FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES – Page 31

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

Posted on November 9, 2018 by AnaStpaul

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 36

“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 Church

“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 1978

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

Posted on November 9, 2018November 9, 2018 by AnaStpaul

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 Church

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

FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, SAINT of the DAY

Feast of the Dedication of The Cathedral of the Most Holy Saviour and of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist in the Lateran – 9 November

Posted on November 9, 2018November 8, 2021 by AnaStpaul

Feast of the Dedication of The Cathedral of the Most Holy Saviour and of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist in the Lateran – 9 November

The residence of the Popes which was named the Lateran Palace was built by Lateranus Palutius, whom Nero put to death to seize his goods. It was given in the year 313 by Constantine the Great to Saint Miltiades, Pope and was inhabited by his successors until 1308, when they moved to Avignon. The Lateran Basilica built by Constantine near the palace of the same name, is the first Basilica of the West. Twelve councils, four of which were ecumenical, have assembled there, the first in 649, the last in 1512.

If for several centuries the Popes have no longer dwelt in the Palace, the primacy of the Basilica is not thereby altered, it remains the head of all churches. Saint Peter Damian (1007-1072) Doctor of the Church, wrote that just as the Saviour is the Head of the elect, the church which bears His name is the head of all the churches. Those of Saints Peter and Paul, to its left and its right, are the two arms by which this sovereign and universal Church embraces the entire earth, saving all who desire salvation, warming them, protecting them in its maternal womb. feast of the ded john lateran 9 nov 2018

The Divine Office narrates the dedication of the Church by the Pope of Peace, Saint Sylvester:

“It was the Blessed Pope Sylvester who established the rites observed by the Roman Church for the consecration of churches and altars. From the time of the Apostles there had been certain places dedicated to God, which some called oratories and others, churches. There, on the first day of the week, the assembly was held and there the Christian people were accustomed to pray, to hear the Word of God and to receive the Eucharist. But never had these places been consecrated so solemnly, nor had a fixed altar been placed there which, anointed with sacred chrism, was the symbol of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who for us is altar, victim and Pontiff.

But when the Emperor Constantine through the sacrament of Baptism had obtained health of body and salvation of soul, a law was issued by him which for the first time permitted that everywhere in the world Christians might build churches. Not satisfied to establish this edict, the prince wanted to give an example and inaugurate the holy labours. Thus in his own Lateran palace, he dedicated a church to the Saviour,and founded the attached baptistry under the name of Saint John the Baptist, in the place where he himself, baptised by Saint Sylvester, had been cured of leprosy. It is this church which the Pontiff consecrated in the fifth of the ides of November and we celebrate the commemoration on that day, when for the first time in Rome a church was thus publicly consecrated and where a painting of the Saviour was visible on the wall before the eyes of the Roman people.”

When the Lateran Church was partially ruined by fires, enemy invasions and earthquakes, it was always rebuilt with great zeal by the Sovereign Pontiffs. In 1726, after one such restoration, Pope Benedict XIII consecrated it anew and assigned the commemoration of that event to the present day. The church was afterwards enlarged and beautified by Popes Pius IX and Leo XIII. st john lateran - 9 nov 2018

FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, Uncategorized

Feast of the Dedication of St John Lateran, Our Lady of Almudena (Madrid) and Memorials of the Saints – 9 November

Posted on November 9, 2018November 8, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran (Feast): The oldest and first in rank of the four basilicas of Rome, Italy. The name is derived from the Laterani family, on the site of whose palace the basilica stands. King Constantine presented this palace to the Church. Its annual celebration throughout the Latin Church is a sign of love and unity with the Papacy and Pope.
The original church building, probably adapted from the hall of the palace, was dedicated to the Saviour and from its splendour was known as the Basilica Aurea. Though several times destroyed and rebuilt, the basilica retained its ancient form, being divided by rows of columns into aisles and having an atrium with colonnades. The tasteless restoration of the 17th century changed its appearance. A monastery was formerly between the basilica and the city wall of which the cloister still remains. The original apse survived until 1878, when it was destroyed and a deeper apse built. The ancient mosaics have been preserved. The high altar, which is of wood and is believed to have been used by Saint Peter, is now encased in marble. In the upper part of the baldachinum are the heads of the Apostles, Peter and Paul. The baptistery is an octagonal edifice with porphyry columns. The font is of green basalt. This basilica has been the cathedral of Rome since the 4th century.

More here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/11/09/feast-of-the-dedication-of-the-basilica-of-saint-john-lateran-9-november/

Our Lady of Almudena: The Virgin of Almudena (Virgen de la Almudena) is a medieval icon of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ. The image is the advocation of the Virgin that serves as a patroness of Madrid, Spain.
Intriguingly, however, its name derives from the Arabic term of Al Mudayna, or the citadel. There are various legends regarding the ico. One story is that in 712, prior to the capture of the town by the advancing Muslim forces, the inhabitants of the town secreted the image of the virgin, for its own protection, inside the walls surrounding the town. In the 11th century, when Madrid was reconquered by the King Alfonso VI of Castile, the Christian soldiers endeavoured to find the statue. After days of prayer, the spot on the wall hiding the icon crumbled, revealing the statue. Another legend is that as Christian soldiers approached the town, they had a vision of Mary imploring them to allow her to lead them into the city. Again the miraculous crumbling of the wall occurred, with the icon showing an entry route through the walls.
The Cathedral of Madrid is dedicated to this advocation of the Virgin and her feast day, 9 November, is a major holiday in Madrid. 502px-Virgin_de_la_Almudena_-_Catedral_de_la_Almudena

—
St Agrippinus of Naples
St Alexander of Salonica
St Aurelius of Riditio
St Benignus of Armagh
St Eustolia
St Francisco José Marín López de Arroyave
St Gabriel Ferretti
Bl George Napper
Bl Gratia of Cattaro
Bl Helen of Hungary
Bl Henryk Hlebowicz
St Jane of Segna
Bl Ludovico Morbioli (1433-1485)
St Justo Juanes Santos
St Luigi Beltrame Quattrocchi
St Luis Morbioli
St María de la Salud Baldoví Trull
Bl María del Carmen of the Child Jesus
St Pabo
St Sopatra
St Theodore Stratelates
St Ursinus of Bourges
St Valentín Gil Arribas
St Vitonus of Verdun
—
Martyrs of Constantinople – 3 saints: A group of ten Catholic Christians who tried to defend an image of Jesus over the Brazen Gate of Constantinople from an attack by Iconoclasts during the persecutions of emperor Leo the Isaurian. The group of was seized by soldiers, condemned by judges for opposing the emperor, and martyred. The only details that have survived are three of their names – Julian, Marcian and Maria. They were martyred in 730 at Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey).

