Category: CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, INDULGENCES, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 June – ‘ … Do not go astray in the mists, listen to the Shepherd’s Voice. …’ St Augustine

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 7 June – Pentecost Tuesday – Acts 8:14-17, John 10:1-10.

“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.

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on PURITY, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The BEATITUDES, The HEART

Our Morning Offering – 7 June – Seal Your Image on My Heart

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Our Morning Offering – 7 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart”

Seal Your Image on My Heart
By Archbishop Baldwin of Canterbury (c 1125-1190)

O Lord, take away my heart of stone,
my hardened heart,
my uncircumcised heart
and grant to me a new heart,
a heart of flesh,
a clean heart.
Come, You Who cleanse the heart
and love the pure of heart,
possess my heart and dwell in it,
containing it and filling it,
higher than my highest
and more intimate
than my most intimate thoughts.
You are the Image of all Beauty
and the Seal of all Holiness,
seal Your Image on my heart
and seal my heart in Your Mercy,
O God, the Strength of my heart
and my Portion forever,
Amen.

Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS

Thought for the Day – 6 June – The Worship of the Sacred Heart

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Thought for the Day – 6 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Worship of the Sacred Heart
in Relation to the Love of God and of Our Neighbour

“The promises made by Jesus to those who are truly devoted to His Sacred Heart, are a new proof of His infinite love and mercy.
However, if anyone were to cultivate devotion to the Sacred Heart, merely to gain His benefits and to think more of his own spiritual and temporal advantage than of Jesus, he would display a niggardly spirit, quite unworthy of the Lord’s favour.

The worship of the Sacred Heart could degenerate into a kind of utilitarian egoism, undeserving of the name of devotion at all!
Pious practices, could become cold and formal and degenerate into sentimentality tinged with superstition.
There is nothing to prevent us asking the Sacred Heart for graces and favours which we need.
In fact, we should do so, for it is He Who has made these promises to us and is eager to fulfil them because He loves us.
But, we should be generous with Jesus in return for His infinite generosity towards us.
We should love Him because He is so worthy of our love.
Our love should be expressed, not only in prayers and outward forms but, in a deep personal transformation, which will make us more like Jesus.

True love transforms and unites two hearts.
Let us love Jesus and we shall live with Jesus, through Jesus and in Jesus.
His love will effect in us, the miracle which it produces in St Paul.
“To me to live is Christ!” (1 Phil 1:21).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/06/thought-for-the-day-6-june-the-worship-of-the-sacred-heart-in-relation-to-the-love-of-god-and-of-our-neighbour/

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, CHRIST the LIGHT, FATHERS of the Church, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PARTIAL Indulgence, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on TRUTH, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 June – “Light came into the world” – John 3:19

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One Minute Reflection – 6 June – Pentecost Monday – Acts 10:34, 42-48, John 3:16-21

“Light came into the world” – John 3:19

REFLECTION – “The commandment of the Lord shines clearly, enlightening the eyes” (Ps 18 [19].9). Receive Christ, receive power to see, receive your light, that you may plainly recognise both God and man… Let us open ourselves to the light then and so to God. Let us open ourselves to the light and become disciples of the Lord… Let us, then, shake off forgetfulness of truth, shake off the mist of ignorance and darkness that dims our eyes and contemplate the true God… For upon us, buried in darkness, imprisoned in the shadow of death, a heavenly light has shone, a light of a clarity, surpassing the sun’s and of a sweetness, exceeding any this earthly life can offer. That light is eternal life and those who receive it live. Night, on the other hand, is afraid of the light and melting away in terror gives place to the day of the Lord. Unfailing light has penetrated everywhere and sunset has turned into dawn.

