CATHOLIC Quotes – Page 199

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Thought for the Day – 18 May – Mary, the Source of Peace

Posted on May 18, 2020May 18, 2021 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 18 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Mary, the Source of Peace

“Mary is surrounded by an atmosphere of peace.
The countenance of the Virgin Mother, reflects the serenity of her soul.
She was conceived free from original sin and endowed with every grace ad with every supernatural gift.
There was no struggle in her, between good and evil, for this conflict is the effect of concupiscence.
She never experienced the rule of sin of which St Paul complains. “I see another law in my members,” says St Paul, “warning against the law of my mind and making me prisoner to the law of sin that is in my members. Unhappy man that I am! Who will deliver me from the body of this death? The grace of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom 7:23-25).
It was quite otherwise with Mary.
Her lower inclinations were completely subject to her spiritual faculties, which were, in their turn, perfectly submissive to the commands and inspirations of God.
Nevertheless, while she enjoyed complete interior harmony, Mary had to endure external conflict and suffering.
Holy Simeon foretold, that the sword of sorrow would pierce her heart.
In fact, her life was altogether interwoven with hardship, want and suffering until, eventually, she knelt at the foot of the Cross on which Jesus was dying for the love of mankind and offered the divine Victim for our salvation.
At the last moment, however, torn with sorrow though she was, she did not depart in the slightest from her spirit of perfect acceptance of God’s will.
Consequently, her peace of soul was never diminished or extinguished.
Let us learn from her to accept everything from God’s hands, both the tiny pleasures which brighten our lives, from time to time and the humiliations, sufferings and death, which it pleases God to keep in store for us.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Quote/s of the Day – 18 May – The One Hundredth Anniversary of St Pope John Paul’s Birthday (1920-2005)

Posted on May 18, 2020May 18, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 18 May – “Mary’s Month” – Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter and the One Hundredth Anniversary of St Pope John Paul’s Birthday (1920-2005)

“The blessed martyrs cry to our hearts.
Believe in God who is love!
Believe in Him in good times and bad!
Awaken hope!
May it produce in you,
the fruit of fidelity to God,
in every trial!”

St Pope John Paul II (1920-2005)
At the Beatification of the 108 Martyrs of World War Two in Poland, 13 June 1999

“To die for the faith
is a gift to some,
to live the faith
is a call for all.”

“Let the eyes of our faith
never wander
from the Cross of Calvary.”

“Do not abandon yourselves to despair.
We are the Easter people
and
hallelujah
is our song.”

“Never,
as in the Rosary,
do the life of Jesus
and that of Mary,
appear so deeply joined.
Mary lives
only in Christ
and
for Christ!”

Adoro te Devote, latens Deitas!
I Devoutly Adore You, hidden Deity
By St John Paul II (1920-2005)

We adore You, O wonderful Sacrament
of the presence of the One
who loved His own “to the end.”
We thank You, O Lord,
who edifies,
gathers together
and gives life to the Church.
O divine Eucharist, flame of Christ’s love
that burns on the altar of the world,
make the Church, comforted by You,
evermore caring, in wiping away,
the tears of the suffering
and in sustaining the efforts
of all who yearn for justice and peace.
And you, Mary, “Eucharistic” Woman
who offered your virginal womb
for the incarnation of the Word of God,
help us to live the Eucharistic Mystery
in the spirit of the “Magnificat.”
May our lives be a never-ending praise
of the Almighty who concealed Himself
beneath the humility of the Eucharistic signs.

Adoro te devote, latens Deitas. ..
Adoro te… adiuva me!

I Devoutly Adore You, hidden Deity
I Adore You, help me!

St Pope John Paul II (1920-1005)
Pray for Us!

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One Minute Reflection – 18 May – ‘…Our life in God.’

Posted on May 18, 2020May 17, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 18 May – “Mary’s Month” – Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 16:11-15, Psalms 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 9, John 15:26–16:4

“When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me” ... John 15:26

REFLECTION – “The Spirit promised by the prophets descended upon the Son of God made Son of man (Mt 3:16), accustoming Himself in this way, to dwell alongside Him within the human race, to rest over humankind and reside in God’s workmanship, working the Father’s will in them and renewing them, by causing them to pass from their old way of life to the newness of Christ.

This is the Spirit David requested for the human race, saying: “And with your guiding Spirit, sustain me” (Ps 51[50]:14 LXX). This is also the Spirit who, as Luke says, descended upon the disciples after the Ascension on the day of Pentecost, having power to give all nations entrance to life and to open up the New Covenant to them. Stirred by one feeling, the disciples uttered the praises of God in every language while the Spirit gathered together into unity a dispersed peoples and offered the Father the first-fruits of all nations (Acts 2).

Therefore, the Lord promised to send the Comforter who would bind us to God. For as a lump of dough and a single loaf cannot be formed of dry wheat without water, neither could we, being many, be made one in Christ Jesus (1 Cor 10:17) without the water come down from heaven. And as dry earth does not bring forth fruit unless it receive moisture, so we also, who were, to begin with but dry wood, could never have brought forth fruit unto life without generous rain from above. For our bodies have received the union that leads to incorruptibility by the washing of Baptism but our souls, by means of the Spirit. That is why both are necessary, since both contribute towards our life in God.” … St Irenaeus (130-202) Bishop, Martyr, Theologian and Father of the Church – Against the heresies III, 17, 1-2 john 15 26 when the advocate comes - therefore the lord promised to send the comforter - st ireneaus no 2 18 may 2020

PRAYER – Lord God, You sanctify Your Church in every race and nation by the joy of Your risen Son. By His life, Death and Resurrection You grant us life and through Your Holy Spirit, You grant us the fruits of faithful love. May we ever be graced by Your gift of faith and be led to our heavenly Home. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary may we be strengthened for the journey. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. mother mary trusted guide pray for us 1 nov 2018

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Thought for the Day – 17 May – Contemplation and Our Lady

Posted on May 17, 2020May 16, 2021 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 17 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Contemplation and Our Lady

“True contemplation has it’s origin in love, for when love is intense it gives a clear insight into that which is loved.
It is never the result of mere learning, which can be cold and uninspiring and, therefore, unable to give us a vision of the truth.
Many are learned without love, while there are others, who have no learning but love God and contemplate Him with a spiritual joy which is a prelude to the happiness of Heaven.
Contemplation is not, therefore, a gift of learning.
Even an illiterate man can have it, while those who study a great deal, may be without it.
For the most part, it is the gift of divine grace.
This is not to deny that the knowledge of sacred things, especially of theology, can promote contemplation.
It can help, as long as it is not the kind of learning which makes a man proud but, rather leads him nearer to God.
This is what St Paul meant when he said that “knowledge puffs up but charity edifies” (1 Cor 8:1).

