Saint of the Day – 6 July – Saint Justus (6th Century?) Monk of Condat, Jura, in the valley of Bienne, France. Also known as – Giusto.
In the heart of the Jura mountains, in France, the name of Saint Justus of Condat resonates, a Monk shrouded in mystery and veneration. His figure, although outlined by hagiographic fragments, emerges as a beacon of faith and devotion, illuminating the centuries with the light of his sanctity.
Unknown Monks kneeling in prayer
The ancient papers and records of the Monastery of Condat, today known as Saint-Claude, preserve his name, awarded the title of Saint. Since the most remote times, his memory was celebrated on 6 July fueling the cult of a pious man dedicated to monastic life.
However, the biographical information on Saint Justus is fragmentary, almost evanescent like the mists which envelop his mountains. History gives us only echoes of his existence, whispers of a Monk who dedicated his life to prayer and contemplation in that territory of Condat.
The choirstalls at Condat, illustrated by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, 1856
Despite the scarcity of details, devotion to Saint Justus has not been affected. Indeed, over the centuries his fame has spread, so much so that, in the 9th Century some of his Relics were transferred to Salaise in France, where they still rest today.
In 1903, St Pius X, officially confirmed the cult of Saint Justus, elevating him to an illustrious witness of the Christian Faith. His figure, although shrouded in mystery, continues to inspire and call the faithful to contemplate the Divine and to devote themselves to the spiritual life.
Martyrs of Campania – 23 Saints: A group of 23 Christians arrested, tortured and then beheaded together in the later 3rd century by order Gf Governor Rictiovarus during the persecutions of Diocletian. The names that have come down to us are – Antoninus, Arnosus, Capicus, Cutonius, Diodorus, Dion, Isidore, Lucia, Lucian, Rexius, Satyrus and Severinus.
Martyrs of Fiesole – 5 Saints: Five Christians Martyred together during the persecutions of Emperor Domitian – Carissimus, Crescentius, Dulcissimus, Marchisianus and Romulus. c 90 near Fiesole, Italy.
Thought for the Day – 5 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Living the Gospel
“The Gospel teaches perfection. It teaches the perfection of the interior life, as well as the exterior life, of private, as well as of domestic and social life. There is no problem in the universe which has not been solved in the Gospel. In regard to the spiritual life, its command is clear. “You are to be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48). “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with they whole mind … Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Mt 22:37, Mk 12:30, Lk 10:27). “This is My commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you” (Jn 15:12). “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Lk 9:23). “Blessed are the poor in spirit … the clean of heart … the peacemakers …” (Mt 5:3-10). “If thou wilt be perfect, go, sell what thou hast and give to the poor and thou shall have treasure in Heaven” (Mt 19:21). “Our Father who art in heaven … thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” (Mt 6:10). “Father … not My will but Thine be done” (Lk 22:42). Anyone who identifies himself with these maxims, rises above the level of a man, to that of an Angel. His interior life soars to such a peak, that he seems to be leading a heavenly, rather than an earthly existence. If he is living the Gospel, moreover, his external behaviour will be a faithful mirror of his interior life, for it is not enough to say “Lord, Lord” but a man must also do the will of the Father (Cf Mt 7:21). A man’s domestic and social life, will follow the pattern of his private life.
When he has reached the summit of perfection, an invisible force will emanate from him, the force of good example. This force will transform everything, within him and around him. Like Mary and the Saints, he will become the loyal and powerful co-worker with Christ in the redemption of the human race and in the Christian transformation of society. Redemption and restoration, can come only through the Gospel. Other theories are always bound up with and impeded by, human egoism. The doctrine of the Gospel is reinforced by the love of God and our neighbour. In the Gospel, public and private justice is transformed into the charity of Christ which cannot be impeded by any earthly difficulty, nor by any human barrier, not even by death! “Who shall separate us from the charity of Christ?” (Rom 8:35) asks St Paul. Let us meditate on this.”
Quote/s of the Day – 5 July – St Anthony Mary Zaccaria (1502-1539) Confessor, Priest, Founder of the Barnabits – The First Religious Order Named after St Paul The Apostle – Canonised by Pope Leo XIII on 27 May 1897.
“Angel in human form! Angelic man! Founder of the Clerics Regular of St Paul, of the Angelic Sisters and of other pious Associations. Destroyer of vices, Guardian of chastity, Restorer of the service of God. Perfect labourer for the salvation of souls, Preacher of the Word of God, Faithful disciple of St Paul. Indefatigable worker in the Vineyard of the Lord, constant enemy of the world, of the flesh and of wickedness. Conqueror of Demons. Perfect image of the ardent charity of the Holy Ghost. Today, a citizen of Heaven. The City of Cremona, rejoicing and proud of the glory of its children, filled with admiration for its citizen now gone to join the Angels, erects this Monument in token of eternal gratitude for his saintly life and heroic deeds. Amen!”
