Posted in FRANCISCAN OFM, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 18 May – Blessed Nicholas Denise of Beuzeville OFM (Died 1509) Priest

Saint of the Day – 18 May – Blessed Nicholas Denise of Beuzeville OFM (Died 1509) Priest, renowned Preacher and Friar of the Order of Friars Minor, Vicar General if tge Diocese of Coutance, France. The Blessed Father Nicholas became a noted preacher in the region, and many of his sermons and theological writings have survived.

We have no information of Nicholas’ early life besides knowing that he had received a very good education. He became a Canon of the Cathedral of Coutance and then was appointed as the Vicar General ar of Bishop Goffred.

Finding himself increasingly drawn to the life of St Francis, he abandoned his role under Bishop of Coutance in order to follow in the footsteps of Saint Francis, wearing the Habit of the Minor Friars, in the Convent of Valognes.

A Franciscan Convent in Paris

In the congregation he became the Vicar-Provincial of the Parisian Province and did not support General Egidius Delphin, in his questionable project of re-unification of the Franciscan Order.

An educated man and a famous preacher, he was considered a saint by all. He died in 1509, while holding the position of Guardian of the Convent of Rouen. Upon his death, his tomb became the object of great demonstrations of popular veneration.

Various sermons and various theological works by Blessed Nicholas are preserved. In the Franciscan Martyrologies, the feast and remembrance for Father Nicola Denise of Beuzeville is fixed for today, 18 May.

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Posted in FRANCISCAN OFM, MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY, The ASCENSION of the LORD

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD – HOLY DAY, Madonna dell’Alno / Our Lady of the White Poplar, Italy (1480) and Memorials of the Saints – 18 May

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD – HOLY DAY
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/26/the-ascension-of-our-lord/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/13/13-may-the-solemnity-of-the-ascension-of-the-lord/

Madonna dell’Alno / Our Lady of the White Poplar, Canzano, Teramo, Abruzzo, Italy (1480): 18 May
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/18/madonna-dellalno-our-lady-of-the-white-poplar-canzano-teramo-abruzzo-italy-1480-and-memorials-of-the-saints-18-may/

St Venantius of Camerino (Died c 250) Martyr – St Venantius was a 15-year-old who was tortured and martyred by decapitation at Camerino during the persecutions of Decius.
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/18/saint-of-the-day-18-may-saint-venantius-of-camerino-died-c-250-martyr/

St Pope John I (c 470 – 526) – 53rd Pope from 13 August 523 to his death in 526.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/05/18/saint-of-the-day-18-may-st-pope-john-i/

Blessed Burchard of Beinwil (Died c 1192) Priest, Miracle-worker.
Blessed Burchard:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/18/saint-of-the-day-18-may-blessed-burchard-of-beinwil-died-c-1192-priest/

St Dioscorus of Kynopolis
St Elgiva of Shaftesbury

St Eric of Sweden (c1120-1161) Martyr, King of Sweden
About St Eric:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/18/saint-of-the-day-18-may-saint-eric-of-sweden-c-1120-1161-king-of-sweden-martyr/

St Felix of Cantalice OFM Cap (1515-1587) Capuchin Friar – (the first Capuchin to be Canonised), Confessor, Apostle of Charity, Preacher, Teacher, Writer.
About St Felix:

https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/18/saint-of-the-day-18-may-st-felix-of-cantalice-o-f-m-cap-1515-1587/

St Felix of Spoleto
St Feredarius of Iona
St Merililaun
Blessed Nicholas Denise of Beuzeville OFM (Died 1509)
St Ortasio of Alexandria
St Potamon of Heraclea
St Serapione of Alexandria

Blessed William of Toulouse OSA (c 1297-1369) Priest of the Order of St Augustine
His life:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/18/saint-of-the-day-blessed-william-of-toulouse-osa-c-1297-1369/

Martyrs of Ancyra – 8 Saints: Seven nuns Martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian and the innkeeper who was executed for giving them a Christian burial: Alexandria, Claudia, Euphrasia, Julitta, Matrona, Phaina, Thecusa and Theodatus. c.304 in Ancyra, Galatia (in modern Turkey).

Posted in FRANCISCAN OFM, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MEDITATION, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 17 May – St Paschal Baylon

Quote/s of the Day – 17 May – The Memorial of St Paschal Baylon OFM (1540-1592) Confessor, “Seraph of the Eucharist,” “Saint of the Blessed Sacrament,” “Servant of the Blessed Sacrament.” Franciscan Lay Brother.

Meditate well on this – Seek God above all things!
It is right for you to seek God,
before and above, everything else
because the Majesty of God
wishes you to receive what you ask for.
This will also make you more ready
to serve God and will enable you
to love Him more perfectly.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/17/quote-s-of-the-day-17-may-st-paschal-baylon-2/

St Paschal Baylon (1540-1592)
“Seraph of the Eucharist”

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FRANCISCAN OFM, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Heilige Maria van Afrika / Notre Dame d’Afrique / Our Lady of Africa , Algiers (1876), The Glorious St Catherine of Siena and many more Glorious Saints including “The Light of London”- 30 April 2023

EASTER III

Onze Liewe-Vrouw van Afrika / Heilige Maria van Afrika / Notre Dame d’Afrique / Our Lady of Africa , Algiers (1876) (Feast) – 30 April:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/30/onze-liewe-vrouw-van-afrika-heilige-maria-van-afrika-notre-dame-dafrique-our-lady-of-africa-algiers-1876-and-memorials-of-the-saints-30-april/

St Catherine of Siena OP (1347-1380) Virgin, Dominican Tertiary, Stigmatist, Mystic, Scholastic Philosopher and Theologian, Writer, Reformer, Adviser, Mediator,. She was Canonised in July 1461 by Pope Pius II.
St Catherine’s Feast is today but changed in 1969 (Roman Calendar, 1628–1969)
Biography:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/04/29/saint-of-the-day-29-april-st-catherine-of-siena-1347-1380-doctor-of-the-church/

St Adjutor of Vernon
St Aimo of Savigny
St Amator of Córdoba
St Aphrodisius of Alexandria

Blessed Benedict Passionei of Urbino OFM Cap (1560– 1625) Priest of the Order of the Friars Minor of St Francis, Capuchin, Missionary, Apostle of the poor, renowned Preacher, Doctor of civil and canon law. He was Beatified on 10 February 1867 by Pope Pius IX.
Blessed Benedict’s Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/30/saint-of-the-day-30-april-blessed-benedict-passionei-of-urbino-ofm-cap-1560-1625/

St Cynwl
St Dedë Plani
St Diodoro of Aphrodisias
St Donatus of Euraea

St Erconwald of London (Died c 693) Bishop, Monk, Abbot, Confessor, “The Light of London”
About this “The Light of London”:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/30/saint-of-the-day-30-april-saint-erconwald-of-london-died-c-693-the-light-of-london/

St Eutropius of Saintes
St Forannan
St Genistus of Limoges

St Gualfardus of Augsburg (1070-1127) Monk, Hermit, Miracle-worker.
The Roman Martyrology states today: “In Verona, Saint Gualfardo, who, a saddler from Germany, after many years spent in solitude, was welcomed in this City by the Monks of San Salvatore.”
His Holy Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/30/saint-of-the-day-30-april-saint-gualfardus-of-augsburg-1070-1127/

Bl Hildegard the Empress
St Lawrence of Novara
St Louis of Córdoba
St Mariano of Acerenza
St Maximus of Ephesus
St Mercurialis of Forlì
St Peter of Córdoba
St Pomponius of Naples
St Quirinus of Rome
St Rodopiano of Aphrodisias
St Sophia of Fermo
St Swithbert the Younger
Bl Ventura of Spello

Martyrs of Montpellier: A group of 70 Mercedarian Friars, led by Blessed Luigi Puell, who were Martyred by Huguenots for trying to bring people back to the Catholic Church. They were Martyred in 1567 in Montpellier, France.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FRANCISCAN OFM, INCORRUPTIBLES, JESUIT SJ, MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY, Ven Servant of God John A Hardon

La Moreneta / Our Lady of Montserrat, Spain (718) St Peter Canisius, St Turibius of Mogrovejo and Memorials of these and more, most interesting Saints – 27 April

St Peter Canisius SJ (1521-1597) – The Known as “The Hammer of Protestantism,” “Second Apostle of Germany” – Confessor, Doctor of the Church, Dutch Priest of the Society of Jesus, Reformer, Teacher, Writer, Apostle of Charity. Patronages – Catholic Press, Germany, Catechists. The restoration of the Catholic Church in Germany after the Protestant Reformation is largely attributed to the work there of the Society of Jesus, which he led.
Peter Canisius was the first publisher, the first author, the first editor of the Society of Jesus. By now, Jesuits have followed in his footsteps to the tune of having published in 400 years, thousands of books. From the time of Canisius, and his name is first in the bibliography of Jesuit writers, from Peter Canisius to the end of the l9th century, that is to 1900, there are about twenty volumes of bibliography, each volume about two inches thick, stands about eighteen inches high, filled just with authors and titles, thousands and thousands and thousands, no other religious institute in the Church publishes as much as members of the Society. It was all started by Peter Canisius.” (Ven Servan of God Fr John A Hardon SJ)
His Feast day is 27 April (General Roman Calendar, 1926–1969.

Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-st-peter-canisius-s-j-1521-1397-doctor-of-the-church/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-st-peter-canisius-s-j-1521-1397-the-second-apostle-of-germany-doctor-of-the-church/

St Turibius of Mogrovejo (1538-1606) ArchBishop of Lima, Peru, Confessor, Lawyer, Missionary, Preacher, Reformer, Professor,
His Feast Day is today. It was moved to 23 March in 1969.
This wonderful Spanish Saint:

https://anastpaul.com/2018/03/23/saint-of-the-day-23-march-st-turibius-of-mogrovejo-1538-1606/

La Moreneta / Our Lady of Montserrat, Spain (718) – 27 April:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/27/la-moreneta-our-lady-of-montserrat-spain-718-and-memorials-of-the-saints-27-april/

Our lady of Montserrat, patroness of Catalonia. The statue of the black Madonna is in the Church of Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, Catalonia, Spain. Photographed from 21.07.2015.

St Adelelmus of Le Mans
St Asicus of Elphin
St Castor of Tarsus
St Enoder
St Floribert of Liege

Blessed Jakov Varingez OFM (c 1400–1496) Croatian professed religious of the Order of Friars Minor, Apostle of charity, Mystic with a great devotion to the Cross of Christ, Marian devotee, he was noted as a miracle worker and levitated. He was Beatified on 29 December 1700 by Pope Clement XIH. His body is incorrupt.
His Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/27/saint-of-the-day-27-april-blessed-jakov-varingez-ofm-c-1400-1496/

St John of Kathara (c770-c835) Priest, Abbot
St Liberalis of Treviso
St Maughold

Blessed Osanna of Cattaro OP (1493-1565) Virgin, Mystic and Anchoress, Tertiary of the Order of St Dominic, spiritual guide. Her cultus was confirmed on 27 December 1927 by Pope Pius XI and he officially Beatified her in 1934.
Blessed Osanna’s Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/27/saint-of-the-day-27-april-blessed-osanna-of-cattaro-op-1493-1565-v/

St Peter Armengol OdeM (c 1238-1304) “The Martyr who Wasn’t,” “The Unconquerable Martyr of Jesus Christ,” “The Gangster Saint,”Spanish Priest of the Mercedarian Friars, Penitent, Mystic. Beatified on 28 March 1686, by Pope Innocent XI and Canonised on 8 April 1687, by the same Pope. His body was incorrupt until it was destroyed during the horrors of the Spanish Civil War.
A Miraculous Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/27/saint-of-the-day-27-april-saint-peter-armengol-odem-c-1238-1304-the-martyr-who-wasnt/

St Pollio of Cybalae
St Simeon of Jerusalem
St Stephen of Tarsus
St Tertullian of Bologna
St Theophilus of Brescia
St Winewald of Beverley

St Zita of Lucca (1212-1272) Virgin, Laywoman, Apostle of the Poor. – Her reputation was such that Dante in the Inferno referred to the City of Luccam, her birthplace and home, as “Santa Zita.” P atronages – housewives, butlers, housemaid, domestic servants (proclaimed by Pope Pius XII), housemaid, lost keys, maids, manservants, people ridiculed for their piety, rape victims, servants, servers, single laywomen, waiters, Lucca, Italy. Her body is incorrupt.
Biography:.

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/04/27/saint-of-the-day-27-april-st-zita-of-lucca/

Martyrs of Nicomedia: A group of Christians murdered together for their faith. In most cases all we have are their names – Dioscurus, Evanthia, Felicia, Felix, Germana, Germelina, Johannes, Julius, Laetissima, Nikeforus, Papias, Serapion and Victorinus. They died at Nicomedia, Bithynia, Asia Minor (modern Izmit, Turkey).

Posted in APRIL -MONTH of the RESURRECTION and the BLESSED SACAMENT, AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, Quotes on SALVATION, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION, The RESURRECTION

Quote/s of the Day –9 April – Easter Sunday

Quote/s of the Day –9 April – Easter Sunday and “The Month of the Resurrection”

O Death, where is your sting?
O Hell, where is your victory?
Christ is Risen and you are overthrown.
Christ is Risen and the demons are fallen.
Christ is Risen and the Angels rejoice.
Christ is Risen and Life reigns.
Christ is Risen and not one dead remains in the grave.
For Christ, being Risen from the dead,
is become the First Fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages.

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

For Christ is our Salvation.
For He is our Salvation,
Who was wounded for us
and fastened with nails to the Wood
and taken down from the Wood
and laid in the sepulchre.
But He rose from the sepulchre
and although His Wounds were healed,
the Scars remained.
For this He judged expedient for His Disciples
that He should keep His Scars,
to heal the wounds of their soul.

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

All I want to know is Christ
and the power flowing
from His Resurrection!

St Francis of Assisi (c1181-1226)

Posted in EASTER, FRANCISCAN OFM, Our MORNING Offering

Our Morning Offering – 9 April – Easter Sunday, O Filii et Filiae – Ye Sons and Daughters of the Lord

Our Morning Offering – 9 April – Easter Sunday, Alleluia, He is Truly Risen, Alleluia! and “The Month of the Resurrection”

O Filii et Filiae
Ye Sons and Daughters of the Lord
By Jean Tisserand OFM (Died 1497)

(The original Hymn comprises the nine stanzas below).
Trans. Fr Edward Caswell C.Orat. (1814-1878)

Ye sons and daughters of the Lord,
The King of Heaven, the King adored,
From death this day Himself restored.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

On Sunday morn at break of day
The holy women went their way,
To see the tomb where Jesus lay.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

An Angel clad in white they see,
Who sat,and spake unto the three:
“Your Lord hath gone to Galilee.”
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

That night the’ Apostle met in fear,
But Christ didst in the midst appear:
“My peace,” He saith, “be on thee!”
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

But Thomas, when of this he heard,
Was doubtful of his brethren’s word;
Wherefore, again there came the Lord.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

“Behold My side, O Thomas, see;
My hands, My feet, I show to thee;
Not faithless but believing be.”
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

When Thomas say that wounded side,
The truth no longer he denied,
“Thou art my Lord and God,” he cried.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Oh, blest are they who have not seen
Their Lord and yet believe in Him;
Eternal life awaiteth them.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

On this Most Holy Day of days,
To God your hearts and voices raise
In laud and jubilee and praise.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
Amen!

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, HOLY WEEK, MAUNDY THURSDAY, QUOTES on HUMILITY, The HOLY EUCHARIST, The PASSION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 April – Maundy Thursday – ‘ … He Whom the Angels adore in Heaven, is at these fishermen’s feet! …’

One Minute Reflection – 6 April – Maundy Thursday – 1 Corinthians 11:20-32, John 13:1-15 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

You call Me Master and Lord. And you say well, for so I Am. If then I, being your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example that as I have done to you, so you do also.” – John 13:14-15

REFLECTION – “Jesus rose from supper and took off His outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around His waist. Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet. We read a story of the same kind in Genesis. Abraham says to the messengers – the three Angels who visit him: “Let some water be brought that you may bathe your feet and then rest yourselves under the tree; let me bring you a little food that you may refresh yourselves” (Gen 18:4-5). What Abraham did for the three Angels, Christ did for His Apostles, those messengers of the Truth, who were to preach faith in the Blessed Trinity, to all the world.

He stoops down to them, like a child – He stoops down and washes their feet. What an incomprehensible humility! what inexpressible goodness! He Whom the Angels adore in Heaven, is at these fishermen’s feet! The Face that causes Angels to tremble bends over the feet of these poor men! Therefore, Peter is seized with fear… When He has washed their feet He makes them “lie down under the tree” as it says in the Song of Songs: “I delight to rest in His shadow and His fruit is sweet to my mouth” (Song 2:3). This fruit is His Body and Blood, given them today by Him. It is the “morsel of bread” He set before them and that gave them strength for the work they must undertake…

Behold, “on this mountain the Lord of Hosts will prepare for all peoples a feast of rich meat with the marrow” (Is 25:6)… In the Upper Room where the Apostles are to receive the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, the Lord of all the world, throws a feast today for all the peoples who believe in Him… This is what the Church does today throughout the world. It was for her sake that Christ prepared this feast on Mount Zion, this food that restores us, His True Body, rich in every spiritual virtue and charity. This He has given to His Apostles and has commanded them to give to those who believe in Him.” – St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Franciscan, Doctor of the Church (Sermons for Sundays and Feasts, Maundy Thursday).