Martyred in the Spanish Civil War:
• Blessed Anastasio Garzón González
• Blessed Francisco José Marín López de Arroyave
• Blessed Justo Juanes Santos
• Blessed María de la Salud Baldoví Trull
• Blessed Valentín Gil Arribas

FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, JESUIT SJ, SAINT of the DAY

5 November – Feast of the Holy Relics, All Saints and Blessed of the Society of Jesus and Memorials of the Saints

Posted on November 5, 2018November 4, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Feast of the Holy Relics:
About: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/11/05/feast-of-the-holy-relics-5-november/

All Saints and Blesseds of the Society of Jesus: The Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits, was Founded in 1534 by Saint Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) at Montmartre, Paris, France. A body of clerics regular organised for Apostolic work, following a religious rule and relying on alms for their support. It was the chief instrument of the Catholic Reformation. Pope Paul III approved the new rule in 1540 and Ignatius was elected the first general of the order in 1541. The constitutions, drafted by him and based on his Spiritual Exercises were adopted in 1558. It was the first order which enjoined by its constitutions devotion to the cause of education. The ministry of the Society consists chiefly in preaching. teaching catechism. administering the sacraments. conducting missions in parishes, taking care of parishes. organising pious confraternities, teaching in schools of every grade, writing books, pamphlets, periodical articles, going on foreign missions and special missions when ordered by the current Holy Father, to whom they take a vow of total obedience. Our current Holy Father, Pope Francis is a Jesuit and has jokingly wondered aloud who is boss of whom in his Order. The general resides at Rome, Italy and has a council of assistants. The motto of the Society is Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (For the greater glory of God).

St Augustine of Terracina
Bl Bernhard Lichtenberg
St Bertille
St Canonica
St Comasia
St Ðaminh Mau
St Dominator of Brescia
St Domninus the Physician
St Epistemis
St Eusebius of Terracina
St Felix of Terracina
St Fibitius
St Galation
St Gerald of Beziers
Bl Gomidas Keumurjian
Bl Gregory Lakota
St Guetnoco
St Guido Maria Conforti
St St Hermenegild
St Idda
St Juan Antoni Burró Mas
St Juan Duarte Martín
St Kanten
St Kea
St Laetus of Orleans
St Magnus of Milan
St Mamete
St Marco of Troia
Bl María del Carmen Viel Ferrando
Bl Simon Ballachi
St Spinulus of Moyen-Moûtier
St Sylvanus of Syria
—
Martyrs of Caesarea Maritima – 4 saints: Four young Christian men who were martyred together in the persecutions of Maximian – Aussenzius, Philotheus, Timothy and Theotimus. They were martyred in the arena at Caesarea Maritima, Palestine.

Martyred in the Spanish Civil War:
• Blessed Juan Antoni Burró Mas
• Blessed Juan Duarte Martín
• Blessed María del Carmen Viel Ferrando

CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, ON the SAINTS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY

Our Morning Offering – 1 November – The Solemnity of All the Saints

Posted on November 1, 2018October 31, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 1 November – The Solemnity of All the Saints

10th Century Catholic Prayer
in Praise of the Saints

How shining and splendid are Your gifts, O Lord
which You give us for our eternal well-being
Your glory shines radiantly in Your saints, O God
In the honour and noble victory of the Martyrs.
The white-robed company follow You,
bright with their abundant faith;
They scorned the wicked words
of those with this world’s power.
For You they sustained
fierce beatings, chains and torments,
they were drained by cruel punishments.
They bore their holy witness to You
who were grounded deep within their hearts;
they were sustained by patience and constancy.
Endowed with Your everlasting grace,
may we rejoice forever
with the Martyrs in our bright fatherland.
O Christ, in Your goodness,
grant to us
the gracious heavenly realms of eternal life.
Amen 10th century catholic prayer in praise of the saints - 1 november 2018 all saints day

FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, SAINT of the DAY

1 November – Solemnity of All Saints!

Posted on November 1, 2018October 31, 2018 by AnaStpaul

1 November – Solemnity of All Saints!

The Church day by day gives special veneration to the holy men and women who have helped to establish it by their blood, develop it by their labours, or edify it by their virtues. But, in addition to those whom the Church honours by special designation or has inscribed in her calendar, how many martyrs are there whose names are not recorded! How many humble virgins and holy penitents! How many unknown anchorites and monks, Christian fathers and mothers, young children snatched away in their innocence! How many courageous Christians, whose merits are known only to God and His heavenly court! all saints - maxresdefault

Should we forget those who remember us in their intercession? Are not some among them our ancestors? members of our immediate family? our friends and fellow-Christians, with whom we have lived in daily companionship?

In fact, all of Heaven is but one family — Our Lord’s, as He Himself said: Who is My mother and who are My brethren? And stretching forth His hand towards His disciples, He said, Behold My mother and My brethren! For whoever does the Will of My Father in heaven, is My brother and sister and mother. all saints 2

Today we have the opportunity to thank God, if at other times we forget, for their aid and their love. And today we adore Him with them, for the grace which raised them to their present joy. The Church requires this homage of us, by making this day a holy day of obligation for all. Saints_of_the_Catholic_Church COVERS

Our place, too, is awaiting us in this home of eternal light, peace and love, if we persevere to the end in the fulfilment of God’s holy Will. allsaints

More information here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/11/01/1-november-the-feast-of-all-the-saints/

FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, SAINT of the DAY

Solemnity of All Saints and Memorials of the Saints – 1 November

Posted on November 1, 2018October 31, 2018 by AnaStpaul

All Saints Day (Solemnity): (a Holy Day of Obligation) Instituted to honour all the saints, known and unknown. It owes its origin in the Western Church to the dedication of the Roman Pantheon in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the martyrs by Pope Saint Boniface IV in 609, the anniversary of which was celebrated at Rome on 13 May. Pope Saint Gregory III consecrated a chapel in the Vatican basilica in honour of All Saints, designating 1 November as their feast. Pope Gregory IV extended its observance to the whole Church. It has a vigil and octave and is a holy day of obligation – the eve is popularly celebrated as Hallowe’en. Patronage – Arzignano, Italy.

