Saint of the Day – 29 November – Saint Hardoin (Died 650) Bishop of St Pol de-Leon, in Brittany, France. Born in the British Isles and died in c650 in his Diocese in Brittany. Patronages – Landerneau, France and of sailors (this latter patronage due to the tradition that St Hardoin travelled to Brittany in a stone boat from the British Isles). Also known as – Hardouin… Harduinus…Hoardon… Hoardonus…Hoarzon… and more.
In Landerneau, the Town of which he is the Patron Saint, a 17th Century Statue depicts Hardoin dressed as a Bishop, with Miter and Crozier, in the act of blessing.
Landerneau – Place de l’Église Saint-Houardon
The Episcopal Registers of the Diocese were completed much after his time and are, therefore, unreliable but in the 17th Century, there was no hesitation in specifying that Hardoin was the 8th Bishop of Léon, “elected in the year 635 under Pope Honorius I, Emperor Heraclius and King Hoël III of Brittany” and that he “died in the year 650.”
He did not have the honour of having his ‘Vita’ recorded and appears only in the legendary and recent Vitae of St Herveus and St Goeznoveus. In the first, Hardoin, protector and friend of St Herveus, labouriously and slowly leads the blind bard to the Council of Breton Bishops gathered on the summit of Menez Bré, to condemn the famous tyrant Conomor, who had killed his wife, St Tryphina and his son, St Tremor.
St Hardoin left and St Goeznoveus.
Returning from the Council, Herveus asked Hardoin to pray to God that he too might contemplate the wonders of eaven, despite his blind eyes. After three days of fasting and prayer, both saw the heavens open and they contemplated the Choirs of Angels and Saints, whom St Herveus recognised as they passed by, to the sound of an enchanting melody. When they intoned the canticle Cantemus Domino, Heaven closed again, but Hardoin struggled to return to earth. When he became ill, he summoned Abbot St Goeznoveus to assist him and administer the last Sacraments and chose him as his successor.
While it is not possible to document anything about the Episcopate and the era of Hardoin, it must be recognised that the cult is ancient and that he is invoked in the ancient Breton Litanies of the 9th Century under the names of Hoierdonus and Hoardonus.
All Saints of the Seraphic Order (Franciscan): the Church celebrates the many Franciscan Saints who followed in the footsteps of St Francis. It is a special day for all Franciscans to celebrate the Feast of ‘All the Saints of the Seraphic Order.’ Also on this day in 1223, the final Rule of life for Franciscan Friars was approved. To commemorate this and all the saintly examples produced in the Franciscan Order, on this day all the Saints of the Seraphic order are remembered at Franciscan Churches throughout the world.
St Hardoin (Died 650) Bishop of St Pol de-Leon, in Brittany, France. St Illuminata Virgin of Todi, Italy. Venerated in her home town, but her biography has been lost. St James of Saroug Bl Jutta of Heiligenthal St Paphnutius of Heracleopolis St Paramon St Philomenus of Ancyra St Radbod of Utrecht
St Saturninus of Rome (Died c304) + Priest and Martyrand St Sisinius of Rome (Died c304) + Deacon and Martyr The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rome, on the Salarian road, the birthday of the holy Martyr Saturninus, an aged man and the Deacon Sisinius, in the time of the Emperor Maximian. After a long imprisonment, they were, by order of the Prefect of the City, placed on the rack, distended with ropes, scourged with rods and whips garnished with metal, then exposed to the flames, taken down from the rack and beheaded.” Their Lives and Deaths: https://anastpaul.com/2023/11/29/saint-s-of-the-day-29-november-saint-saturninus-of-rome-priest-martyr-and-saint-sisinius-of-rome-deacon-martyr-died-c304/
Thought for the Day – 28 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Blessedness of the Peacemakers
“Blessed are the peacemakers,” said Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, “for they shall be called children of God” (Mt 5:9).
True Christian peace which accompanies the perfect control of the passions and complete dedication to God’s cause, makes us like God and enables us, by His grace, to become His adopted children. He is the God of peace, in Whom there is no conflict but only perfect order and harmony. Since He is pure act, He understands Himself fully in all His beauty and perfection and, knowing Himself, He loves Himself. He is peace, in an active and not in a passive sense. For this reason, the peacemakers are singled out in a special way as the children of God. In other words, they become like God, when they acquire that interior tranquility which is the fruit of virtue and of victory over the flesh. With the help of Divine grace, we should do our utmost to gain this peace.”
Quote/s of the Day – 28 November – The Memorial of St Catherine Labouré DC (1806-1876) Virgin, Religious Sister of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul and the Marian visionary of the Miraculous Medal.
THE PROMISES OF THE MEDAL When Our Lady appeared to Saint Catherine Labouré on 27 November 1830, rays of light flowed from the rings (made of precious stones) on her fingers. However, some of the stones on the rings did not shine.
Our Lady explained:
“These rays symbolise the graces I shed upon those who ask for them. The gems from which rays do not fall are the graces for which souls omit to ask.”
