Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 13 August – Lapsing into Sin

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

Lapsing into Sin

Away then, with all thoughts of discouragement!
Let us ask humbly for forgiveness every time we fall, for God understands our weakness.
Then let us begin again with confidence in God’s grace!

But why, we may ask, does God permit us to fall, time and time again, without giving us the grace to resist?
In such a case, we must accept the mystery of God’s dealings with us.
God often allows us to fall in order to humble us and to make us realise that we are powerless without Him.
Pride is often the cause of our sins and our pride must be curbed.

God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble” (Cf Is 4:6).

Instead of giving into discouragement, therefore, we should acknowledge our own weakness and pray again to God to help us!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/16/thought-for-the-day-16-august-lapsing-into-sin/

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST

Quote/s of the Day – 4 August – St Dominic

Quote/s of the Day – 4 August – The Memorial of St Dominic (1170-1221) Confessor

A man who governs his passions
is master of his world.
We must either command them
or be enslaved by them.
It is better to be a hammer than an anvil
!”

Arm yourself with prayer
instead of a sword;
be clothed with humility
instead of fine raiment.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/04/quote-s-of-the-day-4-august-st-dominic/

St Dominic (1170-1221) Confessor

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, NOVEMBER - Month of the SOULS in PURGATORY, Of a Holy DEATH & AGAINST A SUDDEN DEATH, of the DYING, FINAL PERSEVERANCE, DEATH of CHILDREN, DEATH of PARENTS, PARTIAL Indulgence, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PURGATORY, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY GHOST

Quote/s of the Day – 2 August – St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori

Quote/s of the Day – 2 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” and the Feast of St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

The Glories of Mary (audio book)

Evening Prayer
By St Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

(Indulgence of 3 Years, Once a Day)

Jesus Christ my God,
I adore Thee and thank Thee
for all the graces Thou hast given me this day.
I offer Thee my sleep
and all the moments of this night
and I beseech Thee
to keep me without sin.
Wherefore ,I put myself,
within Thy sacred side
and under the mantle of our Lady, my Mother.
Let Thy holy Angels stand about me
and keep me in peace
and let Thy blessing be upon me, O Lord my God.
Amen

How pleasing to Him it will be,
if you sometimes forget yourself
and speak to Him of His own glory;
of the miseries of others,
especially those who mourn in sorrow;
of the souls in purgatory,
His spouses, who long to behold Him in Heaven
and, of poor sinners,
who live deprived of His grace.

Come O Holy Spirit!
By St Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

You made Mary full of grace
and inflamed the hearts of the Apostles
with a holy zeal,
enflame our hearts with Your love.
You are the Spirit of goodness,
give us the courage to confront evil.
You are Fire,
set us ablaze with Your Love.
You are Light,
enlighten our minds,
that we may see what is truly igood and true.
You are the Dove,
give us gentleness.
You are a Soothing Breeze,
bring calm to the storms which rage within us.
You are the Tongue,
may our lips ever sing God’s praises
You are the Cloud,
shelter us under the shadow of Your protection.
O Holy Spirit, melt the frozen,
warm the chilled
and enkindle in us,
an earnest desire to please You.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen

The powers of hell
will assail the dying Christian
but his Angel Guardian
will come to console him.
His Patrons and St Michael,
who has been appointed by God
to defend his faithful servants,
in their last combat with the devils,
will come to his aid.

We should not forget,
that the devil has his martyrs
and that he infuses into them
a false constancy.
It is not the punishment
but the cause,
that makes the Martyr;
that is – the confession
of the True Faith.