Contemplation, then, begins in the love which is based on humility and on prayer.
The contemplative must always look for the help of divine grace without ever presuming on his own powers and without fooling himself, that he has made any progress of his own accord.
It does not matter whether he is an ignorant or a learned man, as long as he sees the reflection of God in all things and comes to know and love Him.
Then, under the the influence of divine grace, contemplation flows from the loving knowledge of God.
The Blessed Virgin was created and conceived full of grace and endowed with more supernatural privileges than any other creature.
Therefore, she knew and loved God in a higher way than any of the Cherubim or Seraphim.
It is only to be expected then, that she would have had the gift of contemplation.
Her prayer was an intimate conversation with God.
We have an example of this kind of contemplative prayer in the hymn which she composed when she became the Mother of the Word Incarnate.
“My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour; Because he has regarded the lowliness of his handmaid; for, behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed….” (Lk 1:46-48).
In Mary, however, the contemplative life was united to the active life.
This was so, whether she was in the house in Nazareth, or following Jesus on His apostolic journeys, or co-operating with the Apostles in their great mission during her last years on earth.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Quote/s of the Day – 17 May – ‘… He will give you another Advocate’ – John 14:16

Posted on May 17, 2020May 17, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 17 May – Sixth Sunday of Easter, Readings: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17, Psalm 66:1-7, 16, 20, 1 Peter 3:15-18, John 14:15-21

“And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it.
But you know it, because it remains with you and will be in you.”

John 14:16-17

“Remember, then, that you received a spiritual seal,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of knowledge and reverence,
the spirit of holy fear.
Keep safe what you received.
God the Father sealed you,
Christ the Lord strengthened you
and sent the Spirit into your hearts
as the pledge of what is to come.”

St Ambrose (340-397)
Father & Doctor of the Church

O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart.

Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling

and scatter there Your cheerful beams.”

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

“Our lives are all controlled by the Spirit now
and are not confined to this physical world
that is subject to corruption.
The light of the Only-begotten has shone on us
and we have been transformed into the Word,
the source of all life.”

St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444)
Father and Doctor of the Church
Doctor of the Incarnation

“The Holy Spirit leads us along,
as a mother leads her two year old child by the hand,
as a sighted person leads a blind one.
We should say each morning:
“Oh my God, send me Your Holy Spirit
who will make me understand
what I am and what you are …”
A soul who possesses the Holy Spirit
enjoys an exquisite taste in prayer,
it never loses the holy presence of God.”

St John Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859)

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One Minute Reflection – 17 May – “I am in my Father and you in me and I in you.” John 14:20

Posted on May 17, 2020May 16, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 17 May – Sixth Sunday of Easter, Readings: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17, Psalm 66:1-7, 16, 20, 1 Peter 3:15-18, John 14:15-21 and the Memorial of Blessed Antonia Messina (1919-1935) Virgin and Martyr

“I am in my Father and you in me and I in you.” ... John 14:20 i am i my father and you in me and i in you john 14 20 17 may 2020

REFLECTION – “Cloth of scarlet or purple is a very precious and royal fabric, not because of the wool but because of the colour. The actions of good Christians are of such great value, that heaven is given to us for them. However, … it is not because they come from us and are the wool of our hearts. Rather, it is because they are dyed with the blood of the Son of God. I mean, that the Saviour sanctifies our actions by the merits of His blood. A branch of the vine, united and joined to the stock, produces fruit, not by it’s own power but empowered by the stock. Now we are untied by charity to our Redeemer, as members to the head (Eph 4:15-16). That is why our fruits and good works, drawing their value from Him, merit life everlasting.

… We, ourselves, are branches that are dry, unprofitable and unfruitful. We are not competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, our competence is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers (2 Cor 3:5-6) and able to do His will. Therefore, as soon as sacred love engraves on our hearts the name of our Saviour, our great Shepherd (1 Pet 2:25), we begin to bear delicious fruits for life everlasting.” …. St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of Charity as soon a sacred love engraves on our hearts the name ofour saviour - st francis de sales 17 may 2020

PRAYER – Almighty, ever-living God, bring us to the joy of Your heavenly city, so that we, Your little flock, may follow where Christ, our Good Shepherd, has gone before us, by the power of His Resurrection. May our hearts overflow with the joy of His eternal presence, that in Him and through Him and with Him, we may attain the happiness of life eternal. May the prayers of the Blessed Virgin, guide us and may Blessed Antonia Messina too grant us her intercession, that we may always follow our Shepherd in faithful love. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God now and for all eternity, amen. faithful mother mary pray for us now and at the hour of our death amen 26 oct 2019

blessed antonia messina pray for us 17 may 2020

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Thought for the Day – 16 May – Prayer and Our Lady

Posted on May 16, 2020May 14, 2022 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 16 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Prayer and Our Lady

“He told them a parable – that they must always pray and not lose heart” (Lk 18:1).
Nobody else on earth ever carried out this command of Our Lord as perfectly as Our Lady.
St Albert the Great says that, after Jesus Christ, the spirit of prayer is to be found at it’s most perfect, in Our Lady (Sup Miss 80).
It was because of her immense love for her divine Son that Mary was able to put into practice, throughout her life, that Gospel precept of unceasing prayer.
Prayer in it’s fullest sense, is in fact, an act of love rather than supplication.
It is defined as an elevation of soul to God, to adore and praise Him, to thank Him and to ask Him for His favours.
It leads to lasting and intimate union with God, who should be regarded as our only good and as the final end of our lives.
Since Mary was full of grace, she was always closest to God.
Even before she became His Mother, she constantly enjoyed His intimacy.
Despite the many sorrows of her life, this intimacy became still greater and more beautiful, when she became the Mother of Jesus.
From that time, she was able to hold Him to her immaculate bosom and to live in close familiarity with Him.
She was able, too, to follow Him on His apostolic journeys, until He reached Calvary and the Cross and, finally, to see Him gloriously risen from the dead.
After Jesus had ascended into Heaven, her soul expanded with a nostalgic love for her divine Son, until her earthly journey was over and she was taken up into Heaven.
There, she reigns supreme among the Saints and Angels and never ceases to pray for us, her exiled children, who need her help so much.
Let us learn from Mary, how to pray with love and perseverance.
Then, we shall be able to follow her along the difficult way of perfection, which leads towards Heaven.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Quote/s of the Day – 16 May – “You are not of the world …”

Posted on May 16, 2020May 16, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 16 May – Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 16:1-10, Psalm 100:1-3, 5, John 15:18-21

“If you were of the world,
the world would love you as its own
but because you are not of the world
but I chose you out of the world,
therefore, the world hates you.”

