Quote/s of the Day – 12 June – Ecclesiasticus i 31:8-11; Luke 12:35-40– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org
“Let your loins be girt about and your lamps burning …”
Luke 12:35
“ … The Bridegroom came and they, who were ready, went in with Him … ”
Matthew 25:10
“If you wish to rid yourself of self-love, purify your intentions and, in every action, seek what is pure and what alone, will give honour to God.”
St Anthony Mary Zaccaria (1502-1539)
“Lord, forgive this great sinner. Give me time to do penance. No more world, no more sins!”
St Camillus de Lellis MI (1550-1614)
“If they, must regard themselves as useless servants, who have done all their duty, what must I do, who have done so small a part of what I ought to have done?”
One Minute Reflection – 12 June – “The Month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Pentecost Thursday – St Juan de Sahagun (1419-1479) Confessor, Priest and Friar of the Order of the Augustinians – Ecclesiasticus i 31:8-11 – Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Jesus said to His disciples: Let your … lamps burn in your hands.” – Luke 12:35
REFLECTION – “Prayer offered during the hours of night possess great power, even more than that offered during the day. That is why all the Saints were in the habit of praying at night, combating the body’s drowsiness and the sweetness of sleep and overcoming their bodily nature. The Prophet also said: “I am wearied with sighing; every night I flood my bed with weeping” (Ps 6:7) as he uttered heartfelt sighs in impassioned prayer. And elsewhere: “At midnight I rise to give Thee thanks because of Thy just ordinances, O just God” (Ps 118:62). For every request for which the Saints desired to importune God, they armed themselves with nocturnal prayer and, at once received that which they besought Him.
Satan himself fears nothing as much as prayer offered during the night watches. Even if they are accompanied by distractions, it does not return fruitless, as long as something inappropriate is not being asked for. That is why Satan engages in severe combat against those who keep watch at night, so as to deter them from this practice if he can, especially if they show themselves to be persevering. But those who are in any way defended against his pernicious wiles and have tasted the gifts God grants, at these times of vigil and, have had personal experience, of the greatness of the help God gives them, wholly despise him, he and all his craftiness.” – St Isaac the Syrian of Nineveh (c613-c700) Bishop of Nineveh, Monk at Mosul, Father of the Church (Ascetical Discourses)
PRAYER – O God, Author of peace and lover of charity, Who endowed blessed John, Your Confessor, with a wondrous grace for reconciling enemies; grant by his merits and intercession that, being ourselves firmly rooted in Thy charity, we may not be separated from Thee by any temptations.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).
weet Heart of my JESUS, Make me love Thee ever more and more! –300 Days Indulgence Once a day, Plenary Once a month – Pope Pius IX – 26 November 1876
Thought for the Day – 11 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Revealed in the Gospel
“If we meditate upon the pages of the Gospel, we shall find they are vibrant with the Infinite Love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Let us, in imagination, enter the cave of Bethlehem and kneel before the crib where the Divine Infant is lying. Darkness is all around, darkness over the earth, darkness in the minds and hearts of the majority of men. But, now, the heavens open and from the brightness the voices of Angels ring out, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace among men of goodwill.” Who is this Infant? He is the Eternal Word, the substantial Image of God, Who, for love of us, has been made man. He is the Infinite One Who has willed to unite Himself with the finite, in order to lift us towards Himself. This little Heart is throbbing like that of any baby but, in this throb, is expressed the love of the God-Man. It is a profound Mystery, that God should have loved man so much, that He became a tiny Infant. Yet, He did this so that we might love Him more easily and in order to show us His own immeasurable Love. There is about this Infant, a fascination, at once human and divine which compels us to love Him, even as Mary, Joseph and the simple shepherds loved Him. He is asking us for love, adoration and complete surrender. Can we refuse Him?
Now let us take ourselves in imagination to Calvary and kneel at the foot of the Cross. The Heart which began to beat with the Sacred Love in the manger at Bethlehem, has given everything for us, has poured forth It’s Precious Blood for our salvation and, has bestowed on us, as a final gift, the Blessed Mother of God. Now, this Heart is consumed with Love for us and ceases to beat only when it has give us everything. “It is consummated” (Jn 19:30). At Bethlehem we have experienced a joyful ecstasy of love. Here, at the foot of the Cross, we should experience a deep sorrow, which will cause us to weep for our sins and to transform our lives after the model of Jesus Christ.”
Quote/s of the Day – 11 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Feast of St Barnabas the Apostle, Martyr, The “Son of Encouragement” – Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3; Matthew 10:16-22.– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be, therefore, wise as serpents and simple as doves. ”
Matthew – 10:16
“Go you also into My Vineyard.”
