Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WATCHING, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 30 October – “And himself believed and his whole house.” John 4:53

Quote/s of the Day – 30 October – Ferial Day – Ephesians 5:15-21 –John 4:46-53 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

And himself believed
and his whole house.

John 4:53

So that our minds might be free of these illusions,
the Word invites us to shake this deep sleep
from the eyes of our soul, so that we might not slip away
from the true realities, by becoming attached
to that which has no consistency.
That is why He suggests that we
be watchful when He says:
“Let your loins be girt about
and your lamps burning …” (Lk 12:35)
For when the light shines before our eyes,
it chases sleep away and, when
our loins are held tight by a belt,
they prevent the body from succumbing to it…
The person who has fastened on
the belt of temperance
lives in the light of a pure conscience;
the trust of a child illuminates his life like a lamp…
If we live in this way, we will enter
a life, like that of the Angels
!”

St Gregory of Nyssa (c335–c395)
Father of the Church
(Brother of St Basil the Great)

He pours light into our minds,
arouses our desire
and gives us strength…
As the soul is the life of the body,
so the Holy Ghost is the life of our souls.

St Peter Damian (1007-1072)
Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church

Believing is:
an act of the intellect
assenting to the divine truth,
by command of the will,
moved by God through grace.

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Doctor Angelicus.
Doctor Communis

Do you also wish to go away?” He asked.
It was then that Simon Peter
made his memorable reply,
“Lord, to whom shall be go?
Thou hast the words of everlasting life.”
(Jn 6:68-69).
We also may experience, at times,
a sense of uncertainty
concerning the words of Jesus Christ.
There are such tremendous mysteries
in the Christian religion.
But, a religion which contained
no mysteries could scarcely be true.
There are mysteries of nature surrounding us
and within us.
How can we imagine that there are
no mysteries in God, the supreme
and most perfect Being?
Could it be possible
for our petty intellects fully
to comprehend God in Himself
and in His revelation?
Let us bow our heads, therefore,
before the mysteries of the Divinity.
Let us adore God and repeat with St Peter:
We cannot go away from You, O God
because You have the words of everlasting life.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 October – ‘ … Let us fight the good fight with brave hearts and solid faith!’

One Minute Reflection – 28 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles – Ephesians 4:7-13, John 15:17-25 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

If you had been of the world, the world would love its own but because, you are not of the world, I have chosen you out of the world, therefore, the world hateth you.” – John 15:19

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 the, crowns are given for faith (cf Jas 1:12), it is then, Christ’s soldiers prove themselves, then the heavens open to their witness. We are not 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 which is both noble and outstanding in another way, in which God watches us – His children – take part in the combat and Himself gives us a heavenly crown ( 1 Cor 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 (200-258) Bishop of Carthage, Martyr, Father of the Church (Letter 56).

PRAYER – O God, Who has given us a way of coming to know Thy Name through Thy blessed Apostles Simon and Jude, grant us to honour their everlasting glory, by becoming more holy and to become more holy by honouring it. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, BAPTISM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, LENT, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on SIN, St PAUL!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 October – ‘ … Once washed in the saving waters … ‘

One Minute Reflection – 24 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feast of St Raphael the Archangel – Tobias 12:7-15; John 5:1-4 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

In these lay a great multitude of sick, of blind, of lame, of withered, waiting for the moving of the water (by the Angel). ” – John 5:3

REFLECTION – “We read in the Old Testament that in the times of Noah, since all humankind had been won by sin, Heaven’s floodgates opened and rain poured down for forty days … This was a symbol – it was less about a flood than about a Baptism. For it was indeed a Baptism which bore away the misdeeds of the sinners and spared the uprightness of Noah. And so today, just as it was then, our Lord has given Lent to us, so that the skies may open for the same number of days, to inundate us with the floods of Divine Mercy. Once washed in the saving waters of Baptism, this Sacrament enlightens us and, just as formerly, its waters bear away the evil of our sins and confirm the uprightness of our virtues.

Today’s situation is just the same as in Noah’s time. Baptism is flood to sinners and Consecration for the faithful. In Baptism, the Lord rescues justice and destroys injustice. We can see this in the example of one and the same man – before he was cleansed by the spiritual commands, the Apostle Paul was a persecutor and blasphemer (1 Tm 1:13). But once he had been bathed with the Heavenly rain of Baptism, the blasphemer died, the persecutor died, Saul died. Then the Apostle, the just man, Paul came to life… Anyone who lives Lent in a religious manner and observes the Lord’s decrees, will see sin die in himself and grace come to life… such as these die as sinners and live as righteous persons.” – St Maximus of Turin (Died c420) Bishop of Turin, Father of the Church (Sermon for Lent).

PRAYER – O God, Who gave blessed Raphael the Archangel as a traveling companion to Your servant Tobias, grant us, Your servants, ever to be protected by his guardianship and by his help.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).

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE

Quote/s of the Day – 29 September – Archangels and Angels

Quote/s of the Day – 29 September – The Feast of the Dedication of the Archangel St Michael – Apocalypse 1:1-5, Matthew 18:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

It was pride which changed Angels into devils;
it is humility which makes men as Angels!

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

You should be aware, the word
“Angel” denotes a function,
rather than a nature.
Those holy Spirits of Heaven have,
indeed, always been spirits.
They can only be called Angels
when they deliver some message.
Moreover, those who deliver messages
of lesser importance are called Angels
and those. who proclaim messages
of supreme importance are called Archangels.

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

We should show our affection for the Angels,
for one day, they will be our co-heirs,
just as here below, they are
our Guardians and Trustees
appointed and set over us, by the Father.

St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father & Doctor of Light

“I say to you, their Angels in Heaven,
always see the Face of My Father,
Who is in Heaven.