Prayer for a Holy Death
By St Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

Patron of Final Perseverance

My beloved Jesus,
I will not refuse the cross,
as the Cyrenian did;
I accept it, I embrace it.
I accept, in particular,
the death Thou hast destined for me,
with all the pains which may accompany it;
I unite it to Thy Death,
I offer it to Thee
Thou hast died for love of me; I
will die for love of Thee
and to please Thee.
Help me by Thy grace.
I love Thee, Jesus, my love;
I repent of ever having offended Thee.
Never permit me to offend Thee again.
Grant that I may love Thee always
and then do with me what Thou will.
Amen

O Afflicted Virgin!
By St Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

O afflicted Virgin!
O soul, great in virtues
and great also in sorrows!
for both arise from that great fire of love
thou hast for God;
thou “whose heart can love nothing but God.”
O Mother, have pity on me,
for I have not loved God
and I have so much offended Him.
Thy sorrows give me great confidence
to hope for pardon.
But this is not enough;
I wish to love my Lord
and who can better obtain this for me
than thou,
thou who art the Mother of fair love?
O Mary, thou dost console all,
comfort me also.
Amen

MORE by St Alphonsus:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/02/quote-s-of-the-day-2-august/

St Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

Posted in NOTES to Followers, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, St PAUL!, The WORD

The Power of Your Prayers!

The Power of Your Prayers!

“… give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thes 5:18

I thank those Priest who celebrated Holy Mass on the great Feast of St James the Greater, offering the greatest of all prayers for the success of the operation I was undergoing. I was and am, so well protected by all your glorious intercessions that I was cushioned, protected, comforted and so very confident!

I am nearly back online – just awaiting a final Post-op Examination to confirm the status of my eye and whether it can handle the PC light. I might have to ease into the time I usually spend here, slowly increasing the hours.

I continue to pray in thanksgiving and joy, for you all. 🙏💖

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God, in Christ Jesus, for you
” (1 Thes 5:18).

Posted in CONFESSION, HOLY COMMUNION, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SIN, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST

Thought for the Day – 18 July – Our Dominant Passion

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

Our Dominant Passion

We can conquer our predominant passion by the following means:
(a) Fervent prayer.
(b) A daily Examination of Conscience ,in the course of which we shall discover, whether we have made any progress, in the way of perfection and, shall renew our good resolutions.
(c) Weekly, or at least, fortnightly Confession.
(d) Daily, or at least, frequent Communion.
(e) Avoidance of the occasions of sin and employment of the necessary means to overcome sin.
(f) The performance of good actions which, are opposed to our predominant passion.
(g) Determination to fight and to conquer because we are convinced that it is absolutely necessary to do so.

There can be no half measures, for the only alternative to victory is defeat!
If we are conquered, we shall be slaves of passion in this life and shall be everlastingly unhappy in the next.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/20/thought-for-the-day-20-july-our-dominant-passion/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/21/thought-for-the-day-21-july-our-dominant-passion/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on the FAMILY, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 10 July – The Good Odour of Christ

Thought for the Day – 10 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Good Odour of Christ

“I ought to examine the way in which I behave in the Church, in my family and in society.
When I am in the Church, my whole being should be absorbed in prayer.
My mind should be occupied with God, my heart should love Him and my lips should praise and thank Him.

Anyone who sees me praying, should wish to do the same.

When I am in my own home, I should promote peace and harmony by my good example.
The family is like a miniature Church, in which everyone should exercise some priestly function in keeping with his position.

Finally, I should carry about, in society, ‘the good odour of Christ‘ – the fragrance of my interior holiness.
I can do this if I am not ashamed of my Christian Faith and if I act constantly in perfect accordance with the evangelical precepts.

When I have examined myself on these points, I should form resolutions whicb will help me to improve my behaviour.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/11/thought-for-the-day-11-july-the-good-odour-of-christ/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/12/thought-for-the-day-12-july-the-good-odour-of-christ/

Posted in LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, Quotes on SALVATION

Thought for the Day – 7 July – The Salvation of Souls

Thought for the Day – 7 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Salvation of Souls

“Remember the countless conversions effected by the Saints as a result of their prayers, mortifications and heroic sacrifices.
No-one can call himself a Christian who does not love, in a practical manner, his fellowmen, especially unfortunate heretics and sinners.

