Our Morning Offering – 24 March – The Feast of St Gabriel the Archangel
Hail Gabriel, Hail, a Thousand Hails! By Fr Fr Frederick W Faber CO (1814-1863)
Hail Gabriel, hail, a thousand hails For thine whose music still prevails To charm the list’ning ear; Angelic word, sent forth to tell How He the Eternal Word should dwell Amid His creatures here.
Heaven’s voice of sweetness, uttered low, Thy words like strains of music grow Upon the stilly night; Clear echoes from the mind of God Which steal through Mary’s blest abode In pulses of delight.
O voice, dear voice, the ages hear That hail of thine, still ling’ring near, An unexhausted song And still, thou com’st with balmy wing And still, thou sweetly seem’st to sing, Thine Ave to prolong.
Take up in Heaven, for us thy part And singing to the Sacred Heart, Thy strains of rapture raise And tune with endless Ave still The voices of the Blest and fill, The ear of God, with praise.
The Above is an excerpt from Fr Faber’s 14 stanza Hymn. Tune: “Pembroke” J. Foster, 1807-1885.
The Archangel Saint Gabriel The Feast of Saint Gabriel was included by Pope Benedict XV in the General Roman Calendar in 1921, for celebration on 24 March. The Archangel Saint Gabriel’s name means “the Power of God” He appeared to the Prophet Daniel (Dan 8:16; 9:21), to the priest Zachary to announce the forthcoming birth of Saint John the Baptist (Luke 1:11, 19) and, most importantly, to the Blessed Virgin Mary to announce the birth of Our Saviour (Luke 1:26). St Gabriel! https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/24/saint-of-the-day-24-march-the-archangel-saint-gabriel/
St Agapitus (Died 3rd Century) Bishop of Synnada, Phrygia, in Asia Minor. Its site is now occupied by the modern Turkish Town of Suhut. We have no further information on the life of St Agapitus..
St Latinus of Brescia St Macartan of Clogher St Mark of Rome St Pigmenius of Rome St Romulus of North Africa St Secundus of North Africa St Seleucus Confessor of Syria – No other information has survived.
Martyrs of Africa – 9 Saints: A group of Christians murdered for their faith in Africa, date unknown. The only details about their that survive are the names – Aprilis, Autus, Catula, Coliondola, Joseph, Rogatus, Salitor, Saturninus and Victorinus. .
Martyrs of Caesarea – 6 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little else but six of their names – Agapius, Alexander, Dionysius, Pausis, Romulus and Timolaus. They were martyred by beheading in 303 at Caesarea, Palestine.
Quote/s of the Day – 17 March – St Patrick (c386-461) “The Apostle of Ireland,” Bishop, Confessor
Prayer of St Patrick
I bind unto myself today the power in the love of the Seraphim, in the obedience of the Angels, in the ministration of the Archangels, in the hope of Resurrection unto reward, in the prayers of the Patriarchs, in the predictions of the Prophets, in the preaching of the Apostles, in the faith of the Confessors, in the purity of the holy Virgins, in the deeds of Righteous men. Amen
Quote/s of the Day – 22 February – The First Sunday of Lent – 2 Corinthians 6:1-10, Matthew 4:1-11
“Begone, Satan! for it is written: The Lord thy God shalt thou adore and Him only shalt thou serve.”
Matthew 4:10
“Do not, therefore, lose your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of patience that, doing the Will of God, you may receive the promise. For yet a very little while and He Who is to come, will come and will not delay.”
Hebrews 10:35-37
“It might even be said that we are fortunate to have temptations, for these are the times of spiritual harvest when we gather up for Heaven. … If we were thoroughly saturated with God’s Holy Presence, it would be easy for us to resist the enemy. With the thought ‘God sees you!’ we would never sin!
There was a Saint who complained to our Lord after being tempted and said to Him: “Where were Thou, my most loveable Jesus, during that awful storm?” Our Lord answered: “I was in the centre of thou heart…”
St John-Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859) The Curé of Ars
“When tempted, turn immediately to your Guardian Angel and ask him, with all your heart, “My Guardian Angel help me now. Do not let me offend my God!”