About: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/11/01/1-november-the-feast-of-all-the-saints/

St Amabilis of Auvergne
St Austremonius
St Benignus of Dijon
St Cadfan
St Caesarius of Africa
St Caesarius of Damascus
St Ceitho
St Cledwyn of Wales
Bl Clemens Kyuemon
St Cyrenia of Tarsus
St Dacius of Damascus
St Deborah the Prophetess
St Dingad
Bl Dionysius Fugixima
St Floribert of Ghent
St Gal of Clermont
St Genesius of Lyon
St Germanus of Montfort
St Harold the King
St James of Persia
St Jerome Hermosilla
St John of Persia
St Julian of Africa
St Juliana of Tarsus
St Lluís Estruch Vives
St Marcel of Paris
St Mary the Slave
St Mathurin
St Meigan
St Nichole
St Nuño de Santa Maria Alvares Pereira
St Pabiali of Wales
St Pere Josep Almató Ribera Auras
St Peter Absalon
Bl Peter Paul Navarra
Bl Petrus Onizuka Sadayu
St Rachel the Matriarch
St Ruth the Matriarch
St Salaun of Leseven
St Severinus of Tivoli
Bl Teodor Jurij Romza
St Valentin Faustino Berri Ochoa
St Vigor of Bayeux

FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 October – Today’s Gospel: Mark 10:46–52 – Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Feast of Sts Simon and Jude, Apostles of Christ

Posted on October 28, 2018October 28, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 28 October – Today’s Gospel: Mark 10:46–52 – Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Feast of Sts Simon and Jude, Apostles of Christ

And Jesus said to him, “Go your way, your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.…Mark 10:52

REFLECTION – “We are always in need of salvation. And all of us should take this step everyday – from beggars to disciples. And thus, the blind man sets out behind the Lord, becoming part of His community. The one they wanted to silence, now witnesses aloud to his encounter with Jesus of Nazareth and “all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God”. Let us also allow ourselves to be called by Jesus and let us be healed by Jesus, forgiven by Jesus and let us follow Jesus, praising God. So be it!”…Pope Francis – General audience, 15 June 2016

PRAYER – Lord God, You taught us to call upon Your name, through the preaching of the Apostles. Open our eyes each day, grant that we may see Jesus Your Son at our side, open our ears that we may hear His voice, open our mouths that we may beg forgiveness and proclaim the good news as we follow the way Your Son carved out for us. At the intercession of Sts Simon and Jude, may Your Church continue to grow and to hope in Your love. We make our prayer through Jesus our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. sts simon and jude pray for us 29 oct 2018

FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, PATRONAGE - IMPOSSIBLE CAUSES, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Feast of the Apostles – Sts Simon and Jude – 28 October

Posted on October 28, 2018October 27, 2022 by AnaStpaul

Feast of the Apostles – Sts Simon and Jude – 28 October Saints- Simon_and_Jude 1

St Simon Apostle of Christ – Apostle, Martyr, Preacher, Evangelist, Missionary – also known as St Simon the Zealot. Patronages – curriers, sawmen, sawyers, tanners, woodcutters, Monterchi, Italy. St Simon was called the Cananean or Zealot because of his zeal for the Jewish law; he was not from Cana, nor a member of the Zealot party.

Like all the Apostles, he was a convert and was trained by Saint Peter the Apostle. He evangelised in Egypt and Mesopotamia, though there are traditions of him being in several other locations. He was a Martyr for the faith but several places claim to have been the site of his martyrdom and in several different ways too. St Simon’s main attribute is a serrated saw as it is believed that he was he was sawn in half at Suanir, Persia. Many locations claim to have relics including Toulouse, France and Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy.

UNKNOWN CARAVAGGIST st simon apostle

St Jude Apostle of Christ – Martyr, Evangelist, Preacher, Missionary, Writer – also known as – Jude of James, Judas Thaddaeus, Jude, brother of Jesus – Patronages – Armenia, lost cause, desperate situations, hospitals, the Chicago Police Department, 13 cities, the Philippines. Saint Jude’s attribute is a club. He is also often shown in icons with a flame around his head. This represents his presence at Pentecost, when he received the Holy Spirit with the other apostles. Another common attribute is Jude holding an image of Jesus Christ, known as the Image of Edessa. In some instances, he may be shown with a scroll or a book (the Epistle of Jude) or holding a carpenter’s rule.
His patronage of lost or impossible causes traditionally derives from confusion by many early Christians between Jude and the traitor Judas Iscariot – not understanding the difference between the names, they never prayed for Jude’s help and devotion to him became something of a lost cause.
He was beaten to death with a club, then beheaded post-mortem in 1st century Persia. His relics are at Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy, at Rheims, France and at Toulouse, France. lienzo-tela-san-juJude das-tadeo-apostol-arte-sacro-50-x-60-cm-D_NQ_NP_617705-MLM25071735870_092016-F

Simon was a simple Galilean, a brother of Jesus, as the ancients called one’s close relatives — aunts, uncles, first cousins. He was one of the Saviour’s four first cousins, with James the Less, Jude and Joseph, all sons of Mary, the wife of Alpheus, or Cleophas, either name being a derivative of the Aramaic Chalphai. The latter was the brother of Saint Joseph, according to tradition. All the sons of this family were raised at Nazareth near the Holy Family. (See the Gospel of Saint Matthew 13:53-58.) Simon, Jude and James were called by Our Lord to be Apostles, pillars of His Church and Joseph the Just was His loyal disciple.

Saint Simon the Zealot or the Zealous, was the name this Apostle bore among the twelve. He preached in Egypt, Mauritania (Spain) and Lybia, leaving behind him the fertile hills of Galilee, where he had been engaged in the healthful cultivation of the vineyards and olive gardens. He later rejoined his brother, Saint Jude, in Persia, where they laboured and died together (other traditions of their deaths in different locations exist too). At first they were respected by the king, for they had manifested power over two ferocious tigers who had terrorised the land. With the king, sixty thousand Persians became Christians and churches rose over the ruins of the idolatrous temples. But the ancient enemy, who never sleeps, rose up and when the two went elsewhere the pagans commanded them to sacrifice to the sun which led to their martyrdom. Scuola Renana, The Martyrdoms of Saints Simon and Jude, 15th cen

Saint Jude has left us a short but powerful epistle, written after the death of his brother James, bishop of Jerusalem and addressed to the new Christians being tempted by false brethren and heretics. sts simon and jude - tumblr_ofqxb9TV5T1rfr4hno5_400

St Simon Apostle at St John Lateran

St Jude Apostle at St John Lateran

FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Feast of Sts Simon and Jude Apostles of Christ, the Lord of Miracles and Memorials of the Saints – 28 October

Posted on October 28, 2018October 27, 2018 by AnaStpaul

St Jude Thaddeus Apostle (Feast)

St Simon the Apostle/the Zealot (Feast)

Lord of Miracles/Señor de los Milagros de Nazarenas: A mid-17th-century painting of the Crucifixion that is venerated in Lima, Peru and its celebration involves one of the largest processions in the world.

It was painted by an unnamed African taken to Peru as a slave from what is now Angola. Above the cross is the Holy Spirit and God the Father. Below and to the right of Jesus is His mother, the Virgin Mary with her heart pierced by a sword of sorrow. Kneeling and weeping at the foot of the cross is St Mary Magdalene.

