Thought for the Day – 2 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Our Guardian Angels
“Among the many expressions of God’s goodness towards us, is His designation of a heavenly spirit to accompany and to assist each of us on our journey through life. The human eye cannot see him although, he is always on guard by our side. Even while he is near us, he enjoys the beatific vision of God.
This is a wonderful thought. During the day, when we are preoccupied with so many affairs which can cause us to forget God, our angel is beside us, to inspire us to love God more. When we are asleep, he is watching over us and praying for our welfare. When we pray, he gathers our feeble supplications and offers them to God. When temptation presses hard, it is he who sustains us and encourages us to resist with Christian fortitude. Finally, when by some misfortune we fall into grave sin because we have been deaf to the appeals of our Creator, he takes pity on us and inspires in us remorse for our misdeeds and the desire to be restored as soon as possible to God’s favour.
We should be deeply grateful to our kind Guardian Angel and should pray to him often, especially in times of spiritual or bodily danger. We need his help when we are tempted or afflicted. We should place much greater trust in him, remember that he is always close at hand to fulfil the mission entrusted to him by God of enlightening and directing us.”
Quotes of the Day – 2 October – The Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels
“See, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared. Give heed to him and hearken to his voice. Do not rebel against him, for he will not forgive your sin. My authority is within him.”
Exodus 23:20-21
“Beside each believer stands an Angel as protector and shepherd, leading him to life.”
St Basil the Great (329-379) Father and Doctor of the Church
“If we detect an angel, by the effect he is producing, let us hasten to pray, since our heavenly guardian has come to join us.”
St John Climacus (579-649) Father 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
“Each man has a angel guardian appointed to him…. Angel guardians are given to man also as regards invisible and secret things, concerning the salvation of each one in his own regard. Hence, individual angels are appointed to guard individual men.”
St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Angelic Doctor
“The first thing about the Angels which we ought to imitate, is their consciousness of the Presence of God.”
“What joy it is to know that when we go out of the house, we are never alone en route.”
One Minute Reflection – 2 October – Wednesday of the Twenty Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, Readings: Job 38:1, 12-21; 40: 3-5, Psalms 139:1-3, 7-8, 9-10, 13-14, Matthew 18:1-5, 10 and The Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.” …Matthew 18:10
REFLECTION – “Ah, Jesus, Prince of Peace and Angel of great counsel, may You Yourself always be the guide at my right and the guardian of my pilgrimage, lest I move away and stray from You. And deign to send from heaven, Your holy angel who, under Your lovingly-kind care, will be solicitous for me and, according to Your gracious purpose, direct me and lead me, perfect, along Your way back to You. (Ex 23:20).” … St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302) Benedictine nun – Exercises I.60-63, 71-76, 78-86, 99-103.
PRAYER – Lord God of hosts, in Your all-wise providence, You send angels to guard and protect us. Surround us with their watchful care on earth and give us the joy of their company, forever in heaven. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord, with th Holy Spirit, God for all eternity, amen.
