Our Morning Offering – 5 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary”
I’ll Sing a Hymn to Mary By Father John Wyse (1825-1898) Irish Priest and Hymn writer
I’ll sing a hymn to Mary, The Mother of my God, The Virgin of all virgins, Of David’s royal blood. O teach me, Holy Mary, A loving song to frame, When wicked men blaspheme thee, To love and bless thy name.
O Lily of the Valley, O Mystic Rose, what tree, Or flower, e’en the fairest, Is half so fair as thee? O let me, tho’ so lowly Recite my Mother’s fame. When wicked men blaspheme thee, I’ll love and bless thy name.
O noble Tower of David, Of gold and ivory. The ark of God’s own promise, The gate of Heav’n to me. To live and not to love thee Would fill my soul with shame. When wicked men blaspheme thee, I’ll love and bless thy name.
When troubles dark afflict me In sorrow and in care, Thy light doth ever guide me O beauteous Morning Star. Lo, I’ll be ever ready Thy goodly help to claim, When wicked men blaspheme thee, To love and bless thy name.
The Saints are high in glory, With golden crowns so bright; But brighter far is Mary, Upon her throne of light. Oh that which God did give thee, Let mortal ne’er disclaim; When wicked men blaspheme thee, I’ll love and bless thy name.
But in the crown of Mary, There lies a wonderous gem, As Queen of all the Angels, Which Mary shares with them; No sin hath e’er defiled thee, So doth our faith proclaim; When wicked men blaspheme thee, I’ll love and bless thy name.
And now O Virgin Mary My mother and my Queen, I’ve sung thy praise so bless me, And keep my heart from sin. When others jeer and mock thee, I’ll often think how I To shield my Mother, Mary, Would lay me down and die.
Quote/s of the Day – 4 December – St Peter Chrysologus (c400-450) “Golden Words” Confessor, Father & Doctor of the Church
“Whose likeness and inscription is this?” Matthew 22:20
“The Creator seeks out what else He can add to your dignity – He sets His image within you (Gen 1:27) so that your visible image, might make present, upon earth, the invisible Creator and, to you, He entrusts the care of earthly goods, so that, as vast a domain as this, should not be lacking a representative from the Lord. … And what God accomplished in you by His power, He graciously assumed into Himself – He wanted to be truly manifested in the man in whom, hitherto, He had only appeared in image. He enabled us to become, in reality, what had only been a mere likeness before. … And so, Christ is born, to restore all its integrity, to fallen nature! ”
“Why does your Master eat with publicans and sinners? ” Matthew 9:11
“But Christ, my brethren, came to this meal – Life came amongst these guests that those who were going to die, might live with Him, the same Life as He. The Resurrection reclined at this table that those who lay in death, might rise from their tombs; Grace stooped down to raise sinners up, to forgiveness; God came to man that man might attain to God; the Judge came to the meal of the guilty, to release humankind from the sentence of condemnation; the Doctor came to the sick, to restore their depleted strength by eating with them; the Good Shepherd bent down to carry the lost sheep back to salvation’s fold (Lk 15:l3).”
“O my brethren, if only we wanted to, if only we all wanted to perceive our soul’s paralysis in all its depth! Then we would see that it is lying on a stretcher of sins, deprived of strength. Christ’s action within us, would be a source of light and we would understand that each day He sees our lack of faith, harmful as it is, that He draws us towards healing remedies and sharply presses our rebellious wills. “My son” He says, “your sins are forgiven you.”
Our Morning Offering – 2 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary”
An Act of Thanksgiving By St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302) (Excerpt from her Revelations)
May my soul bless Thee, O Lord God my Creator, may my soul bless Thee! From the very core of my being, may all Thy merciful gifts sing Thy praise. Thy generous care, for Thy daughter, has been rich in mercy; indeed, it has been immeasurable and as far as I am able, I give Thee thanks. I praise and glorify, Thy great patience which bore with me. I offer Thee, most loving Father, all the sufferings of Thine Beloved Son, from that first Infant cry as He lay on the hay in the manger, until that final movement, when, bowing His Head, with a mighty Voice, Christ gave up His Spirit. I think, as I make this offering, of all that He underwent, His needs as a Babe, His dependence as a young Child, the hardships of Youth and the trials of early Manhood. To atone for all my neglect, I offer, most loving Father, all that Thine Only-begotten Son did during His Life, whether in thought, word or deed. And now, as an act of thanksgiving, I praise and worship Thee Father, in deepest humility, for Thy most loving kindness and mercy. Amen
DECEMBER: The Month of Devotion to The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
The observance of Divine Infancy Month recalls the first Christmas more than 2,000 years ago when Jesus humbled Himself and became Completely Human, while remaining Completely Divine. The Blessed Virgin Mary was chosen to be the glorious Tabernacle of the Son of God. Therefore, in the first moment of her existence, God, called her into being that she might assume the exalted dignity of the Mother of His Son and, therefore, granted her the singular privilege of exemption from Original Sin.
Look to Our Lady – she is already waiting at the crib, desiring to teach us to make our hearts a pleasant crib for the Christ Child to dwell in.