Matthew 18:10

With these words, Christ is saying
to us something like this:
“Be vigilant, take care that you do not
despise people who are simple, poor or weak.
As for Me, I esteem them greatly
to the extent that, to protect them from all evil,
I have placed My Angels at their service.
And what Angels! Do not think they are to
be compared to the scullery boys
working in My kitchen. No. They are equal
to the officers in My own palace, for:
‘they constantly see the Face of My heavenly Father.’

St Albert the Great (1200-1280)
Universal Doctor of the Church

(Sermon for the Feast of Saint Michael)

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/29/quote-s-of-the-day-29-september-our-protectors/

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, GUARDIAN ANGELS - Prayers etc, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ANGELS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 September – … Their Angels in Heaven, always see the Face of My Father … Matthew 18:10

One Minute Reflection – 29 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of the Dedication of the Archangel St Michael – Apocalypse 1:1-5, Matthew 18:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… Their Angels in Heaven, always see the Face of My Father …” – Matthew 18:10

REFLECTION –Although the good God is sufficient unto Himself, nevertheless, He makes use of the ministry of the Angels to govern the world … When we see God taking such care of our lives, we conclude that our souls are something truly great and precious, if He is to employ all that is greatest in His Court for the souls’ preservation and sanctification. He has given us His Son to save us; this same Son … gives to each of us one and, even several Angels, who are solely occupied in asking, on our behalf, the graces and aids we might need, to ensure our salvation … Oh, how little people know what they are and what they were made for! In Holy Scripture we read that the Lord said to His people: “See, I am sending an Angel before you, to guard you on the way” (Ex 23:20) …

We should often pray to our Guardian Angels, carefully respect them and, above all, try to imitate them in all our actions. And the first thing we need to imitate in them, is the thought of the Presence of God … Surely, if we were completely penetrated with God’s Presence, how could we do evil? How much more pleasing to God would be all our good deeds! … God said to Abraham: “Would you be blameless? Walk in My Presence” (Gn 17:1). How could we possibly forget God so easily, when we have Him always with us? Why are we not full of respect and gratitude towards our Angels, who accompany us day and night? … Perhaps you will say: “I am to unworthy to merit it.My brethren, not only does God not lose sight of you for an instant but, He gives you an Angel who never ceases to guide your steps. Ah, happiness too great, yet too little known!” – St Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859) Priest, Curé of Ars, Patron of Parish Priests (Sermon for the Feast of the Guardian Angels).

PRAYER – O God, Who assign according to a wondrous order, the duties of Angels and men, mercifully grant that our life on earth be guarded by those who continually stand in Thy presence and minister to Thee in Heaven. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, franciscan OFM, MARIAN TITLES, QUOTES on ANGELS, SAINT of the DAY

Pentecost XIX, The Feast of the Dedication of St Michael the Archangel, Day 2 of the Rosary Novena, Madonna di Tirano / Our Lady of Tirano, Italy (1504) and the Saints for 29 September

PENTECOST XIX

Madonna di Tirano / Our Lady of Tirano, Sondrio, Lombardy, Italy (1504) – 29 September:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/29/the-dedication-of-st-michael-feast-madonna-di-tirano-tirano-sondrio-lombardy-italy-1504/

Bl Alericus
St Anno of Eichstätt
St Casdoe of Persia
St Catholdus of Eichstätt

Blessed Charles de Blois TOSF (1319–1364) Duke of Brittany French nobleman, Knight, ascetic, Franciscan tertiary.
About Blessed Charles:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/29/saint-of-the-day-29-september-blessed-charles-de-blois-tosf-1319-1364/

St Dadas of Persia
St Diethardus of Eichstätt
St Fraternus of Auxerre
St Gabdelas of Persia

St Grimoaldus of Pontecorvo (Died c1137) Priest and Confessor, Miracle-worker.
His Life of Grace:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/29/saint-of-the-day-29-september-st-grimoaldus-of-pontecorvo-died-c1137-priest-and-confessor/

St Gudelia
Bl Jan of Dukla

Blessed Jean de Montmirail / Baron de Montmirail, O. Cist (1165 – 1217) Cistercian Monk, Apostle of the Sick and Afflicted. Pope Leo XIII granted a special Office in his honour for the Diocese of Soissons. He was Beatified in 1891 by Pope Leo XIII.
His Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/29/saint-of-the-day-29-september-blessed-jean-de-montmirail-o-cist-1165-1217/

Bl John of Ghent
St Liutwin of Trier (c660-c717) Bishop
St Quiriacus of Palestine
St Rene Goupil
St Rhipsime
Bl Richard Rolle
St Sapor of Persia
St Theodota of Thrace

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, Holy Name PRAYERS, HYMNS, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, MARIAN QUOTES, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, St JOSEPH, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Quote/s of the Day – 20 August – A little bit of Bernard’s wisdom

Quote/s of the Day – 20 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Feast of St Bernard (1090-1153) Confessor, Father and Doctor

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!

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!

But what shall we offer, brothers,
what shall we give Him
for all the benefits He has given us?
He offered the most precious Victim
He possessed for our sake;
in truth, He could not have had
anything more precious.
So let us, too,
do what we can,
let us offer Him the best we have,
that is to say, ourselves!
He offered Himself,
so who are you,
to hesitate to offer yourself?

God, to Whom Angels submit themselves
and Who Principalities and Powers obey,
was subject to Mary
and not only to Mary
but Joseph too, for Mary’s sake …
God obeyed a human creature;
this is humility without precedent.
A human creature commands God!
it is sublime beyond measure!

jesu Dulcis Memoria
Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee!
By St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father and the Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

Jesus, the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills the breast!
Yet sweeter far Thy face to see
And in Thy presence rest.

No voice can sing, no heart can frame,
Nor can the memory find,
A sweeter sound than Jesus’ Name,
The Saviour of mankind.

O hope of every contrite heart!
O joy of all the meek!
To those who fall, how kind Thou art!
How good to those who seek!

But what to those who find?
Ah! this nor tongue, nor pen, can show
The love of Jesus, what it is,
None but His loved ones know.