Lenten Preparation Novena to the Holy Face To end on Shrove Tuesday, The Feast of the Holy Face
“All those who, attracted by My Love and venerating My Countenance, shall receive, by virtue of My Humanity, a brilliant and vivid impression of My Divinity. This splendour shall enlighten the depths of their souls, so that in eternal glory the celestial court shall marvel at the marked likeness of their features, with My Divine Countenance.” … Our Lord Jesus Christ to St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)
(Console the Holy Face
and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer) below.
Psalm50:12-13 A pure heart create in me O God, put a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Thy presence nor deprive me of Thy Holy Spirit.
DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER
O Most Holy and Blessed Trinity, through the intercession of Holy Mary, whose soul was pierced through by a sword of sorrow at the sight of the Passion of her Divine Son, we ask Thy help, in making a perfect Novena of Reparation with Jesus, united with all His sorrows, love and total abandonment. We now implore all the Angels and Saints to intercede for us as we pray this Holy Novena to the Most Holy Face of Jesus and for the glory of the most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen
THE SIXTH DAY:
Most Holy Face of Jesus, we are truly sorrowful, for we have hurt Thee so much. By our sins, we have disobeyed Thee, turned away from Thee and omitted to please Thee, by our lives. But now, we wish to do penance and amend our lives. Immaculate Heart of Mary, intercede for us, help us to console the Most Holy Face of Jesus. Pray for us, that we may share in the tremendous love thou hast for the most Holy and Blessed Trinity. Through the merits of Thy Most Precious Blood and Thy Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition……………… Pardon and mercy. Amen
O Victorious Prince, Guardian of the Church of God By St Aloysius de Gonzaga SJ (1568-1591) Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel
O Victorious Prince, most humble guardian of the Church of God and of faithful souls, who, with such charity and zeal, took part in so many conflicts and gained such great victories over the enemy, for the conservation and protection of the honour and glory, we all owe to God, as well as for the promotion of our salvation. Come, we pray Thee, to our assistance, for we are continually besieged with such great perils by our enemies, the flesh, the world and the devil and as Thou wast a leader for the people of God, through the desert, so also be our faithful leader and companion through the desert of this world, until Thou conduct us safely, into the happy land of the living, in that blessed fatherland from which we are all exiles. Amen.
Pray (1) Our Father, three (3) Hail Marys, one (1) Glory Be
O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every Adoration Thine (Three times)
Thought for the Day – 9 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971) – Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception
The Virginal Purity of Mary
“Purity is the most beautiful of virtues.
It is a virtue which is admired by God and by men, even by the most corrupt. It is often said, that it makes us like the Angels but in fact, looking at it in a particular way, it makes us superior to the Angels. Since they have no bodies, the angels cannot sin against purity, while we have to fight many battles and overcome many temptations, in order to preserve our chastity. Jesus had a very special love for this virtue. He chose to be born of a Virgin and, He showed a particular affection for St John, who was a dedicated celibate. On one occasion, He placed His Hands on the head of a little child and said: “Unless you turn and become like little children, you will not enter into the kingdom of Heaven “(Mt:18.3)
Unfortunately, the virtue of purity is as fragile as it is beautiful. It can be lost in a single moment of weakness. We must love this virtue as Mary loved it. We must be prepared to make any sacrifice, even the most heroic, rather than lose it. Worldly charm and beauty attract us and the devil works ferociously to control our imagination and our affections. On account of the disturbance of original sin, the flesh is like a terrible weight retarding our spiritual advancement. Sometimes it seems as if it is irresistibly drawing us towards the abyss of impurity. But we need not be dragged down, if we are prepared to fly from the occasions of sin and to pray to God and to our heavenly Mother for her intercession. We must always act at once, for there is no time to dally. It is fatal to remain inactive and to allow temptation to make its way into our soul. This kind of battle, said St Francis de Sales, is won only by soldiers who flee. We must fly from the occasions of sin, no matter what sacrifice this entails. Jesus has warned us, that it is better to enter Heaven without a hand or a foot, than to be cast into hell.
We know the remedies – instant flight, heroic sacrifice and constant prayer. We can leave the rest to the grace of God and to the maternal protection of Mary.”
Quote/s of the Day – 9 November – Dedication of The Archbasilica of the Most Holy Saviour
“Like the deer yearns for running streams, so my soul is yearning for Tbee, my God; my soul is thirsting for God, the living God.”
Psalm 41:2-3
“Zeal for Thy House hath consumed me.”
