Quote/s of the Day – 9 October – St Louis Bertrand OP (1526-1581) “Apostle of South America,” St John Leonardi OMD (1541-1609), Founder of the Clerks Regular of the Mother of God
“If, because of your preaching, men lay aside enmities, forgive injuries, avoid occasions of sin and scandals and reform their conduct, you may say that the seed has fallen on good ground. But to God alone, give all the glory and acknowledge yourselves, ever unprofitable servants.”
One Minute Reflection – 9 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St John Leonardi (1541-1609) Confessor, Priest, Founder – 2 Corinthians 4:1-6; 4:15-18, Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Go. Behold, I send you forth as lambs in the midst of wolves.” – Luke 10:3
REFLECTION – “The Lord of all bestowed on His Apostles the power of proclaiming the Gospel. And, it is through them that we have come to understand the truth, that is to say, the teaching of the Son of God. To them, the Lord said: “Whoever listens to you, listens to Me. Whoever rejects you, rejects Me and rejects the One Who sent Me” (Lk 10:16). For we have not known the message of salvation from any, besides those who brought the Gospel to us.
This is the Gospel they first of all preached. Then, by God’s will, they handed it onto us in their Writings ,so that it might become “the pillar and foundation” of our faith (1Tm 3:15). It is not permissible to say they preached before, they had acquired perfect understanding, as some people rashly claim, who boast of being correctors of the Apostles. For indeed, after our Lord had been raised from the dead and the Apostles had been “clothed with power from on high” (Lk 24:49) by the coming of the Holy Spirit, they were filled with assurance about everything and possessed perfect knowledge. Then, they went forth “to the ends of the world” (Ps 18:5; Rom 10:18), proclaiming the Good News, of all the good things which have come to us from God and announcing peace on earth to men. Each and all, possessed the Gospel of God in equal measure.” – St Irenaeus (c130-202) Bishop, Martyr, Father of the Church (Against the heresies III, 1).
PRAYER – O God, Who in a wondrous way graciously urged blessed John, Thy Confessor, to propagate Thy faith among the pagans and through him brought together a new religious family in Thy Church for the education of the faithful, grant Thy servants, so to profit by his teaching that we may reach everlasting rewards.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).
Quote/s of the Day – 8 October – St Bridget of Sweden (c1303-1373) Widow
“The source of justice, is not vengeance but charity.”
“The world would have peace, if only men of politics would follow the Gospel.”
“My Lord Jesus Christ, Thy blessed, Royal and magnificent Heart, could never, be swayed, by torments , or terrors, or blandishments, from the defence of Thine Kingdom of Truth and Justice.”
One Minute Reflection – 8 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Bridget of Sweden (c 1303-1373) Widow – Ephesians 4:23-28, Matthew 22:1-14 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Everything is ready; come to the marriage feast.” – Matthew 22:5
REFLECTION – “Everything is ready. Come to the marriage feast.” But the people invited asked to be excused. They went “one to his farm, another to his business”… This astonishing busy-ness and constant agitation which stir the world, are seen, alas, only too often. The prodigious amount of clothing, food, buildings which we have and the many things, half of which would be ample enough, make one dizzy. This life should be nothing other, than a passage to eternity. With all our strength, we have to pull ourselves away from this exuberant activity and diversity, from all that is not absolutely necessary and, we must become recollected in ourselves, become attached to our vocation, consider where, how and in what manner, the Lord has called us – one to interior contemplation, the other to activity and a third… to interior quiet, in the calm silence of divine darkness, in unity of spirit.
Even these latter, are sometimes called by God to exterior, sometimes to interior actions, according to His good pleasure, yet,, the man pays no attention to his call. But if the person, who is called, interiorly to noble and calm silence, in the emptiness of the dark cloud, (Ex 24:18) was always wanting to forgo all charitable work because of it, then it would not be good. And unfortunately, the numbers of those today, who wish to carry out extra works of charity, are very rare . … The Gospel tells us too that the Master found one of His guests seated at the banquet who was not wearing the wedding garment. The wedding garment, which, this guest was lacking, is pure, true and divine charity, the true intention of seeking God which excludes all love of self and of all which is foreign to God – it wants only that which God wants. … To those who seek themselves, our Lord says: “My friend, how did you come in here without the garment of true charity?” They sought the gifts of God, rather than God Himself!” – Father Johnnes Tauler OP (c1300-1361) Dominican Friar, renowned Preacher and Theologian (Sermon 74 in honour of St Cordula (Died c450) Virgin Martyr, Companion of St Ursula).