Matthew 20:7
“You did not choose Me but I chose you…”
John 15:16
“That is amazing grace! For what were we before Christ had chosen us besides being wicked and lost? What then has He chosen in those who are not good? You cannot say, I am chosen because I believed. For if you believed in Him, you had already chosen Him. Nor can you say, before I believed I did good works and, therefore, was chosen. For what good work is there before faith when the Apostle says, “Whatever is not of faith is sin?” What is there for us to say, then but that we were wicked and were chosen, that by the grace of having been chosen, we might become good?”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
“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
One Minute Reflection – 11 June – “The Month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Pentecost Wednesday – Ember Wednesday, Fast & Abstinence – The Feast of St Barnabas the Apostle, Martyr, The “Son of Encouragement” – Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3 – Matthew 10:16-22 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be, therefore, wise as serpents and simple as doves. ” – Matthew – 10:16
REFLECTION – “Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in His Footsteps,” (1Pt 2:21). Which of the Lord’s examples will we have to follow? Is it His raising of the dead? Is it to walk on the sea? Not in the least. But it is that of being meek and humble of heart (Mt 11:29) and of loving not only our friends but even our enemies (Mt 5:44).
“So that you might follow in His Footsteps,” writes St Peter. The blessed Evangelist John also says the same thing: “Whoever claims to abide in Christ ought to walk as He has walked,” (1 Jn 2:6). And how has Christ walked? He prayed for His enemies on the Cross, saying: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” (Lk 23:34). They have actually lost their senses and are possessed by an evil spirit and while they are persecuting us, they themselves are undergoing a far greater persecution from the devil. Hence, we should be praying more for their deliverance than for their condemnation.
That is indeed what Blessed Stephen did, he who was the first so gloriously to follow in the Footsteps of Christ. For, when he was struck by a hail of stones, he prayed standing for himself but, falling to his knees, he cried out with all his strength for his enemies: “Lord Jesus Christ, do not hold this sin against them,” (Ac 7:60). So even if we think we cannot imitate our Lord, let us at least imitate him who was just as much His servant as we are.” – St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) Father of the Church, Bishop (Sermons to the people, No 37).
PRAYER – O God, Who gladden us by the merits and intercession of blessed Barnabas, Thy Apostle, mercifully grant that we, who ask of Thee favours through him, may obtain them by the gift of Thy grace.ThroughJesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
SACRED Heart of JESUS, I trust in Thee. 300 Days Indulgence Once a Day – Plenary, Once a month. Raccolta 175 – St Pius X, 19 August 1905 and 27 June 1906.
Thought for the Day – 10 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Necessity of Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
“It is necessary to develop and meditate on these words of Pius XI, (see Part One) from which, it is clear, that the cult of the Sacred Heart, not only contains the synthesis of Christianity, the religion of love but, contains the most effective guide to the knowledge, love and imitation of Jesus Christ. From the first moment of His life, when He was an infant in the cold, damp cave of Bethlehem, to the final moment, when He breathed His last upon the Cross, the Heart of Jesus was overflowing with love for us. We can learn from this, to know our Divine Saviour better, so that appreciating more fully His infinite love for us, we shall feel an upsurge of gratitude and, of love. We shall feel determined to live entirely for Him, as He lived entirely for us, to obey His commandments with generosity and, to imitate His example with the assistance of His grace. This should be the result of our devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, especially during this month, which is consecrated to Him.
O my Jesus, Thou Who art Love itself, enkindle in my heart the divine fire which consumed and transformed the Saints!”
One Minute Reflection – 10 June – “The Month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Pentecost Tuesday – Acts 8:14 -17 – John 10:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“I came that they may have life and have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10
REFLECTION – “Thus says the Lord: “I Myself will come’”… This is what He has undoubtedly done and what He will yet do: “I Myself am coming: I will seek out My sheep, I will tend them as a shepherd tends His flock.” The wicked shepherds took no care of them because they did not redeem their sheep, with their blood… “My sheep hear My Voice. I will seek out My sheep from the midst of the scattered sheep and will bring them out from all the places they were scattered, on the day of clouds and darkness. No matter how difficult it is to find them, I will find them… I will rescue My sheep from foreign lands, I will gather them and lead them back to their own homes; I will lead them to pasture on the mountains of Israel.”
These “mountains of Israel” are the writers of Sacred Scripture. They are the pastures where you are to feed, if you wish to do so safely. Savour everything you learn from them and reject everything outside. Do not go astray in the mists, listen to the Shepherd’s Voice. Gather on the mountains of Sacred Scripture. There, you will find true delight for your heart. There, is nothing poisonous there, nothing dangerous; they are rich pastures… “I will lead them beside rivers, in the best places.” From those mountains we were just talking about, rivers of Gospel preaching pour down since “the voice [of the Apostles] resounds to the ends of the earth” and all the ends of the earth provide pleasant and fertile pastures for the sheep.
“I will cause them to feed in good pasture… and their sheepfold will be there,” that is to say, there, they will rest, there, they will be able to say: “It is good to be here; true enough, it is perfectly clear, we have found the truth.” They will take their rest in the glory of God as in a sheepfold.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 46, On the shepherds; CCL 41, 529).
PRAYER – Let the power of the Holy Spirit be present within us, O Lord, graciously to cleanse our hearts, as well as to guard us from all harm. 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).
SACRED Heart of JESUS, Thy Kingdom come! – Indulgence 300 Days – Every time – Raccolta 179 St Pius X, 6 November 1906.