The name originated on 13 November 1655 when everything around it was destroyed in an earthquake that left the painting standing and undamaged. Christ is shown enduring the pain of crucifixion.
Every year in October, hundreds of thousands of devotees from all races and economic backgrounds participate in a procession honouring the image through the streets of Lima. Boulevards are decorated in purple on 18,19 and the final Feast 28 October to celebrate the Lord of Miracles. 578px-SeñordelosMilagrosNazarenas

St Abdias of Babylon
St Abraham of Ephesus
St Alberic of Stavelot
St Anastasia the Elder
St Anglinus of Stavelot
St Cyril of Rome
St Cyrilla of Rome
St Diomedes the Younger
St Dorbhene of Iona
St Eadsin of Canterbury
St Elius of Lyon
St Faro of Meaux
St Ferrutius
St Fidelis of Como
St Genesius of Thiers
Bl Germain of Talloires
St Gioan Dat
St Godwin of Stavelot
St Maria Ascuncion
St Remigius of Lyons
St Rodrigo Aguilar Aleman
St Salvius of Amiens
—
Martyrs of Avila – 3 saints: Two sisters and a brother who, during a period of persecution, fled Talavera de la Reina, Spain, were caught and executed. Martyrs: Christeta, Sabina and Vincent. 303 in Avila, Spain.

Martyred in China:
St Francis Serrano
St Francisco Díaz del Rincón
St Joaquin Royo-Perez
St Juan Alcober Figuera

Martyred in the Spanish Civil War:
• Blessed Claudio Julían García San Román
• Blessed José Ruiz Bruixola
• Blessed Leoncio Lope García
• Blessed Salvador Damián Enguix Garés

FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN QUOTES, MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Thought for the Day – 18 October – The Feast of St Luke the Evangelist – St Luke the Painter and the Painter in Words.

Posted on October 18, 2018October 18, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 18 October – The Feast of St Luke the Evangelist – St Luke the Painter and the Painter in Words.

“According to a pious tradition, Luke is thought to have painted the image of Mary, the Virgin Mother. But the real portrait that Luke draws of Jesus’ Mother is the one that emerges from the pages of his work – in scenes that have become familiar to the People of God, he draws an eloquent image of the Virgin. The Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Presentation in the Temple, life in the home of Nazareth, Jesus’ discussion with the doctors and His being lost and Pentecost have provided abundant material down the centuries for the ever new creations of painters, sculptors, poets and musicians.

What is most important however is to discover that, through pictures of Marian life, Luke introduces us to Mary’s interior life, helping us at the same time to understand her unique role in salvation history.

Mary is the one who says fiat, a personal and total “yes” to God’s invitation, calling herself the “handmaid of the Lord” (Lk 1: 38). This attitude of total assent to God and unconditional acceptance of His Word represents the highest model of faith, the anticipation of the Church as the community of believers.

The life of faith grows and develops in Mary through sapiential meditation on the words and events of Christ’s life (cf. Lk 2: 19, 51). She “ponders in her heart” to understand the deep meaning of His words, in order to assimilate it and share it with others.

The Magnificat hymn (cf. Lk 1: 46-55) shows another important aspect of Mary’s “spirituality”: she embodies the figure of the poor person, capable of putting all her trust in God, who casts down the mighty from their thrones and raises up the lowly.

Luke also describes the figure of Mary in the early Church, showing that she is present in the Upper Room as they await the Holy Spirit – “All these [the 11 Apostles] with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren” (Acts 1: 14).

The group gathered in the Upper Room forms the original nucleus of the Church. Within it Mary carries out a double role: on the one hand, she intercedes for the birth of the Church through the Holy Spirit; on the other, she shares her experience of Jesus with the newborn Church.

Luke’s work thus offers the Church … a powerful stimulus to make the most of the “Marian dimension” of Christian life as she follows the way of Christ.” …St Pope John Paul 15 October 2000

Mary Immaculate, Pray for Us!

St Luke, Pray for Us!

CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN QUOTES, MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

Quote of the Day – 18 October – The Feast of St Luke the Evangelist

Posted on October 18, 2018October 18, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote of the Day – – 18 October – The Feast of St Luke the Evangelist

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my saviour.
For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness,
henceforth, all generations will call me blessed.”

Luke 1:46-48

FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 18 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 10:1–9 – The Feast of St Luke the Evangelist

Posted on October 18, 2018October 18, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 18 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 10:1–9 – The Feast of St Luke the Evangelist

“Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.”…Luke 10:3

REFLECTION – “We must abandon ourselves to the power of the Spirit, who is able to infuse light and especially love for Christ; we must open ourselves to the inner fascination that Jesus works in the hearts of those who aspire to authenticity, while fleeing from half measures. This is certainly difficult for human beings but it becomes possible with the grace of God (cf. Lk 18: 27). On the other hand, if following Christ means carrying the Cross each day, the latter in turn is the tree of life leading to the resurrection. Luke, who emphasises the radical requirements for following Christ, is also the Evangelist who describes the joy of those who become Christ’s disciples.”…St Pope John Paul (1920-2005) 15 October 2000

PRAYER – Lord God, You chose St Luke to reveal the mystery of Your love in his preaching and his writings. Grant, we pray, that we may grow in love for the Holy Face of Christ, His words and His directions, revealed to us in the Gospels, in the example of your saints. Today, on his feast, we especially look to St Luke, to guide, teach and pray for us. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, one God with You, forever and ever, amen. st-luke-pray-for-us-18-oct-2017 (1)

BREWERS, DOCTORS, / SURGEONS / MIDWIVES., FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, Of BACHELORS, Of LAWYERS & CANON Lawyers, Attorneys, Solicitors, Barristers, Notaries, Para-Legals, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Saint of the Day – 18 October – St Luke the Evangelist

Posted on October 18, 2018October 17, 2022 by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 18 October – St Luke the Evangelist

St Luke, the inspired author of the third Gospel and of the Acts of the Apostles, was a native of Antioch in Syria and a physician and one of the early converts from paganism. He accompanied St Paul on a considerable part of his missionary journey. He was also his companion while in prison at Rome on two different occasions. His account of these events, contained in the Acts, is first hand history. His symbol is a Winged Ox anticipated by Ezekiel. The ox, recognised as the animal of sacrifice, was applied to St Luke because his Gospel emphasises the atonement made by Christ’s sacrifice of Himself on the Cross. His name means “bringer of light” (= luke). Saint Luke 1407x1409

Luke’s Gospel is, above all, the Gospel of the Merciful Heart of Jesus. It emphasises the fact that Christ is the salvation of all men, especially of the repentant sinner and of the lowly. Legend says that Luke painted the Blessed Virgin’s portrait. It is certainly true that he painted the most beautiful word-picture of Mary ever written.

St Luke came from Antioch, was a practising physician and was one of the first converts to Christianity. He accompanied St Paul, who converted him, on his missionary journeys and was still with him in Rome when St Paul was in prison awaiting death. We hear no more of him afterwards and nothing is known of his last years. The Church venerates him as a Martyr. St+luke+wow web

St Luke’s Gospel is principally concerned with salvation and mercy – in it are preserved some of our Lord’s most moving parables, like those of the lost sheep and the prodigal son. Dante calls St Luke the “historian of the meekness of Christ.” It is also St Luke who tells us the greater part of what we know about our Lord’s childhood. bronzino-saint-luke-header

“According to tradition he was an artist, as well as a man of letters and with a soul alive to all the most delicate inspirations, he consecrated his pencil to the holiest use and handed down to us the features of the Mother of God. It was an illustration worthy of the Gospel which relates to the divine Infancy and it won for the artist a new title to the gratitude of those who never saw Jesus and Mary in the flesh. Hence St Luke is the patron of Christian art.” …-Excerpted from The Liturgical Year, Abbot Gueranger O.S.B.

