Quote/s of the Day – 19 April – “The Month of the Resurrection and the Blessed Sacrament” – Easter II – 1 Peter 2:21-25 – John 10:11-16 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“I am the Good Shepherd, I know Mine and Mine know Me.”
John 10:14
“Come, then and search out Thy sheep, not through Thy servants or hired men but do it Thineself. Lift me up bodily and in the flesh, which is fallen in Adam. Lift me up, not from Sarah but from Mary, a Virgin, not only undefiled but a Virgin, whom grace had made inviolate, free of every stain of sin.”
St Ambrose (340-397) Father and Doctor of the Church
“Christ acts like a loving mother. To induce us to follow Him, He gives us Himself as an example and promises us a reward in His Kingdom.”
St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Evangelical Doctor
“Christ said that the shepherd enters through the gate and that He is Himself the Gate, as well as the Shepherd. Then, it is necessary, that He enter through Himself. By so doing, He reveals Himself and through Himself, He knows the Father. But we enter through Him because through Him. we find happiness.”
St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor Angelicus / Doctor Communis
One Minute Reflection – 4 April – Holy Saturday – The Lord’s Vigil Mass of Easter, Blessing of the Fire, Prophecies, Blessing of the Font, First Mass of Easter – Matthew 28:1-7 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And the Angel answering, said to the women: Fear not you, for I know that you seek Jesus Who was Crucified, He is not here, for He is risen, as He said.” – Matthew 28:5-6
REFLECTION – “When the third day dawned of the Lord’s Sacred repose in the tomb … Christ, the “power and Wisdom of God” (1 Cor 1:24), with the author of death lying prostrate, conquered even death itself and opened to us access to eternity, when He raised Himself from the dead by His Divine Power in order to make known to us the paths of Life.
Then there was a great earthquake, for an Angel of the Lord came down from Heaven, with raiment like snow and his countenance like lightening. He appeared attractive to the devout and severe to the wicked – for he terrified the soldiers and comforted the timid women, to whom the Lord Himself first appeared after rising because, their intense devotion, so merited. Then He was seen by Peter, then by the disciples going to Emmaus, then by all the Apostles except Thomas. Later He presented Himself to be touched by Thomas, who proclaimed his faith: “My Lord and my God.” And thus, during forty days, He appeared in many ways to His disciples, both eating and drinking with them.
He enlightened our faith with proofs and lifted up our hope with promises, so as finally, to enkindle our love with gifts from Heaven!” … St Bonaventure (1217-1274) Doctor of the Church
PRAYER – O God, Who dost illuminate this most holy night by the glory of the Lord’s Resurrection, preserve in the new children of Thy family, the spirit of adoption which Thou hast given, that renewed in body and mind, they may render to Thee a pure service. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Quote/s of the Day – 30 March – Monday of Holy Week
I Beg Thee, Lord By St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226)
I beg Thee, Lord, let the fiery, gentle power of Thy Love take possession of my soul and snatch it away, from everything under Heaven, that I may die, for love of Thy Love, as Thou saw fit, to die for love of mine! Amen
“Now it is that we are to show an invincible courage towards our Saviour, serving Him purely for the love of His Will, not only without pleasure but amid this deluge of sorrows, horrors, distresses and assaults, as did His glorious Mother and St John, upon the day of His Passion. Amongst so many blasphemies, sorrows and deadly distresses, they remained constant in love …”
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 who 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!
St Eustasius (c560–c626),Abbot, Disciple of St Columban, Abbot of Luxeuil Monastery, (after its Founder, St Columban) Missionary and Founder of another Monastery in Bavaria, Miracle-worker. Patronages – against blindness and eye diseases, of all illness and sick people. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/29/saint-of-the-day-29-march-st-eustasius-of-luxeuil-c560-c626/
Martyrs of Nicomedia: Seven Christians who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know nothing else about them but the names of two – Pastor and Victorinus.