Cultivate a spirit of prayer and attentiveness to His Presence as the Divine Infant by adopting Aspirations suitable to the season, such as:
Divine Infant King Jesus, come down into our hearts! Lord Jesus, through Thy Infant cries in the manger, when Thou was born for me; through Thy tears, when Thou died for me on the Cross; throughThy love, as Thou do live for me in the Tabernacle, have mercy upon me and save me. Amen!
Quote/s of the Day – 1 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The First Sunday of Advent
“Open wide your door to the One who comes. Open your soul, throw open the depths of your heart to see the riches of simplicity, the treasures of peace, the sweetness of grace. Open your heart and run to meet the Sun of Eternal Light Who illuminates all men.”
St Ambrose (340-397) Father and Doctor of the Church
“And the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of David, His father and He shall reign in the house of Jacob forever. And of His Kingdom there shall be no end.”
Luke 1:32-33
“What is said of the House of David applies, not only to Joseph but also to Mary. It was a precept of the law that each man should marry a wife from his own tribe and kindred.”
St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Father and Doctor of the Church
“The day will come when this Child will no longer be offered in the Temple, nor in Simeon’s arms but outside the City in the arms of the Cross. The day will come when He will not be redeemed by the blood of a sacrifice but redeem others , with His own Blood. …” That will be the evening sacrifice; this is the morning sacrifice; this one is the happiest but that one is the most complete; for this one was offered at the time of birth and that one will be offered in the fullness of time,..”
St Bernard (1091-1153) Mellifluous Doctor of the Church
Our Morning Offering – 22 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” and Mary’s Day
The Mater Christi! Unknown Author
Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ, What shall I ask of thee? I do not sigh for the wealth of earth For the joys that fade and flee, But, Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ, This do I long to see — The bliss untold which thy arms enfold, The Treasure upon thy knee.
Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ, He was All-in-All to thee, In the winter’s cave, in Nazareth’s home, In the hamlets of Galilee, So, Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ, He will not say nay to thee, When He lifts His Face to thy sweet embrace, Speak to Him, Mother, of me.
Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ, The world will bid Him flee, Too busy to heed His gentle Voice, Too blind His charms to see, Then, Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ, Come with thy Babe to me, Tho’ the world be cold, my heart shall hold A shelter for Him and thee.
Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ, What shall I do for thee? I will love thy Son with the whole of my strength, My only King shall He be. Yes! Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ, This will I do for thee, Of all that are dear or cherished here, None shall be dear as He.
Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ, I toss on a stormy sea, O lift thy Child as a Beacon Light, To the Port where I fain would be! And, Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ, This do I ask of thee — When the voyage is o’er, oh! stand on the shore And show Him at last to me!
Quote of the Day – 20 April – Within the Octave of the Solemnity of the Patronage of St Joseph
“Joseph embraced the Son of the heavenly Father as he would a newborn babe and served Him as his God. He took pleasure in this as in goodness itself and he, who was complete righteousness (Mt 1:19), worshiped Him.
Oh how great was his wonderment! “How is it, Son of God Most High, that I should have You as my Son? I was angered against Your Mother and thought to put her away. I never knew that in her womb so great a treasure lay, Who straightway made me rich in the midst of my poverty.
David the King, arose amongst my forebears and wore the crown, yet how great is the destitution to which I have come! No king, I am a carpenter, yet a crown has come to me, since on my heart there rests, the Lord of all crowns.”
St Ephrem (306-373) Father and Doctor of the Church
Quote/s of the Day – 8 April – Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Isaias 7:10-15, Luke 1:26-38 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of David, His father and He shall reign in the house of Jacob forever. And of His Kingdom there shall be no end.”
Luke 1:32-33
“What is said of the House of David applies, not only to Joseph but also to Mary. It was a precept of the law that each man should marry a wife from his own tribe and kindred.”
St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Father and Doctor of the Church
“He Who is Infinite, Limitless, came to dwell in your womb; God, the Child Jesus, was nourished by your milk. You are the ever virginal Doorway of God; your hands hold your God; your lap is a throne raised up above the Cherubim… You are the wedding chamber of the Spirit, the “city of the living God, gladdened by the runlets of the stream,” that is to say, the waves of the Spirit’s gifts. You are “all fair, the Beloved” of God.”
St John Damascene (675-749) Father and Doctor of the Church
Blessed Shall be Her Name Anonymous Author
Praise we the Lord this day, This day so long foretold, Whose promise shone with cheering ray On waiting saints of old.
The prophet gave the sign That those with faith might read; A Virgin, born of David’s line Shall bear the promised Seed.
Ask not how this should be, But worship and adore; Like her whom Heaven’s majesty Came down to shadow o’er.
She meekly bowed her head To hear the gracious word, Mary, the pure and lowly maid, The favoured of the Lord.
Blessed shall be her name In all the Church on earth, Through whom that wondrous Mercy came, The Incarnate Saviour’s Birth.
Jesus, the Virgin’s Son, We praise You and adore, Who are with God the Father One And Spirit evermore. Amen
Quote/s of the Day – 23 March – Saturday in Passion Week
“The illusions of this world soon vanish, especially if a man arms himself with the Sign of the Cross. The devils tremble at the Sign of the Cross of our Lord, by which He triumphed over and disarmed them.”