“Graces will be poured out on all those, small, or great, who ask for them with confidence and fervour. … ”
The Blessed Virgin Mary to Saint Catherine Labouré DC (1806-1876) November 1830
One Minute Reflection – 28 November – “The Month of The Holy Souls in Purgatory” – St Catherine Labouré DC (1806-1876) Virgin, Religious Sister of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul and the Marian Visionary of the Miraculous Medal – Ferial Day – Colossians 1:9-14 – Matthew 24:15-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“So you also, when you shall see all these things, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.” – Matthew 24:33
REFLECTION – “Then, all the trees of the forest shall leap for joy before the Lord, for He Comes, He Comes to rule the earth” (Ps 95:12-13). Our Lord came the first time and will come again anew. He came into His Church to begin with “on the clouds” (Mt 26:64). What are those clouds which bore Him? Apostles, preachers… He came, borne by His preachers to begin with and He filled the whole earth. Let us not resist His First Coming if we would not fear the Second…
What, then, should Christians do? Take advantage of this world but do not serve this world. What does that mean? “Possess as if one did not possess.” This is what Saint Paul said … “Brothers, the time is growing short. From now on… let those who weep act like those who do not weep, those rejoicing as not rejoicing, those buying as not owning, those using the world as not using it fully, For the world in its present form is passing away. I should like you to be free of anxieties” (1 Cor 7:29-32). Someone who is free of anxiety awaits the Lord’s Coming with assurance, for can we be said to love our Lord if we dread His Coming?! My brethren, are we not ashamed? Do we love Him and yet dread His Coming? Is it He we truly love or do we not rather prefer our sins? Therefore, let us hate our sins and love Him Who is to Come …
“All the trees of the forest shall leap for joy before the Lord, for He has Come” for the first time… “All the trees of the forest shall leap for joy” when He Comes again to judge the earth. Then, “because He has Come” He will find rejoicing, all those who believed in His Coming on the first occasion.” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church (Discourses on the Psalms Ps 95).
PRAYER – From all perils of soul and body, defend us, O Lord, we beseech Thee and by the intercession of blessed and glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of blessed Joseph, of thy blessed Apostles Peter and Paul and of blessed Catherine Labouré and all the Saints, graciously grant us safety and peace that all adversities and errors, being overcome, Thy Church may serve Thee in security and freedom. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 28 Novemer – “The Month of The Holy Souls in Purgatory”
Prayer for the Dead From My Prayer Book, 1927 By Fr Francis Xavier Lasance (1860-1946)
O God, whose property it is, ever to have mercy and to spare, we beseech Thee, on behalf of the soul of Thy servant, whom Thou hast called out of this world, look upon her with pity and let her be conducted by the holy Angels to Paradise, her true country. Grant that she, who believed in Thee and hoped in Thee, may not be left to suffer the pains of the Purgatorial fires but may be admitted to eternal joy. Through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord, Who with the Holy Ghost- liveth and reigneth, world without end. Amen
Saint of the Day – 28 November – Saint Stephen the Younger (c713-764) Abbot Martyr, Defender of Sacred Images, Born in c713 in Constantinople and died there in 764 by being scourged, stoned and dragged to death through the streets. Patronage – coin collectors, numismatists, smelters.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Constantinople in the time of Constantine Copronymus, the holy Martyrs, Stephen the Younger, Basil, Peter, Andrew and their companions, numbering 339 Monks who were subjected to various torments for the veneration of holy images and confirmed the Catholic truth with the shedding of their blood.”
The ‘Life’ of this Monk was written around the year 809 by his namesake, the Deacon Stephen of Constantinople. The holy Abbot Stephen the Younger, was born in 713-715 in Constantinople, ancient Byzantium. As a young man, he initially placed himself under the guidance of a Hermit but then, choosing the religious life, entered the Monastery of Mount Auxentius in Bithynia, near Chalcedon. Here, he later became its Abbot.
He lived in this Monastery for ymany ears, devoted to prayer and as a copyist, the meritorious work of the Monks who copied ancient texts. At that time, the Eastern Emperor Constantine V Copronymus (718-775) was ruling, son of Leo III the Isaurian (675-741), the Emperor who, in 726, had initiated the religious policy against the veneration of images. This iconoclastic movement continued with his son Constantine V, who waged a fierce struggle, especially against the Monks, even convening the Council of Hiera, in 753 which condemned the defenders of the cult of sacred images.
Our Saint, the Abbot Stephen, openly opposed the decrees of this Council convened by the Emperor and not by the Pope, decrees which would later be disavowed with the approval of the veneration of images at the subsequent Second Council of Nicaea in 787.
Meanwhile, Constantine V Copronymus, in June 762, enjoined the Abbot of Mount Auxentius, to respect and adhere to the canons promulgated at Hiera; when he refused, he was taken to the Monastery of Chrysopolis near Constantinople and from there sent into exile on the Island of Proconnesus, allowing his mother and sister to join him.
After a year, in 763, he was brought back to Constantinople, where more than 300 Monks had been imprisoned for their devotion to the veneration of sacred images. Then, after another year of constant harassment and insults, on 28 November 764, Abbot Stephen was killed by Palace Officials during celebrations for Empress Eudoxia but without any order from the Emperor.
His Relics are recorded in various Churches and Monasteries during the 13th–15th Centuries. His body was deposited either at the Lips Monastery or the cemetary of St Stephen the Protomartyr, in Constantininople and his right hand was at the Pantokrator Monastery.