Thought for the Day – 9 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Devotion to the Sacred Heart
“All devotions which have been approved by the Church are valuable because they are acts of religion which have, as their object, the author of all holiness and source of all goodness. By these acts, God is adored, thanked and supplicated by His children who have been redeemed by the Precious Blood of Christ. Devotion to the Blessed Virgin and to the Saints, is also directed, ultimately, towards God, Who has endowed His faithful servants, especially the Mother of Jesus, with His gifts and graces and has established them as mediators by His Throne. Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, however, is not one of the many pious practices merely permitted or recommended by the Church. Fundamentally, it is a devotion which is essential for any Christians, insofar, as it is the cult of the love of God made man, for our sakes.
We know that Christianity is the religion of love. “God is love and he who abides in love, abides in God and God in him” (1 Jn 4:16). Everything flows from God’s love for mankind – both the Creation and the Redemption, for God created us out of love and redeemed us with the love of His Only-begotten Son Who became man and died for us and, both the Old and the New Law, for the basis of the Old Law was “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength,” (Deut 6:4) and the commandment of charity, was called by Jesus His own commandment, on which His entire teaching was based. The Sacraments, especially the Blessed Eucharist, have their origin in the same Infinite Love. So have the graces which God gives us, our justification, through the merits of our Redeemer and the final reward for which we hope in Heaven. Devotion to the Sacred Heart is the worship of this Infinite Love, of which, it is a living symbol.”
Quote/s of the Day – 9 June – “The Month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Pentecost Monday
“These Gifts are not only inseparable from charity but they are, the principal virtues, properties and qualities of charity.”
WISDOM is nothing else, than the love which relishes, tastes and experiences, how sweet and gentle God is.
UNDERSTANDING is nothing else, than love attentive to consider and penetrate the beauty of the truths of faith.
KNOWLEDGE is simply the same love keeping us attentive to know ourselves and creatures, to obtain a more perfect knowledge of the service we owe to God.
COUNSEL is also love, as it renders us careful, attentive and skilled in choosing the means proper to serve God in a holy manner.
FORTITUDE is love which encourages and animates the heart, so as to carry out, that which Counsel has determined must be done.
PIETY is the love which sweetens labour and makes us, with good heart, gratitude and filial affection, do works that please God our Father.
FEAR is simply love as it causes us to fly and shun what is displeasing to God’s majesty.” (Treatise on the Love of God, Book 11, Chapter 15)
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 9 June – “The Month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Pentecost Monday – Acts 10:34, 42-48 – John 3:16-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“But he who does the truth comes to the light that his deeds may be made manifest, for they have been performed in God.” – John 3:21
REFLECTION – “Being Baptised, we are illuminated; illuminated, we become children; being made children, we are made perfect; being made perfect, we are made immortal. God says: “I have said you are gods and all children of the Most High” (Ps 81:6).
This work of Baptism is variously called grace, illumination, perfection and washing. Washing, by which we cleanse away our sins; grace, by which the punishment owing to our sins is remitted; illumination, by which the holy light of salvation is beheld, so that we clearly see the divine things; perfection, because nothing is lacking. For what is yet lacking to one who knows God? Or how could we call “God’s grace” something which is not perfect? Being perfect Himself, God only bestows perfect gifts …
Therefore, we have hardly been regenerated than, as the name suggests, we have been “illuminated” set free from darkness and, in the same instant, filled with light… We are relieved of the sins which concealed the divine Spirit like a cloud and, behold, the eye of the Spirit is set free, uncovered and full of light – that eye which alone enables us to contemplate divine things.” – St Clement of Alexandria (c150- c215) Theologian and Philosopher, Professor who taught at the Catechetical School of Alexandria. (The Instructor [Paedagogus] 1:6).
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who gave the Holy Spirit to Thy Apostles, grant that the devout prayers of Your people may be effective and, as Thou hast given us faith, also grant us peace. Through Jesus Christ Thy Son, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
“He who abides in Me and I in Him, the same bears much fruit” John 5:5
“We are preserved in being, if we grow onto Him and cling fast to the holy commandment, which has been handed down to us and, if we are eager to keep the blessing of nobility, that is to say, if we never consent, in any way, to “grieve the Holy Spirit” (Eph 4:30), Who has come to dwell in us and, through Whom, we believe, God has made His home in us. … For just as the vine-stock supplies and distributes, the virtue of its own inherent natural quality to the shoots, so, too, the Only-Begotten Word of God, implants, in His people, a sort of affinity with His own nature and that of the Father. By the gift of the Spirit, they are united with Him by every kind of holiness. He nourishes them, so that they become devout and He moves them to knowledge of all virtue and good works.”
“Virtues are formed by PRAYER. PRAYER preserves temperance. PRAYER suppresses anger. PRAYER prevents emotions of pride and envy. PRAYER draws the Holy Ghost, into the soul and raises man to Heaven.”
Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Ghost By St Bonaventure (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
We beg the All-Merciful Father through Thee, His Only-Begotten Son, made Man for our sake, Crucified and Glorified for us, to send upon us, from His treasure-house, the Spirit of Sevenfold Grace, Who rested upon Thee in all His fullness.