Make up your mind, to offer your prayers and sacrifices for their conversion.
Include them in your daily offering, daily Mass and daily Rosary too.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/07/thought-for-the-day-7-july-the-salvation-of-souls/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/07/thought-for-the-day-7-july-the-salvation-of-souls-2/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The HEART

Thought for the Day – 6 July – The Gift of Speech

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

The Gift of Speech

“Above all, the gift of speech is intended to be used in prayer.
The tongue should express externally, the interior language of the mind and heart which should be principally concerned with the adoration of our Creatpr.
Since we have received everything which we have from God, all our gifts should be used in His service.
Speech was given to us not only to enable us to speak with men but, more particularly, to enable us to speak with God.

Let us sanctify this gift by means of prayer.
Let us take care, however, that our prayers do not remain meaningless and superficial while our minds are absorbed with other matters.

Everything in us should pray.
The intellect should bow in adoration of God’s Majesty; the will should conform itself entirely to His law; the heart should find its true and only happiness in God and, the tongue should praise Him, implore His favour and forgiveness and offer our whole being to Him, from Whom we have receive everything.

This should be the primary function of speech.
If this gift is employed in this way, it will gain for us many other graces and favours from God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/08/thought-for-the-day-8-july-the-gift-of-speech/

Posted in QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Quote/s of the Day – 5 July – St Anthony Mary Zaccaria

Quote/s of the Day – 5 July – St Anthony Mary Zaccaria (1502-1539) Confessor, Priest, Founder

If you wish to acquire the habit
of praying mentally,
read pious subjects,
think of them
and find delight in meditating
continuously over holy matters.

(Constitutions X)

Worldly love aims at pleasing everyone
and saddening no-one.
Many call this politeness!
but, it is simply
self-praise and flattery!

If you wish to rid yourself of self-love,
purify your intentions
and, in every action,
seek what is pure
and what alone, will give honour to God.

MORE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/05/quote-s-of-the-day-5-july-st-anthony-mary-zaccaria-2/

St Anthony Mary Zaccaria (1502-1539)

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TIME

Thought for the Day – 2 July – Moments of Silence

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

Moments of Silence

Such is the speed of modern life that many people forget God and do not even pause to think about themselves.
Action is everything.
There is no time for reflection, no time for prayer.
Life has become mechanical and superficial, for nobody has the time, nor the inclination, to think about spiritual matters.

What is the result?
Since men are not machines but living beings, composed of soul and body and are capable of feeling and passion, their lower inclinations break loose and insist on being satisfied.
In the absence of prayer and of all effort to lead a good life, grace is lacking to inspire the mind, to strengthen the will and to keep the heart pure.
Rapid materialistic progress has accustomed men to accept, as inevitable, the most shameful falls.
The absence of any kind of contact with God, makes the soul the slave of sin.

Examine yourself.
Perhaps, you have not yet sunk to this low level of spirituality and are still capable of feeling remorse and the urge to do good.
But, you must listen for God’s voice and a certain amount of silence, is necessary, if His voice is not to be drowned in the tumult of the world.
We are in real need of solitude, recollection and prayer!

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL

Thought for the Day – 26 June – Interior Mortification

Thought for the Day – 26 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Interior Mortification

In the process of mortifying self-love, we mortify our other passions too because, it is the origin of them all!
It is as well to bear in mind, however, that no matter how much we curb our passions, they never die.
We need to be always on our guard, for fear that they may reassert themselves too strongly.

It is necessary for us to increase our love for God because, as St Augustine points out,, it is Divine Charity which conquers our passions.
Constant prayer and union with God, help us to achieve interior mortification.
Prayer without mortification, is an illusion which does not last long, so that it is necessary to combine fervent prayer with self-denial.

