Our Morning Offering – 18 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Feast of Our Lady of Expectation
Awaiting Baby Jesus Traditional Catholic Advent Prayer
My heart is beating, filled with joy, awaiting Mary’s Baby Boy. For with this Child, we embrace the birth of God’s most precious grace. Baby Jesus, soon to come! For us comes the Promised One. Baby Jesus, God’s own Son, Thou will be the Chosen One to lead Thy flock unto salvation. Our eternal life awaits. The birth of Jesus brings us nearer Heaven’s Holy Gates. Sing with joy and count the days, for soon to come, the Lord we’ll praise. Rejoice that Jesus will soon arrive, the Messiah and our faith alive. Amen
Saint of the Day – 18 December – Saint Samthann (Died 739) Virgin, Abbess of the Monastery she had founded, Clonbroney. Born in Ireland and died at her Convent Clonbroney in 739. Also known as – Samthan, Samthana, … of Clonbroney.
The ‘Life of Samthann’ is known mainly from an early 14th-Century manuscript. Below is taken from this ‘Life of Saint Samthann’ from a translation by two Irish Priests, Fathers Diamuid O’Laoghaire and Peter O’Dwyer:
Samthann’s father’s name was Diamramus and her mother’s Columba. As she matured her foster-father, Cridan, King of the Ui Coirpri, gave her in marriage to a nobleman. Before the marriage solemnities were celebrated, the nobleman saw, at midnight, something like a ray of the sun, extended through the roof of the house, onto the bed in which Samthann was sleeping with the King’s two daughters. Amazed by the unusual vision of light at such an hour, he rose immediately and, advancing toward his spouse’s bed, found that her face was illumined by that ray. He was very happy to be gifted with a spouse who was surrounded by heavenly light.
The following night, when the solemnities had been celebrated, both were entering the marriage bed, as is customary … but before the consumation of the marriage, … tiredness overcame Cridan. Then Samthann gave herself to prayer, knocking at the doors of Divine Mercy beseeching God might keep her virginity unblemished. And God heard her prayer, for at about midnight that Town in which they lived seemed to outsiders to be on fire. A flame of extraordinary magnitude was seen ascending from the mouth of the holy virgin to the roof of the house. A mighty cry was raised outside in the Town and those who were asleep within, were awakened. Together, they hastened to extinguish the fire.
In the meantime the holy virgin Samthann hid herself in a cluster of ferns nearby. The fire vanished immediately without doing any damage. When morning came, her foster-father, the King, set out to look for her. When he found her, she begged him to change his decision and allow her to marry her only true Spouse, the King of Heaven. Then the King said, “We offer you to God, the Spouse Whom you choose.” Then she, with her husband’s permission, entered the Monastery of the virgin Cognat where she remained for a time.
Later Samthann became the Abbess of the Convent of Clonbroney. Many miracles were attributed to her. When a worker hired by Samthann to build an Oratory silently wished for himself and his co-workers, a feast of forty bread loaves with butter, cheese and milk, he was soon awed to see this dream meal brought to them.Smiling at his astonishment, Samthann said to him, “The thought of your heart is fulfilled, is it not?”
St Samthan had founded Clonbroney (Cluain-Bronach) Abbey in County Longford, a house which refused large donations, for fear of losing the simplicity of their lives.
Her cultus was promoted by Saint Virgilius of Salzburg. Her name is in both the Litany and the Canon of the Irish Stowe missal which had been compiled in thelate 8th or early 9th Century.
Christmas Novena to the Christ Child – Day Three:THE THIRD DAY
The Monthly Novena to the Infant of Prague – LINK : The Third Day
Our Lady of the Expectation – This Feast originated in Spain. When the Feast of the Annunciation (25 March) was transferred to 18 December because of the regulation forbidding Feasts in Lent, it remained on this date after the Annunciation was again celebrated on its original date. It impressed on the faithful, the sentiments of the Blessed Virgin as the time of her delivery approached. More about the Feast here: https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/18/the-feast-of-our-lady-of-expectation-18-december/
St Mawnan of Cornwall – He is lincluded in various calendars in the British Isles. A Town in the County of Cornwall is named for him. No reliable information about his life has survived. St Rufus of Philippi+ St Samthann (Died 739) Virgin, Founder Abbess St Theotimus of Laodicea– Martyr. No further information has survived.
Mercedarians Redeemers – Also known as “Blessed Redentori.” A group of Mercedarian Friars who worked together, under the leadership of Saint Peter de Amer, to ransom prisoners and minister to them after. Blessed Bernardo de Pratis Blessed Giacomo de Lara Blessed Louis Gasco Blessed Peter de Quesada Blessed Peter of Barcelona Blessed William de Quadres
Martyrs of Northwest Africa – 42 Saints: Mercedarian Redeemers – 6 beati – These are a group of Mercedarian Friars who worked together, under the leadership of Saint Peter de Amer, to ransom (e.g., redeem) prisoners and minister to them after.
