Category: QUOTES on FEAR

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, The HEART

Our Morning Offering – 26 September – St Vincent Ferrer’s Prayer of Petition, Grant Me, O My God

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Our Morning Offering – 26 September – “Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross”

Grant me, O my God
By St Vincent Ferrer (1350-1419)

Good Jesus,
let me be penetrated with love
to the very marrow of my bones,
with fear and respect toward Thee.
Let me burn with zeal for Thy honour,
so that I may deeply resent,
all the outrages committed against Thee,
especially those of which,
I myself have been guilty.
Grant further, O my God,
that I may humbly adore
and acknowledge Thee,
as my Creator and penetrated with gratitude
for all Thy benefits,
I may never cease to render Thee thanksgiving.
Grant that I may bless Thee in all things,
praise and glorify Thee,
with a heart full of joy and gladness
and obeying Thee with docility
in every respect, I may one day,
despite my ingratitude and unworthiness,
be seated at Thine table
together with Thine Holy Angels and Apostles,
to enjoy ineffable delights for all eternity!
Amen

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, CONFESSION, HOLY COMMUNION, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on FEAR

Thought for the Day – 25 September – Frequent Confession and Communion

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Thought for the Day – 25 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Frequent Confession and Communion

“Frequent Confession keeps us prepared for a good and holy death.
We do not know when our lives will end and, therefore, it is necessary to keep ourselves pure and free from sin in the sight of God.
We know that death will come to us when we least expect it, as the Gospel assures us and it will come like a thief.
It is necessary to be always ready for the great encounter with our Eternal Judge.

In this way, the natural fear of death will be diminished.
Being free from sin through the infinite mercy of God, we shall face, with greater courage, the journey into eternity and we shall realise that the good sister, Death, has come to release us from bondage and save us from the danger of ever offending God again!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/29/thought-for-the-day-29-september-frequent-confession-and-communion-part-one/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/20/thought-for-the-day-20-april-frequent-confession-and-communion/

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, I BELIEVE!, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on PHYSICAL SICKNESS, ILLNESS, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Thought for the Day – September – Faith and Hope

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

Faith and Hope

“We should also have great confidence in the continual assistance which God offers us in the temptations, troubles and trials of life.
When we are strongly tempted, we should remember that God will not permit us to be tempted beyond our strength (Cf 1 Cor 10:13), and we should pray to Him for help.

When pain torments us, when humiliations are difficult to bear, when all is dark. we fear each moment and we feel abandoned, let us trust in Him, Who is the Way, the Truth and Life.
He says to us, as He said to Peter floundering in the waves:
“O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt?” (Mt 14:31).

He is always ready to console and comfort.
He is always there waiting for our call.
We are not alone!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/04/thought-for-the-day-4-july-faith/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/05/thought-for-the-day-5-july-faith-and-hope/

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD

Thought for the Day – 22 September – Depending Always on Jesus

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

Depending Always on Jesus

“Virtue is difficult and life holds more trials than consolations.
Sometimes, we feel discouraged because virtue seems impossible and we fall so often, in spite of our best resolutions or because, our cross seems too heavy and we feel that we are overburdened.

Where will we find comfort in our sufferings and strength in our weakness?
“Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28).
Go to Jesus and depend always on Him.

Difficulties will be overcome, the cross will grow lighter, the pain will be less severe, if we rely always on Jesus.
Isaias, the Prophet, placed these words on the lips of God: “I have made you and I will bear-I will carry and I will save” (Is 46:3).
At that time, Jesus had not yet come; He was not yet present among us with His doctrine, with His consoling spirt and with His Divine Eucharist.
Now things are different; we have Emmanuel, God with us!
Why, therefore, do we not allow ourselves to be carried by Him?
It is necessary for us to allow ourselves to be “Carried by the grace of God,” (Bk II, Ch 9) as The Imitation of Christ puts it.

If God is with us, who or what can prevail against us?

We must, as St Francis de Sales writes, lean on the arm of Jesus, as the child leans securely on the arm of it’s mother.
“It matters little,” he adds, “where she walks, on a grassy plain or on a steep path surrounded by precipices.”
She, is his mother and she carries him; that is enough to make him happy and content.
We must trust Jesus in this way, relying always on His support in joy and in sorrow, in moments of trial and in moments of satisfaction, in life and in death.
Let us not be afraid; Jesus is better and stronger than our earthly mother.
If He guides and supports us, we can be sure of Heaven, no matter what happens!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CARMELITES, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on WATCHING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 September – ‘ … I really think, nothing seems impossible, to one who loves. … ‘ St Teresa

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One Minute Reflection – 16 September – “Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Saints Cornelius and Cyprian – Wisdom 3:1-8, Luke 21:9-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Resolve, therefore, in your hearts, not to meditate beforehand, how you are to make your defence. For I Myself, will give you utterance and wisdom …” – Luke 21:14-15

REFLECTION – “O strong love of God! I really think, nothing seems impossible, to one who loves. O happy soul which has obtained this peace, from its God! For it has become mistress over all the trials and perils of the world. If only it can serve its good Spouse and Lord, it fears none of them – and, with good reason… Think of something which occurs to me now and which, is applicable to those who are naturally pusillanimous and have little courage… Although, in actual fact, their soul has been raised up to this state, the weakness of their nature makes them afraid. We must be on the watch, or this natural weakness, will deprive us of a great crown. When you find yourselves as pusillanimous as this, my daughters, have recourse to faith and humility and do not fail to go forward with faith, for nothing is impossible to God (Lk 1:37). He has thus been able to give many holy Saints, the courage to endure all the cruel tortures which they had resolved to suffer for His sake!