This is the meaning of the new creation (Gal 6,15; Rv 21,1) for the Sun of Righteousness (Mal 3,20), pursuing His course through the universe, visits all alike, in imitation of His Father, “who makes his sun rise upon all” (Mt 5,45) and bedews everyone with His truth… He, it is, Who has changed sunset into dawn and death into life by His Crucifixion, He, it is, Who has snatched the human race from perdition and exalted it to the skies. Transplanting what was corruptible, to make it incorruptible, He has transformed earth into Heaven…

He deifies us by His heavenly teaching, by “instilling His laws into our minds and writing them on our hearts. That all, be they of high estate or low, shall know God. And I will be merciful to them, God says and I will remember their sin no more” (Jr 31,33f.). Let us accept the laws of life, then; let us obey God’s promptings, let us learn to know Him.” – St Clement of Alexandria (150- 215) Theologian, Father of the Church (Exhortation to the Greeks, 11, 113).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who gave the Holy Spirit to Thy Apostles, grant that the devout prayers of Thy people may be effective and, as Thou have given us faith, also grant us peace. 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).
DIVINE Heart of JESUS, convert sinners, save the dying, set free the holy souls in Purgatory. Indulgence 300 Days Everytime – St Pius X, 11 September, 1907

Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Our Morning Offering – 6 June – Prayer to the Sacred HeartWhen the Clock strikes the Hour

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Our Morning Offering – 6 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart”

Prayer to the Sacred Heart
When the Clock strikes the Hour
By St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)

O most sweet Jesus,
I commend to Your Sacred Heart,
all that I have done in the hour that is gone,
to be cleansed and purified
and offered to God the Father,
for His eternal praise.
And whatsoever I shall do,
in the hour that is beginning,
I resolve to do
simply and purely,
for the glory of God
and for the salvation of all mankind,
in union with Your Passion.
Amen

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 4 June – The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Blessed Eucharist

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Thought for the Day – 4 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Sacred Heart of Jesus
and the Blessed Eucharist

“May the Most Holy and Divine Sacrament, be praised and thanked at every moment!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/04/thought-for-the-day-4-june-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-and-the-blessed-eucharist/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/04/thought-for-the-day-4-june-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-and-the-blessed-eucharist-2/

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD

Thought for the Day – 3 June – The Love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

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Thought for the Day – 3 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus


“Jesus, I live for You; Jesus, I die for You;
Jesus, I am Yours in life and in death.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/03/thought-for-the-day-3-june-the-love-of-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-revealed-in-the-gospel/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/03/thought-for-the-day-3-june-the-love-of-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-revealed-in-the-gospel-2/

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, INDULGENCES, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PARTIAL Indulgence, QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 3 June – ‘ … Only when] the original form of the royal image has been restored in him, is it possible for him to approach the Paraclete.

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One Minute Reflection – 3 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart” – Friday after the Octave of Ascension – 1 Pet 4:7-11, John 15:26-27; 16:1-4.

“But when the Paraclete comes, Whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth, Who proceeds from the Father, He shall give testimony of Me. ” – John 15:26

REFLECTION – “The Spirit is simple in being. His powers are many. They are entirely present everywhere and in everything. He is distributed but does not change. He is shared, yet remains whole. Consider the analogy of the sunbeam – each person on whom its kindly light falls, rejoices as if the sun existed for him alone, yet, it illumines land and sea and is master of the atmosphere. In the same way, the Spirit is given to each one who receives Him, as if he were the possession of that person alone, yet, He sends forth sufficient grace to fill the entire universe. Everything that partakes of His grace, is filled with joy according to his capacity—the capacity of his nature, not of His power.

The Spirit does not take up His abode in someone’s life, through a physical approach. How could a corporeal being approach the bodiless One? Instead, the Spirit comes to us when we withdraw ourselves from evil passions which have crept into the soul through its friendship with the flesh, alienating us from a close relationship with God. Only when a person has been cleansed from the shame of his evil and has returned to his natural beauty and [only when] the original form of the royal image has been restored in him, is it possible for him to approach the Paraclete. Then, like the sun, He will show you. in Himself, the image of the invisible and with purified eyes, you will see in this blessed image, the unspeakable beauty of its prototype.

Through Him, hearts are lifted up, the infirm are held by the hand and those who progress, are brought to perfection. He shines on those who are cleansed from every spot and makes them spiritual people, through fellowship with Himself. When a sunbeam falls on a transparent substance, the substance itself becomes brilliant and radiates light from itself. So too, the Spirit-bearing souls, illumined by Him, finally become spiritual themselves and their grace is sent forth to others. From this comes knowledge of the future, understanding of mysteries, apprehension of hidden things, distribution of wonderful gifts, heavenly citizenship, a place in the choir of Angels, endless joy in the presence of God, becoming like God and the highest of all desires – becoming God.” – St Basil the Great (329-379) Bishop of Caesarea, Father and Doctor of the Church (On the Holy Spirit, 9).