The Spirit of Wisdom, enabling us to relish the fruit of the tree of life, which is indeed Thyself. The Gift of Understanding, to enlighten our perceptions. The Gift of Prudence, enabling us to follow in Thine Footsteps. The Gift of Strength, to withstand our adversary’s onslaught. The Gift of Knowledge, to distinguish good from evil, by the light of Thine holy teaching. The Gift of Piety, to clothe ourselves with charity and mercy. The Gift of Fear, to withdraw from all ill-doing and live quietly in awe of Thy Eternal Majesty.
These are the things for which we petition. Grant them for the honour of Thy Holy Name, to which, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, thanksgiving, renown and Lordship, forever and ever. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 8 June – “The Month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Pentecost Sunday – Acts 2:1-11 – John 14:23-31 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“But the Paraclete, the Holy Ghost, Whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things and bring all things to your mind, whatsoever I shall have said to you.” – John 14:26
REFLECTION – “The Apostles were sitting there in the Cenacle, the Upper Room, waiting for the Holy Ghost’s coming. Like torches, they were present there, ready and waiting to be set alight by the Holy Ghost so as to illumine the whole creation with their teaching… They were there like farm hands carrying seed in their coat pocket, waiting for the order to go out and sow. They were there like sailors whose boat is tied up in the harbour of the Son’s commandment and who are waiting for the gentle wind of the Spirit. They were there like shepherds who have just received their staff from the Chief Shepherd of the fold and who are waiting for the flock to be divided among them.
“And they began to speak in different tongues as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” O Cenacle, kneading trough into which has been thrown the leaven, leavening the whole world! O Cenacle, mother of all the Churches, who have witnessed the miracle of the burning bush (Ex 3). O Cenacle, amazing Jerusalem with a wonder far greater than that of the burning furnace which astonished the inhabitants of Babylon (Dn 3). The fire of the furnace burned all those around it but protected those in its midst – the flames of the Cenacle gather together those outside who wish to see them, while bringing comfort to those who receive them. O fire, whose coming is word, whose silence is light! O fire, establishing hearts in thankfulness!…
Some people, who were opposed to the Holy Ghost, said: “These people have had too much new wine; they are drunk.” Indeed, you speak truly! However, it is not as you think it is. It is not wine from the vineyard they have drunk. It is a new wine which flows from Heaven – a wine newly pressed on Golgotha. The Apostles caused it to be drunk and thus, they inebriated all creation. This is wine which was pressed on the Cross!” – St Ephrem (306-373) Deacon in Syria, Father and Doctor of the Church [Added by Pope Benedict XV in 1920] – (On the outpouring of the Holy Ghost).
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who on this day have taught the hearts of the faithful by the Light of the Holy Spirit, grant us by that Holy Spirit Himself, to know what is right and ever to rejoice in His consolation. 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).
Bend the stubborn heart and will; Melt the frozen, warm the chill; Guide the steps which go astray!
The Spirit of Wisdom
Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of Wisdom it is written: “all good things come to me with her and innumerable riches through her hands.” It is the gift of Wisdom which strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things Divine, in the appreciation of which, earthly joys lose their savour, whilst the Cross of Christ, yields a Divine sweetness, according to the words of the Saviour: “Take up thy cross and follow Me, for My Yoke is sweet and My Burden light.”
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Wisdom and reveal to my soul, the Mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them forever. Amen
Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE. Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.
If Thou take Thy grace away, nothing pure in man will stay; All his good is turned to ill.
THE GIFT OF UNDERSTANDING
Understanding, as a Gift of the Holy Ghost, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion. By faith we know them but, by Understanding, we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning, of revealed truths and through them, to be quickened to newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive but, inspires a mode of life, which bears eloquent testimony, to the faith which is in us, we begin to: “walk worthily of God in all things, pleasing Him and increasing, in the knowledge of God.”
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Understanding and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the Mysteries of salvation and may merit, at last, to see the eternal light of Thy Light and in the light of glory, to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen
Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE. Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.
Thou in toil art comfort sweet, Pleasant coolness in the heat, Solace in the midst of woe.
The Gift of Fortitude
By the Gift of Fortitude, the soul is strengthened against natural fear and supported to the end, in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will, an impulse and energy which move it to undertake, without hesitancy, the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample underfoot, human respect and, to endure, without complaint, the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. “He who shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved.”
Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts, after sanctity, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies that I may never be overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE. Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.
Come. Father of the poor. Come, treasures which endures, Come, Light of all Who live!
The Gift of Fear
The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God and makes us dread nothing as much, as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear which arises, not from the thought of hell but, from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our Heavenly Father. It is the fear which is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures which could, in any way, separate us from God. “They who fear the Lord, will prepare their hearts and in His sight, will sanctify their souls.”
Prayer
Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set Thee, my Lord and God, before my face forever, help me to shun all things which may offend Thee and make me worthy to appear before the pure Eyes of Thy Divine Majesty in Heaven, where Thou livest and reignest, in the unity of the ever-Blessed Trinity, God world without end. Amen
Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE. Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.
The IndulgencedPentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost for the Seven Gifts
“We ought to pray and invoke the Holy Ghost, for, each one of us, greatly needs His protection and His aid. The more we are lacking in wisdom, weak in strength, burdened with trouble, prone to sin, the more we should turn to Him, Who, is the never-ceasing Fount of Light, Strength, Consolation and Holiness!”