Thought for the Day – 17 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Meditations for Advent From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
The Signs of His Coming
+1. One of the signs of the Second Coming of Our Lord being nigh at hand, will be that no-one will expect it. All the world will be satisfied that things will go on as hitherto for many a century and they will ask – “Where is the promise of His Coming?” In this too, the life of the individual is often a miniature of the history of the world. Christ comes again to many an nexpecting soul when sudden death, through some accident or nsuspected disease, carries off, in a moment, the man who thought he had long years to live. “Blessed is he whom his Lord, when He cometh shall find watching.”
+2. Another warning of Our Lord’s approach will be the coming of Antichrist. He will be one, whose authority and power will be a counterfeit of the Vicar of Christ. His distinguishing marks will be overweening pride, hatred of the Catholic Church, widespread dominion, spirit of rebellion which will enlist, in his service, all who revolt against the authority which comes from God . Examine yourself to see if there lurks in you, any of this dislike of lawful authority and pray for the grace of loyalty to men, for God’s sake.
+3. Before Our Lord’s Coming, there will be a terrible persecution of he servants of God. In these days, when there is an ever-increasing spirit of tolerance, it is difficult to understand this. But under the spirit of what is called ‘religious liberalism or ecumenism!‘ lurks a deadly hatred of the Church of Christ. It breaks out from time to time, as in the French Commune. It slumbers but now it blazes up again. Pray for grace to withstand all the assaults of the persecutor!
Quote/s of the Day – 17 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Ferial Day – Philippians 4:4-7; John 1:19-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Lord is near. Have no anxiety …”
Philippians 4:5-6
“In adoring our Saviour’s birth, it is our origin we celebrate. Christ’s temporal generation is, the source of the Christian people, the birth of His Mystical Body. All of us encounter in this Mystery, a new birth in Christ.”
St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father & Doctor of the Church
“May He, Who is the Track of the runners and the Reward of the winners, lead and guide you along it – He, Christ Jesus!”
Blessed Guerric of Igny (c1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot
One Minute Reflection – 17 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Third Week of Advent – Ferial Day – Philippians 4:4-7; John 1:19-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/ – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“He it is Who is to come after me, Who has been set above me, the strap of Whose sandal I am not worthy to loose. ” – John 1:27
REFLECTION – “When the whole universe was overshadowed by the darkness of the devil and sins’ gloom dominated the world, a new Sun, Christ our Lord, willed in these last days, when night was nearly over, to shine forth the first rays of a new day. But before this Light appeared, that is to say, before the “Sun of righteousness” (Mal 3:20) arose, God had already announced it, like a first gleam through his Prophets: “I sent My Prophets before the Light” (Jer 7:25). Later, Christ Himself, put forth His Rays – that is to say, His Apostles – to make His Light shine out and fill the universe with His Truth, so that none might be lost in darkness…
But so as to finish doing our necessary tasks, before the Sun of this world arises, we mortals anticipate the Light with our lamps. Likewise, Christ the Sun, also has His Lamp to precede His coming, as the Prophet says: “I have prepared a Lamp for My Anointed” (Ps 131:17). And Our Lord shows us what this lamp is, when He says with regard to John the Baptist: “He was a burning, shining light.” And John himself said, as though he were the feeble glimmering of a lantern being carried on ahead: “But One is coming, Who is stronger than I and I am not worthy to undo His sandal strap. He will Baptise you in the Holy Spirit and in fire” (Lk 3:16). And at the same time, knowing that his light was to be eclipsed by the Sun’s Rays, he prophesied: “He must increase; I must decrease” (Jn 3:30). Indeed, just as the glow of a lantern fades away at the coming of the Sun, so the baptism of repentance, preached by John, faded before the coming of the grace of Christ.” – St Maximus of Turin (Died c420) Bishop. Father (Sermon 62, 26).
PRAYER – Put forth Thy power, O Lord, we beseech Thee and delay not and with Thy great might, come to our aid, so that what is hindered by our sins, maybe hastened by Thy merciful goodness. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Saint of the Day – 17 December – St Briarch (Died 627) Abbot, Priest, Missionary, Founder of the Monastery of Bourbriac from which a village grew (Briarch Village), Hermit Born in Ireland and died in 627 in Bourbiac, France of natural causes. Patronages – against epilepsy, against mental illness, against headaches. Also known as – Briarch of Brittany, Briach…Briac…Briachus…Briag…Briagenn…Briarch of Bourbriac.
In the 6th Century, the Benedictines spread throughout Europe, Monks who lived according to the Rule of Saint Benedict, based on prayer and work. Even in Ireland, the ideas of the Italian Monk captured the interest of many young men.
This is the case of the Saint celebrated today – the nobleman Briarch. He abandoned luxury, wealth and a brilliant career and left his native Island home, to go to Wales. Here, his monastic life began under the guidance and direction of St Tual (Died c560) The young nobleman, who had become a Priest, decided to cross the sea once again and reached Brittany in North-west France, which at that time was called Armorica.
Briaco was not alone; he was accompanied by seventy fellow Monks. In this area, the Priest built a Monastery around which a village was born, the current French City of Bourbriac (Briarch Village).
In the Monastery, the Monks prayed, cultivated the land, copied the Sacred Scriptures and other Latin and Greek spiritual works by hand and welcomed the many in need of food, care and protection. The Monks also taught the locals how to cultivate the fields and how to read and write. Monasteries thus become places of peace and work for many desperate people fleeing from invasions.