Jesus! our only hope be Thou,
As Thou our prize shall be;
In Thee be all our glory now
And through eternity.
Amen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/08/20/quote-s-of-the-day-20-august-st-bernard-3/

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

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, QUOTES on WATCHING, The HEART, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 15 July – Being “Watchers.”

Quote/s of the Day – 15 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Watchover your life. …
Sheep will turn into wolves
and love into hatred.
With the increase of iniquity,
people will hate, persecute
and betray each other.
Then the world deceiver
will appear in the disguise of God’s Son.
He will work “signs and wonders”
and the earth will fall into his hands.
He will commit outrages
such as have never occurred before.
Then humankind will come
to the “fiery trial“
and many will fall away” and perish.

Unknown 1st Century Author [ACW-
Ancient Christian Writer] (Didache 16)

Blessed are those servants
whom the Master, on His return,
shall find watching.

Luke 12:37

Blessed are those who watch for Him
and so, make themselves like the Angels,
whom we call “Watchers.”
A man asleep is worth nothing,
no more than if he were dead.
But, whoever has the light, keeps watch
and “darkness does not overcome him” (Jn 1:5)
neither does sleep. Whoever has been illumined is, therefore, wakened to God and such a person is alive, “for what came to be in him was life.” (Jn 1:4)
“Happy the man,” says Wisdom,
“who obeys me and happy those who keep my ways, happy the man watching daily at my gates,
waiting at my doorposts” (Pr 8:34).

St Clement of Alexandria (c150- c215)
Father of the Church,

She did not leave the temple,
serving with fastings and prayers,
night and day.

Luke 2:37

If, in holy Scripture,
Christ is the true Sun and the true Day,
there is no hour when Christians
should not adore God frequently and constantly,
so that we, who are in Christ, that is,
in the true Sun and true Day,
should be persevering, throughout the whole day,
in our petitions and prayer.
And when, in the course of time,
the revolving night returns,
there can be no harm from the nocturnal shades,
for those who pray because, to the sons of Light (1 Thes 5:5),
even in the night there is day!
For when is he without light who has Light in his heart?
Or when does he not have sun and day
to whom Christ is Sun and Day?

St Cyprian of Carthage (200-258)
Martyr, Father of the Church

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, CARMELITES, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on VIRTUE, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SELF-DISTRUST, St Francis de Sales, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 6 April – [He] hath called you out of darkness …

Quote/s of the Day – 6 April – “The Month of the Resurrection and the Blessed Sacrament” – Easter Saturday – 1 Peter 2:1-10, John 20:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

[He] hath called you out of darkness
into His marvellous Light … ”

1 Peter 2:9

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

John 14:27

“In the world you will have tribulation.
But take heart, I have conquered the world.”
John 16:33

Who will be crowned without having fought?
Who will go to rest if he is not tired
(cf. 2 Tim 2:5-6)?
Who will gather the fruits of life
without having planted virtues in his soul?
Cultivate them, prepare the earth
with the greatest care,
take trouble over it, sweat over it,
children, God’s workers,
imitators of the Angels,
competitors with incorporeal beings,
lights for those who are in the world
(cf. Phil 2:15)!

St Theodore the Studite (759-826)

Lord, help me to live this day,
quietly, easily.
To lean upon Thy great strength,
trustfully, restfully.
To wait for the unfolding of Thy will,
patiently, serenely.
To meet others,
peacefully, joyously.
To face tomorrow,
confidently, courageously.

St Frances of Assisi (c1181-1226)

Let nothing perturb you,
nothing frighten you.
All things pass.
God does not change.
Patience achieves everything.

St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582)
Doctor of Prayer

Let us think only
of spending the present
day well.
Then, when tomorrow
shall have come,
it will be called
TODAY
and then, we will think
about it.

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

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on WATCHING, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 23 January – ‘… Let us not sleep, as the rest do but let us stay awak and sober … ‘

One Minute Reflection – 23 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and of the Holy Family”– St Raymond of Peñafort (1175-1275) – Sirach 31:8-11, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Blessed are those servants whom the Master, on His return, shall find watching.” – Luke 12:37

REFLECTION – “We must sleep in such a way as to be easily awakened. For Scripture says, “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when He comes and knocks.” (Lk 12:35-36). For a sleeping man is of no more use than a dead man. Therefore, we ought often to get up at night and bless God!

Blessed are those who watch for Him and so, make themselves like the Angels, whom we call “Watchers.” A man asleep is worth nothing, no more than if he were dead. But whoever has the light keeps watch and “darkness does not overcome him” (Jn 1:5) neither does sleep. Whoever has been illumined is, therefore, wakened to God and such a person is alive, “for what came to be in him was life.” (Jn 1:4) “Happy the man,” says Wisdom,“who obeys me and happy those who keep my ways, happy the man watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts” (Pr 8:34).

Therefore, “let us not sleep, as the rest do but let us stay alert and sober” as Scripture says. “For those who sleep, go to sleep at night and those who are drunk, get drunk at night,” that is, in the darkness of ignorance. “But since we are of the day, let us be sober.” (1Th 5:6-8) “For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness.” (1Th 5:5).” – St Clement of Alexandria (c150- c215) Father of the Church, Theologian and Philosopher, Professor who taught at the Catechetical School of Alexandria (The Instructor II:9).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who chose blessed Raymond to be a renowned minister of the Sacrament of Penance and miraculously brought him through the waves of the sea, grant that, by his intercession, we may produce good results from our penance and reach the Heaven of eternal salvation Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOOD FRIDAY, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, St Francis de Sales, St PAUL!, The PASSION, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 5 October – Take courage: It is I,

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

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WATCHING, The FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES: JUSTICE, PRUDENCE, TEMPERANCE, FORTITUDE, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 August – ‘ … Stand ready to obey, when He comes and knocks …’

One Minute Reflection – 19August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St John Eudes (1601-1680) Confessor, “The Apostle of Two Hearts”– Sirach 31:8-11, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Let your loins be girt about and your lamps burning …” – Luke 12:35