PRAYER – O God, from Whom Judas received the punishment of his guilt and the thief the reward of his confession: grant unto us the full fruit of Thy clemency, that even as in His Passion, our Lord Jesus Christ gave to each a retribution according to his merits, so having taken away our old sins, He may bestow upon us the grace of His Resurrection. Who with Thee lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

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

Tuesday in Holy Week, Notre-Dame de Grace, Honfleur/ Our Lady of Grace, France, St Isidore of Seville and Memorials of the Saints – 4 April

Tuesday in Holy Week – FAST

Notre-Dame de Grace, Honfleur, Normandie / Our Lady of Grace, Normandy, France – 4 April:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/04/easter-sunday-2021-the-resurrection-of-the-lord-solemnity-of-solemnities-our-lady-of-grace-normandy-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

St Isidore of Seville (c 560-636) Bishop, Confessor, Father & Doctor of the Church, Writer, Teacher, Reformer and Evangelist. Sometimes called – “The Last Scholar of the Ancient World.”
St Isidore’s life:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/04/04/saint-of-the-day-4-april-st-isidore-of-seville-father-and-doctor-of-the-church/

Bl Abraham of Strelna
St Agathopus of Thessalonica
St Aleth of Dijon

St Benedict of Palermo OFM (1526-1589) Friar Minor of the Observance, Confessor.
Celebrated yesterday 3 April and today on some calendars.
About St Benedict:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/04/04/saint-of-the-day-4-april-st-benedict-of-sicily-o-f-m-1526-1589/

St Gwerir of Liskeard
St Henry of Gheest
St Hildebert of Ghent
St Peter of Poitiers (c 1130-1215) Bishop

St Plato (c 734-813) Monk, Confessor, Defender of sacred images and of the Sacraments of Marriage and Holy Orders.
St Plato’s Lifestory:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/04/saint-of-the-day-4-april-saint-plato-c-734-813/

St Theodulus of Thessalonica
St Theonas of Egypt
St Tigernach of Clogher
St Zosimus of Palestine (Died c560) Priest, Monk, Hermit

Martyred in Cairo
François de la Terre de Labour
Nicolas of Montecorpino

Martyrs of Thessalonica – 14 Saints: Fourteen Christians who were Martyred together, date unknown. No other information, except the names of 12 of them, has survived – Ingenuus, Julianus, Julius, Matutinus, Orbanus, Palatinus, Paulus, Publius, Quinilianus, Saturninus, Successus, Victor and two whose names have not come down to us.
Agathopus the Deacon, Theodulus the Lector.

Posted in FRANCISCAN OFM, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 3 April – St Benedict of Palermo OFM (1526-1589) Lay Friar

Saint of the Day – 3 April – St Benedict of Palermo OFM (1526-1589) Lay Friar of the Order of Friars Minor of the Observance, Confessor, spiritual counsellor, Apostle of the poor and needy, graced with the gift of healing the sick. Born as Benedetto Manasseri in1526 in San Fratello, Messina, Sicily and died on 4 April 1589 (aged 62–63) in Palermo, Sicily of natural causes. Patronages – African missions and Missionaries to Africa, Black Catholic Americans, African Americans, black people, Palermo, San Fratello. Also known as – Benedict the Moor, Benedict the Black, Benedict the African, Benedetto. His body is incorrupt. Additional Memorial – 4 April. St Benedict’s gifts for prayer, his love for the Blessed Virgin and the Infant Jesus and the wisdom displayed in his guidance of souls, earned him, throughout Sicily, a reputation for holiness.   Following the example of St Francis, Benedict kept seven 40-day fasts throughout the year. He also slept only a few hours each night.

Benedict was born to Cristoforo and Diana Manasseri, Africans, who were taken as slaves in the early 16th Century to San Fratello, a small town near Messina, Sicily. They were given Italian names and later converted to Christianity.

Benedict’s parents were granted freedom for their son before his birth because of their “loyal service.” Like most peasants, Benedict did not attend any school and was illiterate. During his youth, he worked as a shepherd and was quick to give what he had earned to the poor.

When he was 21 years old, he was publicly insulted for the colour. of his skin His forbearance and silence was noted by the leader of an independent group of hermits on nearby Monte Pellegrino, who followed the Rule for Hermit life written by St Francis of Assisi.

Benedict was invited to join that community and shortly thereafter, he gave up all his earthly possessions and joined them. He served as the cook for the community and at the age of twenty-eight succeeded Jerome Lanze as the Superior of the group.

In 1564 Pope Pius IV disbanded independent communities of hermits, ordering them to attach themselves to an established religious Order, in this case, the Order of Friars Minor. As soon as Benedict was professed as an official Friar of the Franciscans, he was assigned to Palermo to the Franciscan Friary of St Mary of Jesus. He started there as the cook,but, showing the degree of his advancement in the spiritual life, he was soon appointed as the Master of Novices and later, as Guardian of the community, although he was a lay brother rather than a Priest and was illiterate.

Benedict accepted the promotion and successfully helped the Convent adopt a stricter version of the Franciscan Rule of life. He was widely respected for his deep, intuitive understanding of theology and Scripture and was often sought for counselling. He also had a reputation as a healer of the sick. Combined, these characteristics continued to draw many visitors to him. As he enjoyed cooking, he returned to kitchen duty in his later years.

Benedict died at the age of around 63 on the very day and hour which he had predicted. At the entrance of his cell in the Franciscan Friary of St Mary of Jesus, there is a plaque with the inscription: “Benedict was quickly invited to join that community, and shortly thereafter he gave up all his earthly possessions and joined them. He served as the cook for the community and at the age of twenty-eight succeeded Jerome Lanze as leader of the group.[3]

In 1564 Pope Pius IV disbanded independent communities of hermits, ordering them to attach themselves to an established religious Order, in this case, the Order of Friars Minor. Once a friar of the Order, Benedict was assigned to Palermo to the Franciscan Friary of St. Mary of Jesus. He started at the friary as a cook, but, showing the degree of his advancement in the spiritual life, he was soon appointed as the master of novices, and later as Guardian of the community, although he was a lay brother rather than a priest, and was illiterate.

Benedict accepted the promotion, and successfully helped the order adopt a stricter version of the Franciscan Rule of life. He was widely respected for his deep, intuitive understanding of theology and Scripture, and was often sought for counseling. He also had a reputation as a healer of the sick. Combined, these characteristics continued to draw many visitors to him. As he enjoyed cooking, he returned to kitchen duty in his later years.

Benedict died at the age of around 63 on the very day and hour which he had predicted. At the entrance of his cell in the Franciscan Friary of St Mary of Jesus, there is a plaque with the inscription: “This is the cell where Saint Benedict lived” with the dates of his birth and death – 1526 and 1589.

Upon his death, King Philip III of Spain ordered the construction of a magnificent tomb to house his remains, in the Friary Church. He was Beatified by Pope Benedict XIV in 1743 and Canonised in 1807 by Pope Pius VII. His body was found incorrupt during the Canonisation process.

Benedict is remembered for his patience and understanding when confronted with racial prejudice and taunts. He was declared a Patron Saint of Catholic African Americans, along with the Dominican lay brother, St Martin de Porres. In the United States, at least seven historically Black Catholic Parishes bear his name.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, The LAST THINGS, The SECOND COMING

Our Morning Offering – 2 April – To Thee, O Jesus, Hosanna!

Our Morning Offering – 2 April – Palm Sunday

To Thee, O Jesus, Hosanna!
By St Bonaventure (1217-1274)

Seraphic Doctor of the Church

To Thee, O Jesus,
do I turn, as my true and last end.
Thou art the River of Life
which alone can satisfy my thirst.
Without Thee, all else is barren and void.
Without all else, Thou alone art enough for me.
Thou art the Redeemer of those that are lost,
the sweet Consoler of the sorrowful,
the Crown of Glory of the victors,
the recompense of the Blessed.
One day I hope to receive of Thy Fullness
and to sing the song of praise, in my true home.
Give me only on earth, some few drops of consolation
and I will patiently await Thy Coming,
when I hope to enter into the joy of my Lord.
Hosanna!

