Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on MUSIC/SINGING, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Quote of the Day – 22 November – St Augustine – Let us sing to the Lord, a song of love!

Quote of the Day – 22 November – The Memorial of St Cecilia (died 3rd Century) Virgin Martyr – Patron of Musicians

Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful!…Psalm 149:1

Let us sing to the Lord, a song of love!

“Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise is in the assembly of the saints.   We are urged to sing a new song to the Lord, as new men who have learned a new song.   A song is a thing of joy, more profoundly, it is a thing of love.   Anyone, therefore, who has learned to love the new life has learned to sing a new song and the new song reminds us of our new life.   The new man, the new song, the new covenant, all belong to the one kingdom of God and so the new man will sing a new song and will belong to the new covenant.

There is not one who does not love something, but the question is, what to love.   The psalms do not tell us not to love but to choose the object of our love.   But how can we choose unless we are first chosen?   We cannot love unless someone has loved us first. Listen to the apostle John:  We love Him, because He first loved us.   The source of man’s love for God can only be found in the fact that God loved him first.   He has given us Himself as the object of our love and He has also given us its source.   What this source is you may learn more clearly from the apostle Paul who tells us:  The love of God has been poured into our hearts.   This love is not something we generate ourselves, it comes to us through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Since we have such an assurance, then, let us love God with the love He has given us.   As John tells us more fully.   God is love and whoever dwells in love dwells in God and God in him.   It is not enough to say, Love is from God.   Which of us would dare to pronounce the words of Scripture – God is love?   He alone could say it who knew what it was to have God dwelling within him.   God offers us a short route to the possession of Himself. He cries out – Love me and you will have me, for you would be unable to love me if you did not possess me already.

My dear brothers and sons, fruit of the true faith, holy seed of heaven, all you who have been born again in Christ and whose life is from above, listen to me, or rather, listen to the Holy Spirit saying through me:  Sing to the Lord a new song.   Look, you tell me, I am singing.   Yes indeed, you are singing, you are singing clearly, I can hear you.   But make sure that your life does not contradict your words.   Sing with your voices, your hearts, your lips and your lives – Sing to the Lord a new song!

Now it is your unquestioned desire to sing of Him whom you love but you ask me how to sing His praises.   You have heard the words – Sing to the Lord a new song and you wish to know what praises to sing.   The answer is – His praise is in the assembly of the saints, it is in the singers themselves .   lf you desire to praise Him, then live what you express. Live good lives and you yourselves, will be His praise.”

From a sermon by Saint  Augustine (354-430), Father & Doctor – (Sermo 34.1-3, 5-6; CCL 41, 424-426) …Vatican.vasing with your voices, your hearts, your lips and your lives - st augustine - 22 november 2018his praise is in the assembly of the saints - st augustine - 22 nov 2018 mem of st cecilia

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, SUNDAY REFLECTIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Sunday Reflection – 18 November – Reparation for outrages against the Most Blessed Sacrament – St Alphonsus Liguori

Sunday Reflection – 18 November

Reparation for outrages against the Most Blessed Sacrament

 St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Doctor of the Church

Meditate the following text written by Saint Alphonsus Maria and translated by Norman J. Muckermann, CSsR.    It is astonishingly relevant to the need for reparation, when one considers the current proliferation of so many outrages against the Most Blessed Sacrament.

The Sorrowful Heart of Jesus
It is impossible for us to appreciate how greatly afflicted the Heart of Jesus was for love of us and at the same time not be filled with pity for Him. . . . The principal sorrow affecting the Heart of Jesus was not so much knowing the torments and insults His enemies were preparing for Him.   Rather, it was seeing how ready we would be to reject His immense love.

Desecrations of the Sacred Host
Jesus distinctly saw all the sins which we would commit even after His sufferings, even after His bitter and ignominious death on the cross.   He foresaw, too, the insults which sinners would offer His Sacred Heart which He would leave on earth in the Most Holy Sacrament as proof of His love.   These insults are almost too horrible to mention:  people trampling the sacred hosts underfoot, throwing them into gutters or piles of refuse and even using them to worship the devil himself!

The Pledge of His Love
Even the knowledge that these and other defamations would happen did not prevent Jesus from giving us this great pledge of His love, the Holy Eucharist.   Jesus has an infinite hatred for sin, yet it seems that His great love for us even overcomes this bitterness.   Because of His love, He allows these sacrileges to happen in order not to deprive us of this Divine Food.   Should not this alone suffice to make us love a Heart that has loved us so much?

Jesus Forsaken on the Altar
What more could Jesus do to deserve our love?   Is our ingratitude so great that we will still leave Jesus forsaken on the altar, as so many are wont to do?   Rather, should we not unite ourselves to those few who gather to praise Him and acknowledge His divine presence?   Should we not melt with love, as do the candles which adorn the altars where the Holy Sacrament is preserved?   There the Sacred Heart remains burning with love for us.   Shall we not in turn burn with love for Jesus?”should we not melt with love - st alphonsus -18 nov 2018 sunday reflection

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on MERCY, SAINT of the DAY, SPEAKING of .....

Quote/s of the Day – 17 November – The Memorial of St Elizabeth of Hungary – Apostle of Charity (1207-1231) – Speaking of: Charity/Mercy

Quote/s of the Day – 17 November – The Memorial of St Elizabeth of Hungary – Apostle of Charity (1207-1231)
Speaking of:  Charity/Mercy

As long as anyone has the means
of doing good to his neighbours
and does not do so,
he shall be reckoned a stranger
to the love of the Lord.

St Irenaeus (130-202) Father of the Churchas-long-as-anyone-has-the-means-st-irenaeus-8-oct-2018-speaking-of-seeking-the-good-samaritan

“Mercy imitates God and disappoints Satan.”mercy imittes god - st john chrysostom - 17 nov 2018

“No one has ever been accused for not providing ornaments
but for those who neglect their neighbour,
a hell awaits with an inextinguishable fire
and torment in the company of the demons.
Do not, therefore, adorn the church
and ignore your afflicted brother,
for he is the most precious temple of all.”

St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father & Doctor of the Churchno-one-has-ever-st-john-chrysostom-16-jan-2018

“Compassion, my dear Brother,
is preferable to cleanliness.
Reflect that with a little soap,
I can easily clean my bed covers
but even with a torrent of tears,
I would never wash from my soul,
the stain, that my harshness toward
the unfortunate would create.”

St Martin de Porres (1579-1639)compassion-my-dear-brother-st-martin-de-porres-3-nov-2018

“All our religion is but a false religion
and all our virtues are mere illusions
and we ourselves are only hypocrites
in the sight of God,
if we have not that universal charity for everyone –
for the good and for the bad,
for the poor and for the rich
and for all those who do us harm,
as much as those who do us good.”