John 2:17
“Behold, thy mother” John 19:27
“His Mother is the entire Church because by God’s grace, she brings forth the members of Jesus Christ, that is to say, those who are faithful to Him. His Mother is also every holy soul who does the Will of His Father and whose fruitful charity is made manifest in those whom it brings forth for Him until He Himself is formed in them (Gal 4:19)…”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
My Dear Jesus Return Thy Spouse to Apostolic Sanctity By St Jerome Emiliani (1486–1537)
Our sweet Father Lord Jesus Christ, because of Thine Infinite Goodness, we ask Thee to return Thy Spouse, the Church to tha state of sanctity as of the time of the Apostles. Hear us, O Lord because Thou art kind and merciful. In Thy bountiful compassion look upon us. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy upon us. May the power of God the Father, the Wisdom of the Son and the Strength of the Holy Ghost and too, the glorious Virgin Mary, guide and protect us on the way to peace, love and prosperity. May the Angel Raphael, who always assisted Tobias, be with me in every place I stop and on every road I travel. My dear Jesus, my dear Jesus, my dear Jesus, my love and my God, I trust in Thee. Amen
St Jerome Emiliani (1486–1537)
“The Church alone, being the Bride of Christ and having all things in common with her Divine Spouse, is the depository of the Truth.”
Our Morning Offering – 1 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory”
I Salute Thee, All ye Holy Angels and Saints of God By St Gertrude the Great(1256-1302)
I salute thee through the Heart of Jesus, O all ye holy Angels and Saints of God. I rejoice in thy glory and I give thanks to our Lord for all the benefits which He has showered upon thee. I praise Him and glorify Him and offer thee, for an increase of thou joy and honour, the most gentle heart of Jesus. Deign, therefore, to pray for me that I may become, like thee, according to the Heart of God. Amen.
Quote/s of the Day – 24 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – The Feast of St Raphael the Archangel – Tobit 12:7-15, John 5:1-4 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“For it is good to hide the secret of a king but honourable to reveal and confess, the works of God.
Prayer is good with fasting and alms, more than to lay up treasures of gold.
For alms delivereth from death and the same is that which purges away sins and maketh to find mercy and life everlasting.
But they that commit sin and iniquity, are enemies to their own soul.”
Tobit 12:7-10
“I am the Angel Raphael, one of the seven, who stand before the Lord.”
Tobit 12:15
“Raphael frees us from the wrath of God which we incur by sinning against God. He does this by inducing us to pray earnestly. This is what Raphael the Archangel told Tobias in the twelfth chapter: “When thou didst pray with tears, I offered thy prayer to the Lord” the angels themselves, as far as they are able, try to reconcile us with God.”
St Bonaventure (1217-1274) Doctor of the Church
O Raphael, Divinely Sent Guide St Raphael Archangel, 24 October From the Ambrosian Breviary
O Raphael, divinely sent guide, graciously receive the hymn we suppliants address to thee with joyful voice.
Make straight for us the way of salvation and forward our steps, lest at any time, we wander astray and turn from the path to heaven.
Look down upon us from on high; reflect into our souls the splendour shining from above, from the holy Father of lights.
Give perfect health to the sick, dispel the darkness of the blin and while driving away diseases of the body, give spiritual strength to our souls.
Thou who standest before the Sovereign Judge, plead for the pardon of our crimes and, as a trusty advocate, appease the avenging wrath of the Most High.
Renewer of the great battle, crush our proud enemy; against the rebel spirits give us strength and increase our grace.
To God the Father be glory, and to His Only Son, together with the Paraclete Spirit, now and forevermore. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 24 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – The Feast of St Raphael the Archangel – Tobias 12:7-15 – John 5:1-4 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“In these lay a great multitude of sick, of blind, of lame, of withered, waiting for the moving of the water (by the Angel). ” – John 5:3
REFLECTION – “The cripple beside the pool of Bethsaida was waiting for someone (to help him into the pool). For whom was he waiting, if not for the Lord Jesus, born of a Virgin? When He came, it was no longer only a matter of some mere prefiguration which was healing people but Truth itself, was healing them all. And so it was, He, Whose descent was awaited, He of Whom God the Father spoke to John the Baptist: “On Whomever you see the Spirit descend and remain, He is the One Who will Baptise with the Holy Spirit” (Jn 1:33) … But why did the Spirit come down like a Dove, if not so that you might see and acknowledge that the Dove which righteous Noah sent out from the ark, was the image of that Dove and, might recognise in it, a prefiguring of the Sacrament of Baptism. ..?