St Alfonso del Rio St Andrea Ximenez Blessed Antoine Chevrier TOSF (1825-1879) About Blessed Antoince: https://anastpaul.com/2018/10/02/saint-of-the-day-2-october-blessed-antoine-chevrier-t-o-s-f-1825-1879/ St Beregisius St Eleutherius of Nicomedia Bl Georges-Edme René St Gerinus St Leodegar of Autun OSB (c 625-679) Bishop and Martyr St Leudomer St Maria Antonina Kratochwil St Modesto of Sardinia St Saturius of Soria St Theophilus of Bulgaria St Ursicinus II — Martyred in Antioch, Syria: Martyred in one of the early persecutions, date unknown. St Cyril of Antioch St Primus of Antioch St Secundarius of Antioch
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
Martyred in the Spanish Civil War: • Blessed Elías Carbonell Molla • Blessed Enrique Sáiz-Aparicio • Blesssed Felipe González de Heredia Barahona • Blessed Francisco Carceller Galindo • Blessed Isidoro Bover Oliver • Blessed Juan Carbonell Molla • Blessed Juan Iñiguez de Ciriano Abechuco • Blessed Manuel Borrajo Míguez • Blessed María Francisca Ricart Olmos • Blessed Mateu Garrolera Masferrer • Blessed Pedro Artolozaga Mellique • Blessed Pedro Salcedo Puchades
Novena to Our Angel Guardian – Day Nine – 1 October (Indulgence of 300 days, each day of the Novena)
Opening Prayer
Deus in adjutorium: V/. O God +, come to my assistance R/. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Gloria Patri…
DAY IX
O sweetest Angel, my faithful and loving Guardian, how can I thank thee sufficiently for the ardent love and faithful vigilance with which thou has ever watched and will watch over me, till thou has led me safely into the sweet presence of God. Ah! pray for me, that I may thank thee by my obedience to thy holy inspirations, so that loving thee daily more and more, I may merit to be with thee for all eternity. And for this special intention of virtue which I make unto thy prayers …………………….. (the special virtue you desire). Amen
Novena to Our Angel Guardian – Day Eight – 30 September (Indulgence of 300 days, each day of the Novena)
Opening Prayer
Deus in adjutorium: V/. O God +, come to my assistance R/. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Gloria Patri…
DAY VIII
O! most pure spirit, dear Angel Guardian, I pray thee, by the burning love thou has for the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, the Queen of Angels, to obtain for me great purity of soul and body, that at my death I may be found worthy to associate with our Virgin Mother and with thee in Paradise. And this special intention of virtue which I make unto thy prayers …………………….. (the special virtue you desire). Amen
Novena to Our Angel Guardian – Day Seven – 29 September (Indulgence of 300 days, each day of the Novena)
Opening Prayer
Deus in adjutorium: V/. O God +, come to my assistance R/. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Gloria Patri…
DAY VII
Most powerful intercessor, my faithful guardian, I pray thee, by the zeal which God has given thee for the eternal salvation of my soul, obtain for me the grace of having also, an ardent and prudent zeal for the salvation of my neighbour, so that I may merit eternal salvation. And this special intention of virtue which I make unto thy prayers …………………….. (the special virtue you desire). Amen
Quote/s of the Day – 29 September – The Feast of Sts Michael, Gabriel and Raphael
“You should be aware that 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 Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) Father and Doctor of the Church
“Angels take different earthly forms at the bidding of their master, God. They thus reveal themselves to human beings and unveil the Divine Mysteries to them.”
St John Damascene (675-749) Father and Doctor of the Church
“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
“God is humanity’s universal teacher and guardian but His teaching to humanity, is mediated by angels.”
St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Angelic Doctor
“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 Feast of Sts Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Readings: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 or Apocalypse (Revelation) 12:7-12, Psalms 138:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, Gospel: John 1:47-51
“Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and it’s angels fought back …” … Apocalypse 12:7
REFLECTION – “We must not think that the devil and his angels dared to fight in heaven, since he could not even tempt Job without God’s permission. Rather by “heaven” he quite manifestly indicates the Church, where each one of the faithful constantly contends against spiritual evils. Therefore, the apostle says, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the principalities and powers and against the world rulers of this present darkness.”
And so he says here, that Michael with his angels fights against the devil because by praying according to the will of God, for the Church in this world and, by granting her his aid, he is properly understood to be fighting for her. And so the apostle says, “Are not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?” Indeed, the name of Michael himself is interpreted to mean “the helper of God” and so, this work is properly assigned to him. Also Daniel said, that in the last distress, [Michael] would come for the succour of the church: “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who stands for the children of your people. And there shall be a time, such as has never been since the nations first began to be. And in that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who shall be found written in the book.” The angels are said to be his by a certain manner of speaking, such as we read, “For their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.”