St John Vianney (1786-1859)all-our-religion-is-but-a-false-religion-st-john-vianney-4-aug-2018

“Any friend of the poor, is a friend of God.”

Blessed John Sullivan SJ (1861-1933)any-friend-of-the-poor-is-a-friend-of-god-bl-john-sullivan-19-feb-2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PRAYER, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 17 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 18:1–8

One Minute Reflection – 17 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 18:1–8 – Saturday of the Thirty Second week in Ordinary Time, Year B and The Memorial of St Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231)

“When the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?”...Luke 18:8

REFLECTION – “What more powerful incentive to prayer could be proposed to us than the parable of the unjust judge?   An unprincipled man, without fear of God or regard for other people, that judge nevertheless ended by granting the widow’s petition.   No kindly sentiment moved him to do so;  he was rather worn down by her pestering.   Now if a man can grant a request even when it is odious to him to be asked, how can we be refused by the one who urges us to ask?   Having persuaded us, therefore, by a comparison of opposites that “we ought always to pray and never lose heart,” the Lord goes on to put the question:  “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, do you think he will find faith on earth?”
Where there is no faith, there is no prayer.   Who would pray for something he did not believe in?   So when the blessed Apostle exhorts us to pray he begins by declaring: “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”   But to show that faith is the source of prayer and the stream will not flow if its springs are dried up, he continues: “But how can people call on him in whom they do not believe?” (Rom 10:13-14).   We must believe, then, in order to pray and we must ask God, that the faith enabling us to pray, may not fail.   Faith gives rise to prayer and this prayer obtains, an increase of faith.”…St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor – Sermon 115, 1 ; PL 38, 655luke 18 8 - when the son of man comes - we must believe then, in order to pray - st augustine - 17 nov 2018

faith gives rise to prayer and this prayer - st augustine - 17 nov 2018

PRAYER – Holy Father, grant us a strong Faith!   Poor Your graces into our hearts that we may believe with all our hearts, minds and souls and that in believing, we may constantly raise our entire being to You in prayer and supplication, in prayer and adoration, in prayer and love.    May the intercession of St Elizabeth of Hungary, a woman of deep prayer from her youth, strengthen our perseverance.   Through Jesus Christ, our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever, amen.st elizabeth of hungary pray for us - 17 nov 2018

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, GOD is LOVE, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SAINT of the DAY, St JOSEPH, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 15 November – The Memorial of St Albert the Great (1200-1280) Doctor Universalis (“Universal Doctor”)

Quote/s of the Day – 15 November – The Memorial of St Albert the Great (1200-1  280) Doctor Universalis (“Universal Doctor”)

Known as Doctor Universalis (“Universal Doctor”) for the extraordinary depth of his knowledge and learning, Albertus Magnus wrote extensively on numerous subjects. Here are some words of wisdom from a variety of his writings.

“Anyone who receives this Sacrament, 
with the devotion of sincere faith,
will never taste death.”anyone who receives this sacrament - st albert the great - 15 nov 2018

“The greater and more persistent,
your confidence in God, the more
abundantly you will receive, all that you ask.”the greater and more persistent - st albert the great - 15 nov 2018

“I have never gone out, to mingle with the world, 
without losing something of myself.”i have never gone out to mingle - st albert the great - 15 nov 2018

“The surest and quickest way
to attain perfection, is to strive,
for purity of heart.
Once the obstacles have been removed,
God finds a clear path and does wonders,
both in and through the soul.”the-surest-and-quickest-way-st-albert-the-great-15-nov-2017

“Above all, one should accept everything,
in general and individually, in oneself or in others,
agreeable or disagreeable,
with a prompt and confident spirit,
as coming from the hand of His infallible Providence
or the order He has arranged.”

On Cleaving to Godabove all, one should accept - st albert the great - 15 nov 2018

“Mary is the Divine Page
on which the Father
wrote the Word of God,
His Son.”

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

mary is the divine page - st albert the great - 15 nov 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY

Our Morning Offering – 15 November – The Memorial of St Albert the Great (1200-1280)

Our Morning Offering – 15 November – The Memorial of St Albert the Great (1200-1280) Doctor of the Church

Guide me Lord
By St Albert

O Lord Jesus Christ,
Who seeks those who stray
and receives them when returning,
make me approach You
through the frequent hearing of Your Word,
lest I sin against my neighbour
by the blindness of human judgement,
through the austerity of false justice,
through comparing his inferior status,
through too much trust in my merits
or through ignorance of the Divine Judgement.
Guide me to search diligently,
each corner of my conscience,
lest the flesh dominate the spirit.
Amenguide me lord by st albert the great - 15 nov 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 17:11–19

One Minute Reflection – 14 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 17:11–19 -Wednesday of the Thirty Second week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of St Laurence O’Toole (1128 – 1180)

“Were not ten cleansed?  Where are the nine?”…Luke 17:17

REFLECTION – “In our own day we see many people at prayer but, unfortunately, we see none of them turning back to give thanks to God… “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine?” As I think you will remember, it was in these words that our Saviour complained about the lack of gratitude of the other nine lepers.   We read that they knew well how to make “supplications, prayers, petitions” since they lifted up their voices, crying out:  “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”   But they lacked the fourth thing required by the apostle Paul: “thanksgiving” (1Tm 2:1) for they did not turn back nor give thanks to God.
We see still more in our own day people who implore God for what they lack but a mere handful who seem to be grateful for the blessings they have received.   There is no harm in imploring Him but what causes God not to grant our prayers, is His finding us lacking in gratitude.   After all, perhaps it is even an act of mercy on His part to hold back from the ungrateful what they are asking for, so that they may not be judged all the more rigorously, on account of their ingratitude… For it is sometimes out of mercy that God holds back His mercy…
So you see that not all those who are healed of the leprosy of this world, I mean their manifest complaints, profit by their healing.   Indeed, many are secretly afflicted with an ulcer worse than leprosy, all the more dangerous in that it is more interior.   That is why it was right that the Saviour of the world should ask where the other nine lepers were, since sinners avoid healing.   So, too, after his sin, God questioned the first man:   “Where are you?” (Gn 3:9).”… St Bernard (1091-1153) Doctor of the Churchwere not ten cleansed. where are the nine - luke 17 17 - we see still more in our own day - st bernard - 14 nov 2018