John 15:19

” The Lord’s Passion
depicts for us our present life of trial—
shows how we must suffer
and be afflicted and finally die.
The Lord’s Resurrection
and glorification
show us the life
that will be given to us in the future.”

St Augustine (354-430)
Doctor of Grace

“…We mix with the world
without loving it,
for our affections
are given to another.
We can bear to look
on the world’s beauty,
for we have no heart for it.
We are not disturbed at it’s frowns,
for we live not
in it’s smiles.”

“We are patient
in bereavement,
adversity,
or pain,
for they are Christ’s tokens.”

St John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

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One Minute Reflection – 16 May – God watches us

Posted on May 16, 2020May 16, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 16 May – “Mary’s Month” – Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 16:1-10, Psalm 100:1-3, 5, John 15:18-21 and the Memorial of St Margaret of Cortona TOSF (1247-1297)

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me first. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own but because you are not of the world but I chose you out of the world, therefore, the world hates you.” … John 15:18-19

REFLECTION – “Our Lord’s will is that we should rejoice and leap for joy when we are persecuted (Mt 5:12) because, when persecutions come, it is then, that crowns are given for faith (cf. Jas 1:12), it is then, that Christ’s soldiers prove themselves, then that the heavens open to their witness.
We aren’t employed in God’s force only to think of quiet, running away from service when the Teacher of humility, patience and suffering has Himself provided the same service before us. What He taught, He first of all, carried out and, if He exhorts us to stand firm, it is because He Himself suffered before us and on our behalf.

If we are to take part in competitions in the stadium, we exercise and train ourselves and think ourselves highly honoured if, before the eyes of the crowd, we have the happiness of receiving the prize.
But here is a trial that is both noble and outstanding in another way, in which God watches us – we, His children – take part in the combat and Himself gives us a heavenly crown ( 1Cor 9:25). The angels watch us too and Christ comes to our aid.
So let us arm ourselves with all our might, let us fight the good fight, with brave hearts and solid faith.” … St Cyprian of Carthage (c 200- c 258) Bishop and Martyr, Father of the Church

john 15 12 if the world hates you - but here is a trial that is both noble - st cyprian of carthage 16 may 2020

PRAYER – Almighty God, grant that Your faithful, who rejoice in the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may be delivered from every evil here on earth, put on the armour of Your Son and fight the good faith bearing His standard. Through her prayer and the prayers of Your Saints and St Margaret of Cortona, may we come to the enduring joys of heaven. We make our prayer through her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, one God with You, in the union of the Holy Spirit, forever amen. blessed-virgin-mary-mother-of-god-pray-for-us-26-nov-2018 and 26 nov 2019

ST MARGARET OF CORTONA 16 MAY 202 PRAY FOR US

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Thoughts of Mary – 15 May – The Angelus

Posted on May 15, 2020May 15, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Thoughts of Mary – 15 May – “Mary’s Month”

The Angelus
Moments with Saint Pope John XXIII (1881-1963)

“It is the custom in Catholic countries for the bells to ring the Angelus at dawn … “The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.”
This peal of bells, after the darkness of the night, represents the light that returns in splendour, while the heavens bow down to meet the earth.
The angel’s greeting is answered by our prayer which recalls the wonderful truth: “and she conceived by the Holy Ghost.”

The woman, daughter of Eve, chosen before all ages for this privilege, is called to a unique motherhood, to become, by a divine miracle, the Mother of Jesus.
How our hearts throb with joy as we repeat together, a prayer in which Mary is invoked as our Mother too! …

These are simple and familiar words – but it is good to meditate on all they stand for, in recollection and peace of mind.

The Son of God has become the Son of Mary, our brother and has lived among us – and we know well what this means for us.
First of all thirty years of silence, work and obedience.
Then three years of the apostolate, teaching, miracles, all-conquering light.
Then the hour of humiliation and sacrifice, but, in the end the triumph!”

the angelus st john XXIII 15 may 2020

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Quote/s of the Day – 15 May – “Love one another as I have loved you”

Posted on May 15, 2020May 15, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 15 May – Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 15:22-31, Psalm 57:8-12, John 15:12-17

“Love one another as I have loved you”

John 15:12

“Jesus carries us to the inn.
Imagine you are in the arms of Jesus, being carried, half-dead in sin—some of your own making, some done to you—to a place of help.
You can rest in His arms.
In another surprise, the inn is the Church, the hospital for sinners.
The innkeeper might be a priest, family member, or friend who helps you through a dark time in your life.

This is the rest of the story – the Good Samaritan is Jesus!
He always pursues us, even when we don’t ask for it—even in our sins.
We must receive the Good Samaritan’s love and mercy first, or we have nothing to give away (1 Jn 4:19)!
And then our response to this love is repentance—going beyond the mind we have now/giving up the lies we believe about God or ourselves—and then going to confession.
This is followed by The Ultimate Challenge – to be that good neighbour or the innkeeper in a world where everyone is wounded by something!
Be like Jesus—be a good spiritual neighbour in a dark and lonely world!

the ultimate challenge to be that good neighbour - pope benedict 15 may 2020

In a world which demands of Christians a renewed witness of love and fidelity to the Lord, may all of us feel the urgent need, to anticipate one another in charity, service and good works (cf. Heb 6:10).”

Pope Benedict XVI

3 November 2011

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One Minute Reflection – 15 May – ‘ The stairway to Heaven…’

Posted on May 15, 2020May 15, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 15 May – “Mary’s Month” – Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 15:22-31, Psalm 57:8-12, John 15:12-17 and the Memorial of St Dymphna (7th Century) “The Lily of Éire”

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”” ... John 15:12-13

this is my commandment that you love - 15 may 2020

REFLECTION – “Love, indeed, is the source of all good things, it is an impregnable defence and the way that leads to heaven. He who walks in love can neither go astray, nor be afraid, love guides him, protects him and brings him to his journey’s end.