Inscription on a Monument in Cremona, Italy dedicated to Saint Anthony
One Minute Reflection – 5 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Pentecost IV – Within the Octave of Sts Peter and Paul – St Anthony Mary Zaccaria (1502-1539) Confessor, Priest, Founder of the Barnabits – The First Religious Order Named after St Paul The Apostle – 1 Timothy 4:8-16 – Mark 10:15-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Good Master, what shall I do that I may receive life everlasting?” – Mark 10:17
REFLECTION – “The incident of the rich young man and those like him, makes me think of a traveller who, wanting to visit a certain town, arrives at the foot of the walls, finds an inn there, goes down to it and, discouraged by the short distance still to do, loses all the benefit of the difficulties of his journey and prevents himself from visiting the beauties of the town. Such are those who keep the commandments but cannot bear the idea of losing their goods. I know many who fast, pray, do penance and practice all sorts of works of piety very well but, who do not spend a penny on the poor. What good are their other virtues to them?
These will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven, for “it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” Clear words and their Author does not lie but rare are those who let themselves be touched by them. “How will we live when we are stripped of everything?” is what they exclaim. “What sort of life will we lead when everything has been sold and there is no longer any property?” Do not ask me what deep design underlies God’s commandments. He Who made our laws also knows the art of reconciling the impossible with the law.” – St Basil the Great (329-379) Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Father & Doctor of the Church (Sermon 7 on Wealth).
PRAYER – Grant, O Lord God that in the spirit of Paul the Apostle, we may learn the knowledge of Jesus Christ which surpasses all understanding, wherein the blessed Anthony Mary was marvelously learned, who gathered together in Thy Church new households of Clerics and of Virgins. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 5 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – First Saturday
Mother of Love, of Sorrow and of Mercy By St Bridget of Sweden (1303-1373)
O Blessed Virgin Mary, Immaculate Mother of God, who endured a martyrdom of love and grief, beholding the sufferings and sorrows of Jesus! Thou didst co-operate in the benefit of my redemption by thy innumerable afflictions and by offering to the Eternal Father, His only-begotten Son, as a holocaust and victim of propitiation for my sins. I thank thee for the unspeakable love which led thee to deprive thyself of the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus, true God and true Man, to save me, a sinner. Oh! make use of the unfailing intercession of thy sorrows with the Father and the Son, that I may steadfastly amend my life and never again crucify my loving Redeemer by my sins and that, persevering till death in His grace, I may obtain eternal life through the merits of His Cross and Passion. Amen
Mother of love, of sorrow and of mercy, pray for us!
Saint of the Day – 5 July – Saint Philomena (Died c500) Virgin of San Severino in Italy. Patronage of San Severino, Centola, Italy. Also known as – Filomena. Additional Feastday – the 1st Sunday in July in Sab Severino.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At San Severino in the Marche of Ancona, St Philomena, Virgin.”
The figure of Saint Philomena, venerated in various Italian locations, presents complex and fascinating aspects, intertwining elements of popular devotion with historical and hagiographic records.
In particular, the Saint discovered in San Severino Marche in 1527 raises questions about her real identity and the cult associated with her.
In 1527, during excavations under the High Altar of the Church of San Lorenzo in Doliolo in San Severino Marche, a female body came to light accompanied by a epithet which attributed the body belonging to Saint Philomena of the Chiavelli lineage. According to the inscription, the Saint was transferred to that place by San Severino the Bishop during the era of the Gothic Kings. In the same year, Cardinal Ciocchi del Monte arranged for the body to be placed under an Altar dedicated to the Saint.
Initially, the Feast in honour of Saint Philomena was celebrated on 5 July, a date present in the Roman Martyrology. Subsequently, the anniversary was moved to the first Sunday of the same month in San Severino.
Despite popular devotion, a rigourous analysis from a historical point of view leads to the conclusion that the body found is not actually that of a holy Martyr. In fact, before the 16th Century, there is no mention in San Severino of the name, cult or relics of Saint Philomena. Furthermore, the content of the inscription which accompanied the body, attributing its deposition to San Severino, does not present historically valid elements.
Therefore, the most likely hypothesis is that it is a ‘holy body’ similar to that of the more famous Roman Saint Philomena, a figure around whom a wide and widespread cult developed.
St Agatho of Sicily St Athanasius the Athonite St Athanasius of Jerusalem St Cast St Cyprille of Libya St Cyrilla of Cyrene St Domèce St Domitius of Phrygia St Edana of West Ireland
St Numerian of Treves St Philomena (Died c500) Virgin of San Severino St Probus of Cornwall St Rosa Chen Aijieh St Sedolpha of Tomi St Stephen of Reggio St Teresia Chen Qingjieh St Theodotus of Tomi St Thomas of Terreti St Triphina of Brittany St Triphina of Sicily
St Zoe of Rome (Died c286) Married laywoman, Martyr. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St Zoe, Martyr, wife of the blessed Martyr Nicostratus. Whilst praying at the tomb of the Apostle, St Peter, during the time of Diocletian, she was seized by the persecutors and cast into a dark dungeon, then, being suspended on a tree by her neck and hair and suffocated by loathsome smoke, she yielded up her soul in the confession of the Lord.” Her Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/05/saint-of-the-day-5-july-saint-zoe-of-rome-died-c286-married-laywoman-martyr/
Thought for the Day – 4 July – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Octave Day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the First Friday of July
From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) The Eating of the Paschal Lamb
Our Blessed Lord , before He suffered , celebrated the Jewish rite which, above all the rest, foreshadowed His own sacred sufferings. The paschal lamb was an exact type of Himself, the Lamb of God, Who taketh away the sins of the world.