PRAYER – You Lord, Holy Father, never forget Your solemn covenant and grant us new life each day. We though in our hearts of stone do forget and cease to thank and bless You. Make our hearts turn in gratitude, for all we are and have is by Your grace and we are as nothing without You. May our minds, hearts and souls sing with love and thanks to You, Lord our God. Grant us new hearts by the prayers of Your Saint Laurence O’Toole and all the saints in heaven, who always lived with grateful hearts, praising You always. We ask this this through Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.st laurence o'toole pray for us - 14 nov 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, JESUIT SJ, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 17:7–10

One Minute Reflection – 13 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 17:7–10 – Tuesday of the Thirty Second week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of St Stanislaus Kostka SJ (1550-1568) & St Agostina Livia Pietrantoni S.D.C. (1864-1894)

“So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy servants, we have only done what was our duty.’ ”…Luke 17:10

REFLECTION – “You do not say to your servant, “Sit down” but require more service from him and do not thank him.   The Lord also, does not allow only one work or labour for you, because so long as we live, we must always work.   Know that you are a servant overwhelmed by very much obedience.   You must not set yourself first, because you are called a son of God.   Grace must be acknowledged but nature not overlooked.  Do not boast of yourself if you have served well, as you should have done.   The sun obeys, the moon complies and the angels serve.   Let us not require praise for ourselves, nor prevent the judgement of God and anticipate the sentence of the Judge but reserve it, for its own time and Judge. ”…Saint Ambrose (340-397) Father & Doctor of the Church (Exposition of the Gospel of Luke, 8)so you also when you have done - luke 17 10 - do not boast of yourself st ambrose - 13 nov 2018

PRAYER– Holy Father, I beg Your grace to achieve sanctity.   Grant me the wisdom to follow Your Son, the fortitude to persevere in all trails and to be Your servant to all Your children but most of all Holy Father, grant me Your grace to obtain eternal life.   Precious youths, St Stanislaus and St Agostina, please pray for us all , amen.st-stanislaus-pray-for-us-13-nov-2017-no-3st agostini pietrantoni pray for us 13 nov 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 17:1-6

One Minute Reflection – 12 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 17:1-6 – Monday of the Thirty-second week in Ordinary Time, Year B and The Memorial of St Josaphat (1584-1623) Martyr

“Temptations to sin are sure to come but woe to the person through whom they occur!   It would be better for him, if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea, than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin…” Luke 17:1-2luke 17 1-2 - temptations are sure to come but it would be better - 12 nov 2018

REFLECTION – “The accompanying discussion that immediately follows these opening remarks and speaks of our pardoning our brothers and sisters in case they ever sin against us, leads us to the idea that these were the offences meant.   What are these offences?   They are, I suppose, mean and annoying actions, fits of anger whether on good grounds or without justification, insults, slander and other stumbling blocks similar to these.   He says that these temptations must come.   Is this then because God, who governs all, forces people to their commission of sin?   Away with the thought!   Nothing that is evil comes from Him.   He is the fountain of all virtue.   Why then must this happen?   They clearly happen because of our infirmity, for all of us stumble in many things, as it is written.   Nevertheless, He says, that there will be woe to the person who lays the stumbling blocks in the way.   He does not leave indifference in these things without rebuke but restrains it by fear of punishment.   He still commands us to bear with patience those who cause sins to happen.”…St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) – Father & Doctor – Commentary on Luke, “Homilies 113-116”he says that these temptations must come - st cyril of alex - 12 nov 2018

PRAYER – O Lord our God, grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love and to be only good influences to our neighbour.   That by our love, our brothers in faith may be one  . St Josaphat you fought and struggled to unite the Church and by your efforts achieved the crown of martyrdom, please pray for our world, for a one united faith. Amenst-josaphat-pray-for-us-12 NOV 2017 - 2

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 11 November – Today’s Gospel: Mark 12:38–44

One Minute Reflection – 11 November – Today’s Gospel: Mark 12:38–44 – Thirty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B and The Memorial of St Martin of Tours (c 316-397)

“For they all contributed out of their abundance but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, her whole living.”…Mark 12:44

REFLECTION – “Now if someone is wondering what the cost is, here is their answer – he who offers a Kingdom in heaven has no need of earthly coin.   No one can offer God anything except what already belongs to Him since all that exists is His.   And yet God does not give away so great a thing without a price being placed on it, He does not give it to someone who doesn’t value it.   For indeed, nobody gives away something they hold dear without placing some kind of value on it.   From now on, then, if God has no need of your goods neither does He have to give you this great thing if you refuse to love Him, all He requires is love, without which nothing constrains His giving.   Love, then, and you will receive the Kingdom, love and you will possess it… Love God more than yourself and already you begin to have what it is you desire to possess fully in heaven.”…St Anselm (1033-1109) Doctor of the Churchmark 12 44 - but she gave everything - from now on then - st anselm - 11 nov 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, Your Son has shown us the way. As we follow in His steps, may we never wander from the path that leads to life.   Renew the wonders of Your grace in our hearts so that neither death nor life may separate us from Your love.   Holy Father, as You were glorified by the life and death of St Martin, grant that by his prayers, we may receive strength to always give You our hearts, minds and selves.   Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, with You in union with the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen.st-martin-of-tours-pray-for-us-11-nov-2017-no-2

Posted in CHRISTMASTIDE!, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMAN DIGNITY, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, SAINT of the DAY

Thought for the Day – 10 November – Christian, Remember Your Dignity by St Pope Leo the Great

Thought for the Day – 10 November – Christian, Remember Your Dignity by St Pope Leo the Great

Today we celebrate the feast day of Pope Saint Leo the Great (c 400-461).   St Leo is referred to by many names, including “Doctor of Doctrine” and “Doctor of Unity of the Church.”   He is the first pope to be referred to by the title “Great” and the first pope made Doctor of the Church.   His writings, unifying doctrine and peacemaking, continue to inspire and instruct us today in the ways of the faith.   Below, an excerpt from a homily, encouraging Christians to take heed of the joy of Christ and exhorts them to live in freedom and dignity of the Incarnation!

Christian, Remember Your Dignity!