It is of this resolution and this free-will that the soul wishes to make Him Master, though He has no need of our efforts. Indeed, His Majesty is pleased that His works should shine forth in those who are weak, since in these, there is more scope for His power and, for the fulfilment of His desire, to grant us favours…

Pay no heed to the arguments adduced by your mind and your own weakness – this weakness will only grow, if you begin to imagine, what will and what will not happen…This is no time to think about your sins, leave them alone, humility is out of place now, it comes at the wrong time… Be assured that the Lord never forsakes those who love Him and risk everything for His sake!” – St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582) Carmelite, Doctor of the Church (Conceptions of the Love of God Ch 3:4-6).

PRAYER – May the feast of the blessed Martyrs and Bishops, Cornelius and Cyprian, protect us, O Lord, we beseech Thee and may their holy prayer recommend us to Thee.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 GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, GOD the FATHER, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, Uncategorized

Thought for the Day – 13 September – Filial and Servile Fear

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Thought for the Day – 13 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Filial and Servile Fear

“It is true that the fear of God is recommended many times in Sacred Scripture but, it is filial fear which is intended, not servile fear.

Servile fear keeps us apart from God.
But filial fear is akin to love and brings us closer to Him.
We should desire never to offend God because we love Him, not because we fear Him.
When one loves another with all one’s heart, iot is nearly impossible to offend him.
In this sense “the fear of Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov 1:7) and, therefore, of sanctity.
It is a gift of the Holy Spirit which produces, in us, a complete and loving submission to God, our Father and keeps us far from sin because, it is displeasing to Him.

The filial fear is pleasing to God, for “he fulfils the desire of those who fear Him, He hears their cry and saves them” (Ps 144:19).

“Love, therefore,” writes St Paul, “is the fulfilment of the law” (Rom 13:10).
We should certainly fear God but above all, we should love Him.
If we love Him, we shall be glad to keep His commanments and we shall have great spiritual peace, contentment and growth in sanctity, all given by the grace of God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/18/thought-for-the-day-18-september-filial-and-servile-fear/

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, The LAST THINGS, The SECOND COMING

One Minute Reflection – 11 September – ‘ … He says that there will be wars, turmoil, famines and epidemics everywhere. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 11 September – “Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Protus and St Hyacinth (Died c257) Brother Martyrs – Wisdom 3:1-8, Luke 21:9-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons and they will have you led, before kings and governors because of My Name …” – Luke 21:12

REFLECTION – “Jesus gives them clear and evident signs of the time when the consummation of the world draws near. He says that there will be wars, turmoil, famines and epidemics everywhere. There will be terrors from Heaven and great signs. As another Evangelist says, “All the stars shall fall and the heaven be rolled up like a scroll and its powers will be shaken.”

In the middle of this, the Saviour places what refers to the capture of Jerusalem. He mixes the accounts together in both parts of the narrative. Before all these things, He says, “They will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues and to prisons and bringing you before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. This will be a witness to you.” Before the times of consummation, the land of the Jews was taken captive and the Roman armies overran it. They burned the temple, overthrew their national government and stopped the means for legal worship. They no longer had sacrifices, now that the temple was destroyed. The country of the Jews together with Jerusalem itself was totally laid waste. Before these things happened, they persecuted the blessed disciples. They imprisoned them and had a part in unendurable trials. They brought the disciples before judges and sent them to kings. Paul was sent to Rome to Caesar.

Christ promises, however, that He will deliver them certainly and completely. He says that a hair of your head will not perish!” – St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Bishop of Alexandria, Father and Doctor of the Incarnation the Church (Commentary on Luke, Homily 139).

PRAYER – May the precious witness of Thy blessed Martyrs, Protus and Hyacinth, comfort us, O Lord and may their kind intercession, continually protect us. 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 AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PHYSICAL SICKNESS, ILLNESS, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, The HOLY NAME

Quote/s of the Day – 10 September – I say to thee, arise!

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Quote/s of the Day – 10 September – The 15th Sunday after Pentecost – Galatians 5:25-26; 6:1-10, Luke 7:11-16 – Scripture search here:

“Young man, I say to thee, arise!”
Luke 7:14

“The young man’s mother, this widow,
was transported with joy at seeing her son rise.
Our Mother, the Church, also rejoices
when she sees her children’s
spiritual resurrection everyday.
The widow’s son was dead with the death of the body
but these latter, are dead with the death of the soul.
People wept tears over the visible death
of the former but people were not concerned
by the invisible death of the latter –
they did not even see it.
The only One Who did not remain indifferent,
is the One Who knew these deaths –
only the One, Who could give life back to them,
knew these deaths.
For if the Lord had not come to raise the dead,
the Apostle Paul would not have said:
“Awake, O sleeper, arise from the dead
and Christ will give you Light.” (Eph 5:14).”