And so it speaks of those who, by believing, began to be citizens in Christ and thus are His angels, because they are regarded as protected by one guardian king and as made glad by one life-giving spirit. The devil and his angels are not only those who are similar to him in nature and will. They are also as men, who after being caught in his traps, became pursuers of such things. Indeed, because of the qualities of his wil,l it is said about the devil, “An evil man has done this” and about Judas, “[One of you] is a devil.” The devil is said to express himself by way of a twofold body. When he is conquered, he is said to be thrown out by those who have renounced him and have received faith in Christ and so no longer copy his errors. Rather, in them “love [remains] from a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith.” Or, since the Church is already separated from any admixture of evil and is glorified by the future blessedness, no place is given to the devil and to his angels to seduce the evil, or to tempt the good. The psalm refers to him and says, “I passed by and lo! he was not and I sought him, but his place was not found.” … Primasius of Hadrumetum Bishop (Died c 560) – Commentary on the Apocalypse, 12
NOTE:Primasius (died c 560) was Bishop of Hadrumetum and primate of Byzacena, in Africa. One of the participants in the Three Chapters Controversy, his commentary on the Book of the Apocalypse (Revelation), is of interest to modern scholars for it’s use of the lost commentary of Ticonius on the same book of the New Testament.
PRAYER – Dear and Holy God, let us offer You all our daily struggles against sin and evil. Grant us the strength to resist all forms of idolatry, to seek only You and never to allow the material goods of this world to seduce us. Sustain us ever more with Your word and help us to find in it, the source of life. Grant that the angels who always minister to You in heaven may defend us during our life on earth and protect us from evil. Grant this, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen
Our Morning offering – 29 September – The Feast of Sts Michael, Gabriel and Raphael
Praise the Lord, ye Heavens, Adore Him Morning Hymn from the Breviary
Praise the Lord, ye heavens, adore Him; Praise Him, angels in the height; Sun and moon, rejoice before Him; Praise Him, all ye stars of light. Praise the Lord for He has spoken, Worlds His mighty voice obeyed; Laws which never shall be broken, For their guidance He has made.
Praise the Lord, for He is glorious, Never shall His promise fail; God hath made His saints victorious, Sin and death shall not prevail. Praise the God of our salvation, Hosts on high His power proclaim; Heaven and earth and all creation, Praise and magnify His name.
Worship, honour, glory, blessing, Lord, we offer unto Thee; Young and old, Thy praise expressing, In glad homage bend the knee. All the saints in heaven adore thee, We would bow before Thy throne; As Thine angels serve before thee, So on earth Thy will be done.
Bl Alericus St Anno of Eichstätt St Casdoe of Persia St Catholdus of Eichstätt Blessed Charles de Blois TOSF (1319–1364) Duke of Brittany St Dadas of Persia St Diethardus of Eichstätt St Fraternus of Auxerre St Gabdelas of Persia St Grimoaldus of Pontecorvo St Gudelia St Guillermo Courtet Blessed Jean de Montmirail / Baron de Montmirail, O. Cist (1165 – 1217) His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/29/saint-of-the-day-29-september-blessed-jean-de-montmirail-o-cist-1165-1217/ Bl John of Ghent St Lazaro of Kyoto St Liutwin of Trier Blessed Luigi Monza (1898 – 1954) Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/29/saint-of-the-day-29-september-blessed-luigi-monza-1898-1954/ St Miguel de Aozaraza St Quiriacus of Palestine St Rene Goupil St Rhipsime Bl Richard Rolle St Sapor of Persia St Theodota of Thrace St Vicente Shiwozuka de la Cruz — Martyrs of Thrace – 3 saints: Three Christian men murdered in Thrace for their faith. They are – Eutychius, Heracleas and Plautus.