Our Morning Offering – 26 March – Thursday of Passion Week
O Holy Lord! By St Bonaventure (1217-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
O Holy Lord, Father Almighty, Everlasting God, for the sake of Thy bounty and that of Thy Son, Who for me, endured Suffering and Death; for the sake of the most excellent holiness of His Mother and the merits of all His Saints, grant unto me, a sinner, unworthy of Thy blessings, that I may love Thee only, may ever thirst for Thy Love, may have continually, in my heart, the benefits of the Passion of Thy Beloved Son, may acknowledge my own wretchedness and, may desire to be trampled upon and to be despised by all men. Let nothing grieve me, save my guilt! Amen
Our Morning Offering – 10 March – Tuesday of the Third Week in 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
Quote/s of the Day – 5 March – Ferial Day – Thursday of the Second Week in Lent – Jeremias 17:5-10 – Luke 16:19-31 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously everyday. And at his gate lay a poor man, named Lazarus…”
Luke 16:19–20
“Amen I say to you, as long as you did NOT do it for one of these least ones, you did NOT do it for Me.”
Matthew 25:45
“Give of your earthly goods and receive eternal ones; give earth and receive Heaven!”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church
“What is a man’s treasure but the heaping up of profits and the fruit of his toil? For, whatever a man sows, this too will he reap and each man’s gain, matches his toil and where delight and enjoyment are found, there the heart’s desire is attached. Now, there are many kinds of wealth and a variety of grounds for rejoicing – every man’s treasure is that, which he desires. If it is based on earthly ambitions, its acquisition makes men not blessed but wretched. … By distributing what might be superfluous to support the poor, they are amassing imperishable riches, so that what they have discreetly given, cannot be subject to loss. They have properly placed those riches, where their heart is – it is a most blessed thing, to work to increase such riches, rather than to fear that they may pass away.”
St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) ather and Doctor of the Church
“If thou wouldst see well, pluck out thine eyes and be blind; if thou wouldst hear well, be deaf and if thou wouldst speak well, become dumb; if thou wouldst advance, stand still and advance with thy mind; if thou wouldst work well, cut off thy hands and work with thy heart; if thou wouldst love much, hate thyself; if thou wouldst live well, mortify thyself; if thou wouldst gain much and be rich, first lose all and become poor and if thou wouldst enjoy peace, afflict thyself and be ever in fear and suspect thine own self; if thou wouldst be exalted and have great honour, humble and abase thyself; if thou wouldst be held in great reverence, despise thyself and do reverence to him who reviles thee; if thou wouldst that it should be well with thee, suffer all evil things and if thou wouldst be blessed, desire that all should speak ill of thee and if thou wouldst have true and eternal rest, then toil and suffer and desire to have every temporal affliction. O what great wisdom it is to know how to do and to work out these things.”
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! Furthermore, the beautiful custom of reciting the Marian Antiphon “The Angelus Domini” is attributed to Blessed Benedetto, meditating on the saving Mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God in Mary’s virginal womb. The Angelus Domini became a pious practice firstly to the entire Franciscan Order, then to the whole Church, as it still is today. Lovely Fr Benedetto!: https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/03/saint-of-the-day-3-march-blessed-benedetto-sinigardi-da-arezzo-ofm-c1190-1282-the-author-of-the-angelus/
St Anselm of Nonantola St Arthelais of Benevento St Calupan St Camilla St Cele-Christ
St Cunegundes (c975-1040) 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. Her Fervent Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/03/saint-of-the-day-3-march-st-cunegundes-c-975-1040/
St Foila St Frederick (c1121-1175) O.Praemof Hallum Priest, Abbot St Gervinus
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
Friday after Ash Wednesday – FASTING and ABSTINENCE
THE FEAST OF THE SACRED CROWN OF THORNS One of the “Seven Passion Feasts” – celebrated on the the Friday after Ash Wednesday. The first Feast in honour of the Sacred Crown of Thorns (Festum susceptionis coronae Domini) was instituted at Paris in 1239, when Saint Louis IX of France brought there the Relic of the Crown of Thorns which was deposited later in the Royal Chapel, erected in 1241–1248 to guard this and other Relics of the Passion. https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/16/feast-of-the-sacred-crown-of-thorns-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-friday-after-ash-wednesday/
St Leo of Catania (c720-789) Bishop, Defender of Sacred Images for which opposition he was forced to flee into exile for some years, Hermit. Born in c720 in Ravenna, Italy and died on 20 February 789 in Etna, Sicily, Italy, natural causes. St Leo was the 15th Bishop of Catania, Sicily, famed for his love and care for the poor, his brave opposition to the iconoclastic Government of the time and for his Miracles. Courageous St Leo: https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/20/saint-of-the-day-20-february-st-leo-of-catania-c720-789-bishop/ St Nemesius of Cyprus
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)
Our Morning Offering – 25 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Day!