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

“O my brethren, if only we wanted to,
if only we all wanted to perceive
our soul’s paralysis in all its depth!
Then we would see
that it is lying on a stretcher of sins,
deprived of strength.
Christ’s action within us,
would be a source of light
and we would understand
that each day He sees our lack of faith,
harmful as it is, that He draws us
towards healing remedies
and sharply presses our rebellious wills.
“My son” He says, “your sins are forgiven you.”

St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450)
“Golden Words”
Father & Doctor of the Church

“If thou art bound down by sickness,
if sorrows weary thee,
if thou art trembling with fear,
invoke the name of Jesus!”

St Lawrence Justinian (1381-1456)

“A person who is conscious of his misery,
can certainly have great confidence in God.
In fact, he cannot have true confidence in Him,
without this consciousness of his misery.
This knowledge and acknowledgement
of our misery, leads us to the presence of God.”

St Francis de Sales 91567-1622)
Doctor of the Church

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CARMELITES, CATECHESIS, CATHOLIC TIME, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on TIME, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, St Francis de Sales, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 7 September – “I will never abandon you, I will always be with you.”

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Quote/s of the Day – 7 September – Ferial Day – Galatians 5:16-24, Matthew 6:24-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Therefore, I say to you,
do not be anxious for your life,
what you shall eat;
nor yet, for your body,
what you shall put on.”

Matthew 6:25

“… May grace and peace
be yours in abundance,
through knowledge of God
and of Jesus Our Lord…”

2 Peter 1:2

“Do you desire security?
Here you have it.
The Lord says to you, “I will never abandon you,
I will always be with you.”
If a good man made you such a promise,
you would trust him.
God makes it and do you doubt?
Do you seek a support, more sure
than the Word of God, which is infallible?
Surely, He has made the promise,
He has written it,
He has pledged His Word for it, it is most certain!”

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

“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 the world turn upside down,
let everything be in darkness, in smoke,
in uproar – God is with us!”

“I recommend that you look before you
but not dwell upon those
dangers which you see in the distance.”

“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 Caritatis

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, GOD the FATHER, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 21 August – St Jane Frances de Chantal

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Quote/s of the Day – 21 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Jane Frances de Chantal VHM (1572-1641) Widow

“Delight in prayer is no measure of our love of God.
But if we bear difficulties patiently,
resist the urgings of self-love resolutely
and fulfil our duties in life willingly,
if we live trusting in Providence
and desiring to be known – only by God! –
then we will show that we truly love God!
Such deeds are unmistakable signs of love.
Let us always be faithful in doing God’s will
because all else is unworthy of the name of love!”

“May we love and serve the Lord reverently.
with a loving, filial fear of offending our heavenly Father
and of displeasing Jesus, our Divine Beloved.
As long as we are in this life,
we would do well to follow
the well-travelled ways to holiness.
Fear of God is the first step on this path.
We cannot maintain a truly productive desire
of serving God, unless we have a holy fear
of displeasing Our Saviour
and of being negligent
in responding to grace and inspirations.”

“To be faithful, we must live simply.
Then, being free from attachments,
we are possessed by nothing.
We live in such absolute openness to Divine Love
that whatever pleases God,
becomes our heart’s desire.”

Prayer of Abandonment
By St Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641)

O sovereign goodness
of the sovereign Providence of my God!
I abandon myself forever to Thy arms.
Whether gentle or severe,
lead me henceforth whither Thou will.
I will not regard the way
through which Thou will have me pass
but keep my eyes fixed upon Thee,
my God, who guides me.
My soul finds no rest without the arms
and the bosom of this heavenly Providence,
my true Mother, my strength and my rampart.
Therefore I resolve with Thy Divine assistance,
0 my Saviour,
to follow Thy desires and Thy ordinances,
without regarding or examining
why Thou does this rather than that
but I will blindly follow Thee,
according to Thy Divine will,
without seeking my own inclinations.
Hence I am determined to leave all to Thee,
taking no part therein,
save by keeping myself in peace in Thy arms,
desiring nothing, except as Thou incites me to desire,
to will, to wish.
I offer Thee this desire, 0 my God,
beseeching Thee to bless it.
I undertake all it includes,
relying on Thy goodness,
liberality and mercy,
with entire confidence in Thee,
distrust of myself,
and knowledge of my infinite misery and infirmity.
Amen.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/21/quote-s-of-the-day-21-august-st-jane-frances-de-chantal/

St Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641)

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 August – He who had made you never to become sick, if you would keep His precepts, will He not heal you?