Martyred in the Spanish Civil War: • Blessed Antonio Arribas Hortigüela • Blessed Antonio Martínez López • Blessed Dario Hernández Morató • Blessed Francesc de Paula Castelló Aleu • Blessed Francisco Edreira Mosquera • Blessed José Villanova Tormo • Blessed Pau Bori Puig • Blessed Vicente Sales Genovés • Blessed Virgilio Edreira Mosquera
Novena to Our Angel Guardian – Day Six – 28 September (Indulgence of 300 days, each day of the Novena)
Opening Prayer
Deus in adjutorium: V/. O God +, come to my assistance R/. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Gloria Patri…
DAY VI
Dearest friend, my good angel, I pray thee, by the great love thou hast for me, thou who loves God so ardently and who sees how much He loved me and still loves me, obtain for me the consolation of always praying and praying well in my troubles, so that I may obtain His mercy, till the last moment of my existence. And this special intention of virtue which I make unto thy prayers …………………….. (the special virtue you desire). Amen
Novena to Our Angel Guardian – Day Five – 27 September (Indulgence of 300 days, each day of the Novena)
Opening Prayer
Deus in adjutorium: V/. O God +, come to my assistance R/. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Gloria Patri…
DAY V.
Most faithful guide, my angel-guardian, I pray thee, by the mission which God has confided to thee to lead me on the road to heaven, obtain for me grace to follow faithfully and constantly the light which thou hast shown me, of the evil which I must avoid and of the good which I must do and do not cease to excite me to the practice of all virtue, till the last moment of my life. And this special intention of virtue which I make unto thy prayers …………………….. (the special virtue you desire). Amen
Thought for the Day – 27 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Seeing God in All Things
“Very often, when things are not going our way, we become restless and irritable. We want health and instead, we are sick. We long for success and high position and instead, God humbles our pride and allows us to fall into sin, again and again. We wish that affairs in our immediate surroundings, would proceed according to our liking but, in fact, everything happens in an entirely different way. What is the remedy for the tension and annoyance which we experience on these occasions? There is only one – we must see God in all the events and circumstances of life and do His will lovingly and generously. Faith, says St Francis de Sales, is a ray of light from Heaven, which makes us see God in all things and all things in God.
It was his great disciples, St Jane Frances de Chantal, who wrote: “To be nothing, to be much; to be small, to command; to obey one person or another; to be humiliated or forgotten; to be poor or rich; to be underworked or overworked; to be alone or to be in company; to receive spiritual consolations or to experience aridity and temptation; to be healthy or to be sick and obliged to languish for years …. to live a long time or to die soon, perhaps immediately; all must be accepted from God. Our life must be like a great Amen which harmonises with that of the heavenly choirs…”
If we see the love of God in all things, in all happenings and in all the troubles of life, nothing will upset us or cause us excessive anguish. We know that we are in good hands and that everything is arranged for our good! Amen”
Novena to Our Angel Guardian – Day Four – 26 September (Indulgence of 300 days, each day of the Novena)
Opening Prayer
Deus in adjutorium: V/. O God +, come to my assistance R/. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Gloria Patri…
DAY IV.
My most zealous protector and dear angel guardian, I pray, thee, by the charge which God has given thee to guard me in all my ways, as a mother carries in her arms, her beloved child, avert from me all occasions of sin and preserve me from all perils which could make me offend God and for that, repress the temptations of the infernal enemy and my own passions, so that having conquered the enemies of my salvation, I may walk with ease, by the grace of God, in the way of His commandments, till I die. And this special intention of virtue which I make unto thy prayers …………………….. (the special virtue you desire).
Novena to Our Angel Guardian – Day Three – 25 September (Indulgence of 300 days, each day of the Novena)
Opening Prayer
Deus in adjutorium: V/. O God +, come to my assistance R/. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Gloria Patri…
DAY III.