Bl Calimerius of Montechiaro St Fionnchu of Bangor
St Pope Gregory III (Died 741) Bishop of Rome 11 February 731 until his death on 28 November 741. (His Feast was moved to 10 December in 1969), The Roman Martyrology states: “At Rome, the blessed Pope Gregory III, who departed for Heaven with a reputation for great sanctity and miracles.“ His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/28/saint-of-the-day-28-november-saint-pope-gregory-iii-died-741/
St James of the Marches OFM Conv. (1391-1476) Priest of the Friars Minor Conventional, Confessor, brilliant Preacher, Penitent, Reformer, Writer, Papal legate, Inquisitor, founder of several monasteries in Bohemia, Hungary and Austria. St James was Canonised on 10 December 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII. His body is Incorrupt. About St James: https://anastpaul.com/2019/11/28/saint-of-the-day-28-november-saint-james-of-the-marches-ofm-1391-1476/
St Papius St Quieta of Dijon St Rufus St Simeon the Logothete
St Sosthenes (1st Century) Bishop, Martyr, Jewish Ruler in Corinth, Converted by St Pauland became his disciple, who is mentioned by him in his First Epistle to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 1:1–2) and by St Luke in Acts 18:12–17. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Corinth, the birthday of St Sosthenes, disciple of the blessed Apostle Paul, who is mentioned by that Apostle in his first Epistle to the Corinthians. He was chief of the synagogue when converted to Christ and, as a glorious beginning, consecrated the first fruits of his faith by being scourged in the presence of the Proconsul, Gallio.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/11/28/saint-of-the-day-28-november-st-sosthenes-1st-century-bishop/
St Stephen the Younger (c713-764) Abbot Martyr
Bl Theodora of Rossano
Martyrs of Constantinople – 8 Saints: A group of over 300 Christians Martyred during the persecutions of the Iconoclast Emperors. We have a lot of information on Saint Stephen the Younger but for the others we have nothing but seven of their names – Andrew, Auxentius, Basil, Gregor, John, Peter and Stefan. They were scourged, stoned and/or dragged to death through the streets of Constantinople in 764.
Martyrs of North Africa – 13 Saints: A group of thirteen Clerics killed or exiled in the persecutions of Arian Vandals in North Africa – Crescens, Crescentian, Cresconius, Eustace, Felix, Florentian, Habetdeum, Hortulanus, Mansuetus, Papinianus, Quodvultdeus, Urban and Valerian.
Martyrs of Tiberiopolis – 14 Saints: A group of fourteen Christian Laymen, Deacons, Priests and Bishops who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Julian the Apostate – Basil, Chariton, Comasios, Daniel, Etymasius, Hierotheos, John, Nicephorus, Peter, Sergius, Socrates, Theodore, Thomas and Timothy. 361 at Tiberiopolis, Phyrgia (in modern Turkey)
Thought for the Day – 27 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Blessedness of the Pure of Heart
“Let us conclude this meditation with an appropriate prayer of St Thomas Aquinas.
“Make my heart watchful, O God, so that no vain thoughts may distract it from Thee. Make it noble, so that it may never be seduced by any base affection. Make it steadfast, so that troubles may not dismay it. Make it free, so that it may not yield to the onslaughts of passion. Grant me, my God, the intelligence, to understand Thee, the love, to seek Thee, the wisdom, to find Thee, words, to please Thee, the perseverance, to wait faithfully for Thee and, the hope of embracing Thee, at last. Grant that I, a repentant sinner, may bear Thy chastisements with resignation. Poor pilgrim which I am, may I draw on the treasury of Thine grace and may I one day, be eternally happy with Thee in Heavnely glory! Amen.”
Quote/s of the Day – 27 November – “The Month of The Holy Souls in Purgatory” –Ferial of the Last Sunday after Pentecost – Colossians 1:9-14; Matthew 24:15-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Tell us when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy Coming and of the consummation of the world? ”
Matthew 24:3
“But he who shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved.”
Matthew 24:13
“They will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of Heaven with much power and majesty.”
Matthew 24:30
“It is written, ‘God is not mocked.’ (Gal 6: 7) Indeed, God cannot be mocked, nor circumvented, nor deluded by any man’s astute deceit. … Let each of you, then, I beg you, brethren, confess his fault while the sinner is yet in this world, while Confession is still possible, while the satisfaction and remission granted by the Priests, is still acceptable to God!”
St Cyprian of Carthage (c200-258) Martyr, Bishop of Carthage, Father of the Church
“Let us then, my brethren, endure in hope. Let us devote ourselves, side-by-side with our hoping, so that the God of all the universe, as He beholds our intention, may cleanse us from all sins, fill us with high hopes from what we have in hand and grant us the change of heart which saves. God has called you and you have your calling!”