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, FRANCISCAN OFM, MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY

PALM SUNDAY, Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia / Our Lady of the Highest Grace, (1506) St Francis of Paola and Memorials of the Saints – 2 April

PALM SUNDAY

Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia / Our Lady of the Highest Grace, Higuey, Dominican Republic (1506) Patron of Dominicans- 2 April:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/02/nuestra-senora-de-la-altagracia-our-lady-of-the-highest-grace-1506-and-memorials-of-the-saints-2-april/

St Francis of Paola O.M. (1416-1507) known as “Saint Francis the Fire Handler” – Confessor, Monk and Founder, inspired with the Gift of Prophecy and still called the “Miracle-Worker” Apostle of the poor, Peacemaker. He was an Italian mendicant Friar and the Founder of the Order of Minims. Unlike the majority of founders of men’s religious orders and like his Patron Saint, Francis was never ordained a priest. His Body was Incorrupt until destroyed in the French Revolution. He was Canonised in 1519 by Pope Leo X.
St Francis’s Life:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/04/02/saint-of-the-day-2-april-st-francis-of-paola-o-m-1416-1507/

St Abundius of Como
St Agnofleda of Maine
St Appian of Caesarea (c287-306) Martyr, Layman
Blessed Arnulf of Leuven O.Cist. (c1200-1276) Abbot
St Bronach of Glen-Seichis
St Constantine of Scotland
St Ebbe the Younger
St Eustace of Luxeuil
St Gregory of Nicomedia
St John Payne

Blessed Leopold of Gaiche OFM Cap (1732-1815) Priest, and Friar of the Order of Friars Minor of the Capuchin branch, Missionary Preacher in Italy, called “The Apostle of Umbria.” He became renowned for wearing a crown of thorns. He served in a position of power in the Franciscan Order in the Umbrian region in which he supported strong adherence to the Rule of Saint Francis.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/02/saint-of-the-day-2-april-blessed-leopold-of-gaiche-ofm-cap-1732-1815/

St Lonochilus of Maine
St Musa of Rome
St Nicetius of Lyon
St Rufus of Glendalough
St Theodora of Tiria

St Urban of Langres (c 327-c 390) Bishop, the sixth Bishop of Autun and Langres, in Burgundy, France from 374 until his death, Confessor.
About St Urban:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/02/saint-of-the-day-2-april-saint-urban-of-langres-c-327-c-390/

St Victor of Capua

Martyrs of Africa – 10 Saints: A group of ten Christians Martyred together in Africa, date unknown. We have six of their names – Marcellinus, Procula, Quiriacus, Regina, Satullus and Saturnin but no other information has survived.

Martyrs of Thessalonica – 16 Saints: Sixteen Christians who were Martyred together in Thessalonica in Greece, date unknown. We know nothing else about them but 13 of their names – Agapitus, Agatophus, Cyriacus, Dionysius, Gagus, Julianus, Mastisius, Proculus, Publius, Theodoulus, Urbanus, Valerius and Zonisus.

Posted in FRANCISCAN OFM, PATRONAGE - IN-LAW PROBLEMS, PATRONAGE - SPOUSAL ABUSE / DIFFICULT MARRIAGES / VICTIMS OF ABUSE, PATRONAGE - WIDOWS, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 28 March – Blessed Jeanne Marie de Maille TOSF (1331-1414) Virgin, Widow,

Saint of the Day – 28 March – Blessed Jeanne Marie de Maille TOSF (1331-1414) Virgin, Widow, Recluse Born on 14 April 1331 at the Castle of La Roche, France and died on 28 March 1414 at Tours France of natural causes. Patronages – abuse victims, against in-law problems, against the death of parents, of exiles, people ridiculed for their piety, widows. Also known as – Jane Mary de Maille. Jeanne Marie was Beatified on 27 April 1871 by Pope Pius IX .

Jeanne, the daughter of the wealthy Baron of Maille, was born at the chateau of her father near St Quentin in France. Because she possessed, from her earliest youth, a tender devotion and love for the Blessed Virgin Mary, she was given the additional name of Marie at Confirmation and from then on, she always used it with her Baptismal name. Under the direction of a Franciscan, who conducted the divine services at the chateau, she strove earnestly to attain perfection. Self-denial, mortification, prayer and works of charity towards her neighbour were the special means she employed.

Jeanne Marie was scarcely fifteen years old when her father died. She was placed under the guardianship of her grandfather, who was already quite advanced in years and who, therefore, believed it his duty to see his grandchild settled in life, as soon as possible. He chose as her husband Baron Robert of Silly, a man who was noble both by birth and by virtue. On the evening of their wedding day the grandfather died suddenly. This made such an impression on the pious husband that he readily yielded to the wish of his young wife to live in virginity.

The young couple’s first concern was to order their household in a Christian fashion. Only virtuous and God-fearing persons were admitted as their servants; all had to observe the commandments of God and of the Church faithfully; frivolous conversations, cursing and swearing, as well as games of chance, were not tolerated. In everything their Master and Mistress set the best example. Jeanne Marie interested herself too, in all the needs of her people and never sent a needy person away from her door without giving him assistance.

But the cross is the real test of all true fidelity to God;and it was not to be wanting in this home either. A terrible war broke out between England and France. The Baron of Silly and his vassals took the field in defence of their country but the war was disastrous for France.

Mortally wounded, the young Baron was brought to his chateau but hardly had he arrived there, when the English took possession of it and led him away as a prisoner. Through the efforts of his faithful wife, he obtained his freedom but he died not long afterwards.

Her in-laws were unkind to her and blamed her for her husband squandering his fortune for charitable ends and so deprived her of her widow’s inheritance and cut ties with her. completely. She first went to seek shelter at the home of an old ex-servant but the servant treated her with harshness, when realising she was poor. She went to reside with her mother but left when the latter tried to pressure her into finding another husband. Now Jeanne Marie withdrew entirely from the world. She moved to a little house near the Franciscan Church in Tours. Dressed in the ash-grey habit of the Third Order, she went out to nurse the sick and the poor. The remaining time she spent in prayer.

She prayed especially that God might bless the labours of Priests, particularly those who preached the Divine Word. She prayed most of all for the Universal Church, which at that time had to endure one of its severest trials. Christendom was divided into two groups – one pope resided in Italy, another in France and even saintly people did not know which one was the rightful head of the Church. Confusion and many scandals were the inevitable results. Had the Church been the work of human hands, it must certainly have gone to ruin. In answer to the prayers of many pious souls, God came to the assistance of the Church and Jeanne Marie had the consolation, before her death, of seeing the Church again united under one head.

Blessed Jeanne Marie de Maille died in the year 1414, at the age of eighty-two years. When her remains, clothed in the habit of the Third Order, were brought into the Church, the body appeared to have the freshness of youth. The veneration paid to her since her death was approved by Pope Pius IX.

The Shrine of Blessed Jeanne Marie de Maille
Posted in FRANCISCAN OFM, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Tuesday in Passion Week, Nuestra Senora de Castelbruedo / Our Lady of Castelbruedo, Spain and Memorials of the Saints – 28 March

Tuesday in Passion Week – FAST

Nuestra Senora de Castelbruedo / Our Lady of Castelbruedo, Catalonia, Spain – 28 March:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/28/palm-sunday-2021-our-lady-of-castelbruedo-catalonia-spain-and-memorials-of-the-saints-28-march/

St John of Capistrano OFM (1386-1456) Priest and Friar of the Friars Minor, Confessor and Preacher. Famous as a Preacher, Theologian and Inquisitor, trained Lawyer, he earned himself the nickname ‘the Soldier Saint’ when in 1456 at age 70 he led a Crusade against the invading Ottoman Empire at the Siege of Belgrade. He was Beatified on 19 December 1650 by Pope Innocent X and Canonised on 16 October 1690 by Pope Alexander VIII.
Feast Day moved from 28 March in 1969.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2017/10/23/saint-of-the-day-23-october-st-john-capistrano-ofm-1386-1456-the-soldier-saint/

St Alkelda of Middleham

Blessed Antonio Patrizi OSA (c 1280-1311) Priest, Friar of the Order of St Augustine, Prior, Hermit. He was Beatified in 1804 by Pope Pius VII (cultus confirmation).
His Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/28/saint-of-the-day-28-march-blessed-antonio-patrizi-osa-c-1280-1311-priest/

St Castor of Tarsus

Blessed Conon of Naso (1139-1236) Monk, Hermit and Abbot of the order of St Basil of Caesarea, Miracle-worker.
His Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/03/28/saint-of-the-day-28-march-blessed-conon-of-naso-1139-1236/

St Cyril the Deacon
St Dorotheus of Tarsus
St Gundelindis of Niedermünster

St Guntramnus (c 532-592) King of the Kingdom of Orléans and Burgundy from 561 until his death in 592, Confessor, Apostle of the needs of the Church and of the poor and sick, Penitent.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Chalons in France, the demise of St Gontran King, who devoted himself to exercises of piety, renounced the pomps of the world and bestowed his trasures on the Church and the poor,

https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/28/saint-of-the-day-28-march-saint-guntramnus-died-597/

St Hesychius of Jerusalem
St Hilarion of Pelecete
Blessed Jeanne Marie de Maille (1331-1414) Widow, Recluse
St Proterius of Alexandria
St Rogatus the Martyr
St Successus the Martyr
St Tutilo of Saint-Gall

Blessed Venturino of Bergamo OP (1304-1346) Priest, Friar of the Order of Preachers of St Dominic, Preacher, Missionary Preacher of the Crusades, Writer.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/03/28/saint-of-the-day-28-march-blessed-venturino-of-bergamo-op-1304-1346/

Posted in FRANCISCAN OFM, INCORRUPTIBLES, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 18 March – Saint Salvator of Horta OFM (1520-1567) Lay Brother

Saint of the Day – 18 March – Saint Salvator of Horta OFM (1520-1567) Lay Brother of Friars Minor, Cook, Porter and Quester of alms, Miracle-worker.Born in 1520 at Santa Columba, Gerona, Spain and died on 18 March 1567 at the Friary at Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy of natural causes, aged just 46. Also known as – Salvador, Salvatore. Additional Memorial – 17 April (Friars Minor). Canonised on 17 April 1938 by Pope Pius XI. His body is incorrupt.

