Category: FATHERS of the Church

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on WATCHING, The LAST THINGS

Quote/s of the Day – 21 October – Remember the Angels especially during October

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 21 Octoberber – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels”

Remember the Angels especially during October

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

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

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

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

“I say to you, their Angels in Heaven,
always see the Face of My Father,
Who is in Heaven.”
Matthew 18:10

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

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

“We are like children,
who stand in need of masters,
to enlighten us and direct us
and God has provided for this,
by appointing His Angels,
to be our teachers and guides.”

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

“Nor then do thou leave me,
Angelical friend!
But at the tribunal
Of Judgement attend
And cease not to plead
For my soul, till, forgiven,
Thou bear it aloft
To the Palace of Heaven!”

From “Sweet Angel of Mercy!”
By Fr Edward Caswell C.Orat. (1814-1878)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on The SOUL, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 20 October – “Whose image and inscription is this? ” – Matthew 22:20

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One Minute Reflection – 20 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St John Cantius (1390-1473) Confessor – Philippians 1:6-11; Matthew 22:15-21 – – – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Whose image and inscription is this? ” – Matthew 22:20

REFLECTION – “Moses wrote in the Law: “God created man in His image and likeness” (Gn 1:26). I would ask you to reflect on the importance of this saying. God, Who is almighty, invisible, incomprehensible and without compare, when he fashioned man of clay, ennobled him by the image of His Own greatness. What is there in common between man and God, between clay and spirit? For “God is spirit” (Jn 4:24). Therefore, it represents a great sign of His esteem for man that God should have rewarded him with the image of His eternity and the likeness of His Own life. The greatness of man lies in his likeness to God, as long as he preserves it …

As long as a soul makes good use of the virtues sown into it, it remains like God. All the virtues God placed in us at our creation He has taught us to repay to Himself. In the first place, He requires us to love Him with all our heart (Dt 6:5) since, from the beginning, even before we existed, “He loved us first” (1Jn 4:10). To love God, then, is to restore His image within us. Now, he loves God who keeps His commandments…

Therefore, it is for us to reflect to our God, to our Father, the unsullied image of His Own holiness, since He is holy and has said: “Be holy as I Am Holy” (Lv 11:45) with love, since He is Love and John has said: “God is Love” (1Jn 4:8); with kindness and in truth, since God is good and true. Let us not become depictors of a false image … And lest we insinuate the image of pride within ourselves, let us allow Christ to paint His image within us.” – St Columban (543-615) Monk, Founder of monasteries, Father of the Church (Instruction 11, 1-4).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that by following the example of blessed John, Thy Confessor, we may advance in a knowledge of holiness and, by showing pity for others, obtain Thou forgiveness through his merits. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on the POOR, The HEART, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 October – ‘ … Repay God, with the image of God …’

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One Minute Reflection – 19 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Peter of Alcantara OFM (1499-1562) Confessor – Philippians 3:7-12, Luke 12:32-34 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be too.” – Luke 12:34

REFLECTION – “God accepts our offerings of money and is pleased with the gifts we make to the poor but, on one condition – that every sinner, when offering God his money, should offer Him his soul at the same time … When our Lord says: “Repay to Caesar that which belongs to Caesar and to God that which belongs to God” (Mk 12:17), what does He seem to say but – “Just as you repay Caesar with his own image on a coin, so repay God, with the image of God within ourselves” (cf Gn 1:26) …

This is why, as we have already said on numerous occasions, when we hand out money to the poor, let us offer our souls to God, so that, where our treasure is, there our heart may also be. Indeed, why does God ask us to give money? Unquestionably because, He knows the special love we have for it, we are always thinking about it and, where our money is, there too is our heart. This is why God urges us to make up our treasure in Heaven by making gifts of it to the poor; it is so that our hearts may follow where we have already sent our treasure and, when the Priest says: “Lift up your hearts” we may answer with peaceful conscience: “We lift them up to the Lord.” – St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) Bishop, Father (Sermon 32, 1-3).

PRAYER – O God, Who graciously made blessed Peter, Thy Confessor, glorious by the gift of remarkable penance and sublime contemplation, grant, we beseech Thee, that, by the merit of his prayers, we may the more easily understand the things of Heaven by curbing our passions. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, St PAUL!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 18 October – “Luke, the beloved physician, greets you”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 18 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – The Feast of St Luke, the Evangelist – 2 Corinthians 8:16-24, Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The harvest indeed is great but the labourers are few. Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest that He send labourers into His harvest. ” – Luke 10:2

REFLECTION – “That Luke was inseparable from Paul and his fellow-labourer in the Gospel, he himself clearly evinces, not as a matter of boasting but as bound to do so by the truth itself. For when Barnabas and John Mark, had parted company from Paul and sailed to Cyprus, Luke writes: “We came to Troas” (Acts 16:8.11)… Then he carefully indicates all the rest of their journey as far as Philippi,and how they delivered their first address … And all the remaining details of his journey with Paul, he recounts with all possible diligence … As Luke was present at all these occurrences, he carefully noted them down in writing, so that he cannot be convicted of falsehood or boastfulness for all these details were well known …

That Luke was not merely a follower but also a fellow-labourer of the Apostles and especially of Paul, Paul himself declared too in his Epistles, saying: “Demas has forsaken me and has left for Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me” (2 Tim 4:11). From this Paul shows that Luke was always attached to and, inseparable from him. And again, in the Letter to the Colossians, he says: “Luke, the beloved Physician, greets you” (Col 4:14)…” – St Irenaeus (c130-c202) Bishop, Martyr, Theologian, Father of the Church (Against the Heresies III).

PRAYER – O Lord, we beseech Thee, that Luke, Thy holy Evangelist, who for the honour of Thy Name bore continuously in his body the suffering of the Cross, may intercede on our behalf. 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 "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CARMELITES, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 15 October – ‘ … Keep going, persevere, bear and accept this delay and you have carried His Cross!’ … – (Matthew 25:10)

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One Minute Reflection – 15 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Teresa of Jesus of Avila OCD (1515-1582) Virgin and Doctor of the Church – 2 Corinthians 10:17-18; 11:1-2; Matthew 25:1-13  – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ … The Bridegroom came and they, who were ready, went in with Him … ” – Matthew 25:10

REFLECTION – “In this world, which is to say, in the Church, wholly following Christ, He says to all of us: “Whoever wishes to come after Me must deny himself.” This command is not being directed to virgins but not married women, to widows but not wives, to Monks but not husbands, to Priests but not laity. It is the whole Church, the whole Body of Christ with all its members, differentiated and divided according to their proper functions which is, to follow Christ. May she wholly follow Him, she who is one alone, the dove, the bride (Sg 6:9); may she follow Him, she who has been redeemed and endowed with the Blood of her Bridegroom. Virginal purity has its place here; the continence of widows has its place here; wedded chastity has its place here…