REFLECTION – “It is so that our spirit may be detached from its fantasies that the Word invites us, to shake off this heavy sleep, from the eyes of our souls, so that we may not slide away from the true reality, by clinging to what lacks substance. That is why He sets before us an image of vigilance when He says: “Let your loins be girt about and your lamps burning”… The meaning of these symbols is clear enough. Someone who is girded with temperance, lives in the light of a pure conscience because, filial trust enlightens his life, like a lamp. Lit up by the truth that person’s soul is detached from the sleep of illusion because, no empty dreams are leading it astray. As the Word says – if we do this, we shall enter into a life like that of the Angels…

Indeed, these are they who wait for the Lord at His return from the wedding and who are seated by the heavenly gates, with watchful eyes, so that the King of Glory (Ps 23:7) might once more pass through, when he returns from the marriage feast and enters again into the beatitude above the heavens. “Coming forth like the groom from his bridal chamber” (Ps 18:6)…, He united to Himself like a virgin, the nature we had prostituted to idols, once He had restored its virginal integrity, through sacramental regeneration. The nuptials, having now been accomplished, since the Church has been espoused by the Word… and brought into the chamber of His Mysteries, the Angels awaited the return of the King of Glory to the blessedness which matches His nature.

Hence, the text says that our lives ought to be like those of the Angels. Just as they live far from vice and self-deception, ready to welcome the second coming of the Lord, so we too ought to remain awake at the doors of our dwellings and stand ready to obey, when He comes and knocks at the door.” – St Gregory of Nyssa (335-395) Bishop, Father of the Church, Brother of St Basil the Great (Sermons on the Song of Songs No 11).

PRAYER – O God, Who wondrously enkindled St John, Thy Confessor, to promote the religious veneration of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and through him, willed to found new religious families in the Church, grant, we beseech Thee that we may honour his holy merits and may learn from the example of his virtues. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on WATCHING, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 August – ‘ … Blessed are those who watch for Him …’

One Minute Reflection – 9 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St John Marie Vianney (1786-1859) Confessor – Sirach 31:8-11, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Blessed are those servants whom the Master, on His return, shall find watching.” – Luke 12:37

REFLECTION – “We must sleep in such a way as to be easily awakened. For Scripture says, “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when He comes and knocks.” (Lk 12:35-36). For a sleeping man is of no more use than a dead man. Therefore, we ought often to get up at night and bless God!

Blessed are those who watch for Him and so, make themselves like the Angels, whom we call “Watchers.” A man asleep is worth nothing, no more than if he were dead. But whoever has the light keeps watch and “darkness does not overcome him” (Jn 1:5) neither does sleep. Whoever has been illumined is, therefore, wakened to God and such a person is alive, “for what came to be in him was life.” (Jn 1:4) “Happy the man,” says Wisdom,“who obeys me and happy those who keep my ways, happy the man watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts” (Pr 8:34).

Therefore, “let us not sleep as the rest do but let us stay alert and sober” as Scripture says. “For those who sleep, go to sleep at night and those who are drunk, get drunk at night,” that is, in the darkness of ignorance. “But since we are of the day, let us be sober.” (1Th 5:6-8) “For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness.” (1Th 5:5).” – St Clement of Alexandria (c150- c215) Father of the Church, Theologian and Philosopher, Professor who taught at the Catechetical School of Alexandria (The Instructor II:9).

PRAYER – Almighty and merciful God, Who made St John-Marie glorious by priestly zeal and untiring fervoru in prayer and penance, grantP we beseech Thee that by his example and intercession, we may have strength to win for Christ, the souls of our brethren and, with them, attain everlasting glory.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).

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, CHRIST the KING, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, HOLY WEEK, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HERESY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The PASSION, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 5 November – Jesuits

Quote/s of the Day – 5 November – All Saints and Blesseds of the Society of Jesus (SJ)

God’s love calls us to move beyond fear.
We ask God for the courage
to abandon ourselves unreservedly,
so that we might be moulded
by God’s grace,
even as we cannot see
where that path may lead us.

Hate what the world seeks
and seek, what it avoids.

He who carries God in his heart
bears heaven with him,
wherever he goes.

St Ignatius Loyola SJ (1491-1556)

We must make our way towards eternity,
never regarding what men think of us,
or of our actions,
studying only to please God.

St Francis Borgia SJ (1510-1572)

Better that only a few Catholics
should be left,
staunch and sincere in their religion,
than that they should,
remaining many,
desire as it were,
to be in collusion
with the Church’s enemies
and in conformity with the open foes
of our faith.

St Peter Canisius SJ (1521-1597)
Doctor of the Church

The path to Heaven is narrow,
rough and full of wearisome
and trying ascents,
nor can it be trodden without great toil
and, therefore, wrong is their way,
gross their error
and assured their ruin,
who, after the testimony
of so many thousands of Saints,
will not learn where to settle their footing!

St Robert Southwell SJ (1561-1595)
Priest and Martyr

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.

St Aloysius de Gonzaga (SJ 1568-1591)

My child, it is indeed
the Voice of God you have heard.
He has given you a great grace
in thus calling you into His one true Church.
While you live,
never cease to thank Him
and bless Him for it.

St John Francis Régis SJ (1597-1640)

“Teach Us Good Lord”
By St Ignatius Loyola SJ (1491-1556)

Teach us, good Lord,
to serve You as You deserve;
to give
and not to count the cost,
to fight
and not to heed the wounds,
to toil
and not to seek for rest,
to labour
and not to ask for reward,
except that of knowing
that we are doing Your will.
Amen

My God, I Love Thee
By St Francis Xavier (1506-1552) (Attri)

Transr: Fr Edward Caswall CO (1814-1878)

My God, I love Thee, not because
I hope for heav’n thereby,
nor yet for fear, that loving not,
I might forever die
but for that Thou didst all mankind
upon the Cross embrace;
for us didst bear the nails and spear
and manifold disgrace.