638px-Maarten_van_Heemskerck_-_St_Luke_Painting_the_Virgin_and_Child_(detail)_-_WGA11300

St Luke did not personally know our Lord and like St Mark, the author of the second Gospel, he is not included among the apostles. For this reason the Gospel chosen for their feast is the account of the sending forth of the seventy-two disciples. According to St Jerome, St Luke died in Achaia (Greece) at the age of 84 and it is unknown whether or not he died a martyr’s death. st luke evangelist.2

His symbol is a Winged Ox anticipated by Ezekiel. The ox, recognised as the animal of sacrifice, was applied to St Luke because his Gospel emphasises the atonement made by Christ’s sacrifice of Himself on the Cross. His name means “bringer of light” (= luke).

FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Feast of St Luke the Evangelist and Memorials of the Saints 18 October

Posted on October 18, 2018October 17, 2018 by AnaStpaul

St Luke the Evangelist (Feast)
St Luke here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/10/18/saint-of-the-day-st-luke-the-evangelist-18-october/

St Acutius of Pozzuoli
St Asclepiades of Antioch
St Brothen
Bl Burchard I of Halberstadt
St Cadwaladr of Brittany
Bl Domenico of Perpignano
St Eutychius of Pozzuoli
St Gwen
St Gwen of Tagarth
St Gwendoline
St Isaac Jogues
St Julian the Hermit
St Justus of Beauvais
Bl Margherita Tornielli
St Monon of Nassogne
St Proculus of Pozzuoli
Bl Theobald of Narbonna
St Tryphonia of Rome
—
Martyrs of Africa – 9 saints: A group of Christians martryed together in Africa. The only details that have survived are the names – Beresus, Dasius, Faustinus, Leucius, Lucius, Martialis, Victoricus, Victrix and Viktor. They were martyred in c.300 in Africa.

Martyred in the Spanish Civil War:
• Blessed Alfredo Almunia López-Teruel
• Blessed Francisco Roselló Hernández
• Blessed Isidro Juan Martínez

ArchAngels and Angels, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY

Thought for the Day – 29 September – The Feast of Sts Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

Posted on September 29, 2018September 29, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 29 September – The Feast of Sts Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

“Michael is the one who fights against the devil, he protects us against the serpent that seduces us, that makes us fall and then accuses us before God, claiming us as his own. Michael, was asked by the Lord to fight the devil” and he helps us resist temptation on our earthly journey toward heaven.

Gabriel is the one who “brings the good news”, he’s the one who announced to Zachariah the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist and to Mary and Joseph, the birth of Jesus. Gabriel too accompanies us and helps us on our journey when we ‘forget’ the Gospel. He reminds us that “Jesus came to save us.”

Raphael, meanwhile, “walks with us taking care of us on our journey and helping us not take the wrong steps.”

These are our companions, at our service and at God’s service.

Let us Pray:

“Michael: Help us in our battle – each of us has a battle to fight in our lives;
Gabriel: Bring us news, bring us the good news of salvation;
Raphael: Take us by the hand and lead us forward without taking the wrong turns.
Always walking forward, but with your help!
Amen”

Pope Francis – 29 September 2017 – Santa Marta

ArchAngels and Angels, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 29 September – The Feast of Sts Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

Posted on September 29, 2018September 29, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 29 September – The Feast of Sts Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

“You should be aware, that 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 Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) Father & Doctor of the Church

“Angels take different earthly forms
at the bidding of their master, God.
They thus reveal themselves to human beings
and unveil the Divine Mysteries to them”

St John Damascene (675-749) Father & Doctor of the Church

ArchAngels and Angels, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, SAINT of the DAY

One Minute Reflection – 29 September – Today’s Gospel: John 1:47–51 – The Feast of Sts Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

Posted on September 29, 2018September 29, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 29 September – Today’s Gospel: John 1:47–51 – The Feast of Sts Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.”…John 1:51

REFLECTION – “I believe in one God…, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all that is, visible and invisible.” The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls “angels” is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition. St Augustine says: “‘Angel’ is the name of their office, not of their nature. If you seek the name of their nature, it is ‘spirit’; if you seek the name of their office, it is ‘angel’: from what they are, ‘spirit’, from what they do, ‘angel. ” With their whole beings the angels are servants and messengers of God. Because they “always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven” (Mt 18:10), they are the “mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word” (Ps 103:20). As purely spiritual creatures angels have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendour of their glory bears witness (cf Dan 10:9).
Christ is the centre of the angelic world. They are his angels: “When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him” (Mt 25:31). They belong to Him because they were created through and for Him: “for in him all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities – all things were created through him and for him,” (Col 1:16). They belong to Him still more because He has made them messengers of His saving plan: “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?” (Heb 1:14).
Angels have been present since creation and throughout the history of salvation, announcing this salvation from afar or near and serving the accomplishment of the divine plan.”...Catechism of the Catholic Church #328-332

PRAYER – God of all Wisdom, You direct the ministry of angels and of human beings. Grant that the angels who always minister to You in heaven may defend us during our life on earth and protect us from evil. Grant this, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen holy-archangels-pray-for-us 29 sept 2017

ArchAngels and Angels, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY

Our Morning Offering – 29 September – The Feast of Sts Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

Posted on September 29, 2018September 28, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 29 September – The Feast of Sts Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

Prayer to St Michael

St Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle,
be our defense against the wickedness
and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him we humbly pray
and do thou o’ prince of the Heavenly Host,
by the power of God,
cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl throughout the world,
seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen

Prayer to St Gabriel

O God, who from among all Your angels
chose the Archangel Gabriel
to announce the mystery of the Incarnation,
mercifully grant that we who solemnly
remember him on earth,
may feel the benefit of his patronage in heaven,
with Jesus who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Amen

Prayer to the Archangel Raphael

Glorious Archangel St Raphael,
great prince of the heavenly court,
you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace.
You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air,
consoler of the afflicted and refuge of sinners.
I beg you, assist me in all my needs
and in all the sufferings of this life,
as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels.
Because you are the “medicine of God”,
I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul
and the ills that afflict my body.
I especially ask of you the great grace of purity
to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Amen 29 sept 2018 - prayers to michael, gabriel and raphael

FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN TITLES, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Thought for the Day – 21 September – The Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist- Today’s Gospel: Matthew 9:9–13

Posted on September 21, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 21 September – The Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist- Today’s Gospel: Matthew 9:9–13

Thank you, Matthew, for your story, because it is you who writes your own story. Thank you, because you were a sinner and became an Apostle. And that is very encouraging for me because I’m a sinner and have to become an Apostle. Thank you, Matthew, because you were a publican who was lining his pockets with the money of the Jews but when Jesus called you, you were ready to leave everything and follow Him.