We may not be capable of the extraordinary mortification which the Saints practised because, our health or the obligations of iyr state in life may make these impossible for us.
But, if we deny ourselves often in small matters, these will be so many steps up the ladder which will help us to reach Christian perfection.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/22/thought-for-the-day-22-june-interior-mortification/

Posted in JESUIT SJ, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SUFFERING, REDEMPTIVE Suffering, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 21 June – St Aloysius de Gonzaga

Quote/s of the Day – 21 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – The Feast of St Aloysius de Gonzaga SJ (1568-1591) Confessor

All evangelical perfection is attained,
by the continual exercise of prayer.

He who truly desires to love God,
loves only, with an ardent
and constant desire,
to suffer for His sake.

In the twilight of our life,
we shall be judged according to love.

He who is not a man of prayer
will never attain to a great act of holiness,
nor will he ever triumph over himself!

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/21/quote-of-the-day-21-june-st-aloysius-de-gonzaga/

St Aloysius Gonzaga (1568-1591)

Posted in GOD ALONE!, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on TIME

Quote/s of the Day – 7 June – St Anthony Mary Gianelli

Quote/s of the Day – 7 June – The Memorial of St Anthony Mary Gianelli (1789-1846) Bishop, Founder of the Missionaries of St Alphonsus, the Oblates of St Alphonsus and the Sisters of Our Lady of the Garden.

In every activity we do,
let us imitate Mary.
Let us build with our example
and exercise charity.

In the dangers,
in the anguish,
in the needs,
in the uncertainties,
think, seek, invoke Mary!

Everything is possible
and even easier with God’s help
which is never lacking
to those who ask Him,
with humility and faith.

Time is short.
While we have it,
let us do good.

St Anthony Mary Gianelli (1789-1846)

Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/07/saint-of-the-day-7-june-st-anthony-mary-gianelli-1789-1846/

Posted in PATRONAGE-INFERTILITY & SAFE CHILDBIRTH, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Quote/s of the Day – 6 June – St Norbert

Quote/s of the Day – 6 June – St Norbert (c 1080-1134) Bishop, Confessor, Patron for peace, invoked during childbirth for safe delivery, of infertile married couples.

A talkative, over-curious and restless person
is like an oven which is open
and exposed on all sides
and which keeps no heat;
you will never enjoy the sweetness
of a quiet prayer unless you shut your mind
to all worldly desires and temporal affairs.

MORE and
A Prayer to St Norbert
for a Safe Childbirth:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/06/quote-s-of-the-day-6-june-st-norbert-and-a-prayer-for-his-intercession-for-a-safe-childbirth/

St Norbert (c1080-1134)

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, GOD ALONE!, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, OUR Cross, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SIN, SAINT of the DAY, The LORD'S PRAYER, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

Quote/s of the Day –26 May – St Philip Neri

Quote/s of the Day –26 May – The Memorial of St Philip Neri (1515-1595) Confessor

When summoned to hear Confessions
or to see someone who had called,
St Philip came down instantly, with the words:

We must leave Christ for Christ.”.  

It is an old custom with the servants of God,
always to have some little prayers ready
and to be darting them up to Heaven
frequently during the day,
lifting their minds to God
out of the filth of this world.
He who adopts this plan,
will get great fruit, with little pains.

Watch me, O Lord, this day –
for, abandoned to myself,
I shall surely betray Thee!

He who wishes for anything but Christ,
does not know what he wishes;
he who asks for anything but Christ,
does not know what he is asking;
he who works and not for Christ,
does not know what he is doing.

If a man finds it very difficult to forgive injuries,
let him look at a Crucifix
and think that Christ shed all His Blood for him
and not only forgave His enemies
but, even prayed His Heavenly Father,
to forgive them too.
Let him remember,
that when he says the Pater Noster, everyday,
instead of asking pardon for his sins,
he is calling down VENGEANCE UPON HIMSELF!

We are generally,
the carpenters
of our own crosses.