Most perfect executor of the Will of God, my faithful guardian, I pray thee, by the vigilant and loving eagerness with which thou fulfils the duty of my guardianship which God has confided to thee, obtain for me the grace of being always anxious to know and accomplish perfectly, to the last moment of my life, everything that God asks of me. And this special intention of virtue which I make unto thy prayers …………………….. (the special virtue you desire).Amen
Novena to Our Angel Guardian – Day Two – 24 September (Indulgence of 300 days, each day of the Novena)
Opening Prayer
Deus in adjutorium: V/. O God +, come to my assistance R/. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Gloria Patri…
DAY II.
Most mighty spirit, my angel-guardian, I pray thee, by that supreme felicity thou dost enjoy in seeing God without a veil, even whilst watching over me, obtain for me grace to walk without ceasing in the presence of God, so that I may live as a perfect Christian till my last breath. And this special intention of virtue which I make unto thy prayers …………………….. (the special virtue you desire).Amen
Novena to Our Angel Guardian – Day One – 23 September (Indulgence of 300 days, each day of the Novena)
Opening Prayer
Deus in adjutorium: V/. O God +, come to my assistance R/. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Gloria Patri…
DAY I.
O most powerful angel, thou who art my guardian, I beseech thee, by the sovereign hatred thou hast for sin because it offends God, Whom you love with a pure and perfect love, obtain for me a sincere and lasting sorrow for my sins and an implacable hatred against all sin, of what kind soever, so that I may never more offend my God, till the last moment of my life. And this special intention of virtue which I make unto thy prayers …………………….. (the special virtue you desire).
The Novena to our Guardian Angels begins on 23 September in preparation for the Guardian Angels Feast day on 2 October
Guardian Angels are real! “The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls “angels” is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 328) There are countless examples of angels throughout Scripture. They ministered to everyone from shepherds, to Jesus Himself.
“Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.” – St Basil. Guardian angels are not something that we have to share. They are so valuable to our spiritual wellbeing, that God has blessed us all with our own. “Great is the dignity of the human soul, since each one of them has from the very outset of his life, an Angel deputed to safeguard him.” – St Jerome
“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14) Our Guardian Angels protect us from evil, assist us in prayer, lead us to choose good and represent us before God. They are able to act upon our senses and our imaginations but not our will. They cannot chose for us but, encourage us in every way possible, to choose what is true, good and beautiful.
“Christ is the centre of the angelic world. They are His angels: “When the Son of man comes in His glory and all the angels with Him.” (Mt 25:31 – CCC 331)
Angels are superior to man because although they are sent here to serve us, they are constantly in the presence of God. They are endowed with many spiritual powers and capabilities that humans are not given. Don’t think of your angel as a pretty cherub. They are prayerful and powerful and they stand beside you, to protect, defend and guard you.
Thought for the Day – 22 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth
“When the Virgin Mary was borne into Heaven, soul and body, by the Angels, she was received with great rejoicing by the entire company of the blessed. A halo of light surrounded her, as her Divine Son, Jesus Christ, placed her on His right hand and proclaimed her Queen of Heaven and Earth. It was fitting that this supreme dignity should have been accorded her, for she was the beloved daughter of the Eternal Father, the Immaculate spouse of the Holy Spirit and the Mother of God, the Word made man and the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.
Mary is Queen of the Angels because, even though she is inferior to them, by reason of her human nature, she is superior to them, by reason of her dignity as Mother of God. What Angel could say to the Incarnate Word: “You are my son?” What Angel could command Him, as she could, in her role of Mother?
Mary has yet another claim to her title which no Angel could ever have. She participated in the Passion of her Son Jesus,offering herself along with Him, as a victim of expiation. She made a contribution, in the supernatural order of the Redemption, which neither Angel nor Saint, could have made. With Jesus, through Jesus and in Jesus, she is the co-redemptrix of the human race. Let us bow low before such greatness and join with the choirs of the blessed, in paying homage to her.”
Quotes of the Day – 22 August – The Memorial of the Queenship of Mary
“She is the eldest daughter of the Great King. If you enjoy her favour, she will introduce you to the Monarch of the Universe. No-one has so great an interest with Him than Mary, who was the occasion of His coming down from Heaven to become man for the redemption of mankind.”