Can you still waver, when the Father is unquestionably proclaiming to you in the Gospel: “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Mt 3:17); when the Son, over Whom the Holy Spirit was manifested, in the form of a Dove, is proclaiming it too; when the Holy Spirit, Who descended in the form of a Dove, is also proclaiming it; when David proclaims: “The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over vast waters” (Ps 28:3)? Scripture also affirms that Fire came down from Heaven at Gideon’s prayers and again, that Fire was sent to consecrate the sacrifice at the prayer of Elijah. (Jgs 6:21; 1Kgs 18:38).
Do not attend to a Priest’s personal worth but to his office … Believe that our Lord Jesus is present, when invoked at the prayer of the Priest, He Who said: “Where two or three are gathered together, there Am I in the midst of them” (Mt 18:0). How much more, then, does He deign to grant us His presence where the Church is, where the Mysteries are celebrated. And so, you have gone down to the Baptistery. Remember what you have said – that you believe in the Father, you believe in the Son, you believe in the Holy Ghost … With similar words of commitment. you asserted your belief in the Son, as you believe in the Father, your belief in the Holy Spirit as you believe in the Son, with this sole difference – that you profess the need to believe in the Cross of our only Lord Jesus.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church (On the Mysteries 24).
PRAYER – O God, Who gave blessed Raphael the Archangel as a traveling companion to Your servant Tobias, grant us, Your servants, ever to be protected by his guardianship and by his help.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).
Saint Raphael the Archangel The Feast day of Saint Raphael was included for the first time in the General Roman Calendar in 1921, for celebration on 24 October. With the 1969 revision of the General Roman Calendar, the Feast was transferred to 29 September for celebration together with Archangels Saints Michael and Gabriel. St Raphael: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/24/saint-of-the-day-24-october-st-raphael-the-archangel/
St Audactus of Thibiuca St Cadfarch St Ciriacus of Hierapolis St Claudian of Hierapolis St Ebregislus of Cologne St Felix of Thibiuca St Fortunatus of Thibiuca St Fromundus of Coutances
St Maglorius (Died 575) Bishop of Dol and Solitaire in France, Confessor, Monk, Missionary, Abbot, Miracle-worker, “Apostle to Guernsey and Sark” (Sark, French “Sercq” one of the Channel Islands, a dependency of Guernsey, located in the English Channel, south of England’s coast. S St Maglorius\ Life of Grace: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/24/saint-of-the-day-24-october-saint-maglorius-of-wales-died-c575-bishop/
St Marcius of (Died c679) Hermit St Mark of Campania Hermit
St Regnobert (7th Century) Bishop of Bayeux, France
St Senoch (536-576) Abbot, Priest, Ascetic, Apostle of the needy, the poor, of slaves, Founder of a Monastery , Miracle-worker granted the charism of curing the sick, especially the blind, those sick in soul and body. Born in 536 in Tiffauges, Poitou, Gaul (in modern France) and died in 576 aged 40, Touraine, France from a fever. Patronages – against eye diseases, of the blind, Saint-Senoch, France, Sassenay, France. His Holy Life: https://anastpaul.com/2024/10/24/saint-of-the-day-24-october-st-senoch-536-576-abbot/
St Senócus of Tours St Septimus of Thibiuca
Martyrs of Ephesus – 3 Saints: Three Christians Martyred together. All we know about them are the names Mark, Sotericus and Valentina. They were stoned to death near Ephesus, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey). Their relics are enshrined on the island of Tasos.
Our Morning Offering – 22 October – Wednesday is devoted to Saint Joseph who is known as the prince and most efficacious Patron of the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ. As the earthly Father of Jesus, he had a special role in protecting, providing for and instructing Jesus during His earthly life. Now that Christ is ascended into Heaven, St Joseph continues his fatherly guardianship of Christ’s Body, the Church. He is a very powerful friend and aid to all of us.
Hail, Holy Joseph, Hail! By Father Frederick W Faber CO (1814-1863)
Hail, holy Joseph, hail! Chaste spouse of Mary hail! Pure as the lily flow’r In Eden’s peaceful vale. Hail, holy Joseph, hail! Prince of the House of God! May His best graces be By thy sweet hands bestowed.