Rather old images below
but great words from our Saint, of course:

https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/26/quote-s-of-the-day-26-may-marys-month-the-memorial-of-st-philip-neri-1515-1595/

St Philip Neri (1515-1595)

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

Thought for the Day – 24 May – The Recollection of Mary

Thought for the Day – 24 May – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Recollection of Mary

Holy Mary, thou who are constantly close to God, obtain for me too, this interior spirit of prayer.
Then, I shall be able to raise my thoughts to God in the midst of worldly confusion and I shall not surrender to the enchantments of worldly pleasures.
Under thou protection, I shall always remain united to God, Who is my only true good.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/24/thought-for-the-day-24-may-the-recollection-of-mary/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/24/thought-for-the-day-24-may-the-recollection-of-mary-2/

Posted in CONTEMPLATIVE Prayer, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on PRAYER

Thought for the Day – 28 April – The Contemplative and the Active Life

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

The Contemplative and the Active Life

“The man is heading for disaster who becomes obsessed with the necessity for external activitiy to the exclusion of the vital source of the apostolate, which is to be found in prayer and contemplation.
He will sow much and will gather nothing!
He will make a great deal of noise, wherever he goes but, his work will not be blessed by God.
Those who are overactive and think that they can conquer the whole world, says St John of the Cross, would do well to remember that they would be more useful to the Church and more pleasing to God, if they spent at least half their time with God in prayer.

Unless neighbourly love and external charity are inspired by the love of God, they are a useless sham and are often no more than the outward expression of personal ambition.
On the other hand, there is something lacking in prayer and contemplation, if they fail to produce good works.
Love cannot be idle and contemplation should not be mere daydreaming.
If a man loves and contemplates God, he will love and contemplate his neighbour.
Then he will feel the urge to dedicate himself, no matter what the sacrifice, to charitable activity on his neighbour’s behalf.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/17/thought-for-the-day-17-may-contemplation-and-our-lady/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/02/thought-for-the-day-2-december-the-contemplative-and-the-active-life/

Posted in CARMELITES, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on PRAYER, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on VOCATIONS, The HEART, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 April – ‘ … He wants to do nothing without us. …’

One Minute Reflection – 28 April – St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775) Confessor, Founder – 1 Corinthians 1:17-25, Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest that He send labourers into His harvest. ” – Luke 10:2

REFLECTION – “One day I was pondering over what I could do to save souls – a phrase from the Gospel showed me a clear light: Jesus said to His disciples, pointing to the fields of ripe corn, “Look up and see the fields ripe for harvest” (Jn 4:35) and a little later, “The harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few; so ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers.” How mysterious it is! Is not Jesus all-powerful? Do not creatures belong to Him, Who made them? Why then does Jesus say: “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers …”? Why? …

Ah! Jesus has so incomprehensible a love for us that He wants us to have a share with Him in the salvation of souls. He wants to do nothing without us. The Creator of the Universe waits for the prayers of a poor little soul to save other souls, redeemed like itself at the price of all His Blood.

Our vocation, yours and mine, is not to go harvesting in the fields of ripe corn. Jesus does not say to us: “Lower your eyes, look at the fields and go and reap them,” our mission is still loftier. Here are Jesus’ words: “Lift up your eyes and see…. ” See how, in My Heaven, there are places empty; it is for you to fill them … each one of you is My Moses praying on the mountain (Ex 17:8) ask Me for labourers and I shall send them, I await only a prayer, a sigh from your heart!” – St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873-1897) Carmelite, (Letter 135).