St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387) Father and Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 27 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal – Feria of the Last Sunday after Pentecost – Colossians 1:9-14; Matthew 24:15-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“They will see the Son of man coming in the clouds of Heaven with much power and majesty.” – Matthew 24:30
REFLECTION – “We do not preach only one advent of Christ but a second also, far more glorious than the first. For the first gave us a glimpse of His patience but the second brings with it, the Crown of a Divine Kingdom… In His former advent, He was wrapped in swaddling clothes in the manger; in His second, “He covers Himself with Light as with a garment” (Ps 103:2). In His first coming, He endured the Cross, despising shame (Heb 12:2); in His second, He comes attended by a host of Angels, receiving glory.
Now then, we do not just rest only on His first advent but look forward to His second too, when, meeting our Master with the Angels, we may worship Him and say: “Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord” (Mt 21:9). The Saviour will come, not to be judged again but to judge those who judged Him … He came the first time because of a Divine dispensation, teaching people with persuasion but on that day, they will of necessity have Him for their King.” – St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387) Bishop of Jerusalem, Father and Doctor of the Church (Catechetical lectures 15, 1).
PRAYER – O God, Who, by the message of an Angel, willed to take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant that we, Thy suppliants, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with You. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 27 November – Feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal – Patronages : … Special graces, miracles of healing, for conversions, for believers.
Our Blessed Lady and her Miraculous Medal are the solution to the difficulties we are facing. Now, more than ever, we need our Blessed Mother’s comfort and protection. Now, more than ever, we need to discover her peace. Now, more than ever, we need to know that our Mother is with us.
Prayer to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Virgin Mother of God, Mary Immaculate, we unite ourselves to thee under thy title of Blessed Mother, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. May this medal be, for each one of us, a sure sign of thy motherly affection for us and a constant reminder of our filial duties towards thee. While wearing it, may we be blessed by thy loving protection and preserved in the grace of thy Son. Most powerful Virgin, Mother of our Saviour, keep us close to thee, every moment of our lives so that like thee, we may live and act according to the teaching and example of thy Son. Obtain for us, thy children, the grace of a happy death, so that in union with thee we may enjoy the happiness of heaven forever. Amen
Saint of the Day – 27 November – Saint Severin the Hermit (Died c540) Monk and Hermit. Also known as – Severinus.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Paris, the departure from this world of St Severin, Monk and Solitary.”
St Severin window in the Church dedicated to him in Paris and built above his Hermitage. See the full window below with Jesus and the children and St Severin top left
Severin of Paris, was a devout Monk who became a Hermit living at the site of the Saint-Severin Church in the 6th Century and died in about 540.
One of his disciples was Saint Cloud, a Merovingian Prince who left the Royal Court to become a Monk and Hermit.
After the death of Severin, a Chapel was erected on the site of his cell, believed to be near the Oratory of Saint Martin in the present Church. This Chapel was destroyed during the Norman invasions in the 9th Century, then rebuilt in the Romanesque style in the 11th Century.
The current building which is situate in the Latin Quarter of Paris, on the lively tourist Street, Rue Saint-Séverin. It was constructed beginning in 1230, then, after a fire, rebuilt and enlarged in the 15th to 17th Centuries in the Flamboyant Gothic style. It is the Parish Church for students at the University of Paris and is one of the oldest Churches which remains standing on the Left Bank.
Engraving by Thomas Shotter Boys, St Severin, Paris, 1839
Two of the most famous conversions due to the Miraculous medal was that of Fr Alphonse Ratisbonne NDS (1814-1884), an anti-Catholic Jewish banker and Claude Newman (1923-1944). Fr Alphonse Ratisbonne received a vision of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. After his conversion, he became a Priest and worked for the conversion of the Jewish people.
St Acacius of Sebaste St Acharius of Noyon St Apollinaris of Monte Cassino St Barlaam
Blessed Bernardine of Fossa OFM (1420-1503) Priest, Friar of the Friars Minor, Missionary in Italy and a renowned Preacher, noted Historian, Lawyer, Ascetical Writer, rising within the Order to important positions. His cult was later confirmed by the Beatification of Pope Leo XII on 26 March 1828. The Roman Martyrology states: “At L’Aquila, blessed Bernardino da Fossa (Giovanni) Amici, Priest of the Order of Minors, who preached the Catholic Faith in many Provinces of Italy.“ A Faithful Imitator of his Namesake, St Bernardine of Siena: https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/27/saint-of-the-day-27-november-blessed-bernardine-of-fossa-ofm-1420-1503/
St Bilhild of Altmünster St Eusician St Facundus St Fergus the Pict St Gallgo of Wales St Gregory of Sinai St Gulstan St Hirenarchus of Sebaste St James Intercisus St John Angeloptes
St Maximus (Died 460) Bishop of Riez , Confessor, Abbot, Hermit, zealous and highly efficient leader, Miracle-worker. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Riez, in France, St Maximus, Bishop and Confessor, who, from his tender years, was endowed with every grace and virtue. Being first the Superior of the Monastery of Lérins and afterwards, Bishop of the Church of Riez, he was celebrated for the working of miracles and prodigies.” His Life of Love: https://anastpaul.com/2023/11/27/saint-of-the-day-27-november-saint-maximus-of-riez-died-460-bishop-confessor/
High Altar, Salzburg Cathedral (Salzburger Dom) Salzburg, Austria. Saint Rupert is depicted atop the altar carrying a barrel of salt in his left hand and a bishop’s crozier in his right. Saint Virgil is also represented atop the altar, opposite Saint Rupert.