In the Sixteenth Century when the Faith, especially in Germany, was so mightily shaken by the so-called reformers, when the Sign of the Cross was abolished as a superstitious practice, Almighty God permitted this very Sign of the Cross to shine with special power and radiance, in order to strengthen the Faith in another country. This was Spain and it was through the great Miracle-orker of the Sixteenth Century, St Salvator of Horta.

Salvator was born of poor parents in the year 1520. Orphaned when still quite young, he tended cattle and was later sent as an apprentice to a shoemaker in Barcelona. His devout heart, however, was constantly prompting him to consecrate himself to God; so, when he was twenty years old, he entered the Franciscan Order as a lay brother. He distinguished himself among his brethren by rigorous mortification, profound humility and extraordinary simplicity.

Almighty God, who chooses the lowly to make known the wonders of His power, manifested His power in Salvator at the very beginning of his religious life.

He was sent to assist the brother in the kitchen and one day, when the cook was ill, Salvator had to undertake the entire round of duties alone. When it was close to the noon hour, the Father Guardian went to the kitchen to see what Brother Salvator had prepared. He found the kitchen locked. After looking for Salvator for a considerable time, he finally found him kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament, deeply absorbed in prayer.

Statue (after 1606) by Michelangelo Naccherino (Florence 1550-Naples 1622) – Santa Maria di Montecalvario or della Mercede Church in Naples

He had been there since early morning without being aware of it. The Superior reproved him severely and Salvator acknowledged his guilt amid many tears, begging for a severe penance. How astonished, however, were both men when they arrived at the kitchen and found all the food ready to be served – the angels had substituted for Salvator! How beautiful!

After pronouncing his vows, Salvator was sent to the Convent at Tortosa. Although he was assigned in turn to the duties of cook, porter and quester of alms, he was ,nevertheless, continually recollected and intimately united with God.

While gathering alms, Salvator often came upon sick people for whom his prayers were requested. He would make the Sign of the Cross over them and immediately they were healed. News of this fact soon spread abroad and may sick were brought to the Convent. All were restored to health through the Sign of the Cross which Brother Salvator made over them.

The concourse of sick people, however, finally became so great that it disturbed the good order in the Convent. So the Superiors sent Brother Salvator to the nearby Convent of Horta, where he spent the greater part of his religious life, hence his surname “of Horta.”

Although the transfer was made in perfect secrecy and no one had been informed of it, the sick presented themselves at the Convent at Horta already in the first days after his arrival there and their number increased daily. The deaf, the blind, the dumb, the lame, the epileptic, came; the paralytic, the dropsical, those afflicted with fevers and sufferers of every type were brought to him on beds, so that Brother Salvator might restore their health.

Usually there were as many as two thousand a week, sometimes that many in one day and once, on the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin, as many as six thousand made their appearance!

One time the Grand Inquisitor, a renowned theologian, whose duty it was to guard the purity of the Faith, came in order to learn whether anything occurred there that savoured of superstition. Without giving any indication of his rank, he took his station at a corner of the Church were the sick were expecting the healing hand of Brother Salvator.

When the good religious arrived, Saint Salvator of Horta had the sick make way for him as he passed through their ranks till he reached the Grand Inquisitor. There he reverently kissed the latter’s hand and begged him to come to the upper Church, where he could watch the entire proceedings. Astonished at finding himself recognised, the Inquisitor was already assured of the power from on high which held sway there. Nevertheless, he followed the brother.

Salvator began, as usual, to admonish the sick to examine their conscience and to receive the Sacraments of Penance and of the Holy Eucharist worthily. Then he blessed them with the Sign of the Cross while he called upon the Blessed Trinity and imposed on them a few prayers in honour of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whose intercession he ascribed all the cures. The sufferers were then all suddenly cured, except, as Salvator had foretold, those who were not sincere in their conversion.

St Salvator and the Grand Inquisitor by Esteban Murillo

In order to test the humility of the brother and to preserve him in it, his Superiors frequently imposed heavy trials but he always remained an obedient, humble and contented religious. A prominent gentleman once warned Salvator that he should be on guard against pride and presumption. The good brother answered:

“I always think of myself as a sack full of straw; the sack is indifferent as to whether it lies in a stable or is brought into a magnificent room.”

The last two years of Sa;vator’s life were spent on the Island of Sardinia and there he died in the Convent of Cagliari on 18 March 1567. Innumerable miracles occurred also at his grave. The uninterrupted devotion to the Saint was confirmed on 29 January 1711 by Pope Clement XI. Saint Salvator of Horta was CanoniSed by Pope Pius XI in 1938.

Death of Saint Salvator of Horta
Viceregal Museum of Zinacantepec, Mexico

His remains were originally interred at the Church of St Mary of Jesus attached to the Friary where he died, in Cagliari, Sardinia. In 1606 it had been decided to open his grave to provide his heart as a Relic for the Franciscan community. When his tomb was opened, his body was found to be still intact and in perfect condition, bearing no signs at all of any corruption.

Thus, when the Church of St Mary of Jesus was demolished in 1718, his remains were interred first at another Church of the Order in the City, then finally, in 1758, they were entombed in a glass coffin under the Main Altar of the Church of St Rosalie in the City. This remains his Shrine, where his remains can be venerated.

Posted in FRANCISCAN OFM, INCORRUPTIBLES, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 13 March – Blessed Agnellus of Pisa OFM (c1195-1236) Priest

Saint of the Day – 13 March – Blessed Agnellus of Pisa OFM (c1195-1236) Priest, Frair of the Order of Friars Minor, received into the Franciscans Order by Saint Francis himself., Missionary. Agnellus was the Founder of the Order in England and its First Minister Provincial. Born in c.1195 in Pisa, Italy and died on 7 May 1236 at Oxford, England of dysentery. Additional Memorials – 7 May (Franciscan) and 10 September (English Franciscans). His body was incorrupt but was destroyed during the persecutions by Henry VIII.

Agnellus was descended from an ancient noble family at Pisa. The government of the Parisian Province of the Order was entrusted to him. Later, the holy Founder sent him to England with eight companions. Here Agnellus found it possible to establish several Convents of his Order and to unite them into a Province. Due to his zeal and to his virtuous life, many young men, some from the most prominent families in England, took the Habit of the Poor Man of Assisi.

In order to provide the young clerics with a thorough education, he established a school of theology at Oxford. Meanwhile, however, he infused into them a desire for perfection and a holy fidelity to the Rule of the Order, in all of which, he led them by his own good example.

His humility was so profound that ,under no circumstances could be be prevailed upon to receive Holy Orders. Finally, however, he yielded in obedience to the General Chapter.

A great part of his time was devoted to meditation. At holy Mass and in choir, he was so overcome with interior affections that he was frequently found weeping.

Agnellus died the death of the saints in the year 1232, when he was but thirty-eight years old. His grave and the Church which he had established in Oxford in which he was buried, were destroyed during the persecution of the Catholics in the reign of Henry VIII. Pope Leo XIII solemnly confirmed the uninterrupted veneration that had been accorded to Blessed Agnellus of Pisa.

In honour of his great influence in the establishment of the University. Agnellus’ incorrupt body was preserved with great veneration at Oxford up to the dissolution of the religious houses, when the Friary and Church were destroyed. In 2014, the Conventual Franciscans re-established a Friary again in Oxford, formally dedicating and naming it the Blessed Agnellus of Pisa Friary.

Blessed Agnellus of Pisa knew that while the ambitious are always ill at ease, as to whether or not, they will be properly esteemed, or whether their dignity will be duly acknowledged, the humble live in continual peace of soul. They do not wait for approval and do not fear ill success. Their will is directed solely to the honour of God. They ehope for a reward from Him alone.