PRAYER – O Lord, our God, Who through Thy Only-begotten Son revealed secrets to blessed Bridget, grant that through her kind intercession, we, Thy servants, may rejoice and be glad in the revelation of Thy eternal glory. 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).
One Minute Reflection – 7 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary – Proverbs 8:22-24, 32-35, Luke 1:26-38 Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And Mary said: Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to thy word.” – Luke 1:38
REFLECTION – “You have heard, O Virgin, that you are to conceive and bring forth a Son and that this will not be through the power of man but, by the virtue of the Holy Spirit. The Angel awaits your reply, for it is time that he should return to God Who sent him. We, too, are waiting, O Lady, for a word of mercy, we, who are groaning under the sentence of condemnation. See, the price of our salvation is offered to you; if you consent, we shall at once be delivered. By the Eternal Word of God were we all created and behold, we will all die. By your brief answer, we shall be refreshed and recalled to life! …
Hasten, then, O Lady, to give your answer; hasten to speak the word so longed for by all on earth, in limbo and in Heaven. Yes, the King and Lord of all things, Who has “greatly desired your beauty” (Ps 44:12), desires, as eagerly, your word of consent by which He has purposed to save the world. He, Whom you pleased by your silence, will be yet more pleased by your reply. Hark! He calls to you from Heaven – “O most beautiful among women, let me hear your voice” (Sg 1:8; 2:14) … Answer the Angel quickly, then; yes, through the Angel give your consent to your God. Answer one syllable, receive the Word; utter your own word and conceive that which is Divine. Speak the word that is transitory and embrace the Word which is everlasting! …”
“Behold,” she says, “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done to me according to thy word.” – St Bernard (1091-1153) Father and Doctor of the Church (Homily 4 on the “Missus est” [He was sent] #8-9).
PRAYER – O God, Whose Only-begotten Son, by His life, death and resurrection, has merited for us the grace of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, that, meditating on these Mysteries in the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may both imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 7 October – Our Lady of the Holy Rosary/Our Lady of Victory – Commemorating the Victory of Lepanto – 1571
The Holy Rosary By Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903)
Accept, mighty Maid, we beseech thee, This prayer with its fragrance of flowers; With one soul we seek thus to reach thee And hail thee, God’s Mother and ours.
Thy heart is made glad by our praying; Thy bounty is generous and wise; Thy hands are enriched for conveying What God’s tender Mercy supplies.
We kneel at thy Shrines in the Churches; Oh, gently look down from above, And welcome the heart that then searches For worthy expressions of love.
Let others present precious caskets Of gems, or heap Altars with gold; Slight prayer-beads shall serve us for baskets To bring thee the garland they hold.
With violets lowly we fashion This wreath and with these combined Red roses–our faith in the Passion With Chastity’s lilies entwined.
Our minds, as the Mysteries vary, Are active, our hands play their part And always thy name, Holy Mary! Oft-uttered, rejoices the heart.
Be with us, we trust thee to guide us Through life and when labouring breath At the last, seeks thine aid, be beside us To help at the hour of our death. Anen
Intention: “The Spiritual Welfare of our Children”
Oh Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of the Infant Babe of Bethlehem, and Our Mother, enkindle in our hearts the spark of youthful innocence. We know of thy great love for little children. It was to innocent children that thou deigned to appear, revealing the Message of Fatima and charging them with its propagation. We know no better way to show our regard for them, dear Mother, than to offer our prayers for all children everywhere.
Therefore, O Mother dear, we ask thee to watch over all children in all parts of the world, to guard and protect their homes, to preserve the schools wherein they learn and to keep them from being tainted by Godless education. Direct them in their play and in all their works that they may grow in age, wisdom and the love of God. Grant too, Blessed Mother, that the prayers of our children may hasten the end of all wars of carnage and devastation and grant unto this world an era of just and lasting peace. We pray that the world may return to Jesus, thy Son, through Reparation to thy Immaculate Heart.
