Quote/s of the Day – 4 January – “The Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus” – Octave of the Holy Innocents – Apocalypse 14:1-5 , Matthew 2:13-18 –Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me first.”
John 15:18
“He who raised Him from the dead will raise us also” (2Cor 4,14), if we do His Will and live by His Commands and love what He loved… Let us be imitators of His endurance and, if we suffer for His sake, let us glorify Him. For He set us this example Himself …”
St Polycarp (69-155) Apostolic Father, Bishop and Martyr
“Fix your minds on the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Inflamed with love for us, He came down from Heaven to redeem us. For our sake, He endured every torment of body and soul and shrank from no bodily pain. He, Himself, gave us an example of perfect patience and love. We, then, are to be patient, in adversity!”
“The recollection of an injury, is . . . a rusty arrow and poison for the soul.”
St Francis of Paola (1416-1507)
“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)
“I think He intends to try you like gold in the crucible, so as to number you amongst His most faithful servants. Therefore, you must lovingly embrace all occasions of suffering, considering them as precious tokens of His love. To suffer in silence and without complaint, is what He asks of you.”
St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690) “Apostle of the Sacred Heart”
“Our Lord, Who saved the world, through the Cross, will only Work for the good of souls, through the Cross.”
Quote/s of the Day – 2 January – The Feast and the Month of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
“Faith in Jesus and in the power of His Holy Name is the greatest spiritual force in the world today. It is a source of joy and inspiration in our youth; of strength in our manhood, when only His Holy Name and His grace, can enable us to overcome temptation; of hope, consolation and confidence at the hour of our death, when more than ever before, we realise, that the meaning of Jesus is ‘Lord, the Saviour.’ We should bow in reverence to His Name and submission to His Holy Will.”
Bl Henry Suso OP (1290-1365)
“The Name of Jesus, is in fact, the great foundation of the Faith that turns people into children of God. The Catholic Faith indeed, consists in the news of Jesus Christ, as Light of the soul, Gate of Life and Foundation of Eternal Salvation.”
“The Name of Jesus is the glory of preachers because the shining splendour of that Name causes His Word to be proclaimed and heard. And how do you think such an immense, sudden and dazzling Light of Faith came into the world, if not because Jesus was preached? Was it not through the brilliance and sweet savour of this Name that God called us into His marvelous Light?”
Saint of the Day – 29 December – Blessed Gérard Cagnoli OFM (c 1267-1342) Confessor, Hermit, Lay Brother of the Friars Minor, graced with the gift of visions and prophecy. He was known for miracles, in addition to his humble, simple childlike nature which people believed was one of the signs of his holiness. Born in c 1267 at Valencia, Italy and died in c 1342 of natural causes. Also known as – Gerardo, Gerardus. Beatified on 13 May 1908 by Pope Saint Pius X.
Gerard was born in Valencia near the River Po and belonged to the noble family of the Cagnoli. For fourteen years his mother lay ill and during all this time, Gerard waited on her with the tender devotion of a loving son. After her death, he distributed his inheritance among the poor and, impelled by motives of piety, he set out to visit the more notable Shrines of Italy.
Then going onto Sicily, he chose for himself a cell at the foot of Mt Etna, where he planned to live in perfect seclusion and to devote himself entirely to God and to the salvation of his soul. It was Christian prudence on the part of Blessed Gerard, to renounce all his possessions, all honours and pleasures, to live apart from the world and devote himself to those matters which pertain to Heaven and to eternity.
In 1307, moved, by the fame of the virtue and miracles of St Louis the Bishop of Toulouse (1274-,1297)* who was a Franciscan, he hastened to obtain admission into the Franciscan Order. From Randazzo, where he had been invested, he was transferred to Palermo. Here he took great delight in performing the humblest duties. As a cook and later on, as porter, he gained the esteem of his confreres, as well as of the people, by his conscientiousness, his spirit of prayer and his charity towards others, especially towards the poor and needy.
God Almighty favoured Blessed Gerard with the gift of prophecy and other graces. After the Blessed Virgin acquainted him with the time of his death, he peacefully surrendered his soul to Him to Whom he had dedicated all his thoughts and affections. Gerard died in the year 1342 at the age of seventy-five. His body rests in the Church of St Francis at Palermo.
The Sicilian people revered Cagnoli as a saint after his death and the fame of his holiness and miracles, spread throughout Italian regions, as far north as Liguria.
Pope Pius X ratified the veneration paid to Blessed Gerard Cagnoli from time immemorial, placing his name among the Blessed of the Church.
Prayer of the Church: Grant, we beseech Thee, O Almighty God, that spurred on to a better life by the example of Blessed Gerard, Thy Confessor, we may be led to imitate the life of him whose festival we commemorate. Through the same Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee and the Holy Ghost, forever and ever.. Amen.
Quote/s of the Day – 25 December – The Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Day
“Open wide your door to the One Who comes. Open your soul, throw open the depths of your heart to see the riches of simplicity, the treasures of peace, the sweetness of grace. Open your heart and run to meet the Sun of Eternal light that illuminates all men.”
St Ambrose (340-397) Father and Doctor of the Church
“Christ is the Morning Star, Who, when the night of this world is past, gives to His saints, the promise of the light of life, and opens everlasting day.”
St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Father & Doctor of the Church
“Let all your desires then, be directed toward Him, the Infinite One, the Giver of all Good.”
Bl Jacopone da Todi (1230-1306)
A Child My Choice By St Robert Southwell (1561-1595) Martyr
Let folly praise that fancy loves, I praise and love that Child Whose heart no thought, Whose tongue no word, Whose hand no deed defiled.
I praise Him most, I love Him best, all praise and love is His; While Him I love, in Him I live and cannot live amiss.
Love’s sweetest mark, laud’s highest theme, man’s most desired light, To love Him life, to leave Him death, to live in Him delight.
He mine by gift, I His by debt, thus each to other due; First friend He was, best friend He is, all times will try Him true.
Though young, yet wise; though small, yet strong; though man, yet God He is: As wise, He knows; as strong, He can; as God, He loves to bless.
His knowledge rules, His strength defends, His love doth cherish all; His birth our joy, His life our light, His death our end of thrall.
Alas! He weeps, He sighs, He pants, yet do His angels sing; Out of His tears, His sighs and throbs, doth bud a joyful spring.
Almighty Babe, Whose tender arms can force all foes to fly, Correct my faults, protect my life, direct me when I die!