My brothers, Christ made love the stairway that would enable all Christians to climb to heaven. Hold fast to it, therefore, in all sincerity, give one another practical proof of it and by your progress in it, make your ascent together.” … St Fulgentius of Ruspe (460-533) Bishop – An excerpt from his Sermon 3

john 15 12 love one another - my brothers christ made love the stairway - st fulgentius of ruspe 15 may 2020

PRAYER – Almighty God and Father, You gave us a new birth in holy baptism and a new life in Your Son, who first loved us and gave His life for us. Grant us, we pray, the grace to love all as He did and bear much fruit, always striving after what He has taught who goes ahead of us, to lead us to You. May the prayers of His beloved Mother and ours and St Dymphna, grant us help and inspiration as we travel the road to eternal life. Through Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God now and for all eternity, amen.

immaculate-mary-pray-for-us-26 aug 2017

ST DYMPHNA PRAY FOR US 15 MAY 2020

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Thoughts of Mary – 14 May – Praying With Our Mother

Posted on May 14, 2020May 14, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Thoughts of Mary – 14 May – “Mary’s Month”

Praying With Our Mother
Moments with Saint Pope John XXIII (1881-1963)

“My dear brothers in Christ and in the love of Mary!
The Sacred Altar is the meeting point, of all, that is for the Christian and the Catholic, a vision of heavenly doctrine, inspired by divine grace, the inexhaustible source of strength, holiness and joy in our life here below, in the certainty of the eternal life to come.

Follow Me then to this Blessed Altar of My Sacrifice, which is the Sacrifice offered for you and with you, for all that is dearest to you in the innermost sanctuary of your souls and in your family life and in the various relationships of your civil and social activity.

The land where we were born, which is so dear to us, is always, even when resplendent with natural beauty, full of thorns and of things which cause us distress and pain.

True comfort is found, only in union with the Cross of Christ and His sufferings, united with the sorrows of His Mother, who is our Mother too.

Oh, how beautiful is and how consoling, to believe, live and pray with our Mother, sharing in her love with her Son, the Word of God, made man for us, as a sign of blessing, prosperity and peace amid the uncertainties of this present life, in the certain hope of the eternal joys which await us. Amen.

true comfort is found, only in union with the cross of christ - st john XXIII 14 may 2020

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Quote/s of the Day – 14 May – “Do what I command you” – John 15:14 and St Augustine

Posted on May 14, 2020May 14, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 14 May – Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26, Psalm 113:1-8, John 15:9-17

“You are my friends if you do what I command you. “

John 15:14

“It is not that we keep His commandments first
and that then He loves
but that He loves us
and then we keep His commandments.
This is that grace which is revealed to the humble
but hidden from the proud.”

“God provides the wind
but man must raise the sails.”

“A man may lose the good things of this life against his will
but, if he loses the eternal blessings,
he does so with his own consent.”

“Christ is not valued at all,
unless He is valued above all.”

“He who created you, without you,
will not justify you, without you.”

“If we live good lives, the times are also good.
As we are, such are the times.”

St Augustine (354-430)
Doctor of Grace

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Thoughts of Mary – 13 May – Behold Your Mother

Posted on May 13, 2020May 13, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Thoughts of Mary – 13 May – “Mary’s Month”

Behold Your Mother
Moments with Saint Pope John XXIII (1881-1963)

“Shortly before His death, Jesus, seeing His Mother with the beloved disciple by her side, said to Mary, indicating John: “Behold your son.”
Then He said to His disciple: “Behold our Mother.”

As if enraptured by the infinite generosity of God, St Robert Bellarmine asserts, that whoever draws near to the most high God with a frank and open heart may obtain grace and salvation. In fact, Jesus, who wanted us to be co-heirs with Himself of His Father’s Kingdom, invites us too, to share in the kindness of His perfect Mother and, she herself loves to carry on her work of mercy and solicitude for all who are working their way to their home with her Son.

“Let us then,” says Bellarmine, “hasten with confidence to Christ’s throne of grace and with prayers and profound contrition, let us beg Him to repeat for everyone of us, the words He said His Mother: “Behold your son.”
In the same way, as He looks at Mary, may He repeat to everyone of us, the wonderful invitation: “Behold your Mother.”

In short, here we find our true relationship, already established on earth, with Jesus our Redeemer and our brother and our relationship with Mary, the Mother of Jesus and of all who belong to the to those He has wished to redeem.
It is, therefore, a glory of Catholic worship and of the Christian Doctrine, which always presents the Lord Jesus to us with His Mother by His side.

How eternally happy are those faithful, who invoke the heavenly Queen by the sweet name of Mother and faithfully follow her counsel, her inspiration and her example!” shortly before his death - st john XXIII 13 may 2020

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Quote/s of the Day – 13 May – Our Lady of Fatima

Posted on May 13, 2020May 13, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 13 May – “Mary’s Month” The Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima

“Look, my Daughter,”
Our Lady said to Lúcia on 10 December 1925,
“at my heart, surrounded with thorns,
with which ungrateful men pierce me. “

Our Lady assured Lúcia:
“My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge
and the way that will lead you to God.”
Thus, if we devote ourselves to her Immaculate Heart,
Mary will lead us to her Son, Jesus Christ
and we will be on the way to Heaven.

Our Lady of Fatima

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One Minute Reflection – 14 May – “Without me you can do nothing”

Posted on May 13, 2020May 13, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 14 May – “Mary’s Month” – Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 15:1-6, Psalm 122:1-5, John 15:1-8 and the Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima and St André-Hubert Fournet (1752-1834)

“Without me you can do nothing” … John 15:5 john 15 5 without me you can do nothing 13 may 2020

REFLECTION – “Holiness begins from Christ and Christ is its cause. For no act, conducive to salvation, can be performed unless it proceeds from Him as from its supernatural source. “Without me,” He says, “you can do nothing.”(Jn 15:5). If we grieve and do penance for our sins if, with filial fear and hope, we turn again to God, it is because He is leading us. Grace and glory flow from His inexhaustible fullness…

When the Sacraments of the Church are administered by external rite, it is He who produces their effect in souls. He nourishes the redeemed with His own flesh and blood and thus calms the turbulent passions of the soul; He gives increase of grace and prepares future glory for souls and bodies.