And griefs and torments numberless
and sweat of agony;
e’en death itself and all for man,
who was Thine enemy.
Then why, most loving Jesus Christ,
should I not love Thee well?
Not for the sake of winning heav’n,
nor any fear of hell.

Not with the hope of gaining aught,
nor seeking a reward
but as Thyself hast loved me,
O ever loving Lord!
E’en so I love Thee and will love
and in Thy praise will sing,
solely because Thou art my God
and my eternal King!
Amen

Posted in LENT 2022, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FASTING, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on VIRTUE

Second Thoughts for our immanent entry into Lent – Planting a Lenten Garden

A few last-minute sowing plans
for the garden of our souls.
Planting virtue and good habits
and ascending that steep hill,
day-by-day, with love, faithfulness
and perseverance.

Accompanying our Saviour on His
Journey of our Redemption:

Five Rows of Squash:

  1. Squash gossip
  2. Squash indifference
  3. Squash unkindness
  4. Squash temper
  5. Squash the idols of greed and lust

Six Rows of Peas:

  1. Prayer
  2. Penance
  3. Perseverance
  4. Purity
  5. Patience
  6. Politeness

Seven Heads of Lettuce:

  1. Let us be unselfish
  2. Let us be charitable
  3. Let us be obedient
  4. Let us be truthful
  5. Let us be gentle and kind
  6. Let us be repentant
  7. Let us be renewed

No garden is complete without Turnips:

  1. Turn up for Daily Mass
  2. Turn up fo Eucharistic Adoration
  3. Turn up for Daily Morning and Night Prayer
  4. Turn up for Spiritual reading on Breathing Catholic 🤗🙏💘

Conclude with Thyme:

Thyme with God, thyme for fasting, thyme for generosity and care of the poor, the sick, the suffering.

Water daily with patience
Feed with love
The Beloved Saviour will provide the growth.

Posted in "Follow Me", ArchAngels and Angels, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on COWARDICE, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 31 January – St John Bosco

Quote/s of the Day – 31 January – The Memorial of St John Bosco (1815-1888)

“Whatever you do,
think of the Glory of God
as your main goal.”

“Health is God’s great gift
and we must spend it,
entirely for Him.
Our eyes should see only for God,
our feet walk only for Him,
our hands labour for Him alone;
in short, our entire body
should serve God while we still have the time.
Then, when He shall take our health
and we shall near our last day,
our conscience will not reproach us
for having misused it.”

“Be good!
This will make your angel happy.
When sorrows and misfortunes,
physical or spiritual, afflict you,
turn to your Guardian Angel,
with strong trust
and he will help you.”

“The power of evil men, lives,
on the cowardice of the good!”

St John Bosco (1815-1888)

More here:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/01/31/quote-s-of-the-day-31-january-the-memorial-of-st-john-bosco-1815-1888/

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on ANGELS

Thought for the Day – 2 October – Our Guardian Angels

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

Our Guardian Angels

“Among the many expressions of God’s goodness towards us, is His designation of a heavenly spirit to accompany and to assist each of us on our journey through life.
The human eye cannot see him although, he is always on guard by our side.
Even while he is near us, he enjoys the beatific vision of God.

This is a wonderful thought.
During the day, when we are preoccupied with so many affairs which can cause us to forget God, our angel is beside us, to inspire us to love God more.
When we are asleep, he is watching over us and praying for our welfare.
When we pray, he gathers our feeble supplications and offers them to God.
When temptation presses hard, it is he who sustains us and encourages us to resist with Christian fortitude.
Finally, when by some misfortune we fall into grave sin because we have been deaf to the appeals of our Creator, he takes pity on us and inspires in us remorse for our misdeeds and the desire to be restored as soon as possible to God’s favour.

We should be deeply grateful to our kind Guardian Angel and should pray to him often, especially in times of spiritual or bodily danger.
We need his help when we are tempted or afflicted.
We should place much greater trust in him, remember that he is always close at hand to fulfil the mission entrusted to him by God of enlightening and directing us.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ANGELS, The WORD

Quotes of the Day – 2 October – Holy Guardian Angels

Quotes of the Day – 2 October – The Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels

“See, I am sending an angel before you,
to guard you on the way
and bring you to the place
I have prepared.
Give heed to him
and hearken to his voice.
Do not rebel against him,
for he will not forgive your sin.
My authority is within him.”

Exodus 23:20-21

“Beside each believer
stands an Angel
as protector and shepherd,
leading him to life.”

St Basil the Great (329-379)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“If we detect an angel,
by the effect he is producing,
let us hasten to pray,
since our heavenly guardian
has come to join us.”

St John Climacus (579-649)
Father of the Church

“Each man has a angel guardian
appointed to him….
Angel guardians are given to man also
as regards invisible and secret things,
concerning the salvation
of each one in his own regard.
Hence, individual angels are appointed
to guard individual men.”

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Angelic Doctor

“The first thing about the Angels
which we ought to imitate,
is their consciousness
of the Presence of God.”

“What joy it is to know
that when we go out of the house,
we are never alone en route.”

St John Vianney (1786-1859)

More here:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/10/02/quote-s-of-the-day-2-october-the-memorial-of-the-holy-guardian-angels/

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on FAITH, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 2 October – ‘… Direct me and lead me …’ – Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels

One Minute Reflection – 2 October – Wednesday of the Twenty Sixth Week in Ordinary Time, Readings: Job 38:1, 12-21; 40: 3-5, Psalms 139:1-3, 7-8, 9-10, 13-14, Matthew 18:1-5, 10 and The Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels

See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.” …Matthew 18:10

REFLECTION – “Ah, Jesus, Prince of Peace and Angel of great counsel, may You Yourself always be the guide at my right and the guardian of my pilgrimage, lest I move away and stray from You.
And deign to send from heaven, Your holy angel who, under Your lovingly-kind care, will be solicitous for me and, according to Your gracious purpose, direct me and lead me, perfect, along Your way back to You. (Ex 23:20).” … St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302) Benedictine nun – Exercises I.60-63, 71-76, 78-86, 99-103.