Hail, holy Joseph, hail! Comrade of Angels, hail! Cheer thou the hearts that faint, And guide the steps that fail. Hail, holy Joseph, hail! God’s choice wert thou alone! To thee the Word made flesh, Was subject as a Son. Hail, holy Joseph, hail! Teach us our flesh to tame And, Mary, keep the hearts That love thy husband’s name. Mother of Jesus! bless, And bless, ye Saints on high, All meek and simple souls That to Saint Joseph cry. Amen
Quote/s of the Day – 21 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels”
Remember the Angels especially during October
“See, I am sending My Angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared.”
Exodus 23:20
“It was pride which changed Angels into devils; it is humility which makes men as Angels!”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
“We are like children, who stand in need of masters, to enlighten us and direct us and God has provided for this, by appointing His Angels, to be our teachers and guides.”
St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor Angelicus / Doctor Communis
“The good Angels are around you, like a company of Sentinels on guard!”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor Caritatis
“The powers of hell will assail the dying Christian but his Angel Guardian will come to console him. His Patrons and St Michael, who has been appointed by God to defend his faithful servants, in their last combat with the devils, will come to his aid.”
St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
“Nor then do thou leave me, Angelical friend! But at the tribunal Of Judgement attend And cease not to plead For my soul, till, forgiven, Thou bear it aloft To the Palace of Heaven!”
From “Sweet Angel of Mercy!” By Fr Edward Caswell C.Orat. (1814-1878)
Thought for the Day – 3 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” The First Joyful Mystery The Annunciation
“The Rosary is both a vocal and a mental prayer. When reciting the first five decades, we should meditate on the principal joyful mysteries of our Faith, beginning with the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin. In other words, during the first decade, we should visualise the scene described in the Gospel.
“The Angel Gabriel was sent from God to a Town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David and the Virgin’s name was Mary. And, when the Angel had come to her, he said “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women” (Lk 1:26-28).
Note the manner in which the Angel greets Mary. He proclaims that she is full of grace, pleasing and acceptable to God. He bows before her and says that she is blessed among women. On previous occasions Angels had appeared to Patriarchs, Kings and Prophets but always, as superior beings bearing a command from Almighty God. Why, then, does an Angel bow before this maiden and salute her with such reverence? The reason is twofold. Mary is the purest of creatures, immaculate from the moment of her conception; she is also destined to become the Mother of God, a destiny of quasi-infinite dignity. Let we, poor sinners, bow before her also and beg her to obtain for us from God, the graces of forgiveness and of sanctification. It is in this spirit, of loving humility that we should recite the First Decade of the Holy Rosary.”
Thought for the Day – 2 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Our Guardian Angels
“The realisation that our Guardian Angel is always close at hand, should be a warning to us. It should prevent us from doing anything displeasing to God. Would we venture to do anything unbecoming in the presence of our Father or Mother, or of anyone for whom we have any regard? Definitely not and still less, should we dare to perform an evil action in the presence of our Angel, to whom we owe such gratitude and in the presence of God, our Creator, Lord and Redeemer, Who could, at any moment, snap the thread which binds us to life and plunge us into eternity.
Furthermore, when pride convinces us that we are of some importance, let us turn to our Angel and pray for the virtue of humility. When we begin to seethe with anger and long to utter words which are harsh and injurious, let us ask our Angel to pray on our behalf, for the gift of Christian gentleness. When the devil fills our minds with impure images and thoughts, let us ask our Angel to beseech God to give us the Christian fortitude to resist temptation and to imitate his angelic purity.
Finally, when tepidity is sapping the vigour of our interior life, let us pray to our Guardian Angel in the hope of obtaining a share in his intimate union with God.
Let us pray the Guardian Angel prayer or at least say: “My Guardian Angel enlighten me. My Guardian Angel help me. My Guardian Angel, protect me.” Amen.”
Quote/s of the Day – 2 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” and the Feast of the Guardian Angels
“You should be aware, the word “Angel” denotes a function, rather than a nature. Those holy Spirits of Heaven have, indeed, always been spirits. They can only be called Angels when they deliver some message. Moreover, those who deliver messages of lesser importance are called Angels and those. who proclaim messages of supreme importance are called Archangels.”