Thank you, Matthew, because you could have stayed where you were thinking that it was crazy to leave your job, your money, your plans and your future… but you were brave enough to follow Jesus instead. And I give thanks with you to Jesus because He knew you well and was aware of the great things that you could do. While on that day some of the Jews looked at you with disdain, that Jew, Jesus of Nazareth, passed by your tax office and smiled at you. He stood there, gazing at you with affection, a loving look, the like of which a publican in Palestine had probably never experienced. And you couldn’t look anywhere else. That loving face of Jesus was inviting you to do something special with your life.

You weren’t happy and Jesus offered you Happiness. You were wasting your life and Jesus invited you to do something great with it. You only loved your money but Jesus helped you to expand your heart to love God and others more than yourself. Your talents were wasted in that tax office and millions of souls were waiting for you. Thank you, Matthew, because you said ‘yes’ to Jesus.

Mary, Queen of the Apostles, help me to have the courage to say ‘yes’ to Him as well and become a saint, like you, like St Matthew and please pray for us all!

Fr George Boronat M.D. S.T.D is a Catholic priest from the Prelature of Opus Dei, working in the Archdiocese of Southwark in London.

We thank You, heavenly Father,
for the witness of Your apostle
and evangelist Matthew
to the Gospel of Your Son our Saviour
and we pray that, after his example,
we may with ready wills and hearts
obey the calling of our Lord to follow Him;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen

And about the story of Pope Francis and St Matthew here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/21/thought-for-the-day-21-september-the-feast-of-st-matthew-apostle-and-evangelist-pope-francis-and-the-calling-of-st-matthew/

DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Quote/s of the Day – 21 September – The Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist- Today’s Gospel: Matthew 9:9–13

Posted on September 21, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 21 September – The Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist- Today’s Gospel: Matthew 9:9–13

“But as you have seen the power of Him that called, so consider also the obedience of him that was called – how he neither resisted, nor disputing said, ‘What is this? Is it not indeed a deceitful calling, wherewith He calls me, being such as I am?’ nay, for this humility again had been out of season but he obeyed straightaway and did not even request to go home and to communicate with his relations concerning this matter -as neither indeed, did the fishermen but as they left their net and their ship and their father, so did he his receipt of custom and his gain and followed, exhibiting a mind prepared for all things and breaking himself at once away, from all worldly things, by his complete obedience, he bore witness, that He who called him, had chosen a good time.

…Because He who is acquainted with the hearts and knows the secrets of each man’s mind, knew also when each of these would obey.”
(Homily 30 on Matthew)

St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father and Doctor of the Church

“On hearing Christ’s voice, we open the door to receive Him,
as it were, when we freely assent to His promptings
and when we give ourselves over to doing what must be done.
Christ, since He dwells in the hearts of His chosen ones
through the grace of His love, enters so that He might eat with us
and we with Him. He ever refreshes us by the light of His presence
insofar as we progress in our devotion to and longing for the things of heaven.
He Himself is delighted by such a pleasing banquet.”

St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Doctor of the Church

“That gaze overtook him completely, it changed his life.
We say he was converted. He changed his life.
As soon as he felt that gaze in his heart, he got up and followed Him.
This is true – Jesus’ gaze always lifts us up.
It is a look that always lifts us up and never leaves you in your place,
never lets us down, never humiliates. It invites you to get up –
a look that brings you to grow, to move forward, that encourages you,
because the One who looks upon you loves you.
The gaze makes you feel that He loves you.
This gives the courage to follow Him – ‘and he got up and followed Him.’”

Pope Francis 21 September 2013

“He looked on sinners,
called them
and brought them
to sit beside Him.”

Pope Francis
(2015)

DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on MERCY, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 September – The Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist- Today’s Gospel: Matthew 9:9–13

Posted on September 21, 2018September 21, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 21 September – The Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist- Today’s Gospel: Matthew 9:9–13

“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” …Matthew 9:11b

REFLECTION – “Our Lord chose Matthew, the tax collector, to encourage his fellows to join Him. He looked on sinners, called them and brought them to sit beside Him. What a wonderful sight! Angels stand trembling while publicans, seated, rejoice. The angels are struck with awe before the Lord’s greatness while sinners eat and drink with Him. The scribes choke with hatred and indignation, the publicans rejoice because of His mercy. The heavens saw the sight and were filled with wonder; hell saw it and was maddened. Satan saw it and was enraged; death saw it and withered; the scribes saw it and were much troubled.
There was joy in heaven and happiness among the angels because the rebellious had been persuaded, the recalcitrant quieted and sinners reformed and because publicans had been made righteous. Just as our Lord did not turn away from the shamefulness of the cross in spite of the entreaties of His friends (Mt 16:22) so he did not refuse the company of publicans in spite of the taunts of His enemies. He despised mockery and scorned praise, thus accomplishing all that is for mankind’s good.”…St Ephrem (306-373) Father & Doctor of the Church – Commentary on the Gospel, or Diatessaron, 5, 17 (SC 121, p.115 rev.)

“He looked at Matthew calmly, peacefully. He looked at him with eyes of mercy; he looked at him as no one had ever looked at him before. And this look unlocked Matthew’s heart; it set him free, it healed him, it gave him hope, a new life, as it did to Zacchaeus, to Bartimaeus, to Mary Magdalene, to Peter, and to each of us. Even if we do not dare raise our eyes to the Lord, he looks at us first. This is our story, and it is like that of so many others. Each of us can say: “I, too, am a sinner, whom Jesus has looked upon”. I ask you, in your homes or in the Church, to be still for a moment and to recall with gratitude and happiness those situations, that moment, when the merciful gaze of God was felt in our lives.”…Pope Francis – 21 September 2015, The Feast of St Matthew

PRAYER – Lord, You showed Your great mercy to Matthew the tax-gatherer,by calling him to become Your Apostle,supported by his prayer and example, may we always answer Your call and live in close union with You. We make our prayer, in union with God our Father and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. St Matthew, Apostle of Christ, pray for us, amen. st-matthew-pray-for-us-21-sept-2017

ACCOUNTANTS, MONEY MANAGERS etc, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, Of BANKERS, SAINT of the DAY, TAX COLLECTORS, CUSTOMS OFFICERS, STOCK BROKERS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Saint of the Day – 21 September – The Feast of St Matthew – Apostle and Evangelist

Posted on September 21, 2018September 16, 2022 by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 21 September – The Feast of St Matthew – Apostle and Evangelist

One day, while seated at his table of books and money, Jesus looked at Matthew and said two words: “Follow me.” This was all that was needed to make Matthew rise, leaving his pieces of silver to follow Christ. His original name, “Levi,” in Hebrew signifies “Adhesion” while his new name in Christ, Matthew, means “Gift of God.” The only other outstanding mention of Matthew in the Gospels is the dinner party for Christ and His companions to which he invited his fellow tax-collectors. The Jews were surprised to see Jesus with a publican but Jesus explained that he had come “not to call the just but sinners.”