Christ our Lord wills the Church to live His own supernatural life and by His divine power permeates His whole Body and nourishes and sustains each of the members, according to the place which they occupy in the body, in the same way as the vine, nourishes and makes fruitful the branches, which are joined to it. (cf. Jn 15:4-6).” … Venerable Pius XII (1976-1958) Papacy 1939 to 1958 – Encyclical “Mystici Corporis”

PRAYER – Holy God and Father, help us to discern through prayer and meditation what You truly want of us. Then enable us to offer it to You and indeed, to offer ourselves and all we have and all we are, to You. When You bring us sufferings to mould us closer and make us more like You, help us to accept them and offer them back to You. Following Your divine Son, let us pick up those crosses in peace and love. Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us! St André-Hubert Fournet, pray for us. Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God now and forever, amen. our lady of fatima pray for us no 2 - 13 oct 2018

st andre hubert fournet pray for us 13 may 2020

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Quote/s of the Day – 12 May – Peace

Posted on May 12, 2020May 12, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 12 May – “Mary’s Month” Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 14:19-28, Psalm 145:10-13, 21, John 14:27-31

“Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

John 14:27

‘He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit” ‘
Lord Jesus Christ, once again grant that of us, too, there may be but “one heart and mind” (Acts 4:32) for then there will be “a great calm” (Mk 4:39).
My dear listeners, I exhort you to good will and kindness to one another and peace with all. For were we to have charity among ourselves, we would have both peace and the Holy Spirit. Let us undertake to become devout and pray to God… since the apostles persevered in prayer… If we set ourselves to fervent prayer then the Holy Spirit will enter us and say: “Peace be with you! It is ,; be not afraid” (cf. Mk 6:50)…
And what ought we to ask God for, my brethren? For all that is for His honour and the salvation of your souls and, in a word, for the help of the Holy Spirit – “Send forth your Spirit and they will be created” (Ps 104[103]:30) – peace and tranquillity…”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church

First Sermon for Pentecost

“Peace is not the product of terror or fear.
Peace is not the silence of cemeteries.
Peace is not the silent result of violent repression.
Peace is the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all.
Peace is dynamism.
Peace is generosity.
It is right and it is duty.”

St Óscar Romero (1917–1980)

“May the God of love and peace,
set your hearts at rest
and speed you on your journey,
may He meanwhile,
shelter you from disturbance by others,
in the hidden recesses of His love,
until He brings you, at last,
into that place of complete plenitude,
where you will repose forever,
in the vision of peace,
in the security of trust
and in the restful enjoyment of His riches.”

St Raymond of Peñafort (1175-1275)
“Father of Canon Law”

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One Minute Reflection – 11 May – ‘God’s Spirit is a spirit of peace …’

Posted on May 12, 2020May 12, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 11 May – “Mary’s Month” Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 14:19-28, Psalm 145:10-13, 21, John 14:27-31

“My peace I give to you”… John 14:27

john 14 27 my piece I give to you 12 may 2020

REFLECTION – “God’s Spirit is a spirit of peace, even after our most serious failings He makes us feel a sorrow that is peaceful, humble and confident, precisely because of His mercy. The spirit of evil, on the other hand, agitates, irritates and makes us feel a sort of anger at ourselves when we have failed. Yet it falls very much to ourselves to practice charity in the first place. So, when you are bothered by certain thoughts, the agitation never comes from God but from the devil, since God, being a spirit of peace, brings you serenity.” … St Pio of Pietralcina “Padre Pio” (1887-1968) – Letter 549

god's spirit is a spirit of peace - st padre pio 12 may 2020

PRAYER – Loving Father, grant us the grace to strive after perfect love. Help us to bring forth frequents acts of love so that we may grow in this greatest of virtues and thus find perfect peace. In the great love of Your divine Son, who gave Himself for us, He filled us with peace and hope. May these gifts grow always in our hearts. We ask for the intercession of Mary, the Blessed Virgin, His Mother. Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.

holy-mother-mary-at-prayer-pray-for-us-21-may-2018

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Thought for the Day – 11 May – The Search for God

Posted on May 11, 2020May 9, 2022 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 11 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Search for God

“There was a man who left home in order to travel.
For many months, he wandered on and on, sometimes along broad highways, sometimes on rocky by-roads.
Often he travelled in hail, rain and snow, often beneath a burning sun but no matter what the weather, he journeyed on and on.
He climbed the peaks of the highest mountains and came down again into the valleys.
It seemed as if his journey would never end.
One day, however, he grew very tired and sat down pensively by the side of the road.
A passer-by approached him in a friendly fashion, “You look very tired,” he said. “Have you been a long time travelling?”
“A very long time,” came the answer. “I don’t seem to have any energy left.”
“But where are you going?” his new friend enquired.
The traveller almost started.
After a moment’s consideration, he replied in a toe of wonder: “Where am I going? I’m afraid I don’t know!”

Many men, unfortunately, are like the traveller in this story.
They have been a long time on the road.
They can hardly remember when they first set out in search of a distant dream.
They are looking anxiously but often unconsciously, for happiness.
But they cannot find it, for happiness is a name for something greater, for God Himself.
It is God whom we must seek if we wish to find happiness.
Otherwise, our earthly journey will have no purpose and no goal.
Life is unintelligible without God.
“You have made us for Yourself, O Lord,” cried St Augustine “and our heart is restless until it rest in You” (Confessions I, 1:1).
Jesus understands the problem of our human nature.
“Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened,” He says “and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Quote of the Day – 11 May – Obeying God

Posted on May 11, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote of the Day – 11 May – “Mary’s Month” – Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 14:5-18, Psalm 115:1-2.3-4.15-16, John 14:21-26.

“Whoever does not love me, does not keep my words.”

John 14:24

“If some rich and powerful friend were to enter your home,
you would quickly clean the entire house,
for fear something there, might offend your friend’s eyes, when he entered.
Let anyone then who is preparing his inner house for God,
cleanse away the dirt of his evil deeds.
… The Lord comes into the heart
and makes His home in one,
who truly loves God
and observes His commandments…”

St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604)
Doctor of the Church

Homilies on the Gospels no 30

“There is absolutely nothing
that gives us more peace,
or does more to make us holy,
than obeying the will of God.”

“We must offer ourselves to God
like a clean, smooth canvas
and not worry ourselves about
what God may choose to paint on it
but at each moment,
feel only, the stroke of His brush.”