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One Minute Reflection – 14 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Pentecost XI – 1 Corinthians 15:1-10, Mark 7:31-37 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears and, after spitting. touched his tongue.” – Mark 7:33

REFLECTION – “The Lord heals all your ills” (Ps 102:3). Never fear, all your ills will healed. You say they are big ones but the Doctor is even greater. For an all-powerful Doctor there is no such thing as an incurable sickness. Simply let yourself be cared for, do not push away His hand, He knows what to do. Do not be happy only when He acts with gentleness but bear with it, too, when He prunes. Accept the unpleasantness of the cure, by thinking of the healing it will bring you.
Notice all those things, brethren, that people put up with in their physical ills, so as to prolong their lives a few days… You, at least, are not suffering for an uncertain result – He, who has promised you, your health, cannot be mistaken. Why is it that doctors are sometimes mistaken? Because they have not created the body they are treating. But God has made your body, God has made your soul. He knows how to re-create what He has created;, He knows how to re-fashion what He has formed. You have only to abandon yourself into His Doctor’s hands… Endure His hands, then, O soul that “blesses him and forgets not all his benefits – he heals all your ills” (P2 102[103]:2-3).
He who had made you never to become sick, if you would keep His precepts, will He not heal you? He who made the Angels and, in re-creating you, will make you equal to the Angels – will He not heal you? He who made Heaven and earth, will He not heal you, after having made you, in His image? (Gn 1:26) He will heal you but you must consent to be healed. He heals every sickness, perfectly but He does not heal it, in spite of Himself… Your health is Christ!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church – Sermon on the Psalms, Ps 102[103]: 5-6; PL 37, 1319

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body and, by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN POETRY, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on TEMPTATION

Quote/s of the Day – 5 August – You Are All Beautiful, Mary

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Quote/s of the Day – 5 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Dedication of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Snows

“In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties,
think of Mary, call upon Mary.
Let not her name depart from your lips,
never suffer it to leave your heart.
And that you may obtain the assistance of her prayer,
neglect not to walk in her footsteps.
With her for guide, you shall never go astray;
while invoking her, you shall never lose heart;
as long as she is in your mind,
you are safe from deception;
while she holds your hand, you cannot fall;
under her protection, you have nothing to fear;
if she walks before you, you shall not grow weary;
if she shows you favour, you shall reach the goal!”

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

“If you are in danger,
if your hearts are confused,
turn to Mary!”

St Francis Xavier (1506-1552)

No-one who shall invoke
this Mother of Grace,
with devotion and perseverance,
can possibly perish forever.”

St John Eudes (1601-1680)
“The Apostle of Two Hearts”

Tota Pulchra Es, Maria
You Are All Beautiful, Mary
Unknown Author – 4th Century

You are all beautiful, Mary,
and the original stain is not in you.
You are the glory of Jerusalem,
you are the joy of Israel,
you give honour to our people.
You are an advocate of sinners.
O Mary, O Mary,
Virgin most intelligent,
Mother most merciful.
Pray for us,
Plead for us,
To the Lord Jesus Christ.

Tota pulchra es, Maria.
Et macula originalis non est in Te.
Tu gloria Ierusalem.
Tu laetitia Israel.
Tu honorificentia populi nostri.
Tu advocata peccatorum.
O Maria, O Maria,
Virgo prudentissima.
Mater clementissima.
Ora pro nobis.
Intercede pro nobis.
Ad Dominum Iesum Christum.

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on THE WORLD, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 18 July – St Camillus de Lellis

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Quote/s of the Day – 18 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St Camillus de Lellis MI (1550-1614) “The Giant of Charity,” Confessor, Priest and Founder the Order of the Ministers of the Sick, or simply as the “Camillians”

“Why are you afraid?
Do you not realise
that this is not your work
but mine?”

Christ on the Cross speaking to Saint Camillus

“Lord, forgive this great sinner.
Give me time to do penance.
No more world, no more sins!”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/18/quote-s-of-the-day-18-july-st-camillus/

St Camillus de Lellis MI (1550-1614

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 June – And fear you not them who kill the body and are not able to kill the soul …”

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One Minute Reflection – 28 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – St Irenaeus (c130 – c202) Bishop, Martyr – 2 Timothy 3:14-17, 4:1-5; Matthew 10:28-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And fear you not them who kill the body and are not able to kill the soul …” – Matthew 10:28

REFLECTION – “They did not nail Polycarp but only tied him up. And so, he was bound, putting his arms behind his back, like a noble ram taken from a large flock for sacrifice, a burnt offering acceptable to and made ready for God. Then he gazed up to Heaven and said: “O Lord God Almighty, Father of Your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, through Whom we have received knowledge of You, God of the angels and the powers and of all creation, God of the whole race of the righteous who live in Your sight: I bless You, for You have thought me worthy of this day and hour, to share the cup of Your Christ, as one of Your Martyrs, to rise again to eternal life in body and soul in the immortality of the Holy Ghost. May I be taken up today into Your Presence among Your Martyrs, as a rich and acceptable sacrifice, in the manner You have prepared and have revealed and have now brought to fulfillment, for You are the God of truth… And so also I praise You for all things; I bless and glorify you through our Eternal High Priest in Heaven (Heb 4,14), in Your beloved Child, Jesus Christ, through Whom be glory to You and to Him and to the Holy Ghost, now and for the ages to come. Amen.” – Letter of the Church of Smyrna concerning the Martyrdom of Saint Polycarp (69-155) [Especially appropriate today, as St Irenaeus was a Student and Disciple of St Polycarp.]