After some time, Briarch wished to embrace solitude in order to grow in sanctity and to unite himself to God. He took refuge in the forest and lived as a Hermit. He prayed, fasted and immersed himself in mediationon. His isolation did not mean, however, running away from people, towards whom Briarch was always kind.
Celebrating St Briarch today on his Feast
In fact, during his stay in the forest, many miracles occurred due to his intercession. He made a sick person wear his habit and immediately a miraculous cure occurred. Another individual, suffering from obsessive thoughts which caused him to suffer great anxiety, was healed by the prayers of the Irish Hermit. On another occasion, a man, bitten by a poisonous snake, was immediately saved from death by the intervention of Briarch.
On the facade of the St Briac Church at Saint-Briac-sur-Mer
Briarch then undertook another journey, this time as a Pilgrim to Rome to meet Pope Pelagius II and to visit the holy places. On his return however in 627, he stopped in the South of France, in Arles, some sources say he died here and others that he did reach his beloved Monastery in Brittany, where he died.
Briarch is buried in the Church of Bourbriac. There is still a Sarcophagus from the Merovingian period, probably the stone coffin in which he was laid to rest. Under the Church is the Crypt from the 11th Century, probably built as Briarcc’s final resting place, where believers could venerate him without disturbing the service in the Church above. A spring can still be seen near the Church.
A pardon (penitential procession) is held on Ascension Day. On that occasion, the Reliquary of St Briarch, in the form of a bust is carried around the former Monastery grounds. There are numerous Churches, Towns, Villaes, regions named after St Briarch in France.
The Reliquary of St Briarch used in the Pardon Procession
St Begga of Ardenne (c613-693) Widow, Mother of 3 children, Founder of Churches and a Monastery of which she became the first Abbess. Patronages – Ardenne, against stuttering and of stutterers. he Roman Martyrology reads: “At Ardenne, at the Seven Churches, St Begga Widow, sister of St Gertrude of Nivelles.” St Begga’s Holy Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-saint-begga-of-ardenne-c613-693-widow/
St Briarch (Died 627) Abbot St Judicaël St Maxentiolus St Modestus of Jerusalem
Martyrs of Eleutheropolis – (60+ Martyrs-Beati): Approximately 60 Christian soldiers in the imperial Roman army of emperor Heraclius; they were murdered as a group for their faith by invading Saracen Muslims. We know the names of two of them – Calaoicus and Florian. 638 in Eleutheropolis (Beit Jibrin), Palestine.
Thought for the Day – 16 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Meditations for Advent From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
The Second Coming of Christ
+1. When the Apostles on Mount Olivet were gazing after their Master Who had just ascended into Heaven, two Angels stood by them and announced to them that He, Who had just vanished from their sight would return in like manner Our Lord Himself had already declared – He would Come Again with power and great glory and would sit upon the throne of His glory. At the sound of His approach, the dead will rise from their graves to meet Him and, the nations of the world, who have not accepted His sway, will be filled with unspeakable terror and dismay. What will be the dispositions with which I shall rise again to meet Christ? What would they be now, if He were to Come today?
+2. The object of His Coming will be to judge the living and the dead. All which is now hidden, will be made manifest before the world. All the secret thoughts and whispered words and actions, concealed from the eyes of men, will then be made manifest. How should I like to have all my base and low motives dragged to light, all my unkind words revealed to those against whom they were spoken, all those actions of which I cannot myself think,. without shame, proclaimed so all may behold them?
+3. Our Lord will Come, radiant in majesty and glory, to crush His enemies under His feet and reward His faithful soldiers and servants. How great then will be the ignominy and shame of the mighty men of earth if they have not bowed their neck to the King of kings! How full of joy will be the hearts of all who have humbled themselves before Him! How will they be beautiful beyond compare and honoured before His holy Angels! Learn now to humble yourself under the yoke of Christ!
Quote/s of the Day – 16 December – 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; Matthew 16:24-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“For he who will save his life, will lose it and he who will lose his life for My sake, will find it. ”
Matthew 16:25
“He who findeth his life, shall lose it and he, who shall lose his life for Me, shall find it. ” Matthew 10:39
“My dear child, accept this cross from God and bear it – it will turn into a truly lovable cross, if you would hand these trials over to God, accept them from Him with true abandonment and thank God for them: “My soul magnifies the Lord” in everything (cf Lk 1:46). Whether God takes or gives, the Son of Man must be raised up on the Cross … Dear child, leave all that behind; rather, give your attention to true abandonment … and think about accepting to bear the cross of temptation, rather than going in search of spiritual sweetness … Our Lord has said: “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him take up his cross and follow Me” (Lk 9:23).”
Fr JohannesTauler OP (c1300-1361) Dominican Priest and Friar, renowned Preacher and Theologian
“Since happiness is nothing else than the enjoyment of the Supreme Good and the Supreme Good is above us, no-one can enjoy happiness, unless he rises above himself.”
St Bonaventure (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
“My soul, live henceforward amid the scourges and the thorns of thy Saviour and there, as a nightingale in its bush, sing sweetly: Live Jesus, Who didst die that my soul might live! Ah, Eternal Father! What can the world return Thee for the gift Thou hast made it of Thy only Son? Alas! to redeem a thing so vile as I, the Saviour delivered Himself to death and, unhappy me! I hesitate to surrender my nothingness to Him, Who has given me everything!”