“An Angel and a child with beads” by Josef Buchbinder (born 17 Dec 1839, Mordy, Poland – died 14 May 1909, Warsaw, Poland)

PRAYER – Lord God of hosts, in Your all-wise providence, You send angels to guard and protect us. Surround us with their watchful care on earth and give us the joy of their company, forever in heaven. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord, with th Holy Spirit, God for all eternity, amen.

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, franciscan OFM, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 14 August – St Maximillian Kolbe

Quote/s of the Day – 14 August – The Memorial of Blessed St Maximillian Kolbe OFM Conv (1894 -1941)

“If angels could be jealous of men,
they would be so, for one reason:
HOLY COMMUNION.”

if angels could be jealous of men - st max 14 aug 2020

“Let us remember,
that love lives through sacrifice
and is nourished by giving.
Without sacrifice, there is no love.”

let us remember that love lives through sacrifice - st max 14 aug 2020STD

“When we dedicate ourselves to Mary,
we become instruments in her hands,
just as she is an instrument in God’s hands.
Let us then be guided by her,
for she will provide for the needs
of body and soul and overcome
all difficulties and anxieties.”

when we dedicate ourselves to mary - st max 14 aug 2020

“Jesus honoured her before all ages
and will honour her for all ages.
No-one comes to Him,
nor even near Him,
no-one is saved or sanctified,
if he too will not honour her.
This is the lot of Angels and of men.”

jesus honoured her - st max 14 aug 2020

“Modern times are dominated by Satan
and will be more so in the future.
The conflict with hell cannot be engaged by men,
even the most clever.
The Immaculata alone, has from God,
the promise of victory over Satan.
However, assumed into Heaven,
the Mother of God now requires our co-operation.
She seeks souls, who will consecrate themselves entirely to her,
who will become in her hands effective instruments
for the defeat of Satan
and the spreading of God’s kingdom upon earth.”

More here:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/14/quote-s-of-the-day-14-august-st-maximillian-kolbe/

St Maximillian Kolbe (1894 -1941)

modern times are dominated by satan - st max 14 aug 2020

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, franciscan OFM, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on HUMAN DIGNITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The HOLY GHOST, The TEN COMMANDMENTS

Quote/s of the Day – 21 July – St Lawrence of Brindisi

Quote/s of the Day – 21 July – The Memorial of St Lawrence of Brindisi OFM Cap (1559-1619) Doctor of the Church

“God is love
and all His operations
proceed
from
LOVE…”

god is love and all his operations proceed from love - st lawrence of brindisi 21 july 2020

“For Him all things were created
and to Him all things must be subject
and God loves all creature,
in and because of Christ.”

for-him-all-things-were-created-and-in-him-st-lawrence-of-brindisi-21-july-2018 and 21 July 2020

“Christ is the first-born of every creature
and the whole of humanity.
as well as the created world,
finds its foundation and meaning in Him.”

christ is the first born of every creature -st lawrence of brindisi 21 july 2020

“My dear souls, let us recognise, I pray you,
Christ’s infinite charity towards us
in the institution of this Sacrament of the Eucharist.
In order that our love be a spiritual love,
He wills a new heart, a new love, a new spirit for us.
It is not with a carnal heart but with a spiritual one,
that Christ has loved us with a gratuitous love,
a supreme and most ardent love,
by way of pure grace and charity.
Ah! One needs to love Him back
with one’s whole, whole, whole,
living, living, living and true, true, true heart!!”

my dear souls let us recognise i pray you - st lawrence of brindisi 21 july 2020

“The Angels in Heaven were created,
to be servants of Christ;
man was formed from the earth,
in order to be the image of Christ.”

the angels in heaven - st lawrence of brindisi 21 july 2020

“The Holy Spirit sweetens the yoke
of the divine law and lightens its weight,
so that we may observe God’s commandments
with the greatest of ease and even with pleasure.”

the holy spirit - st lawrence of brindisi 21 july 2020

“…The word of God
is a light to the mind
and a fire to the will.”

the word of god is a light to the mind and a fire to the will - st lawrence of brindisi 21 july 2020

“All things are possible for him who believes,
more to him who hopes,
even more to him who loves.”

St Lawrence of Brindisi(1559-1619)

Apostolic Doctor of the Church

all things are possible - st lawrence of brindisi 21 july 2020

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on PRIESTS, the PRIESTHOOD and CONSECRATED LIFE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The LAST THINGS

Quote/s of the Day – 1 July – Lessons from St John Marie Baptiste Vianney

Quote/s of the Day – 1 July – “Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Wednesday of the Thirteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year A

Lessons from St John Marie Baptiste Vianney, the Curé of Ars, Patron of Priests

“Do not try to please everybody.
Try to please God, the angels and the saints –
they are your public.”

do not try to please everybody - st john vianney 1 july 2020

“Our greatest cross is the fear of crosses. . .
We have not the courage to carry our cross
and we are very much mistaken,
for, whatever we do,
the cross holds us tight –
we cannot escape from it.
What, then, have we to lose?
Why not love our crosses
and make use of them to take us to heaven?”

our greatest cross is the fear of crosses - st john vianney 1 july 2020

“We ought to run after crosses
as the miser runs after money. . .
Nothing but crosses will reassure us,
at the Day of Judgement.
When that day shall come,
we shall be happy in our misfortunes,
proud of our humiliations
and rich in our sacrifices!”

we ought to run after crosses - st john vianney NO 21 july 2020 (1)

” A priest goes to Heaven
or a priest goes to Hell,
with a thousand people behind.”

a priest goes to heaven or a priest goes to hell - st john vianney 1 july 2020

“My little children, your hearts are small
but prayer stretches them
and makes them capable of loving God.
Through prayer we receive a foretaste of heaven
and something of paradise comes down upon us.
Prayer never leaves us without sweetness.
It is honey that flows into the souls
and makes all things sweet.
When we pray properly,
sorrows disappear like snow before the sun.”

my little children your hearts are small but prayer stretches them - st john vianney 1 july 2020

“You either belong wholly,
to the world,
or wholly,
to God.”