PRAYER – O God, Who enabled blessed Irenaeus, Thy Martyr and Bishop, to overcome heresy with true doctrine and to establish peace happily in the Church, grant, we beseech Thee that Thy people may be steadfast in holy religion and give us Thy peace in our times. 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).

SWEET HEART of JESUS, be my LOVE. – Indulgence 300 Days, Once a Day – Pope Leo XIII 21 May 1802.

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, St Francis de Sales, The LAST THINGS, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 26 June – ‘Therefore, do not be afraid …’

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Quote/s of the Day – 26 June – Saint John and Saint Paul of Rome (Died c362) Martyrs – Ecclesiasticus 44:10-15, Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings?
And yet not one of them is forgotten before God.
Yes, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Therefore, do not be afraid,
you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Luke 12:6-7

“Let the world turn upside down,
let everything be in darkness,
in smoke, in uproar – God is with us!”

(Letters to Persons in the World, VI, 12)

“The good Angels are around you,
like a company of Sentinels on guard!”

(Letters to Persons in Religion, IV, 14)

“Fear is a greater evil
than the evil itself.”

(Letters to Persons in the World, VI, 12)

“Have no fear – He Who has given you the will,
He will give you the accomplishing.”

(Letters to Persons in Religion, IV, 21)

“Why do you put yourself in trouble?
God is good; He sees very well what you are.”

(Letters to Persons in Religion, III, 16)

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on SUFFERING, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, St Francis de Sales, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 June – Therefore, do not be afraid, you are of more value than many sparrows.

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One Minute Reflection – 26 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Saint John and Saint Paul of Rome (Died c362) Martyrs – Ecclesiasticus 44:10-15, Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Yes, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid, you are of more value than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:6-7

REFLECTION – “Do not look forward to the changes and chances
of this life in fear – rather look to them with full hope that, as they arise, God, Whose you are, will deliver you out of them.
He is your keeper. He has kept you hitherto. Do you but hold fast to His dear Hand and He will lead you safely through all things and, when you cannot stand, He will bear you in His arms.
Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow.
Our Father will either shield you from suffering, or He will give you strength to bear it.” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church.

PRAYER – We beseech Thee, Almighty God that on this feast-day, we may have the double joy of celebrating blessed John and Paul, true brothers ,who obtained eternal glory through one Faith and one Martyrdom. 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).

All praise, honour and glory to the divine HEART of JESUS. – Indulgence 50 Days, Once a day. Raccolta 168 Pope Leo XIII, 14 June 1901.

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, MODESTY, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on TRUTH, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 25 June – The many paths?

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Quote/s of the Day – 25 June – Pentecost IV – Romans 8:18-23, Luke 5:1-11 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Master, the whole night through
we have toiled and have taken nothing
but at Thy Word, I will lower the net.”

Luke 5:5

“To arrive at the knowledge of the truth,
there are many paths – the first is humility,
the second is humility
and the third is humility.”

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

“Those who refuse to be humble
cannot be saved.
They cannot say with the prophet:
See, God comes to my aid;
the Lord is the helper of my soul.
But anyone who makes himself humble,
like a little child,
is greater in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

St Bede the Venerable (673-735)
Father and Doctor if the Church

“At Thy Word I will lower the nets.”
Whenever I lowered them on my own,
I wanted to keep what belongs to Thee for myself.
It was myself I was preaching
and not Thee; my words, not Thine.
That is why I caught nothing.
Or, if I did catch something,
it was not fish but frogs,
only good for croaking my own praise! …”

St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231)
Doctor of the Church

“When insults have no effect on us,
when persecutions and penalties,
have no terror for us,
when prosperity or adversity,
has no influence on us,
when friend and foe,
are viewed in the same light…
do we not come close,
to sharing, the serenity of God?”

St Aelred of Rievaulx (1110-1167)
“St Bernard of the North”

“Humility is the mother
of many virtues
because from it,
obedience, fear, reverence,
patience, modesty,
meekness and peace are born.
He who is humble easily obeys everyone,
fears to offend anyone,
is at peace with everyone,
is kind with all.”

“Dismiss all anger
and look into yourself a little.
Remember that he, of whom,
you are speaking, is your brother
and as he is, in the way of salvation,
God can make him a Saint,
in spite of his present weakness.”

St Thomas of Villanova (1488-1555)

“Humility and charity
are the two master chords –
one, the lowest;
the other, the highest;
all the others are dependent on them.
Therefore, it is necessary, above all.
to maintain ourselves in these two virtues,
for observe well,
that the preservation of the whole edifice
depends on the foundation and the roof!”