PRAYER – Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst gift Thine holy servant Paul, with great love that he might preach the Mystery of Thy Cross and hast been pleased that through him, a new family should grow up in Thy Church, grant unto us at his prayers that upon earth, we may so call Thy sufferings to mind, as worthily to gain the fruit thereof in Heaven. 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 CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The HEART

Our Morning Offering – 28 April – Oh Jesus, My Love By St Paul of the Cross

Our Morning Offering – 28 April – The Memorial of St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775) Confessor, Priest, Founder

Oh Jesus, My Love
By St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775)

Oh Jesus, my Love,
may my heart be consumed
in loving Thee.
Make me humble and holy,
giving me childlike simplicity,
transform me into Thy holy Love.
O Jesus, Life of my life,
Joy of my soul,
God of my heart,
accept my heart as an altar,
on which I will sacrifice to Thee,
the gold of ardent charity,
the incense of continual,
humble and fervent prayer
and the myrrh
of constant sacrifices!
Amen

Posted in LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, Quotes on SALVATION

Thought for the Day – 22 April – The Salvation of Souls

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

The Salvation of Souls

“Remember the countless conversions effected by the Saints as a result of their prayers, mortifications and heroic sacrifices.
No-one can call himself a Christian who does not love, in a practical manner, his fellowmen, especially unfortunate heretics and sinners.

Make up your mind, to offer your prayers and sacrifices for their conversion.
Include them in your daily offering, daily Mass and daily Rosary too.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/07/thought-for-the-day-7-july-the-salvation-of-souls/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/11/thought-for-the-day-9-december-the-salvation-of-souls-2/

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, MARIAN PRAYERS, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on TRUTH

Quote/s of the Day – 21 April – St Anselm

Quote/s of the Day – 21 April – The Memorial of St Anselm (1033-1109) Archbishop of Canterbury, Confessor, Magnificent and Marian Doctor of the Church

For I do not seek to understand,
in order that I may believe
but I believe, in order to understand.
For this also I believe –
that unless I believe,
I shall not understand.

Teach me to seek Thee
and reveal Thyself to me as I seek
because I can neither seek Thee,
if Thou doea not teach me how,
nor find Thee,
unless Thou reveal Thyself.

God does not delay to hear our prayers
because He has no mind to give
but that, by enlarging our desires,
He may give us the more largely.

Mother of Salvation,
Blessed Lady
By Anselm (1033-1109)
Magnificent Doctor
Marian Doctor

Mother of Salvation,
Blessed Lady,
you are the Mother of Justification
and those who are justified;
the Mother of Reconciliation
and those who are reconciled;
the Mother of Salvation
and those who are saved.
What a blessed trust
and what a secure refuge!
The Mother of God is our Mother.
The Mother of the One
in Whom alone, we hope
and Whom alone, we fear,
is our Mother! …
The One Who partook of our nature
and by restoring us to life,
made us children of His Mother,
invites us by this grace, to proclaim
that we are His brothers and sisters.
Therefore, our Judge, is also our Brother.
The Saviour of the world, is our Brother.
Our God has become –
through Mary – our Brother!
Anen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/21/quote-s-of-the-day-21-april-st-anselm/

St Anselm (1033-1109)
Bishop, Confessor,
Magnificent and Marian Doctor of the Church

Posted in EASTER, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD

Thought for the Day – 10 April – Easter: The Herald of Peace

Thought for the Day – 10 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Easter: The Herald of Peace

“At the close of this meditation, let us ask the risen Christ to give us His peace which is the only true peace.
My peace I give to you” (Jn 14:27).
Although it comes from Jesus, however, this peace requires an effort on our part too.
We must build it up carefully within ourselves with the help of God’s grace.
The foundations of interior peace, must be laid down, by controlling our passions, by avoiding the slightest trace of sin, by living the the life of prayer and of union with God, by loving Him above all things and creatures and by living and working for Him alone!

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/13/thought-for-the-day-13-april-easter-the-herald-of-peace/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/08/thought-for-the-day-8-april-easter-the-herald-of-peace/

Posted in CONTEMPLATIVE Prayer, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Quote/s of the Day – 4 April – St Isidore of Seville

Quote/s of the Day – 4 April – The Memorial of St Isidore of Seville (c 560-636) Bishop, Confessor, Father & Doctor of the Church

We, as Catholics,
are not permitted to believe
anything of our own will,
nor to choose, what someone has believed,
of his [own will].
We have God’s Apostles as authorities,
who did not themselves, of their own wills,
choose anything of what they wanted to believe
but faithfully transmitted,
to the nations,
the teachings of Christ.