St John the Merciful
(c 552-c 616)
“Every Saint belongs to the court of the Queen of All Saints.”
St John Eudes (1501-1680)
“So Mary is a Queen. And, for our consolation, we ought to remember that she is a most tender and kind Queen, eager to help us in our miseries. So much so, that the Church wants us to call her in this prayer, a Queen of Mercy. Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy!”
St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
“Let all the children of the Catholic Church, who are so very dear to us, hear these words of ours. With a still more ardent zeal for piety, religion and love, let them continue to venerate, invoke and pray to the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, conceived without original sin. Let them fly with utter confidence to this most sweet Mother of mercy and grace in all dangers, difficulties, needs, doubts and fears. Under her guidance, under her patronage, under her kindness and protection, nothing is to be feared; nothing is hopeless. Because, while bearing toward us a truly motherly affection and having in her care, the work of our salvation, she is solicitous about the whole human race. And since, she has been appointed by God, to be the Queen of heaven and earth and is exalted above all the choirs of angels and saints and, even stands at the right hand, of her only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, she presents our petitions in a most efficacious manner. What she asks, she obtains. Her pleas can never be unheard!”
Bl Pius IX (1792-1878)
Ineffabilis Deus (which proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception on 8 December 1854)
“To serve the Queen of Heaven is already to reign there and to live under her commands, is more than to govern.”
St John Vianney (1786-1859)
“She is more Mother than Queen.”
St Therese of the Child Jesus (1873-1897) Doctor of the Church
“With the certainty of faith, we know that Jesus Christ is king in the full, literal and absolute sense of the word; for He is true God and man. This does not, however, prevent Mary from sharing His royal prerogatives, though in a limited and analogous manner; for she was the Mother of Christ and Christ is God and she shared in the work of the divine Redeemer, in His struggles against enemies and in the triumph He won over them all. From this union with Christ the King she assuredly obtains so eminent a status that she stands high above all created things and upon this same union with Christ is based that royal privilege, enabling her to distribute the treasures of the kingdom of the divine Redeemer.”
Venerable Pope Pius XII (1876-1958)
Excerpted from Ad Caeli Reginam
“Mary … as the Mother of our Lord, comes nearer to Him than any angel, nearer even than the Seraphim who surround Him and cry continuall, “Holy Holy Holy” … The Blessed Mother of God has hosts of angels who do her service and she is their Queen.”
“Her Son will deny her nothing that she asks and herein lies her power. While she defends the Church, neither height nor depth, neither men nor evil spirits, neither great monarchs, nor craft of man, nor popular violence, can avail to harm us; for human life is short but Mary reigns above, a Queen forever.”
Quote/s of the Day – 20 August – The Memorial of St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) Mellifluous Docotr, “Doctor of Light”
“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.”
” It is true that the creature loves less because she is less. But if she loves with her whole being, nothing is lacking, where everything is given.”
“There are those who seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge; that is Curiosity. There are those who seek knowledge to be known by others; that is Vanity. There are those who seek knowledge in order to serve; that is Love.”
“The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”
“A saint is not someone, who never sins, but one who sins less and less frequently and gets up more and more quickly.”
“Just as Mary surpassed in grace all others on earth, so also in heaven is her glory unique. If eye has not seen or ear heard or the human heart conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9), who can express what He has prepared for the woman who gave Him birth and who loved Him, as everyone knows, more than anyone else?”
“Rest is in Him alone. Man knows no peace in the world but he has no disturbance when he is with God.”
Jesu Dulcis Memori
Jesus, the very thought of Thee with sweetness fills my breast, But sweeter far Thy face to see and in Thy presence rest.
Nor voice can sing nor heart can frame, Nor can the memory find a sweeter sound than Jesus’ name, O Saviour of mankind.