Dearly beloved, today our Saviour is born, let us rejoice.   Sadness should have no place on the birthday of life.   The fear of death has been swallowed up; life brings us joy with the promise of eternal happiness.
No one is shut out from this joy, all share the same reason for rejoicing.   Our Lord, victor over sin and death, finding no man free from sin, came to free us all.   Let the saint rejoice as he sees the palm of victory at hand.   Let the sinner be glad as he receives the offer of forgiveness.   Let the pagan take courage as he is summoned to life.
In the fullness of time, chosen in the unfathomable depths of God’s wisdom, the Son of God took for Himself our common humanity in order to reconcile it with its creator.   He came to overthrow the devil, the origin of death, in that very nature by which He had overthrown mankind.
And so at the birth of our Lord the angels sing in joy – Glory to God in the highest and they proclaim peace to men of good will as they see the heavenly Jerusalem being built from all the nations of the world.   When the angels on high are so exultant at this marvellous work of God’s goodness, what joy should it not bring to the lowly hearts of men?
Beloved, let us give thanks to God the Father, through His Son, in the Holy Spirit, because in His great love for us He took pity on us and when we were dead in our sins He brought us to life with Christ, so that in Him we might be a new creation.   Let us throw off our old nature and all its ways and, as we have come to birth in Christ, let us renounce the works of the flesh.
Christian, remember your dignity and now that you share in God’s own nature, do not return by sin to your former base condition   Bear in mind who is your head and of whose body you are a member.   Do not forget that you have been rescued from the power of darkness and brought into the light of God’s kingdom.
Through the sacrament of baptism you have become a temple of the Holy Spirit.   Do not drive away so great a guest by evil conduct and become again a slave to the devil, for your liberty was bought by the blood of Christ.

St Pope Leo the Great, Pray for Us!st pope leo the great pray for us 10 nov 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The HOLY FACE, The HOLY NAME, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 10 November – The Memorial of St Pope Leo the Great (c 400-461) Doctor of the Church and St Andrew Avellino CR (1521 – 1608)

Quote/s of the Day – 10 November – The Memorial of St Pope Leo the Great (c 400-461) Doctor of the Church and St Andrew Avellino CR (1521 – 1608)

“By Baptism we are made flesh of the Crucified.”

“The cross of Christ is the true ground
and chief cause of Christian hope.”

“Let no one be ashamed of the cross
by which Christ has redeemed the world.
None of us must be afraid to suffer
for the sake of justice or doubt the
fulfilment of the promises,
for it is through toil that we come to rest
and through death that we pass to life.”by-baptism-st-leo-the-great-quotes-on-the-cross-10-nov-2018

“Our sharing in the Body and Blood of Christ
has no other purpose than to transform us
into that which we receive.”our sharing int he body and blood - st pope leo the great 10 nov 2018

“He that sees another in error
and endeavours not to correct it,
testifies himself to be in error.”he that sees another in error and endavours NOT - st pope leo the great - 10 nov 2018

“The birthday of the Lord
is the birthday of peace.”the birthday of the lord is the birthday of peace - st pope leo the great - 10 nov 2018

“Beyond our grasp,
He chose to come within our grasp.
Existing before time began,
He began to exist at a moment in time.”

St Pope Leo the Great (c 400-461) Doctor of the Churchbeyond our grasp - st pope leo the great - 10 nov 2018

“One cannot separate
the most Holy Eucharist
from the Passion of Jesus.”

St Andrew Avellino (1521 – 1608)one cannot separate - st andrew avellino - 10 nov 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Our Morning Offering – 10 November – Mary, Mother of Grace By St Athanasius

Our Morning Offering – 10 November – Saturday of the Thirty First Week in Ordinary Time, Year B

Mary, Mother of Grace
By St Athanasius (297-373) Father & Doctor of the Church

It becomes you to be mindful of us,
as you stand near Him
who granted you all graces,
for you are the Mother of God
and our Queen.
Help us for the sake of the King,
the Lord God and Master
who was born of you.
For this reason,
you are called full of grace.
Remember us, most holy Virgin,
and bestow on us gifts
from the riches of your graces,
Virgin full of graces.
Amen MARY, MOTHER OF GRACE - ST ATHANASIUS - it becomes you to be mindful of us - 15 may 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, SAINT of the DAY

Memorials of the Saints – 10 November

St Pope Leo the Great (c 400 – 461) Father & Doctor of the Church (Memorial) – Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI said that Leo’s papacy “…was undoubtedly one of the most important in the Church’s history.”

About: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/11/10/saint-of-the-day-10-november-st-pope-leo-i-doctor-of-the-church-c-400-461/

St Aedh Mac Bricc
St Andrew Avellino (1521 – 1608) Theatine Priest

St Anianus the Deacon
St Baudolino
St Demetrius of Antioch
St Elaeth the King
St Eustosius of Antioch
St Grellen
St Guerembaldus
St Hadelin of Sees
Bl Joaquín Piña Piazuelo
St John of Ratzenburg
St Joseph the Martyr
St Justus of Canterbury
St Leo of Melun
St Monitor of Orleans
St Narses of Subagord
St Nonnus of Heliopolis
St Orestes of Cappadocia
St Probus of Ravenna
St Theoctiste of Lesbos
St Tryphaena of Iconium
St Tryphosa of Iconium

Martyred Sisters Adorers – 23 beati: 23 nuns, all members of the Sisters Adorers, Handmaids of Charity and of the Blessed Sacrament who were martyred together in the Spanish Civil War.
• Blessed Aurea González
• Blessed Belarmina Pérez Martínez
• Blessed Cecilia Iglesias del Campo
• Blessed Concepción Vázquez Areas
• Blessed Dionisia Rodríguez De Anta
• Blessed Emilia Echevarría Fernández
• Blessed Felipa Gutierrez Garay
• Blessed Francisca Pérez de Labeaga García
• Blessed Josepa Boix Rieras
• Blessed Lucía González García
• Blessed Luisa Pérez Adriá
• Blessed Magdalena Pérez
• Blessed Manuela Arriola Uranda
• Blessed María Dolores Hernández San Torcuato
• Blessed María Dolores Monzón Rosales
• Blessed María García Ferreiro
• Blessed Maria Mercè Tuñi Ustech
• Blessed María Zenona Aranzábal de Barrutia
• Blessed Prima de Ipiña Malzárraga
• Blessed Purificación Martínez Vera
• Blessed Rosa López Brochier
• Blessed Sinforosa Díaz Fernández
• Blessed Teresa Vives Missé
They were martyred on 10 November 1936 in Madrid, Spain and Beatified on 28 October 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI.

Martyrs of Agde – 3 saints: A group of Christians who were tortured and martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. The only about them to survive are the names – Florentia, Modestus and Tiberius. Martyred c 303 in Agde, France.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on the CHURCH, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 9 November – The Feast of the Dedication of St John Lateran

Quote/s of the Day – 9 November – The Feast of the Dedication of St John Lateran

“What was done here, as these walls were rising,
is reproduced when we bring together those who believe in Christ.
For, by believing they are hewn out, as it were,
from mountains and forests, like stones and timber
but by catechising, baptism and instruction they are,
as it were, shaped, squared and planed
by the hands of the workers and artisans.
Nevertheless, they do not make a house for the Lord,
until they are fitted together through love”.