PRAYER – Almighty and eternal God, give us a will ever dedicated to Thee and a true heart to serve Thy majesty. 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. Everytime Raccolta 178 St Pius X, 4 May 1906.

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, Our MORNING Offering, PURGATORY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MORTAL SIN, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Our Morning Offering – 3 June – Heart of Jesus!

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Our Morning Offering – 3 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart”

Heart of Jesus!
Unknown author
(Published 1929)

Heart of Jesus! I entreat
Fill my soul with graces sweet!
Heart of Jesus! Help me win
Freedom from all mortal sin!

Heart of Jesus! Keep my soul
Ever under Thy control!
Heart of Jesus! Kindle mine
With the fire of faith divine!

Heart of Jesus! Give me a light
To see, to think, to act aright!
Heart of Jesus! Sorrow-rent
Make me truly penitent!

Heart of Jesus! Soften mine
Out of gratitude to Thine!
Heart of Jesus! Full of love
Lead my thoughts to Heaven above!

Heart of Jesus! Give me grace
My purgatory here to face!
Heart of Jesus! Let me be
Ever filled with love of Thee!
Heart of Jesus! Holy shrine,
Be It ever home of mine!

Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Thought for the Day – 2 June – The Necessity of Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

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Thought for the Day – 2 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Necessity of Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

“O my Jesus, You Who are Love itself, enkindle in my heart the Divine Fire which consumed and transformed the Saints.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/02/thought-for-the-day-1-june-the-necessity-of-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/02/thought-for-the-day-2-june-the-necessity-of-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Holy Name PRAYERS, I BELIEVE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, The HEART, The HOLY NAME, The WORD, Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 2 June – Thank You for our Faith Lord!

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Quote/s of the Day – 2 June – The Octave Day of the Ascension

“He who believes and is baptised,
shall be saved …”

Mark 16:16

“See that you not be deceived,
for many will come in my name,
saying, ‘I am he’
and ‘The time has come.’
Do not follow them!”

Luke 21:8

“[Christ speaks:]
I became useless to those
who knew Me not,
because I shall hide Myself,
from those who possessed Me not.
And I will be with those who love Me.
… I arose and am with them
and will speak by their mouths.
For they have rejected those
who persecute them
and I threw over them, the yoke of My love.
… Then I heard their voice
and placed their faith in My Heart.
And I placed My Name upon their forehead (Rv 14,1)
because they are free and they are Mine!”

Odes of Solomon
(Hebrew Christian text f
rom the beginning of the 2nd Century)
N° 42

“Faith gives rise to prayer
and this prayer obtains
an increase of faith.”

“Wherever you are on earth,
however long you remain on earth,
the Lord is near,
do not be anxious about anything!”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

“Let Your Name, not mine, be praised.
Let Your Work, not mine, be magnified.
Let Your Holy Name be blessed
but let no human praise be given to me.
You are my glory.
You are the joy of my heart.
In You I will glory and rejoice
all the day and for myself
I will glory in nothing but my infirmities. … ”

Thomas `a Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)

The Imitation of Christ – Book 3 Chapter 40

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, St Francis de Sales, The HEART

Our Morning Offering – 2 June – May the Heart of Jesus be the King of My Heart! By St Francis de Sales

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Our Morning Offering – 2 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart”

May the Heart of Jesus
be the King of My Heart!
By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of Charity

May Your Heart dwell
always, in our hearts!
May Your Blood ever flow,
in the veins
of our souls!
O Sun of our hearts,
You give life to all things,
by the rays of Your goodness!
I will not go,
until Your Heart
has strengthened me,
O Lord Jesus!
May the Heart of Jesus
be the King of my heart!
Blessed be God.
Amen

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Thought for the Day – 1 June – Devotion to the Sacred Heart

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Thought for the Day – 1 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Devotion to the Sacred Heart

“We should have a very high regard for devotion to the Sacred Heart.
We should excite in our hearts, acts of love, which will compensate, in some way, for the infinite love which Jesus has for us.