+1. The paschal lamb was the means employed by Almighty God to deliver His people from Egypt. It was the sprinkling of its blood on the door-posts which caused the avenging Angel to pass by and leave the inmates unharmed. So the Blood of Jesus Christ sprinkled on our souls, in the Sacraments and when we make an Act of Contrition, saves us from the vengeance which would otherwise fall upon us. O Jesus! sprinkle me with One Drop of Thy Precious Blood and I shall be free from sin.
+2. The paschal lamb had to be drained of the last drop of its blood. So the Lamb of God, shed the last drop of His Precious Blood for us. He was not satisfied with merely giving His Life for us but, He must needs endure all the intense agony, the burning thirst which came of this draining of His whole body for love of us. How can I ever thank Him as I ought?
+3. The lamb suffers uncomplainingly. It never murmurs against its lot, or struggles against those who lead it here and there; unlike the filthy swine which grunt and grumbles at every attempt to control them. None was ever so submissive as the Lamb of God. “Lo, I come to do Thy Will, O my God. I am content to do it.” Can I echo these words?
Quote/s of the Day – 4 July – The Feast of St Andrew of Crete (c660-c740) Bishop, Father of the Church
“Then, let us run with Him as He presses on to His Passion. Let us imitate those who have gone out to meet Him, not scattering olive branches or garments or palms in His path but spreading ourselves before Him as best we can, with humility of soul and upright purpose. So may we welcome the Word as He comes (Jn 1:9); so may God, Who cannot be contained within any bounds, be contained within us. For He is pleased to have shown us this gentleness, He, Who is gentle and who “rides upon the setting sun” (Ps 56:12) which refers to our extreme lowliness. He is pleased to come and live with us and to raise us up or bring us back to Himself.”
“Arise my soul and review your deeds which have preceded you. Scrutinize them closely and shed the rain of your tears, declaring openly to Christ, our thoughts and deeds so that you may be justified.”
“Being thy servant, O Mary, is a surety of salvation which God grants solely, to those He will save!”
One Minute Reflection – 4 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Octave Day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the First Friday of July – Within the Octave of Sts Peter and Paul – Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19 – John 19:31-37 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“But one of the soldiers, with a spear, opened His side and, immediately, there came forth, blood and water. ” – John 19:34
REFLECTION – “Brethren, let us pursue our calling – we are called by Life to the Source of Life and this Source is a source, not just of ‘living water’ (Jn 4:10) but of eternal life, Source of Light and illumination. Indeed, all things flow from it, wisdom, life and eternal light… O Lord, Thou are Thineself this Source Who always exists and is always to be desired and, at where it is always permitted and always necessary for us to draw. ‘Lord Jesus, give us this water always’ that it may also become within us, a spring of water \welling up to eternal life’ (Jn 4:15.14). It is true that I am asking Thee for a great deal, who could deny it? But Thou, O King of glory, know well how to give great things and Thou hast promised them. There is nothing greater than Thou art and, it is Thee Thyself Who give to us, it is Thee Who gave Thyself for us.
Therefore, it is Thee we are asking for … since we desire nothing other than Thee. Thou art our All, our Life, our Light and our Salvation, our Food and our Drink, our God. Breathe into our hearts, I beseech Thee, O our Jesus; with the breath of Thine Spirit, wound our souls with Thy Love that each of us may say in truth – “Show me Him Whom my soul loves” (Sg 3:3) for I have been wounded by Thy Love.
I desire these wounds to be in me, O Lord. Happy the soul who loves wounds in this way – the soul who seeks the Source, who drinks and who, nevertheless, never ceases to thirst even as it drinks, nor to draw continually by desire, nor to continue drinking in its thirst. Thus, it always seeks in loving, for in its wound, it finds healing.” – St Columban (543-615) Father of the Church, Monk, Missionary, Founder of many Monasteries (Spiritual Instructions No 13: 2-3).
PRAYER – God, Who hast consecrated this day to the Martyrdom of Thy Apostles Peter and Paul, give Thy Church a precept to follow them in all things. 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).
DIVINE Heart of JESUS, convert sinners, save the dying, set free the holy souls in Purgatory.Indulgence 300 Days Everytime – St Pius X, 11 September, 1907.
Our Morning Offering – 4 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Octave Day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the First Friday of July
Act of Spiritual Communion By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
I desire, good Jesus, to receive Thee in Holy Communion and since I cannot now receive Thee in the Blessed Sacrament, I beseech Thee to come to me spiritually and to refresh my soul with Thy sweetness. Come, my Lord, my God and my All! Come to me and never let me ever again be separated from Thee by sin. Teach me Thy blessed ways, help me with Thy grace to imitate Thy example, to practise meekness, humility, charity and all the virtues of Thy Sacred Heart. My divine Master, my one desire is to do Thy will and to love Thee, more and more. Help me, that I may be faithful to the end, in Thy service. Bless me in life and in death, that I may praise Thee, forever in heaven, Amen
Saint of the Day – 4 July – St William (c1030- 1091) Abbot of Hirsau Monastery in Germany, Reformer. The date of his birth is unknown but it is known that he was born in the Bavarian City of Regensburg in Germany around the year 1030 and died on 4 or 5 July in 1091at the Monastery in Hirsau the Black Forest. His Body is Incorrupt.