St Anthony Abbot (251-356)
“The day will come when this Child will no longer be offered in the Temple, nor in Simeon’s arms but outside the City in the arms of the Cross. The day will come when He will not be redeemed by the blood of a sacrifice but redeem others , with His own Blood. …” That will be the evening sacrifice; this is the morning sacrifice; this one is the happiest but that one is the most complete; for this one was offered at the time of birth and that one will be offered in the fullness of time,..”
St Bernard (1091-1153) Mellifluous Doctor of the Church
“Look then on Jesus, the Author and Preserver of faith — in complete sinlessness, He suffered and, at the hands of those who were His own and was numbered among the wicked. As you drink the cup of the Lord Jesus (how glorious it is!), give thanks to the Lord, the Giver of all blessings. May the God of love and peace set your hearts at rest and speed you on your journey; may He meanwhile, shelter you from disturbance by others in the hidden recesses of His Love, until He brings you, at last, into that place of complete plenitude, where you will repose forever in the vision of peace, in the security of trust and in the restful enjoyment of His riches. ”
Our Morning Offering – 8 February – “The Month of the Most Holy and Blessed Trinity”
An Act of Thanksgiving By St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302) (Excerpt from her Revelations)
May my soul bless Thee, O Lord God my Creator, may my soul bless Thee! From the very core of my being, may all Thy merciful gifts sing Thy praise. Thy generous care, for Thy daughter, has been rich in mercy; indeed, it has been immeasurable and as far as I am able, I give Thee thanks. I praise and glorify, Thy great patience which bore with me. I offer Thee, most loving Father, all the sufferings of Thine Beloved Son, from that first Infant cry as He lay on the hay in the manger, until that final movement, when, bowing His Head, with a mighty Voice, Christ gave up His Spirit. I think, as I make this offering, of all that He underwent, His needs as a Babe, His dependence as a young Child, the hardships of Youth and the trials of early Manhood. To atone for all my neglect, I offer, most loving Father, all that Thine Only-begotten Son did during His Life, whether in thought, word or deed. And now, as an act of thanksgiving, I praise and worship Thee Father, in deepest humility, for Thy most loving kindness and mercy. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 11 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Within the Octave of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And seeing the Star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” – Matthew 2:10
REFLECTION – “Jesus is born poor in a stable; the Angels of Heaven indeed acknowledge Him but men abandon and forsake Him on earth. Only a few shepherds come and pay Him homage. But our Redeemer was desirous of communicating to us the grace of His redemption and begins, therefore, to manifest Himself to the Gentiles, who knew Him least. Therefore, He sends a Star to enlighten the holy Magi, in order that they may come and acknowledge and adore their Saviour. This was the first and sovereign grace bestowed upon us–our vocation to the Faith which was succeeded by our vocation to grace, of which men were deprived.
Behold the Wise Men, who immediately, without delay, set off upon their journey. The Star accompanies them as far as the cavern where the Holy Infant lies. On their arrival, they enter and what do they find? They found the Child with Mary. They find a poor maiden and a poor Infant wrapped in poor swaddling-clothes, without anyone to attend on Him or assist Him. But, lo! on entering into the little shed, these holy pilgrims feel a joy which they had never felt before; they feel their hearts chained to the dear little Infant Whom they behold. The straw, the poverty, the cries of their little Saviour–oh, what darts of love! Oh, what blessed flames are they to their enlightened hearts! The Infant looks upon them with a joyful countenance and this is the mark of affection, with which He accepts them amongst the first-fruits of His Redemption.
The holy Kings then look at Mary, who does not speak –she remains silent but with her blessed countenance which breathes the sweetness of paradise, she welcomes them and thanks them for having been the first to come and acknowledge Her Son (as indeed He is) for their Sovereign Lord. See also how, out of reverence, they adore Him in silence and acknowledge Him for their God, kissing His Feet and offering Him their gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Let us too, with the holy Magi, adore our little King Jesus and let us offer Him all our hearts.” – St Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Founder of the Redemptorists, Most Zealous Doctor (The Adoration of the Magi),
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles, mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 10 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – Within the Octave of The Epiphany
O Child, So Worthy of Our Love, I Offer Thee My Heart (O Grant Me that Gold, Incense and Myrrh Which I Lack) By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
O Child so worthy of our love, I see You lying on the straw in this cave, so poor and despised. Yet faith teaches me, that You are my God come down from heaven for my salvation. I acknowledge You as my Sovereign Lord and Saviour, as such I proclaim You, yet, I have nothing at all to offer You. I am without Love’s Gold, since I have given my love to the things of this world – I have only loved my own whim, rather than loving You, so infinitely worthy of love. I am without Prayer’s Incense, since I have lived wretchedly without thinking of You. I have no Myrrh of Mortification since, so as not to forsake some paltry pleasures, I have so often saddened Your infinite goodness. So what am I to offer You? O my Jesus, I offer You my heart, soiled and naked as it is. Take it and change it, for You have come down to us to wash our guilty hearts with Your Blood and so transform us from sinners into saints. O grant me that Gold, Incense and Myrrh which I lack. Grant me the Gold of Your Holy Love; grant me the Incense which is the spirit of prayer; grant me Myrrh, the willingness and strength to deny myself in all that displeases You… O holy Virgin, you welcomed those devout Magi Kings with keen affection and satisfied them. Deign to welcome and comfort me also, I, who come, following their example, to visit and offer myself to your Son Amen.