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

Posted in JESUIT SJ, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY

Our Morning Offering – 21 June – O Holy Mary By St Aloysius de Gonzaga

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Our Morning Offering – 21 June – The Feast of St Aloysius Gonzaga SJ (1568-1591) Confessor, Jesuit Seminarian, Mystic, Marian devote

O Holy Mary
By St Aloysius de Gonzaga (1568-1591)

O Holy Mary, my mistress,
into your blessed trust
and special custody
and into the grasp of your mercy
I this day, everyday
and in the hour of my death,
commend my soul and my body.
To you, I commit,
all my anxieties and miseries,
my life and the end of my life,
that by your most holy intercession
and by your merits,
all my actions may be directed
and disposed
according to your will
and that of your Son.
Amen

Posted in GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD

Quote/s of the Day –30 May – St Joan of Arc

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Quote/s of the Day – 30 May – The Memorial of St Joan of Arc (1412-1431) “The Maid of Orléans” Holy Virgin

“Go forward bravely.
Fear nothing.
Trust in God – all will be well.”

“All battles are first won
or lost,
in the mind!”

“It is better to be alone with God.
His Friendship will not fail me,
nor His Counsel,
nor His Love.
In His Strength, I will dare
and dare and dare,
until I die.”

LOTS MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/30/quote-s-of-the-day-30-may-st-joan-of-arc/

St Joan of Arc (1412-1431)

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, DOCTORS of the Church, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on REASON/INTELLECT, QUOTES on WISDOM, St Francis de Sales

Quote/s of the Day –29 May – The 7 Gifts

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Quote/s of the Day –29 May – Pentecost Monday

“These Gifts are not only inseparable from charity
but they are, the principal virtues,
properties and qualities of charity.

WISDOM
is nothing else, than the love
which relishes, tastes and experiences,
how sweet and gentle God is.

UNDERSTANDING
is nothing else, than love attentive to consider
and penetrate the beauty of the truths of faith.

KNOWLEDGE
is simply the same love
keeping us attentive to know ourselves
and creatures, to obtain a more perfect knowledge
of the service we owe to God.

COUNSEL
is also love, as it renders us careful,
attentive and skilled
in choosing the means proper
to serve God in a holy manner.

FORTITUDE
is love which encourages and animates the heart,
so as to carry out, that which Counsel
has determined must be done.

PIETY
is the love which sweetens labour
and makes us, with good heart,
gratitude and filial affection,
do works that please God our Father.

FEAR
is simply love as it causes us to fly
and shun what is displeasing to God’s majesty.”
(Treatise on the Love of God, Book 11, Chapter 15)

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

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, NOVENAS, PENTECOST, QUOTES on FEAR

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts – SECOND DAY

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Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts

SECOND DAY

Come. Father of the poor.
Come, treasures which endure,
Come, Light of all that live!

The Gift of Fear

The gift of Fear fills us
with a sovereign respect for God
and makes us dread nothing so muc,
as to offend Him by sin.
It is a fear that arises,
not from the thought of hell
but, from sentiments of reverence
and filial submission to our Heavenly Father.
It is the fear, which is the beginning of wisdom,
detaching us from worldly pleasures,
which could, in any way,
separate us from God.
“They who fear the Lord,
will prepare their hearts
and in His sight,
will sanctify their souls. ”

Prayer

Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear,
penetrate my inmost heart,
that I may set You,
my Lord and God,
before my face forever,
help me to shun all things
which may offend You
and make me worthy
to appear before
the pure Eyes of Your Divine Majesty
in Heaven, where You live and reign,
in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity,
God world without end.
Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
To be recited daily during the Novena

On my knees,
I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses,
offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God.
I adore the brightness of Your purity,
the unerring keenness of Your justice
and the might of Your love.
You are the Strength and Light of my soul.
In You I live and move and am.
I desire never to grieve You
by unfaithfulness to grace
and I pray with all my heart to be kept
from the smallest sin against You.
Mercifully guard my every thought
and grant that I may always watch for Your light,
listen to Your Voice
and follow Your gracious inspirations.
I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You,
by Your compassion, to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus,
looking at His Five Wounds
and trusting in His Precious Blood
and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart,
I implore You, Adorable Spirit,
Helper of my infirmity, t
o keep me in Your grace,
that I may never sin against You.
Give me grace O Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Father and the Son,
to say to You always and everywhere,
“Speak Lord for Your servant hears.”
Amen.

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The ASCENSION of the LORD

Thought for the Day – 18 May – The Ascension of Jesus

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

The Ascension of Jesus

“After His glorious Resurrection from the dead, Jesus appeared to His Apostles.
For forty days He instructed them concerning the Kingdom of God.
When He had announced to His followers, that He would send the Holy Spirit to give them the enlightenment and courage to preach the Gospel, they gathered together on the Mount of Olives and saw Him rise upwards until a bright cloud hid Him from their view.
The Mystery of the Ascension contains a lesson for us.
We must be detached from the world and brought closer to Heaven, which is our true home.
We are so attached to earthly things because money, reputation and pleasure are closer to our hearts than the thought of God or of eternity.
We shall have to leave all these things behind soon enough, however.
When death comes, the world will slip away from us and the soul will stand alone before God.