William was soon entrusted, at a tender age, to the Monastery of St Emmeram to be educated .While still young, he took the Benedictine Habit, receiving a solid ascetic, literary, scientific and technical education.
Gifted with great prudence, William knew how to combine rigid personal asceticism with a charming kindness towards others. In 1069 he was called to govern the Monastery of Hirsau in the Black Forest, rebuilt shortly before by Count Adalbert with the help of the Monks of Einsiedeln. The small community numbered only fifteen Religious. William, however, did not want to receive the Abbatial blessing until after the death of Frederick (died in 1071), who had been illegally removed by CountAdalbert.
In order to obtain full exemption for the Monastery, in 1075, William went to Rome to Pope Gregory VII. In Hirsau, William first introduced the customs of St Emmeram, then, imitating those of Cluny, he drew up their rigid and detailed Rules.
The “Hirsau Reform” spread to numerous foundations and of already existing Monasteries throughout Europe, numbering more than one hundred Monasteries. The community of Hirsau itself, grew so vigorously that it soon numbered more than one hundred and fifty Monks, for whom a new building had to be built, dedicated to Sts Peter and Paul. From here, colonies of Monks were sent to elsewhere to encourage and spread the Hirsau Rule and custom of spiritual life.
William also organised the institute of Lay Brothers in the Benedictine monastic community which was then accepted everywhere and gathered around it men and women as ‘oblates.’ In the Investiture Controversy, William was one of the pillars of the Gregorian Reform in Germany which the Monks of Hirsau preached and propagated. He wrote dialogues on Music and Astronomy and had a copy of the Vulgate inscribed for his Monastery.
He died on 4 or 5 July 1091 and was buried in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, which he himself had built. Around 1500 his Tomb was opened and it was found that both the body and the Abbot’s clothes were still perfectly well preserved. . Until the protestant suppression of Hirsau, he enjoyed public veneration.
Ehemalige Klosteranlage Hirsau, Stadt Calw, Baden-Württemberg
St Carileffo of Anille Bl Cesidio Giacomantonio St Donatus of Libya St Edward Fulthrop St Elias of Jerusalem St Finbar of Wexford St Fiorenzo of Cahors St Flavian of Antioch St Giocondiano St Haggai the Prophet Bl Henry Abbot St Henry of Albano St Hosea the Prophet St Innocent of Sirmium Bl John Carey
Blessed John Cornelius SJ (1557– 1594) Martyr, English Priest of the Society of Jesus, Missionary. Additional Memorials – 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai, 1 December as one of the Martyrs of Oxford University. Fr Cornelius and his three companions, the Martyrs of England, were Beatified by Pope Pius XI on 15 December 1929. All their bodies were retrieved and given proper burial by Lady Arundell. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/04/saint-of-the-day-4-july-blessed-john-cornelius-sj-1557-1594-martyr/
St Jucundian St Laurian of Seville St Lauriano of Vistin St Namphanion Bl Natalia of Toulouse St Odo the Good Bl Odolric of Lyon Bl Patrick Salmon St Sebastia of Sirmium St Theodore of Cyrene St Theodotus of Libya Bl Thomas Bosgrave Bl Thomas Warcop
St Ulric (c1214-1284) Bishop of Ratzeburg St Valentine of Langres St Valentine of Paris Bl William Andleby St William (c1030-1091) Abbot of Hirsau Monasteryin Germany. His Body is incorrupt.
Thought of the Day – 3 July – Thursday within the Octave of the Sacred Heart and The Feast of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus
A Forgotten Jewel in the Catholic Crown
“Thy most loving Heart of Jesus, dwells in this Sacrament burning with love for us. It is there, continually performing thousands of good deeds towards us.”
St John Eudes (1601-1680) “Apostle of the Two Holy Hearts”
On this date, we celebrate the Feast of The Eucharistic Heart of Jesus which occurs on the Thursday within the Octave of the Sacred Heart.
On 9 November 1921, Pope Benedict XV instituted the Feast of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus to be celebrated on the Thursday within the Octave of the Sacred Heart with a Proper Mass and Office. In instituting the Feast, Pope Benedict XV wrote:
“The chief reason for this Feast, is to commemorate the Love of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Mystery of the Eucharist. By this means the Church wishes, more and more, to excite the faithful to approach this Sacred Mystery with confidence and, to inflame their hearts with that Divine Charity which consumed the Sacred Heart of Jesus, when, in His Infinite Love, He instituted the Most Holy Eucharist, wherein the Divine Heart guards and loves them by living with them, as they live and abide in Him. For, in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, He offers and gives Himself to us as Victim, Companion, Nourishment, Viaticum and Pledge of our future glory!”