The Novena in honour of the Holy Ghost is the oldest of all Novenas, since it was first prayed at the direction of Our Lord Himself, when He sent His Apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Ghost on the first Pentecost. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the Light and Strength and Love, so sorely needed by every Catholic today. To encourage devotion to the Holy Ghost, the Church has granted the following Indulgences:
“The faithful who devoutly assist at the public Novena in honour of the Holy Ghost, immediately preceding the Solemn Feast of Pentecost, may gain a Partial Indulgence for themselves or, as an offering for the intentions of the faithful departed.”
An Indulgence of 10 years on any (and every) day of the Novena. A Plenary Indulgence, if they take part in at least five of the exercises and go to Confession, receive Holy Communion and pray for the Holy Father’s intentions.
“Those who make a private Novena in honour of the Holy Ghost, either before the Solemn Feast of Pentecost or at any other time in the year, may also gain a Partial Indulgence for themselves or, as an offering for the intentions of the faithful departed.”
An Indulgence of 7 years on any (and every) day of the Novena. A Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions but, if a public Novena is held, this Indulgence is available only to those who are lawfully hindered from being part of the same.
FIRST DAY (Friday after Ascension)
Holy Spirit! Lord of Light! From Thy clear celestial height, Thy pure beaming radiance give!
The Holy Ghost
Only one thing is important — eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared–sin. Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness and indifference. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Light, of Strength and of Love. With His sevenfold gifts He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will and inflames the heart with love of God. To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for “The Spirit helpeth our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit Himself asketh for us.”
Prayer
Almighty and eternal God, Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Ghost and hast given us forgiveness of all sins, vouchsafe to send forth upon us from Heaven, Thy sevenfold Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE. Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.
On my knees, I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, offer myself, soul and body to Thee, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Thy purity, the unerring keenness of Thyr justice and the might of Thy love. Thou art the Strength and Light of my soul! In Thee I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve Thee by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against Thee. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Thy Light, listen to Thy Voice and follow Thy gracious Inspirations. I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee and ask Thee, by Thy compassion, to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus, looking at His Five Wounds and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore Thee, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Thy grace, that I may never sin against Thee. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son, to say to Thee always and everywhere, “Speak Lord for Thy servant hears.” Amen
Quote/s of the Day – 21 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary”
“Hail full of grace!”
Luke 1:28
“By a woman came the flood of our ills and, by a woman too, our blessings have their spring.”
St Gregory Thaumaturgus (c213-c270) “the Wonder-Worker” Bishop, Confessor, Father
“Through a woman, [Eve] a curse fell upon the earth; through a woman, [Mary] there returned to the earth, a blessing!”
St Peter Damian (1007-1072) Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church
“The Blessed Virgin was chosen to be the Mother of God and, therefore, it is not to be doubted, but that God fitted her for it by His graces.”
St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor Angelicus / Doctor Communis
“Give thanks to Almighty God Who resists the proud and gives grace to the humble and offer Him all the glory that this Maiden accorded to His Majesty by her practice of the richest humility during her childhood and throughout the rest of her life.”
One Minute Reflection – 21 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Ferial Day – James 1:17-21 – John 16:5-14– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“I will send Him to you.” – John 16:7
REFLECTION – “The going forth of a contemplative is a heavenly life … for by means of blissful love, he transcends his creaturely state and finds and savours, the riches and delight which God is Himself and which He causes ceaselessly, to flow forth into the hidden depths of the spirit, where the spirit bears a likeness to God’s own nobility. When an interior, contemplative person has thus attained his eternal image and, in this purity and by means of the Son, has possessed the Father’s bosom, then he is enlightened with Divine Truth…
You should know that, the heavenly Father, as a Living Ground and with all that lives in Him, has turned actively toward His Son, as toward His own eternal Wisdom (Pr 8:22) and, this same Wisdom, together with all which lives in it, has actively turned back toward the Father, toward that same Ground from which it comes forth. In this meeting between the Father and the Son, there arises the third Person, the Holy Ghost, Who is the Love of Them Both and Who is One with Them in the same nature. In a way, characterised by both activity and blissful enjoyment, the Holy Ghost embraces and penetrates the Father and Son and all which lives in both of Them, with such great riches and joy, all creatures must remain silent before this, for the incomprehensible wonder which resides in this Love, eternally transcends the understanding of all creatures.
But when a person understands this wonder and savours it without amazement, then has his spirit been raised above itself and been made one with the Spirit of God; it savours and sees without measure, like God Himself—the riches which it has itself become in the Unity of the Living Ground where it possesses itself in accordance with the mode of its uncreated being … Now this blessed meeting is actively renewed in us … For just as the Father ceaselessly sees all things anew, in the birth of the Son, so too, are all things loved anew, by the Father and the Son, in the flowing forth of the Holy Ghost. This is the active meeting of the Father and the Son, in which we are lovingly embraced by means of the Holy Ghost, in eternal Love!” – Bl Jan van Ruysbroeck (1293-1381) Canon Regular (The spiritual espousals III).