Fr Jean Pierre de Caussade (1675-1751)

‘Abandonment to Divine Providence’

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One Minute Reflection – 11 May – ‘…The keeping of the commandments is the fruit…’

Posted on May 11, 2020May 11, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 11 May – “Mary’s Month” – Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 14:5-18, Psalm 115:1-2.3-4.15-16, John 14:21-26.

“Whoever has my commandments and observes them, is the one who loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” … John 14:21-22

REFLECTION – “The reign of life has begun, the tyranny of death is ended. A new birth has taken place, a new life has come, a new order of existence has appeared, our very nature has been transformed! This birth is not brought about by human generation, by the will of man, or by the desire of the flesh but by God.

If you wonder how, I will explain in clear language. Faith is the womb that conceives this new life, baptism the rebirth by which it is brought forth into the light of day. The Church is its nurse, her teachings are its milk, the bread from heaven is its food. It is brought to maturity by the practice of virtue, it is wedded to wisdom, it gives birth to hope. Its home is the kingdom, its rich inheritance the joys of paradise, its end, not death but the blessed and everlasting life prepared for those who are worthy.

… In this new creation, purity of life is the sun, the virtues are the stars, transparent goodness is the air and the depths of the riches of wisdom and knowledge, the sea. Sound doctrine, the divine teachings are the grass and plants that feed God’s flock, the people whom He shepherds, the keeping of the commandments is the fruit, borne by the trees.

On this day is created the true man, the man made in the image and likeness of God. … He who for our sake became like us in order to make us His brothers, now presents to His true Father His own humanity, in order to draw all His kindred up after Him.” … St Gregory of Nyssa (c 335–c 395) Father of the Church- An excerpt from On Christ’s Resurrection, Homily 1 john 14-21-22 whoever has my commandments and keeps them - sound doctrine the divine teachings - st gregory of nyssa - 11 may 2020

PRAYER – Lord, by Your grace, we are made one in mind and heart. Give us a love for what You command and a longing for what You promise, so that, amidst this world’s changes, we may cling to our Father, live by Your word and carry it out against all the foes around us. May our hearts be set on the world of lasting joy, our true home with You. May the angels and saints intercede for us and may our Mother, the Mother of God, be a constant assistant and guiding hand. We make our prayer, through our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God with You, forever and ever, amen. holy immm mothr of god pray for us 11 may 2020

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Sunday Reflection – 10 May – ”Lord, I am not worthy”

Posted on May 10, 2020May 10, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Sunday Reflection – 10 May – The Fifth Sunday of Easter

”Lord, I am not worthy”

St John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

When I say, Domine, non sum dignus—”Lord, I am not worthy”—You whom I am addressing, alone understands in their fullness the words which I use. You see how unworthy so great a sinner is to receive the One Holy God, whom the Seraphim adore with trembling. You see, not only the stains and scars of past sins but the mutilations, the deep cavities, the chronic disorders which they have left in my soul. You see the innumerable living sins, though they be not mortal, living in their power and presence, their guilt and their penalties, which clothe me. You see all my bad habits, all my mean principles, all wayward lawless thoughts, my multitude of infirmities and miseries, yet You come. You see most perfectly how little I really feel what I am now saying, yet You come.

O my God, left to myself should I not perish under the awful splendour and the consuming fire of Your Majesty. Enable me to bear You, lest I have to say with Peter, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”

Act of Spiritual Communion
By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor

I desire, good Jesus,
to receive Thee in Holy Communion
and since I cannot now receive Thee
in the Blessed Sacrament,
I beseech Thee to come to me spiritually
and to refresh my soul with Thy sweetness.
Come, my Lord, my God and my All!
Come to me
and never let me ever again be separated from Thee by sin.
Teach me Thy blessed ways,
help me with Thy grace to imitate Thy example,
to practise meekness, humility,
charity and all the virtues of Thy Sacred Heart.
My divine Master, my one desire is to do Thy will
and to love Thee more and more.
Help me that I may be faithful to the end in Thy service.
Bless me in life and in death,
that I may praise Thee forever in heaven, Amen.

act of spiritual comm by st alphonsus 10 may 2020 no 4

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One Minute Reflection – 10 May – Let us renew our faith in Him

Posted on May 10, 2020May 9, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – – 10 May – The Fifth Sunday of Easter, Readings: Acts 6:1-7, Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19, 1 Peter 2:4-9, John 14:1-12

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do ..” … John 14:12

REFLECTION – “In the Gospel we have just heard, Jesus tells His Apostles to put their faith in Him, for he is “the way, and the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6). Christ is the way that leads to the Father, the truth which gives meaning to human existence and the source of that life which is eternal joy with all the saints in His heavenly Kingdom. Let us take the Lord at His word! Let us renew our faith in Him and put all our hope in His promises!
… Praying fervently for the coming of the Kingdom also means being constantly alert for the signs of its presence and working for its growth in every sector of society. It means facing the challenges of present and future with confidence in Christ’s victory and a commitment to extending His reign. It means not losing heart in the face of resistance, adversity and scandal. It means overcoming every separation between faith and life and countering false gospels of freedom and happiness. It also means rejecting a false dichotomy between faith and political life, since, as the Second Vatican Council put it, “there is no human activity – even in secular affairs – which can be withdrawn from God’s dominion” (Lumen Gentium, 36). It means working to enrich … society and culture with the beauty and truth of the Gospel and never losing sight of that great hope which gives meaning and value to all the other hopes which inspire our lives.
… In today’s Gospel, the Lord promises His disciples that they will perform works even greater than His (see Jn 14:12). Dear friends, only God in His providence, knows what works His grace has yet to bring forth in your lives and in the life of the Church! … Let us now join our prayers to His, as living stones in that spiritual temple which is His One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Let us lift our eyes to Him, for even now He is preparing for us a place in His Father’s house. And empowered by His Holy Spirit, let us work with renewed zeal for the spread of His Kingdom.” … Pope Benedict XVI – Fifth Sunday of Easter, 20 April 2008 john 14 12 whoever believes in me - let us renew our faith pope benedict 10 may 2020

PRAYER – Almighty God and Father, Your ways are not our ways, teach us to willingly agree to them, for You know which way we should go. Help us to say “yes” always to Your plan and to render ourselves, as a sacrament of Your divine love to all we meet. Fill us with the grace to be Your tools, to bring glory to Your kingdom. Our Father, who art in heaven, may Your Will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Mary Mother of God, Mother of Faith, pray for us! Through our Our Lord Jesus Christ with You, in the union of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen. mary-mother-of-faith-pray-for-us-19-may-2018

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Thoughts of Mary – 9 May – “Show You are Our Mother”

Posted on May 9, 2020May 9, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Thoughts of Mary – 9 May – “Mary’s Month”

“Show You are Our Mother”
Moments with Saint Pope John XXIII (1881-1963)

“The glorification of Mary, as it shines in the gentle radiance of this month’s celebrations, is simply a reminder of her mission, of all God’s purpose in her.