Finally, we should try and make our lives correspond with our love by emulating, as far as possible, the holy and immaculate life of Jesus Christ. It is not a waste of time to constantly think to ourselves, “What would Jesus do in this situation?”

Ejaculation: May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere, known and loved! Amen”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/01/thought-for-the-day-1-june-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/01/thought-for-the-day-1-june-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart/

Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, SACRED HEART QUOTES, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS

Devotion for June – THE MONTH OF THE MOST SACRED HEART of JESUS – Our Only Hope!

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Devotion for June – THE MONTH OF THE MOST SACRED HEART of JESUS – Our Only Hope!

In venerating the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Church specially praises the infinite love demonstrated by Our Lord Jesus Christ to men.
Since His Heart is the symbol of love, by venerating His Heart, the Church celebrates Love.

Among the promises made by our Lord to St Margaret Mary was the assurance that, “Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in my Heart, never to be blotted out.”

The Twelve Promises of Jesus
to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)
“Apostle of the Sacred Heart
For those Devoted to His Sacred Heart:

  1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
  2. I will establish peace in their families.
  3. I will console them in all their troubles.
  4. They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life
    and especially at the hour of their death.
  5. I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.
  6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source of an infinite ocean of mercy.
  7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.
  8. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.
  9. I will bless the homes where an image of My Heart
    shall be exposed and honoured.
  10. I will give to Priests the power of touching the most hardened hearts.
  11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names
    written in My Heart, never to be effaced.
  12. The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those
    who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance – they shall not die under my displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments. My Heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.

From Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque’s Vision of Jesus

Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, Our MORNING Offering, PAPAL PRAYERS, PARTIAL Indulgence, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Our Morning Offering – 1 June – Indulgenced Prayer, O DIVINE Heart of JESUS

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Our Morning Offering – 1 June – “Month of the Sacred Heart”

O DIVINE Heart of JESUS
Pope Leo XIII
Indulgence 100 Days, Once a day
Raccolta 167
13 March 1901.

O DIVINE Heart of JESUS,
grant, we beseech Thee,
eternal rest, to the souls in Purgatory,
the final grace, to those who shall die today,
true repentance to sinners,
the light of the faith to pagans
and Thy Blessing to me and mine.
To Thee, O most compassionate Heart of JESUS!
I commend all these souls
and I offer to Thee, on their behalf,
all Thy merits,
together with the merits
of Thy most Holy Mother
and of all the Saints, Angels
and all the Sacrifices of the Holy Mass,
Communions, prayers and good works,
which shall be accomplished today,
throughout the Catholic world.
Amen

Posted in Hail MARY!, MARIAN Antiphons, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD

Thought for the Day – 31 May – Pray for Us … at the Hour of Our Death

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Thought for the Day – 31 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Pray for Us … at the Hour of Our Death

“Our divine Redeemer, although He was God and did not except Himself from the law of death.
It was appropriate, therefore, that His divine Mother should have been no exception either.
But Mary had shared in the torments of her Son’s death upon Calvary and so obtained from Him, the privilege of a death so sweet and gentle, as hardly to justify the name at all.
Her soul was separated from her body as if in an ecstasy of love and was united even more indissolubly with God.
She did not die of a natural disease but, out of love for God.
She had always loved God with all the ardour of the noblest of creatures and her life ended in a final outpouring of love.
It was the climax of a continuous ascent towards God.

Death should be like this for us too.
It can be like this if we follow her example, especially in the boundlessness of her love for God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/31/thought-for-the-day-31-october-pray-for-us-at-the-hour-of-our-death/

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, QUEENSHIP of MARY, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR

Quote/s of the Day – 31 May – The Queenship of Mary

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Quote/s of the Day – 31 May – The Queenship of Mary

“If the Son is a King,
the Mother who begot him
is rightly and truly considered
a Queen and Sovereign.”

St Athanasius (297-373)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“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)

“And as Queen,
she possesses, by right,
the whole Kingdom of her Son.”