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants, that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. 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 – 21 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary”
O Mary, Twice Mother of Mercy By St Jerome Emiliani (1486–1537)
O Mary, thou art twice Mother of Mercy because thou hast been made Mother of our most merciful Saviour, and, furthermore because, thou hast given to us so many signs of thy maternal care and love. Turn upon us, we beseech thee, thy glance of compassion and grant, that we may always live free from sin, which is the only impediment to receiving the fruits of the Divine Mercies. Amen.
Quote/s of the Day – 20 May – St Bernadine of Siena OFM (1380-1444) “Apostle of the Most Holy Name of Jesus,” Confessor
Daily Prayer to the Most Holy Name By St Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444) Apostle of the Most Holy Name
Jesus, Name full of glory, grace, love and strength! Thou art the Refuge of those who repent, our Banner of warfare in this life, the Medicine of souls, the Comfort of those who mourn, the Delight of those who believe, the Light of those who preach the True Faith, the Wages of those who toil, the Cure of the sick. To Thou, our devotion aspires; by Thee, our prayers are received; we delight in contemplating Thee. O Name of Jesus, Thou art the glory of all the Saints for eternity. Amen
“The Name of Jesus, is in fact, the great foundation of the Faith which turns people into children of God. The Catholic Faith indeed, consists in the news of Jesus Christ, as Light of the soul, Gate of Life and foundation of eternal salvation.”
“Was it not through the brilliance and sweet savour of this Name, that God called us into His marvelous light?”
“It is an axiom in Theology that when a person is chosen by God for any state, he receives, not only the dispositions necessary for it but, even the gifts which he needs to sustain that state with decorum.” (Speaking on the subject of the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God).
One Minute Reflection – 20 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Bernadine of Siena OFM (1380-1444) “Apostle of the Most Holy Name of Jesus” Confessor – Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11 – Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“… Shall receive a hundredfold and shall possess life everlasting.” – Matthew 19:29
REFLECTION – “The possessions which we have, are not our own:, God has given them to us to cultivate and He wishes us to render them fruitful and profitable … Always deprive yourself, therefore, of some part of your means, giving them to the poor with a willing heart … It is true that God will return it to you, not only in the next world but also in this, for there is nothing which makes a person prosper, in temporal matters, as much as almsgiving. But until such time as God shall repay it, you will always be impoverished to that extent. Oh! how holy and rich is the impoverishment which is caused by almsgiving.
Love the poor and poverty, for by this love you will become truly poor, since, as Scripture says: “We become like the things that we love” (cf Hos 9:10). Love makes those who love, equal to one another: “Who is weak and I am not weak?” says St Paul (2 Cor 11:29). He might have said: “Who is poor, with whom I am not poor?” For love made him become, such as those whom he loved. If, then, you love the poor, you will be truly participating in their poverty and poor like them. Now, if you love the poor, be often among them; be pleased to see them in your house and to visit them in theirs; associate willingly with them; be glad that they are near you in the Churches, in the streets and elsewhere. Be poor in speech with them, speaking to them as their equal but be rich in deed, giving them of your goods, as one who possesses more abundantly.
Will you do even more? … Become a servant of the poor; go to serve them … with your own hands … and at your own expense. This service has more glory in it than a throne!” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church (Introduction to the devout life, Part three Ch 15).
PRAYER – O Lord Jesus, Who bestowed on blessed Bernardine, T Thy Confessor, an unusual love for Thine Holy Name, we beseech Thee, by his merits and intercession, graciously pour upon us the spirit of Thy love. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Quote/s of the Day – 19 May – St Alcuin (c735-804) “The Schoolmaster of Europe” Deacon, Confessor
O Lord, our God! By St Alcuin (c735-804)
O Lord, our God, Who has called us to serve Thee, in the midst of the world’s affairs, when we stumble, catch and hold us; when we fall, lift us up; when we are hard pressed with evil, deliver us; when we turn from what is good, turn us back!; and bring us at last to Thy glory. Amen
“… Through all the pages of Holy Scripture we are urged to learn wisdom. In toiling toward the happy life, nothing is more lofty, nothing more pleasant, nothing bolder against vices, nothing more praiseworthy in every place of dignity and moreover, according to the words of philosophers, nothing is more essential to government, nothing more helpful in leading a moral life, than the beauty of wisdom, the praise of learning and the advantages of scholarship. ”
“I am made all things to all men that I may instruct many to the profit of God’s Holy Church … ”
One Minute Reflection – 19 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Pope Celestine V (1210-1296) – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11 – Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Upon this rock I will build My Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven and, whatever you loose on earth, shall be loosed in Heaven.” … Matthew 16:18-19
REFLECTION – “Peter was to receive on deposit, the keys of the Church, or rather the keys of Heaven and, he should see himself entrusted with the numerous people. What did the Lord actually say to him? “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven” (Mt 16:19). For Peter had a somewhat abrupt character; if he had been without sin what sort of forgiveness would the disciples have received from him? This is why Divine Grace allowed him to fall into a certain fault, in order that his own trial should make him benevolent towards others. Do you see how God can let someone fall into sin; this Peter, the leader of the Apostles, the unshakable foundation, indestructible rock, first in the Church, impregnable harbour, unshakable tower — this same Peter, who had said to Christ: “Even though I should have to die with Thee, I will not deny Thee” (Mt 26:35), Peter who, by a divine revelation, had confessed the truth: “Thou are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Mt 16:16). … But as I said, God arranged it in this way and allowed Peter to sin because He had it in mind, to confer numerous people upon him and He feared, that his roughness, joined to his impeccability, might make him unsympathetic towards his brothers. He gave way to sin so that, remembering his own failure and the kindness of the Lord, he might testify to others, a grace of philanthropy in accord with the Divine design conceived by God. The fall had been permitted to the one who was going to see himself entrusted with the Church, the Pillar of the Church, the Harbour of the Faith; the fall had been permitted to Peter, the Doctor of the Universe, in order that, the forgiveness received, might remain the foundation of love for others.” – (Attr) St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (On the Apostle Peter and the Prophet Elijah).