Nativity Song By Blessed Jacopone da Todi OFM (1230-1306) (Today is the Feast Day of Blessed Jacopone)
The beautiful Mother is bending Low where her Baby lies Helpless and frail, for her tending But she knows the glorious eyes.
The Mother smiles and rejoices, While the Baby laughs in the hay, She listens to heavenly voices: “This Child shall be King some day.”
O dear little Child in the manger, Let me make merry with Thee, O King, in my hour of danger, Wilt Thou be strong for me?
One Minute Reflection – 18 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Ferial Day – Feast of Our Lady of Expectation – Ferial Day – Philippians 4:4-7 – John 1:19-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“[One is standing] in the midst of you, … Whom you do not know.” – John 1:26
REFLECTION – “The Lord is near.Have no anxiety [at all]” (Phil 4:5-6). This is what God the Father says in the Prophet Isaias: “I am bringing on My Justice,” – that is to say, His Son; “My Salvation shall not tarry. I shall put Salvation within Zion and give to Israel My Glory” (46:13). It is what today’s Gospel says: “One is standing in your midst, One Whom you do not know” Mediator between God and men, a Man (1 Tim 2:5), Christ Jesus, arises in the camp of this world, to fight the devil. As victor, He rescues man and reconciles him with God our Father. But you do not know Him!
“Sons have I raised and reared but they have disowned Me. An ox knows its owner and an ass, its master’s manger. But Israel does not know Me and My people have not understood” (Is 1:2-3). How close the Lord is to us! And we do not know Him! “I have fed My children with My blood,” He says to us, “as a mother feeds her children with her milk. I have raised the human nature I have taken, to which I am united, above the Choirs of Angels.” Could He show us greater honour? “And they have rejected Me. See whether there is any sorrow like Mine” (Lam 1:12) …
So, then, “have no anxiety at all,” for it is anxiety concerning material things which makes us forget the Lord!” – St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Franciscan, Doctor of the Church (Sermons for Sundays and Feast days, 3rd Sunday of Advent).
PRAYER – O God, Who, by the message of an Angel, willed to take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant that we, Thy suppliants, who believe her to be truly, the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with Thee. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Quote/s of the Day – 11 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Sirach 44:16-27; 45:3-20; Matthew 25:14-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“ Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
Matthew 25:21
“Blessed are you poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours …”
Luke 6:20
“Let us keep our eyes unceasingly fixed upon the Divine Ideal; let us work to realise, within ourselves, the perfection to which God wishes us to reach, in order to imitate His Divine Son.”
Columba Marmion (1858-1923) Abbot
“Christ acts like a loving mother. To induce us to follow Him, He gives us Himself as an example and promises us a reward in His kingdom.”
St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Evangelical Doctor
“Do not fix your longings on anything which you do not possess; do not let your heart rest in that which you have; do not grieve overmuch, at the losses which may happen to you – and then, you may reasonably believe that although rich in fact, you are not so in affection but that you are poor in spirit and, therefore, blessed, for the Kingdom of Heaven is yours.”
Saint of the Day – 11 December – Blessed Hugolinus Magalotti (Died 1373) Hermit, spiritual guide, Miracle-worker. A holy solitary so steeped in prayer, virtue and mortification that he became the target of the devil’s attacks, who sought constantly to lead him astray by ferocious temptations. Born in Camerino, Italy and died there om 11 December1373. Also known as – Hugoline, Hugolino, Ugolino. Beatified on 4 December 1856 by Pope Pius IX.