Rupert of Deutz OSB (c 1075- c 1130)
Benedictine Abbot

“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

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/22/quotes-of-the-day-22-august-the-memorial-of-the-queenship-of-mary/

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on TRUTH, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HOLY GHOST

Thought for the Day – 30 May – Bearer of the Treasures of Grace

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Thought for the Day – 30 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Bearer of the Treasures of Grace

“According to a pious tradition, the Holy Spirit descended first on the Blessed Virgin, in the form of a ball of flame, from which emerged the tongues of fire, which alighted on the heads of all present.
There is a good deal of significance in this tradition.
As Mary took first place in sharing in the passion of Jesus, so, she ought to be first to share in the glory of the Redemption.
St Bernard compared the Blessed Virgin to an aqueduct, bearing the treasures of grace and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, to all the faithful (Sermo de Aquaeducru).
It is an apt comparison, for the Mother of the Redeemer occupies a position of supremacy in the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ.
Like the Apostles, we should persevere in prayer with Mary (Cf Acts 1:14).
We should ask for the light and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, for we need them very much, if we are to walk always, in the way of truth and goodness.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 30 May – Run, Hasten O Lady! By St Bernard

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Our Morning Offering – 30 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

Run, Hasten O Lady!
By St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) Mellifluous Doctor

Run, hasten, O Lady,
and in your mercy help your sinful servant,
who calls upon you,
and deliver him from the hands of the enemy.
Who will not sigh to you?
We sigh with love and grief,
for we are oppressed on every side.
How can we do otherwise than sigh to you,
O solace of the miserable,
refuge of outcasts,
ransom of captives?
We are certain that when you see our miseries,
your compassion will hasten to relieve us.
O our Sovereign Lady and our Advocate,
commend us to your Son.
Grant, O blessed one,
by the grace which you have merited,
that He Who through you
was graciously pleased, to become a Partaker
of our infirmity and misery,
may also, through your intercession,
make us partakers of His happiness and glory.
Amen.

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 29 May – The Great Exile

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Thought for the Day – 29 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Great Exile

“God is the great exile.
The majority of mankind have banished Him from public and private life.
They do not want Him anymore – they do not even think of Him.
There is even a minority who hates and curses Him!
It is true that there are still faithful and generous communities, like oases in a vast and arid desert, who love God and even dedicate themselves to His service.
But, the great majority ignore Him.
If they remember Him sometimes, they do so vaguely and as a matter of form.
They think of God as if He were a distant Being Who is not interested in their activities.

Obviously, therefore, men no longer live the life of God.
They live mechanically and obtusely, devoid of spiritual enlightenment or thought of Heaven.
Their lives are like those of blind moles which reside in darkness beneath the ground, without any desire to see the light of day.
Bound to the earth as they are, they are afraid of the great concepts of eternity, the immortality of the soul, the last judgement, Heaven and Hell.

“Since men’s natural inclinations are towards worldly things,” wrote Pope Pius XII, “his inability to understand the things of the Spirit of God, is unfortunately, aggravated in our times by the entire nature of his surroundings.
Very often, God is neither denied nor cursed, it is rather as if He were not there at all.
There is constant and open propaganda in favour of a worldly life without God.
Men live and die, as if there were no such realities as God, redemption, or the Church.” (Discourses XL, 14).

Are you or your family and friends a victim of this trend?
What place does God hold in your mind and the course of your life?
We are heading for inevitable ruin, if we allow ourselves to be swept away by the corruption of the world.
Remember the frightening words of Jesus in the company of His disciples, “Not for the world do I pray,” he said, “but for those whom Thou hast given me because they are Thine” (Jn 17:9).
Without Jesus, the world is racing towards utter destruction.
It is terrifying but that is the way it is!