Let us begin to detach ourselves from worldly affairs and to make Heaven the object of our desires.
Why should we be sorry or afraid, or both, to leave this earth?
Remember the teaching of St Paul “Here we no permanent city but we seek for the city that is to come” (Heb 13:14).
“For me to live is Christ,” he said, “and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21). “desiring to depart and to be with Christ, a lot by far the better” (Phil 1:23).

Let us pray in the beautiful words of the Church: “Lord, grant that while we are living in this changing world, we may aspire to the true happiness of Heaven, so that in the midst of earthly vicissitudes, our hearts maybe content in this ambition.” (Roman Breviary).

Let us not be afraid of death, for it is only the Gate of Heaven!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

ANOTHER REFLECTION ON THE ASCENSION:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/13/thought-for-the-day-13-may-the-ascension-of-jesus/

Posted in "Follow Me", FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 25 April – The Gospel of Saint Mark

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Quote/s of the Day – 25 April – Feast of St Mark Evangelist

The Gospel of Saint Mark was written in Greek around the 60s.
He was Martyred in 68 and his Relics are preserved in the St Mark Cathedral of Venice.
He is represented by a Winged Lion, one of the four living creatures of the Apocalypse, for he begins his Gospel by narrating St John the Baptist crying out in the wilderness, like a roaring lion.

By Alexander Sytov 1995

“To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God,
or what parable can we use for it?
It is like a mustard seed …”

Mark 4:30-31

“And the wind ceased
and there was a great calm.
He said to them:
“Why are you so afraid?
Have you still no faith?”

Mark 4:39-40

“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

“Anyone who gives you
a cup of water to drink
because you belong to Christ …,
will surely not lose his reward.”

Mark 9:41

“Whoever does not accept
the Kingdom of God,
like a little child,
shall not enter it.”

Mark 10:15

“For the Son of Man came not to be served
but to serve and to give His Life
as a ransom for many …”

Mark 10:45

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TIME, The HOLY CROSS, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 18 April – Embrace, then, Jesus Crucified …

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Quote/s of the Day – 18 April – “The Month of the Resurrection” – Tuesday in the Second Week of Easter – 1 John 5:4-10, John 20. 19-31 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“My Lord and my God.”

John 20:28

“Are you able to drink the cup
that I am to drink?”

Matthew 20:22

“Embrace, then, Jesus Crucified,
raising to Him the eyes of your desire!
Consider His burning love for you
which made Jesus pour out His Blood
from every part of His body!
Embrace Jesus Crucified,
loving and beloved and in Him,
you will find true life because He is God made Man.
Let your heart and your soul burn
with the fire of love drawn from Jesus on the Cross!
… You will have no other desire than to follow Jesus!
Run, … do not stay asleep
because time flies and does not wait one moment!
Dwell in God’s sweet love!”

St Catherine of Sienna (1347-1380)
Doctor of the Church

“Alas, how the faith of Jesus’ Apostles
is shaken after His Crucifixion!
Assembled in a room with closed doors,
they are filled with fear.
Then Jesus enters, stands in their midst
and greets them: ‘Peace be with you.’ …
Without the presence of our Saviour,
they felt timid and lacked strength.
Such is the case when one is without God.
They were afraid.
Like a ship tossed in a storm without a pilot,
such was this poor boat.
Our Lord appears to His disciples
to bring relief to their fear.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, EASTER, GOD ALONE!, LENT 2023, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on STRENGTH

Our Lenten Journey with St Francis de Sales – 9 April – Easter Sunday, Such is the case when one is without God …

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Our Lenten Journey with St Francis de Sales – 9 April – Easter Sunday, Alleluia, He is Truly Risen, Alleluia!

“Such is the case when one is without God … ”
St Francis de Sales

EASTER SUNDAY!
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

“Alas, how the faith of Jesus’ Apostles is shaken after His Crucifixion!
Assembled in a room with closed doors, they are filled with fear.
Then Jesus enters, stands in their midst and greets them: ‘Peace be with you.’
Showing them the signs and marks of the reconciliation of humanity with God, He says, ‘See My Hands and My Side.’
Why does He do this?
To bolster their vacillating faith. Without the presence of our Saviour, they felt timid and lacked strength.
Such is the case when one is without God. They were afraid. Like a ship tossed in a storm without a pilot, such was this poor boat.
Our Lord appears to His disciples to bring relief to their fear.” – (Sermon of St Francis de Sales for Lent).

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, GOD ALONE!, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, ROSARY QUOTES, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The SECOND COMING

Quote/s of the Day – 5 April – St Vincent Ferrer

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Quote/s of the Day – 5 April – St Vincent Ferrer OP (1350-1419) Confessor, called “The Angel of the Apocalypse” and of “The Last Judgement” and the “Mouthpiece of God.”

“Whoever observes this practice,
[the Daily Rosary],
is beyond the reach of adversity!”

“Those with pride
are not Christ’s sheep
but the devil’s goats!”