Martyrs of Antioch – 3 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith. Little information has survived except for their names – Auxilius, Basileus and Saturninus.
Martyrs of Nagasaki – 11 Beati: A group of eleven Christians Martyred together for their faith during a period of official persecution in Japan. They are: Blessed Alexius Nakamura Blessed Antonius Kimura Blessed Bartholomaeus Seki Blessed Ioannes Iwanaga Blessed Ioannes Motoyama Blessed Leo Nakanishi Blessed Matthias Kozasa Blessed Matthias Nakano Blessed Michaël Takeshita Blessed Romanus Motoyama Myotaro Blessed Thomas Koteda Kyumi They were Martyred on 27 November 1619 in Nagasaki, Japan and Beatified on 7 May 1867 by Pope Pius IX.
The Dogma was promulgated by Blessed Pius IX in 1854 in the Bull Ineffabilis Deus. This Dogma is rejected by all Protestants including the Orthodox – another reason why we cannot interact with these the way some do and the Vatican II church endorses.
Let us Pray to our Mother, the Immaculate and Blessed Virgin Mary, conceived without sin.
Thought for the Day – 26 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Blessedness of the Merciful
“Let us remember that we have often made ourselves God’s enemies, by our sins. We were often in need, when we were deprived of Divine grace. On these occasions, God was merciful to us, for He granted us His forgiveness and His friendship. These gifts of God, place an obligation on us, to behave in the same way to those who are in need, by assisting them willingly and generously and, to those who are unhappy, by consoling them as far as possible.
Let us remember, the great principle which Jesus Christ has given us. “Even as you wish men to do to you, so also, do you unto them … Do good to those who hate you … Do not judge and you shall not be judged; do not condemn and you shall not be condemned. Forgive and you shall be forgiven, give and it shall be given to you …” (Cf Lk 6:30-38). “With what judgement you judge, you shall be judged and with what measure you measure, it shall be measured to you” (Mt 7:1). So it shall be on the day of death, when we shall appear before the Supreme Judge!
Let us be generous throughout life in giving help and consolation to others. It is more blessed to give, than to receive, as the Gospel says. By giving, we shall find a little happiness, even in this world and shall be certain that one day, the most merciful Judge will pardon and embrace us!”
Quote/s of the Day – 26 November – St Leonard of Port Maurice OFM (1676-1751) Confessor, Priest and Franciscan Friar
“Avoid sloth, bad company, dangerous conversations and games; remembering that time passes and never returns, that you have a soul and, if you lose your soul, you lose all!”
One Minute Reflection – 26 November – “The Month of The Holy Souls in Purgatory” – St Sylvester Gozzolini OSB Silv. (1177– 1267) Priest, Abbot – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6 – Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“… Shall receive a hundredfold and shall possess life everlasting.” – Matthew 19:29
REFLECTION – “The possessions which we have, are not our own: God has given them to us to cultivate and He wishes us to render them fruitful and profitable … Always deprive yourself, therefore, of some part of your means, giving them to the poor with a willing heart … It is true that God will return it to you, not only in the next world but also in this, for there is nothing which makes a person prosper, in temporal matters, so much, as almsgiving. But until such time as God shall repay it, you will always be impoverished to that extent. Oh! how holy and rich is the impoverishment which is caused by almsgiving.
Love the poor and poverty, for by this love you will become truly poor, since, as Scripture says: “We become like the things that we love” (cf Hos 9:10). Love makes those who love, equal to one another: “Who is weak and I am not weak?” says St Paul (2 Cor 11:29). He might have said: “Who is poor, with whom I am not poor?” For love made him become, such as those whom he loved. If, then, you love the poor, you will be truly participating in their poverty and poor like them. Now, if you love the poor, be often among them; be pleased to see them in your house and to visit them in theirs; associate willingly with them; be glad that they are near you in the Churches, in the streets and elsewhere. Be poor in speech with them, speaking to them as their equal but be rich in deed, giving them of your goods, as one who possesses more abundantly.
Will you do even more? … Become a servant of the poor; go to serve them … with your own hands … and at your own expense. This service has more glory in it than a throne!” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church (Introduction to the devout life, Part three Ch 15).
PRAYER – Most merciful God, Who when the holy Abbot Sylvester was devoutly meditating upon the vanity of this world beside an open grave, graciously willed to call him into the desert and enrich him with unusual merits, we humbly pray that, following his example, despising the things of earth, we may thoroughly enjoy Thy everlasting presence. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 26 November – “The Month of The Holy Souls in Purgatory”
A Short Act of Spiritual Communion By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Doctor of the Church
My Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love Thee above all things and I desire Thee in my soul. Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually, into my heart. As though Thou were already there, I embrace Thee and unite myself wholly to Thee, permit not, that I should ever, be separated from Thee. Amen
Saint of the Day – 26 November – St Amator (3rd Century) Bishop of Autun, France. Also known as – Amatore, Amatoris.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Autun, St Amator, Bishop.”