St Augustine (354-430) Doctor of the Church – Sermon 36what-was-done-here-st-augustine-9-nov-2017

“Today’s feast, brothers, ought to be all the more devout as it is more personal.
For other celebrations we have in common with other ecclesiastical communities
but this one is proper to us, so that if we do not celebrate it, nobody will.
It is ours because it concerns our church,
ours because we ourselves are its theme.
You are surprised and even embarrassed, perhaps,
at celebrating a feast for yourselves.
But do not be like horses and mules that have no understanding.
Your souls are holy because of the Spirit of God dwelling in you,
your bodies are holy because of your souls
and this building is holy because of your bodies.”

St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) Doctor of the Churchtoday's feast brothers - st bernard on the dedication of st john lateran 9 nov 2018

“Is not this an image of today’s event?
The ancient generations came up to this place,
generations of Romans, generations of bishops of Rome,
successors of St Peter
and they sang this hymn of joy, which I repeat today with you.
I join these generations, I, the new Bishop of Rome,
John Paul II, Polish by origin.
I stop on the threshold of this temple
and I ask you to welcome me in the Lord’s name.
I beg you to welcome me, as you welcomed my Predecessors
throughout the centuries, as you welcomed, only a few weeks ago,
John Paul I, so beloved by the whole world!
I beg you to welcome me too.
The Lord says:
“You did not choose me, but I chose you” (Jn 15:16).
This is the only appeal I can make –
I am not here by my own will.
The Lord has elected me.
In the Lord’s name I beg you therefore – welcome me!”

St Pope John Paul (1920-2005)
RITE OF POSSESSION OF THE CHAIR
OF THE BISHOP OF ROME
HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS JOHN PAUL II
Basilica of St John Lateran
Sunday, 12 November 1978the ancient generations came up to this place - st john paul - 9 nov 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 November – The Feast of the Dedication of St John Lateran – Today’s Gospel: John 2:13–22

One Minute Reflection – 9 November – The Feast of the Dedication of St John Lateran – Today’s Gospel: John 2:13–22

But he spoke of the temple of his body...John 2:20

REFLECTION – “Because Solomon was a prophet he built a temple of stone and wood… for the living God, who made heaven and earth and whose dwelling is in the skies… Why did God ask that a temple be built?   Was he lacking somewhere to live?   Listen to Stephen’s speech at the time of his passion:  “Solomon,’ he said, “built a house but the most High does not live in man-made temples” (Acts 7:48).   Why, then, did he build, or cause to be built, a temple?   To prefigure Christ’s body.   The first temple was only a shadow (Col 2:17), when light comes, shadows flee away.   Are you now looking for the temple Solomon built?   You will find a ruin.   Why is this temple only a ruin?   Because the reality it announced has been fulfilled.   The true temple, the Lord’s body, also fell but has been raised up again and raised up in such a way it will fall no more…
What about our own bodies?   They are members of Christ  . Listen to Saint Paul:  “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?” (1Cor 6:15).   When he says: “Your bodies are members of Christ”, what does this mean but that our bodies, joined to Christ our head (Col 1:18), together form a single temple, God’s temple.   Together with Christ’s body, our bodies are this temple… Let yourselves be built up in unity that you may not fall in ruins by remaining separate.”…St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Churchbut he spoke of the temple of his body luke 2 20 - together with christ's body - augustine - 9 nov 2018

PRAYER – Almighty God, as we recall with joy, the Dedication of this house of Yours on each recurring anniversary, listen to Your people’s prayer and grant that our worship here may be a sincere and holy service, honouring Your Name and bringing us the fullness of redemption.   Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen.feast of the dedication of st john lateran - 9 nov 2018

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 15:1–10

One Minute Reflection – 8 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 15:1–10 – Thursday of the Thirty First week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of Blessed John Duns Scotus OFM (c 1265-1308)

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.”…Luke 15:4-5

REFLECTION – “The fact of re-finding something we had lost always fills us anew with joy.   And this joy is greater than that we felt before losing it, when the thing was safely kept.   But the parable of the lost sheep speaks more of God’s tenderness than of the way in which people usually behave.   It expresses a profound truth.   To leave behind something of importance for love of what is more humble, is characteristic of divine power, not of human possessiveness.   For God even brings into existence what is not, He sets out in search of what is lost while still keeping what He had left in place and He finds what had strayed without losing what He has under His protection.
That is why, this shepherd is not of earth but of heaven.   The parable is not in any respect, a representation of human achievements but it conceals divine mysteries, as the numbers it mentions immediately show: “What man among you,” says the Lord, “having a hundred sheep and losing one of them…”   As you see, the loss of a single sheep has sorely tried this shepherd, as though the whole flock, deprived of His protection, had set out along a treacherous path.   This is why, leaving the ninety-nine others there, He sets out in search of the one.   He attends to one alone so that, in that one, all may be found and saved.”…St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450) Doctor of the Churchand when he has found it - luke 15 5 - he attends to one alone so that in that one all may be found and saved st peter chrysologus - 8 nov 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, in Your wisdom, You created us, by Your providence You rule us, penetrate our inmost being with Your holy light, so that our way of life, may always be one of faithful service to You. With great love we thank You for the great gifts You shower upon us and for being our Father, who seeks and finds us when we are lost.   Grant that by the intercession of Blessed John Duns Scotus, we may ever seek to stay true to our baptism.   Through Jesus, our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.bl john duns scotus pray for us - 8 nov 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, MORNING Prayers, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 7 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 14:25–33

One Minute Reflection – 7 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 14:25–33 – Wednesday of the Thirty First week in Ordinary Time, Year B and The Memorial of St Willibrord (c 658 – 739) “Apostle to the Frisians” and Bl Anthony Baldinucci SJ (1665-1717)

So therefore, whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple...Luke 14:33