Hugolinus was a scion of the famous and noble family of the Magalotti. He was born toward the close of the fourteenth Century on an estate near the City of Camerino, Italy. His mother died while he was still quite young but his excellent father was deeply concerned about the education of the boy, so that nothing was left wanting. By his obedience, affection and other virtues, Hugolinus gave much joy to this father. His lively temperament caused him many a struggle but the the grace of God and the guidance of his father helped him overcome his evil inclinations.
As he grew older, Hugolinus applied himself to the study of the sciences. Spiritual books, however, held the greatest attraction for him. He read them constantly, impressed their lessons on his mind and heart and regulated his life accordingly. He did not speak much but his example edified everyone.
After his father died, the youth thought he heard addressed to him the words of our Lord to the rich young man: “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor” (Mt 19:21). Hugolinus did not hesitate a moment. He sold all his possessions and divided the proceeds among the poor, particularly the widows and orphans. Stripped of all material things, Hugolinus Magalotti withdrew to a hermitage, where he led a truly celestial life. Prayer and meditation were the nourishment of his soul and upon his body he imposed the severest fasts and mortifications.
The enemy of virtue did not neglect to attack him severely. He would tempt him by stirring up sensual desires and reminding him of the pleasures he could enjoy in the world. At other times, he would frighten him by appearing to him in horrible forms. But Hugolinus proved to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ; prayer, penance and especially trustful appeal to the Immaculate Mother of God, made him victorious in every struggle.
God rewarded the fidelity of His servant with extraordinary favours. Enlightened by God, he gave advice and consolation to the faithful, who approached him in great numbers. He miraculously restored health to many of them who were ill.
When Hugolinus perceived his end was drawing near, he became even more intimately united to God. Having received the last Sacraments several times, he died peacefully in the Lord in 1373. His body was laid to rest in the Church of St John the Baptist at Figni, Camerino and immediately the people began to venerate him. This veneration was approved by Pope Pius IX and Pope Leo XIII granted affirmation of his Feast.
Blessed Jerome Ranuzzi OSM (c 1410-c 1468) “The Angel of Good Counsel,” “The Blessed Bachelor,” Priest and Friar of the Order of the Servants of Mary, the Servites, Theologian, Adviser both spiritual and secular, renowned for his learning and scholarship, Penitent and Hermit with a great love of solitude and silence. His body is incorrupt and is still available for veneration in St Mary of the Servites, Urbano, Italy. His cult was confirmed on 1 April 1775 by Pope Pius VI with the title of Blessed. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Sant’Angelo in Vado always in the Marches, Blessed Girolamo, Priest of the Order of the Servants of Mary, who in solitude and silence reached the wisdom of holiness.” The Angel of Good Counsel: https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/11/saint-of-the-day-11-december-blessed-jerome-ranuzzi-osm-c-1410-c-1468-the-angel-of-good-counsel/
Blessed Severin Ott O.Praem. (1627-1708) Priest and Friar of the Norbertines or Premonstratensians.
Martyrs of Saint Aux-Bois – 3 Saints: Two Christian missionaries and one of their local defenders who faith in the persecutions of governor Rictiovarus – Fuscian, Gentian and Victoricus. They were beheaded in 287 in Saint Aux-Bois, Gaul (in modern France).
Martyrs of Rome – 3 Saints: Three Christians murdered in the persecutions of Diocletian for giving aid to Christian prisoners – Pontian, Practextatus and Trason. They were imperial Roman citizens. They were martyred in c 303 in Rome, Italy.
Quote/s of the Day – 26 November – St Leonard of Port Maurice OFM (1676-1751) Confessor, Priest and Franciscan Friar
“Avoid sloth, bad company, dangerous conversations and games; remembering that time passes and never returns, that you have a soul and, if you lose your soul, you lose all!”
Our Morning Offering – 26 November – “The Month of The Holy Souls in Purgatory”
A Short Act of Spiritual Communion By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Doctor of the Church
My Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love Thee above all things and I desire Thee in my soul. Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually, into my heart. As though Thou were already there, I embrace Thee and unite myself wholly to Thee, permit not, that I should ever, be separated from Thee. Amen
Quote/s of the Day – 6 Novemer – Within the All Saints Octave – Apocalypse 7:2-12; Matthew 5:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in Heaven.”