O hope of every contrite heart, O joy of all the meek to those who fall, how kind Thou art, how good to those who seek!
But what to those who find? Ah this nor tongue nor pen can show, the love of Jesus, what it is none but His loved ones know.
Jesus our only joy be Thou as Thou our prize wilt be. Jesus, be Thou our glory now and through eternity. Amen
Quote/s of the Day – 1 July – “Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Wednesday of the Thirteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year A
Lessons from St John Marie Baptiste Vianney, the Curé of Ars, Patron of Priests
“Do not try to please everybody. Try to please God, the angels and the saints – they are your public.”
“Our greatest cross is the fear of crosses. . . We have not the courage to carry our cross and we are very much mistaken, for, whatever we do, the cross holds us tight – we cannot escape from it. What, then, have we to lose? Why not love our crosses and make use of them to take us to heaven?”
“We ought to run after crosses as the miser runs after money. . . Nothing but crosses will reassure us, at the Day of Judgement. When that day shall come, we shall be happy in our misfortunes, proud of our humiliations and rich in our sacrifices!”
” A priest goes to Heaven or a priest goes to Hell, with a thousand people behind.”
“My little children, your hearts are small but prayer stretches them and makes them capable of loving God. Through prayer we receive a foretaste of heaven and something of paradise comes down upon us. Prayer never leaves us without sweetness. It is honey that flows into the souls and makes all things sweet. When we pray properly, sorrows disappear like snow before the sun.”
“You either belong wholly, to the world, or wholly, to God.”
Our Lady of Luján: The Virgin is a two feet tall terracotta statue of Our Lady. It was made in Brazil and sent to Argentina in May 1630. Its original appearance seemed inspired by Murillo’s Immaculates. In 1887, to preserve and protect it, the image was given a solid silver covering. It is usually clothed with a white robe and sky blue cloak, the colours of the Argentinian flag. Only the dark oval face with big blue eyes and the hands folded in prayer are now visible.
St Desideratus of Bourges
Bl Domenico di San Pietro
St Gibrian
St Helladius of Auxerre Blessed Henri Vergès FMS (1930-1994) Martyr
St Ida of Nivelles
St Martin of Saujon
St Metrone of Verona
St Odrian of Waterford
St Otger of Utrecht
St Peter of Besançon
Bl Pietro de Alos
Bl Raymond of Toulouse
Bl Teresa Demjanovich
Bl Ulrika Fransiska Nisch
St Victor Maurus
St Wiro of Utrecht
Lenten Preparation Novena to the Holy Face
Sixth Day – 22 February
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 Your 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 Spirit.
Amen
(Console Holy Face and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer)
SIXTH DAY
Psalm 51,12-13 A pure heart create for us O God, put a steadfast spirit within us. Do not cast us away from your presence nor deprive us of your Holy Spirit.
May our hearts be cleansed, O Lord,
by the in-pouring of the Holy Spirit
and may He render them fruitful
by watering them with His heavenly dew.
Mary, the most chaste spouse of the Holy Spirit,
intercede for us,
Saint Joseph pray for us.
Through the merits of Your precious blood
and your Holy Face, O Jesus,
grant us our petition………………
Pardon and mercy.
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, (1) Glory Be.
O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every adoration Thine (Three times)
Quote/s of the Day – 10 January – Fifth day after Epiphany and The Memorial of St Léonie Françoise De Sales Aviat OSFS (1844-1914)
“Go often to rest your heart near the tabernacle; you will find there, the necessary strength and graces to go more surely along the path of fidelity.”
“Let us love to give our heart anew, each morning.”
“Pray to your good angels, use them as messengers in your little joys and sufferings.”
“Do not be afraid! God will show you, to the hour and moment, what you should say and what you should do.”
“Do not be preoccupied with the future, God is in charge of it.”