Grant me, O my God
By St Vincent Ferrer (1350-1419)

Good Jesus,
let me be penetrated with love
to the very marrow of my bones,
with fear and respect toward You.
Let me burn with zeal for Your honour,
so that I may resent terribly,
all the outrages
committed against You,
especially those of which
I myself have been guilty.
Grant further, O my God,
that I may adore and acknowledge You humbly,
as my Creator and that,
penetrated with gratitude
for all Your benefits,
I may never cease to render You thanks.
Grant that I may bless You in all things,
praise and glorify You
with a heart full of joy and gladness
and that, obeying You with docility
in every respect, I may one day,
despite my ingratitude and unworthiness,
be seated at Your table
together with Your Holy Angels and Apostles,
to enjoy ineffable delights.
Amen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/05/quote-s-of-the-day-5-april-st-vincent-ferrer/

St Vincent Ferrer (1350-1419)

Posted in GOD ALONE!, HOLY WEEK, JESUIT SJ, Our MORNING Offering, POETRY, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The PASSION

Our Morning Offering – 4 April – My God, I Love Thee By St Francis Xavier

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Our Morning Offering – 4 April – Tuesday in Holy Week

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 "Follow Me", CATECHESIS, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, LENT 2023, LENTEN THOUGHTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, The WILL of GOD

Our Lenten Journey with St Francis de Sales – 2 April – Palm Sunday, Humility

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Our Lenten Journey with St Francis de Sales – 2 April – Palm Sunday – Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:36-75; 2 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Thou hast held me by my right hand
and by Thy will, Thou hast conducted me
and in Thy glory, Thou hast received me.”
Psalm 72:24

“Behold the hour is at hand
and the Son of man shall be betrayed
into the hands of sinners.”
Matthew 26:45

PALM SUNDAY – HUMILITY
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

“THE APOSTLES LED the ass and colt to Our Lord. …
This ass and colt had only the Apostles’ cloaks laid on them, then Our Lord mounted … and in this abjection and humility, He made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
In this He confounded the world which overthrows all the maxims of the Gospel, relishing neither humility nor abjection.
It never ceases to say: “Unfortunate are the poor and suffering. But how happy that wealthy one is!”
“Why do you find him happy?”
“Because his barn is full of grain and his cellar is full of wine.
This girl is also happy because she too is rich, well dressed and covered with jewels.”
Others are considered happy because their hair is well curled or daintily braided, or they have a fancy gown.
How childish all this is! Nevertheless, these are the kinds of people the world considers happy and fortunate!

Our Lord turns all such ideas upside down today by His entrance into Jerusalem. He in no way acts like princes of the world, who, when entering a City, do it with much pomp, show and expense. He chooses no other mount but an ass covered with the worthless and poor cloaks of His Apostles.

Oh! how blessed are they whom our Divine Master chooses to carry Him, who are covered with the Apostles’ cloaks, that is, clothed with apostolic virtues, which render them worthy of bearing our dear Saviour and of being led by Him.
Blessed are they who conduct themselves here in lowliness and humility. They will be exalted in Heaven [Matt. 18:4; 23:12; Lk. 14:11; 18:14].
Their patience will win for them perpetual peace and tranquility; for their obedience they shall receive a crown of glory [Tab. 3:21; James 1:12]; finally, they shall be covered with the hundredfold of blessings in this life and shall bless the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, eternally in the next.
May God give us this grace. Amen.” – (Spiritual Conferences, XVII – St Francis de Sales).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on REASON/INTELLECT, QUOTES on WISDOM, The GOOD SHEPHERD

Quote/s of the Day – 29 March – Hear and Obey

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Quote/s of the Day – 29 March –Wednesday in Passion Week – Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-19, 25, John 10:22-38 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“My sheep hear My Voice;
I know them and they follow Me.”

John 10:27

“Peace in us is the result
of two kinds of necessary obedience,
the obedience to right reason
of the lower faculties
and the obedience of right reason
to God, our Creator.
“This is the peace which God
gives on earth to men of goodwill;
this is the most perfect wisdom,”

St Augustine (356-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

“Do all through love,
nothing through constraint.
Love obedience more
than you fear disobedience.”
(Letter to Madame de Chantal)

“To find the Saviour
outside obedience’
is to lose Him altogether!”
(Letters to Persons in Religion, VI, 22)

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, OUR Cross, Our MORNING Offering, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, The WILL of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 28 March – O My God, I Thank Thee, An Act of Abandonment

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 28 March – Tuesday in Passion Week

O My God, I Thank Thee
An Act of Abandonment
to the Divine Will
By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

O my God, I thank Thee
and I praise Thee
for accomplishing Thy Holy and all-lovable Will
without any regard for mine.
With my whole heart,
in spite of my heart,
do I receive this cross I feared so much!
It is the cross of Thy choice,
the cross of Thy Love.
I venerate it;
nor for anything in the world
would I wish it had not come,
since Thou hast willed it.
I keep it with gratitude and with joy,
as I do everything which comes from Thy Hand
and I shall strive to carry it
without letting it drag,
with all the respect
and all the affection
which Thy works deserve.
Amen.