Matthew 5:12
“ Blessed are they who have not seen and have believed.”
John 20:29
“Be glad in that day and rejoice, for behold, your reward is great in Heaven,”
Luke 6:23
“May He, Who is the Track of the runners and the Reward of the winners, lead and guide you along it – He, Christ Jesus!”
Bl Guerric of Igny O.Cist (c1080-1157)
“Christ acts like a loving mother. To induce us to follow Him, He gives us Himself as an example and promises us a reward in His kingdom.”
St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Evangelical Doctor
“You will be consoled according to the greatness of your sorrow and affliction; the greater the suffering, the greater will be the reward.”
St Maria Magdalena de’ Pazzi (1566-1607)
“It is true that we require great confidence to abandon ourselves, without any reserve, to Divine Providence but, when we do abandon all, Our Lord takes care of all and disposes of all. But, if we reserve anything which we are unwilling to confide to Him, He leaves us, as if He would say: “You think yourselves sufficiently wise to manage that affair without Me – you can do so and see what will come of it!”
Quote/s of the Day – 24 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – The Feast of St Raphael the Archangel – Tobit 12:7-15, John 5:1-4 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“For it is good to hide the secret of a king but honourable to reveal and confess, the works of God.
Prayer is good with fasting and alms, more than to lay up treasures of gold.
For alms delivereth from death and the same is that which purges away sins and maketh to find mercy and life everlasting.
But they that commit sin and iniquity, are enemies to their own soul.”
Tobit 12:7-10
“I am the Angel Raphael, one of the seven, who stand before the Lord.”
Tobit 12:15
“Raphael frees us from the wrath of God which we incur by sinning against God. He does this by inducing us to pray earnestly. This is what Raphael the Archangel told Tobias in the twelfth chapter: “When thou didst pray with tears, I offered thy prayer to the Lord” the angels themselves, as far as they are able, try to reconcile us with God.”
St Bonaventure (1217-1274) Doctor of the Church
O Raphael, Divinely Sent Guide St Raphael Archangel, 24 October From the Ambrosian Breviary
O Raphael, divinely sent guide, graciously receive the hymn we suppliants address to thee with joyful voice.
Make straight for us the way of salvation and forward our steps, lest at any time, we wander astray and turn from the path to heaven.
Look down upon us from on high; reflect into our souls the splendour shining from above, from the holy Father of lights.
Give perfect health to the sick, dispel the darkness of the blin and while driving away diseases of the body, give spiritual strength to our souls.
Thou who standest before the Sovereign Judge, plead for the pardon of our crimes and, as a trusty advocate, appease the avenging wrath of the Most High.
Renewer of the great battle, crush our proud enemy; against the rebel spirits give us strength and increase our grace.
To God the Father be glory, and to His Only Son, together with the Paraclete Spirit, now and forevermore. Amen
Quote/s of the Day – 22 October – Ferial Day – Ephesians 4:23-28 – Matthew22:1-14 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“ Friend how did you come in here without a wedding garment?”
Matthew 22:12
“So then, have faith with love. This is the “wedding garment!”
St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Church
“Totally love Him, Who gave Himself totally, for your love.”
St Clare (1194-1253)
“Do much for God and do nothing without love: refer everything to this love; eat and drink with it in mind!”
(Letter to Madame de Chantal)
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of Charity
“What is it to serve God and to go to Heaven? Nothing else but to love!”
St Aloysius Gonzaga (1568-1591)
“You must be reconciled to your enemies, speak to them, as if they had never done you anything but good, all your life, keeping nothing in your heart but the charity, which the good Christian should have, for everyone, so that we may all appear with confidence, before the tribunal of God.”
St John Vianney (1786-1859)
Daily Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Prayers to the Sacred Heart 1936 – 15th Edition, Dublin
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, filled with infinite love, broken by our ingratitude and pierced by our sins, yet loving us still, accept the Consecration we make to Thee, of all that we are and all that we have. Take every faculty of our souls and bodies, only day by day draw us, nearer and nearer to Thy Sacred Heart, and there, as we shall hear the lesson, teach us Thy Holy Way. Amen
Quote/s of the Day – 19 October – St Peter of Alcantara OFM (1499-1562) Confessor
“Keep guard too, over the heart, banishing every kind of vain and idle thought, all alien emotions of love, all passionate and tempestuous movements. Clearly enough, these all impede devotion. Like the violin, if we would play on it, so also the heart, if we would pray and meditate, must be kept well tuned!”