The Last Judgement at Autun Cathedral
St Jerome’s Martyrology commigrates ‘the death of Saint Amatoris Bishop’ in Autun on 26 November and the same ‘death of Saint Amatoris Bishop’ in Auxerre on 1 May. Since the word ‘Bishop‘ is omitted in the Epternacense Codex in the commemoration of 26 November and the Martyrology appears misleading, the Bollandists, in their commentary on the Roman Martyrology, express the opinion that Amator, the Bishop of Autun, never existed and the Diocese was erroneously inserted instead of Auxerre. Baronius also shows little belief in the existence of this Bishop of Autun. Furthermore, the records of his correspondence with Pope Silverius (536-537) is legendary.
St Leonard of Port Maurice OFM (1676-1751) Confessor, Priest and Friar of the Friars Minor, Preacher – in particular Parish Mission, Ascetic Writer, Spiritual Director. St Leonard founded many pious apostolates, societies and confraternities and exerted himself to spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Perpetual Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Passion of Christ. He was among the few to insist that the concept of the Immaculate Conception of Mary be defined as a Dogma of the Faith. He was Beatified on 19 June 1796 by Pope Pius VI and Canonised on 29 June 1867 by Pope Pius IX. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/27/saint-of-the-day-27-november-st-leonard-of-port-maurice-ofm-1676-1751/
Blessed Delphina of Glandèves TOSF (1283-1360) Virgin, Virgin Laywoman, Married in Chastity to St Elzear (below) Widow, Recluse, Apostle of the Poor and needy. Sometimes regarded as ‘Saint’ – the anniversary of her death and birthday into Heaven is today, 28 November. After the Vatican II Council, her Feast day was moved to 27 September: Blessed Delphina’s Chaste Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/27/saint-of-the-day-27-september-saint-delphina-tosf-1283-1360-virgin/
St Egelwine of Athelney St Ida of Cologne St James the Hermit St Magnance of Ste-Magnance St Marcellus of Nicomedia St Martin of Arades St Nicon of Sparta
Blessed Pontius of Faucigny (c1100-c1178) Abbot, Founder and the 1st Abbot of the Monastery of Faucigny. At a very young age he entered the Abbey of the Canons Regular of Abondance, of which he revised the Constitutions, harmonising them with the original Augustinian Rule. His Holy Life: https://anastpaul.com/2024/11/24/saint-of-the-day-24-november-saint-protasius-died-c352-bishop/
St Sabaudus of Trier
St Siricius, Pope (c334-399) Confessor, Bishop of Rome from December 384, Confessor, Defender of the Faith against heresies, Reformer of clerical discipline, Born in Rome and died there of natural causes aged around 64. In response to inquiries from Bishop Himerius of Tarragona, Siricius issued the Directa Decretal, containing Decrees of Baptism, Church discipline and other matters. His are the oldest completely preserved Papal Decrees. He is sometimes said to have been the first Bishop of Rome to call himself “Pope or Papa” – the word derived from the Greek, Papa, meaning Father. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St Siricius, Pope and Confessor, celebrated for his learning, piety and zeal for religion, who condemned various heretics and published salutary laws concerning Ecclesiastical discipline.” A True Shepherd.: https://anastpaul.com/2023/11/26/saint-of-the-day-26-november-st-pope-siricius-c334-399-confessor/
St Stylinus St Vacz – 11th Century Hermit in Visegrád, Hungary. No further information is available.
Martyrs of Alexandria – 650+- Saints: A group of approximately 650 Christian Priests, Bishops and Laity Martyred together in the persecution of Maximian Galerius. We have the names and a few details only seven of them – Ammonius, Didius, Faustus, Hesychius, Pachomius, Phileas and Theodore. The were born in Egypt and were martyred there in c 311 in Alexandria, Egypt.
Martyrs of Capua – 7 Saints: A group of seven Christians Martyred together. The only details about them to survive are the names – Ammonius, Cassianus, Felicissimus, Nicander, Romana, Saturnin and Serenus. They were martyred in Capua, Campania, Italy, date unknown.
Martyrs of Nicomedia – 6 Saints: A group of six Christians Martyred by Arians. Few details have survived except their names – Marcellus, Melisus, Numerius, Peter, Serenusa and Victorinus. Martyred in 349 in Nicomedia, Bithynia, Asia Minor (modern Izmit, Turkey).
November is a month of Birthdays and Anniversaries for me and as I have a few commitments approaching shortly, including my own Birthday 🎂 I am taking some time off.
God willing, I will be back before Advent.
In the interim be holy and blessed 🙏💖
Love, gratitude and wishing you all abundant blessings. Ana
Thought for the Day – 9 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
INDULGENCES
“Indulgences, therefore, are an aid to repentance for sin, not a substitute for it. In granting them, the Church is only imitating the merciful spirit of Jesus Christ, Who was always compassionate towards sinners.
Let us do our best to make profitable use of the Church’s generosity on our own behalf and, on behalf of the Faithful Departed. Let us observe the necessary conditions in order to gain as many Indulgences as possible.
Every morning, we should make the intention of gaining all the indulgences which we can, during the day.”
Quote/s of the Day – 9 November – Dedication of The Archbasilica of the Most Holy Saviour
“Like the deer yearns for running streams, so my soul is yearning for Tbee, my God; my soul is thirsting for God, the living God.”