The Blessed Agnellus Frairy at Oxford today
Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FRANCISCAN OFM, GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST

Our Morning Offering – 8 March – Hear Me, O Lord

Our Morning Offering – 8 March – Wednesday in the Second Week of Lent

Hear Me, O Lord
By St Peter of Alcantara (1499-1562)

Hear me, O Lord,
my soul’s delight,
joy of my heart,
not because of my merits
but because of Thy boundless goodness.
Teach me, enlighten me, direct me,
help me in all things
that I may never say
or do anything
but that which I know
to be pleasing in Thou sight.
Guide me, O God,
my Love, my Light and my Life!
Amen

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, EMBER DAYS, FRANCISCAN OFM, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

EMBER FRIDAY – FAST AND ABSTINENCE, First Friday, Notre-Dame des Anges de Toulouse / Our Lady of the Angels of Toulouse, France (1212) and Memorials of the Saints – 3 March

EMBER FRIDAY – FAST AND ABSTINENCE

FIRST FRIDAY

Notre-Dame des Anges de Toulouse / Our Lady of the Angels of Toulouse, France (1212) – 3 March:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/03/our-lady-of-angels-of-toulouse-france-1212-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

St Anselm of Nonantola
St Arthelais of Benevento
Blessed Benedetto Sinigardi da Arezzo OFM (1190-1282) Friar of the Order of Friars Minor, who received the Habit directly from St Francis of Assisi. Although rarely mentioned, Blessed Benedetto is the Author of the Angelus!
St Calupan
St Camilla
St Cele-Christ

St Cunegundes (c 975-1040) Empress of the Holy Roman Empire, Nun, she took a vow of Virginity before her marriage, which, after a miracle was upheld by her husband, the King (also a Saint). Founder of Monasteries and Churches, Nun in one of her Convents, Apostle of Charity. Born in c 975 and died in 1040 of natural causes.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/03/saint-of-the-day-3-march-st-cunegundes-c-975-1040/

St Foila
Bl Frederick of Hallum
St Gervinus
Bl Innocent of Berzo
Bl Jacobinus de’ Canepaci
St Lamalisse
St Non

Blessed Pietro de Geremia OP (1381-1452) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preaches, renowned and brilliant Preacher, Miracle-worker. In addition to his many miracles and conversions of sinners, he founded the University of Catania and assisted in the establishment of several Dominican Monasteries.
His Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/03/saint-of-the-day-3-march-blessed-pietro-de-geremia-op-1381-1452-dominican-priest/

Bl Pierre-René Rogue
St Sacer
St Teresa Eustochio Verzeri
St Titian of Brescia
St Winwallus of Landévennec

40 Martyrs in North Africa – A group of Christians Martyred together in North Africa, date unknown. No details have survived, but we know these names – Antonius, Artilaus, Asclipius, Astexius, Basil, Bosimus, Carissimus, Castus, Celedonius, Claudianus, Cyricus, Donata, Emeritus, Emeterius, Euticus, Felix, Fortunatus, Frunumius, Gajola, Georgius, Gorgonius, Hemeterus, Isicus, Janula, Julius, Luciola, Luciolus, Marcia, Marinus, Meterus, Nicephorus, Papias, Photius, Risinnius, Sabianus, Savinianus and Solus

Martyrs of Pontus – 3+ Saints – A large group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Emperor Maximian Galerius and governor Ascleopiodato. We have some details on three of them – Basiliscus, Cleonicus and Eutropius. 308 in Pontus (in modern Turkey)
Martyrs of Caesarea;
Asterius
Marinus

Martyrs of Calahorra:
Cheledonius
Emeterius

Martyrs of Gondar, Ethiopia:
Bl Antonio Francesco Marzorati
Bl Johannes Laurentius Weiss
Bl Michele Pío Fasol

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, LENT 2023, LENTEN PRAYERS & NOVENAS, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, NOVENAS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS

Lenten Preparation Novena to the Holy Face – The Fourth Day – 16 February

Lenten Preparation
Novena to the Holy Face
To end on Shrove Tuesday,
The Feast of the Holy Face

All those who, attracted by My Love and venerating My Countenance, shall receive, by virtue of My Humanity, a brilliant and vivid impression of My Divinity. This splendour shall enlighten the depths of their souls, so that in eternal glory the celestial court shall marvel at the marked likeness of their features, with My Divine Countenance.” … (Our Lord Jesus Christ to St Gertrude the Great)

(Console the Holy Face and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer) below.

Psalm 51:8-9:

Indeed you love truth in the heart,
then in the secret of my heart,
teach me Wisdom.
O purify me, then I shall be clean,
O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.

DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER

O Most Holy and Blessed Trinity,
through the intercession of Holy Mary,
whose soul was pierced through
by a sword of sorrow
at the sight of the Passion of her Divine Son,
we ask Thy help,
in making a perfect Novena of Reparation with Jesus,
united with all His sorrows, love and total abandonment.
We now implore all the Angels and Saints
to intercede for us as we pray this Holy Novena
to the Most Holy Face of Jesus
and for the glory of the most Holy Trinity,
Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen

THE FOURTH DAY:

O Lord Jesus, Who has said,
learn of Me for I am meek and gentle of heart
and Who didst manifest upon Thy Holy Face,
the sentiments of Thy Divine Heart,
grant that we may love
to meditate upon Thy Divine Countenance,
that we may read there,
Thy gentleness and Thy humility
and learn from Thee to form our hearts
in the practice of these two virtues,
which Thou desires to see shine in Thy servants.

Mary our Mother and Saint Joseph help us.

Through the merits of Thy Precious Blood
and Thy Holy Face,
O Jesus, grant us our petition ………………
Pardon and mercy.
Amen

Prayer in Honour of the Dolours
of the Blessed Virgin
By St Bonaventure (1217-1274)
Doctor of the Church

O most holy Virgin,
Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ,
by the overwhelming grief you experienced
when you witnessed the Martyrdom,
the Crucifixion
and the Death,
of your Divine Son,
look upon me with eyes of compassion
and awaken in my heart a tender
commiseration for those sufferings,
as well as a sincere detestation of my sins,
in order that,
being disengaged from all undue affection
for the passing joys of this earth,
I may sigh after the eternal Jerusalem
and that henceforward, all my thoughts
and all my actions, may be directed
towards this one most desirable object,
the honour, glory and love
to our Divine Lord Jesus,
and to you,
the Holy and Immaculate
Mother of God.
Amen

Pray (1) Our Father, three (3) Hail Marys, one (1) Glory Be.

O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine,
be every Adoration Thine

(Three times)

Posted in FRANCISCAN OFM, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SUFFERING

Our Morning Offering – 7 February – “The Peace Prayer”

Our Morning Offering – 7 February – Tuesday of Septuagesima Week – Preparing to prepare, making a plan of action, seeking the best means for ourselves.

Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace.
“The Peace Prayer”
By St Francis of Assisi (c 1181–1226

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving
that we receive;
it is in pardoning
that we are pardoned
and it is in dying,
that we are born to eternal life.
Amen

Posted in CARMELITES, FRANCISCAN OFM, JESUIT SJ, MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY

First Saturday, Nostra Signora del Fuoco / Our Lady of the Fire, Forli, Italy (1428), St Andrew Corsini and Memorials of the Saints – 4 February

First Saturday

Nostra Signora del Fuoco / Our Lady of the Fire, Forli, Italy (1428) – 4 February:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/04/our-lady-of-fire-forli-italy-1428-and-memorials-of-the-saints-4-february/

St Andrew Corsini O.Carm (1302-1373) Bishop of Fiesole from 1349 until his death,Confessor, known as the “Apostle of Florence,” Carmelite Friar, Penitent, Apostle of the poor, Peacemaker, Papal Legate.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-saint-andrew-corsini-o-carm-1302-1373-bishop/

Saint Aventinus of Troyes (Died c538) Hermit
Bl Dionisio de Vilaregut
St Donatus of Fossombrone
St Eutychius of Rome
St Filoromus of Alexandria
St Firmus of Genoa
Bl Frederick of Hallum
St Gelasius of Fossombrone
St Geminus of Fossombrone
St Gilbert of Limerick (c 1070–1145) Bishop

St Gilbert of Sempringham (c 1083-1189) Priest, Founder of the Gilbertine Order, Founder of 13 Monasteries and Churches, schools, homes and hostels for the sick and orphanages, Miracle-worker. He was Canonised in 1202 by Pope Innocent III.
His Zealous Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-st-gilbert-of-sempringham-c-1083-1189/

St Isidore of Pelusium

St Jane de Valois O.Ann.M and TOSF (1464-1505) Princess, Queen, Founder, Religious Sister, Mystic, Teacher. Founded the monastic Order of the Sisters of the Annunciation of Mary. From this Order later sprang the religious congregation of the Apostolic Sisters of the Annunciation, founded in 1787 to teach the children of the poor. She was Canonised on 28 May 1950 by Pope Pius XII.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-saint-jane-of-valois-o-ann-m-1464-1505/

St John de Britto SJ (1647-1693) Martyr, Priest, Missionary to India, Confessor, Preacher. Canonised on 22 June 1947 by Pope Pius XII.
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-st-john-de-britto-sj-1647-1693-martyr/

St John of Irenopolis
Bl John Speed

St Joseph of Leonissa OFM (Cap) (1556-1612) Friar of the Capuchin Franciscans, Missionary Preacher, Confessor. He was Canonised on 29 June 1746 by Pope Benedict XIV.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-st-joseph-of-leonissa/

St Liephard of Cambrai
St Magnus of Fossombrone
St Modan
St Nicholas Studites
St Nithard
St Obitius
St Phileas of Alexandria

Blessed Rabanus Maurus OSB (776-856) Archbishop, Monk, Abbot,Theologian, Poet, Writer, Teacher, Encyclopedist, “The Teacher of Germany.”
Blessed Rabanus’ Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-saint-rabanus-maurus-osb-776-856/

St Rembert
St Themoius
St Theophilus the Penitent
St Vincent of Troyes
St Vulgis of Lobbes

Jesuit Martyrs of Japan: A collective memorial of all members of the Jesuits who have died as Martyrs for the faith in Japan.