These members who have their place here should follow Christ, each according to their category, each according to their status, each after its fashion. Let them deny themselves, that is to say, let them not rely on themselves. Let them carry their cross that is to say, bear, for Christ’s sake in the world, all that the world inflicts on them. May they love Him, He, the Only One, Who never deceives or is deceived, the Only One ,Who is not mistaken. May they love Him because, what He promises is true. Yet because, He does not give it to us now, our faith falters. Keep going, persevere, bear and accept this delay and you have carried His Cross!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 96:9)

PRAYER – Graciously hear us, O God, our Saviour that as we rejoice on the feast-day of blessed Teresa, Thy Virgin, we may be so nourished by the food of her heavenly teaching, as to learn how to serve Thee. 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 PHYSICIAN, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRECIOUS BLOOD PRAYERS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FASTING, QUOTES on FRIENDSHIP, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the POOR, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

Quote/s of the Day – 30 September – St Jerome

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Quote/s of the Day – 30 September – St Jerome (347-419) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church, Priest, Monk, Translator of the Scriptures into Latin (the Vulgate), Theologian, Historian, Hermit, Mystic.

“The Scriptures are shallow enough,
for a babe to come and drink,
without fear of drowning
and deep enough,
for theologians to swim in,
without ever reaching the bottom.”

“A friend is long sought,
hardly found,
and with difficulty
kept.”

“Sweet it is to lay aside the weight of the body
and to soar into the pure bright ether.
Do you dread poverty?
Christ calls the poor blessed. (Luke 6:20)
Does toil frighten you?
No athlete is crowned but in the sweat of his brow.
Are you anxious as regards food?
Faith fears no famine.
Do you dread the bare ground
for limbs wasted with fasting?
The Lord lies there beside you.
Do you recoil from an unwashed head
and uncombed hair?
Christ is your true head.
Does the boundless solitude of the desert terrify you?
In the spirit, you may walk always, in paradise.
Do but turn your thoughts there
and you will be no more in the desert.”

“Everyday we are changing,
everyday we are dying,
and yet, we fancy ourselves eternal!”

Merciful Jesus!
Stretch Forth Thy Hand of Mercy
(Excerpt – Prayer in a Time of Anguish)
By St Jerome (347-419)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Merciful Jesus!
Thou art my strength, my refuge and my deliverer;
in Thee I have believed and hoped;
in Thee have I loved.
Call me now, I beseech Thee and I will answer.
Stretch forth Thy Hand of mercy, to the work of Thy Hands
and let me not perish, whom Thou hast redeemed
with Thy Precious Blood.
It is now time for dust to return to dust
and my spirit to Thee Who gavest it.
Open then, Lord, the Gate of Life and receive me.
Receive me most merciful Lord,
according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies,
Who receivedst the thief on the cross
and now prepare my soul for hearing
the same promise of mercy which he did.
I am ill, O Lord and Thee my Physician.
Heal me then, my God and I shall be healed,
let me not be confounded, for I put my trust in Thee.
In Thee have I hoped – let me not be cast off forever!
… Deal not with me, according to what I deserve,
nor chastise me, according to my iniquities
but help me, O God, my Saviour
and for the glory of Thy Name deliver me.
Now, at this hour, show mercy to me
and whenever I depart, receive me
into the number of Thy family that I, may be one of those,
who are to praise Thee forever.
Amen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/30/quote-s-of-the-day-30-september-st-jerome-4/

St Jerome (347-419)
Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church
AKA – “The Sun Who Illuminated the Scriptures”
“A Lion in Defence of the Faith”

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 30 September – O Lord, Show Thy Mercy to Me

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Our Morning Offering – 30 September – Memorial of St Jerome (347-419) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church

O Lord, Show Thy Mercy to Me
By St Jerome (347-419)
Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church

O Lord, show Thy mercy to me
and gladden my heart.
I am like the man
on the way to Jericho,
who was overtaken by robbers,
wounded and left for dead.
O Good Samaritan,
come to my aid.
I am like the sheep which went astray.
O Good Shepherd,
seek me out and bring me home,
in accord with Thy will.
Let me dwell in Thy house
all the days of my life
and praise Thee,
forever and ever
with those who are there.
Amen

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

St Jerome, Nostra Signora di Loreto di Forno / Our Lady of Loreto (1629), Day 3 of the Rosary Novena and the Saints for 30 September

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St Jerome (347-419) Confessor, Father and Doctor, Priest, Monk, Translator of the Scriptures into Latin (the Vulgate), Theologian, Historian, Hermit, Mystic.
Amazing St Jerome!:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/09/30/saint-of-the-day-30-september-st-jerome-347-419-father-and-doctor-of-the-church-2/
AND:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/30/saint-of-the-day-30-september-st-jerome-347-419-father-and-doctor-of-the-church/

Novena to the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary –
Day Three – 30 September
By Father Joseph Cacella, 1947
THIRD DAY: Intention:
“The True Peace of Christ”

Nostra Signora di Loreto di Forno / Our Lady of Loreto of Forno, Alpi Graie, Italy (1629) – 30 September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/30/nostra-signora-di-loreto-di-forno-our-lady-of-loreto-of-forno-alpi-graie-italy-1629-and-memorials-of-the-saints-30-september/

St Amato of Nusco (c1003-1093) Bishop, Confessor, Monk, Apostle of the poor.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/30/saint-of-the-day-30-september-saint-amato-of-nusco-c-1003-1093/

St Antoninus of Piacenza (Died c303) Soldier of the Theban Legion, Martyr. A vial of his blood preserved as a Relic, is known to miraculously liquify.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/30/saint-of-the-day-30-september-saint-antoninus-of-piacenza-died-c303-soldier-martyr/

St Castus of Piacenza
St Colman of Clontibret – Mentioned in some martyrologies, but no information has survived.