Holy Mary, my Mother, I place my trust in you because I know, that your intercession, is all-powerful with your Divine Son, Jesus.
Help me to detach myself completely from sin and to conquer my rebellious inclinations,
Grant that I may imitate the shining example of your sanctity, in such a way, that you may be truly my hope and my sure refuge, now and at the hour of my death.
Amen. ”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/29/thought-for-the-day-29-may-the-great-exile/

Posted in MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The ASCENSION of the LORD

Thought for the Day – 28 May – The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven

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Thought for the Day – 28 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven

“Forty days after His glorious resurrection, Jesus came, with all His friends, among them His Mother, to the Mount of Olives.
This area had already witnessed the opening phase of His passion, which was all the more poignant, perhaps because in Gethsemane, it was not only His body which was lacerated by scourges and nails but, His soul, which experienced the agonising vision of the sins and ingratitude of the human race.
Now, however, He is here with a glorified body as the Conqueror of sin and of death.
He looks for the last time on His small band of followers, to whom He has entrusted His mission of transforming the entire universe by preaching and putting into practice, the Gospel message, throughout the world.
Now, He promises them the Holy Spirit, Who will give them the power to overcome evil.
Then He is lifted up toward Heaven, until a bright cloud hides Him from their sight.

Perhaps, the Blessed Mother, was the last to take her eyes off the disappearing cloud which had removed Jesus from view.
Her human eyes never saw again, the beloved figure of her Divine Son but, in her soul, she saw Him entering triumphantly into Heaven among choirs of Angels and sitting at the right hand of the Eternal Father.
She saw and thought with infinite yearning, of the not too distant day, when she would have passed from mortal exile, into the everlasting happiness of Heaven, where she would embrace her Divine Son again, in an ecstasy of love.

We have all been called to ascend to Heaven with Jesus and Mary.
Let us remember, however, that only the innocent and the repentant can be admitted into Paradise.
If we have been unfortunate enough to have lost our baptismal innocence, only the second way is left to us – the way of penance.
We must purify ourselves of our sins by means of good works.
We must ascend NOW higher and highter, towards the summit of Christian perfection.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 27 May – Mary, I Love You By St Philip Neri

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Our Morning Offering – 27 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

Mary, I Love You
By St Philip Neri (1515-1595)

Mary, I love you.
Mary, make me live in God,
with God and for God.
Draw me after you, Holy Mother.
O Mary, may your children persevere in loving you.
Mary, Mother of God and Mother of mercy,
pray for me and for the departed.
Mary, holy Mother of God, be our helper.
In every difficulty and distress,
come to our aid.
O Mary, O Queen of Heaven,
lead us to eternal life with God.
Mother of God, remember me
and help me always to remember you.
O Mary, conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to you.
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
that we may be made worthy
of the promises of Christ.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray to Jesus for me.
Amen

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 25 May – Mother of my God By St Alphonsus Liguori

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Our Morning Offering – 25 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

Mother of my God,
Lady Mary, Queen of Mercy
By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

Mother of my God and my Lady Mary,
as a beggar, all wounded and sore,
presents himself before a great Queen,
so do I present myself before you,
who are Queen of heaven and earth.
From the lofty throne on which you sit,
disdain not, I implore you,
to cast your eyes on me,
a poor sinner.
God has made you so rich
that you might assist the poor
and has made you Queen of Mercy,
that you might relieve the miserable.
Behold me then and pity me.
Behold me and abandon me not,
until you see me changed
from a sinner into a saint.
Amen

Posted in Holy Name PRAYERS, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, The HOLY NAME

Our Morning Offering – 24 May – To the Two Loving Hearts

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Our Morning Offering – 24 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

To the Two Loving Hearts
By St John Eudes (1601-1680)

O Jesus, only Son of God, only Son of Mary,
I offer You the most loving Heart
of Your divine Mother
which is more precious
and pleasing to You than all hearts.

O Mary, Mother of Jesus,
I offer you the most adorable Heart
of your well-beloved Son,
who is the life and love and joy of your Heart.

Blessed be the Most Loving Heart
and Sweet Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ
and the most glorious
Virgin Mary, His Mother,
in eternity and forever.
Amen

Posted in MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 23 May – Prayer to Mary, Our Mother

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Thought for the Day – 23 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Prayer to Mary, Our Mother

“Even if we fall often into sin, we should never be discouraged.
Although Mary is the Mother of all mankind, she, in a special fashion, is the merciful Mother of sinners.
No matter how sinful a man maybe, he will not be lost if he is sincerely devoted to Mary.
We must not be deluded into imagining, however, that it is enough to pray to Our Lady in order to be saved, even if we continue to commit sin.
St Brigid tells us in her revelations, that Mary is not the Motbher of hardened sinners but, only of those sinners who desire to amend their lives and pray to her with this intention (Rev Bk 4, C 138).