In the active life,
all the vices, are first of all,
to be removed by the practice of good works,
so that, in the contemplative life,
a man may, with now purified mental gaze,
pass onto the contemplation of the Divine Light.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/04/quote-s-of-the-day-4-april-st-isidore-of-seville-2/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/04/quote-s-of-the-day-4-april-st-isidore-of-seville/

St Isidore of Seville (c560-636)
Father & Doctor of the Church

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on WATCHING, QUOTES on ZEAL

Quote/s of the Day – 21 March – St Benedict

Quote/s of the Day – 21 March – The Memorial of St Benedict OSB (c 480-547) Abbot

Prayer ought to be short and pure,
unless it be prolonged
by the inspiration of Divine grace.

Whenever you begin any good work,
you should first of all,
make a most pressing appeal to Christ our Lord,
to bring it to perfection.

It is time now for us to rise from sleep!”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/21/quote-s-of-the-day-21-march-st-benedict/

St Benedict (c 480-547)

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER

Thought for the Day – 19 March – Our Temperament

Thought for the Day – 19 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Our Temperament

Each one of us is obliged to properly train his own character.
Above all, it is necessary to know ourselves as the result of meditation and examination of conscience, so that we may be able to correct and change our temperament.
This kind of formation is slow and difficult but, we must overcome difficulties patiently and perseveringly.
There is no need to be discouraged.

Our main requirement in the battle against our evil instincts is the grace of God, for which we should pray fervently.
We need an enlightened spiritual director who will guide and encourage us.
Finally, we need the determination to succeed, without which the grace of God cannot achieve the Christian transformation of our character.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/22/thought-for-the-day-22-march-our-temperament/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/22/thought-for-the-day-22-march-our-temperament-2/

Posted in CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, DOCTORS of the Church, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PHYSICAL SICKNESS, ILLNESS, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the POOR, The HOLY NAME, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 16 March – Sickness

Quote/s of the Day – 16 March – Thursday of the Third Week in Lent

Now when the sun was setting,
all those who had any who were sick
with various diseases brought them to him
and he laid his hands on everyone of them
and healed them. And demons also came out
of many, crying,
“You are the Son of God!”
But he rebuked them
and would not allow them to speak
because they knew that he was the Chris
t.”

Luke 4:40-41

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)

“The poor and the sick
are the Heart of God.
In serving them,
we serve Jesus Christ.”

St Camillus de Lellis MI (1550-1614)

Our misery is the throne of God’s Mercy.

If it be God’s will that the remedies overcome
the sickness, return to God thanks, with humility;
if it be God’s will that the sickness overcome
the remedies, bless God with patience.

The prayer of the sick person
is his patience and his acceptance
of his sickness for the love of Jesus Christ.
Make sickness itself a prayer,
for there is none more powerful,
save Martyrdom!

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on DESPAIR, QUOTES on PRAYER

Thought for the Day – 15 March – The Consolation of Prayer

Thought for the Day – 15 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Consolation of Prayer

There are moments when we are overcome by a very deep sadness.
It maybe an illness, the result of which could be death or inability to work.
Perhaps it is an insult or calumny which has crushingly humiliated us.
Or perhaps it is some sin into which we have fallen so seriously that we are close to despair.
Somehow, our cross seems too heavy to bear.