Moonless Darkness By Fr Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ (1844-1889)
Moonless darkness stands between. Past, the Past, no more be seen! But the Bethlehem-Star may lead me To the sight of Him, Who freed me From the self that I have been. Make me pure, Lord, Thou art holy; Make me meek, Lord, Thou wert lowly. Now beginning and alway, Now begin, on Christmas Day.
‘Ex Ore Infantium’ (From the Mouth of Chrildren) By Francis Thompson (1859–1907)
LITTLE Jesus, wast Thou shy Once and just so small as I? And what did it feel like to be Out of Heaven and just like me? Didst Thou sometimes think of there, And ask where all the Angels were? I should think that I would cry For my house all made of sky; I would look about the air, And wonder where my Angels were; And at waking ’twould distress me— Not an Angel there to dress me!
Hadst Thou ever any toys, Like us little girls and boys? And didst Thou play in Heaven with all The Angels that were not too tall, With stars for marbles? Did the things Play Can you see me? through their wings? And did thy Mother let Thee spoil Thy robes, with playing on our soil? How nice to have them always new In Heaven because ’twas quite clean blue!
Didst Thou kneel at night to pray And didst Thou join thy hands, this way? And did they tire sometimes, being young, And make the prayer seem very long? And dost Thou like it best, that we Should join our hands to pray to Thee? I used to think, before I knew, The prayer not said unless we do. And did thy Mother at the night Kiss Thee and fold the clothes in right? And didst Thou feel quite good in bed, Kiss’d and sweet and Thy prayers said?
Thou canst not have forgotten all That it feels like to be small And Thou know’st I cannot pray To Thee in my father’s way— When Thou wast so little, say, Couldst Thou talk thy Father’s way?— So, a little Child, come down And hear a child’s tongue like thy own; Take me by the hand and walk And listen to my baby-talk. To Thy Father show my prayer (He will look, Thou art so fair), And say: ‘O Father, I, Thy Son, Bring the prayer of a little one.’
And He will smile that children’s tongue, Has not changed, since Thou wast young!
Francis Joseph Thompson (16 December 1859 – 13 November 1907) was an English Poet and Catholic Mystic. One of his most famous works is the rivetting “The Hound of Heaven.” Among Thompson’s devotees was the young JR R Tolkien, who purchased a volume of Thompson’s works in 1913–1914 and later said that, it was an important influence on his own writing
Saint of the Day – 25 December – Blessed Bentivoglio de Bonis OFM (1188-1232) Confessor, Priest and Friar of the Friars’ Minor of St Francis, Noted preachers, Miracle worker , Ecstatic and visionary. One of Saint Francis of Assisi’s earliest disciples and one of first Franciscans. Born in 1188 at San Severino, Italy and died in 25 December 1232 at San Severino, Italy of natural causes. Also known as – Bentivolius Buoni, Bentivoglio de Bonis of San Severino Marche. He was Beatified on 30 December 1852 by Pope Pius IX.
Bentivoglio was born at San Severino in the March of Ancona, toward the close of the twelfth Century and belonged to the distinguished family of the Buoni or Bonis. About the time that he grew into young manhood, reports of St Francis and his newly founded Order reached his native town and shortly after, a Franciscan preached at San Severino. Bentivoglio was so impressed by his words and his whole appearance that he became eager to join the new Order.
Triumphing over the first objections of his father, Blessed Bentivoglio went to Assisi and received the holy Habit from the hands of St Francis himself. Soon, he distinguished himself among the brethren, by exceptional virtue. Especially noteworthy were his humility, his patience, his obedience and his childlike simplicity.
He possessed the rare gift of affording, both pleasure and edification, by his pious conversation about heavenly things. Although he seemed to say it all in an offhand manner, nevertheless, everyone felt that it came from a holy heart, some invisible power seemed to move them to strive for perfection. Once a bright star was seen shining on his forehead, it was a sign that he was filled with the fire of the Holy Ghost.
The piety and holiness of Blessed Bentivoglio was evident in his devout conversation. Just as one can tell by the ticking of a clock, whether everything is in proper working order within, so, as a rule, one can detect in a person’s conversation, how matters stand interiorly with him. He who thinks only of profits and gain, speaks continually of trade and business. He who is filled with self-love, speaks continually of himself and considers others unimportant. He who is vain speaks of clothes and beauty. He whose heart is not pure and clean, takes pleasure in indecent speech. He who has God in his heart, converses with pleasure about God and religious matters.
After he had become a Priest and confessor, Bentivoglio laboured with the blessed success in the holy tribunal of the Confessional. At prayer, to which he was most devoted, he was often seen in ecstasy, sometimes he was even raised high above the earth.
God glorified Blessed Bentivoglio by many other miracles before and after his death, so that, the veneration that was paid to him at his grave, in the Franciscan Church at San Severino, constantly increased. Pope Pius IX gave the Church’s approval to this veneration, thus declaring him Blessed.
Prayer of the Church: O God, who didst reveal Thy glory through the words and miracles of Thy blessed Confessor Bentivoglio, mercifully grant that through his intercession and merits, we may be directed to behold Thy sublime Majesty. Through Christ our Lord Who livest and reignest with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.
The Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Day! Celebration of the Anniversary of the Birth of Our Lord. In the earliest days of the Church there was no such Feast, the Saviour’s Birth was commemorated with the Epiphany by the Greek and other Eastern Churches. First mention of the Feast, then kept on 20 May, was made by Clement of Alexandria c 200. The Latin Church began in c 300 to observe it on 25 December, though there is no certainty that Our Lord was born on that day. Today, Priests have the privilege of saying three Masses, at midnight, daybreak and morning. This was originally reserved to the Holy Father alone – beginning about the 4th century he celebrated a midnight Mass in the Lateran Basilica (in which according to tradition, the manger of Bethlehem is preserved), a second in the Church of Saint Anastasia, whose Feast comes on 25 December and a third at the Vatican Basilica. Many peculiar customs of the day are the outcome of the pagan celebrations of the January calendar. The Christmas tree, of which the first known mention was made in 1605 at Strasbourg, was introduced into France and England in 1840. The Feast is a Holy Day of Obligation, preceded by the preparatory season of Advent and by a special Vigil – should it fall on a Friday it abrogates the law of abstinence. Of course, Christmas attracts an Octave, when this wonderful Mystery and Miracle is celebrated for eight days. https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/25/the-solemnity-of-the-nativity-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-25-december-2/ AND: https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/25/the-solemnity-of-the-nativity-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-25-december/ AND: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/25/25-december-the-solemnity-of-the-birth-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-2/
St Adalsindis of Hamay St Alburga of Wilton St Anastasia of Sirmium
Bl Artale St Basilée of the Via Latina Blessed Bentivoglio de Bonis OFM (1188-1232) Confessor, Priest and Friar of the Friars’ Minor of St Francis, Noted preachers, Miracle worker and visionary. One of Saint Francis of Assisi’s earliest disciples and one of first Franciscans. Bl Diego de Aro St Eugenia of Rome St Fulk of Toulouse
Martyrs of Nicomedia: 20,000 Christians Martyred by order of Diocletian. They were reported to have all been in the single Basilica to celebrate Christmas. As the Christmas holy day was not celebrated in the East in 303, they were probably gathered for another feast. They were burned alive in 303 in the Basilica of Nicomedia.