“Keep watch too, over the senses, especially the eyes, the ears and the tongue, for through the lips, the heart is scattered and by eyes and ears, is it filled, with varied imaginings and with much which disturbs the pea,ce and repose of the soul. Hence has it been truly said, the contemplative soul should be as one deaf, blind and dumb, for the less he dissipates his energies abroad, the more will he be recollected within himself.”
“For the same reason, incline toward a solitary life, for it remove from the senses, not merely occasions of distraction and from the heart, occasions of sin but, it also invites a man to enter more into himself and to occupy himself with God alone, for to this, one is indeeh drawn by circumstances of place, when no alien company finds admittance.”
Our Morning Offering – 19 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – St Peter of Alcantara OFM (1499-1562) Confessor
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
St Altinus St Aquilinus of Evreux St Asterius of Ostia St Beronicus of Antioch St Columban — Priest in Tours, France. Listed in the Martyrology of St Jerome. No other details have survived.
St Desiderius of Longoret St Ednoth St Ethbin St Eusterius of Salerno
St Frideswide (c665-735) Virgin, Abbess, Founder of the St Mary’s Convent, Miracle-worker The Convent is now Christ Church College, University of Oxford and the Convent Church became Oxford Cathedral. Patronage – of the City of Oxford, England and of the University of Oxford. Her Holy and Zealous Life: https://anastpaul.com/2024/10/19/saint-of-the-day-19-october-saint-frideswide-c665-c735-virgin/
St Laura of Cordoba St Lucius of Rome St Lupus of Soissons St Pelagia of Antioch
St Varus and 6 Companions (Died c307) Martyrs, Soldier. Died in c307 by being tortured and then hanged from a tree on 19 October 307 in Kemet, Upper Egypt. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Egypt, St Varus, Solder under the Emperor Maximinus. He used to visit and comfort seven saintly Monks, detained in prison, when one of them happening to die, he wished to take his place and having suffered cruel afflictions, with them, he obtained the Palm of Martyrdom.” Their Lives and Deaths: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/19/saint-of-the-day-19-october-saint-varus-and-six-companions-died-c307-martyrs/
Quote/s of the Day – 15 October – St Teresa of Jesus of Avila OCD (1515-1582) Virgin
“Why should I fear the Judgement when my Judge will be my Best Friend?”
“He gives according to the love He bears us …, according to the courage He sees in each and the love each has for His Majesty. He will see, that whoever loves Him much, will be able to suffer much for Him; whoever loves Him little, will be capable of little. I myself hold, that the measure for being able to bear, a large or small cross, is love …”
“Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, Baptising them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20
“But, if Each One is distinct, how can we say that the Three are One Essence? For this is what we believe. This is deepest truth and I would die for it a thousand times. In these Three Persons there is but One Will and One Power and One Might; neither can One be without the Others. There is One Sole Creator of all created things. Could the Son create an ant without the Father? No! because Their Power is One. The same is to be said of the Holy Ghost. Thus, there is one God Almighty and the Three Persons are One Majesty. Is it possible to love the Father without loving the Son and the Holy Ghost? No, for those who please One of the Three Persons, please all Three Persons and those who offend One, offend all. Can the Father exist without the Son and without the Holy Ghost? No, for they are One in Being and where One is, there are the Three; they cannot be divided.”
AND by St Teresa’s Confessor, St Peter of Alcantara OFM (1499-1562) Confessor:
“Strain not after tears, strive not for sentiments of devotion, do not force your heart. Rest rather in interior solitude. Dwell therein quietly, waiting until God’s will be accomplished in you. When it shall please Him to send you tears, oh, how sweet will those tears be, for is not your impatience which has secured them – they are the fruits of humility and of peace. On your part, then, you must receive them with the deepest self-effacement, allowing God to work in you.”