One Minute Reflection – 14 November – Thursday of the Thirty Second week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 17:20–25 and the Memorial of Saint Joseph Maria Pignatelli SJ (1737 – 1811)
” … For behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” … Luke 17:21
REFLECTION – “Is it difficult to faith to admit the word of Scripture concerning our connection with a world superior to us?… The world of spirits then, though unseen, is present, present, not future, not distant. It is not above the sky, it is not beyond the grave, it is now and here, “the kingdom of God is among us.” Of this the text speaks—”We look,” says St Paul, “not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporal but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor 4:18)…
Such is the hidden kingdom of God and, as it is now hidden, so in due season it shall be revealed. Men think that they are lords of the world and may do as they will. They think this earth their property and its movements in their power, whereas… it contains Christ’s little ones, whom they despise and His Angels, whom they disbelieve and these, at length, shall take possession of it and be manifested. At present, “all things,” to appearance, “continue as they were from the beginning of the creation” and scoffers ask, “Where is the promise of His coming?”(2 Pt 3:4) but at the appointed time there will be a “manifestation of the sons of God” and the hidden saints “shall shine out as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” (Mt 13:43)
When the Angels appeared to the shepherds, it was a sudden appearance—“Suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host” (Lk 2:13). How wonderful a sight! The night, had before that, seemed just like any other night – they were keeping watch over their sheep, they were watching the night as it passed. The stars moved on—it was midnight. They had no idea of such a thing when the Angel appeared. Such are the power and virtue hidden in things which are seen and at God’s will, they are manifested.” … St John Henry Newman (1801-1890) Cardinal, founder of the Oratory in England, Theologian – PPS “The Invisible world” vol.4, no.13
PRAYER – Our Father, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done! Grant us Lord, a true knowledge of our salvation, so that freed from fear and from the power of our foes, we may serve You faithfully, all the days of our lives and thus attain eternal joy with You. May the prayers of St Joseph Pignatelli on our behalf, be a succour to us all. Through our Lord Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen.
Thought for the Day – 2 October – The Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels
Angels are messengers from God. The word angel comes from the Greek word for “messenger.” In a very real way, these powerful spirits point out to us the ways of God. Guardian Angels assist us in work or study. In times of temptation, these spiritual beings direct us to do good. St Thomas Aquinas said that angels are the most excellent of creatures because they have the greatest intelligence next to God.
Perhaps the Guardian Angels are best known for protecting us from physical danger but their main role is to care for the salvation of our souls. It is wonderful to know that God has promised to love, protect and be with us always. One way he does this is through the care of the angels. Whenever you meet with danger or discouragement, your Guardian Gngel is your personal, heavenly bodyguard. The angels also offer prayers to God for us. Because angels always see and hear God, they can intercede for us. We should love our Guardian Angels, respect them and pray to them.
In early Christianity there was no feast for the guardian angels, just one for the Archangels. But in the 15th and 16th centuries, the feast of the Guardian Angels was unofficially celebrated in Austria, Spain and Portugal. In 1608 Pope Paul V made it a universal feast. In doing so, he helped to make us aware of the guardian angels, not just one day in October but everyday of our lives.
My Oldest Friend By Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)
My oldest friend, mine from the hour
When first I drew my breath,
My faithful friend, that shall be mine,
Unfailing, till my death….
Mine when I stand before the Judge,
And mine, if spared to stay
Within the golden furnace, till
My sin is burn’d away.
And mine, O Brother of my soul,
When my release shall come,
Thy gentle arms shall lift me then,
Thy wings shall waft me home.
Quote/s of the Day – 2 October – The Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels
“Be ever more convinced, that your guardian angel is really present, that he is ever at your side. St Frances of Rome always saw him standing before her, his arms clasped at his breast, his eyes uplifted to Heaven but at the slightest failing, he would cover his face as if in shame and at times, turn his back to her.”
St John Bosco (1815-1888)
“Do you not greet warmly, all the people you love and speak to them cordially? — Well, you and I are going to greet Jesus, Mary and Joseph and our Guardian Angels, many times a day. “