One Minute Reflection – 16 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Eusebius of Vercelli (c283-371) Bishop, Confessor – 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; Matthew 16:24-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me.” – Matthew 16:24
REFLECTION – “In achieving the mystery of His Love, the Lord “took the form of a servant” and, for us, “deigned to humble Himself even to the death of the Cross” (Phil 2:8). He did this so that, through the lowliness which all could see, He might secretly achieve, for us, that hidden eminence amongst the dwellers of Heaven. Only realise, from what we first fell and you will become aware, that by the design of God’s Wisdom and Love, we are being refashioned for Life. In Adam, we fell through pride and, in Christ, we are humbled, that we may dissolve the sin of that ancient crime, by obedience to the opposite virtue. So, we who by proud conduct, have sinned, win approval by humble service.
Therefore, let us rejoice and glory in Him, Who made us both His battle and His victory, when He said: “Have confidence, for I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33) … He, Who is unconquered, will fight for us and conquer in us. Then the prince of this darkness shall be cast out (cf Jn 12:31). He is not, to be sure, expelled from the world but from the individual, for when faith enters us, we shut him out and provide a place for Christ…
Let orators keep their eloquence, philosophers their wisdom, rich men their wealth and kings their kingdoms. Christ is our Glory, Property and Kingdom! Our wisdom lies in the “foolishness of our preaching,” our strength, in the weakness of the flesh, our glory, in the stumbling block of the Cross (cf 1 Cor 1:21).” – St Paulinus of Nola (355-431) Bishop, Father of the Church (Letter 38:3-4.6).
PRAYER – O God, Who gladden us with the annual festival of blessed Eusebius, Thy Martyr and Bishop, mercifully grant that, as we venerate the anniversary of his Martyrdom, we may also rejoice in his protection.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 – 16 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary”
O Jesus, Dear Holy Child By St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873 – 1897)
O Jesus, dear Holy Child, my only treasure, I abandon myself to Thy every whim. I seek no other joy than that of calling forth Thy sweet Smile. Vouchsafe to me, the graces and the virtues of Thy Holy Childhood, so that, on the day of my birth into Heaven, the Angels and Saints may recognise in Thy Spouse, Thérèse of the Child Jesus. Amen
Saint of the Day – 16 December – Blessed Raynald de Bar O.Cist. (Died 1150) Abbot of the Citeaux Abbey and a personal friend of St Bernard. Born in Bar-sur-Seine, France and died at Citeaux Monastery on 16 December 1150. Also known as – Rainald, Renaud, Raynard, Reinard or Rainhard.
ft_priest
Blessed Raynald of Bar[a] was the 5th Abbot of Cîteaux from 1134 until his death. He succeeded the deposed Guy. Under Raynald, the Cistercian Order prospered and grew.
Raynald was the 2nd son of Count Milo II of Bar-sur-Seine and Matilda of Noyers. He became a Monk at Clairvaux Abbey and a personal friend of St Bernard.
Raynald is generally credited with compiling the Instituta Generalis Capituli Apud Cistercium, the earliest collection of the decisions of the Cistercian General Chapter and may also be credited with the shorter Capitula, a summary and re-arrangement of the Instituta.
St Beoc St Dominic Dosso Bl Elizabeth of Saint Francis
St Everard of Friuli (c815-867) Duke, Count, Soldier, Founder of Churches and a Monastery. In contrast to his soldiering life, St Everard was a peacemaker, a humble and loving Master with a social conscience, striving always to free serfs, wherever possible or at least to free them from their burdens and assisting the poor and needy in all their deprivations. His Humble Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/16/saint-of-the-day-16-december-saint-everard-of-friuli-c-815-867/
St Irenion (Died 389) Bishop No further information can be found Bl James of Tunis St Jean Wauthier St Macarius of Collesano
Martyred Women of North-West Africa: A large group of women Martyred in the persecutions of Hunneric, Arian King of the Vandals. 482 in North-West Africa.
Martyrs of Ravenna – 4 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together. Four names and no other information has survived – Agricola, Concordius, Navalis and Valentine. c 305 at Ravenna, Italy.
Thought for the Day – 15 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Meditations for Advent From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Rejoice Always!
+1. St Paul goes beyond the mere command to rejoice and to rejoice in the Lord; he bids us to rejoice always! Is this possible? Yes, it is quite possible. If it were not, the Apostle would not have imposed it upon us. It is not easy because, our self-love and our selfishness destroy joy. But the Saints, who had driven self-love out of their hearts, found it a pleasant and an easy task, to be always joyful. If we desire the same, we must do our best to rid ourselves of this hindrance to our joy.
+2. How are we to accomplish this task? It must be a gradual one. It is to be arrived at by many acts of submission to the Will of God and to the will of others, when opposed to our own and the submission, must have for its motive, not the intellectual conviction that what we ourselves desire is in itself inferior but, the determination to submit, for the sake of submission and, as an act of reverence to God. We must be willing to submit, both will and intellect, to those set over us, without complaining or questioning their command. Do I do so?