Jesus has told us, moreover, that “not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven but he who does the will of my Father in Heaven, shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 7:21).
The same holds for those who are devoted to Our Lady.
It is not sufficient to pray to her but we must also imitate her and accompany our prayers with the resolution of improving.

Fervent prayer is certain to obtain Mary’s intercession on our behalf.
St Alphonsus recommends, in particular:
(a) the Hail Mary repeated three times every morning and every night, with the invocation “Mother most pure, pray for me;”
(b) an invocation to Our Lady everytime the clock strikes the hour;
(c) the daily recitation of the Holy Rosary;
(d) a visit to the Altar of Our Lady evertime we make our daily visit to the Blessed Sacrament;
(e) and some acts of mortification on the vigil of principal Feasts of Our Lady, followed by a fervent celebration of the Feasts themselves.
If we show our good dispositions in this manner, Mary will be our true Mother in life and in death.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/22/thought-for-the-day-22-may-prayer-to-mary-our-mother/

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CATHOLIC Quotes, CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, The HOLY NAME, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 23 May – ‘ … He is our Saviour, not only when He does what we ask but also, when He does not. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 23 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – James 5:16-20, Luke 11:5-13

“Ask and it shall be given you: seek and you shall find: knock and it shall be opened to you. ” – Luke 11:9

REFLECTION – “Whatever you shall ask.” Then why do we often see believers asking and not receiving? Perhaps it is that they do not ask correctly. When a person would make a bad use of what he asks for, God in His mercy, does not grant him it. It is even more the case, that if someone asks what would, if answered, only tend to his injury, there is surely greater cause to fear, in case what God could not withhold with kindness, He should give in His anger. Still, if God even in kindness, often refuses the requests of believers, how are we to understand “Whatever you shall ask in My Name, I will do?” Was this said to the Apostles only? No. He says …, “He who believes in Me, the works that I do he shall do also.” And if we go to the lives of the Apostles themselves, we shall find that he who laboured more than them all, prayed that the messenger of Satan might depart from him but was not granted his request.

Wake up then, believer and note what is stated here: “In my Name.” That [Name] is Christ Jesus. Christ signifies King, Jesus signifies Saviour. Therefore, whatever we ask for that would hinder our salvation, we do not ask in our Saviour’s Name and yet, He is our Saviour, not only when He does what we ask but also, when He does not. When He sees us ask anything to the disadvantage of our salvation, He shows Himself our Saviour by not doing it. The physician knows whether what the sick person asks for, is to the advantage or disadvantage of his health. And [the physician] does not allow what would be harmful to him, although the sick person himself, desires it. But the physician looks to his final cure.

And some things we may even ask in His Name and He will not grant them to us, at the time, although He will some time. What we ask for is deferred, not denied. He adds, “that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” The Son does not do anything without the Father, inasmuch as He does it, in order that the Father may be glorified in the Son, for the Father and Son are One.” – St Augustine (354-430) Great Western Father and Doctor of Grace of the Church (Tractates on the Gospel of John, 73)

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Almighty God, that we, who in our tribulation are yet of good cheer because of Thy loving-kindness, may find Thee mighty to save from all dangers. 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).

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Hail MARY!, MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MOTHER of GOD, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 23 May – Hail, O Mary, Mother of God

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Our Morning Offering – 23 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

Hail, O Mary, Mother of God
By St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444)
Father & Doctor of the Church

Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
Virgin and Mother!
Morning Star, perfect vessel.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
Holy Temple in which God Himself was conceived.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
Chaste and pure dove.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
who enclosed the One, Who cannot be encompassed
in your sacred womb.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
From you flowed the true Light, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
Through you the Conqueror
and triumphant Vanquisher of hell, came to us.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
Through you, the glory of the Resurrection blossoms.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
You have saved every faithful Christian.
Hail, O Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners now
and at the hour of our death.
Amen

Posted in MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS

Thought for the Day – 22 May – Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth

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Thought for the Day – 22 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth

“Mary is a supremely powerful Queen because she is the Mother of God.
She is a more merciful Queen because she is our Mother and Mother of sinners.
She is a most loving Queen because hers is a kingdom of love and of goodness.
Even as she is the most lovable of creatures, so she is the most loving.