St Besa of Egypt Bl Bincema St Dagobert II of Austrasia Bl Epifanio Gómez Alvaro St Frithbert of Hexham Blessed Hartmann OSA (c 1090-1164) Bishop of Brixen, Italy and Friar of the Hermits of St Augustine. Bl Herman of Scheda Bl James Aymerich
St Ivo of Chartres (c 1040-1115) Bishop of Chartres, France from 1090 until his death, Confessor, Reformer, Defender of the Faith, Lawyer, Canon Lawyer, Teacher and Theologian, Writer. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Chartres in France, Saint Ivo, Bishop, who re-established the Order of the Canons and did much work and wrote to promote harmony between the clergy and the civil powers and for the good of the Church.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-saint-ivo-of-chartres-c-1040-1115/
St John Cirita St John Stone St Mardonius of Rome St Mazota of Abernethy St Migdonius of Rome
St Servulus (Died c 590) Layman, Beggar, paralysed by Palsy from birth. Saint Servulus was a perfect model of submission to the divine Will; it would be difficult to offer a more consoling example to persons afflicted by poverty, illnesses and the other miseries of life. It is Saint Gregory the Great who narrates for us his edifying story. St Servulus’ Life of devotion: https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-saint-servulus-died-c-590/
Martyrs of Crete – 10 Saints: A group of ten Christians who died in the persecutions of Decius. They were – Agathopus • Basilides • Cleomenes • Eunician • Euporus • Evaristus • Gelasius • Saturninus • Theodulus • Zeticus They were martyred in 250 on the island of Crete.
Quote/s of the Day – 16 December – “The Month of the Divine Infant and the Immaculate Conception” – Friday of Ember Week in Advent – 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, Matthew 16:24-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“For he who would save his life will lose it but he who loses his life, for My sake will find it.”
Matthew 16:25
“Take nothing for your journey, neither staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; neither have two tunics.”
Luke 9:3
“Since happiness is nothing else than the enjoyment of the Supreme Good and the Supreme Good is above us, no-one can enjoy happiness, unless he rises above himself.”
St Bonaventure (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
“O you souls who wish to go on with so much safety and consolation, if you knew how pleasing to God, is suffering and how much it helps, in acquiring other good things, you would never seek consolation in anything; but. you would rather look upon it, as a great happiness, to bear the Cross of the Lord.”
St John of the Cross (1542-1591) Doctor of the Church
“Perfection consists in one thing alone, which is doing the will of God. For, according to Our Lord’s words, it suffices for perfection to deny self, to take up the cross and to follow Him. Now who denies himself and takes up his cross and follows Christ better, than he who seeks not to do his own will but always that of God? Behold, now, how little is needed to become a Saint? Nothing more than to acquire the habit of willing, on every occasion, what God wills.”
St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)
“Entrust yourself entirely to God. He is a Father and a most loving Father at that, Who would rather let Heaven and earth collapse, than abandon anyone who trusted in Him.”
All Saints of the Seraphic Order (Franciscan): the Church celebrates the many Franciscan Saints who followed in the footsteps of St Francis. It is a special day for all Franciscans to celebrate theFfeast of ‘All the Saints of the Seraphic Order.’ Also on this day in 1223, the final Rule of life for Franciscan Friars was approved. To commemorate this and all the saintly examples produced in the Franciscan Order, on this day all the Saints of the Seraphic order are remembered at Franciscan Churches throughout the world.
Bl Frederick of Ratisbon St Hardoin of Brittany St Illuminata of Todi St James of Saroug Bl Jutta of Heiligenthal St Paphnutius of Heracleopolis St Paramon St Philomenus of Ancyra St Radbod of Utrecht Blessed Redemptorus of the Cross OCD (1598-1638) Martyr,, Portugeuse Lay Brother of the Order of Discalced Carmelites. St Sadwen of Wales St Saturninus of Rome St Saturninus of Toulouse St Sisinius of Rome St Walderic of Murrhardt
Quote/s of the Day – 26 November – The Memorial of St Leonard of Port Maurice OFM (1676-1751) Confessor, Priest
“The Little Number of Those Who Are Saved” By St Leonard of Port Maurice
“Alas! The greater number of Catholics, the greater number of those who live here, perhaps even those who are in this assembly, will be damned! What subject could be more deserving of your tears?!”
“If you practice the holy exercise of Spiritual Communion, a good many times each day, within a month, you will see yourself completely changed.”
St Leonard of Port Maurice (1676-1751)
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 – 25 November – Sirach 51:1-8; 5:12, Matthew 25:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Watch, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
Matthew 25:13
Lord Jesus, Bind Me to Yourself
Lord Jesus, bind me to Yourself and to my neighbour, with love. May my heart not be turned away from You. May my soul not be deceived, nor my talent or mind, enticed by allurements of error, so that I may never distance myself from Your love. Thus, may I love my neighbour as myself, with strength, wisdom and gentleness, with Your help, You Who are blessed throughout all ages. Amen.
St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Evangelical Doctor of the Church
“The medicine of God, is Jesus Christ, Crucified and Risen, the measure of all things.”
St John Leonardi (1541-1609) Confessor, Priest, Founder
“Master, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”
Matthew 22:36
“That first and great commandment is not only profitable for the man who keeps it. or for God Who commands it – the other commandments of God also make perfect, him who obeys them, improves him, instructs him and makes him illustrious; in a word, they make him good and holy. If you understand this, realise that you have been created for the glory of God and for your own eternal salvation; this is your end, this is the object of your soul and the treasure of your heart. You will be blessed if you reach this goal but miserable if you are cut off from it.”
St Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621) Doctor of the Church
“O God, fullness of goodness, You do not forsake any, except those who forsake You. You never take away Your gifts, except when we take away our hearts. We rob the goodness of God, if we claim the glory of our salvation for ourselves. We dishonour His mercy, if we say He has failed us. … We blaspheme His goodness, if we deny that He has helped and assisted us. In short, O God, cry loud and clear into our ears: “your destruction comes from you, O Israel. In Me alone is found your help” (Hos 13:9).