One Minute Reflection – 8 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– Within the Octave of The Epiphany –Isaias 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Falling down they adored Him” – Matthew 2:11
REFLECTION – “God’s intention was not only to come down to earth but to become known there; not only to be born but to be recognised. In fact, it is with this recognition in mind that we hold this celebration of the Epiphany, the great day of His manifestation. For it was today that the Magi came from the East in search of the Sun of Justice at its rising (Mal 3:20), He of Whom we read: “Behold a Man Whose name is the Orient,” (Zec 6:12 Vul.). Today they have adored the Virgin’s newborn Child, following the guidance of a New Star. What great cause for joy do we not find here, my brethren, as also in those words of the Apostle Paul: “The kindness and generous love of God our Saviour have appeared,” (Tit 3:4)…
What is this you are doing, you Magi? What is this you are doing? Are you adoring an Infant at the breast in a wretched hovel, wrapped in miserable rags? Can a Child such as this really be God? Yet, “The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in Heaven.” (Ps 11:4) while you are looking for Him in a common stable, held in His Mother’s arms! Whatever are you doing? Why are you offering Him gold? Could such a One as this be King? Where, then, is His Royal Court, His Throne, His crowd of courtiers? Can a stable be a palace, a crib a throne, Mary and Joseph members of His Court? How on earth could wise men be so foolish as to adore a Baby, as contemptible by reason of His age, as for the poverty of His Family?
Mad? Yes, they have become so in order to be wise. The Holy Spirit has taught them already what the Apostle Paul would later proclaim: “Whoever would be wise, let him become a fool. For since the world, in all its wisdom, did not come to know God in His Wisdom, it has pleased God to save those who believe, through the foolishness of the Gospel we proclaim, (Cf 1 Cor 1:21)… And so, they prostrate themselves before this poor Child; they do Him homage as to a King; they adore Him as a God. He Who outwardly guided them by a Star, has cast His Light into the interior of their hearts!” – St Bernard (1091-1153) Cistercian Monk, Father and Doctor of the Church (1st Sermon for the Epiphany).
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who by the guidance of a star this day revealed Thy Only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; mercifully grant that we, who know Thee now by faith, may come to behold Thee in glory. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 8 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – With the Octave of The Epiphany
O Dearest Infant By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
O dearest Infant, tell me what You came on earth to do. Tell me whom You are seeking. Ah, yes, I now understand… You have come to die for me, a lost sheep, in order that I may no more hide from You but love You. O Jesus, my treasure, my life, my love, my all, if I do not love You, then whom shall I love? Where can I find a mother or father, a friend, or a spouse more loving than You? And who has ever loved me more than You have? I am sorry that I have lived so many years in this world and yet still love You so little, even having offended You and sometimes forgotten You. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 5 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– Vigil of the Epiphany – Galatians 4:1-7, Matthew 2:19-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Arise and take the Child and His Mother and go into the land of Israel. For they are dead who sought the life of the Child.” – Matthew 2:20
REFLECTION – “My dear Jesus, Thou art the King of Heaven but now I behold Thee as an Infant wandering over the earth – tell me, whom dost Thou seek? I pity Thee when I see Thee, so poor and humbled but I pity Thee more when I see Thee treated with such ingratitude by the same men whom Thou came to save. Thou dost weep but I also weep because I have been one of those, who in times past, have despised and persecuted Thee. But now I value Thy grace more than all the kingdoms of the world; forgive me, O my Jesus, all the evil I have committed against Thee and permit me to carry Thee always in my heart during the journey of my life to eternity, even as Mary carried Thee in her arms during the flight into [and return from] Egypt.” – St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Doctor of the Church”
PRAYER – O Almighty and everlasting God, do Thou order all our actions in conformity with Thy good pleasure that through the name of Thy well-beloved Son, we may worthily abound in all good works. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 5 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family” – The Vigil of the Epiphany of Our Lord
The Eastern Kings the Star Have Seen! Unknown Author
The Eastern Kings the Star have seen, They hasten on their way; Long time they’ve watched and waiting been The dawning of that Day: The dawning of the Day of grace, The gleam of Jacob’s Star, The Virgin’s Child of Jesse’s race Whom Prophets saw afar.
Glory give to God on high!
And now they open treasures rare Which Indian silks enfold, Of Myrrh which sweetly scents the air, Of Frankincense and gold. Their kingly heads they meekly bow The cradled Babe before, Their God confess, and kneeling low In humble faith adore.
Glory give to God on high!
With them I come to greet my King, Yet not with them to part; No Gold, no Frankincense I bring, I offer Him my heart. With Him to live, with Him to die, Who by His lowly birth, Gave glory to our God on high And peace to men on earth.