O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus! By Pope Benedict XV (1854-1922)
O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus! O Fount of every good! I adore Thee, I love Thee and sincerely repenting of my sins, I present to Thee my poor heart. Give it back to me humble, patient, pure and in everything, conformed to Thy wishes. Make me, O good Jesus, live in Thee and for Thee. Protect me in dangers, comfort me in afflictions, grant me health of body, succour in my temporal needs, Thy blessing in all my works and the grace of a holy death. Amen
Indulgence – 100 days Once a day Pope Benedict XV 4 December 1916
Quote/s of the Day – 3 July – Within the Octave of the Sacred Heart and the Feast of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus
Give me Thyself, O My God By St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
Give me Thyself, O my God, give Thyself to me. Behold I love Thee and if my love is too weak a thing, grant me to love Thee more strongly. I cannot measure my love, to know how much it falls short of being sufficient but let my soul hasten to Thine embrace and never be turned away, until it is hidden in the secret shelter of Thine presence. This only do I know, that it is not good for me when Thou art not with me, when Thou art only outside me. I want Thee in my very self. All the plenty in the world which is not my God, is utter want! Amen
“I understand that, each time we contemplate the Host, with desire and devotion, in which is hidden Christ’s Eucharistic Body, we increase our merits in Heaven and secure special joys to be ours later in the Beatific Vision of God.”
“O Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fountain of Eternal Life, Thine Heart is a glowing furnace of Love. Thou art my Refuge and my Sanctuary.”
St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)
“The faith I have, when I am in the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament, is so strong, I find it impossible to express what I feel… When the time comes to leave, I must force myself to overcome, the inclination to prolong my stay with Jesus.”
One Minute Reflection – 3 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – St Leo II (611–683) Pope, Confessor – Within the Octave of the Sacred Heart and the Feast of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus – 1 Peter 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” – Matthew 16:18
REFLECTION – “Brothers, when it comes to fulfilling my duties as Bishop, I discover that I am weak and slack, weighed down by the weakness of my own condition, while at the same time, I want to act generously and courageously. However, I draw my strength from the untiring intercession of the Almighty and Eternal Priest, Who, like us but equal to the Father, lowered His divinity to the level of man and raised humankind to the level of God. The decisions He made, give me a just and holy joy. For, when He delegated many shepherds to care for His flock, He did not abandon watching over His beloved sheep. Thanks to that fundamental and eternal assistance, I in turn, have received the protection and support of the Apostle Peter, who also does not abandon his function. This solid foundation, on which the whole of the Church is built, never grows tired of carrying the whole weight, of the building which rests on it.
The firmness of faith, for which the first of the Apostles was praised, never fails. Just as everything which Peter professed in Christ remains, so that which Christ established in Peter, remains… The order willed by God’s Truth remains. Saint Peter perseveres in the solidity which he received; he has not abandoned the governance of the Church which was placed in his hands. That, my brothers, is what that profession of faith, inspired by God the Father, obtained in the heart of the Apostle. He received the solidity of a rock which no assault can shake. In the entire Church, Peter says everyday: “Thou art the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” – St Leo the Great (400-461) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon on the anniversary of his Consecration as Bishop).
PRAYER – Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Leo Thy Sovereign Pontiff, whom Thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 3 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus”
July Morning Offering
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Precious Blood of Jesus, in satisfaction for my sins and for the wants of Holy Church. Blessed be the Precious Blood of Jesus, which renders bearable the thorns of earth, redeems our souls, purifies them from their iniquities and prepares for them, an eternal crown. Amen.
Saint of the Day – 3 July – St Dathus (Died c190) Bishop and Confessor of Ravenna in Italy during the reign of the Roman Emperor, Commodus. Also known as – Dato, Datus, Dathius.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Ravenna, St Dathus, Bishop and Confessor.”
The renowned Ravenna Cathedral Mosaics
Legend has it that he was elected as the Bishop thanks to the miraculous appearance of a dove flying above his head. He served faithfully during the respite from persecution under the reign of Emperor Commodus.
Bl Andreas Ebersbach Bl Barbara Jeong Sun-mae St Bladus St Byblig St Cillene St Dathus (Died c190) Bishop and Confessor of Ravenna St Eusebius of Laodicea St Firminus St Firmus Bl Gelduin St Giuse Nguyen Ðình Uyen St Gunthiern St Guthagon
St Heliodorus (c332-c390) the first Bishop of Altino in Italy, disciple, close friend and assistant of St Jerome. Scholar, ex-soldier, The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Altino, St Heliodorus, a Bishop, distinguished for holiness and learning.” Holy Heliodorus: https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/03/saint-of-the-day-3-july-st-heliodorus-332-390-bishop/
St Hyacinth of Caesarea St Irenaeus of Chiusi St Maelmuire O’Gorman St Mark of Mesia St Mennone the Centurian St Mucian of Mesia St Paul of Mesia
St Raymond Gayrard(Died 1118) ArchDeacon, Canon of the Lateran Canons Regular at St Sernin Basilica in Toulouse, France. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Toulouse on the Garonne in France, Saint Raymond Gayrard, who, as a teacher, remained a widower, passionately devoted himself to works of charity, founded a hospice and was finally admitted among the Canons of the Basilica of St Saturnin.” https://anastpaul.com/2023/07/03/saint-of-the-day-3-july-saint-raymond-of-toulouse-died-1118/
Martyrs of Alexandria – 13 Saints: Thirteen Christian companions Marytred together. No details about them have survived but the names – Apricus, Cyrion (2 of), Eulogius, Hemerion, Julian, Julius, Justus, Menelaus, Orestes, Porfyrios and Tryphon (2 of). They martyred in Alexandria, Egypt, date unknown.