Blessed Conrad of Urach O.Cist (c1180-1227) Priest, Prior, Abbot, General of the Cistercians, Cardinal and Bishop, Papal legate to France from 1220 to 1223.
Biogtraphy:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/30/saint-of-the-day-30-september-blessed-conrad-of-urach-o-cist-c-1180-1227/

St Desiderius of Piacenza
St Enghenedl of Anglesey
St Eusebia of Marseilles

St Gregory the Illuminator (c257 – c331) “Apostle to Armenia” and “Father of Armenia”- Bishop, First Patriarch of the Armenian Church, Missionary, Wonder-worker.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/30/saint-of-the-day-30-september-saint-gregory-the-illuminator-c-257-c-331/

St Honorius of Canterbury (Died 653) Archbishop of Canterbury. The Fifth Successor of St Augustine as Archbishop of Canterbury, Confessor, Missionary.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/30/saint-of-the-day-30-september-st-honorius-of-canterbury-died-653/

St Ismidone of Die
Blessed Conrad of Urach
St Laurus
St Leopardus the Slave
St Midan of Anglesey
St Simon de Crépy (c1048-1082) Monk
St Sophia Widow


St Ursus the Theban
St Victor the Theban

Martyrs of Valsery Abbey: An unknown number of Premonstratensian Monks at the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Valsery, Picardie, France who were Martyred by Calvinists. They were martyred in 1567 at Valsery, Pircardy, France.

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

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I say to you, their Angels in Heaven,
always see the Face of My Father,
Who is in Heaven.”
Matthew 18:10

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

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

(Sermon for the Feast of Saint Michael)

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

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on the POOR, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 September – “I was a stranger …”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 28 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Wenceslaus (907-935) Duke of Bohemia, Martyr. – Wisdom 10:10-14, Matthew 10:34-42 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And whosoever shall give to drink, to one of these little ones, a cup of cold water only … amen, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.” – Matthew 10:42

REFLECTION – “I was a stranger,” Christ says “and you took Me in” (Mt 25:35). And again, “Insofar as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did it to Me.” (Mt 25:40). In every believer and brother, though they be least of all, Christ comes to you! Open your house, take them in. “Whoever receives a prophet, shall receive a prophet’s reward.” … These are the qualities which ought to be in those who welcome strangers – readiness, cheerfulness, liberality. For strangers feel abashed and ashamed and, unless their host shows real joy, they feel slighted and go away and their being received, in this way, makes it worse, than not to have received them at all.

Therefore, set aside a room in your house, to which Christ may come; say, “This is Christ’s room; this is set apart for Him.” Even if it is very simple, He will not disdain it. Christ goes about “naked and a stranger,” He needs shelter, do not hesitate to give it to Him. Do not be incompassionate, nor inhuman. You are earnest in worldly matters, do not be cold in spiritual matters … You have a place set apart for your chariot but none for Christ Who is wandering by?! Abraham received strangers in his own home (Gn 18); his wife took the place of a servant, the guests the place of masters. They did not know that they were receiving Christ that they were receiving Angels. If Abraham had known it, he would have lavished his whole substance. But we, who know we receive Christ, do not show as much zeal as he did, who thought he was receiving mere men! – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 45 on the Acts of the Apostles),

PRAYER – O God, Who through the Palm of Martyrdom transported blessed Wenceslaus from an earthly dominion unto heavenly glory, keep us, by his prayers, from all harm and grant us to rejoice in his fellowship. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 27 September – Reward?

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 27 September – Saints Cosmas and Damian (Died c 286 ) Martyrs – Wisdom 5:16-20; Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Be glad in that day and rejoice,
for behold, your reward is great in Heaven,”

Luke 6:23

“The great wealth of Christians
is found in the needs of the poor,
provided we grasp how to put our
possessions to good use.
The poor are always before us;
if we entrust our wealth to them,
we shall not lose it.”

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

“The one who walks in the love of God
seeks neither gain nor reward
but seeks only, with the will,
to lose self and all things, for God
and this loss, the lover judges to be a gain! ”

“One day, I started thinking about
what the last office can be in the world.
And, I discovered that the last place,
is at the feet of the traitor, Judas.
And I wanted to place myself there
but I could not because there,
I found Jesus Christ kneeling,
washing Judas’ feet!
Since then, my appreciation for
and understanding of humility, has grown.”

St Francis Borgia SJ (1510-1572)

“LOVE
is the only way
to HEAVEN.”

St Joseph Calasanz (1557-1648)

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the POOR, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 September – “We possess nothing and yet, we have everything!”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 27 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Saints Cosmas and Damian (Died c 286 ) Martyrs – Wisdpm 5:16-20; Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Be glad in that day and rejoice, for behold, your reward is great in Heaven,” – Luke 6:23

REFLECTION – “Only Christians have a true sense of values; their joys and sorrows are not the same as other people’s. The sight of a wounded comatant wearing a victory crown would make someone, ignorant of the games, think only of the fighter’s wounds and how painful they must be. Such a person would know nothing of the happiness the crown gives. And, it is the same when people see the things we suffer, without knowing why we do so. It naturally seems to them to be suffering pure and simple. They see us struggling and facing danger but, beyond their vision, are the rewards, the crowns of victory — all we hope to gain, through the contest! As Paul said: “We possess nothing and yet, we have everything!” (2 Cor 6:10)…

We too, then, when we suffer anything for Christ’s sake, should do so not simply with courage but even with joy. If we have to go hungry, let us be glad, as if we were at a banquet. If we are insulted, let us be elated, as though we had been showered with praises. If we lose all we possess, let us consider ourselves the gainers of all. If we provide for the poor, let us regard ourselves as the recipients! … Above all, remember that your struggles, are for the sake of the Lord Jesus. Then, you will easily rise above them and live out your lifetime in happiness; for nothing brings more happiness than a good conscience.” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father & Doctor of the Church (Sermon on Second Corinthians, 12: 4).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thou, almighty God, that we who celebrate the anniversary of the death of Thy holy Martyrs, Cosmas and Damian, may by their intercession, be delivered from all the evils that threaten us. Through 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 AUGUST - The Immaculate Heart of Mary, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on The SOUL, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 September – ‘ … Everyone without God has a dead soul. ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 26 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions – Hebrews 10:32-38; Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more that they can do. … be afraid of him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell. ” – Luke 12:4-5

REFLECTION – “The Gospel is life. Impiety and infidelity are the death of the soul. So then, if the soul can die, how then is it yet immortal? Because, there is always a dimension of life in the soul which can never be extinguished. And how does it die? Not in ceasing to be life but by losing its proper life. For the soul is both life to something else and it has it own proper life. Consider the order of the creatures. The soul is the life of the body. God is the Life of the soul. As the life that is the soul, is present with the body that the body may not die, so the Life of the soul (God), ought to be with the soul that it may not die.

How does the body die? By the departure of the soul. I say, by the departure of the soul, the body dies and it lies there as a mere carcass, what was a little before, a lively, not a contemptible object. There are in it still, its several members, the eyes and ears. But these are merely the windows of the house – its inhabitant is gone. Those who bewail the dead, cry in vain at the windows of the house. There is no-one there within it to hear. Why is the body dead? Because the soul, its life, is gone. But at what point is the soul itself dead? When God, its Life, has forsaken it. This then we can know and hold for certain – the body is dead without the soul and the soul is dead without God. Everyone without God has a dead soul. You who bewail the dead rather, should bewail sin! Bewail ungodliness! Bewail disbelief! – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 65).