PRAYER – O God, Who raised blessed Peter Celestine to the lofty dignity of Supreme Pontiff and taught him to prefer self-abasement instead; mercifully grant that by his example, we may look upon all worldly things as naught and may be worthy to reap, in joy, the rewards promised to the humble.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).
Thought for the Day – 18 May – The Imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)
Extracts from The Imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary By Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471) Imprimatur 17 February 1947
SERMON (VI) The Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Dominion and power are interesting in the hands of a protector, only if he exercises them in favour of the protected. I. The intervention of Mary,for us,poor sinners, is necessary in every state of life. But especially in the moment of temptations then, above all, is her protection useful to us. Temptations do not come to us from without, they originate within us, still more than around us.
II. What are they? Each one knows them and recognises them. Therefore, let us seek the Blessed Virgin Mary at the moment of these intimate struggles, in order to beg assistance of her and in order to receive consolation. “Solamen et dictamen – Comfort and advice.” –
III. The faithful ask the Mother for the light to recognise their way and to be able to follow it well. Let us go to Mary, as to a Mother and as to a Queen.
MEDITATION The Role of the Mother in Mary
That which denotes the grandeur and the charm of maternity in a woman, arc grief and tenderness. Grief which rends the heart, as it rends the body, in order to give life. Tenderness which binds the child to the mother and the mother to the child, in such a way, as to form only one being, as they form only one flesh. All these characteristics are found physically in the human maternity of Mary, in her relationship with Jesus and mystically, in the spiritual maternity of Mary vis-a-vis all Christians but, more especially Religious. The poem of maternal love which each mother lives, often without knowing it, is found in Mary with more grandeur and glory. It is necessary to know how to understand it and to meditate upon it, in order to better perceive it and transfer it into life; this is the end of meditation.
Practice: Offer a sacrifice each day to Mary – however small it may be.
Thought: A mother is, in life, the bark and the star – “Stella et nacella.”
Fr & Dr Célestin Albin de Cigala (1865-1928) Faculty of Paris (1947) Doctor of Theology and Philosophy
Quote/s of the Day – 18 May – Easter IV – James 1:17-21 – John 16:5-14 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“If I go not, the Paraclete will not come to you but if I go, I will send Him to you. ”
John16:7
“This is the order of our faith, the foundation of the edifice and the support of our conduct – God, the Father, uncreated, uncontainable, invisible, One God, the Creator of all – this is the first article of our faith. And the second article – the Word of God, the Son of God, Christ Jesus our Lord, Who was revealed by the Prophets according to the character of their prophecy and according to the nature of the economies of the Father, by Whom all things were made and Who, in the last times, to recapitulate all things, became a Man amongst men, visible and palpable, in order to abolish death, to demonstrate life and to effect communion between God and man. And the third article – the Holy Ghost, through Whom the Prophets prophesied and the Patriarchs learnt the things of God and the righteous, were led in the path of righteousness and Who, in the last times, was poured out in a new fashion upon the human race, renewing man, throughout the world, to God.”
St Irenaeus (130-202) Martyr, Father of the Church
“He pours light into our minds, arouses our desire and gives us strength… As the soul is the life of the body, so the Holy Ghost is the life of our souls.”
St Peter Damian (1007-1072) Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church
“The whole Trinity has marked mankind with Its likeness. With the memory, it resembles the Father; with the understanding, it resembles the Son; by love, it resembles the Holy Ghost … ”
St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Evangelical Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 18 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Easter IV – St Venantius (Died c 250) Martyr – James 1:17-21 – John 16:5-14 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“But I tell you the truth, it is expedient to you that I go; for if I go not, the Paraclete will not come to you but if I go, I will send Him to you.” – John16:7
REFLECTION – “The Holy Ghost is the Wheat which comforts us along the road to the fatherland, the Wine which gives us joy in tribulation, the Oil which sweetens life’s sorrows. This threefold support, was needed by the Apostles who had to go out to preach through the whole world. This is why Jesus sends the Holy Ghost to them. They are filled with Him – filled, so that no impure spirits might gain entrance into them; when a container is completely full, nothing else can enter into it.