30callingmatt — Caravaggio – The Calling of Saint Matthew

Although relatively little is known about the life of St Matthew, the account he wrote of Christ’s ministry – traditionally considered to be the first of the four Gospels – is of inestimable value to the Church, particularly in its verification of Jesus as the Messiah. matthew glass 3

The Gospel accounts of Mark and Luke, like Matthew’s own, describe the encounter between Jesus and Matthew under the surprising circumstances of Matthew’s tax-collecting duties. Jewish publicans, who collected taxes on behalf of the Roman rulers of first-century Judea, were objects of scorn and even hatred among their own communities, since they worked on behalf of the occupying power and often earned their living by collecting more than the state’s due. Stained Glass Window depicting Saint Matthew

Jesus most likely first encountered Matthew near the house of Peter, in Capernaum near the Sea of Galilee. The meeting of the two was dramatic, as Matthew’s third-person account in his Gospel captured: “As Jesus passed on,” the ninth chapter recounts, “he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, ‘Follow me’. And he got up and followed him.”

Matthew’s calling into Jesus’ inner circle was a dramatic gesture of the Messiah’s universal message and mission, causing some religious authorities of the Jewish community to wonder: “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus’ significant response indicated a central purpose of his ministry: “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

A witness to Christ’s resurrection after death, as well as his ascension into heaven and the events of Pentecost, Matthew also recorded Jesus’ instruction for the apostles to “go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

Like 11 of the 12 apostles, St Matthew is traditionally thought to have died as a martyr while preaching the Gospel. The Roman Martyrology describes his death as occurring in a territory near present-day Egypt. the twelve - info matthew glass

Both the saint himself and his Gospel narrative, have inspired important works of religious art, ranging from the ornate illuminated pages of the Book of Kells in the ninth century, to the Saint Matthew Passion of J.S. Bach. Three famous paintings of Caravaggio depicting St Matthew’s calling, inspiration and martyrdom, hang within the Contarelli Chapel in Rome’s Church of St Louis of the French. matthew lgass 3 wp sz

Reflecting on St Matthew’s calling, from the pursuit of dishonest financial gain to the heights of holiness and divine inspiration, Pope Benedict said in 2006 that “in the figure of Matthew, the Gospels present to us a true and proper paradox: those who seem to be the farthest from holiness can even become a model of the acceptance of God’s mercy and offer a glimpse of its marvellous effects in their own lives.”

st matthew at st john lateran detail of face - 2 edit — St Matthew Statue at St John Lateran – detail of face

FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, SAINT of the DAY

Feast of St Matthew and Memorials of the Saints – 21 September

Posted on September 21, 2018September 20, 2018 by AnaStpaul

St Matthew – Apostle and Evangelist (Feast)

About St Matthew here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/21/saint-of-the-day-21-september-the-feast-of-st-matthew-apostle-and-evangelist/

St Alexander of the Via Claudia
Bl Diego Hompanera París
St Eusebius of Phoenicia
St Francisco Pastor Garrido
St François Jaccard
St Gerulph
St Herminio García Pampliega
St Iphigenia
St Isaac of Cyprus
Bl Jacinto Martínez Ayuela
St Jacques Honoré Chastán
St Johannes Ri
St Jonah the Prophet
Bl José María Azurmendi Mugarza
Bl Josep Vila Barri
Bl Manuel Torró García
Bl Mark Scalabrini
St Maura of Troyes
St Meletius of Cyprus
Bl Nicolás de Mier Francisco
St Pamphilus of Rome
St Pierre Philibert Maubant
St Tôma Tran Van Thien
Bl Vicente Galbis Gironés
Bl Vicente Pelufo Orts
—
Martyrs of Gaza – 3 saints: Three brothers, Eusebius, Nestulus and Zeno, who were seized, dragged through the street, beaten and murdered by a pagan mob celebrating the renunciation of Christianity by Julian the Apostate. They were burned to death in 362 on a village garbage heap in Gaza, Palestine.

Martyred in the Spanish Civil War:
• Blessed Diego Hompanera París
• Blessed Jacinto Martínez Ayuela
• Blessed José María Azurmendi Mugarza
• Blessed Josep Vila Barri
• Blessed Manuel Torró García
• Blessed Nicolás de Mier Francisco
• Blessed Vicente Galbis Gironés
• Blessed Vicente Pelufo Orts

CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY CROSS

Thought for the Day – 14 September – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Posted on September 14, 2018September 14, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 14 September – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross 14-sept-exaltation-of-the-holy-cross 2017

Excerpt – Pope Benedict XVI

Angelus, 17 September 2006

“But what does exalting the Cross mean? Is it not maybe scandalous to venerate a shameful form of execution? The Apostle Paul says: “We proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles” (I Cor 1: 23). Christians, however, do not exalt just any cross but the Cross which Jesus sanctified with His sacrifice, the fruit and testimony of immense love. Christ on the Cross pours out His Blood to set humanity free from the slavery of sin and death. 1-corinthians-1-23-24 - we proclaim christ crucified = 14 sept 2017

Therefore, from being a sign of malediction, the Cross was transformed into a sign of blessing, from a symbol of death into a symbol par excellence of the Love that overcomes hatred and violence and generates immortal life. “O Crux, ave spes unica! O Cross, our only hope!”. Thus sings the liturgy.

The Evangelist recounts – Mary was standing by the Cross (cf. Jn 19: 25-27). Her sorrow is united with that of her So n. It is a sorrow full of faith and love. The Virgin on Calvary participates in the saving power of the suffering of Christ, joining her “fiat”, her “yes”, to that of her Son.

Dear brothers and sisters, spiritually united to Our Lady of Sorrows, let us also renew our “yes” to God who chose the Way of the Cross in order to save us. This is a great mystery which continues and will continue to take place until the end of the world and which also asks for our collaboration.

May Mary help us to take up our cross every day and follow Jesus faithfully on the path of obedience, sacrifice and love.” mother of sorrows pray for us - may mary help us - pope benedict - 14 sept 2018

We adore You Christ and we bless You,

for by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

we adore you o christ - 14 sept 2018

DOCTORS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY CROSS, Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 14 September – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Posted on September 14, 2018September 14, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 14 September – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

“In the Cross is salvation;
in the Cross is life;
in the Cross is protection against our enemies;
in the Cross is infusion of heavenly sweetness;
in the Cross is strength of mind;
in the Cross is joy of spirit;
in the Cross is excellence of virtue;
in the Cross is perfection of holiness.
There is no salvation of soul,
nor hope of eternal life,
save in the Cross.”