One Minute Reflection – 4 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– Octave of the Holy Innocents – Apocalypse 14:1-5; Matthew 2:13-18 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“When Herod realised that he had been deceived by the Magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity, two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the Magi.” – Matthew 2:16
REFLECTION – “Where does this jealousy lead?… The crime committed today shows us. Fear of a rival to his earthly kingdom fills Herod with anxiety, he plots to suppress “the newborn King” (Mt 2:2), the Eternal King; he fights against his Creator and puts innocent children to death … As for those children, what fault had they committed? Their tongues were dumb, their eyes had seen nothing, their ears heard nothing, their hands done nothing. They accepted death who had not known life! … Christ reads the future and knows the secrets of the heart, He weighs our thoughts and probes our intentions (cf. Ps 138[139]): why did He forsake them? … Why did the newborn heavenly King abandon these companions in innocence, forget the sentinels watching around His crib, to such an extent that the foe, who wanted to get at the King, ravaged His whole army?
My brethren, Christ did not forsake His soldiers but covered them with honour, by allowing them to conquer, before they had lived and to carry away the prize, without a fight. … He wanted them to possess Heaven, rather than earth. … He sent them before Him as His heralds. He did not abandon them but saved those who went on ahead. He did not forget them. …
Blessed are they who have exchanged their travail for repose, their pains for ease, their suffering for joy. They are alive! Yes, they are alive, they live indeed who have undergone death for Christ’s sake. … Happy the tears their mothers shed for these infants, they have won them the grace of Baptism. … May He who deigned to rest in a stable, be pleased to lead us too, to the heavenly pastures.”– St Peter Chrysologus (400-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 152 PL 52, 604).
PRAYER – O God, Whose praise the Innocents, Thy Martyrs, this day proclaimed, not by speaking but by dying, put to death in us all the wickedness of sin, so that Thy faith which our tongue professes, may be proclaimed also by our life.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).
The Feast of the Infant Jesus of Prague the 16th Century wax-coated wooden Statue of the Child Jesus, holding a globus cruciger (the Orb and Cross) with the right hand being raised in benediction, is of Spanish origin and is just under half a metre in height. It is now located in the Discalced Carmelite Church of Our Lady of Victories in Malá Strana, Prague, Czech Republic, see the Church at the bottom (one where I have been immensely blessed to attend Holy Mass before the Infant each day for a week some years ago). The Statue is venerated on 2 January, on 14 January and on the first Sunday of May. Our Wonderful Infant: https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/02/saint-of-the-day-2-january-feast-of-the-infant-jesus-of-prague/
Bl Airaldus of Maurienne St Alverius of Agaunum St Asclepius of Limoges St Aspasius of Auch St Baudimius of Auvergne St Blidulf of Bobbio St Dietmar of Prague (Died 982) Bishop St Hortulana of Assisi St Isidore of Antioch St Isidore of Nitri St John Camillus the Good St Macarius of Rome
St Mark the Mute St Maximus of Vienne St Munchin of Limerick Bl Odino of Rot St Paracodius of Vienne St Sebastian of Agaunum St Seiriol Blessed Stephana de Quinzanis OP (1457-1530) Virgin, Dominican Tertiary, Mystic, Stigmatist Bl Sylvester of Troina St Telesphorus, Pope St Theodota St Theopistus St Vincentian of Tulle St Viance of Anjou
Many Martyrs Who Suffered in Rome: There were many Martyrs who suffered in the persecutions of Diocletian for refusing to surrender the holy books. Though we know these atrocities occurred, we do not know the names of the Saints and we honour them as a group. c 303 in Rome, Italy.
Martyrs of Antioch – 5 Saints: A group of Christian soldiers Martyred together for their faith. We know the names of five – Albanus, Macarius, Possessor, Starus and Stratonicus. They were born in Greece and were Martyred in Antioch (modern Antakya, Turkey).
Many Martyrs of Britain: The Christians of Britain appear to have escaped unharmed in the earlier persecutions which afflicted the Church but the cruel edicts of Diocletian were enforced in every corner of the Roman Empire and the faithful inhabitants of this land, whether native Britons or Roman colonists, were called upon to furnish their full number of holy Martyrs and Confessors. The names of few are on record but the British historian, Saint Gildas, after relating the Martyrdom of Saint Alban, tells us, that many others were seized, some put to the most unheard-of tortures and others immediately executed, while not a few hid themselves in forests and the caves of the earth, where they endured a prolonged death until God called them to their reward. The same writer attributes it to the subsequent invasion of the English, then a pagan people, that the recollection of the places, sanctified by these Martyrdoms, has been lost and so little honour paid to their memory. It may be added, that, according to one tradition, a thousand of these Christians were overtaken in their flight near Lichfield and cruelly massacred and that the name of Lichfield, or Field of the Dead, is derived from them.
Martyrs of Ethiopia – 3 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith. We know the names of three – Auriga, Claudia and Rutile.
Martyrs of Jerusalem – 2 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith. We know the names of two – Stephen and Vitalis.