It is a mission of mercy and salvation, which springs from her other supreme privilege, divine motherhood.
God’s purpose is one of forgiveness and reconciliation, because the Heavenly Father, when He sent His Son to redeem the world, chose Mary as His first collaborator in His plan for our redemption.
In her, heaven and earth were joined and through her, the Divine Saviour was offered to mankind.

What harmonies of piety and love are awakened by the hymn Salve Regina, one of the oldest and dearest of all canticles, which sings with trustful longing, of this motherly role of Mary!
From beginning to end, this prayer – “Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy,” is the lyrical cry of all, who, disturbed by sin and subject to tears, pain and death, still look to her, as their “life, sweetness and hope.”
To her, they address their imploring prayer, a supreme expression of shining and unconquerable faith: “Show unto us Jesus, the blessed fruit of thy womb, O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.”

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Thought for the Day – 9 May – The Cardinal Virtues of Mary

Posted on May 9, 2020May 8, 2021 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 9 May – “Mary’s Month” Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Cardinal Virtues of Mary

“Mary’s soul has been appropriately styled, ‘the Garden of all the Virtues.’
In it, the three theological virtues were wonderfully interwoven with the four cardinal virtues of, justice, prudence, temperance and fortitude.

As St John Chrysostom observed, justice is nothing else but the perfect observance of all the commandments. (Homil 12 super Matth).
The Blessed Virgin obeyed all the commandments in her relations with God, to Whom she dedicated herself, from the moment when she gained the use of reason.
She obeyed them in her relations with her Son, Jesus Christ, for she reared and instructed Him with loving maternal care, even though she knew that He was God and had no need of her attention.
She fulfilled them in her relations with men, for whose salvation, she united her sufferings and her merits, to the infinite sufferings ad merits of our Saviour.

Furthermore, Mary was prudence itself.
This virtue shone forth in all her words and in all her actions.
When the Angel appeared in human form and told her that she was to be the Mother of God, she was not flattered nor complacent.
She thought calmly about the mystery which had been announced to her and asked the Angel how it could come to be, since she had already consecrated her virginity to God.
She pronounced her Fiat only when she was reassured by the Angel that through the intervention of the Holy Spirit, she would be a virgin mother.
This was the beginning of the miracle of the Incarnation.
When she was greeted by St Elizabeth as the Mother of the Lord, she did not boast about her distinction but composed a hymn of gratitude, in which she attributed her glory to God alone.
Mary’s prudence, is equally evident in her words of gentle reproof to Jesus after He had been lost and found again, in the company of the Doctors.
It is again obvious at the wedding celebrations in Cana, when she knew well, how to snatch the first miracle from the heart of Jesus.

Mary possessed the virtue of temperance also, both in her external behaviour and in her perfect internal control over all her faculties.
This was the result of her immunity from original sin, which has created such grave moral disorder in our poor human nature.
This virtue, was further perfected, by the purity and holiness of her daily life.

Finally, the virtue of fortitude was Mary’s to an heroic degree.
But her fortitude was always calm and controlled.
The elderly Simeon had foretold that the sword of sorrow would pierce her heart.
Her whole life was interwoven with suffering and privation.
From the manger in Bethlehem, to the flight into Egypt, from the Circumcision, when Jesus first shed His blood, to the Hill of Calvary, where He gave all He had for our salvation.
Mary offered her sufferings along with those of her divine Son for our redemption.
Her fortitude never wavered but was always serene, for her mind and heart were in constant communication with God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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Quote/s of the Day – 9 May – ‘God does not leave us groping in the dark.’

Posted on May 9, 2020May 9, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 9 May – Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 13:44-52, Psalm 98:1-4, John 14:7-14

“If you know me, then you will also know my Father.
From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

John 14:7

” God does not leave us groping in the dark.
He has shown Himself to us as a man.
In His greatness, He has let Himself become small.”

“What is Faith?

First, faith is simple.
We believe in God – in God,
who is the Beginning
and End of human life.
We believe in a God,
who enters into a relationship
with us human beings,
who is our origin and our future.
Consequently, faith is,
always and inseparably, hope –
the certainty that we have a future
and will not end up as nothing.
And faith is love,
since God’s love is “contagious”.
This is the first thing –
we simply believe in God
and this brings with it,
hope and love.”

Pope Benedict XVI

Regensburg Homily, Tuesday 12 September 2006

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One Minute Reflection – 9 May – “He who has seen me has seen the Father…”

Posted on May 9, 2020May 9, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 9 May – Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 13:44-52, Psalm 98:1-4, John 14:7-14 and the Memorial of Bl Giovanni Benincasa of Montepulciano OSM (1375-1426)

“He who has seen me has seen the Father…”…John 14:9

REFLECTION – “Beloved, Jesus Christ is our salvation, He is the high priest through whom we present our offerings and the helper who supports us in our weakness. Through Him, our gaze penetrates the heights of heaven and we see, as in a mirror, the most holy face of God. Through Christ, the eyes of our hearts are opened and our weak and clouded understanding, reaches up toward the light. Through Him the Lord God willed that we should taste eternal knowledge, for Christ is the radiance of God’s glory and as much greater than the angels as the name God has given Him is superior to theirs.
… Think, my brothers, of how we first came into being, of what we were at the first moment of our existence. Think of the dark tomb out of which our Creator brought us into His world, where He had His gifts prepared for us, even before we were born. All this we owe to Him and for everything, we must give Him thanks. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen.” … St Pope Clement of Rome (c 35-99), Apostolic Father, Bishop of Rome and Martyr – An excerpt from his Letter to the Corinthians