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor Caritatis
“Entrust yourself entirely to God. He is a Father and a most loving Father at that, Who would rather let Heaven and earth collapse, than abandon anyone who trusted in Him.”
St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775)
“50 Maxims for Attaining Perfection” – all on the link below
Quote/s of the Day – 21 November – The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
“In her, God spun a garment with which to save us.”
Saint Ephrem (306-373) Father & Doctor of the Church
“Hail, holy throne of God, divine sanctuary, house of glory, jewel most fair, chosen treasure house and mercy seat for the whole world, heaven showing forth the glory of God.
Purest Virgin, worthy of all praise, sanctuary dedicated to God and raised above all human condition, virgin soil, unploughed field, flourishing vine, fountain pouring out waters, virgin bearing a child, mother without knowing man, hidden treasure of innocence, ornament of sanctity, by your most acceptable prayers, strong with the authority of motherhood, to our Lord and God, Creator of all, your Son, Who was born of you without a father, steer the ship of the Church and bring it to a quiet harbour.”
St Germanus (378-448)
“This fair olive-tree, led to the temple and, thenceforward planted in the House of God and cultivated by the Spirit, she, as a fruitful olive-tree, became the abode of all virtues.”
St John Damascene (675-749) Father and Doctor of the Church
“God Himself, with the whole heavenly court, made great rejoicings on that day, beholding His spouse, coming to the temple.”
St Bernardine of Siena OFM (1380-1444)
“Give thanks to Almighty God Who resists the proud and gives grace to the humble and offer Him all the glory that this Maiden accorded to His majesty by her practice of the richest humility during her childhood and throughout the rest of her life.”
St Margaret of Scotland (1045-1093) Queen Consort of Scotland Saint Margaret’s name signifies “pearl” “a fitting name,” says Bishop Turgot, her Confessor and her first Biographer, “for one such as she.” Her soul was like a precious pearl. Today is the date of St Margaret’s Death and the usual date for a Feast and in Scotland St Margaret is remembered today. But the Traditional Calendar holds her Feast on 10 June as set by Pope Innocent XII in 1693. About St Margaret: https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/16/saint-of-the-day-16-november-st-margaret-of-scotland-1045-1093-queen/
St Elpidius the Martyr St Eucherius of Lyon St Eustochius the Martyr St Felicita of Capua St Fidentius of Padua St Gobrain of Vannes St Ludre St Marcellus the Martyr St Othmar of Saint Gall (c 689-c 759) Priest, the First Abbot of the Abbey of St Gall in Switzerland. Bl Simeon of Cava
Saint of the Day – 13 November – Blessed Leone of Assisi OFM (Died 1271) Priest and Friar of the Friars Minor of St Francis, Confessor, Secretary and Companion of St Francis, commonly known as “Brother Leo.” Died at Assisi, on15 November, 1271. His date and place of birth is uncertain but is believed to have been in Assisi and not in Viterbo, as some writers have asserted.
Although not one of the original twelve companions of St Francis, Leo was one of the first to join him after the approbation of the first Rule of the Friars Minor (1209-1210) and perhaps was already a Priest. In the course of time, he became the Confessor and Secretary of the Saint, and from about 1220, o the time of Francis’ death, Leo was his constant companion.
Leo was with the “Poverello” when the latter retired to Fonte Colombo near Rieti in 1223 to re-write the Rule of the Order and he accompanied him on his subsequent journey to Rome, to seek its approval. During the following year. Leo was with the Saint on Mount La Verna, when Francis received the Stigmata. Francis called him “Frate Pecorello di Dio – Little poor one of God” because of Leo’s simplicity and tenderness. Leo nursed his master during his last illness.
Leo had entered deeply into the bitter disappointments experienced by the Saint during the last few years of his life and soon after St Francis’s death, he came into conflict with those whom he considered traitors to the Poverello and his ideal of poverty.
St Francis and Bl Leone contemplating morality by El Greco
After Francis’s death Leo took a leading role in the opposition to Elias of Cortona. Having protested against the collection of money for the erection of the Basilica of San Francesco, it was Leo who broke in pieces the marble box which Elias had set up for offerings, for the completion of the Basilica at Assisi. For this, Elias had him scourged and this outrage, on St Francis’s dearest disciple, consolidated the opposition to Elias. Leo was the leader in the early stages of the struggle in the Order for the maintenance of St Francis’ ideas on strict poverty.
Friar Leone (Detail) – “Saint Francis, Friar Leone and Friar Ginepro admire the sky” – modern bronze statues by Fiorenzo Bacci – “Eremo delle Carceri” at Assisi
He retired , thereafter, to a hermitage of the Order. Leo assisted at Saint Clare’s deathbed in 1253. After suffering many persecutions, by the dominant party in the Order, he died at the Portiuncula, in extreme old age and his remains are buried in the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi.
Much that is known concerning him was collected by Paul Sabatier in the “Introduction” to the Speculum perfectionis (The Mirror of Perfection). It was likely compiled after his death, based on stories that he told and in his writings.
Fiesta del Patronato de Nuestra Señora / Feast of the Patronage of Our Lady (1679):
Statue of Our Lady in Barcelona Cathedral
This Feast was first permitted by Decree of the Sacred Congregation of Rites, on 6 May, 1679, for all the Provinces of Spain, in memory of the victories obtained over the Saracens, heretics and other enemies, from the sixth century to the reign of Philip IV. Pope Benedict XII ordered it to be kept in the Papal States on the third Sunday of November. To other places it is granted, on request, for a Sunday in November, to be designated by the ordinary. The Office is taken entirely from the Common of the Blessed Virgin and the Mass is the “Salve sancta parens”. In many places the Feast of the Patronage of Our Lady, is held with an additional title of Queen of All Saints, of Mercy, Mother of Graces.
St Didacus de Alcalá de Henares) OFM (c 1400-1463) Confessor, Lay Brother of the Order of Friars Minor, Hermit, Mystic. Months passed before it was possible to bury Brother Didacus, so great was the number of people who came to venerate his remains. Not only did his body remain incorrupt but it diffused a pleasant odour. After it was laid to rest in the Franciscan Church at Alcalá de Henares, astounding miracles continued to occur at his tomb. Pope Sixtus V, himself a Franciscan, Canonised Brother Didacus in 1588. About this lovely Sainst: https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/13/saint-of-the-day-13-november-saint-didacus-ofm-c-1400-1463/
St Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917) Mother Cabrini, was an Italian-American religious sister, who founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, that was a major support to the Italian immigrants to the United States, Cardinal Mundelein of Chicago officiated at her funeral and in 1938 also presided at her beatification by Pius XI. She was canonised by Pius XII in 1946. She lies buried under the altar of the chapel of Mother Cabrini High School in New York City.(Memorial for the United States only ) – her Universal Feast Day is 22 December. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2017/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-st-frances-xavier-cabrini-m-s-c-1850-1917/
All Saints of the Augustinian Order: On 13 November – St Augustine’s Birthday, we celebrate the Feast of All Saints of the Augustinian Order. On this day we call to mind the many unsung brothers and sisters of the Augustinian family who have “fought the good fight” and celebrate now, in Heaven. Let us pray for one another that we too may one day join in the “unceasing chorus of praise” with all our Augustinian brethren in Heaven.