PRAYER – May the continual protection of the blessed Martyrs comfort us, O Lord, for Thou do not cease to behold with favour those whom You have granted the grace of such assistance. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PHYSICAL SICKNESS, ILLNESS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 25 September – “Seeing their faith …” – Matthew 9:2

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One Minute Reflection – 25 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” –St Vincent Strambi CP (1745-1824) Bishop, Priest of the Passionist Order of St Paul of the Cross – Ferial Day –1 Corinthians 1:4-8; Matthew 9:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Seeing their faith …” – Matthew 9:2

REFLECTION – “He came into His own town and behold, they brought to Him one sick of the palsy, lying in a bed.” (Mt 9:1-2). Jesus, the Gospel tells us, seeing the faith of these people, said to the paralytic: “Courage, son, thy sins are forgiven thee.” The paralytic hears these words and remains silent. He offers no word of thanks. He wanted the healing of his body more than that of his soul. He lamented the transitory pain of his sick body but, the eternal torment of his soul, whose sickness was even greater, this he did not mourn. He judged his present life to be more precious to him than the life to come!

Christ was wise to take account of the faith of those who brought the sick man to Him and to pay no attention to the latter’s stupidity. Thanks to his neighbours’ faith, the paralytic’s soul would be cured before his body. “When He saw their faith,” the Gospel says. Take note here, my brethren, God is not concerned with what the foolish want; He does not expect to find faith among the ignorant; He does not analyse the foolish desires of a sick man. On the other hand, He does not refuse to come to the aid of another’s faith. Such faith is a gift of grace and is in harmony with the Will of God.” – St Peter Chrysologus (400-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father & Doctor of sermons of the Church (Sermon 50).

PRAYER – From all perils of soul and body defend us, O Lord, we beseech Thee and by the intercession of the blessed and gloriosus Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of blessed Joseph, of thy blessed apostles Peter and Paul, the blessed Vincent Strambi, Thy Confessor and all the Saints, graciously grant us safety and peace that all adversities and errors, being overcome, Thy Church may serve Thee in security and freedom. 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 DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on MERCY

Quote/s of the Day – 24 September – Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes / Our Lady of Mercy / Our Lady of Ransom

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Quote/s of the Day – 24 September – Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes / Our Lady of Mercy / Our Lady of Ransom

“She is Virgin and Mother,
what will she not be hereafter?
Holy in body, all beautiful in soul,
pure of mind, upright in intelligence,
perfect in feeling, chaste and faithful,
pure of heart and filled with virtue.
… Mary is the new tree of life who,
instead of the bitter fruit picked by Eve,
gives to mankind that sweet fruit
on which the whole world is fed!”

St Ephrem (306-373)
Deacon in Syria,
Father and Doctor of the Church

“I want, very much, to have a little house
built here for me, in which I will show Him,
I will exalt Him and make Him manifest.
I will give Him to the people
in all my personal love,
in my compassion,
in my help, in my protection
because, I am truly your merciful Mother,
yours and all the people who live
united in this land and of all the other people
of different ancestries, my lovers,
who love me, those who seek me,
those who trust in me.”

Our Lady of Guadalupe
to Juan Diego
1531

O Mary, Twice Mother of Mercy
By St Jerome Emiliani (1486–1537)

O Mary,
thou art twice Mother of Mercy
because thou hast been made
Mother of our most merciful Saviour,
and, furthermore because,
thou hast given to us
so many signs
of thy maternal care and love.
Turn upon us, we beseech thee,
thy glance of compassion
and grant, that we may always
live free from sin,
which is the only impediment
to receiving the fruits
of the Divine Mercies.
Amen.

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SIN, The INCARNATION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 September – “ … You made open the way of the Tree of Life. ,,, ”

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One Minute Reflection – 24 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Our Lady of Ransom – Ecclesiasticus 24:14-16; Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Blessed is the womb that bore Thee ” – Luke 11:27

REFLECTION – “Once indeed, God ejected the mortals and first parents of the human race from the paradise of Eden, when they had drunk deeply from the wine of disobedience and had become so affected by the hangover of sin, through the intoxication of that transgression which led to the sleepiness of the mind’s eye. …

Then Adam and Eve, the founders of our race, exclaimed with a loud voice in great rejoicing: “Blessed are you, O daughter, who bore for us the penalties of the commands that had been broken. When you had gained a mortal body from us, you gave birth to a covering of immortality for us. You repaid us ,so that it might be well with us, since you received birth from our loins. From beyond the grave, you have called us back to our ancient seat: we closed paradise for ourselves but you made open the way of the Tree of Life. Through our actions, sadness came forth from happiness; through you, even more joyful things have returned, from sorrow. In what possible way could you be acceptable to death, O Immaculate one? You are the bridge of life and the ladder to Heaven; you are a boat over the sea of death, reaching to immortality.”

But the woman herself, as she did not shrink from the truth, said: “Into Your hands, my Son, I commend my spirit. Receive this soul which is dear to You, which You have preserved free from any sin. I hand over my body, not to the earth but to You. Take me to Yourself, that where You are, You, the Child of my womb, so there I also may be Your companion. I am hastening to You, Who have often come to me on this side of that long distance.”

When she had said this, she heard in reply: “Come to My rest, My blessed Mother: arise, come, My Beloved, most blessed among all women. Behold, the winter is ended. You are all fair, My Beloved and there is no spot of stain found in you: the odour of your ointments are more precious than all other aromas.” – St John Damascene (675-749) Father and Doctor of the Church (An excerpt from his Homily 9: On the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary).

PRAYER – O God, Who for the deliverance of Christians from the power of the pagans, graciously willed to enrich Thy Church by a new religious offspring through the most glorious Mother of Thy Son; grant, we beseech Thee, that by the merits and intercession of her, whom we piously venerate, as the founder of so great a work, we may be delivered from all our sins and from the captivity of the devil. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

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Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The INCARNATION, The WORD, THEOLOGICAL

Quote/s of the Day – 23 September – Thou art the Christ, Whom we love above all things …

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Quote/s of the Day – 23 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11; Matthew 16:13-19– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Thou art the Christ,
the Son of the living God!”

Matthew 16:16

“Truly blessed is he who cleaves,
with his thought, to the Prayer of Jesus,
constantly calling to Him in his heart,
just as air cleaves to our bodies,
or the flame to the candle.”

St Hesychius of Jerusalem (Died c450)
Priest, Exegete, Father

“Taking up the newborn Emmanuel,
Mary beheld a Light incomparably fairer
than the sun and saw a Fire,
which water cannot quench.
She received, in the covering of Flesh
Whom she had borne,
the Light, Who enlightens all things
and she was worthy,,
to carry in her arms,
the Word, Who carries the universe!”