REFLECTION  – “Francis’ father led this child of his before the bishop.   He wanted to have Francis renounce into his hands his family possessions and return everything he   had. A true lover of poverty, Francis showed himself eager to comply;  he went before the bishop without delaying or hesitating.   He did not wait for any words nor did he speak any but immediately took his clothes and gave them back to his father… Drunk with remarkable fervour, he even took off his underwear, stripping himself completely naked before all.   He said to his father : “Until now I have called you father here on earth, but now I can say without reservation,  ‘Our Father who art in heaven’ (Matt. 6:9), since I have placed all my treasure and all my hope in him.”
When the bishop saw this, he was amazed at such intense fervour in the man of God.   He immediately stood up and in tears drew Francis into his arms, covering him with the mantle he was wearing, like the pious and good man that he was.   He bade servants give Francis something to cover his body.   They brought him a poor, cheap cloak of a farmer who worked for the bishop.   Francis accepted it gratefully and with his hand marked a cross on it with a piece of chalk, thus signifying it as the covering of a crucified man and a half-naked beggar.   Thus the servant of the Most High King was left naked so that he might follow his naked crucified Lord, whom he loved.”… St Bonaventure (1221-1274) Doctor of the Churchwith his hand, he marked a cross on it - st bonaventure - and luke 14 33 whoever does not renounce - 7 nov 2018

PRAYER – Holy God and Father, You sent your Son to show us the way to our eternal home.   Teach us always to understand that by relinquishing the things of this world and focusing our efforts only on following the Light He shines on our path, we may attain the eternal victory.   May the prayers of St Willibrord and St Anthony, assist us in carrying our cross after Him.   Through Christ our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st willibrord pray for us 7 nov 2018bl-anthony-baldinucci-pray-for-us-7-nov-2017-no2

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 7 November – Wednesday of the Thirty First week in Ordinary Time, Year B

Our Morning Offering – 7 November – Wednesday of the Thirty First week in Ordinary Time, Year B

Morning Prayer
By St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) Doctor of the Church

High and Holy God,
give me this day a word of truth
to silence the lies, that would devour my soul
and kind encourgements
to strengthen me when I fall.
Gracious One,
I come quietly to Your door
needing to receive from Your hands
the nourishment that gives life.
Amen and Amenmorning prayer of st bernard - high and holy god - 7 nov 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 6 November – Give me Yourself, O My God By St Augustine

Our Morning Offering – 6 November – Tuesday of the Thirty First week in Ordinary Time, Year B

Give me Yourself, O My God
By St Augustine (354-430) Doctor of Grace

Give me Yourself, O my God,
give Yourself to me.
Behold I love You
and if my love is too weak a thing,
grant me to love You more strongly.
I cannot measure my love
to know how much it falls short of being sufficient
but let my soul hasten to Your embrace
and never be turned away,
until it is hidden in the secret shelter
of Your presence.
This only do I know,
that it is not good for me
when You are not with me,
when You are only outside me.
I want You in my very self.
All the plenty in the world
which is not my God is utter want.
Amengive-me-yourself-o-my-god-prayer-of-st-augustine-act-of-petition-22-april-2018-4th-sun-of-easter-year-b-used again 6 nov 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 3 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-11

One Minute Reflection – 3 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-11 – Saturday of the Thirtieth week in Ordinary Time, Year B and The Memorial of St Martin de Porres (1579-1639)

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled
but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”…Luke 14:11

REFLECTION – “Humility is not just about self-mistrust but about the entrusting of ourselves to God.   Distrusting ourselves and our own strength produces trust in God and from that trust generosity of soul is born.

The most holy Virgin, Our Lady, gave us an outstanding example of this when she spoke these words:  “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38).   When she said she was the handmaid of the Lord she was performing the greatest act of humility it is possible to do and all the more so in that she was contradicting the praise given her by the angel – that she would be mother of God, that the child to be born from her womb would be called Son of the Most High, a greater dignity than any we might imagine – I say, she opposed her lowliness and unworthiness to all these praises and greatness by saying that she was the handmaid of the Lord.   Yet note how, no sooner had she rendered her duty to humility than she practised outstanding generosity by saying:  “May it be to me according to your word”.
What she wanted to say was:  It is true I am in no way capable of this grace if one is to consider what I am of myself but insofar as what is good in me comes from God and what you say to me is His own most holy will, I believe it may happen and will happen. And so, without the least hesitation, she said:  “Let it be done to me according to your word”St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Churchluke 14 11 for everyone who exalts himself - humility is not just about - st francis de sales - 3 nov 2018

PRAYER – Lord Jesus, help us to appreciate and live Your spiritual values and give them the first place in our hearts.   Grant that we may always seek them first and remain forever united with You.   Send Your Spirit with his gifts and blessings and may the Mother of all Virtue, assist us in our need.   Help us to follow the path of humility St Martin so splendidly showed us, that we may obtain from You, as he did, a place in Your Kingdom. St Martin de Porres, pray for us, amen.mater admirabilis - pray for us - 5 may 2018 - better edit.

st-martin-pray-for-us-3-nov-2017

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Our Morning Offering – 3 November – Saturday of the Thirtieth week in Ordinary Time, Year B

Our Morning Offering – 3 November – Saturday of the Thirtieth week in Ordinary Time, Year B

Most Holy Mary
By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church

Most Holy Mary, Virgin Mother of God,
I am unworthy to be your servant.
Yet moved by your motherly care for me
and longing to serve you,
I choose you this day to be my Queen,
my Advocate and my Mother.
I firmly resolve ever
to be devoted to you
and to do what I can to encourage others
to be devoted to you.
My loving Mother,
through the Precious Blood of your Son shed for me,
I beg you to receive me
as your servant forever.
Aid me in my actions
and beg for me, the grace
never by thought, word, or deed
to be displeasing in your sight
and that of your most holy Son.
Remember me, dearest Mother,
and do not abandon me at the hour of death.
Amenmost holy mary by st francis de sales - 3 nov 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY SOULS

Thought for the Day – 2 November – The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

Thought for the Day – 2 November – The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

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

And Jesus wept.   So the Jews said, “See how he loved him.”...John 11:35-36and jesus wept and the jews said see how he loved him - john 11 35-36 - 2 nov 2018

Why do I pray for you, O my brother, who loved me so much and have been carried off from me… ?   For I have not lost my relationship to you, rather it has been completely changed in my regard.   Up to now, it was inseparable from the body but now, it is indissoluble from feeling. ,,You remain with me and will remain so always… Paul the apostle calls me back and places a sort of brake on my sadness with these words:  “We do not want you to be unaware about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest who have no hope” (1Thes 4:13)…

But not all weeping is a sign of lack of faith or of weakness.   Natural sorrow is one thing, the sadness of unbelief is another…   Sorrow is not alone in having its grief and prayer bathes our bed with tears according to the prophet (Ps 6:7).   When the patriarchs were enslaved, their people wept bitterly for themselves, as well.   Thus tears are signs of affection and not incitements to sorrow.   I confess that I have wept but the Lord also wept (Jn 11:35).   He wept for someone not of his own kin, I for a brother.   He wept for all men in one man – as for me, I will weep for you, my brother, in every man.