St John Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859)

ou either belong wholly to the world or wholly to god - st john vianney 1 july 2020

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The HOLY SOULS, The SIGN of the CROSS

Quote/s of the Day – 28 August – Wonderful Augustine

Quote/s of the Day – 28 August – The Memorial of St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

“God in his omnipotence
could not give more,
in His wisdom –
He knew not how to give more,
in His riches: –
He had not more to give,
than the EUCHARIST!”god in his omnipotence in his wisdom in his riches - st augustine - the eucharist - 28 aug 2019.jpg

“I will suggest a means whereby
you can praise God all day long, if you wish.
Whatever you do,
do it well
and you have praised God.”i will suggest a means whereby you can - 28 aug 2019 - st augustine.jpg

“One of the holiest works,
one of the best exercises of piety
which we can practice in this world,
is to offer sacrifices,
alms
and prayer
for the dead.”one of the holiest works - prayers for the dead - st augustine - 28 aug 2019.jpg

“It was pride,
that changed angels
into devils;
it is humility
that makes men
as angels.”

it was pride - st augustine - 20 june 2018

“He need not fear anything
nor be ashamed of anything,
who bears the
Sign of the Cross
on his brow.”

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

More here:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/08/28/quote-s-of-the-day-28-august-the-memorial-of-st-augustine-354-430-father-and-doctor-of-grace/he need not fear anything nor - st augustine ash wed 6 march 2019

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on FRIENDSHIP, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 31 January -The Memorial of St John Bosco (1815-1888)

Quote/s of the Day – 31 January -The Memorial of St John Bosco (1815-1888)

“Do not try to excuse your faults,
try to correct them.”

“Fly from bad companions
as from the bite
of a poisonous snake.”

“Act today in such a way,
that you need not blush
tomorrow.”do not try to excuse, fly from bad, act in such a way - st john bosco 31 jan 2019.jpg

“We do not go
to Holy Communion
because we are good,
we go to become good.”we do not go to holy comm - st john bosco 31 jan 2019 no 2.jpg

“Ask the Blessed Virgin for the grace
to receive Communion frequently and worthily…
Try to imagine that the Blessed Virgin, herself,
will give you the Sacred Host.
No-one would dare strike at the Heart of Jesus
while He is in Mary’s hands.”ask the blessed virgin for the grace - st john bosco 31jan2019.jpg

“Be good. This will make your angel happy.
When sorrows and misfortunes, physical or spiritual,
afflict you, turn to your guardian angel
with strong trust and he will help you.”

“Ask your angel
to console and assist you,
in your last moments.”

“Be ever more convinced that,
your guardian angel is really present,
that he is ever at your side.
St Frances of Rome always saw him
standing before her,
his arms clasped at his breast,
his eyes uplifted to Heaven –
but at the slightest failing,
he would cover his face as if in shame
and at times,
turn his back to her!”be good. ask your angel, be ever more convinced - st john bosco on angels - 31 jan 2019.jpg

“Serve the Lord joyfully!”
“Servite Domino in laetitia!”

St John Bosco (1815-1888)serve the lord - servite domini - no 2 st john bosco 31jan2019.jpg

and more here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/01/31/quote-s-of-the-day-31-january-the-memorial-of-st-john-bosco-1815-1888/

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on WOMEN, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 28 January – St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor of the Church

Quote/s of the Day – 28 January – The Memorial of St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor of the Church

“Believing is an act of the intellect,
assenting to the divine truth,
by command of the will,
moved by God,
through grace.”everything-is-possible-mark-9-23- no 2 - believing-is-an-act-of-the-will-st-thomas-aquinas-5-june-2018

“The only-begotten Son of God,
wanting to make us
sharers in His divinity,
assumed our nature,
so that He, made man,
might make men gods.”the only-begotten son of god - st thomas aquinas - 28jan2019

“Charity is the form,
mover, mother
and root
of all the virtues.”charity is the form mover mother and root - st thomas aquinas 28 jan 2019

“To convert somebody,
go and take them by the hand
and guide them.”to-convert-somebody-st-thomas-aquinas-18-sept-2018

“We are like children,
who stand in need of masters
to enlighten us and direct us
and God has provided for this,
by appointing His angels,
to be our teachers and guides. “we are like children - st thomas aquinas no 2 - 28 jan 2019.jpg

“Just as a woman
had announced
the words of death
to the first man,
so also, a woman was the first
to announce to the Apostles
the words of life.”just-as-a-woman-had-announced-st-thomas-aquinas-22-july-2018.jpg

And if He gave His life for us,
then it should not be difficult
to bear whatever hardships arise for His sake.
If you seek patience,
you will find no better example than the cross.
Christ endured much on the cross and did so patiently,
because “when he suffered he did not threaten,
he was led like a sheep to the slaughter
and he did not open his mouth.”

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor of the Churchand-if-he-gave-his-life-for-us-st-thomas-aquinas-28-jan-2018

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The HOLY FACE, The LAST THINGS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 16 November – The Memorial of St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)

Quote/s of the Day – 16 November – The Memorial of St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)

“My dear friends, do not be taken aback
at the testing by fire, which is taking place among you,
as though something strange, were happening to you
but insofar as you share in the sufferings of Christ,
be glad, so that you may enjoy
a much greater gladness, when his glory is revealed”

1 Peter 4:12-131-peter-4-12-13 - my dear friends, do not be overcome at the testing by fire - st peter 16 nov 2018

“Bodily and spiritual affliction
are the surest sign of Divine predilection.
Gratitude for suffering is a precious jewel
for our heavenly crown…
Man should always firmly believe that God
sends just that trial which is most beneficial for him.”bodily-and-spiritual-affliction-st-gertrude-16-nov-2017

“Every time, we look
at the Blessed Sacrament,
our place in heaven,
is raised forever.”every time we look - st gertrude the great - 16 nov 2018

“I understand that,
each time we contemplate,
with desire and devotion,
the Host in which is hidden
Christ’s Eucharistic Body,
we increase our merits in heaven
and secure special joys to be ours,
later in the beatific vision of God.”i understand that - st gertrude 18 nov 2018.jpg

“Angels constantly guard,
the clients of the Blessed Virgin,
from the assaults of Hell.”