Our Lady of Fatima, we beseech thee to inflame our hearts with the love of Reparation and protection of the souls of our children.. Amen
We pray our Daily Rosary now with the same Intention: “The Spiritual Welfare of our Children”
Thought for the Day – 6 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” The Fourth Joyful Mystery The Purification of Our Lady and The Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple
“Then Joseph and Mary carried the Infant Jesus to the Temple to offer Him to God and to buy Him back as their first-born Son, with the price paid by the poor, namely, with a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons. Let us reflect on this new act of humility on the part of the Holy Family. In spite of the supreme dignity which had been accorded them, they submitted quietly to the law which bound those in poverty and in sin. We, who are so fond of money and of ostentation, have much to learn from this scene. Jesus, the God-Man, is purchased back as a sinner for two for two young pigeons. Mary, the Immaculate Virgin and Mother and Joseph, the holiest and noblest of men, make themselves subject to the law of sin. We can derive from this, lessons in humility and in detachment from the goods of this world.”
Quote/s of the Day – 6 October – St Bruno O.Cart (c1030-1101) Priest, Confessor
“While the world changes, the Cross stands firm.”
“By your work, you show what you love and what you know.”
“For the devil may tempt the good but he cannot find rest in them; for he is shaken violently and upset and driven out – now by their prayers, now by their tears of repentance and now. by their almsgiving and similar good works.”
One Minute Reflection – 6 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Bruno O.Cart (c1030-1101) Priest, Confessor – Sirach 31:8-11, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search: https://www.drbo.org/ – – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Blessed are those servants, whom the Master, on His return, shall find watching.” – Luke 12:37
REFLECTION – “How blessed, how happy are those servants, “whom the lord when He comes shall find watching!” (Lk 12:37) Blessed watch, in which they watch for God the Creator of the universe, who fills all things and surpasses all!
Would that myself too, wretched though I be, yet His poor servant, He might deign so to arouse from the sleep of idleness, so to kindle with that fire of Divine Love that the flame of His Love, the longing of His so great Charity, would mount above the stars and the Divine Fire would ever burn within me!
Would that I were of such deserving, that my lamp might ever burn by night in the temple of my Lord that, to all entering the house of my God, it might give light (cf Mt 5:15). Lord, grant me, I pray Thee, in the Name of Jesus Christ Thy Son, my God that love which knows no fall, so that my lamp may feel the kindling touch and know no quenching, may burn for me and for others, may give light!” – St Columban (543-615) Monk, Irish Missionary, Abbot, Writer, Reformer, Teacher, Miracle-worker, Founder of numerous Monateries in present-day France and Italy. (Spiritual Instructions No 12:2)
PRAYER – May we be aided by the intercession of St Bruno, Thy Confessor, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that we, who have grievously offended Thy Majesty by sin, may, by his merits and prayers, obtain forgiveness for our offenses. 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).
O Lord, Show Thy Mercy to Me By St Jerome (347-419) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church
O Lord, show Thy mercy to me and gladden my heart. I am like the man on the way to Jericho, who was overtaken by robbers, wounded and left for dead. O Good Samaritan, come to my aid. I am like the sheep which went astray. O Good Shepherd, seek me out and bring me home, in accord with Thy will. Let me dwell in Thy house all the days of my life and praise Thee, forever and ever with those who are there. Amen.
Thought for the Day – 5 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” The Third Joyful Mystery The Birth of Jesus
“Like the simple shepherds, let us prostrate ourselves with faith and with love before the Manger. Let us offer, as our gifts, our good resolutions; let us offer our hearts and ask God to change them and make them entirely His forever.
Quite suddenly, the darkness of the night and the wretchedness of the cave was illuminated by a bright light from Heaven. While men were unaware of, or indifferent to, the miraculous event which had taken place, bands of Angels descended from Heaven and sang: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace among men of goodwill” (Lk 2:13-14). Joseph bent over the Divine Infant and silently adored Him, while the Blessed Virgin knelt at His Feet in loving contemplation.