It is now that we are in special need of prayer.
We can find peace and resignation.
God is infinitely good and loves us with a fatherly love.
Let us run confidently to Him.
If we pray with humility and perseverance, we shall always be comforted.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/17/thought-for-the-day-17-march-the-consolation-of-prayer/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/17/thought-for-the-day-17-march-the-consolation-of-prayer-2/

Posted in I BELIEVE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Thought for the Day – 14 March – How We Should Pray

Thought for the Day – 14 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

How We Should Pray

“Finally, our prayer should be persevering.
Perseverance in prayer is always rewarded by God, especially during times of temptation.
The Gospel is full of examples of the way in which perseverance is rewarded.
Remember the blind man of Jericho, who was rebuked for his persistent entreaties.
Nevertheless, he went on shouting: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Cf Lk 18:34-43).
His prayer was eventually answered.
Remember the Centurion.
Although he was a pagan, he requested the cure of his paralysed servant with such outstanding faith and perseverance that Jesus granted what he asked.
Not even in Israel,” said Jesus, “have I found such great faith” (Lk 7:9).
Remember the parable of the three loaves, which were so persistently demanded in the middle of the night until they were at last obtained (Cf Lk 11:5).
Remember Mary, the sister of Lazarus and the Samaritan woman.
Remember Jairus and the man suffering from dropsy.
Above all, remember the Canaanite woman who almost snatched a miracles from the Hands of Jesus by her humility and perseverance.

A confident spirit of perseverance always wins the Heart of God, Who sometimes waits before answering our prayers, in order to enkindle our desire, to make us pray more and, to reward our perseverance by a liberal bestowal of His favours.
Let us persevere in total trust, with intense love and in the deepest humility, knowing, without any doubt, that our prayers will be answered.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/16/thought-for-the-day-16-march-how-we-should-pray/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/04/thought-for-the-day-4-march-how-we-should-pray/

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on GOSSIP, QUOTES on PRAYER, The LORD'S PRAYER, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 14 March – 70 Times 7

Quote/s of the Day – 14 March – Tuesday of the Third Week in Lent – 4 Kings 4:1-7, Mattew 18:15-22 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/ – – – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me
and I forgive him? As many as seven times?”
“Jesus said to him,
“I do not say to you seven times
but seventy times seven.

Matthew 18:21-22

Judge not and you will not be judged;
condemn not and you will not be condemned;
forgive and you will be forgiven;
give and it will be given to you,
good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, running over,
will be put into your lap.
For the measure you give,
will be the measure you get back.

Luke 6:37-38

If your brother sins, rebuke him
and if he repents, forgive him.
And if he wrongs you seven times
in one day and returns to you
seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’
you should forgive him.

Luke 17:3-4

To the extent that you pray, with all your soul,
for the person who slanders you,
God will make the truth known
to those who have been scandalised
by the slander.

St Maximus the Confessor (c 580–662)

See to it that you refrain from harsh words.
But if you do speak them,
do not be ashamed to apply the remedy
from the same lips, that inflicted the wounds.

The recollection of an injury,
is . . . a rusty arrow
and poison for the soul.

St Francis of Paola OM (1416-1507)

If a man finds it very difficult to forgive injuries,
let him look at a Crucifix
and think that Christ shed all His Blood for him
and not only forgave His enemies
but, even prayed His Heavenly Father,
to forgive them too.
Let him remember,
that when he says the Pater Noster, everyday,
instead of asking pardon for his sins,
he is calling down
VENGEANCE UPON HIMSELF!

St Philip Neri (1515-1595)

The Lord’s Prayer
Jesus
Matthew 6:9-13

Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us
And lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
Amen

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on TEMPTATION

Thought for the Day – 13 March – PRAYER

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

PRAYER

“The Saints had their failings and temptations like everyone else.
Some experienced continual spiritual aridity.
Others, like St Anthony and St Benedict, were often tempted against purity, while St Francis de Sales, was strongly inclined towards impatience.
Others, like St Therese of the Child Jesus, were even tempted to despair.
But, they all conquered, by means of prauer.

If we wish to conquer in the same way, we must pray too.
Let us never tire of prayer.
Sooner or later, the Father of Goodness and Mercy, will answer us.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/13/thought-for-the-day-13-march-prayer/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/13/thought-for-the-day-13-march-prayer-2/