+3. When this painful process is over and when, at length we begin to learn the happiness of giving up our own will to the will of others we soon begin to receive the reward of our self-conquest. We acquire, by degrees, an undisturbed calm of soul and an increasing strength of will, as the fruits of our victory over self and, above all, a happy consciousness that we have been learning the lesson of conforming our will to the Will of God, in which the happiness of Heaven consists.
Quote/s of the Day – 15 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Gaudete Sunday, The Third Sunday of Advent – Philippians 4:4-7; John 1:19-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Gaudéte in Dómino semper”
“Rejoice in the Lord always”
Philippians 4:4
“ Rejoice, O star which goes before the Sun. Rejoice, O womb of the Incarnate God. Rejoice, for through you, all creation is renewed, Rejoice, for through you, the Creator became a Baby. Rejoice, O Virgin and Bride!”
Hymn to Mary (c Fifth Century)
“O Infinite God and only love of my soul, I thank Thee for having given me Thy Son. For the sake of this same Son, accept me and bind me with chains of love to my Redeemer. Amen ”
St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
One Minute Reflection – 15 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Octave Day of the Immaculate Conception – The Third Sunday of Advent “Gaudete” Sunday –Philippians 4:4-7; John 1:19-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“[One is standing] in the midst of you, … Whom you do not know.” – John 1:26
REFLECTION – “The Lord is near.Have no anxiety [at all]” (Phil 4:5-6). This is what God the Father says in the Prophet Isaiah: “I am bringing on My Justice,” – that is to say, His Son; “My Salvation shall not tarry. I shall put Salvation within Zion and give to Israel My glory” (46:13). It is what today’s Gospel says: “One is standing in your midst, One Whom you do not know” Mediator between God and men, a Man (1Tim 2:5), Christ Jesus, arises in the camp of this world, to fight the devil. As victor, He rescues man and reconciles him with God our Father. But you do not know Him!
“Sons have I raised and reared but they have disowned Me. An ox knows its owner and an ass, its master’s manger. But Israel does not know Me and My people have not understood” (Is 1:2-3). How close the Lord is to us! And we do not know Him! “I have fed My children with My Blood,” He says to us, “as a mother feeds her children with her milk. I have raised the human nature I have taken, to which I am united, above the Choirs of Angels.” Could He show us greater honour? “And they have rejected Me. See whether there is any sorrow like Mine” (Lam 1:12) …
So, then, “have no anxiety at all,” for it is anxiety concerning material things which makes us forget the Lord!” – St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Franciscan, Doctor of the Church (Sermons for Sundays and Feast days, 3rd Sunday of Advent).
PRAYER – Put forth Thy power, O Lord, we beseech Thee and delay not and with Thy great might, come to our aid, so that what is hindered by our sins, maybe hastened by Thy merciful goodness. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 15 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Octave Day of the Immaculate Conception
O Purest of Creatures, Sweet Mother, Sweet Maid By Fr Frederick W Faber C.Orat. (1814-1863)
O Purest of creatures, sweet Mother, sweet maid, The one spotless womb wherein Jesus was laid! Dark night hath come down on us, Mother! and we Look out for thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!
Deep night hath come down on this rough-spoken world, And the banners of darkness are boldly unfurled; And the tempest-tossed Church,— all her eyes are on thee; They look to thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!
He gazed on thy soul, it was spotless and fair, For the empire of sin—it had never been there; None ever had owned thee, dear Mother but He. And He blest thy clear shining, sweet Star of the Sea!
Earth gave Him one lodging; t’was deep in thy breast, And God found a home where the sinner finds rest; His home and His hiding-place, both were in thee, He was won by thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!
Saint of the Day – 15 December – Saint Adalbero (c958- 1005) Bishop of Verdun and Metz, France, Reformer, founder of Churches and Monasteries, Apostle of those in need, he led an ascetic and devout life. Born in c958 in Upper Lorraine in France and died in Metz on 14 December 1005 of natural causes. Also known as – Adalbéron, also: of Upper Lorraine, Adalbero of Verdun.
Metz Cathedral
Adalbero son of Duke Frederick I of Upper Lorraine and Beatrice, a sister of the Frankish King Hugh Capet, was educated in the Benedictine Monastery in Gorze near Metz. In 984 he became the Bishop of Verdun as Adalbero I and, in the same year, the Bishop of Metz . He was praised for his friendly nature, his ascetic lifestyle and his generosity. In Metz and Lorraine, he promoted the reforms of Cluny in the Monasteries and in Metz, he founded the Abbey of Saint-Symphorien. When a plague struck the city of Metz, he turned his bishop’s palace into a hospital and also cared for victims of the plague himself.
In 999, Adalbero was given the Castle – on the site of the present Palace – in Saarbrücken and with it the rule over the City and its surroundings by Emperor Otto III. In the jubilee year 1000, he made a pilgrimage to Rome . After his return, he fell ill with gout and, at the end of his life, he gave his money to Churches and to the poor.