St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church
“In every lodging, at every corner, have reverence for thy Angel. Do not dare to do, in his presence, what you would not dare to do, if I were there. Or do you doubt that he is present whom you do not behold? What if you should hear him? What if you should touch him? What if you should scent him? Remember, that the presence of something is not proved only by the sight of things.”
St Bernard (1090-1153) Mellifluous Doctor of the Church
“Our Guardian Angels are our most faithful friends for they are with us, day and night, always and everywhere. We ought often, to invoke them.”
St Jean-Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859)
“The good Angels are around you, like a company of Sentinels on guard!”
One Minute Reflection – 2 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” and the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels – Exodus 23:20-23 – Matthew 18:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“… Their Angels in Heaven, always see the Face of My Father …” – Matthew 18:10
REFLECTION – “Although the good God is sufficient unto Himself, nevertheless, He makes use of the ministry of the Angels to govern the world … When we see God taking such care of our lives, we conclude that our souls are something truly great and precious, if He is to employ all that is greatest in His Court for the souls’ preservation and sanctification. He has given us His Son to save us; this same Son … gives to each of us,one and, even several Angels, who are solely occupied in asking, on our half, the graces and aids we might need, to ensure our salvation … Oh, how little people know what they are and what they were made for! In Holy Scripture we read that the Lord said to His people: “See, I am sending an Angel before you, to guard you on the way” (Ex 23:20) …
We should often pray to our Guardian Angels, carefully respect them and, above all, try to imitate them in all our actions. And the first thing we need to imitate in them, is the thought of the Presence of God … Surely, if we were completely penetrated with God’s Presence, how could we do evil? How much more pleasing to God would be all our good deeds! … God said to Abraham: “Would you be blameless? Walk in My Presence” (Gn 17:1). How could we possibly forget God so easily, when we have Him always with us? Why are we not full of respect and gratitude towards our Angels, who accompany us day and night? … Perhaps you will say: “I am to unworthy to merit it.” My brethren, not only does God not lose sight of you for an instant but, He gives you an Angel who never ceases to guide your steps. Ah, happiness too great, yet too little known!” – St Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859) Priest, Curé of Ars, Patron of Parish Priests (Sermon for the Feast of the Guardian Angels).
PRAYER – O God, Who in Thy wondrous providence graciously send Thy Angels to watch over us, grant that we, who pray to Thee maybe ever under their protection and may rejoice in their unending companionship. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 2 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” and the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels
O My Good Angel Prayer to One’s Guardian Angel Appointing him Intercessory at the Hour of Death By St Charles Borromeo (1538-1584)
My good Angel – I know not when or how I shall die. It is possible I may be carried off suddenly and before my last sigh, I may be deprived of all intelligence. Yet, how many things I would wish to say to God, on the threshold of eternity. In the full freedom of my will today, I come to charge thee to speak for me at that fearful moment. Thou will say to Him, then, O my good Angel – That I wish to die in the Roman Catholic Apostolic Church in which all the Saints, since Jesus Christ, have died and, out of which, there is no salvation. That I ask the grace, of sharing in the Infinite Merits of my Redeemer and that I desire to die, in pressing to my lips, the Cross which was bathed in His Blood! That I detest my sins because they displease Him and that I pardon, through love of Him, all my enemies, as I wish myself to be pardoned. That I die willingly because He orders it and that I throw myself, with confidence, into His adorable Heart, awaiting all His mercy. That in my inexpressible desire to go to Heaven, I am disposed to suffer everything it may please His Sovereign Justice to inflict on me. That I love Him before all things, above all things and for His own sake; that I wish and hope, to love Him with the elect, His Angels and the Blessed Mother, during all eternity. Do not refuse, O my Angel, to be my interpreter with God and to protest to Him, that these, are my sentiments and my will. Amen.