Martyrs of Lichfield: Many Christians suffered at Lichfield (aka Lyke-field, meaning field of dead bodies), England in the persecutions of Diocletian. Though we know these atrocities occurred, we do not know the names of the Saints and we honour them as a group. Their Martyrdom occurred in 304 at Lichfield, England.
Martyrs of Piacenza: A group of Christians who died together for their faith in the persecutions of Diocletian. No details about them have survived. They were Martyred on the site of Church of Madonna di Campagna, Piacenza, Italy.
Martyrs of Puy – 4 Saints: Missionaries, sent by Saint Fronto of Périgueux to the area of Puy, France. Tortured and Martyred by local pagans. We know the names – Frontasius, Severinus, Severian and Silanus. They were beheaded in Puy (modern Puy-en-Velay), France and buried together in the Church of Notre Dame, Puy-en-Velay by Saint Fronto, their bodies laid out to form a cross.
Martyrs of Syrmium – 7 Saints: Group of Christians Martyred together, date unknown. We know the names of seven – Acutus, Artaxus, Eugenda, Maximianus, Timothy, Tobias and Vitus – but very little else. This occurred in the 3rd or 4th century at Syrmium, Pannonia (modern Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia).
Martyrs of Tomi – 3 Saints: Three brothers, all Christian soldiers, in the Imperial Roman army and all three Martyred in the persecutions of Emperor Licinius Licinianus. We know their names – Argeus, Marcellinus and Narcissus – but little else. They were Martyred in 320 at Tomi, Exinius Pontus, Moesia (modern Constanta, Romania).
Our Morning Offering – 31 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” –Sunday Within the Octave of Christmas
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
Quote/s of the Day – 30 December – The Sixth Day Within the Octave of the Nativity of our Lord
“With hearts truly grateful, Come, all ye faithful, To Jesus, to Jesus in Bethlehem; See Christ your Saviour, Heaven’s greatest favour. Let us hasten to adore Him; Our God and King.”
DEO GRATIAS!
“Open wide your door to the One who comes. Open your soul, throw open the depths of your heart to see the riches of simplicity, the treasures of peace, the sweetness of grace. Open your heart and run to meet the Sun of Eternal Light Who illuminates all men.”
St Ambrose (340-397) Father and Doctor of the Church
“Listen! the reason He is called Saviour is because, for all those to whom He is united, He gains salvation. Now salvation means, to be delivered from all ills and, at the same time, to find all blessings forever – Life instead of death, Light in place of darkness and, instead of the slavery of the passions and unworthy deeds, the complete freedom granted to all those, who are united to Christ, Saviour of all beings. Thus they will possess, without being able to lose it, all joy, all happiness, all blessedness … that that none can ever know, or conceive, or see, if not sincerely and ardently attached to Christ.”
St Symeon the New Theologian (c 949-1022)
“Taking up the newborn Emmanuel, Mary beheld a Light incomparably fairer than the sun and saw a Fire that water cannot quench. She received, in the covering of flesh Whom she had borne, the Light Who enlightens all things and she was worthy, to carry in her arms, the Word Who carries the universe!” ”
St Amadeus of Lausanne (1108-1159) Bishop, Cistercian Monk
(Homilies in praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary IV SC 72)
Our Morning Offering – 30 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” –The Sixth Day Within the Christmas Octave
Afar from Where the Sun Doth Rise A Solis Ortus Cardine By Coelius Sedulius (Died c 450) Trans Msgr Ronald A Knox (1888-1957)
Afar from where the sun doth rise To lands beneath the western skies, Homage to Christ our King we pay, Born of a Virgin’s womb this day
Blessed Creator, Thou didst take__ A servant’s likeness for our sake, And didst in flesh our flesh restore To bid Thy creature live once more.
Chaste was the womb where Thou didst dwell, Of heavenly grace the hidden cell; Nor might the blessed Maid proclaim Whence her dread Guest in secret came.
Down from on high God came to rest__ His glory in a sinless breast; Obedience at His word believed, And virgin innocence conceived.
Ere long, that holy child she bore By Gabriel’s message named before, Whom yet unborn, with eager pride, The swift forerunner prophesied.
Fast doth He sleep, where straw doth spread, A humble manger for His bed. A Mother’s milk that strength renewed, Which gives the birds of heaven their food.
Glory to God, the angels cry; Earth hears the echo from on high; Mankind’s true Shepherd and it’s Lord By shepherd hearts is first adored.
Our Morning Offering – 26 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Within the Octave
Sleep, Holy Babe By Fr Edward Caswell C.Orat. (1814-1878)
Sleep, holy Babe, Upon Thy Mother’s breast! Great Lord of earth and sea and sky, How sweet it is to see Thee lie In such a place of rest!
Sleep, holy Babe, Thy Angels watch around, All bending low with folded wings Before th’incarnate King of kings In rev’rent awe profound!
Sleep, holy Babe, While I with Mary gaze In joy upon that Face awhile, Upon the loving Infant smile Which there divinely plays.
Sleep, holy Babe, And take Thy brief repose; Too quickly wilt Thy slumbers break And Thou to lengthened pains awake, That death alone shall close. Amen
Quote/s of the Day – 25 December – The Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Day!