Martyrs of Perga – 4 Saints: A group of shepherds Martyred in the persecutions of Decius. The only details we have about them are the names – Claudian, Conon, Diodorus and Papias. They were Martyred in c 250 in Perga, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey).

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT

St Ignatius of Antioch (c 35 – 107) Martyr, St Brigid of Ireland, Virgin, The Baptism of St Louis de Montfort / Eve of the Purification of Our Lady, Paris (1673) and Memorials of the Saints – 1 February

The Month of the Blessed Trinity

St Ignatius of Antioch (c 35 – 107) Martyr, Bishop of Antioch, Apostolic Father of the Church.
His Feast Day is today (General Roman Calendar, 12th century–1969, when it was moved to 17 October).
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2017/10/17/saint-of-the-day-17-october-st-ignatius-of-antioch-c-35-c-108-father-of-the-church/

The Baptism of St Louis de Montfort / Eve of the Purification of Our Lady, Paris (1673): 1 February
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/01/memorials-of-the-saints-1-february-4/

St Brigid of Ireland/Kildare (c 453-523) Virgin, Abbess, Apostle of Charity and foundress of several monasteries of nuns, including that of Kildare in Ireland.
St Brigid’ Story:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/01/saint-of-the-day-st-brigid-of-ireland-kildare-c-453-523/

St Agrepe

Blessed Andrew of Segni OFM (1240-1302) Priest and Friar of the the Order of Friars Minor, Hermit, Spiritual teacher, Mystic, Miracle-worker and Exorcist. Patron against demonic possession. Beatified on 11 December 1724 by Pope Innocent XIII.
Blessed Andrew’s Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/01/saint-of-the-day-1-february-blessed-andrew-of-segni-ofm-1240-1302/

Bl Anthony Manzoni
St Asclepiades
St Autbert of Landevenec
St Brigid of Fiesole
St Cecilius of Granada
St Cinnia of Ulster
St Clarus of Seligenstadt
St Crewenna
St Darlaugdach of Kildare
St Henry Morse
St Jarlath
Bl John of the Grating
St Kinnia
St Paul of Trois-Châteaux
St Raymond of Fitero

Blessed Reginald of Orléans OP (c 1180 – 1220) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, Canon Lawyer, renowned Preacher. He was Beatified in 1875 by Pope Pius IX.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/01/saint-of-the-day-1-february-blessed-reginald-of-orleans-op-c-1180-1220/

St Sabinus
St Severus of Avranches
St Severus of Ravenna

St Sigebert III of Austrasia (c 630-656) King, Married and father of St Dagobert II. His body was incorrupt until it was attacked by the marauders during the French Revolution.

St Tryphon of Lampsacus
St Ursus of Aosta
St Veridiana

Posted in DYING / LAST WORDS, FRANCISCAN OFM, MYSTICS, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 31 January – Blessed Louise degli Albertoni TOSF (1474-1533) Widow

Saint of the Day – 31 January – Blessed Louise degli Albertoni TOSF (1474-1533) Widow, Mother, Mystic, Ecstatic, Apostle of the sick, the poor, the deprived, Miracle-worker. Born in1474 as Ludovica Albertoni in Rome, Italy and died on 31 January 1533 in Rome of natural causes. Beatified on 28 January 1671 by Pope Clement X. Also known as – Ludovica, Louisa Albertoni, Ludovica Albertoni Cetera.

Louise first saw the light of the world at Rome in the year 1474. Her parents belonged to the distinguished families of this City because of their wealth but still more because of their piety. They bestowed great care upon the training of their daughter and she responded fully to their efforts, so that she developed into a model for all young women. She had resolved to remain unmarried but when her parents urged her to be betrothed to an illustrious young man, she believed she recognised the will of God in their desire and agreed to the marriage.

The Blessed Ludovica Albertoni distributing Alms
(Giovanni Battista Gaulli c 1670)

But even in the married state, in which she remained attached to her husband with genuine love, she sought above all things to please God. Her attire was very plain, and even away from home, she avoided frivolous pomp and luxury. God blessed their union with three daughters, whom she was careful to rear, above all, in the love and fear of God.

When Blessed Louise Albertoni was but thirty-three years old, she lost her husband to death. After her daughters were provided for, Louise thought of nothing but to dedicate herself to the service of God. Publicly she took the habit of the Third Order, practiced the severest penances and was so irresistibly drawn to the contemplation of the sufferings of Our Lord and they were so constantly before her mind that she continually wept,and it was feared that she would lose her sight.

Louise lived a pious life, working for the poor of the Trastevere neighbourhood, under the guidance of the Franciscan Friars of San Francesco Church, where she would be buried in 1533. She bore a great love for the poor as special members of Christ. She used the abundant income of her fortune entirely for their support. But she strove to conceal her liberality. With this intention she often hid pieces of money in the bread that was given to the poor at her door and then begged Almighty God that He would let it fall to the lot of such as needed it most. Her benevolence knew no bounds. Sometimes she lacked even the necessaries for herself. But then, she rejoiced to be like Christ, who, being rich, became poor out of love for men.

God repaid her with extraordinary graces. He granted her the gift of miracles and frequent ecstasy. He also told her beforehand of the day of her death.

When her end drew nigh, she received the last Sacraments with great devotion. Then gazing upon the Crucifix with the tenderest pity, she kissed it and said: “Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.” Thereupon she breathed forth her soul on the day that had been announced to her, which was 31 January 1533.

Her body rests in the Church of St Francis on the Tiber and her Feast is celebrated in Rome with great solemnity. Pope Clement X Beatified Blessed Louise Albertoni in 1671.

The Bernini figure of Ludovica Albertoni, above,is set above the Altar of the Altieri Chapel on the left side of the Church of San rancesco. Bernini designed an architectural setting that focuses attention on the marble sculpture, framing it within an archway he cut into an existing wall where a painting had previously hung. The main figure is flanked by deep returns set at oblique angles decorated with earlier frescoes of Saint Clare of Assisi and Blessed Ludovica herself providing alms to a beggar. The central figure is lit on both sides by large windows concealed by the returns.

The figure of Ludovica Albertoni is presented on a mattress at the moment of mystical communion with God. The folds of her habit reflect her state of turmoil and her head is thrown back onto an embroidered pillow supported by a headrest. Beneath her figure is a deeply crumpled sculpted cloth above a red-marble Sarcophagus, where Ludovica is interred. The panel behind her is carved with stylized pomegranates, flaming hearts adorn the base of the windows. She is surrounded by putti and waiting to rise to the Light of Heaven.

The painting behind the sculpture is by Baciccio.

Posted in BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, CONSECRATION Prayers, DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Our Morning Offering – 29 January – An Act of Oblation to the Most Blessed Trinity

Our Morning Offering – 29 January – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop, Confessor – Doctor of the Church: Doctor Caritatis (Doctor of Charity) “The Gentle Christ of Geneva” and the “Gentleman Saint” – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

An Act of Oblation to the Most Blessed Trinity
By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of Charity

I vow and consecrate to God
all that is in me,
my memory and my actions,
to God the Father;
my understanding and my words,
to God the Son;
my will and my thoughts,
to God the Holy Spirit.
I consecrate my heart, my body,
my tongue, my senses and all my sorrows,
to the Sacred Humanity of Jesus Christ,
Who consented to be betrayed
into the hands of wicked men
and to suffer the torment
of the Cross for me.
Amen

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, PATRONAGE - CATHOLIC PRESS, PATRONAGE - CONFESSORS, PATRONAGE - DEAF, against DEAFNESS, PATRONAGE - TEACHERS, LECTURERS, INSTRUCTORS, PATRONAGE - THEOLOGIANS, PATRONAGE - WRITERS, PRINTERS, PUBLISHERS, EDITORS, etc, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 29 January – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop, Confessor, Doctor

Saint of the Day – 29 January – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop, Confessor, Doctor of the Church – Doctor Caritatis (Doctor of Charity) “The Gentle Christ of Geneva” and the “Gentleman Saint.

From the Office of the Church
for the Feast, of St Francis de Sales.

Francis was born of pious and noble parents, in the town of Sales, from which the family took their name. From his earliest years, he gave pledge of his future sanctity by the innocence and gravity of his conduct. Having been instructed in the liberal sciences during his youth, he was sent early to Paris that he might study Philosophy and Theology and, in order that his education might be complete, he was sent to Padua, where he took, with much honour, the degree of Doctor in both Civil and Canon Law. He visited the Sanctuary of Loreto, where he renewed the vow he had already taken in Paris, of perpetual virginity, in which holy resolution he continued till death, in spite of all the temptations of the devil and all the allurements of the flesh.

He refused to accept an honourable position in the Senate of Savoy and entered into the Ecclesiastical state. He was Ordained Priest and was made Provost of the Diocese of Geneva, which charge he so laudably fulfilled that Granier, his Bishop, selected him for the arduous undertaking of labouring, by the preaching of God’s Word, for the conversion of the Calvinists of Chablais and the neighbouring country round about Geneva.