St Amadeus of Lausanne (1108-1159)
Bishop, Cistercian Monk

“Charity is an infused virtue,
by which we love God for His Own Sake
and above all things and our neighbour as ourselves,
for the love of God.
It is the best gift which God Himself can give,
the gift compared to which,
all other gifts are insignificant and worthless.
It is the end and aim, the perfection
and the crown of the Christian life.
If we possess it, we have all things;
if we possess it not, we have nothing;
we are miserable and wretched and poor
and blind and naked before God.
Pray that God may teach you to know
and to love His Divine gift.”

Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

(The Definition of Charity
What is Charity?)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on WATCHING, St PETER!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 23 September – “Upon this rock I will build My Church” – Matthew 16:18

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One Minute Reflection – 23 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Pope Linus (c10 – c76) Successor to St Peter – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11; Matthew 16:13-19– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Upon this rock I will build My Church” – Matthew 16:18

REFLECTION – “Brothers, when it comes to fulfilling my duties as Bishop, I discover that I am weak and slack, weighed down by the weakness of my own condition, while at the same time, I want to act generously and courageously. However, I draw my strength from the untiring intercession of the almighty and eternal Priest, Who, like us but equal to the Father, lowered His Divinity to the level of man and raised humankind to the level of God. The decisions He made, give me a just and holy joy. For, when He delegated many shepherds to care for His flock, He did not abandon watching over His beloved sheep. Thanks to that fundamental and eternal assistance, I in turn, have received the protection and support of the Apostle Peter, who also does not abandon his function. This solid foundation, on which the whole of the Church is built, never grows tired of carrying the whole weight, of the building which rests on it.

The firmness of faith, for which the first of the Apostles was praised, never fails. Just as everything which Peter professed in Christ remains, so that which Christ established in Peter, remains … The order willed by God’s Truth remains. Saint Peter perseveres in the solidity which he received; he has not abandoned the governance of the Church which was placed in his hands. That, my brothers, is what that profession of faith, inspired by God the Father, obtained in the heart of the Apostle. He received the solidity of a rock which no assault can shake. In the entire Church, Peter says everyday: “Thou art the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” – St Leo the Great (400-461) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon on the anniversary of his Consecration as Bishop).

PRAYER – Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd, and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Linus Thy Sovereign Pontiff, whom Thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church. 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 WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on JUDGING, QUOTES on the CHURCH, The RESURRECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 September – ‘ … Here He gives us a complete image of the Resurrection …’

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One Minute Reflection – 22 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Thomas of Villanova OSA (1488-1555) Archbishop, Confessor – 1 Corinthians 1:4-8; Matthew 9:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic,
Take courage, son, thy sins are forgiven thee.” – Matthew 9:2

REFLECTION – “Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic: ‘Thy sins are forgiven thee,‘” The Lord is great! for the sake of the former he forgives the latter! He answers the prayer of the first and pardons the sins of the second.
O men, why is it that today your fellow traveller is unable to do anything for you, when, with the Lord, His servant has the right to intervene and to receive?

You who judge, learn to pardon and you who are ill, learn to beseech. If you have no hope of immediate pardon for grave sins, turn to intercessors, turn to the Church who will pray for you. Then, for her sake, the Lord will grant you the pardon He might have denied you. We do not ignore the historical truth of the paralytic’s cure but, above all, we acknowledge the healing of his interior self, whose sins are forgiven. …

The Lord wants to save sinners; He demonstrates His Divinity by His knowledge of what is secret and, by the wonders of His deeds. “Which is easier to say,” he asks: “’Your sins are forgiven’ or ‘Rise and walk’?” Here He gives us a complete image of the Resurrection since, in curing the wounds of soul and body … the whole man is healed!” – St Ambrose (340-397) ArchBishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church (Commentary on Saint Luke’s Gospel V, 11-13).

PRAYER – O God, Who endowed blessed Bishop Thomas with the virtue of special pity for the poor, we beseech Thee, through his intercession, generously to pour forth the riches of Thy mercy upon all those who pray to Thee.ThroughJesus 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 DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, PREPARATION for DEATH, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 21 September – CONSIDERATION IX, The Peace Felt by a Just Man When Dying

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Thought for the Day – 21 September – Meditations with Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

“Preparation for Death”
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

CONSIDERATION IX

The Peace Felt by a Just Man When Dying
“The souls of the just are in the Hands of God
and the torment of death, shall not touch them.
In the sight of the unwise, they seemed to die,
…. but they are at peace.”
(Wisd iii: 1-3)

FIRST POINT:
“The souls of the just are in the Hand of God.”
If God holds the souls of the just in His Hand, who is it that can pluck them out of it? It is true that hell never ceases to tempt and to insult the Saints, even when they are dying but God never ceases to assist them and, when, as St Ambrose observes, His faithful servants are placed in more danger, then. does He give them more assistance.

When the servant of Elisha saw the City surrounded by enemies, he was affrighted but the Saint encouraged him, saying: “Fear not, for they who be with us, are more than they who be with them.” (2 Kings vi: 16). And Elisha then prayed and the young man’s eyes were opened and he saw an army of Angels sent by God to defend them!
The devil will indeed come to tempt the dying man but his Guardian Angel will also come to comfort him. St Michael, who is appointed by God to defend His faithful servants in this their last combat with hell but, above all, Jesus Christ will come to keep this His penitent and innocent sheep, for whose salvation He once gave up His life. He will give thy soul that confidence and strength which, in such a combat, it will stand in need of, so that He will exclaim with all courage: “Lord, be Thou my helper.” (Ps xxx: 10).

“The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom then shall I fear?” (Ps xxvii: I) God, as Origen observes, cares much more about our eternal salvation than the devil does about our eternal ruin because, God Loves us much more than the devil hates us.
God is faithful, observes the Apostle and will not suffer us to be tempted above that which we are able (i Cor x: 13).
But you will say: “Many Saints have died in great fear concerning their eternal salvation.” I answer, few are the examples of those who, having led a holy life, have afterwards died in great fear.

Belluacensis observes, the Lord permits this in some Saints, in order to purge them when dying from some defect. Besides, do we not read that almost all God’s servants have died with a smile upon their lips?
To all, the Divine Judgment gives fear of death but where sinners pass from fear to desperation, the Saints pass to assurance.
St Antoninus narrates that St Bernard, being ill, was tempted to fear but, thinking upon the merits of Jesus Christ, he dismissed every fear, saying: “My merits are Thy Wounds.”
St Hilarion at first was afraid but later he said, rejoicing: “Go forth, my soul, of what art thou afraid? For well nigh seventy years thou hast served Christ and dost thou now fear death?” As if he wished to say, my soul, what dost thou fear after having served a God Who is faithful and
Who will never abandon him, who has been faithful to Him in life?