All Saints of the Benedictine & Cistercian Orders: Those interested in the Benedictine family may be interested to know that today, within the Benedictine liturgical tradition, is traditionally celebrated the Feast of All Saints of the Benedictine Order – In Festo Omnium Sanctorum Ordinis S.P.N. Benedicti. The Cistercians — who also follow the Rule of St Benedict — likewise observe this day for All Saints of their Order. (On a related note, the Benedictines also traditionally observe 14 November as All Souls of their Order.
All Benedictine Saints
St Benedict and St Bernard -1542
All Saints of the Premonstratensian Order or the “Norbertines.” The Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré, also known as the Premonstratensians, the Norbertines and, in Britain and Ireland, as the White Canons , are a Roman Catholic religious order of canons regular founded in Prémontré near Laon in 1120 by Saint Norbert, who later became Archbishop of Magdeburg. Premonstratensians are designated by O.Praem. following their name. St Norbert was a friend of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux and so was largely influenced by the Cistercian ideals as to both the manner of life and the government of his order. Aside from St Norbert there are at present fifteen saints of the Order who have been Canonised or have had their immemorial cults confirmed by the Holy See. St Norbert (c 1080-1134) “Defender of the Eucharist” and “Apostle of the Eucharist” – Bishop, Confessor, Founder. Patron for peace, invoked during childbirth for safe delivery, of infertile married couples. St Norbert here: https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/06/saint-of-the-day-6-june-st-norbert/
St Norbert
All Saints of the Norbertines
All Deceased Dominican Brothers and Sisters
St Abbo of Fleury St Amandus of Rennes St Amanzio St Beatrix of Bohemia St Brice of Tours (Died 444) Bishop St Caillin St Chillien of Aubigny St Columba of Cornwall St Dalmatius of Rodez St Devinicus St Eugenius of Toledo St Florido of Città di Castello St Gredifael St Himerius St Homobonus of Cremona St Juan Ortega Uribe Blessed Leone of Assisi OFM (Died 1271)Priest and Friar of the Friars Minor, Companion, Secretary and Confessor of St Francis. St Leoniano of Vienne St Maxellendis St Mitrius St Pope Nicholas I St Paterniano St Quintian of Rodez Bl Robert Scurlock Bl Warmondus of Ivrea
Martyrs of Caesarea – 5 Saints: A group of Christians murdered for their faith in the persecutions of Diocletian, Galerius Maximian and Firmilian. – Antoninus, Ennatha, Germanus, Nicephorus and Zebinas. 297 at Caesarea, Palestine.
Martyrs of Ravenna – 3 Saints: A group of Christians murdered together in the persecutions of Diocletian. The only information about them that has survived are three names – Solutor, Valentine and Victor. c 305 in Ravenna, Italy.
Martyrs of Salamanca – 5 Saints: The first group of Christians exiled, tortured and executed for their adherence to the Nicene Creed during the persecutions of the Arian heretic Genseric. – Arcadius, Eutychianus, Paschasius, Paulillus and Probus. Born in Spain and Martyred in 437. Their relics are at Medina del Campo, Spain.
Quote/s of the Day – 2 November – All Souls Day – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory”
“Remember, when you leave this earth, you can take nothing with you, which you have received, only that, which you have given.”
St Francis of Assisi (c 1181–1226)
“This death … has already levelled his bow to strike me. Is it not prudent to prevent its stroke, by dying now to the world, that at my death, I may live to God?”
St Francis Borgia (1510-1572)
“It seems to me, my daughters, that everything passes so quickly that we should be thinking more, about how to die, than how to live!”
St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582) Doctor of the Church
“The powers of hell will assail the dying Christian but his Angel Guardian will come to console him. His Patrons and St Michael, who has been appointed by God to defend his faithful servants, in their last combat with the devils, will come to his aid.”
St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
“It is not Death that will come to fetch me, it is the good God. Death is no phantom, no horrible specter, as presented in pictures. In the catechism it is stated, that death is the separation of soul and body, that is all! Well, I am not afraid of a separation which will unite me to the good God forever.”
St Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face (1873 – 1897)
Prayer for a Holy Death By St Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
My beloved Jesus, I will not refuse the cross, as the Cyrenian did; I accept it, I embrace it. I accept, in particular, the death Thou hast destined for me, with all the pains which may accompany it; I unite it to Thy Death, I offer it to Thee Thou hast died for love of me; I will die for love of Thee and to please Thee. Help me by Thy grace. I love Thee, Jesus, my love; I repent of ever having offended Thee. Never permit me to offend Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always and then do with me what Thou will. Amen
Saint of the Day – 2 November – Blessed Margaret of Lorraine OSC (1463-1521) Duchess of Alençon, Mother, Widow, Nun of the Poor Clares, Apostle of the sick, the poor and those suffering under unjust feudal lords. Born in 1463 as Marguerite de Lorraine-Vaudemont in Vaudemont Castle, Lorraine, France and died on 2 November 1521 at Argentan, Brittany, France of natural causes. Also known as – Margaret Lotarynska, Marguerite de Lorraine-Vaudemont, Margarita, Margherita, Marguerite. Margaret was Beatified on 10 March 1921 by Pope Benedict XV (cultus confirmed).
Blessed Margaret of Lorraine was born of the ancient noble family of the Dukes of Lorraine. Her earnest efforts to lead a virtuous life attracted attention very early in her life. After the death of her husband, Duke Rene of Alençon, she assumed the government of the Duchy. In this, she was guided solely by Catholic principles and by means of prudent economy, she managed to save a significant amount of materials which she used to render aid to the poor and the needy. She took particular pleasure in nursing the sick and the lepers. She built Churches, Convents and hospitals everywhere.
The subject matter taught in the schools and the instruction of the people were objects of particular solicitude to her. Hard-hearted landlords and selfish officials were dealt with by her, with the greatest severity.
