishop of Anagni, Italy, Mpmk, Papal Chaplain and Legate, Restorer of the Anagni Cathedral, its people and of its Clerics .Born in c1033 in Salermo, Anagni, Italy and died there on 3 August 1105. after faithfully serving his Diocese as their guardian and shepherd with discipline and love, for 43 years. Patronages – of the City and Diocese of Anagni. Also known as – Pierre, Peter.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Anagni, St Pietro, Bishop, who rested in the Lord after gaining great renown for monastic observance and for pastoral vigilance.”
Pietro had been prepared for pastoral office by the life of meditation and prayer to which he had been directed from childhood, when, descended from the family of the Lombard Princes of Salerno and, orphaned at a young age, he was sent to the Monastery of San Benedetto.
Here, he pursued the study of the Sacred Canons and so distinguished himself as a Monk that Pope St Gregory VII appointed him as the Bishop of Anagni.
As the Bishop, he improved the spiritual welfare of the City and started rebuilding the Cathedral and reform the Clerics of the See. He was then sent, as the Papal Legate to the Eastern Empire where he was also able to convince Emperor Michael VII Doukas, to provide funds and craftsmen to assist in the building of Anagni’s Cathedral. The new Cathedral also included an annexed hospice, where free accommodation and care was provided not only to the sick but also to pilgrims.
In 1096, Pietro joined the forces of Bohemond of Taranto during the First Crusade on their way to the Holy Land and later returned by way of Constantinople, Palermo and Salerno.
In Anagni, he suffered greatly at the hands of Clerics who were enemies of his reforms but when, after forty-three years as their Bishop, he died on 3 August 1105, the arduous work was accomplished! The Cathedral had been rebuilt and discipline restored to both the Clery and the faithful, including community life. Clerics he had trained were ready to worthily succeed him in the governance of the Anagni Church. His great friend and collaborator, Bruno di Segni, was then able, after celebrating his funeral, to recount his edifying life and prepare for his glorification.
Regarding the history of his cult, we recall, after the proclamation of Pietro’s Sainthood on 4 June 1110, by Pope Paschal II, a mere 4 years after his death, the Saint’s second successor, Pietro II, as legend has it, oversaw the translation of his body from the upper Basilica to the lower. Here, after more than 2 Centuries, the Anagnina Canon Jacopo de Guerra restored the aAltar erected in his honour which was Consecrated on 11 February 1324.
In a large niche carved into the back wall, he had the holy Bishop painted, nobly seated in a Cathedral between the upright figures of Saints Aurelia and Neomisia. The Anagnina Church still celebrates his Feastday on 3 August but since he is the Patron Saint of the City and Diocese, his silver-plated copper bust, with a Relic, a work of 1541, is displayed alongside the similar bust of the Martyr Magnus ,during the patronal celebrations of 19 August.
Blessed Augustine Gazotich OP (1262-1323) Bishop of Lucera, Croatia, of the Order of Preachers. He was also noted for being the guide for Dante Alighieri as the poet travelled through Croatia. His reputation for personal holiness remained noted long after his death; this resulted in Pope Innocent XII confirming the late Bishop’s Beatification in 1700. Bl Augustine’s Devout Life: https://anastpaul.com/2018/08/03/saint-of-the-day-3-august-blessed-augustine-gazotich-o-p-1262-1323/
Thought for the Day – 2 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Intercession of Our Lady
“Holy Mary, my loving Mother, hear my supplications and obtain for me, from your Divine Son, all the graces of which I am in need. Obtain for me, more of all the grace to become holy. Grant that I may do always and in all circumstances, whatever Jesus tells me to do. Grant that my will may be in harmony with His most Holy Will and, that my actions may be in accordance with His Divine Commandments, Amen”
Quote/s of the Day – 2 August – St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
“He loves you as though He had no-one else to love but you alone. You, too, should love Him alone and all others for His Sake. Of Him you may say and, indeed, you should say: My Beloved to me and I to Him (Cant, 2:16). My God has given Himself all to me and I give myself all to Him; He has chosen me for His beloved and I choose Him, above all others, for my only Love.”
“Sacrilegious tongues blaspheme the God Who preserves their existence! … you should be damned forever and, instead of thanking Him for His goodness, you, at the very time that He bestows His favours upon you, YOU blaspheme His Holy Name!”
“Let us read the lives of the Saints; let us consider the penances which they performed and blush to be so effeminate and so fearful of mortifying our flesh.”
“Since we all must die, we should cherish a special devotion to St Joseph that he may obtain for us a happy death.”