Father Joseph Scamacca being asked if he felt he was dying with confidence, answered: “What! have I been serving Mahomet all my life that I should now doubt the goodness of my God as to whether He may wish me to be saved?”
If the thought of having once offended God at any time should torment us in death, we know the Lord has promised to remember no more, the sins of the penitent.
“If the wicked will turn from all his sins which he hath committed, … they shall not be mentioned unto Him.” (Ezelc xviii: 21, 22).
But some will say, how can we be sure that God has pardoned us? St Basil even, asks this question and replies: “If we can say, I hate and abominate my sin because he who hates sin, may rest secure that God has pardoned him already.”

The heart of man cannot exist without love; it either loves the creature, or it loves God; if it does not love the creature, then it loves God. And who is it that loves God? Even he who keeps His commandments.
“He who hath My commandments and keepeth them, he it is who loveth Me.” (St John xiv: 21).
He, therefore, who dies, observing God’s commands, dies loving God and he who loves God shall not fear for “perfect love casteth out fear.” (i St John iv: 18).

Affections andPrayers.

Ah, my Jesus, when will that day come when I shall be able
to say, “My God, never more shall I be able to lose Thee?”
When will that day come when I shall see Thee face-to-face,
and shall rest secure of loving Thee, with all my strength for all eternity?

Ah my Sovereign Good, my only love, as long as I live I shall stand in danger of offending Thee and of losing Thy blessed grace!
There was once an unhappy time when I loved Thee not and when I despised Thy Love but now, I repent with all my heart and hope Thou hast already pardoned me; for now I love Thee with all my heart and I desire to do all I can, to love Thee and to please Thee but I am still in danger of not loving Thee, and of again turning away from Thee.
Ah, my Jesus, my Life, my Treasure, do not permit me to do this. Rather than allow this dreadful misfortune to befall
me, let me now die the most painful death it may please Thee to send me. I am content with it and I pray for it.

Eternal Father, for the love of Jesus Christ, give me not over to this
great ruin. Punish me as Thou wilt, I deserve it and I accept
it but deliver me from the punishment of ever beholding myself deprived of Thy grace and of Thy Love.
My Jesus, for Thine own sake have mercy upon me!

Posted in APRIL -MONTH of the RESURRECTION and the BLESSED SACAMENT, CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, Quotes on SALVATION, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The INCARNATION, The RESURRECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 September – ‘ …The Resurrection reclined at this table …’

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One Minute Reflection – 21 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, Martyr – Ezekiel 1:10-14; Matthew 9:9-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Why does your Master eat with publicans and sinners? ” – Matthew 9:11

REFLECTION – “Why does your Master eat with publicans and sinners?” God is accused of bending down to man, of sitting next to the sinner, of being hungry for his conversion and thirsty for his return; of consenting to eat the food of compassion and drink from the cup of goodness. But Christ, my brethren, came to this meal – Life came amongst these guests that those who were going to die, might live with Him, the same Life as He. The Resurrection reclined at this table that those who lay in death, might rise from their tombs; Grace stooped down to raise sinners up, to forgiveness; God came to man that man might attain to God; the Judge came to the meal of the guilty, to release humankind from the sentence of condemnation; the Doctor came to the sick, to restore their depleted strength by eating with them; the Good Shepherd bent down to carry the lost sheep back to salvation’s fold (Lk 15:l3) …

“Why does your Master eat with publicans and sinners?” But who is the sinner, if not the one who refuses to see himself as sinful? Is it not, to sink in one’s sins and, if the truth be told, identify oneself with sin by not recognising oneself to be a sinner? And who is unrighteous if not the one who thinks himself righteous? … Come along, you Pharisee, confess your sin and you will be able to come to Christ’s Table! Christ will become Bread for your sake, the Bread to be broken for the forgiveness of your sins! Christ will become Drink for your sake, the Drink which will be shed for the remission of your offences!Come along, you Pharisee, share the meal of sinners that you may eat your meal with Christ. Acknowledge yourself a sinner and Christ will eat with you. Go in to the Lord’s Feast along with sinners and you will be able to be a sinner no more. With the forgiveness of Christ, enter into the House of Mercy.” – St Peter Chrysologus (400-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father & “Doctor of Sermons”of the Church (Sermon 30).

PRAYER – May we be helped, O Lord, by the prayers of the blessed Apostle and Evangelist, Matthew that what we ourselves cannot obtain, maybe granted by his intercession. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, The BEATITUDES, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 20 September – “Blessed are you who are poor … Luke 6:20

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One Minute Reflection – 20 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Vigil of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist – Wisdom 5:16-20; Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.” – Luke 6:20

REFLECTION – “Blessed,” He says, “are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 5:3). It would perhaps be doubtful what poor He was speaking of, if in saying “blessed are the poor ” He had added nothing which would explain the sort of poor and then, that poverty by itself, would appear sufficient to win the Kingdom of Heaven, which many suffer from, hard and heavy necessity. But when He says “blessed are the poor in spirit,” He shows that the Kingdom of Heaven must be assigned to those who are recommended by the humility of their spirit, rather than, by the smallness of their means.

Yet it cannot be doubted, that this possession of humility is more easily acquired by the poor than the rich: for submissiveness is the companion of those, who want, while loftiness of mind, dwells with riches. Notwithstanding, even in many of the rich, is found that spirit which uses its abundance, not for the increasing of its pride but on works of kindness and counts that for the greatest gain which it expends in the relief of others’ hardships. It is given to every kind and rank of men, to share in this virtue because men maybe equal in will, though unequal in fortune and ,it does not matter, how different they are in earthly means, who are found equal in spiritual possessions.  Blessed, therefore, is poverty which is not possessed with a love of temporal things and does not seek to be increased with the riches of the world but is eager to amass heavenly possessions.” – St Leo the Great (400-461) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 95, PL 54, 461).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God that the worshipful Feast of Thy blessed Apostle and Evangelist, St Matthew, on the eve whereof we now stand, may avail us, to the increase, both of godliness toward Thee and of health to our own souls. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Our Morning Offering – 20 September – Exsultet Orbis! on the Vigil of St Matthew!

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Our Morning Offering – 20 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Vigil of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

Exsultet Orbis!
Let the World Rejoice!
Unknown Author

Now let the earth with joy resound,
And Heaven the chant re-echo round;
Nor Heaven nor earth too high can raise
The great Apostles’ glorious praise.