Psalm 41:2-3
“Zeal for Thy House hath consumed me.”
John 2:17
“Behold, thy mother” John 19:27
“His Mother is the entire Church because by God’s grace, she brings forth the members of Jesus Christ, that is to say, those who are faithful to Him. His Mother is also every holy soul who does the Will of His Father and whose fruitful charity is made manifest in those whom it brings forth for Him until He Himself is formed in them (Gal 4:19)…”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
My Dear Jesus Return Thy Spouse to Apostolic Sanctity By St Jerome Emiliani (1486–1537)
Our sweet Father Lord Jesus Christ, because of Thine Infinite Goodness, we ask Thee to return Thy Spouse, the Church to tha state of sanctity as of the time of the Apostles. Hear us, O Lord because Thou art kind and merciful. In Thy bountiful compassion look upon us. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy upon us. May the power of God the Father, the Wisdom of the Son and the Strength of the Holy Ghost and too, the glorious Virgin Mary, guide and protect us on the way to peace, love and prosperity. May the Angel Raphael, who always assisted Tobias, be with me in every place I stop and on every road I travel. My dear Jesus, my dear Jesus, my dear Jesus, my love and my God, I trust in Thee. Amen
St Jerome Emiliani (1486–1537)
“The Church alone, being the Bride of Christ and having all things in common with her Divine Spouse, is the depository of the Truth.”
One Minute Reflection – 9 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – Dedication of The Archbasilica of the Most Holy Saviour – Apocalypse 21:2-5 – Luke 19:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“… For this day, I must abide in thy house.” – Luke 19:5
REFLECTION – “Some people are very like Zacchaeus. They desire to see Jesus as He is. All power of reason and all natural light, are too short and small for this, so they run ahead of all crowds and all the multiplicity of creatures. Through faith and love, they climb up to the highest part of their mind, where their spirit lives in its freedom, devoid of images and obstacles . It is there that Jesus is seen, known and loved in His Divinity, for there, He is always present, to the free and exalted spirit which has risen above itself in love of Him. Jesus there flows forth with a fullness of grace and favours.
But He says to all: “Come down quickly, for the exalted freedom of the spirit cannot be maintained, except through lowly obedience of mind. You must know and love Me, as both God and a human being, higher than all and lower than all! You will savour Me when I raise you up above all things and above yourself to Myself and, when you lower yourself beneath all things and beneath yourself, to Me and for My sake. Then, I will have to come to your house and remain living with you and in you and you with Me and in Me!”
When these persons know, taste and feel this, they come down quickly in great disdain of themselves and, with a humble heart and true displeasure, regarding their life and all their works, they say: “Lord, I am not worthy – but I am truly unworthy – that I should receive Thine glorious body in the blessed Sacrament, into the sinful house of my body and soul. But be gracious to me, Lord and have mercy upn my poor life and all my transgressions.” – Blessed Jan van Ruysbroeck (1293-1381) Canon Regular (A Mirror of Eternal Blessedness).
PRAYER – O God, Who for us bring each year the recurrence of the Consecration day of this Thy holy temple and always bring us back safely to the Sacred Rites, hear the prayers of Thy people and grant that, whoever enters this temple to pray for blessings., may rejoice in having obtained whatever he sought. 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 – 9 November – “The Month of The Holy Souls in Purgatory”
By the Merit of the Precious Blood of Jesus By Pope Pius VII (1742-1823) Papacy from 1800 to 1823 Indulgenced Act of Oblation to Our Father
Eternal Father! I offer Thee the merit of the Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy well-beloved Son, my Saviour and my God, for all my wants, spiritual and temporal, in aid of the Holy Souls in Purgatory and chiefly for those who most loved this Precious Blood, the price of our redemption and who were most devout to the sorrows and pains of most Holy Mary, our dear Mother.
Glory be to the Blood of Jesus, now and forever and throughout all ages. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time this prayed is offered 22 September 1817 with a Plenary Indulgence, once a month, under the usual conditions.
Note: On 15 August 1811 – the Feast of the Assumption – it is recorded that the Pope. Pius VII, celebrated Mass and was said to have entered a trance and began to levitate in a manner which drew him to the Altar. This particular episode aroused great wonder and awe among participants which included the French Soldiers guarding him, who were ingreat amazement and awed disbelief, at the miraculous incident which had occurred. Pope Pius VII has since been elected as the Patron of the Diocese of Savona and the
Saint of the Day – 9 November – St Ursinus (Died c280) Confessor and the 1st Bishop of Bourges, France from 251 to 280, Patronage – of the City and Diocese of Bourges. Also known as – Ursinnus, Ursin, Ursino, Orsino.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Bourges, St Irsinus, Confessor who was Ordained in Rome by the successors of the Apostles and appointed the first Bishop of that City.”
Various ‘Lives’ have been written over time, of the holy Bishop which, are largely legendary. Here we stick to the text of the great Bishop and Historian, St Gregory of Tours (538-594), who in his “Historia Francorum” describes Ursinus as having been sent to France (Gaul) with the first seven Bishops.