Jesus, My Saviour, Help Me! By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
Jesus, my Saviour, help me! I am resolved truly to love Thee and to leave all, to please Thee. Help me to free myself from everything which hinders me from belonging wholly to Thee, Who has loved me so much. By thy prayers, O Mother Mary, which are so powerful with God, obtain for me this grace, to belong wholly to God. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 2 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – The Feastday of St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor – 2 Timothy 2:1-7 – Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Lord appointed seventy two others and sent them forth, two-by-two before Him, into every town and place, where He, Himself was about to come.” – Luke 10:1
REFLECTION – “The names of the Apostles of the Saviour, are clear to everyone from the Gospels but no list of the seventy [two] disciples is in circulation anywhere. Some have said, to be sure, that Barnabas was one of them and the Acts of the Apostles and Paul writing to the Galatians, have made special mention of him. They say Sosthenes was of these too. Together with Paul, he wrote to the Corinthians. Tradition also holds that Matthias, who was listed among the Apostles in place of Judas and Joseph Justus, who was honoured with him at the same casting of lots, were considered worthy of the same calling among the seventy [two]. They say that Thaddaeus was also one of them, about whom I shall presently relate a story which has come down to us. On observation, you would find that the disciples of the Saviour appear to have been more than the seventy (two). Paul says that after the Resurrection from the dead, Cephas saw Him first, then the Twelve. After these saw Him, He was seen by more than five hundred brothers all at once, some of whom he says, had fallen asleep, although the majority were still alive at the time that this account was being composed by him.” – St Eusebius of Caesarea (c260-339) Bishop of Caesarea, Historian, Theologian, Father (Ecclesiastical History 1.)”
PRAYER – O God, Who through blessed Alphonsus Maria, Thy Confessor and Bishop, fired with love for souls, enriched Thy Church with a new family; we beseech Thee that, taught by his saving counsels and strengthened by his example, we may be enabled, happily to come to Thee. 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 – 2 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – The Feastday of St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor
O Mother Blest By St Alphonsus Maira Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor of the Church Trans. Fr Edmund Vaughn C.SS.R. (1827 – 1908 )
O Mother blest, whom God bestows On sinners and on just, What joy, what hope thou givest those Who in thy mercy trust. Thou are clement, thou are chaste, Mary thou art fair, Of all mothers, sweetest best, none with thee compare.
O heavenly Mother, mistress sweet! it never yet was told that suppliant sinner left thy feet, unpitied, unconsoloed. Thou are clement, thou are chaste, …
O Mother, pitiful and mild, Cease not to pray for me; For I do love thee as a child, And sigh for love of thee. Thou art clement, thou art chaste, …
Most powerful Mother, all men know Thy Son denies thee nought; Thou askest, wishest it and lo! His power thy will hath wrought. Thou art clement, thou art chaste, …
O Mother blest, for me obtain, Ungrateful though I be, To love that God who first could deign To show such love for me. Thou art clement, thou art chaste, Mary, thou art fair. Of all mothers, sweetest, best, None with thee compare.
Saint of the Day – 2 August – Saint Maximus (3rd/4th Century) Bishop of Padua, Miracle-worker. Born and died in Padua. Also known as – Massimo, Maxime.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Padua, St Maximus, the Bishop of that City, who ended his blessed life in peace with a reputation for miracles.”
I believe, St Maximus top row 3rd from the left next to Christ. The Artist is Andrea Mantegna in 1453/1453
Maximus appears as the immediate successor to Saint Prosdocimus (Died c100) being the 1st Bishop and Patron of Padua, in the oldest known list of Paduan Bishops.
Maximus’ name is contained in the 1487 chronilogy of Padua makes him a citizen of the City, who succeeded Saint Prosdocimus in 141 or 143 according to the Venetian Chronicle by Andrea Dandolo, whose life and works he recounted, unfortunately unavailable to us.
He appears on the Altarpiece of Saint Luke kept in the Brera Art Gallery in Milan, with Paduan Saints whose Relics were kept in the Church of Saint Justine in Padua for which Church this painting was intended. See the Altarpiece above.
August – The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
In 1944, Pope Pius XII set the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary to be celebrated on 22 August as the Octave of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin on 15 August. Two years earlier, on the 25th Anniversary of the Fatima apparitions, Pope Pius XII, Consecrated the Catholic family and whole human race, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
August also celebrates the Marian Feast of Our Lady of the Snows (St Mary Major) on 5 August, Our Lady Refuge of Sinners on 13 August, Our Lady of Knock on 21 August, Our Lady of Czestochowa and Our Lady Health of the Sick on 24 August.
AnaStpaul 
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