St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)angels constantly guard the clients of the blessed virgin - st gertrude - 16 nov 2918

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, CATHOLIC Quotes, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES on ANGELS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 2 October – The Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels

Thought for the Day – 2 October – The Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels

Perhaps no aspect of Catholic piety is as comforting to parents as the belief that an angel protects their little ones from dangers real and imagined.   Yet guardian angels are not only for children.   Their role is to represent individuals before God, to watch over them always, to aid their prayer and to present their souls to God at death.

The concept of an angel assigned to guide and nurture each human being is a development of Catholic doctrine and piety based on Scripture but not directly drawn from it.   Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:10 best support the belief:  “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”

Devotion to the angels is, at base, an expression of faith in God’s enduring love and providential care extended to each person day in and day out.

The Catholic Church believes there is a link among believers, angels and the God who made us all:   “From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. ‘Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.’   Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God” (CCC 336).

Holy Guardian Angels, Pray for us!guardian angels pray for us 2 oct 2018

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ANGELS

Quote/s of the Day- 2 October – The Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels

Quote/s of the Day- 2 October – The Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels

“We should show our affection for the angels,
for one day they will be our co-heirs
just as here below they are our guardians
and trustees appointed and set over us by the Father.”

St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) Doctor of the Churchwe-should-show-our-affection-st-bernard-of-clairvaux-1090-1153-doctor-of-the-church-2-oct-2018

“Let us be like the holy angels now. …
If one day we are to be in the angelic court,
we must learn now, while we are still here, the manners of the angels.”

St Vincent Ferrer (1350-1419)let us be like the holy angels now - st vincent ferrer - 1 oct 2018

“Since God often sends us His inspirations by means of his angels,
we ought frequently to offer Him our aspirations through the same channel….
Call on them and honour them frequently
and ask their help in all your affairs, temporal as well as spiritual.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Churchsince god often sends us - st francis de sales - 2 oct 2018

“Our prayers are so dear to God,
that He has appointed the angels to present them to Him,
as soon as they come forth from our mouths.
‘The angels,’ says St Hilary, ‘preside over the prayers of the faithful
and offer them daily to God.’
This is that smoke of the incense,
which are the prayers of saints,
which St John saw ascending to God from the hands of the angels (Apoc. 8,3)
and which he saw in another place,
represented by golden phials full of sweet odours, very acceptable to God.”

St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Doctor of the Churchour prayers are so dear - st alphonsus - 2 oct 2018

“How happy is that guardian angel
who accompanies a soul to Holy Mass!”

St John Vianney (1786-1859)how happy is that guardian angel - st john vianney

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES on ANGELS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 2 October – Today’s First Reading: Exodus 23:20–23 – The Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels 

One Minute Reflection – 2 October – Today’s First Reading: Exodus 23:20–23 – Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B and The Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels

“See, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared.”…Exodus 23:20exodus-23-20

REFLECTION – “Be ever more convinced that your guardian angel is really present, that he is ever at your side. St Frances of Rome always saw him standing before her, his arms clasped at his breast, his eyes uplifted to Heaven but at the slightest failing, he would cover his face as if in shame and at times, turn his back to her.”… St John Bosco (1815-1888)be ever more convinced - st john bosco - 2 oct 2018

PRAYER – Lord God of hosts, in Your all-wise providence, You send angels to guard and protect us. Surround us with their watchful care on earth and give us the joy of their company, forever in heaven. Amenholy-guardian-angels-pray-for-us.2 OCT 2017

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, franciscan OFM, MARIAN QUOTES, MORNING Prayers, MYSTICS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on GOSSIP, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 23 September – Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B and The Memorial of St Padre Pio (1887-1968)

Quote/s of the Day – 23 September – Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B and The Memorial of St Padre Pio (1887-1968)

“Do not fear!   Jesus is more powerful than all hell.”do-not-fear - 23 sept 2017

“Do not be daunted by the cross.
The surest test of love consists in suffering for the loved one
and if God suffered so much for love,
the pain we suffer for Him becomes as lovable as love itself.”

“The greater your sufferings, the greater God’s love for you.”the-greater-your-sufferings-st-pio-23-sept-2017

“God will never permit anything,
to happen to us, that is not for our greater good.”

“The storms that are raging around you,
will turn out to be for God’s glory,
your own merit
and the good of many souls.”the storms that are - god will never permit - st pio - 23 sept 2018

“In all the free time you have,
once you have finished your duties of state,
you should kneel down and pray the Rosary.
Pray the Rosary before the Blessed Sacrament
or before a crucifix.”in-all-the-free-time-st-pio-no-2-23-sept-2017

“Do you not see the Madonna always beside the Tabernacle?”do-you-not-see-st-pio-23-sept-2017

“Listen to the Mass, the way the Virgin Mary, stood at .. Calvary..”listen to the mass - st pio - 23 sept 2018

“We have close to us, an angelic spirit,
who never leaves us for an instant,
from the cradle to the grave,
who guides and protects us,
like a friend or a brother.”we have close to us an angelic spirit - st padre pio - 23 sept 2018

“When you gossip about a person it means
that you have removed the person from your heart.
But be aware, when you remove a man from your heart,
Jesus also goes away from your heart with that man.”

St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina (1887-1968)when-you-gossip-st-pio-23-sept-2017