Christ wept with the feeling that is ours, not His own, for divinity has no tears…   He wept in that man who was “sorrowful even to death” (Mt 26:38);   He wept in him who was crucified, who died, who was buried;   He wept in that man… who was born of the Virgin.and jesus wept - john 11 35 - 2 nov 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD the FATHER, MORNING Prayers, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The HOLY SOULS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 2 November – The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

Quote/s of the Day – 2 November

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

We believe that Jesus died and rose again,
so we believe, that God will bring with Jesus,
those who have died, believing in him.…

1 Thessalonians 4:141 thes 4 14 - we believe that jesus died and rose - 2 nov 2018

“He who saves a soul,
saves his own and satisfies
for a multitude of sins.”

James 1:20james-1-20-he-who-saves-a-soul-saves-his-own-2-nov-2017

“The whole Church observes this practice
which was handed down by the Fathers –
that it prays for those who have died
in the communion of the Body and Blood of Christ,
when they are commemorated
in their own place in the sacrifice itself
and the sacrifice is offered,
also in memory of them, on their behalf.”

St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Churchthe whole church observes this practice - st augustine - 2 nov 2018

“What great power the holy souls in purgatory
have over the heart of God!
If we realised this fact
and averted to all the graces
that we can gain through their intercession,
these souls would not be so forgotten.”

St John Vianney (1786-1859)what-great-power-st-john-vianney-2-nov-2017-21

“If today we are remembering
these brothers and sisters of
ours who lived before us and are
now in heaven, they are there
because they were washed in the
Blood of Christ, that is our hope
and this hope does not disappoint.
If we live our lives with the Lord,
He will never disappoint us.”

Pope Francisif-today-we-are-remembering-pope-francis-2 nov 2017

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on SANCTITY, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 1 November – The Solemnity of All the Saints

Quote/s of the Day – 1 November – The Solemnity of All the Saints

“All saints give testimony to the truth,
that without real effort,
no one ever wins the crown.”

St Thomas à Becket (1118-1170)all saints give testimony to the truth - st thomas a becket - 1 nov 2018

“A ray of light enables us to see the dust that is in the air.
In the same way, the lives of the Saints show up our defects.
If we fail to see our faults,
it is because we have not looked at the lives of
holy men and women.”

St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Doctor of the Churcha ray of light - st anthony of padua - 1 nov 2018

“God creates out of nothing.
Wonderful you say.
Yes, to be sure but He does.
what is still more wonderful,
He makes saints out of sinners.”

Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855)god-creates-out-of-nothing-soren-kierkegaard-1-nov-2017

“In heaven, we shall not meet with indifferent glances,
because all the elect will discover
that they owe to each other,
the graces that merited the crown for them.”

St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873-1897) Doctor of the Churchin heave, we shall not meet - st therese of lisieux - child jesus - 1 nov 2018

“Life holds only one tragedy, ultimately,
not to have been a saint.”

Charles Péguy (1873-1914)life holds only one tragedy ultimately - charles peguy - 1nov 2018

“A saint takes his hands off
the steering wheel of his life
and lets God steer.”a saint steering wheel of life - peter kreeft 1 nov 2018

“A saint is one who sees who the tramp is: Jesus”

Peter Kreefta-saint-is-one-who-sees-who-the-tramp-is-jesus-1-nove-2017

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, JESUIT SJ, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 31 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:22–30

One Minute Reflection – 31 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:22–30 – Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of St Alphonsus Rodriguez SJ (1532-1617)

“Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be able…”…Luke 13:24.

REFLECTION – “Strive to enter in by the narrow door.”   This reply may seem perhaps to wander from the scope of the question.   The man wanted to learn whether there would be few who are saved but He explained to him the way whereby he might be saved himself.   He said, “Strive to enter in by the narrow door.”   What do we answer to this objection? … It was a necessary and valuable thing to know how a man may obtain salvation.   He is purposely silent to the useless question.   He proceeds to speak of what was essential, namely, of the knowledge necessary for the performance of those duties by which people can enter the narrow door.
I now consider it my duty to mention why the door to life is narrow.   Whoever would enter must first, before everything else, possess an upright and uncorrupted faith and then a spotless morality, in which there is no possibility of blame, according to the measure of human righteousness.   One who has attained to this in mind and spiritual strength will enter easily by the narrow door and run along the narrow way.
“Wide is the door and broad the way that brings down many to destruction.”   What are we to understand by its broadness?   It means an unrestrained tendency toward carnal lust and a shameful and pleasure-loving life.   It is luxurious feasts, parties, banquets and unrestricted inclinations to everything that is condemned by the law and displeasing to God.   A stubborn mind will not bow to the yoke of the law.   This life is cursed and relaxed in all carelessness.   Thrusting from it the divine law and completely unmindful of the sacred commandments, wealth, vices, scorn, pride and the empty imagination of earthly pride spring from it.   Those who would enter in by the narrow door must withdraw from all these things, be with Christ and keep the festival with him.”…St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Father & Doctor (Commentary on Luke, Homily 9strive to enter - luke 13 24 - whoever would enter - st cyril of alex - 31 oct 2018

PRAYER – Shed Your clear light on our hearts, Lord, so that walking continually in the way of Your commandments, we may never be deceived or misled.   Grant that the prayers of our Blessed Mother and St Alphonsus Rodriguez, who always held Your Light up for others to see by, give us strength.   Through Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.sancta maria -mary most holy - pray for us - 10 may 2018

st alphonsus rodriguez pray for us no 2- 31 oct 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection = 30 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:18-21

One Minute Reflection = 30 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:18-21 – Tuesday of the Thirtieth week in Ordinary Time, Year B – The Memorial of St Angelo of Acri OFM Cap (1669-1739)

“What is the kingdom of God like?   And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his garden and it grew and became a tree and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.”..Luke 13:18-19

REFLECTION – “In the language of the Gospel, the seed is the symbol of the Word of God, whose fruitfulness is recalled in this parable.   The Word of God makes things grow, it gives life. …Because this is the power that makes the life of the Kingdom of God sprout within us.   And thus is the Kingdom of God, a humanly small and seemingly irrelevant reality.   To become a part of it, one must be poor of heart, not trusting in their own abilities but in the power of the love of God;  not acting to be important in the eyes of the world but precious in the eyes of God, who prefers the simple and the humble.   When we live like this, the strength of Christ bursts through us and transforms what is small and modest into a reality, that leavens the entire mass of the world and of history.   This opens us up to trust and hope, despite the tragedies, the injustices, the sufferings that we encounter.   The seed of goodness and peace sprouts and develops, because the merciful love of God makes it ripen.”…Pope Francis = Angelus, 14 June 2015