Saarbrücken Palace with a Statue of St Adalbero on the left
Octave Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus by St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori – BEGINS on 16 December: This Novena is translated from the Italian of Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori and was first published in 1758. Although this Novena is intended, primarily as a preparation for the Feast of our Lord’s Nativity, it can be used with spiritual profit at any time of the year, as a devotion in honour of the Infant Jesus. This translation by the Redemptorists of the UK.
AND/OR: December, naturally being the Month of the Divine Infant, is a wonderful time to begin this Monthly practice: The Monthly Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague From 16 to 24 December (and of every Month on the same dates).
St Maximinus of Micy St Offa of Essex St Paul of Latros St Silvia of Constantinople St Urbicus
St Valerian of Abbenza (c377-c457) Confessor, Bishop. The Roman Martyrology this day states: “In Africa, the holy Bishop Valerian, who, being upwards of eighty years old, in the persecution of the Vandals, under the Arian King Genseric, was asked to deliver the Sacred vessels of the Church and, as he constantly refused, an order was issued to drive him, all alone, out of the City and all were forbidden to allow him to stay, either in their houses or on their land. For a long time, he remained lying on the public roads in the open air and thus, in the confession and defence of the Catholic verity, closed his blessed life.” Pray for Us, Holy St Valerian: https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/15/saint-of-the-day-15-december-saint-valerian-of-abbenza-c377-c457-
Martyrs of North Africa – 7 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith in North Africa. The only details about them that survive are their names – Caelian, Candidus, Faustinus, Fortunatus, Januarius, Lucius and Mark.
Martyrs of Rome – 22 Saints: A group of 22 Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Valerian. The only details we have are five of their names – Antonius, Irenaeus, Saturnin, Theodorus and Victor. c 258 in Rome, Italy.
Thought for the Day – 14 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Meditations for Advent From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Rejoice!
+1. The time of preparation is a mingled period of penance and of joy. Of penance, by reason of our sins which have removed us so far away from God; of joy, at the prospect of being brought near to Him once more through Jesus Christ. On mid-Advent, as on mid-Lent Sunday, it is the joyful side of the matter which comes before us. More than this, joy is insisted upon as a duty. It seems strange that the command to rejoice should be necessary. Do not all men love joy and seek after it unbidden? One thing it shows, God desires that we should be full of joy. Thank Him for this merciful intention and try to carry it out.
+2. Yet it is not all kinds of joy which are recommended to us. There are many kinds of joy which the Apostle would be far from recommending. To rejoice in the world is but a sorry kind of joy, on account of its transitory character. Gaudete in Domino, says the Apostle – “Rejoice in the Lord.” This is the only lasting joy and the only joy which is really worth the possession.
+3. What does St Paul mean by rejoicing in the Lord? He means the joy which is the result of such a love of God as makes us simply wish that His Will should be done in all things and, which feels positive joy, in seeing the accomplishment of the Divine Will, quite apart from any personal advantage or disadvantage which may accrue to ourselves. This is the secret of true joy, for then, that which befalls ourselves, is a matter of indifference to us. Be it wealth or woe, success or failure, we rejoice in it simply because it is what God has ordained for us . This is the meaning of Our Lord’s words – “ Your joy, no man taketh from you.”
Quote/s of the Day – 14 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Within the Octave
“Mary is the new Tree of Life, who, instead of the bitter fruit picked by Eve, gives to mankind that Sweet Fruit on which the whole world is fed.”
St Ephrem (306-373) Father and Doctor of the Church
“Gracious Lady, thou art a Mother and Virgin, thou art the Mother of the body and soul of our Head and Redeemer, thou art too, truly Mother of all the members of Christ’s Mystical Body. For through thy love, thou hast co-operated in the begetting of the faithful in the Church. Unique among women, thou art Mother and Virgin, Mother of Christ and Virgin of Christ. Thou art the beauty and charm of earth, O Virgin. Thou art, forever, the image of the holy Church. Through a woman came death, through a woman came Life, yes, through thee, O Mother of God.“
One Minute Reflection – 14 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Within the Octave – Proverbs 8:22-35; Luke 1:26-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women” – Luke 1:28
REFLECTION – “Son of God, grant me your own admirable Gift that I may celebrate the wondrous beauty of Thy beloved Mother! The Virgin gave birth to a Son while preserving her virginity; she suckled Him Who gives nourishment to the peoples; in her immaculate breast, she bore Him Who carries the whole world in His Hands. She is Virgin and Mother, what will she not be hereafter? Holy in body, all beautiful in soul, pure of mind, upright in intelligence, perfect in feeling, chaste and faithful, pure of heart and filled with virtue.
May the hearts of virgins rejoice in Mary, since of her was born the One Who set humankind free from dreadful slavery. May the old Adam, wounded by the serpent, rejoice in Mary; it is Mary who gives Adam a posterity which allows Him to crush the accursed serpent and Who cures him of his mortal wound (Gen 3:15). Let Priests rejoice in the blessed Virgin; she has brought the High Priest into the world, Who gave Himself as a Victim, putting an end to the sacrifices of the Old Covenant. … Let the Prophets rejoice in Mary, since in her were fulfilled their visions, in her were realised their prophecies, in her were confirmed their oracles. Let all the Patriarchs rejoice in Mary, since she received the blessing promised to them, she, who, in her Son, has brought them to completion. …
Mary is the new tree of life who, instead of the bitter fruit picked by Eve, gives to mankind that sweet fruit on which the whole world is fed!” – St Ephrem (306-373) Deacon in Syria, Father and Doctor of the Church (Marian Hymn).