In another work, “De Gloria Confessorum” chapters 79 and 90, St Gregory says that Ursinus was one of the 72 Disciples of the Apostles, specifying that he was present at the Last Supper, serving as a reader at the table. This last version is very popular in the Berry region, where tradition adds that Ursinus was present at the Passion, followed the Apostles until Pentecost and also received the Holy Ghost with them. He later accompanied St Stephen, collecting his blood when he was Martyred. It was Pope Clement (88-97) who sent him to Gaul.
In reality, this entire version is legendary, especially given the historical period; because following the version in the “Historia Francorum” Ursinus, having arrived in Berry, after having preached, converted and Baptised a large part of the population, especially the poorest, wanted to build the first Church in the region in Bourges; he built it on the property of a rich converted pagan, the Senator, St Leocadius († early 4th Century), a member of the family of St Vettius Epagatus, Martyred in Lyon.
After Consecrating the Church, Ursinus placed the Relic of the blood of St Stephen the Protomartyr there. Ursinus governing the Church of Bourges for 27 years and died on 29 December an unspecified year in the second half of the 3rd Century.
These few chronological details, such as the death of St. Leocadius and the establishm of the first Church in Bourges in around 250, credibly indicate that St Ursinus lived in the 3rd Century, while other accounts, which have also passed into popular tradition, erroneously place him in the 1st Century, during the Apostolic period.
St Gregory of Tours continues the tale, recounting the miraculous discovery of the Saint’s Sarcophagus, beneath a vineyard in an ancient cemetery, duing the Episcopate of Probianus, sometime between 558 and 573. The Relics were brought to the Basilica of St Symphorianus which later took the name of St Ursinus.
In 1055, Hugh, the Bishop of Lisieux, requested and obtained, some Relics of St Ursinus, which were the subject of canonical recognitions in 1399 and in the 17th and 18th Centuries, further Relics were preserved in Chaussée-Saint-Victor.
A Religuary and Shrine to St Ursinus in Saint-André Church in Châteauroux .
The cult of the holy Bishop, in addition to Bourges, is widespread in Normandy, in the Dioceses of Lisieux, Bayeux, Rouen and Blois.
Bourges Cathedral is the greatest testimony to the profound cult that binds the City to its holy Founder Bishop, St Ursinus. The works of art and religious devotion there are a testament to devotion to their Patron Saint. One of the most famous 13th Century stained-glass windows and the 15th Century sculptures of the Saint-Ursinus Gate, which narrate the culminating episodes of the saintly evangeliser of Berry, are dedicated to him. Other works of art housed in the Bourges Museum and in the Church of Lisieux, reproduce scenes from the legend of Ursinus, who witnessed Jesus’ Last Supper with the Apostles.
Blessed Gabriel Ferretti OFM (1385-1456) Priest, Friar of the Order of Friars Minor, Provincial Superior, Mystic. renowned missionary Preacher. He was zealous in the restoration and establishment of new Convents. He was an ancestor to both Cardinal Gabriele Ferretti and Pope Pius IX, having been descended from a long noble lineage. Patronage – Ancona. His body is incorrupt. He was Beatified on 19 September 1753 by Pope Benedict XIV. Zealous and Devoted Gabriel: https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/09/saint-of-the-day-9-november-blessed-gabriel-ferretti-ofm-1385-1456/
Blessed George Napper (1550-1610) Priest Martyr Beatified by Pope Pius XI on 15 December 1929
St Pabo St Sopatra St Theodore Stratelates St Ursinus (Died c280) Bishop and Confessor of Bourges St Vitonus of Verdun
Martyrs of Constantinople – 3 Saints: A group of ten Christians who tried to defend an image of Jesus over the Brazen Gate of Constantinople from an attack by Iconoclasts during the persecutions of Emperor Leo the Isaurian. The group of was seized by soldiers, condemned by judges for opposing the emperor, and Martyred. The only details that have survived are three of their names – Julian, Marcian and Maria. They were martyred in 730 at Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey).
Thought for the Day – 8 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Advantages of Devotion to the Souls in Purgatory
“The story is told of St John of God who, on one occasion, when he was finding it difficult to provide for the crowds of sick people, whom he had in his hospital, he went about the streets of Granada, crying: “My dear brothers, give alms to yourselves!” Many were astonished at these words but, the Saint explained that Jesus regards, as done to Himself, anything which we do for the poor and unfortunate and that, therefore, He repays the generous giver handsomely. Since the Souls in Purgatory, are poor and needy, it is certain that, whatever we do for them, will redound to our own advantage.
St Margaret of Cortona had a keen devotion to the Faithful Departed. It is related of her that when she was dying, she saw a band of blessed spirits descending from above, in order to escort her into Heaven. These were the countless souls whom her prayers had rescued from the pains of Purgatory.
“If only everyone realised,” the Cure d’Ars once said to a fellow Priest, “what great influence with God, the Holy Souls in Purgatory possess and, the vast number of favours which we obtain through their intercession, they certainly would not be forgotten. Let us pray earnestly for them and they will intercede strongly for us!”
“Whenever I wish to obtain some favour from our Heavenly Father,” said St Catherine of Bologna, “I have recourse to the Souls in Purgatory. I beseech them to present my petition to the Divine Majesty, in their name and through their intercession, my request is granted.”
AnaStpaul 
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