“To the immense love of God for His creatures,” writes Cardinal Massimi, “and to His command to rational beings, that they should love Him with all their hearts, there has been only one worthy response.
That response, was yours, O Mary. You loved God with an intensity which surpassed the combined love of all other creatures.
God created your heart, which was destined to be the heart of His Mother, after the fashion of His own.
Adorned with every perfection, it had an immeasurable capacity for love, even as you are supreme in your love for God, O Mary, so you are supreme in your love for us.
What a cause for gladness this is!
God loves us and you love us, O Mary.
Our poor hearts, which have a natural longing to be loved and suffer so much when they are disappointed, rejoice in being the object of your love.
We thank you, O Mary, for favouring us, in spite your greatness and our unworthiness.” (Cardinal Massimo Massimi, Le Feste di Maria, p 82-83).

The realisation of Mary’s regal power and of her maternal love for us, should lead us to have complete confidence in her.
This confidence should inspire us to pray fervently to her, to love her in return and to form a practical resolution of imitating her.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/22/thought-for-the-day-22-may-mary-queen-of-heaven-and-earth/

Posted in CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on VIRTUE, The HEART, The HOLY NAME, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 22 May – My Name

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Quote/s of the Day – 22 May – The Fifth Sunday after Easter – James 1:22-27, John 16:23-30

“In that day, you will ask in My Name”

John 16:26

“And you shall be hated by all men,
for my name’s sake.”

Luke 21:17

“The eternal God
asks a favour of His bride:
“Hold me close to your heart,
close as locket or bracelet fits.”
No matter whether
we walk or stand still,
eat or drink,
we should at all times
wear the golden locket
“Jesus” upon our heart.”

Bl Henry Suso (1295-1366)

May We Confess Your Name to the End
By St Cyprian of Carthage (200-258)
Bishop and Martyr
Father of the Church

Good God,
may we confess Your Name to the end.
May we emerge unmarked
and glorious from the traps
and darkness of this world.
As You have bound us together
by charity and peace
and as together
we have persevered under persecution,
so may we also rejoice together
in Your heavenly kingdom.
Amen

“The Name of Jesus
is the purest and holiest,
the noblest and most indulgent of names,
the Name of all blessings
and of all virtues,
it is the Name of the God-Man,
of sanctity itself.”

St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

Posted in CHRIST the HIGH PRIEST, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, Holy Name PRAYERS, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, The HOLY NAME, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 May – “In that day, you will ask in My Name” – John 16:26

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One Minute Reflection – 22 May – The Fifth Sunday after Easter – James 1:22-27, John 16:23-30

“In that day, you will ask in My Name” – John 16:26

REFLECTION – “At the end of our prayers we say: “Through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord” and not “Through the Holy Spirit.” This practice of the Universal Church is not without reason. At its root lies the Mystery according to which, Jesus Christ is the Mediator between God and humanity (1 Tim 2:5), a Priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek, He who, with His own Blood, entered into the Holy of Holies, not that which was only a copy but, into Heaven itself, where He is at the Right Hand of God and intercedes for us (Heb 6:20; 9:24).

It was in His consideration of Christ’s Priesthood, that the Apostle said: “Through Him let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which confess His Name” (Heb 13:15).
It is through Him that we offer the sacrifice of praise and prayer because it is His death that reconciled us while we were still enemies (Rom 5:10).
He willed to offer Himself in sacrifice for our sakes and, since then, it is through Him, that our offerings can be acceptable in God’s sight. This is why Saint Peter warns us in these words: “Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God, through Jesus Christ” (1 Pt 2:5). This is the reason why we say to God the Father: “Through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord.” – Saint Fulgentius of Ruspe (467-532) – Bishop in North Africa (Letter 14,36).

PRAYER – O God, from Whom all good things do come, grant to us Thy humble servants, that by Thy holy inspiration, we may think those things that are good and by Thy merciful guidance, may perform the same. 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).