Still, she remained very humble and spent a great part of her day in meditating on the sufferings of Christ and in performing works of penance.
In later years, after she had turned the government over to her son, she was invested with the habit of the Third Order. And when that no longer satisfied her desire for perfection, she entered the Convent of the Poor Clares at Alençon, which she herself had founded. Blessed Margaret aspired to perfection as a child, a woman, a ruler, a widow and finally as a religious and she succeeded in achieving her goal.
Every Christian is obliged to strive for perfection. It is not without reason that Our Lord says: “Be you, therefore, perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt. 5,48).
This obligation does not require the impossible of us. Everyone can love his neighbour, do good and overcome himself. We must, above all, bear in mind that perfection does not consist in external practices but rather, in the disposition of our heart. The motive must be the love of God. All for the love of God!
Blessed Margaret of Lorraine died a saintly death at the Convent at Alençon in the year 1521. Pope Benedict XV approved her veneration.
In 1792 the body of Blessed Margaret was exhumed and found incorrupt. Inside the casket was found a small reliquary which contained her heart.
During the French Revolution a group of Jacobins disinterred the saint’s body to profane it, later placing it in a common grave. Only the bones and the saint’s heart remain and are now at the Monastery of Clarisses at Alençon
All Saints Day – (a Holy Day of Obligation) Instituted to honour all the saints, known and unknown. It owes its origin in the Western Church to the dedication of the Roman Pantheon in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the Martyrs by Pope Saint Boniface IV in 609, the anniversary of which was celebrated at Rome on 13 May. Pope Saint Gregory III Consecrated a Chapel in the Vatican Basilica in honour of All Saints, designating 1 November as their feast. Pope Gregory IV extended its observance to the whole Church. It has a Vigil and Octave and is a Holy Day of Obligation – the eve is popularly celebrated as Hallowe’en. Patronage – Arzignano, Italy. ABOUT: https://anastpaul.com/2019/11/01/solemnity-of-all-saints-1-november/ AND: https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/01/1-november-solemnity-of-all-saints/ AND: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/11/01/1-november-the-feast-of-all-the-saints/
Unsere Liebe Frau von Heede / Our Lady of Heede, Queen of the Universe , Queen of the Poor Souls in Purgatory (1937-1945) – 1 November
St Amabilis of Auvergne St Austremonius St Benignus of Dijon St Cadfan St Caesarius of Africa St Caesarius of Damascus St Ceitho St Cledwyn of Wales Bl Clemens Kyuemon St Cyrenia of Tarsus St Dacius of Damascus St Deborah the Prophetess St Dingad Bl Dionysius Fugixima St Floribert of Ghent St Gal of Clermont St Genesius of Lyon St Germanus of Montfort St Harold the King St James of Persia St John of Persia St Julian of Africa St Juliana of Tarsus St Lluís Estruch Vives St Marcel of Paris St Mary the Slave St Mathurin St Meigan St Nichole St Pabiali of Wales St Pere Josep Almató Ribera Auras St Peter Absalon Bl Peter Paul Navarra Bl Petrus Onizuka Sadayu St Rachel the Matriarch
Saint of the Day – 31 October – Blessed Christopher of Romagna OFM (Died 1272) Priest, Friar of the Order of Friars Minor during the life of St Francis, Missionary, sent by St Francis to preach against the heretic Albigensians in France.and Founder of Franciscan Monasteries there. Born in the late 12th Century in the Romagna region of Italy and died in 1272 in Cahors, France, of natural causes. He was Beatified in 1905 by Pope Pius X. Also known as – Christophe de Romagne.
A Franciscan Friar – unknown name
Christopher had been a Priest for many years when the grace of God impelled him to ask our holy Father St Francis, for the Habit. In 1219 Blessed Christopher of Romagnola was sent to Guienne, in southern France, to establish the Order in those parts. He was a man full of holy simplicity and sincere love for the poor and the unfortunate. He took great pleasure in caring for the many persons who were afflicted with leprosy in those days and were outcasts of society.
Christopher was very severe with himself. He wore an iron shirt for a long time, and always a belt having sharp points. He ate but once a day even in his advanced age. He built a small cell for himself of branches and sticks and covered it with straw. But in spite of these rigorous penances, he was always cheerful of countenance and pleasant in his dealings with others.
The pleasant demeanor by which Blessed Christopher gained the hearts of so many sinners, was a virtue he had learned from St Francis. Father Christopher had seen how St Francis of Assisi dealt with his fellowmen, especially with poor sinners.
Portrait of an unknown Franciscan Friar
As in all things else, so in this matter, St Francis kept before his mind the example of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who always received sinners with kindness.
Realising the value of time, Blessed Christopher of Romagna never wasted a moment, always busily occupied in prayer, meditation, manual labour, care of the garden, or other work that benefitted his brethren. His kindness and affability attracted many sinners, whom he succeeded in converting. God frequently favoured him with extraordinary inspirations and so, it was revealed to him, that St Francis was about to die. He hastened from France to Italy and arrived at the Portiuncula shortly before the death of St Francis. He had the consolation of receiving the Saint’s last blessing.
When Christopher arrived at the age of nearly one hundred years, his earthly sojourn came to an end. While earnestly exhorting the brethren gathered about his deathbed, he surrendered his soul to God in the year 1272. In death Blessed Christopher of Romagna looked more like a person who had fallen asleep, than like a dead person. An unusual concourse of people assembled for his burial which took place in Cahors, France. Many miracles occurred after his death; and his cult as Blessed was approved in 1905. He was buried there at the Franciscan Monastery. Sadly his relics were destroyed by the Huguenots in 1580 when they burned down the Monastery
Vigil of All Saints Day or All Hallow’s Eve: Eve of the Feast of All Hallows, that is, All Saints Day. Halloween is a day on which many quaint customs are revived. It is popular in the United States and Scotland and in the US has become the second largest secular holiday of the year.
St Ampliatus St Antoninus of Milan St Apelles of Eraclea Sintica St Arnulf of Novalesa St Begu of Hackness Blessed Christopher of Romagna OFM (Died 1272) Priest St Epimachus of Melusio St Erth of Cornwall
Bl Irene Stefani St Jesús Miquel Girbau St Lucilla of Rome Bl Maria de Requesens St Narcissus St Notburga of Cologne St Quentin St Stachys of Constantinople
St Wolfgang of Regensburg (c 934 –994) “The Great Almoner,” Bishop, Monk, Missionary, Ascetic, Apostle of Charity. He is regarded as one of the three great German saints of the 10th century, the other two being Saint Ulrich and Saint Conrad of Constance. He was Canonised in 1052 by Pope Leo IX. St Wolfgang’s life: https://anastpaul.com/2019/10/31/saint-of-the-day-31-october-saint-wolfgang-of-regensburg-c-934-994/
Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit By St Bonaventure (1221-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
We beg the All-Merciful Father through You, His Only-Begotten Son made Man for our sake, Crucified and Glorified for us, to send upon us, from His treasure-house, the Spirit of Sevenfold Grace, Who rested upon You in all His fullness.