“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him, was made nothing which was made. In Him was Life and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shines in darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it.”
John 1:1-5
V. The Word was made flesh. R. And dwelt among us. V. Christ hath manifested Himself to us. R. Come let us adore Him!
“Let all your desires then, be directed toward Him, the Infinite One, the Giver of all Good.”
Bl Jacopone da Todi (1230-1306)
Nativity Song By Blessed Jacopone da Todi OFM (1230-1306) (Today is the Feast Day of Blessed Jacopone)
The beautiful Mother is bending Low where her Baby lies Helpless and frail, for her tending But she knows the glorious eyes.
The Mother smiles and rejoices, While the Baby laughs in the hay, She listens to heavenly voices: “This Child shall be King some day.”
O dear little Child in the manger, Let me make merry with Thee, O King, in my hour of danger, Wilt Thou be strong for me?
Thought for the Day – 23 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
A Christmas Novena VIII What Jesus Wants From Us
“There is one last thing which the Infant Jesus requires of each of us. No-one else can know what it is but we know well what He wants. There is bound to be some resolution which we have formed many times in the past but, have never properly fulfilled because it cost us too much. Let us not refuse Jesus this sacrifice, for He has loved us so much that he has sacrificed Himself entirely for us. As a result of this meditation, let us, at last, put this resolution into effect, with generosity and firmness.”
The Monthly Novena to the Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague
There are two standard Novenas to the Infant Jesus of Prague – the one we will use below and the other for the Feast on 2 January. The Monthly Novena attracts Indulgences (see Note below).
“The more you honour Me, the more I will bless you.”
Disturbances in Bohemia due to the Thirty Years’ War brought an end to the special devotions and on 15 November 1631 the army of King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden took possession of Bohemia’s Capital City. The Carmelite Friary was plundered and the image of the Infant of Prague was thrown into a pile of rubbish behind the Altar. Here it lay forgotten for seven years, its hands broken off, until in 1637, it was found again by Father Cyrillus and placed in the Church’s oratory. One day, while praying before the Statue, Cyrillus heard a voice say,
“Have pity on Me and I will have pity on you. Give Me my hands and I will give you peace. The more you honour Me, the more I will bless you.”
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory, for my own salvation and that of the whole world, the Mystery of the Birth of our Divine Saviour. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the sufferings of the most holy Virgin and of St Joseph, in that long and weary journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. I offer Thee the sorrow of their hearts when they found no place wherein to shelter themselves, when the Saviour of the world was born. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the sufferings of Jesus in the stable where He was born, the cold He endured, the swaddling clothes which bound Him, the tears He shed and His tender Infant cries. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the pain which the Holy Child Jesus felt in His tender body, when He submitted to circumcision. I offer Thee that Precious Blood which then, for the first time He shed for the salvation of the whole humanrace. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the humility, mortification, patience, charity, all the virtues of the Child Jesus and I thank Thee and I love Thee and I bless Thee without end, for the ineffable Mystery of the Incarnation of the Divine Word. Glory be to the Father, etc.
The Word was made Flesh, And dwelt among us.
LET US PRAY O God, Whose Only-begotten Son was made manifest to us in the substance of our flesh, grant, we beseech Thee, that through Him, Whom we acknowledge to be like unto ourselves, our souls may be inwardly renewed. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee forever and ever. Amen.
7 years Indulgence each day, if the above prayers are recited on the 9 days preceding the 25th of any month. Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions, when the Novena is completed. (125)
Thought for the Day – 22 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
A Christmas Novena VII Prayer and Dedication
“As we kneel before the Infant Jesus, let us beseech Him to enable us to grasp the truth of these reflections. Let us take more care of our soul than we do, as of our external talents and possessions. May God occupy the foremost place in our minds and may He be the principal object of our thoughts, desires and affections.
Let us imitate the humble recollection and ardent love for God, of the Holy Infant. Like Him, let us offer ourselves entirely to God. Let us ask Him to make us like Himself, in complete acceptance of the Divine Will, especially when we are in trouble or in pain, for in this way, we shall be able to show God how sincerely we love Him.”
Thought for the Day – 21 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
A Christmas Novena VI The Silence of the Divine Infant
“Let us kneel in spirit before the Holy Infant. He is silent but His heart beats with love for His heavenly Father and for the afflicted human race which He has come to redeem. Let us adore God in the Mystery of His silence and let us ask Him to favour us with His inspirations and graces. Let us ask Him to teach us to be like Him, so that our Hearts may be closed to the vain attractions of the world and open to the influence of the supernatural. Let us ask Him to help us to employ the gifts of speech, in order to adore, praise and thank God and to draw down His blessings upon ourselves and oupon our fellowmen.
May the words which we utter exercise a prayerful and fruitful apostolate, for it was chiefly for this purpose that God endowed us with the gift of speech.”
The Monthly Novena to the Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague
There are two standard Novenas to the Infant Jesus of Prague – the one we will use below and the other for the Feast on 2 January. The Monthly Novena attracts Indulgences (see Note below).
“The more you honour Me, the more I will bless you.”