St Teresa, who has written much in his praise, says among other things:
“He died as he had lived, a Saint and I have, after his death, received many graces from God, through his intercession. I have often seen him in great glory and when I saw him the first time, he said to me: ‘O happy penance, which has obtained so great a glory for me!‘”
Quote/s of the Day – 14 October – St Callistus I (c218- c223) Confessor, Pope, Martyr (and remembering St Bernard our Pilgrim today) – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11, Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God. ”
Matthew 16:16
“Arise my soul and review your deeds which have preceded you. Scrutinize them closely and shed the rain of your tears, declaring openly to Christ, our thoughts and deeds so that you may be justified.”
St Andrew of Crete (660-740) Bishop, Father of the Church
“We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become.”
St Clare (1194-1253)
“The greater and more persistent your confidence in God, the more abundantly you will receive, all you ask for.”
St Albert the Great (1200-1280) Universal Doctor of the Church
“Now it is that we are to show an invincible courage towards our Saviour, serving Him purely for the love of His Will, not only without pleasure but amid this deluge of sorrows, horrors, distresses and assaults, as did his glorious Mother and St John, upon the day of His Passion. Amongst so many blasphemies, sorrows and deadly distresses, they remained constant in love …”
Quote/s of the Day – 7 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – The Feast of the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary/Our Lady of Victory of Lepanto
“The Rosary is the most divine of devotions.”
St Charles Borromeo (1538-1584)
“… [I] resolved to recite a Rosary for anyone who caused me trouble. Then I heard the Voice from the Tabernacle say, ‘Your prayers for those who mortify you, are very pleasing to Me. In exchange, I am ready to grant you many graces.‘”
St Serafino of Montegranaro (1540-1604)
“The greatest method of praying is to pray the Rosary.”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
“Never will anyone who says his Rosary everyday, be led astray. This is a statement that I would gladly sign with my blood.”
St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)
“The Rosary is a powerful weapon to put the demons to flight and to keep oneself from sin… If you desire peace in your hearts, in your homes and in your country, assemble each evening to recite the Rosary. Let not even one day pass without saying it, no matter how burdened you may be with many cares and labours.”
St Pardulf (c658-c738) Abbot, Hermit St Renato of Sorrento St Romanus of Auxerre St Sagar of Laodicea
Martyrs of Capua – 4 Saints: A group of Martyrs who were either killed in Capua, Italy, or that’s where their relics were first enshrined. We now know nothing but their names – Aemilius, Castus, Marcellus and Saturninus.
Martyrs of Trier: Commemorates the large number of Martyrs who died in Trier, Germany in the persecutions of Diocletian.
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Quote/s of the Day – 4 October – St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226) Confessor, Founder
“But I say to you, Love your enemies …” Matthew 5:44
“Let us pay attention, all my brothers, to what the Lord says: “Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you,” for our Lord Jesus Christ, Whose footprints we must follow (cf 1 Pt 2:21), called His betrayer “friend” (Mt 26:50) and gave Himself willingly to those who crucified Him. Our friends, then, are all those who, unjustly afflict upon us, trials and ordeals, shame and injuries, sorrows and torments, martyrdom and death! We must love them greatly for we will possess eternal life because of what they bring upon us.”
“Alms are an inheritance and a justice which is due to the poor and which Jesus has levied upon us!”
Be strengthened in Almighty God and in the power of His might, for with His help, nothing is difficult. Throw off the heavy load of your own will, cast aside the burden of sin and gird yourselves as valiant warriors! Forget what you are leaving behind; strain forward to the great things before you. I tell you that every place where you set foot, shall be yours. For the Spirit, Who goes before your face is Christ the Lord. He will carry you to the topmost peak in the arms of His Love.”
“In beautiful things St Francis saw Beauty itself and through His vestiges imprinted on creation, he followed his Beloved everywhere, making, from all things, a ladder, by which he could climb up and embrace Him, Who is utterly desirable.”
St Bonaventure OFM (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
Our Morning Offering – 4 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – The Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226) Confessor, Founder
Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace. “The Peace Prayer” By St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226
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
AnaStpaul 
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