O ye who, throned in glory dread,
Shall judge the living and the dead,
Lights of the world forever more!
To you the suppliant prayer we pour.

Ye close the Sacred Gates on high.
At your command apart they fly.
O loose for us the guilty chain
We strive to break and strive in vain.

Sickness and health your voice obey,
At your command they go or stay.
From sin’s disease our souls restore;
In good confirm us more and more.

So when the world is at its end.
And Christ to Judgment shall descend,
May we be called, those joys to see
Prepared from all eternity.

Praise to the Father, with the Son,
And Holy Spirit, Three in One;
As ever was in ages past
And so shall be while ages last.
Amen

(Roman Breviary for the Common of Apostles)
An Office Hymn that was traditionally prescribed for Vespers and Lauds on the Feasts of Apostles and Evangelists outside Easter time. The Hymn is found as early as the 10th Century in a Hymnal of Moissac Abbey.

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SIMPLICITY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 September – “But he that shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved.” – Matthew 24:13

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One Minute Reflection – 19 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Januarius of Naples (Died c304) Confessor, Bishop, Martyr and his Martyred Companions – Hebrews 10:32-38; Matthew 24:3-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But he, who shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved.” – Matthew 24:13

REFLECTION – “He who is mocked by his neighbour, as I am, will call upon God and He will answer him …” (Job 12:4 Vg) … But sometimes, the soul perseveres in good works with a constant heart and yet, is pushed violently by the scoffing of men; it does admirable deeds and receives only abuse and he, who might have been encouraged, to come out of himself by commendation, is repulsed by insults and returns back again into himself. He establishes himself the more firmly in God, as he finds no place elsewhere he may rest in peace – for all his hope is fixed in his Creator. Amidst ridicule and abuse, he implores only the interior Witness. His soul in distress, becomes God’s neighbour, in proportion, as he is a stranger to the favour of man’s esteem. So, he pours himself out in prayer and, hard-pressed from without, is refined with a more perfect purity, to enter more deeply into all that is interior. Therefore, it is well said at this time, “He who is mocked by his neighbour, as I am, will call upon God and He will answer him …” And while the soul of the good strengthens itself, with compunction, in prayer, it is united within itself, in the hearing of the most High, in the very act which severs it, from the approval of men, outside itself. ..

“For the upright man’s simplicity is laughed to scorn” (Job 12:4) It is the wisdom of this world to conceal one’s feelings with pretence, to veil the sense with words; to show things which are false, as true and, to present as fallacious that which is true. But, on the other hand, it is the wisdom of the righteous, to pretend nothing, … to discover the meaning, by words; to love the truth as it is, to avoid falsehood; to set forth good deeds freely, to bear evil more gladly than to do it; to seek no revenge for a wrong, to count ill repute as a gain, for the truth’s sake. But this simplicity of the righteous, is laughed to scorn because the goodness of purity, is taken for folly, by the wise men of this world. For doubtless, everything which is done from innocence, is counted foolish by them and, whatever truth sanctions in practice, sounds weak to carnal wisdom!” – St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (A commentary on the Book of Job 10:47-48).

PRAYER – O God, Who gladdens us by the annual festival of Thy Martyrs Januarius and Companions, grant that we, may be inspired by the example of those, in whose merits we rejoice.Through tJesus 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 ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, JESUIT SJ, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Love of Self, St PAUL!, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 18 September – Wear the correct garment!

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Quote/s of the Day – 18 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Joseph of Cupertino OFM Conv (1603-1663) Confessor – 1 Corinthians 13:1-8; Matthew 22:1-14 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Friend, how did you come in here
without a wedding garment?”

Matthew 22:12

“If I speak with the tongues
of men and of angels
and have not charity,
I am become as sounding brass,
or a tinkling cymbal.
And if I should have prophecy
and should know all mysteries
and all knowledge
and if I should have all faith,
so that I could remove mountains
but have not charity,
I am nothing!”

St Paul
1 Corinthians 13:1-2

“Love the Lord and so,
learn to love yourselves
that when, by loving the Lord,
you shall have loved yourselves,
you may securely love
your neighbour as yourselves. …
So then, have faith with love.
This is the “wedding garment!”

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

“Love God, serve God.
Everything is in that!”

St Clare of Assisi (1191-1253)

“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.”

St Philip Neri (1515-1595)

“He who most loves,
will be most loved.”

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

“What is it to serve God
and to go to Heaven?
Nothing else but to love!”

St Aloysius Gonzaga (1568-1591)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on the CHURCH, The HEART, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 18 September – ‘ … What do we think is meant by the wedding garment, dearly beloved? …’

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One Minute Reflection – 18 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Joseph of Cupertino OFM Conv (1603-1663) Confessor – 1 Corinthians 13:1-8; Matthew 22:1-14 – cripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?” – Matthew 22:12

REFLECTION – “But you, my friends, since you have already come into the house of the marriage feast, our holy Church, as a result of God’s generosity, be careful lest, when the King enters, He finds fault with some aspect of your heart’s clothing!

What do we think is meant by the wedding garment, dearly beloved? For if we say it is Baptism or faith, is there anyone who has entered this marriage feast without them? A person is outside because he has not yet come to believe. What then must we understand by the wedding garment but love? That person enters the marriage feast but without wearing a wedding garment, who is present in the holy Church. He may have faith but he does not have love. We are correct when we say that love is the wedding garment because this, is what our Creator Himself possessed, when He came to the marriage feast, to join the Church to Himself. Only God’s Love brought it about, that His Only-Begotten Son, united the hearts of His chosen, to Himself. John says “God so Loved the world that He gave His Only-Begotten Son for us.” – St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) Father and Doctor of the Church – (Sermons on the Gospel No 38).

PRAYER – O God, Who willed that all things be drawn unto Thy Son, when He was raised above the earth, mercifully grant, by the merits and example of Thy seraphic Confessor Joseph that, having been raised above all earthly desires, we may be found worthy to come unto Him. 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 LIGHT, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CONFESSORS, EVENING and NIGHT Prayers, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, St PETER!, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 16 September – St Cyprian of Carthage

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Quote/s of the Day – 16 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of Saint Corneliu, Pope & Martyr and Saint Cyprian, Bishop & Martyr

“It is written, ‘God is not mocked.’ (Gal vi: 7)
Indeed, God cannot be mocked,
nor circumvented, nor deluded
by any man’s astute deceit. …
Let each of you, then, I beg you, brethren,
confess his fault while the sinner is yet in this world,
while Confession is still possible,
while the satisfaction and remission
granted by the Priests,
is still acceptable to God!”