The Spirit of Wisdom, enabling us to relish the fruit of the tree of life, which is indeed Yourself. The Gift of Understanding: to enlighten our perceptions. The Gift of Prudence, enabling us to follow in Your Footsteps. The Gift of Strength: to withstand our adversary’s onslaught. The Gift of Knowledge, to distinguish good from evil by the light of Your holy teaching. The Gift of Piety, to clothe ourselves with charity and mercy. The Gift of Fear, to withdraw from all ill-doing and live quietly in awe of Your Eternal Majesty.
These are the things for which we petition. Grant them for the honour of Your Holy Name, to which, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be all honour and glory, thanksgiving, renown and Lordship forever and ever. Amen
Quote/s of the Day – 25 October – Feast of St Raphael the Archangel –
“Come, follow me”
Matthew 19:21
“… Now is the time in this life of suffering, when we journey apart from Him. … So let us fast and pray now because, we are in the days of childbirth!”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
“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)
“Better that only a few Catholics should be left, staunch and sincere in their religion, than that they should, remaining many, desire as it were, to be in collusion with the Church’s enemies and in conformity with the open foes of our faith.”
St Peter Canisius (1521-1397) Doctor of the Church
“What quality of attraction do I possess? My good example, rather than my words, will have a spiritual appeal for others, so that I shall be a living sermon. Words are heard but example attracts. It is a great misfortune for me, if my sins tepidity, or vices, are the true reflection of my spiritual state and lead others into evil ways too!”
Quote/s of the Day – 19 October – St Peter of Alcantara OFM (1499-1562) Confessor
“Truly, matters in the world, are in a bad state but if you and I begin, in earnest, to reform ourselves, a really good beginning will have been made.”
“Our Lord, in the Blessed Sacrament, has His Hands full of graces and He is ready to bestow them on anyone, who asks for them”
“No tongue is able to declare the greatness of the love which Jesus bears to every soul and, therefore, this Spouse, when He would leave this earth, in order that His absence might not cause us to forget Him, left us, as a memorial, this Blessed Sacrament, in which He Himself remained; for He would not, that there should be any other pledge to keep alive, our remembrance of Him, than He Himself!”
One Minute Reflection – 19 October – St Peter of Alcantara OFM (1499-1562) Confessor – Philippians 3:7-12, Luke 12:32-34 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” – Luke 12:34
REFLECTION – “For the man who loves God it is sufficient to please the One he loves; and, there is no greater recompense to be sought, than the loving itself. For love is from God, by the very fact, that God Himself is love. The good and chaste soul is so happy to be filled with Him that it desires to take delight in nothing else. For what the Lord says is very true: – ‘Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.’
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.
But those who enjoy the things that are above and eternal, rather than earthly and perishable, possess an incorruptible, hidden store, of which the prophet speaks: ‘Our treasure and salvation have come, wisdom and instruction and piety, from the Lord: these are the treasures of justice.’ Through these, with the help of God’s grace, even earthly possessions are transformed into heavenly blessings. It is a fact that many people use the wealth, which is either rightfully left to them or otherwise, acquired, as a tool of devotion. 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) Bishop of Rome and Great Western Father and Doctor of the Church (An excerpt from Sermon 92).
PRAYER – O God, Who graciously made blessed Peter, Thy Confessor, glorious by the gift of remarkable penance and sublime contemplation, grant, we beseech Thee, that, by the merit of his prayers, we may the more easily understand the things of Heaven by curbing our passions. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 19 October – 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.
Saint of the Day – 19 October – St Peter of Alcantara OFM (1499-1562) Confessor, Franciscan Friar and Priest, Mystic, Ecstatic, Writer, Preacher, Reformer, Hermit, Apostle of Prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, the Passion and Charity, Miracle-worker. Patronages – Nocturnal Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Brazil (named by Pope Pius IX in 1862), Estremadura Spain, night watchmen.
St Peter of Alcantara, Confessor By Father Francis Xavier Weninger (1860-1946)
St Peter was born in the year 1499, at Alcantara, in Spain. He became celebrated for his great piety and the austerity of his life and in order to distinguish him from other Saints of the same name, received the surname, “of Alcantara.”
Besides other signs of future holiness, Peter, when only seven years of age, evinced so great a love for prayer that he sometimes forgot to eat and drink. During the time of his studies, he kept his innocence unspotted in the midst of many dangers, by making prayer, the holy Sacraments and penances, its guardians. When hardly sixteen years old, he secretly left his father’s house and entered the Franciscan Order, in which he soon became a model of all virtues. After having finished his novitiate, he was charged with different functions, all of which he discharged most successfully. The office of preacher was the most agreeable to him. An incredible number of hardened sinners were converted by his sermons, in which he treated of penance and a reform of life.
The fame of his virtues and holiness gave additional weight to every word he uttered. Especially admirable, were the untiring zeal with which he practised all manner of bodily austerities and his continual communion with God in prayer. His whole life was one of extraordinary and almost unexampled mortification. He guarded his eyes so closely that he not only never looked on a woman’s face but knew his brethren only by their voices and, after a long sojourn in the Monastery, could not tell whether the choir and the dormitory were vaulted or covered with boards.
The cell he chose for his dwelling was so narrow that it was more like a tomb than the abode of a living human being and so low that he could not stand upright in it. He kept an almost continual fast and hardly partook, every third day, of some undressed herbs, bread and water. It even happened that during eight days he took no food whatever. He scourged himself twice daily with iron chains. He wore, day and night, a penitential instrument made of tin, pierced like a grater. For forty years, he allowed himself only one hour and a half of sleep at night and this, not lying down but kneeling, or standing with his head leaning against a board. The remainder of the night he occupied in prayer and meditation. As long as he lived in the order, he went barefoot and bareheaded, even in the coldest season. His clothing consisted of his habit and a short cloak, made of rough sack-cloth. He seemed to have made a comtract with his body, never in this world, to allow it any peace or comfort.