Let us too, learn to adore and love Him, as His Mother and Foster-Father did.”
Quote/s of the Day – 5 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Hebrews 10:32-38, Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more they can do. … be afraid of him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell. ”
Luke 12:4-5
“Take courage: It is I, do not be afraid. And He got into the boat with them and the wind fell”
Mark 6:50-51
“Do not, therefore, lose your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of patience that, doing the will of God, you may receive the promise. For yet a very little while and He Who is to come, will come and will not delay.”
Hebrews 10:35-37
“Go forward bravely. Fear nothing. Trust in God – all will be well.”
St Joan of Arc (1412-1431)
“ Now it is that we are to show an invincible courage towards our Saviour, serving Him purely for the love of His will, not only without pleasure but amid this deluge of sorrows, horrors, distresses and assaults, as did his glorious Mother and St John, upon the day of His Passion. Amongst so many blasphemies, sorrows and deadly distresses, they remained constant in love …”
“The good Angels are around you, like a company of Sentinels on guard!”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor Caritatis
“We think not enough of this Truth – that God is present with us that He sees our thoughts, even long before we have them. That He knows what we think and shall think, better than we ourselves that He sees the folds and recesses, of our heart and of this other Truth – that NOTHING HAPPENS to us but by the order of Providence. We should all be Saints, if we well apprehended these Truths. And truly, it is a great consolation, to know that God sees the bottom of our heart.”
St Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641) Disciple and Collaborator with St Francis de Sales in Founding the Sisters of the Visitation
One Minute Reflection – 5 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Hebrews 10:32-38, Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more that they can do. … be afraid of him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell. ” – Luke 12:4-5
REFLECTION – “The Gospel is life. Impiety and infidelity are the death of the soul. So then, if the soul can die, how then is it yet immortal? Because, there is always a dimension of life in the soul which can never be extinguished. And how does it die? Not in ceasing to be life but by losing its proper life. For the soul is both life to something else and it has it own proper life. Consider the order of the creatures. The soul is the life of the body. God is the life of the soul. As the life that is the soul, is present with the body that the body may not die, so the life of the soul (God), ought to be with the soul that it may not die.
How does the body die? By the departure of the soul. I say, by the departure of the soul, the body dies and it lies there as a mere carcass, what was a little before, a lively, not a contemptible object. There are in it still, its several members, the eyes and ears. But these are merely the windows of the house – its inhabitant is gone. Those who bewail the dead, cry in vain at the windows of the house. There is no-one there within it to hear. Why is the body dead? Because the soul, its life, is gone. But at what point is the soul itself dead? When God, its life, has forsaken it. This then we can know and hold for certain – the body is dead without the soul and the soul is dead without God. Everyone without God has a dead soul. You who bewail the dead rather, should bewail sin! Bewail ungodliness! Bewail disbelief! – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 65).
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants, that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, maybe delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
I Will Love Thee, Lord By St Thomas of Villanova (1488-1555)
I will love Thee, Lord, in every way and without setting limits to my love. Thou set no limits to what Thou hast done for me; Thou hast not measured Thy gifts. I will not measure my love. I will love Thee, Lord, with all my strength, with all my powers, as much as I am able. Amen
Thought for the Day – 4 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” The Second Joyful Mystery Mary’s Visit to St Elizabeth
“But are we as grateful to God as we ought to be! Do we correspond with His graces? Are we prepared to make any sacrifice in order to share with others the gifts with which He has enriched us?
Let us remember that gratitude is a virtue which is very pleasing to God and draws down on us other graces and gifts.
In his panegyric on Trajan, the younger Pliny observes that the best means of soliciting new favours, is to show gratitude for those which we have already received. On the other hand, as St Bernard points out, ingratitude is like a scorching wind, which dries up the dew of Divine Mercy (Sermon 5 in Cant). Let us be grateful to God, therefore and do our best to share with others the gifts which we have received. “Because He Who is mighty has done great things for me and Holy is His Name!” (Lk 1:46-55).”