Devotion of the Saints to the Holy Infant: Members of the Carmelite Order have been zealous, at all times, in promoting devotion to the Holy Infant of Prague. In particular might we mentioned a certain Father Ildephonse. This Priest always carried a picture of the Infant Jesus on his person and on one occasion was miraculously saved from shipwreck by imploring His assistance. It has been ordained that in all Convents of Our Lady of Mt Carmel, whether of men or of women, a Statue of the Holy Infant should be set up for veneration. St. Teresa of Jesus, the celebrated reformer of the Carmelite Order, was very fond of this devotion. The Blessed Crescentia of Kaufbeuern also possessed a Statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague which she had adorned with a beautiful dress. St Clement Maria Hofbauer, a Redemptorist, was another ardent worshiper of the Divine Infant and always had a Statue of the Little King in his room.
The Infant’s Patronage is especially sought for: vocations, good health, financial issues, a holy family life, schools, the welfare of children, freedom and peace, the missions and safety in travel.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory, for my own salvation and that of the whole world, the Mystery of the Birth of our Divine Saviour. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the sufferings of the most holy Virgin and of St Joseph, in that long and weary journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. I offer Thee the sorrow of their hearts when they found no place wherein to shelter themselves, when the Saviour of the world was born. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the sufferings of Jesus in the stable where He was born, the cold He endured, the swaddling clothes which bound Him, the tears He shed and His tender Infant cries. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the pain which the Holy Child Jesus felt in His tender body, when He submitted to circumcision. I offer Thee that Precious Blood which then, for the first time He shed for the salvation of the whole humanrace. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the humility, mortification, patience, charity, all the virtues of the Child Jesus and I thank Thee and I love Thee and I bless Thee without end, for the ineffable Mystery of the Incarnation of the Divine Word. Glory be to the Father, etc.
The Word was made Flesh, And dwelt among us.
LET US PRAY O God, Whose Only-begotten Son was made manifest to us in the substance of our flesh, grant, we beseech Thee, that through Him, Whom we acknowledge to be like unto ourselves, our souls may be inwardly renewed. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee forever and ever. Amen.
7 years Indulgence each day, if the above prayers are recited on the 9 days preceding the 25th of any month. Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions, when the Novena is completed. (125)
Our Morning Offering – 20 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Ember Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent
Let Your Goodness, Lord, Appear to Us An Advent Prayer By St Bernard (1090-1153) Father and Mellifluous Doctor
Let Your goodness, Lord, appear to us, that we, made in Your image, conform ourselves to it. In our own strength we cannot imitate Your majesty, power and wonder, nor is it fitting for us to try. But Your mercy reaches from the heavens through the clouds to the earth below. You have come to us as a small child but You have brought us the greatest of all gifts, the gift of eternal love. Caress us with Your tiny hands, embrace us with Your tiny arms and pierce our hearts with Your soft, sweet cries. Amen
The Monthly Novena to the Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague
There are two standard Novenas to the Infant Jesus of Prague – the one we will use below and the other for the Feast on 2 January. The Monthly Novena attracts Indulgences (see Note below).
“The more you honour Me, the more I will bless you.”
Within recent years the devotion to the Miraculous Infant has grown in a wonderful manner and today, the Statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague may be seen in Churches and Chapels, in cloisters and schools, the world over. The “Little King” has taken up His abf^de among the rich and poor, the great and lowly. Just as a mighty tree springs from a tiny seed, so this devotion has grown from a small beginning, to the greatest dimensions; it is no longer local or national but as universal as the Church itself. The Divine Child attracts an ever-increasing number of clients, who appeal to Him in every need.
The Infant’s Patronage is especially sought for: vocations, good health, financial issues, a holy family life, schools, the welfare of children, freedom and peace, the missions and safety in travel.
THE NOVENA PRAYERS
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory, for my own salvation and that of the whole world, the Mystery of the Birth of our Divine Saviour. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the sufferings of the most holy Virgin and of St Joseph, in that long and weary journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. I offer Thee the sorrow of their hearts when they found no place wherein to shelter themselves, when the Saviour of the world was born. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the sufferings of Jesus in the stable where He was born, the cold He endured, the swaddling clothes which bound Him, the tears He shed and His tender Infant cries. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the pain which the Holy Child Jesus felt in His tender body, when He submitted to circumcision. I offer Thee that Precious Blood which then, for the first time He shed for the salvation of the whole humanrace. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the humility, mortification, patience, charity, all the virtues of the Child Jesus and I thank Thee and I love Thee and I bless Thee without end, for the ineffable Mystery of the Incarnation of the Divine Word. Glory be to the Father, etc.
The Word was made Flesh, And dwelt among us.
LET US PRAY O God, Whose Only-begotten Son was made manifest to us in the substance of our flesh, grant, we beseech Thee, that through Him, Whom we acknowledge to be like unto ourselves, our souls may be inwardly renewed. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee forever and ever. Amen.
7 years Indulgence each day, if the above prayers are recited on the 9 days preceding the 25th of any month. Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions, when the Novena is completed. (125)
AnaStpaul 
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