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471) The Inner Life

“The road is narrow.
He who wishes to travel it more easily
must cast off all things and use the cross as his cane.
In other words, he must be truly resolved
to suffer willingly for the love of God in all things.”

St John of the Cross (1542-1591) Doctor of the Church

The everlasting God has in His wisdom
foreseen from eternity the cross He now
presents to you as a gift from His inmost heart.
The cross He now sends you
He has considered
with His all-knowing eyes,
understood with His divine mind,
tested with His wise justice,
warmed with loving arms
and weighed with His own hands
to see that it is not one inch too large
nor one ounce too heavy for you.
He has blessed it with His holy name,
anointed it with His grace,
perfumed it with His consolation,
taken one last glance at you and your courage
and then sent it to you from heaven,
a special greeting from God to you,
an alms of the all-merciful love of God.

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

Camillus wanted to have on his habit the Sign of the Cross
in order ‘to demonstrate that this is a religion of the Cross…
so that those who want to follow our way of life will get ready…
to follow Jesus Christ unto death’.
He wanted it to be dark red
‘because more like the true wood of the most holy Cross
on which the Redeemer of the World died and was appended’.

St Camillus de Lellis (1550-1614)

“Oh cherished cross!
Through thee my most bitter trials
are replete with graces!”

St Paul of the Cross (1694-1775)

“Everything is a reminder of the Cross.
We ourselves are made in the shape of a cross.”

St John Vianney (1786-1859)

“Let us not forget,
that Jesus not only suffered
but also rose in glory;
so, too, we go to the glory
of the Resurrection,
by way of suffering
and the Cross.”

St Maximillian Kolbe (1894 -1941)

“There is line from the illuminator of the St John’s Bible that states:
“We have to love our way out of this.”
There is nothing wimpy or namby-pamby
or blind about this conviction.
When we love extravagantly,
we are not purposely blinding ourselves to moral realities—
just the contrary.

Love is not a sentiment, but “a harsh and dreadful thing,”
as Dostoevsky said.

This is just what Jesus shows on His terrible cross.
And this is just what we, His followers, must imitate.
Taking up the cross means, not just being willing to suffer
but being willing to suffer as He did,
absorbing violence and hatred through our forgiveness and nonviolence.”

Bishop Robert Barron

DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, The HOLY CROSS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 September – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Posted on September 14, 2018September 14, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 14 September – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

“…And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”...John 3:14-15 and as moses lifted up - john 3 - 14-15 - 14 sept 2018

REFLECTION – “From now on, through the cross, all shadows have been dispelled and the truth arises, as the apostle John says: “The old order has passed away; all things are new” (Rv 21:4-5). Death has been stripped of prey, hell’s captives liberated; man is set free; the Lord reigns; creation rejoices. The cross is victorious and all nations, races, languages and peoples (Rv 7:9) come to adore him. Together, in the cross we find our joy, exclaiming with blessed Paul: “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal 6:14). The cross gives light to the whole universe; it casts out darkness and gathers nations together in charity into one Church, one faith, one baptism, from West and East, from the North and from the seas. It stands at the very centre of the world, set up on Calvary.
Armed with the cross, the Apostles go out to preach and gather together in adoration of it the whole universe, treading under foot every hostile power. Through it the martyrs have bravely confessed the faith, fearless of tyrants’ cunning. Having taken it upon themselves, monks have joyfully made solitude their home.
When Christ returns, this cross will first appear in heaven, the Great King’s precious sceptre, living, true and holy. “Then,” says the Lord, “the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven” (Mt 24:30). We will see it escorted by angels, illuminating the earth from one end of the universe to the other, brighter than the sun, proclaiming the Day of the Lord.”…Homily attributed to Saint Ephrem (306-373) Father & Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – O God, who willed that your Only Begotten Son should undergo the Cross to save the human race, grant, we pray, that we, who have known his mystery on earth, may merit the grace of His redemption in heaven.
For you placed the salvation of the human race on the wood of the Cross, so that, where death arose, life might again spring forth and the evil one, who conquered on a tree, might likewise on a tree be conquered through Christ. O cross, you are the glorious sign of victory. Through your power may we share in the triumph of Christ Jesus.
We adore You Christ and we praise You, for by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world. Amen o-cross-you-are-the-glorious-sign-of-victory-feast-of-the-exaltation-of-the-holy-cross

BREVIARY Prayers, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY CROSS

Our Morning Offering – 14 September – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Posted on September 14, 2018September 14, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 14 September – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Breviary Hymn
O Cross of Christ
By St Flavian Bishop (Died 449 – Memorial 18 February), from Day’s Psalter 1562

O Cross of Christ, immortal tree
On which our Saviour died,
The world is sheltered by your arms
That bore the Crucified.

From bitter death and barren wood
the tree of life is made;
Its branches bear unfailing fruit
And leaves that never fade.

O faithful Cross, you stand unmoved
While ages run their course;
Foundation of the universe,
Creation’s minding force.

Give glory to the risen Christ
And to His Cross give praise,
The sign of God’s unfailing love,
The hope of all our days. o cross of christ - 14 sept exaltation of the holy cross - 14 sept 2018 breviary hymn

FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, SAINT of the DAY

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and Memorials of the Saints -14 September

Posted on September 14, 2018September 13, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Feast)
About this great Feast: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/14/feast-of-the-exaltation-of-the-holy-crosstriumph-of-the-holy-cross-14-september/

St Aelia Flaccilla
St Albert of Jerusalem (1149-1215)
St Caerealis
Bl Claude Laplace
St Cormac of Cashel
St Crescentian of Carthage
St Crescentius of Rome
St Generalis of Carthage
St Giulia Crostarosa
St Jean Gabriel Taurin du Fresse
St Maternus of Cologne
Bl Notburga
Bl Pedro Bruch Cotacáns
St Rosula of Carthage
St Sallustia
St Victor of Carthage

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St Augustine (354-430) Doctor of the Church – Sermon 36

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

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Mary Immaculate, Pray for Us!

St Luke, Pray for Us!

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Luke 1:46-48

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

St John Damascene (675-749) Father & Doctor of the Church

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Mary, Queen of the Apostles, help me to have the courage to say ‘yes’ to Him as well and become a saint, like you, like St Matthew and please pray for us all!

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St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father and Doctor of the Church

St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Doctor of the Church

Pope Francis 21 September 2013

Pope Francis (2015)

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Excerpt – Pope Benedict XVI

Angelus, 17 September 2006

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Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471) The Inner Life

St John of the Cross (1542-1591) Doctor of the Church

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

St Camillus de Lellis (1550-1614)

St Paul of the Cross (1694-1775)

St John Vianney (1786-1859)

St Maximillian Kolbe (1894 -1941)

Bishop Robert Barron

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Pope Francis
(2015)