Martyrs of Constantinople – 24 Saints: A group of 24 Christians Martyred in the persecutions of Arian Emperor Valens. We know little more than their names – Acacios, Amedinos, Ammonius, Ammus, Cerealis, Cionia, Cionius, Cyrianus, Demetrius, Eulogius (2), Euphemia, Heliodoros, Heraclios, Horestes, Jocundus, Julian, Martyrios, Menelaeus, Sestratus, Strategos, Thomas, Timotheos and Tryphon. They were martyred in c367 in Constantintinople.
Theodotus and Companions – 6 Saints: Six Christians who were imprisoned, tortured and Martyred together in the persecutions of Trajan. Saint Hyacinth ministered to them in prison. We know nothing else about them but their names – Asclepiodotus, Diomedes, Eulampius, Golinduchus, Theodota and Theodotus. They were beheaded in c110, location unknown.
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Thought for the Day – 2 July – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
The Visitation
+1. The visit of Mary to her cousin St Elizabeth took place a short time after the Annunciation . It had been suggested to her by the Angel’s message, telling her that Elizabeth was to bear a son. St Joseph knew nothing of this, yet, he raised no objection to the journey. He had already conceived such a reverence for his spotless spouse that it was enough for him that she entertained a wish. He knew that she never acted on impulse, or without a due cause and so, when Mary asked his leave to visit her cousin, he at once consented. So we too, should consult, as far as possible, the wishes of others, especially our spouses, seeking to conform our will to others in the spirit of charity.
+2. St Joseph would not allow his young wife to journey alone. He went with her as her escort. What a happiness to him to wait upon her! How tenderly he watches over her How thoughtfully he sees to all her wants! Men often idealise those they love but there was no need to idealise Mary. She was an ideal in herself. And when he approached her, Joseph somehow felt that he was drawing near to God and that God dwelt in her ,in some other way than by His graces and gifts.
+3. Arriving at their journey’s end, St Joseph, in his humility, saw to their material needs and did not hear the words of Elizabeth saluting Mary as the Mother of God and announcing the joy of her unborn babe at His Presence. St Joseph was ignorant and remained in ignorance of the Mystery of the Incarnation. He had to wait – this was to be the law of his life as it is, of the lives of all who are very dear to God.
Quote/s of the Day – 2 July – The Feast of the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
“Mary, having merited to give flesh to the Divine Word and thus, supply the price of our redemption that we might be delivered from eternal death, therefore, she is more powerful than all others, to help us gain eternal life.”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
“She is the eldest daughter of the Great King. If you enjoy her favour, she will introduce you to the Monarch of the Universe. No-one has so great an interest with Him than Mary, who was the occasion of His coming down from Heaven to become man, for the redemption of mankind.”
St John the Merciful (c552-c 616)
“You must know that when you ‘hail’ Mary, she immediately greets you! Do not think that she is one of those rude women of whom there are so many, on the contrary, she is utterly courteous and pleasant. If you greet her, she will answer you right away and converse with you!”
St Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444)
“It seems unbelievable that a man should perish in whose favour Christ said to His Mother: ‘Behold thy son’, provided that he has not turned a deaf ear to the words, which Christ addressed to him: ‘Behold thy Mother!’”
St Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621) Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 2 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Song 2:8-14 – Luke 1:39-47 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” – Luke 1:43
REFLECTION – “Behold the King is coming, let us hasten to meet our Saviour” (Advent Liturgy). Solomon put it very well when he said: “As cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country” (Prv 25:25). He certainly brings good news who announces the coming of the Saviour, the reconciliation of the world and the good things of the world to come. “How welcome the feet of them who preach peace and bring good tidings!” (Is 52:7)…
Such messengers are waters of refreshment and a draught of saving wisdom to a soul athirst for God. For such a soul, the herald of the Coming and of the other Mysteries of the Saviour, draws and proffers water “with joy from the springs of the Saviour” (Is 12:3). And so, it seems to me, the soul is heard to reply to the messenger … in the words of Elisabeth. It has drunk of the same spirit as she has and says: “And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed art thou who hast believed because those things shall be accomplished which were spoken to thee by the Lord.”
And really, brethren, we should go to meet the coming Christ with joy in our heart … “O my Saviour and my God! (Ps 42:5) what an honour that Thou should have saluted Thy servants. How much the greater that Thou shouldst have saved them? … Thou hast given us salvation! not only by greeting with the kiss of peace in Thine Incarnation, those Thou had previously saluted with words of peace but,more, by effecting their salvation through Thy death on the Cross.” Let us, therefore, rise up with joyful eagerness and hasten to welcome our Saviour. Let us adore Him and salute Him at a distance, crying out to Him: “Deliverance, Lord, deliverance! Lord, grant us the victory! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord” (Ps 117:25-26).” – Blessed Guerric of Igny (c1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot (2nd Sermon of Advent).