Quote/s of the Day – 4 October – St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226) Confessor, Founder
“All I want to know is Christ and the power flowing from His Resurrection!”
“Jesus is happy to come with us, as Truth is happy to be spoken, as Life to be lived, as Light to be lit, as Love is to be loved, as Joy to be given, as Peace to be spread.”
“Be strengthened in Almighty God and in the power of His might, for with His help, nothing is difficult. Throw off the heavy load of your own will, cast aside the burden of sin and gird yourselves as valiant warriors! Forget what you are leaving behind; strain forward to the great things before you. I tell you that every place where you set foot, shall be yours. For the Spirit Who goes before your face is Christ the Lord. He will carry you to the topmost peak in the arms of His Love.”
“Keep a clear eye toward life’s end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God’s creature. What you are in His sight, is what you are and nothing more. Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing that you have received… but only what you have given – a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage.”
Great and Glorious God By St Francis of Assisi (c1181-1226)
Great and glorious God, my Lord Jesus Christ! I implore Thee to enlighten me and to disperse the darkness of my soul. Give me true faith, firm hope and perfect charity. Grant me, O Lord, to know Thee so well that in all things I may act by Thy Light and in accordance with Thy holy Will. Amen
Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace. “The Peace Prayer” By St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned and it is in dying, that we are born to eternal life. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 4 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Francis of Assisi OFM (c1181–1226) Confessor, Founder – Galatians 6:14-18, Matthew 11:25-30 Scripture Search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“For My yoke is sweet and My burden light.” – Matthew 11:30
REFLECTION – “People who complain about the roughness of the Lord’s yoke have possibly not completely rejected, the heavy load of the lusts of the world, or, if they did reject them, they have enslaved themselves to them again, to their greater shame! Outwardly, they carry the yoke of the Lord but inwardly, they submit their shoulders to the burden of the world’s cares. They set on the balance of the Lord’s yoke, the hardships and difficulties which they inflict on themselves… As for the yoke of the Lord – it is “sweet and its burden light”.
Indeed, what is sweeter, what more glorious, than to see oneself lifted up above the world by the scorn one shows it and, seated at the summit of a conscience at peace, to have the whole world at one’s feet? Then, one sees nothing to desire, nothing to fear, nothing to envy, nothing of one’s own which might be taken away, no evil which might be caused one, by another. The eyes of the heart turn towards “an inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled and unfading which is kept for us in Heaven” (1 Pt 1:4). With a sort of greatness of soul, one gives little importance to this world’s goods – they pass away; to the pleasures of the flesh – they are contaminated; to the world’s pomp – it fades and, in one’s joy, one repeats the words of the Prophet: “All mankind is grass and all its glory like the flower of the field; the grass withers, the flower fades but the Word of the Lord remains forever” (Is 40:6-8)… In charity – and nowhere but in charity – dwells true tranquillity and true sweetness, for, it is the yoke of the Lord!” – St Aelred of Rievaulx (1110-1167) Cistercian Monk (The Mirror of charity I:30-31).
PRAYER – O God, Who by the good works of blessed Francis enriched Thy Church by establishing a new religious family, grant us to imitate him by emulation of him, by looking upon the things of earth as nought and ever to rejoice in sharing Thy heavenly gifts. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 4 October – St Francis of Assisi OFM (c1181–1226) Confessor, Deacon, Founder, Mystic, Stigmatist.
I Beg Thee, Lord By St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226)
I beg Thee, Lord, let the fiery, gentle power of Thy love take possession of my soul and snatch it away, from everything under Heaven, that I may die, for love of Thy love, as Thou saw fit, to die for love of mine! Amen
Oh Immaculate Heart of Mary, Virgin most pure, have compassion on those who are prone to the allurements of impurity. Give us, we beseech thee, strength to overcome our weaknesses and courage in the struggle against sin. We know it is thy ardent wish that we renew our pledge of holy purity. Oh, Immaculate Heart of Mary, we consecrate to thee here and now, without reserve, our eyes, ears, tongues, hearts– our whole beings. We promise that, with thy help, we shall be steady in our purpose to serve thee, with undefiled chastity. Give us the courage to resist all temptations and to avoid all things which may be the occasion of sin. Amen.