PRAYER – Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the ways of Thy only-begotten Son, so that through His coming we may be able to serve Thee with purified minds. Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 14 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” and Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception – Today is also the Feast day of dear St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609) Bishop, Poet, Hymnist, Writer. Another “Golden Words”:
O Gloriosa Virginum By St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609)
O Glorious Virgin, ever blest, Sublime above the starry sky, Who nurture from thy spotless breast To thy Creator didst supply.
What we had lost through hapless Eve, The Blossom sprung from these restores, And, granting bliss to souls that grieve, Unbars the everlasting doors.
O Gate, through which hath passed the King. O Hall, whence Light shone through the gloom; The ransomed nations, praise and sing Life given from the Virgin womb.
All honour, laud and glory be, O Jesu, Virgin-born, to Thee; All glory, as is ever meet, To Father and to Paraclete. Amen
O Gloriosa Domina is the second half of the Hymn: Quem Terra, Pontus, Aethera. It was composed by St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609) the Bishop of Poitiers. In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the Hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to O Gloriósa Vírginum. It is sung in the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Roman Breviary. It is said that St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) was always singing this Hymn. His mother sang it to him as a baby,and even on his death bed after receiving Extreme Unction, he intoned the Hymn.
Saint of the Day – 14 December – Saint Viator of Bergamo (Died c378) Bishop and Confessor, the 2nd Bishop of Bergamo, Italy. Also known as – Viater, Viateur, Viatore.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Bergamo, St Viator, Bishop and Confessor.”
Viator is unanimously considered the successor of the 1st Bishop of Bergamo, St. Narnus and is, therefore, the 2nd in the Episcopal chronology of Bergamo.
His Episcopate lasted approximately from 343 to 370; it is almost certain that he participated in the Council of Sardica (Sofia in Bulgaria) in 342-343 and that he signed its Decrees; in fact, St Athanasius, in his “Apologia contra Arianus” cites him among the signatories of the Council.
Nothing else is known about his life but the cult paid to him is ancient and very certain, as can be seen from various Calendars of the 11th – 12th – 13th Centuries; from the Litanies of a 12th Century code and from the Tombstone discovered in 1561.
The chroniclers of Bergamo report that since ancient times, on 13 December, the eve of his Feast and the day of death, the Canons of St Vincent went to the Cathedral where they were welcomed with the sound of bells, incense and holy water. Various historical martyrologies always report the actual Feast Day on 14 December. St Viator was buried in the Crypt of the Cathedral on the left side of the Tomb of the holy Martyr St Alexander, to whom the Cathedral is dedicated and an Altar was built on the Tomb.
On 1 August 1561 his Relics, together with those of the other Saints kept there, were solemnly translated to the Cathedral of S.tVincent, because, by order of the government of Venice, to which Bergamo belonged at that time, the ancient Cathedral of St Alessander had to be demolished.
St Viator is depicted in various works of art; in the entrance hall of the ancient Bishops’ palace, he is clearly frescoed next to St Narnus in a 13th Century work. Then in a canvas from 1742 by the Bolognese painter Francesco Monti, placed in the choir of the Bergamo Cathedral and he is also depicted in the grandiose fresco of the dome and in a canvas placed in the Sacristy, always dressed in Episcopal robes. The Image below is situate in one of the Cathedrals in Bergamo and might feature our Saint Viator.
St Abundius of Spain – Martyr. No other information has survived
St Agnellus of Naples (535-596) Abbot, Priest, Hermit, Defender and Protector of the City of Naples, Miracle-worker. St Agnellus is one of the 50+ Co-Patrons of the City of Naples The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Naples, in Campaniaa, St Agnellus, Abbot. Illustrious by the gift of miracles, he was often seen with the standard of the Cross, delivering the City besieged by enemies.” A Mighty and Powerful Saint: https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/14/saint-of-the-day-14-december-saint-agnellus-of-naples-osa-535-596/
Bl Buenaventura Bonaccorsi St Folcuino of Therouanne St John Pan y Agua (Bread-and-Water)
St Justus of Spain – Martyr. No other information has survived
St Matronianus of Milan St Pompeius of Pavia
St Viator of Bergamo (Died c370) Bishop and Confessor Bl William de Rovira
Martyrs of Alexandria – 4 Saints: A group of Egyptian Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Decius – Arsenius, Dioscurus, Heron and Isidore. They were burned to death in 250 at Alexandria, Egypt.
Martyrs of Apollonia – 7 Saints: Martyred in the persecutions of Decius. The only surviving details are three names – Callinicus, Leucio and Tirso. The Martyrdom took place at Apollonia, Bithynia (in modern Turkey).
Martyrs of Ashkelon – 3 Saints: Several pilgrims from Egypt to Cilicia (in modern Turkey) who planned to minister to fellow Christians suffering in the persecutions of Emperor Maximinus. They were arrested, torture, mutilated and then imprisoned in Ashkelon. Some were ordered to forced labour in the mines but we have the names of three who were Martyred by order of Governor Firmilian – Ares, Elijah and Promo. They were burned at the stake or beheaded at the gates of Ashkelon c 308.