His union with God in prayer had reached so high a degree that he was often seen in ecstacy, or raised high in the air and surrounded by a heavenly brightness. The power of his holy prayers was experienced, not only by many hardened sinners but also by many sick, for whom he obtained health and strength. The inhabitants of the City of Albuquerque, ascribed to him their deliverance from the pestilence, for, as soon as Peter had called upon the Divine Mercy, the pestilence, which had most fearfully ravaged the City, disappeared.
The love of God, which filled the heart of the Saint, manifested itself in his intercourse and conversation with men, whom he endeavoured to inflame with the same love. This appeared in all his actions but especially, at the time of Holy Mass, when he stood like a Seraph before the Altar, his face burning and tears streaming from his eyes. When meditating on the Passion and Death of our Saviour, he was frequently so deeply touched, in his inmost heart that for hours, he was like one dead. His devotion to God would sometimes burn his heart so intensely, that to moderate his emotion, he would go into the fields to breathe more freely.
Having reached his fortieth year, he was chosen Provincial but endeavoured to refuse the dignity and when compelled by obedience to accept it, he regarded it as an opportunity to do good to those under his charge. God admonished him to restore the primitive observance in the Order, according to the Rule and spirit of St Francis. Although he could not but foresee, the many and great difficulties which he would encounter in this undertaking, still, trusting in God, he went courageously to work after having obtained the sanction of the Pope.
The Almighty visibly aided His faithful servant, for, in six years, the Saint had founded nine Monasteries, in which the mortification and the perfect poverty, which St Francis especially cherished, were observed in all the rigour of the first Rule. In the course of time, this renewed Order was disseminated throughout all Spain, to the great joy of the Saint. This and other labours which he performed, to the honoir and glory of God, made him greatly esteemed by everyone.
St Teresa, who lived at that period, asked his advice in her cares and doubts, whenever she had occasion and called him a Saint while he was yet upon earth. St Francis Borgia entertained great friendship for him and the praise of his great virtues resounded throughout all Spain. The Emperor Charles V. desired to make him his Confessor but the humble servant of the Almighty knew how to say so much of his incapacity for this office, that the Emperor abandoned the idea, to the Saint’s great joy. This became a new incentive for him to devote himself entirely to the service of God and the welfare of those in his care.
St Teresa of Jesus with St Peter of Alcantara
He had reached his 63rd year, more by a miracle than in a natural way, when he was visited by Providence with a severe illness, which soon left no hope of his recovery, as his body was entirely wasted away by the severity of his life, his painful journeys and his uninterrupted labours. He himself, was informed from on high, of his approaching end and he received the last Sacraments, with so deep a devotion that the eyes of all present were filled with tears. After this he fell into a rapture, in which the Divine Mother and St John the Evangelist, appeared to him and assured him of his salvation. Hence, regaining consciousness, he cheerfully recited the words of the Psalmist: “I have rejoiced in those things which have been said to me; We shall go into the house of the Lord.” Having said this, he calmly gave his soul into the keeping of his Creator, in the year of Our Lord 1562.
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!‘” The Roman Breviary testifies that, St Teresa, although, at the time of his death, far from him, saw his soul gloriously ascend into Heaven.
The biographers of St Peter, relate many and great miracles which he wrought, while he was still living. In the Breviary, we read, among other things, the following. “He crossed rapid rivers with dry feet. In times of great poverty, he fed his brethren with food which he received from Heaven. The staff which he placed in the ground, immediately became a budding fig-tree. Once, in the night-time, when he sought shelter from a snow-storm in a roofless house, the snow remained hanging in the air, above it and thus, formed a roof to protect him from being buried in the snow.” St Peter of Alcantara, pray for Holy Mother Church and for all her faithful Amen, amen!
One Minute Reflection – 15 October – St Teresa of Jesus of Avila OCD (1515-1582) Virgin and Doctor of the Church – 2 Corinthians 10:17-18; 11:1-2, Matthew 25:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” – Matthew 25:6
REFLECTION – “The souls’ husband is the Holy Spirit, by His grace. When His interior inspiration calls the soul to repentance, then every enticement of vice is in vain. The pride that wants command, the greed and lust that consumes everything: this was the master that used to control and ravage the soul. Their very names have been removed from the repentant sinner’s mouth… When grace is poured into the soul and gives it light, God makes a covenant with sinners. He is reconciled with them… Then is celebrated the wedding of the Bridegroom with His bride, in the peace of a pure conscience.” – St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Doctor of the Church
PRAYER – Graciously hear us, O God, our Saviour that as we rejoice on the feast-day of blessed Teresa, Thy Virgin, we may be so nourished by the food of her heavenly teaching, as to learn how to serve Thee.T hrough the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 4 October – St Francis of Assisi OFM (c 1181–1226) Confessor, Founder
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
Saint of the Day – 4 October – St Francis of Assisi OFM (c 1181–1226)
An Excerpt from The Little Flowers of St Francis of Assisi Translated from the 14th Century Fioretti (1905)
“In this book are contained certain little Flowers, namely, miracles and devout examples of the glorious poor Little One of Christ, St Francis and of some of his holy companions, to the praise of Jesus Christ. Amen.
In the first place, let us consider how the glorious St Francis, in all the acts of his life, was conformed to the life of that blessed Christ; that, as Christ in the beginning of His preaching elected twelve Apostles that they should despise every worldly thing and follow Him in poverty and in all virtues, so St Francis, for the founding of his Order, elected, in the beginning, twelve companions, who were to be possessors of nothing but an entire poverty.
And, as one of the twelve Apostles of Christ, rejected by God for his infidelity, finally strangled himself, so also, one of the twelve companions of St Francis, who was called Brother John della Capella, apostatised and finally, hanged himself in like manner. And this is to the elect, a great warning and a matter of humility and of fear, to cause them to remember that no-one is certain, to persevere to the end, in the grace of God.
As the blessed Apostles were wholly marvellous for sanctity and humility and full of the Holy Ghost, so the blessed companions of St Francis were men of such great sanctity that, since the time of the Apostles, the world had not seen the like; since one of them, like St Paul, was taken up into the third heaven and this was Brother Giles; another of them, namely Brother Filippo Longo, was touched on the lips by an angel, like the Prophet Isaias, with a coal of fire; another of them and this was Brother Silvester, spoke with God, as one friend with another, after the manner of Moses; another, by the purity of his soul, flew up to the light of the Divine Wisdom, like the eagle, St John the Evangelist and this was the most humble Brother Bernard, who explained, most profoundly, Holy Writ and another was sanctified by God and canonised in Heaven whilst still living on earth and this was Brother Ruffino, who was a gentleman of Assisi. And so were they all privileged with remarkable signs of holiness, as will be declared in the sequel . . .” –page 1 – 2
AnaStpaul 
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