Our Lady of Fatima, Virgin most pure, enflame our hearts with the love of Purity and Reparation for sin.
We pray our Daily Rosary now with the same Intention: “Purity of Body and Soul”
Thought for the Day – 3 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” The First Joyful Mystery The Annunciation
“The Rosary is both a vocal and a mental prayer. When reciting the first five decades, we should meditate on the principal joyful mysteries of our faith, beginning with the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin. In other words, during the first decade, we should visualise the scene described in the Gospel.
“The Angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David and the Virgin’s name was Mary. And, when the Angel had come to her, he said “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women” (Lk 1:26-28).
Note the manner in which the Angel greets Mary. He proclaims that she is full of grace, pleasing and acceptable to God. He bows before her and says that she is blessed among women. On previous occasions Angels had appeared to Patriarchs, Kings and Prophets but always, as superior beings bearing a command from Almighty God. Why, then, does an Angel bow before this maiden and salute her with such reverence? The reason is twofold. Mary is the purest of creatures, immaculate from the moment of her conception; she is also destined to become the Mother of God, a destiny of quasi-infinite dignity. Let we, poor sinners, bow before her also and beg her to obtain for us from God, the graces of forgiveness and of sanctification. It is in this spirit, of loving humility that we should recite the First Decade of the Holy Rosary.”
Quote/s of the Day – 3 October – St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873–1897)
“A soul, in a state of grace, has nothing to fear from demons – who are cowards.”
“Trust and trust alone, should lead us to love.”
“Love alone, have I ever given to the good God; with love, He will repay me.”
“Then, overcome by joy, I cried: ‘Jesus, my love.’ At last I have found my vocation. My vocation is love. In the heart of the Church, my mother, I will be love and then I will be all things!”
“The splendour of the rose and the whiteness of the lily, do not rob the little violet of its scent, nor the daisy of its simple charm. If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness.”
One Minute Reflection – 3 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873–1897) – Isaias 66:12-14, Matthew 18:1-4 Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself, as this little child, he is the greater in the Kingdom of heaven.”- Matthew 18:4
REFLECTION – “The Lord said to His Apostles, who were already adult and mature: “Unless you turn and become like this little child, you shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 18:3&4)… He urges them to rediscover their childhood… in order that they might be born again to innocence of heart: “No-one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and spirit” (Jn 3:5).
“Unless you turn and become like this little child” – He does not say “these children” but “this child”- He only chooses one, only suggests one. And Who is this Child Whom He puts forward as an example to His disciples? I do not think it was a child of one of the people, one of the crowd, who offers an example of holiness to the Apostles, on behalf of the whole world. No, I do not think this Child comes from the people but from Heaven. This is a question of that Child from Heaven of Whom the Prophet Isaiah speaks: “A Child is born to us, a Son is given us” (9:5). This is the innocent Child, incapable of meeting insult with insult, or blows with blows and Who – better still – prays for His enemies even during His agony: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk 23:34)., The Lord overflows in this way, in His unfathomable grace, out of the innocence of heart which nature gives to children. He is that Child Who asks little ones to imitate and follow Him!” – St Maximus of Turin (Died c420) Bisho, Father (Homily 58).
PRAYER – O Lord, Who said: Unless you become as little children, you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, grant us, we beseech Thee, so to follow the footsteps of blessed Thérèse the Virgin, in humility and simplicity of heart that we may obtain everlasting rewards.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 3 October – St Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face (1873 – 1897)
Let Me Sing the Song of Love By St Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face (1873 – 1897)
Deepen Thy love in me, O Lord that I may learn, in my inmost heart how sweet it is to love, to be dissolved and to plunge myself into Thy love. Let Thy love possess and raise me above myself, with a fervour and wonder beyond imagination. Let me sing the song of love. Let me follow Thee into the heights. Let my soul spend itself in Thy praise, rejoicing for love. Let me love Thee more than myself and myself, only for Thy sake. Let me love others, as Thy law commands. Amen
Thought for the Day – 2 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Our Guardian Angels
“The realisation that our Guardian Angel is always close at hand, should be a warning to us. It should prevent us from doing anything displeasing to God. Would we venture to do anything unbecoming in the presence of our Father or Mother, or of anyone for whom we have any regard? Definitely not and still less, should we dare to perform an evil action in the presence of our Angel, to whom we owe such gratitude and in the presence of God, our Creator, Lord and Redeemer, Who could, at any moment, snap the thread which binds us to life and plunge us into eternity.