This mission he undertook with much joy. He had to suffer the harshest treatment on the part of the heretics, who frequently sought to take away his life, caluminated him and laid all kinds of plots against him. But, he showed heroic courage in the midst of all these dangers and persecutions and by the Divine assistance, converted, as it is stated, seventy-two thousand heretics to the One True Catholic Faith, among whom were many distinguished by the high position they held in the world and by their learning.

After the death of Granier, who had already made him his Co-adjutor, he was made Bishop of Geneva. Then it was that his sanctity showed itself in every direction, by his zeal for Ecclesiastical discipline, his love of peace, his charity to the poor and every virtue.

From a desire to give more honour to God, he founded a new Order of Nuns, which he called the Visitation, taking for their Rule that of St Augustine, to which he added Constitutions of admirable wisdom and sweetness. He enlightened the children of the Church by the works he wrote, which are full of a heavenly wisdom and pointed out a path, which is at once safe and easy, to christian perfection.

In his fifty-fifth year, whilst returning from France to Annecy, he was taken with his last sickness, immediately after having celebrated Mass, on the Feast of St. John the Evangelist. On the following day, his soul departed this life for Heaven, in the year of our Lord 1622. His body was taken to Annecy and was buried, with great demonstration of honour, in the Church of the Nuns of the above mentioned Order. Immediately after his death, miracles began to be wrought through his intercession, which, being officially authenticated, he was Canonised by Pope Alexander the Seventh and his Feast was appointed to be kept on the twenty ninth day of January.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY

The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, Notre-Dame-de-Chatillion / Our Lady of Chatillion-sur- Seine, France (1130), St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop, Confessor – Doctor of the Church and Memorials of the Saints – 29 January

The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Notre-Dame-de-Chatillion / Our Lady of Chatillion-sur- Seine, France (1130) – 29 January:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/29/our-lady-of-chatillion-sur-seine-france-1130-and-memorials-of-the-saints-29-january/

St Francis de Sales CO, OM, OFM (Cap) (1567-1622) Bishop, Confessor – Doctor of the Church: Doctor caritatis (Doctor of Charity) “The Gentle Christ of Geneva” and the “Gentleman Saint” – Bishop of Geneva, Doctor of Law and Theology, Writer, Theologian, Mystic, Teacher, Preacher, Founder along with St Jane Frances de Chantal, founded the women’s Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary (Visitandines).
Feast Day – 29 January (General Roman Calendar of 1960 and local communities.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/01/24/saint-of-the-day-24-january-st-francis-de-sales-1567-1622-doctor-of-the-church-doctor-caritatis-doctor-of-charity/

t Abundantia the Martyr
St Aphraates
St Aquilinus of Milan
St Barbea of Edessa
St Blath of Kildare
Bl Boleslawa Maria Lament
St Caesarius of Angoulême
Bl Charles of Sayn

St Constantius of Perugia (Died c 170) Martyr Bishop
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/29/saint-of-the-day-29-january-saint-constantius-of-perugia-died-c-170-martyr/

St Dallan Forgaill (c 530- 598) Martyr, Monk, Reformer, Poet.
St Dallan’s story:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/01/29/saint-of-the-day-29-january-st-dallan-forgaill-c-530-598/

St Pope Gelasius II (c 1060–1119) Bishop of Rome from 24 January 1118 to his death in 1119.
About Pope Gelasius II:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/29/saint-of-the-day-29-january-st-pope-gelasius-ii-c-1060-1119/
St Gildas the Elder

St Gildas the Wise (c 500-c 570) Priest and Abbot.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/01/29/saint-of-the-day-29-january-st-gildas-the-wise/

Blessed Juniper OFM (Died 1258) Franciscan Friar. Brother Juniper is called “the renowned jester of the Lord” and was one of the original followers of St Francis of Assisi.
Blessed Juniper’s life:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/29/saint-of-the-day-29-january-the-servant-of-god-brother-juniper-ofm-died-1258/

St Maurus of Rome
St Papias of Rome
St Sarbellius
St Serrano

St Sulpicius I (Died 591) Bishop of Bourges.
About St Sulpicius:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/29/saint-of-the-day-29-january-saint-sulpicius-i-died-591/

St Valerius of Trier
St Voloc

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FRANCISCAN OFM, GOD ALONE!, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, QUOTES on TRUTH, The HEART, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 23 January – Light your lamps

Quote/s of the Day – 23 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus” – St Raymond of Peñafort (1175-1275) – Sirach 31:8-11, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Gird your loins and light your lamps

Luke 12:35

The fire of the Lord is Light Eternal;
the lamps of believers are lit at this fire:
“Gird your loins and light your lamps,”
(Lk 12:35).
It is because the days of our life
are still night that a lamp is necessary.
This is the fire which,
according to the testimony
of the disciples at Emmaus,
the Lord Himself set within them:
“Were not our hearts burning within us
while He spoke to us on the way
and opened the scriptures to us?” (Lk 24:32).
He gives us evident proof of this fire’s action,
enlightening man’s inmost heart.
That is why the Lord will come in fire (Is 66,15)
so as to devour our faults at the resurrection,
fulfil each one’s desires with His Presence
and cast His Light over their merits and mysteries.

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

Jesus is happy to come with us,
as Truth is happy to be spoken,
as Life to be lived,
as Light to be lit,
as Love is to be loved,
as Joy to be given,
as Peace to be spread.

St Francis of Assisi (1181/2–1226)

Lord, Kindle our Lamps
By St Columban (543-615)

Lord, kindle our lamps,
Saviour most dear to us,
that we may always shine
in Thy Presence
and always receive Light
from Thee,
the Light Perpetual,
so that our own
personal darkness,
may be overcome
and the world’s darkness
driven from us.
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FRANCISCAN OFM, GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The WILL of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 16 January – Prayer to do the Will of God, By St Francis

Our Morning Offering – 16 January

Prayer to do the Will of God
By St Francis of Assisi (c 1181-1226)

Almighty, eternal, just and merciful God,
grant us in our misery,
the grace to do for You alone
what we know You want us to do
and always to desire, what pleases You.
Thus, inwardly cleansed,
interiorly enlightened
and inflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit,
may we be able to follow in the footprints of
Your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
And, by Your grace alone,
may we make our way to You,
Most High, Who live and rule in perfect Trinity
and simple Unity
and are glorified God
all-powerful, forever and ever.
Amen

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FRANCISCAN OFM, GOD ALONE!, MODESTY, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on THE LIGHT of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on ZEAL, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD, The HEART, THOMAS a KEMPIS

Quote/s of the Day – 12January – The love of Jesus is noble and generous

Quote/s of the Day – 12January – Within the Octave of Epiphany – Isaias 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

And seeing the star they rejoiced
with exceeding great joy
.”

Matthew 2:10

When it is dark,
we do not see how dusty and dirty
our house is.
Only when the place
is flooded with sunlight,
do we realise its awful condition.
So, we need the light of God’s grace
to show us the real state of our soul
and to induce us
to clean up our hearts!

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

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

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

The love of Jesus is noble and generous,
it spurs us on to do great things
and excites us to desire always,
that which is most perfect.
Love will tend upwards
and is not to be detained by things beneath.
Love will be at liberty
and free from all worldly affections…
for love proceeds from God
and cannot rest but in God,
above all things created.
The lover flies, runs and rejoices,
he is free and not held.
He gives all for all and has all in all,
because he rests in One Sovereign Good above all,
from Whom all good flows and proceeds.

Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)
(Book III, Chapter V, 3-4)

Where is the heart that loves?
On the thing it loves.
Therefore, where our love is,
there our heart is held captive.
It cannot leave it;
it cannot be lifted higher,
it cannot go either to the right or the left;
see, it is fixed.
Where the miser’s treasure is,
there is his heart
and where our heart is,
there is our treasure.

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

Do not live any longer in yourself
but let Jesus Christ live in you in such a way
that the virtue of this Divine Saviour may be resplendent
in all your actions, in order that all may see in you
a true portrait of the Crucified and sense,
the sweetest fragrance of the holy virtues of the Lord,
in interior and exterior modesty,
in patience,
in gentleness,
suffering,
charity,
humility
and in all others that follow.

St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775)

Posted in FRANCISCAN OFM, Holy Name PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY NAME

Our Morning Offering – 11 January – Daily Prayer to the Most Holy Name

Our Morning Offering – 11 January – Within the Octave of Epiphany – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus”

Daily Prayer to the Most Holy Name
By St Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444)
Apostle of the Most Holy Name

Jesus,
Name full of glory, grace, love and strength!
Thou art the Refuge of those who repent,
our Banner of warfare in this life,
the Medicine of souls,
the Comfort of those who mourn,
the Delight of those who believe,
the Light of those who preach the true faith,
the Wages of those who toil,
the Cure of the sick.
To Thou, our devotion aspires;
by Thee, our prayers are received;
we delight in contemplating Thee.
O Name of Jesus,
Thou art the glory
of all the Saints for eternity.
Amen.