PRAYER – Bestow upon Thy servants, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the gift of heavenly grace that as the child-bearing of the Blessed Virgin marked the beginning of our salvation, so may the solemn Feast of her Visitation bring us an increase of peace.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 2 July – The Feast of the Visitation
The Magnificat The Canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary Luke 1:46-55 Indulgence 100 days
My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For He hath regarded the humility of His handmaid, for behold, from henceforth, all generations shall call me blessed. For He Who is mighty hath done great things unto me: and holy is His Name. And His mercy is from generation to generation unto thos who fear Him. He hath shown strength with His Arm, He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart. He hath put down the mighty from their seat and hath exalted the humble. He hath filled the hungry with good things and the rich He hath sent empty away. He hath upheld His servant Israel, being mindful of His Mercy. As He spoke unto our fathers, to Abraham and his seed forever.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end! Amen
Saint/s of the Day – 2 July – Blessed/s Giovanni (Died c1420) and Pietro da Fabriano Becchetti OSA (Died c1421) Priests and cousins (some sources make them brothers) of the Order of the Hermits of Saint Augustine. Born in the 14th Century in Fabriano, Italy and died in the 15th Century in the their Birth Town. Also known as – John and Peter Becchetti.
In the history of the Order we read: “In Fabriano in the Marches, commemoration of the blesseds Giovanni and Pietro Becchetti, Priests of the Order of the Hermits of St Augustine; united more by the same way of life than by blood ties; they died in 1420 and 1421, respectively.”
Blessed Giovanni Becchetti
Giovanni, who had taught at Rimini, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Theology in 1385. He then was sent to Oxford, England for further study. There he earned his Master’s in Theology.
He returned to Italy and was appointed as the Director of the Augustinian House of Studies in Perugia.
The date of Giovanni’s death is not known. We know that he was still living in May 1420, as a letter written by him on 7 May of that year is preserved in the Archives of the Order in Rome.
Blessed Pietro Becchetti
Documents show that Pietro was studying for the Degree of Lector in Theology in 1385. He was professor in the Augustinian House of Studies in Rimini in 1388.
While he was in Rimini, the Prior General appointed him Visitator to investigate a complaint which had been made about that House. Later he was professor in Venice.
Greatly devoted to the Passion of Christ, Pietro made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land to follow Our Lord’s Steps and to visit Jesus’ holy Tomb.
The date of Pietro’s death is not known. We know that he was still living in 1421, as there is record of the Prior General having written a letter to him on 20 February of that year.
Both Giovanni and Pietro died at Fabriano. Their remains are preserved at the Church of Saint Augustine there.
Both being distinguished by their scholarly wisdom, personal piety, deep prayer life and preaching, our Blesseds were Beatified in 1835 by Pope Gregory XVI.
Bl Giovanni (Died c1420) and Bl Pietro da Fabriano BecchettiOSA (Died c1421) Priests of the Order of the Hermits of Saint Augustine St Jacques Fermin Bl Jarich of Mariengaarde St Jéroche
Martyred Soldiers of Rome – 3 Saints: Three soldiers who were converted at the Martyrdom of Saint Paul the Apostle. Then they were martyred, as well. We known nothing else about them but their names – Acestes, Longinus and Megistus. Martyred c68 in Rome, Italy
Martyrs in Carthage by Hunneric – 7 Saints: A group of seven Christians tortured and murdered in the persecutions of the Arian Vandal king Hunneric for remaining loyal to the teachings of orthodox Christianity. They were some of the many who died for the faith during a period of active Arian heresy. – Boniface, Liberatus, Maximus, Rogatus, Rusticus, Septimus and Servus.
Martyrs of Campania – 10 Saints: A group of ten Christians Marytred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. The only details about them to have survived are their names – Ariston, Crescention, Eutychian, Felicissimus, Felix, Justus, Marcia, Symphorosa, Urban and Vitalis. Martyred in 284 in Campania, Italy.
1 July The Feast and the Month of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ
In his book, The Precious Blood, Father Frederick William Faber CO (1814-1863), calls St Paul ,the Doctor of the Precious Blood owing to his evident fondness of preaching on Ithis subject in his Epistles (Romans 3:25; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:12 et al).
He recounts that the lives of the Saints are replete with devotion to the Precious Blood making special mention of St John Chrysostom, St Augustine, St Gertrude and St Catherine of Sienna, the last whom he considered the Prophetess of the Precious Blood for putting emphasis on It as the solution to the ills of her times.
Constant Prayer to the Precious Blood of Jesus By St Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)
Precious Blood, Ocean of Divine Mercy, Flow upon us! Precious Blood, Most Pure Offering, Procure us every grace! Precious Blood, Hope and Refuge of sinners, Atone for us! Precious Blood, Delight of holy souls, Draw us! Amen
Father Faber also remarks that the Precious Blood makes us appreciate more,, Christ’s redemption of mankind, His sacrifice and Passion. It makes us comprehend too, the beautiful doctrine and the august realities of the Blessed Sacrament, as we kneel in front of the Tabernacle, in humble adoration.