PRAYER – Since it is from You God, our Father, that redemption comes to us, Your adopted children, look with favour on the family You love, give us true freedom and to all who believe in Christ and bring us all alike to our eternal heritage. Grant we pray, that by the prayers of Your holy angels and saints, Blessed Giovanni Benincasa and most especially our beloved Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ, we may run this race always in prayer, trusting in Your divine Son’s intercession, to attain the Glory of Your Kingdom and the Light of Your Face. Through Jesus Christ, in the union of the Holy Spirit, God with You, forever and ever, amen.

mary-mater-christi-pray-for-us-18-may-2019 and 9 may 2020

BL GIOVANNI BENINCASA PRAY FOR US 9 MAY 2020

CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MARIAN PRAYERS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 8 May – Blessed Henri Vergès FMS (1930-1994) Martyr

Posted on May 8, 2020 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 8 May – The Memorial of Blessed Henri Vergès FMS (1930-1994) Martyr, Marist Brothers Missionary and one of the 19 Algerian Martyrs

“… How can one express a spiritual experience?
One can only stammer.
God alone knows the windings of the way,
the path He intends for this one and for that one,
the journeying marked out by our
welcomes and refusals.”

“God has simply sent me
to sow the seed in the field chosen by Him –
thus, to sow in peace
and to leave Him
to look after the growth.
Without being surprised
by the presence of the cross,
as in the life of Jesus Himself.”

“Let the Peace of Christ
invade me always,
more and more intimately.
Patience, gentleness towards myself,
patience, gentleness towards all,
in particular, the young people
the Lord entrusts to me.
Virgin Mary, make me
an instrument of peace
for the world.”

Bl Henri Vergès FMS (1930-1994) Martyr

"Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 May – ‘Hitch up your garment and be ready for action…’

Posted on May 8, 2020May 8, 2020 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 8 May – “Mary’s Month” – Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter, Readings: Acts 13:26-33, Psalm 2:6-11, John 14:1-6 and the Memorial of Blessed Henri Vergès FMS (1930-1994) Martyr

Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me.” … John 14:6 i am the way the truth and the life john 14 6 8 may 2020

REFLECTION – “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 (Ps 118[119]:31 LXX), 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 ….

Take the wings of the love of God to fly like the clouds (cf. Is 60:8), raised above the obstacles of this earth. Anoint your feet with the oil of joy (cf. Ps 44:8) and temperance. Do not hinder the Lord’s narrow way with your dragging feet. If you are thirsty in your pusillanimity, drink the water of patience (cf. Sir 15:3), if you are hungry in your spiritual sluggishness, eat the bread that nourishes and strengthens the heart of man (cf. Ps 103[104]:15), a word of wisdom and courage. Hitch up your garment and be ready for action, look up and don’t burden yourself with those oppressive loads which are your evil desires. For anyone who is accomplishing the journey from earth to heaven, it is enough to diligently pursue one’s path without assuming extra weight. …

Be strong in the Lord; go up to the mountain of God, to His holy house (Is 2:3) with Isaiah the cantor, the prophet with such a powerful voice. Let none remain behind, none sit down; help one another, everyone rooted in a firm charity.” … St Theodore the Studite (759-826) Monk and Theologian at Constantinople – Catechesis 11 do not hinder the lord's narrow way with your dragging feet - st theodore the studite 8 may 2020

PRAYER – “[Lord God] I believe in You, increase my faith. All my hopes are in You, secure my trust. I love You, teach me to love You more each day… I adore You as my first beginning, I long for You as my final end. I praise You as my constant helper and call on You as my loving protector. Guide me by Your Wisdom, correct me with Your Justice, comfort me with Your Mercy, protect me by Your Power… Lord, enlighten my understanding, enflame my will, purify my heart, sanctify my soul. Help me to repent of my past sins and to rise above my human weaknesses and to grow stronger as a Christian…” (from the Universal Prayer by Pope Clement XI (1649-1721) Mary, Mother of our Lord, pray for us! Blessed Henri Vergès (1930-1994) Martyr, pray for us!

bl henri verges pray for us 8 may 2020

	Beato Henrikus dari… on Saint of the Day – 10 Ju…
	Santo Yakobus Berthi… on Saint of the Day – 8 Jun…
	Santo Antonius Maria… on Saint of the Day – 7 Jun…
	Santo Norbertus dari… on Saint of the Day – 6 Jun…
	AnaStpaul on NOVENA in honour of the SACRED…

Mary, the Source of Peace

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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St Pope John Paul II (1920-1005) Pray for Us!

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Contemplation and Our Lady

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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John 14:16-17

St Ambrose (340-397) Father & Doctor of the Church

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

St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Father and Doctor of the Church Doctor of the Incarnation

St John Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859)

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Prayer and Our Lady

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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John 15:19

St Augustine (354-430) Doctor of Grace

St John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

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The Angelus Moments with Saint Pope John XXIII (1881-1963)

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John 15:12

Pope Benedict XVI

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Praying With Our Mother Moments with Saint Pope John XXIII (1881-1963)

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John 15:14

St Augustine (354-430) Doctor of Grace

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Behold Your Mother Moments with Saint Pope John XXIII (1881-1963)

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Our Lady of Fatima

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John 14:27

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church

St Óscar Romero (1917–1980)

St Raymond of Peñafort (1175-1275) “Father of Canon Law”

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The Search for God

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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John 14:24

St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) Doctor of the Church

Fr Jean Pierre de Caussade (1675-1751)

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”Lord, I am not worthy”

St John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

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“Show You are Our Mother” Moments with Saint Pope John XXIII (1881-1963)

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The Cardinal Virtues of Mary

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

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John 14:7

Pope Benedict XVI

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Bl Henri Vergès FMS (1930-1994) Martyr

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St Pope John Paul II (1920-1005)
Pray for Us!

St Ambrose (340-397)
Father & Doctor of the Church

St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444)
Father and Doctor of the Church
Doctor of the Incarnation

St Augustine (354-430)
Doctor of Grace

The Angelus
Moments with Saint Pope John XXIII (1881-1963)

Praying With Our Mother
Moments with Saint Pope John XXIII (1881-1963)

St Augustine (354-430)
Doctor of Grace

Behold Your Mother
Moments with Saint Pope John XXIII (1881-1963)

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church

St Raymond of Peñafort (1175-1275)
“Father of Canon Law”

St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604)
Doctor of the Church

“Show You are Our Mother”
Moments with Saint Pope John XXIII (1881-1963)