Furthermore, when pride convinces us that we are of some importance, let us turn to our Angel and pray for the virtue of humility. When we begin to seethe with anger and long to utter words which are harsh and injurious, let us ask our Angel to pray on our behalf, for the gift of Christian gentleness. When the devil fills our minds with impure images and thoughts, let us ask our Angel to beseech God to give us the Christian fortitude to resist temptation and to imitate his angelic purity.
Finally, when tepidity is sapping the vigour of our interior life, let us pray to our Guardian Angel in the hope of obtaining a share in his intimate union with God.
Let us pray the Guardian Angel prayer or at least say: “My Guardian Angel enlighten me. My Guardian Angel help me. My Guardian Angel, protect me.” Amen.”
Quote/s of the Day – 2 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” and the Feast of the Guardian Angels
“. . . You should know that there is present with you, the Angel whom God has appointed for each man. . . This Angel, who is sleepless and cannot be deceived, is always present with you; he sees all things and is not hindered by darkness. You should know, too, that with him, is God!”
St Anthony Abbot (251-356)
“Nevertheless, small though we be and long and dangerous though the road may be which remains for us to travel, what do we have to fear under so good a guardian?… The Angels are faithful, wise and powerful – what have we to fear? Let us only follow them and hold fast to them and we shall abide under the protection of the God of Heaven!”
St Bernard (1090-1153) Father and Doctor of Light
“Recommend yourself to your Angel Guardian three times a day – in the morning. by the prayer “Angele Dei” in the evening, by the same prayer and during the day, when you visit the Altars in Churches. Remember that you are to be guided by your Angel, like a blind man who cannot see the dangers of the streets and trusts entirely. to the person who leads him.”
One Minute Reflection – 2 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels – Exodus 23:20-23; Matthew 18:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“See, I am sending My Angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you, to the place I have prepared.” – Exodus 23:20
REFLECTION – “To His Angels He has given command about you that they guard you in all your ways” (Ps 90:11). What respect these words should arouse in you, to what fervour they should give birth, what trust they should inspire! Respect on account of their presence, fervour on account of their watchfulness, trust on account of their vigilance… They are there at your side, then, not just with you but for you. They stand beside you to protect and help you. What return will you make to the Lord for all the good He has done for you? (Ps 115:31). It is to Him, alone, we should give thanks and honour for their aid; it is He, Who has commanded them. “Every perfect gift,” (Jas 1:17) comes from Him alone. But we are, on no account, to fail in thanksgiving regarding the Angels, in view of the great charity, with which they obey Him and the great need we have of their assistance!
So let us be full of respect and thanksgiving for such vigilance on their part; let us love them in return and honour them as best we are able, as much as we ought… In God, let us love the Angels, knowing that one day we shall be sharers in the inheritance and that between then and now, the Father allows and arranges that they may be our guides and instructors. For “we are God’s children now” even though it has not yet been clearly revealed, (1 Jn 3:2) since we are still children subject to stewards and tutors and, for the present, we seem no different from servants.
Nevertheless, small though we be and long and dangerous though the road may be which remains for us to travel, what do we have to fear under so good a guardian?… The Angels are faithful, wise and powerful – what have we to fear? Let us only follow them and hold fast to them and we shall abide under the protection of the God of Heaven!” – St Bernard (1090-1153) Cistercian Abbot, called the Last Father and the Doctor of Light of the Church (12th sermon on Psalm 90).
PRAYER – O God, Who in Thy wondrous providence graciously send Thy Angels to watch over us, grant that we, who pray to Thee maybe ever under their protection and may rejoice in their unending companionship. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Devotion for October, The Month of the Most Holy Rosary
The practice of dedicating the entire Month of October to the Holy Rosary developed toward the end of the 19th Century. Pope Leo XIII (Papacy: 1878-1903) strongly promoted the increase of devotion to the Blessed Mother and her Divine Son, by encouraging the constant use of the Rosary.