Over time, the Church gave Her blessing to the devotion by approving societies like the Missionaries of the Precious Blood; enriching confraternities like that of St Nicholas in Carcere, in Rome and that of the London Oratory; attaching Indulgences to prayers and Scapulars in honour of the Precious Blood and instituting commemorative Feasts of the Precious Blood, Friday after the fourth Sunday in Lent and, since Pius IX, the first Sunday of July. St Pius X assigned the date of 1 July to this Feast.
Thought for the Day – 1 July – “The Feast and Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Passion of Our Lord
“Meditation on the Passion of Jesus” writes St Albert the Great, “is more profitable than fasting on bread and water or than scourging ourselves.”
This is because, when we meditate with love and gratitude on the Passion of our Redeemer, we have the experience of being transformed and set aglow with charity. We realise the truth of St Paul’s words, “The sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come, that will be revealed in us” (Rom 8:18)).
Let us cast ourselves, therefore, into the merciful arms of God and be prepared to suffer everything, even death, for the love of Jesus.”
Quote/s of the Day – 1 July – “The Feast and Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus”
“Carry me, O Christ, on Thy Cross which is salvation to the wanderer, rest for the wearied and, in which alone, is Life for those who die.”
St Ambrose (340-397) Father and Doctor of the Church
“Look on thy God, Christ hidden in our flesh. A bitter word, the Cross and bitter sight – Hard rind without, to hold the Heart of Heaven. Yet, sweet it is, for God upon that tree Did offer His Life upon that rood – My Life hung, that my Life might stand in God. Christ, what am I to give Thee for my life? Unless, take from Thy Hands, the cup they hold, To cleanse me with the precious draught of death. What shall I do? My body to be burned? Make myself vile? The debt is not paid out yet. Whate’er I do, it is but I and Thee And still do I come short, still must Thou pay My debts, O Christ, for debts Thyself had’st none! What love may balance Thine? My Lord was found In fashion like a slave that so His slave Might find himself in fashion like his Lord. Think you the bargain’s hard, to have exchanged The transient for the eternal, to have sold Earth to buy Heaven? More dearly God bought me!”
St Paulinus of Nola (c354-431) Father of the Church
“Embrace, then, Jesus Crucified, raising to Him the eyes of your desire! Consider His burning love for you which made Jesus pour out His Blood from every part of His body! Embrace Jesus Crucified, loving and beloved and in Him, you will find true life because He is God made Man. Let your heart and your soul burn with the fire of love drawn from Jesus on the Cross! … You will have no other desire than to follow Jesus! Run, … do not stay asleep because time flies and does not wait one moment! Dwell in God’s sweet love!”
St Catherine of Sienna (1347-1380)
“O souls! Seek a refuge, like pure doves, in the shadow of the Crucifix. There, mourn the Passion of your Divine Spouse and drawing from your hearts, flames of love and rivers of tears, make of them a precious balm with which to anoint the Wounds of your Saviour.”
One Minute Reflection – 1 July – “The Feast and Month of the Most Precious Blood” – The Octabe Day of the Nativity of St John the Baptist– Hebrews 9:11-15 – John 19:30-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“But one of the soldiers opened His side with a lance and immediately there came forth, Blood and water.” – John 19:34
REFLECTION – “The lovers of this world display their generosity by giving money, clothes and various gifts but not one of them gives his own blood. Christ gives His! In this way, He demonstrates the tenderness He feels for us and His ardent Love. Under the Old Law, … God consented to receive the blood of sacrifices but this was just to prevent His people from offering it to false gods and already, this was proof of a very great Love. But Christ transformed this rite … there is no longer the same sacrificial victim, it is Himself He offers in sacrifice!
“The bread we break, is it not a communion in the Body of Christ?” (1 Cor 10:16) … What is this bread? The Body of Christ. What becomes of those who communicate in it? The Body of Christ – not a large number of bodies but just One Body. Just as this bread, made up of so many wheat grains, makes only one loaf into which the grains disappear – foreven though the grains remain in it, yet it is impossible to distinguish them in such a closely compacted mass – so all of us, together with Christ, make up a single whole … Now, if we all share in the same bread and are united to the same Christ, why do we not show the same love for each other? Why do we not become one in this case too?
This is what was seen at the beginning: “The community of believers was of one heart and mind” (Acts 4:32) … Christ came in search of you who were far away from Him to unite Himself to you but you, do not wish to become one with your brother? … You violently separate yourself from him after winning from the Lord so great a proof of His Love – and life! For He did not only give His Body but, just as our flesh, drawn from the earth, had lost its life and died through sin, so He has introduced, so to speak, another substance like a leaven – this is His Body, the Body sharing the same nature as ours but free from sin and abounding in Life. And He has given it to all of us, so that, fed with this Banquet of this new food … we might enter immortal life.” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (Excerpt from 24th Sermon on the 1st letter to the Corinthians).
PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, Who made Thine Only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world and, willed to be reconciled by His Blood, grant us, we beseech Thee, so to worship in this Sacred rite the price of our salvation and to be so protected, by its power against the evils of the present life on earth, that we may enjoy its everlasting fruit 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).
Aspiration:Precious Blood, ocean of Divine Mercy, Flow upon us.
AnaStpaul 
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