The Holy Ghost “will teach you.” (Jn 16:13) so that you can know; He will prompt you. so that you can will. He gives both knowledge and will add to this our “ability,” according to the measure of our strength and we shall be temples of the Holy Ghost (1 Cor 6,:9).” – St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Franciscan, Doctor of the Church – Sermons
PRAYER – O God, Who made this day holy by the triumph of blessed Venantius, Thy Martyr, listen to the prayers of Thy people and grant that we, who honour his noble deeds, may imitate the constancy of his faith. 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).
Thought for the Day – 17 May – The Imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)
Extracts from The Imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary By Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471) Imprimatur 17 February 1947
Chapter VI OF THE POWER AND ABILITIES OF MARY
i. Mary is faithful in her promises and generous in her gifts to her pious servants. She enjoys the veneration of Angels but yet, she accepts the attentions of men. She tenderly sheds tears with the unhappy; she is compassionate with the sorrows of those who suffer; she comes to give assistance in the struggles of those who are tempted; she turns herself ever, to those who pray to her. All those who go with confidence and devotion to seek refuge with her and call upon her name, find in her abundance and consolation. A Queen, she commands the Angels in Heaven and can send them to succour the needy. In the same way, she has empire everywhere over the demons and can prevent them from harming her servants. The demons dread the Queen of Heaven and her name alone suffices to disperse them. They tremble before the awesome and holy name of Mary, before the name which causes joy to Christians, they no longer dare to show themselves before us or to again try their insidious assaults. As soon as they hear this holy name resound, they tremble, they prostrate, they flee as before a burst of thunder from the sky. And the more often this name is pronounced by us, the more it is invoked devotedly and piously, the more quickly the demons fly from us.
ii. It is for us a duty, sacred above all, at every moment, that of loving the holy name of Mary. It ought to be, a cult, for all the faithful; for Religious, a meditation; for people in the world, a devotion; for preachers, a veneration; for those who suffer, a consolation; in all dangers, a protection. Mary is truly, very near to God; very dear to His Beloved Son, Jesus. All powerful in her intercession, in obtaining pardon and succour for the unfortunate sons of Adam. In all the circumstances of life, she intervenes with her Son to obtain mercy for the culpable. She, too, like Jesus Himself, is always heard, because of the honour which is due to her. Thus, therefore, let every pious Christian hurry to seek refuge near Mary, if he wishes to escape from the shipwrecks of the world and to arrive at the port of eternal salvation. We may indeed expect much from her because, although placed above us all, she loves to come to the least of us, happy to be called Advocate of the unfortunate and more happy still, mother of orphans.
iii. Prayer: O Mary, Gentle Mother, My Cherished Queen
O Mary, gentle Mother, beloved Mother above all, thou art the star on the horizon of the sea, the star which smiles on the lost mariner, the star which leads to the haven of peace. Let it rise to thee, O Mary, my simple prayer. May the flame of my desire arise toward thee, my cherished Queen. Defend my cause at the tribunal of thy Son, for no-one is found innocent before Him.
(By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471) Sermon to the Novices, Chapter XXIII)
Translated By: Fr & Dr Célestin Albin de Cigala (1865-1928) Faculty of Paris (1947) Doctor of Theology and Philosophy
Quote/s of the Day – 17 May – The Memorial of St Paschal Baylon OFM (1540-1592) Confessor, “Seraph of the Eucharist,” “Saint of the Blessed Sacrament,” “Servant of the Blessed Sacrament.” Franciscan Lay Brother.
“Meditate well on this – Seek God above all things! It is right for you to seek God, before and above, everything else because the Majesty of God wishes you to receive what you ask for. This will also make you more ready to serve God and will enable you to love Him more perfectly.”
One Minute Reflection – 17 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Paschal Baylon OFM (1540-1592) Confessor – Sirach 31:8-11 – Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.” – Luke 12:35-36
REFLECTION – “God, the Word, stirs up the lazy and arouses the sleeper. For indeed, someone who comes knocking at the door is always wanting to come in. But it depends on us, if He does not always enter, or always remain. May your door be open to Him Who comes; open your soul, enlarge your spiritual capacities, that you may discover the riches of simplicity, the treasures of peace and sweetness of grace. Expand your heart; run to meet the Sun of that Eternal Light that “enlightens everyone” (Jn 1,9). It is certain that this true Light shines for all but, if anyone shuts their windows, then they themselves shut themselves off from this Eternal Light.
So, even Christ remains outside, if you shut the door of your soul. It is true that He could enter but He does not want to use force, He does not put those who refuse under pressure. Descended from the Virgin, born from her womb, He shines throughout the universe to give Light to all. Those who long to receive the Light which shines with an everlasting brightness, open up to Him. No night comes to intervene. Indeed, the sun we see each day gives way to night’s darkness but the Sun of Justice (Mal 3:20) knows no setting for Wisdom is not overcome by evil.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan and Father and Doctor of the Church – 12th Sermon on Psalm 118
PRAYER – O God, Who endowed blessed Paschal, Your Confessor, with a wondrous love for the Sacred Mysteries of Your Body and Blood, mercifully grant that we may be found worthy to share in the same spiritual abundance, which he received in this Divine Banquet. Who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
AnaStpaul 
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