St Leudomer (Died c593) Abbot St Modesto of Sardinia St Saturius of Soria St Theophilus of Bulgaria
St Thomas de Cantilupe (c1218-1282) Bishop of Hereford, Confessor, learned Scholar, known for his care of the poor and his protection of them against feudal landlords, Miracle-worker, Chancellor of Oxford University, Lord Chancellor of England. Thomas de Cantilupe was the last Englishman Canonised before the Reformation. An amazing Life and in death, a wondrous Miracle-worker: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/02/saint-of-the-day-2-october-saint-thomas-de-cantilupe-of-hereford-c-1218-1282/
St Ursicinus II (Died 760) Bishop of Chur in Switzerland, Monk, Abbot, Hermit, Restorer of the Monastery of Disentis and Architect and builder of 3 Churches in the Diocese. The Roman Martyrology states: “In the territory of today’s Switzerland, Saint Ursicinus, Bishop of Chur and first Abbot of the Monastery of Disentis which he founded.” His Zealous Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/02/saint-of-the-day-2-october-saint-ursicinus-ii-died-760-bishop/
Martyred in Nagasaki, Japan: A husband, wife and two sons, who were all martyred together in the persecutions in Japan. They were beheaded on 2 October 1622 in Nagasaki, Japan and Beatified by Pope Pius IX on 7 May 1867. Blessed Andreas Yakichi Blessed Franciscus Yakichi Blessed Lucia Yakichi Blessed Ludovicus Yakichi
1 October – Devotion for the Month of the Most Holy Rosary and the Holy Angels
An Indulgence of 7 years is granted to all the faithful who devoutly recite the Rosary during the Month of October–granted by Pope Leo XIII, in the same Encyclical, Supremo Apostolatus Officio.
Beginning on 1 September 1883, with Supremo Apostolatus Officio, Pope Leo XIII wrote a total of eleven Encyclicals on the Rosary, ending with Diuturni Temporis in 1898. In 1885, Pope Leo XIII ordered the Rosary to be recited everyday during the month of October in every Parish Church and Cathedral, throughout the world. Those of the faithful who could not be present at this recital he exhorted to say it with their families or in private.
“The greatest method of praying is to pray the Rosary.”
Quote/s of the Day – 29 September – The Feast of the Dedication of the Archangel St Michael – Apocalypse 1:1-5, Matthew 18:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“See, I am sending My Angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared.”
Exodus 23:20
“God Loves in the Seraphim, as Charity, Knows in the Cherubim, as Truth, is seated in the Thrones, as Equity, Reigns in the Dominions, as Majesty, Rules in the Principalities, as Principle, Guards in the Powers, as Salvation, Acts in the Virtues, as Strength, Reveals in the Archangels, as Light, Assists in the Angels, as Piety.”
St Bernard (1090-1153) Mellifluous Doctor
O Victorious Prince, Guardian of the Church of God By St Aloysius de Gonzaga SJ (1568-1591) Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel
O Victorious Prince, most humble guardian of the Church of God and of faithful souls, who, with such charity and zeal, took part in so many conflicts and gained such great victories over the enemy, for the conservation and protection of the honour and glory, we all owe to God, as well as for the promotion of our salvation. Come, we pray Thee, to our assistance, for we are continually besieged with such great perils by our enemies, the flesh, the world and the devil and as Thou wast a leader for the people of God, through the desert, so also be our faithful leader and companion through the desert of this world, until Thou conduct us safely, into the happy land of the living, in that blessed fatherland from which we are all exiles. Amen.
“The powers of hell will assail the dying Christian but his Angel Guardian will come to console him. His Patrons and St Michael, who has been appointed by God to defend his faithful servants, in their last combat with the devils, will come to his aid.”
St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
One Minute Reflection – 29 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of the Dedication of the Archangel St Michael – Apocalypse 1:1-5 – Matthew 18:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Amen I say to you, unless you turn and become like little children, you will not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. ” – Matthew 18:3
REFLECTION – “We must seek for reasons for individual sayings and actions of the Lord. After the coin was found, after the tribute paid, what do the Apostles’ sudden questions mean? Why precisely “at that time” did the disciples come to Jesus saying, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Because they had seen the same tax had been paid for both Peter and the Lord. From the equal price, they inferred that Peter may have been set over all the other Apostles, since Peter had been compared with the Lord in the paying of the tax. So, they ask, who is greater in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus, seeing their thoughts and understanding the causes of their error, wants to heal their desire for glory, with a struggle for humility.
He called a child to Him to ask its age or to show the image of innocence. Or perhaps, He actually set a child in their midst — He Himself, Who had not come to be served but to serve — to show them an example of humility.
Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Just as this child, whose example I show you, does not persist in anger, does not long remember injury suffered, is not enamoured inordinately by the sight of a beautiful woman, does not think one thing and say another, so you too, unless you have similar innocence and purity of mind, will not be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Or it might be taken in another way: “Whosoever, therefore, humiliates himself like this child, is greater in the Kingdom of Heaven,” so as to imply that anyone who imitates Me and humiliates himself following My example, so that he abases himself, as much as I abased Myself in accepting the form of a servant, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” – St Jerome (343-420) Priest, Monk, Translator of the Scriptures, Father and Doctor of the Church (Commentary on Matthew 3).
PRAYER – O God, Who assign according to a wondrous order, the duties of Angels and men, mercifully grant that our life on earth be guarded by those who continually stand in Thy presence and minister to Thee in Heaven. 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).
THIS festival has been kept with great solemnity on the 29th of September ever since the Fifth Century and was certainly initially celebrated in Apulia in 493. The Dedication of the famous Church of St Michael on Mount Gargano, in Italy, gave occasion to the institution of this Feast in the West, which is hence called in the Martyrologies of St Jerome, St Bede and others, ‘The Dedication of St Michael.’ About the Apparition of St Michael at Mount Gargano in 492: https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/08/saint-of-the-day-8-may-apparition-of-michael-the-archangel-at-monte-gargano-italy-492/
St Quiriacus (c449-557)Hermit of Palestine St Rene Goupil St Rhipsime Bl Richard Rolle St Sapor of Persia St Theodota of Thrace
Martyrs of Thrace – 3 Saints: Three Christian men Martyred in Thrace for their faith. They are – Eutychius, Heracleas and Plautus.
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Quote/s of the Day – 11 September – St Protus and St Hyacinth (Died c257) Brother Martyrs – Hebrews 10:32-38 – Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Yes, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid, you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Luke 12:6-7”
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more they can do. … be afraid of him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell. ”
Luke 12:4
“Take courage: It is I, do not be afraid. And He got into the boat with them and the wind fell”
Mark 6:50-51
“Fear is a greater evil than the evil itself.”
(Letters to Persons in the World, VI, 12)
“The good Angels are around you, like a company of Sentinels on guard!”
Quote/s of the Day – 15 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – The Feast of the the “Divisio Apostolorum – The Division of the Apostles” also known as (‘Dispersion’)
“… It was their vocation to call sinners to repentance, to heal those who were sick, whether in body or spirit, to seek in all their dealing, never to do their own will but the Will of Him who sent them and, as far as possible, to save the world by their teaching.”
St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Bishop, Father & Doctor of the Church
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the Right Hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen
“Day by day follow God’s path, keeping Him closely attached to you by His promise. In fact, He Himself said, through the mediation of His Apostles, to all those who seek His will and His testimonies that He would be with them until the end of the world (Mt 28:20) where paths and footsteps will be unknown (cf Ps 76:20), as the divine David said in his songs. Yet, in an invisible way, He is present to the eyes of the mind, making Himself seen by those who have a pure heart and conversing with them. So pursue your path …. ”
St Theodore the Studite (759-826) Abbot, Confessor, Father of the Church
Prayer of St Patrick
I bind unto myself today the power in the love of the Seraphim, in the obedience of the Angels, in the ministration of the Archangels, in the hope of Resurrection unto reward, in the prayers of the Patriarchs, in the predictions of the Prophets, in the preaching of the Apostles, in the faith of the Confessors, in the purity of the holy Virgins, in the deeds of Righteous men. Amen
Quote/s of the Day – 5 July – St Anthony Mary Zaccaria (1502-1539) Confessor, Priest, Founder of the Barnabits – The First Religious Order Named after St Paul The Apostle – Canonised by Pope Leo XIII on 27 May 1897.
“Angel in human form! Angelic man! Founder of the Clerics Regular of St Paul, of the Angelic Sisters and of other pious Associations. Destroyer of vices, Guardian of chastity, Restorer of the service of God. Perfect labourer for the salvation of souls, Preacher of the Word of God, Faithful disciple of St Paul. Indefatigable worker in the Vineyard of the Lord, constant enemy of the world, of the flesh and of wickedness. Conqueror of Demons. Perfect image of the ardent charity of the Holy Ghost. Today, a citizen of Heaven. The City of Cremona, rejoicing and proud of the glory of its children, filled with admiration for its citizen now gone to join the Angels, erects this Monument in token of eternal gratitude for his saintly life and heroic deeds. Amen!”
Inscription on a Monument in Cremona, Italy dedicated to Saint Anthony
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