Martyrs of Hayle – 2+ Saints: Several Christians, including a brother and sister, who were Martyred together by pagans. The only other information to survive are the names of the two siblings – Fingar and Phiala. 5th Century at Hayle, Cornwall, England.
Martyrs of Syria – 3 Saints: Three Christians who were Martyred together. Known to Saint John Chrysostom who preached on their Feast Day and left us the only details we have – their names – Drusus, Theodore and Zosimus. The date and precise location of their Martyrdom is unknown but it was in Syria, possibly in Antioch.
Thought for the Day – 13 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Meditations for Advent From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Hope
+1. Advent is essentially a time of hope. It is not, in itself, a time of joy, except as far as hope of joy to come, brings with it a present gladness. It is an exact representation of our life on earth. We are in a place of exile and a vale of tears but yet, our hope amid all the darkness, should be aglow with light and rendered joyous, by the prospect of future joy. The motto of our life is our Lord’s farewell words to His disciples : “You indeed shall have sorrow but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” This must be my consolation in all sorrow. I must try to forget my present troubles in the happy thought of joy to come.
+2. Why have we so little hope? Generally because, we seek to have our happiness here and so forfeit the right to it hereafter, or at least, forfeit the right to look forward to it with confidence and joy. We cannot eat our cake and keep it. If I seek my satisfaction in money, or comforts , or praise, or applause, or affection of others, I have my reward here and cannot expect to receive any reward hereafter. I have no Crown of Justice to hope for, if already I have had the crown of satisfied ambition, or pockets filled with money, or a tickled palate, or the buzzing applause of a crowd!
+3. Our hope is also marred, by our self-will which prevents our will from being in complete conformity with the Will of God . We are conscious of a barrier between ourselves and Him which sadly interferes with our hope. We have assumed an independence of God which renders it impossible for Him to pour into our hearts that hope which is in exact proportion to our conformity to His Will. If I were humble and more resigned in all things, I should be more full of hope.
Quote/s of the Day – 13 December – St Lucy (of Syracuse) – St Lucy/Lucia of Syracuse (c283-304) Virgin and Martyr Patron of the blind, eye disorders, martyrs – The Feast Day of St Lucy AND St Odilia of Alsace (c660-720) Virgin Abbess, born blind, but was miraculously granted her sight, miracle-worker. The Life of St Odilia, another Patron against eye diseases and partial sightedness, also ear ailments. https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/13/saint-of-the-day-13-december-saint-odilia-of-alsace-c-660-720/
Prayer for the Intercession of St Odilia
Merciful God, I come to Thee to ask Thy aid that my life may always give Thee praise. I ask through the intercession of St Odilia and all Thy holy Saints to be a beacon of Thine Light to all I meet. Give me holiness of soul and body and bring me into Thine Divine Light. May I obtain these favours, as well as my special prayer, St Odilia, pray for my eyes and the eyes of my faith. Through the merits of Our Saviour, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who lives and regins with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God forever and ever. Amen
And another prayer to St Lucy
Indulgenced Prayer to St Lucy (Indulgence of 300 Days, Once a Day)
Dear Saint Lucy, whose name doth signify the light, we come to thee filled with confidence, do thou obtain for us a holy light which shall make us careful not to walk in the ways of sin, nor to remain enshrouded in the darkness of error. We ask also, through thy intercession, for the preservation of the light of our bodily eyes and for abundant grace, to use the same according to the good pleasure of God, without any hurt to our souls. Grant, O Lucy that, after venerating thee and giving thee thanks for thy powerful protection here on earth, we may come at length to share thy joy in Paradise in the everlasting Light of the Lamb of God, thy beloved Bridegroom, Jesus. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 13 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Within the Octave – Feast of St Lucy, Virgin Martyr – 2 Corinthians 10:17-18, 11:1-2; Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field; he who finds it, hides it and in his joy, goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” – Matthew 13:44
REFLECTION – “Let us call to mind that widow who, in her care for the poor, forgot herself, to the point of giving away everything she had to live on, thinking only of the life to come, as our Lord Himself attests. The others gave of their abundance but she – even poorer, perhaps, than many of the poor, for her whole fortune resided in two small coins – she it was, who carried in her heart more wealth than many of the wealthy.
She looked only at the riches of the eternal reward. In her desire for heavenly treasure, she gave up all she possessed, as being goods which come from the earth and return to the earth (Gn 3:19). She gave all she had, in order to possess that which she did not as yet see. She gave away perishable goods, so that she might gain immortal ones. This poor little lady had not forgotten the means foreseen and arranged by our Lord, for acquiring the future reward. Neither, therefore, did the Lord forget her on His part and even now, the Judge of the world has pronounced His sentence – He praises her whom He will Crown on the Day of Judgement.” – St Paulinus of Nola (355-431) Bishop, Father of the Church (Letter 34 2-4).
PRAYER – Hear us, O God our Saviour, that, as we rejoice on the feast of blessed Lucy, YThy Virgin and Martyr, so we may grow in love and devotion. 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).
AnaStpaul 
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