“God is One and Christ is One,
His Church is One,
His See is One,
founded by the Voice of the Lord on Peter.
No other Altar can be set up,
no other Priesthood instituted
apart from that One Altar and that One Priesthood.
Who so gathers elsewhere, scatters!”

“She did not leave the temple,
serving with fastings and prayers,
night and day.”
Luke 2:37

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

“Why then do we pray
for the Kingdom of Heaven to come,
if this earthly bondage pleases us?
WHAT IS THE POINT of praying so often
for its early arrival,
if we would rather serve the devil here
than reign with Christ!?”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/16/quote-s-of-the-day-16-september-saint-cyprian-of-carthage-martyr/

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

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FEAR, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 September – ‘The nearer the King approaches …’

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One Minute Reflection – 16 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of Saint Corneliu, Pope & Martyr and Saint Cyprian, Bishop & Martyr – Wisdom 3:1-8; Luke 21:9-19 – Scripture search herehttps://www.drbo.org/

“Jesus said to His disciples: When you shall hear of wars and seditions, be not terrified.” – Luke 21:9

REFLECTION – “The nearer the King approaches, the more we should pray. The nearer the moment arrives for bestowing the trophy on the combatant, the more fervently we should struggle. This is what they do at the races – as the end of the course nears and they are reaching the goal, they stir up the horses’ enthusiasm even more. In the same way, Saint Paul says: “Now is salvation nearer to us than when first we believed. The night is far gone, the day is at hand” (Rm 13:11-12). “” –

Since night is disappearing and day is coming into view, let us carry out the works of day and leave behind the works of darkness. This is what we do in the course of life – when we see night giving way to dawn and hear the swallows singing, then we rouse one another even though it is still dark … We hurry to our daily tasks, we clothe ourselves after being snatched from sleep, so that the sun will find us ready. What we do then, let us do now. Let us shake off our dreams, rouse ourselves from thoughts of this present life, leave our heavy slumber and put on the garment of virtue. This is what the Apostle clearly says to us: “Cast off the works of darkness and put on the Armour of Light” (v.12). For day is calling us to the battle, to the fight!

But do not be afraid when you hear these words about fighting and combat! For if it is uncomfortable to put on heavy material armour, it is pleasant, on the other hand, to put on spiritual armour, for this is an Armour of Light! In this way you will shine more brightly than the sun and, even as you sparkle brightly, you will be safe because these are weapons … weapons of Light. So then? Are we excused from fighting? Not at all! We are to fight but without being overcome by fatigue and without pain. For it is not so much a war to which we are being summoned as a feast and celebration!” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father & Doctor of the Church (Homilies on the Epistle to the Romans, 24).

PRAYER – May the feast of the blessed Martyrs and Bishops, Cornelius and Cyprian, protect us, O Lord, we beseech Thee and may their holy prayer recommend us to Thee.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in "Follow Me", BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST

Our Morning Offering – 16 September – Deus, Tuorum Militum – O God, of Those Who Fought Thy Fight

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Our Morning Offering – 16 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of Saint Corneliu, Pope & Martyr and Saint Cyprian, Bishop & Martyr

Deus, Tuorum Militum
O God, of Those Who Fought Thy Fight
Unknown Author
(6th Century)

O God, of those who fought Thy fight,
Portion and prize and Crown of Light,
Break every bond of sin and shame
As now we praise Thy Martyr’s name.

He recked not of the world’s allure
But sin and pomp of sin forswore:
Knew all their gall and passed them by,
And reached the throne prepared on high.

Bravely the course of pain he ran,
And bore his torments as a man:
For love of Thee, his blood outpoured,
And thus obtained the great reward.

With humble voice and suppliant word
We pray Thee, therefore, Holy Lord,
While we Thy Martyr’s Feast Day keep,
Forgive Thy loved and erring sheep.

All honour, laud and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-born, to Thee,
All glory, as is ever meet,
To Father and to Paraclete.
Amen

An Ambrosian Hymn traditionally assigned for Matins and Vespers for the common feast of a Martyr in the Roman Breviary.
It dates probably from the sSxth Century and is attributed to the unknown author of Rex Gloriose Martyrum and jesu, Redemptor Omnium.
The Hymn exists in a longer versJon of eight strophes and a shorter one of four or five, which is probably earlier.
The Vatican Antiphonary provided two different melodies for use in the Paschal Season and during the Octave of the Nativity, during which the Feast of Saint Stephen the Protomartyr occurs.
The Hymn is a prayer asking God to forgive the sins of His servants on the day of the Martyr’s triumph over the pleasures of the world and the torture of persecution.

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MARY, MATER ECCLESIAE, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 15 September – “Behold, thy mother” – John 19:27

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One Minute Reflection – 15 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” and The Feast of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin – Our Lady of Sorrows – Judith 13:22; 13:25, John 19:25-27 – Scripture search here:

“Behold, thy mother” – John 19:27

REFLECTION – “Woman, this is thy son. This is thy mother.” By what right is the disciple. whom Jesus loved, the son of the Lord’s mother? By what right is she his mother? By the fact that, without pain, she brought into the world the salvation of us all, when she gave birth in the flesh to the God-Man. But now, she is in labour, with great pain as she stands at the foot of the Cross!

At the hour of His Passion, the Lord Himself rightly compared the Apostles to a woman in childbirth, when He said: “When a woman is in labour she is in anguish because a child is born into the world” (cf Jn 16:21). How much more, then, might such a Son compare such a Mother, the Mother standing at the foot of His Cross, to a woman in labour? What am I saying? “Compare?” She is indeed truly a woman and truly a mother and, at this hour, she is truly experiencing the pains of childbirth. When her Son was born she did not experience the anguish of giving birth in pain as other women do; it is now that she is suffering, that she is crucified, that she experiences sorrow; like a woman in labour because her hour has come ( Jn 16:21; cf 13:1; 17:1). …

When this hour has passed, when the sword of sorrow has completely pierced her soul in labour (Lk 2:35), then, no more will she “remember the pain because a child has been born into the world” – the new Man Who renews the entire human race and reigns forever over the whole world, truly born, beyond all suffering, immortal, the Firstborn from the Dead. If the Virgin has thus brought the salvation of us all into the world, in her Son’s Passion, then she is, indeed, the Mother of us all!” – Rupert of Deutz (c1075-1130) Benedictine Monk, Theologian, Exegete and Writer – (Commentary on Saint Johns Gospel, 13).

PRAYER – O God, in Whose Passion the sword, according to the prophecy of blessed Simeon, pierced through the soul of Mary, the glorious Virgin and Mother, mercifully grant that we, who reverently commemorate her piercing through and her suffering, may, by the interceding glorious merits of all the Saints faithfully standing by the Cross, obtain the abundant fruit of Thine Passion. Who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).