Beginning on 1 September 1883, with Supremo Apostolatus Officio, Pope Leo XIII wrote a total of eleven Encyclicals on the Rosary, ending with Diuturni Temporis in 1898. In 1885, Pope Leo XIII ordered the Rosary to be recited everyday during the month of October in every Parish Church and Cathedral, throughout the world. Those of the faithful who could not be present at this recital he exhorted to say it with their families or in private.
An Indulgence of 7 years is granted to all the faithful who devoutly recite the Rosary during the Month of October–granted by Pope Leo XIII, in the same Encyclical, Supremo Apostolatus Officio.
Please remember to offer Rosaries for the Poor Souls in Purgatory.
“Whoever observes this practice, [the Daily Rosary], is beyond the reach of adversity!”
St Vincent Ferrer (1350-1419)
“You must know that when you ‘hail’ Mary, she immediately greets you! Do not think that she is one of those rude women of whom there are so many, on the contrary, she is utterly courteous and pleasant. If you greet her, she will answer you right away and converse with you!”
Thought for the Day – 1 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Month of the Holy Rosary
“We should say the Rosary devoutly everyday. This beautiful prayer is very pleasing to Our Lady and, the Church, is particularly anxious that we should recite it during the month of October. Families which say the Holy Rosary together can hope for a special blessing from God and for the maternal protection of Mary.
If possible, every family should gather together in the evening and recite the Rosary before an image of our Blessed Mother. If the parents set an example, their child will join them. It is consoling to come together after the toil and trouble of the day, in order to confide our cares and hopes to Mary.
Do you say the Rosary everyday? If you have neglected this pious practice, begin today! Do not plead lack of time. There is time for so many other things, so surely, there is time to pray and to entrust ourselves, in a special way, to the protection of our heavenly Mother!? The practice of reciting the Holy Rosary, will win for you, the blessing of God and the patronage of the Blessed Virgin.”
One Minute Reflection – 1 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – The 18th Sunday after Pentecost – St Remigius (c438-533) Confessor, “Apostle of the Franks” Bishop –1 Corinthians 1:4-8 , Matthew 9:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Which is easier to say: Thy sins are forgiven thee, or to say: Arise, and walk?” – Matthew 9:5
REFLECTION – “And people there brought to him a paralytic.” Saint Matthew merely says that this paralytic was carried to Jesus. Other Evangelists describe, how he was let down through an opening in the roof and placed before the Lord, without expressing any particular request, leaving it to Him to assess the needs …
“When Jesus saw their faith,” the Gospel says, that is to say, the faith of those who had brought the man to Him. Consider how sometimes Christ pays no attention to the faith of the sick person – perhaps because, the latter is incapable of it, being unconscious or possessed with an evil spirit. However, in this case, this paralytic had great trust in Jesus, otherwise, would he have allowed them to let him down in front of Him? Christ responds to this trust with an extraordinary miracle. With the power of God, He forgives this man’s sins. Thus He showed, that He is equal to the Father, a truth He had already shown, when He said to the leper: “I will do it – be made clean” (Mt 8:3) … and when, with a word, He stilled the tempestuous sea (Mt 8:26), or when, as God, He had cast out the demons who recognised in Him their ruler and their judge (Mt 8:32). So here, He shows His adversaries, to their great astonishment, that He is equal to the Father
And once more, the Saviour shows here, how He turns away from anything spectacular or a source of vainglory. On all sides the crowd is pressing Him, yet, He is in no hurry to work a visible miracle by healing the external paralysis of this man …. He begins with an invisible miracle – by healing the man’s soul. This kind of healing, is far more beneficial for him and, outwardly speaking, less glorious for Christ.” – St John Chrysostom (345-407) Priest at Antioch then Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church – homilies on Saint Matthew’s Gospel, no. 29, 1.
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God that the solemn feast of blessed Remigius, Thy Confessor and Bishop, may both increase our devotion and advance our salvation. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
AnaStpaul 
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