“To what shall I compare the kingdom of God?   It is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”...Luke 13:20-21

REFLECTION – “There are three measures:  of the flesh, of the soul and of the spirit.  This is truer of the spirit in which we all live.   The woman, who prefigures the church, mixes with them the virtue of spiritual doctrine, until the whole hidden inner person of the heart is leavened and the heavenly bread arises to grace.   The doctrine of Christ is fittingly called leaven, because the bread is Christ.   The apostle said, “For we, being many, are one bread, one body.”   Leavening happens when the flesh does not lust against the Spirit, nor the Spirit against the flesh.   We mortify the deeds of the flesh and the soul, aware that through the breath of God it has received the breath of life, shuns the earthly germs of worldly needs.”…St Ambrose (340-397) Father & Doctoer- Exposition of the Gospel of Luke, 7.the parable of the seed and the leaven luke 13 18-21 pope francis st ambrose - 30 oct 2018

PRAYER – True light of the world, Lord Jesus Christ, as You enlighten all men for their salvation, give us grace, we pray, to herald Your coming by preparing the ways of justice and of peace. Help us Lord, that we may sprout and bear fruit, fitting to grow and be a home of comfort to our neighbour.   By the prayers of St Angelo of Acri, who bore the seed of Your Word to many, may we too be heralds of Your Kingdom.   Through Jesus our Lord, Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st angelo of acri pray for us no 2 - 30 oct 2018

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY

Our Morning Offering – 30 October – The Memorial of St Angelo of Acri OFM Cap (1669-1739)

Our Morning Offering – 30 October – The Memorial of St Angelo of Acri OFM Cap (1669-1739)

Pray for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
By St Bonaventure OFM (1217-1274) Doctor of the Church

We beg the all-merciful Father through You,
His only-begotten Son made man for our sake,
crucified and glorified for us,
to send upon us from His treasure-house
the Spirit of sevenfold grace,
Who rested upon You in all His fullness:
the spirit of wisdom,
enabling us to relish the fruit
of the tree of life, which is indeed Yourself;
the gift of understanding:
to enlighten our perceptions;
the gift of prudence,
enabling us to follow in Your footsteps;
the gift of strength:
to withstand our adversary’s onslaught;
the gift of knowledge:
to distinguish good from evil
by the light of Your holy teaching;
the gift of piety:
to clothe ourselves with charity and mercy;
the gift of fear:
to withdraw from all ill-doing
and live quietly in awe of Your eternal majesty.
These are the things for which we petition.
Grant them for the honour of Your Holy Name,
to which, with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
be all honour and glory, thanksgiving, renown,
and Lordship forever and ever.
Amenprayer for the seven gifts of the holy spirit by st bonaventure - 30 oct 2018 mem of st angelo of acri

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on FAITH, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:10-17

One Minute Reflection – 29 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:10-17 – Monday of the Thirtieth week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of St Gaetano Errico (1791-1860)

” And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?”…Luke 13:16

REFLECTION – “The whole human race, like this woman, was bent over and bowed down to the ground.   Someone already understands these enemies.   He cries out against them and says to God, “They have bowed my soul down.”   The devil and his angels have bowed the souls of men and women down to the ground.   He has bent them forward to be intent on temporary and earthly things and has stopped them from seeking the things that are above.
Since that is what the Lord says about the woman whom Satan had bound for eighteen years, it was now time for her to be released from her bondage on the sabbath day.  Quite unjustly, they criticised Him for straightening her up.   Who were these, except people bent over themselves?   Since they quite failed to understand the very things God had commanded, they regarded them with earthbound hearts.   They used to celebrate the sacrament of the sabbath in a literal, material manner and did not notice its spiritual meaning.” … St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor (Sermon 162)and out not this woman, a daughter of abraham luke 13 16 the whole human race like this woman was bent over- st augustine 29 oct 2018

PRAYER – Almighty Lord and God, protect us by Your power throughout the course of this day, even as You have enabled us to begin it – do not let us turn aside to any sin but, let our every thought, word and deed aim at doing what is pleasing in Your sight.   Grant we pray, that by the prayers of St Gaetano Errico, we may strive to seek only to please the Sacred Heart of Your Son and the loving Heart of His Mother.   Through Jesus our Lord, Your Son, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st gaetano errico pray for us 29 oct 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SUNDAY REFLECTIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Sunday Reflection – 28 October – Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Sunday Reflection – 28 October – Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Recognise in the bread, that same body that hung on the cross 
and in the chalice, that same blood that gushed from His side.

Saint Augustine (354-430)

Transubstantiation
In the offering that Jesus makes of Himself we find all the novelty of Christian worship. In ancient times men offered in sacrifice to the divinity the animals or first fruits of the earth.   Jesus, instead, offers Himself, His body and His whole existence – He Himself, in person, becomes the sacrifice that the liturgy offers in the Holy Mass.
In fact, with the consecration of the bread and wine they become His true body and blood.
Saint Augustine invited his faithful, not to pause on what appeared to their sight but to go beyond:  “Recognise in the bread — he said — that same body that hung on the cross and in the chalice that same blood that gushed from His side” (Disc. 228 B, 2).
To explain this transformation, theology has coined the word “transubstantiation,” a word that resounded for the first time in this Basilica during the IV Lateran Council, of which in five years will be the 8th centenary.   On that occasion the following expressions were inserted in the profession of faith:  “his body and his blood are truly contained in the sacrament of the altar, under the species of bread and wine, because the bread is transubstantiated into the body and the wine into the blood by divine power” (DS, 802).
Therefore, it is essential to stress, in the itineraries of education of children in the faith, of adolescents and of young people, as well as in “centres of listening” to the Word of God, that in the sacrament of the Eucharist, Christ is truly, really and substantially present.recognise in the bread - st augustine - 28 oct 2018

Sunday
And let us also keep present that the Eucharist, joined to the cross and resurrection of the Lord, has dictated a new structure to our time.

The Risen One was manifested the day after Saturday, the first day of the week, day of the sun and of creation.   From the beginning, Christians have celebrated their encounter with the Risen One, the Eucharist, on this first day, on this new day of the true sun of history, the Risen Christ.

And thus time always begins again with the encounter with the Risen One and this encounter gives content and strength to everyday life.   Because of this, it is very important for us Christians, to follow this new rhythm of time, to meet with the Risen One on Sunday and thus “to take” with us His presence, which transforms us and transforms our time.

Pope Benedict XVI – 17 June 2010from the beginning, Christians have celebrated - pope benedict - 28 oct 2018