THIS festival has been kept with great solemnity on the 29th of September ever since the Fifth Century and was certainly initially celebrated in Apulia in 493. The Dedication of the famous Church of St Michael on Mount Gargano, in Italy, gave occasion to the institution of this Feast in the West, which is hence called in the Martyrologies of St Jerome, St Bede and others, ‘The Dedication of St Michael.’ About the Apparition of St Michael at Mount Gargano in 492: https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/08/saint-of-the-day-8-may-apparition-of-michael-the-archangel-at-monte-gargano-italy-492/
Bl John of Ghent St Liutwin of Trier (c660-c717) Bishop St Quiriacus of Palestine St Rene Goupil St Rhipsime Bl Richard Rolle St Sapor of Persia St Theodota of Thrace
Martyrs of Thrace – 3 Saints: Three Christian men Martyred in Thrace for their faith. They are – Eutychius, Heracleas and Plautus.
Quote/s of the Day – 20 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Vigil of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist – Wisdom 5:16-20; Luke 6:17-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.”
Luke 6:20
“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 Giles of Assisi (c1190-1262)
“If you seek an example of humility, look upon Him Who is Crucified, although He was God, He chose to be judged by Pontius Pilate and put to death. … If you seek an example of obedience, imitate Him Who was obedient to the Father “even to death” (Phil 2:8). “For just as through the disobedience of one person, Adam, the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of One, the many will be made righteous” (Rom 5:19). . If you seek an example of contempt for earthly things, imitate Him Who is “King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Tm 6:15), “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:3). On the Cross He was stripped naked, ridiculed, spat upon, bruised, crowned with thorns, given to drink of vinegar and gall.”
St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Angelic Doctor of the Church
“We must make many acts of humility before we can attain any proficiency in the virtue. Our acts of humility must consist, not merely in protesting to Almighty God that we are vile and worthless ,in His sight and in humbling ourselves before Him by reason of our many sins. Our acts of humility must be practiced towards others by being very gentle towards those who provoke us, by bearing contradictions with patience, by accepting disappointments with patience and rebuffs without complaint. All this is a gradual process and we must not expect proficiency in humility until we have long practiced these means to attain it.”
Quote/s of the Day – 19 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Hebrews 10:32-38; Matthew 24:3-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“But he who shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved.”
Matthew 24:13
“For patience is necessary for you that, doing the Will of God, you may receive the promise. For yet a little and a very little while and He that is to come, will come and will not delay.”
Hebrews 10:36-37
A Brother said to Brother Giles: “ Father, I have seen other men who received from God the grace of devotion and of tears in their prayers and I cannot feel in myself any such grace, when I go to worship God.” To whom Brother Giles answered: “My Brother, I counsel thee to persevere humbly and faithfully in thy prayers; for the fruits of the earth cannot be had without toil and labour applied beforehand and even after we have laboured, the desired fruit does not follow immediately but only in its season, when the fullness of time has come.”
Blessed Giles of Assisi (c1190-1262)
Grant Me, My God By St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Angelic Doctor, Common Doctor
Make my heart watchful, O God, so that no vain thoughts may distract it from Thee. Make it noble, so that it may never be seduced by any base affection. Make it steadfast, so that troubles may not dismay it. Make it free, so that it may not yield to the onslaughts of passion. Grant me, my God, the intelligence, to understand Thee, the love, to seek Thee, the wisdom, to find Thee, words, to please Thee, the perseverance, to wait faithfully for Thee and, the hope of embracing Thee, at last. Grant that I, a repentant sinner, may bear Thy chastisements with resignation. Poor pilgrim which I am, may I draw on the treasury of Thine grace and may I one day, be eternally happy with Thee in Heavnely glory! Amen.
“But, it is not all suffering which has this wholesome effect but only suffering borne with patience. If we are impatient, rebellious, unresigned – our suffering maybe an occasion of fresh trouble, rather than of peace. I must accept it from the Hand of God, if it is to bring with it that quiet tranquillity which I have never yet attained as I fight. I must bow my head and place myself in God’s Hands to suffer, as He pleases, whatever He pleases, as long as He pleases. This is the only road to solid peace!”
Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) (The First Fruit of Patience: – Peace)
Quote/s of the Day – 18 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Joseph of Cupertino OFM Conv (1603-1663) Confessor – 1 Corinthians 13:1-8; Matthew 22:1-14 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?”
Matthew 22:12
“If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And if I should have prophecy and should know all mysteries and all knowledge and if I should have all faith, so that I could remove mountains but have not charity, I am nothing!”
St Paul 1 Corinthians 13:1-2
“Love the Lord and so, learn to love yourselves that when, by loving the Lord, you shall have loved yourselves, you may securely love your neighbour as yourselves. … So then, have faith with love. This is the “wedding garment!”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
“Love God, serve God. Everything is in that!”
St Clare of Assisi (1191-1253)
“It is an old custom with the servants of God, always to have some little prayers ready and to be darting them up to Heaven frequently during the day, lifting their minds to God out of the filth of this world. He who adopts this plan, will get great fruit, with little pains.”
St Philip Neri (1515-1595)
“He who most loves, will be most loved.”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church
“What is it to serve God and to go to Heaven? Nothing else but to love!”
St Joseph of Cupertino OFM Conv. (1603-1663) Confessor, Religious Priest of the First Order of St Francis and Friar, Mystic, Miracle-worker. If ever a tiny child began life with nothing in his favour it was Joseph of Cupertino; he had only one hopeful and saving quality—that he knew it. … – Read on and be ashamed, for this is a Saint before the Throne of God! All about the this holy Flying Saint here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/18/saint-of-the-day-18-september-st-joseph-of-cupertino-o-f-m-conv-1603-1663/
St Ariadne
St Didier of Rennes (7th Century) Bishop St Eumenius Thaumaturgus
St Eustorgius of Milan (Died c349) The Ninth Bishop of Milan, Confessor, Defender of the Faith. Both St Athanasius and St Ambrose remember Eustorgius of Milan as one of the most steadfast and illustrious opponents of the Arian heresy. The Roman Martyrology says of him: “At Milan, St Eustorgius, Bishop of that City, highly recommended by blessed Ambrose.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/18/saint-of-the-day-18-september-saint-eustorgius-of-milan-died-c-349/
St Ferreolus the Tribune St Ferreolus of Limoges St Hygbald St Irene of Egypt
St Methodius of Olympus (Died c311) Confessor, Bishop, Martyr, Ecclesiastical Scholar and Author, renowned Theologian. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “The same da, [as St Joseph of Cupertino] the birthday of St Methodius, Bishop of Olympus in Lycia and afterwards of Tyre. Most renowned for his eloquence and learning. St Jerome says that he won the Crown of Martyrdom at Chalcis in Greece at the end of the last persecution there.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/18/saint-of-the-day-18-september-saint-methodius-of-olympus-died-c311-bishop-martyr/
Quote/s of the Day – 17 September – The Commutation of the Stigmata of Saint Francis of Assisi
“Alms are an inheritance and a justice which is due to the poor and which Jesus has levied upon us!”
“Lord, help me to live this day, quietly, easily. To lean upon Thy great strength, trustfully, restfully. To wait for the unfolding of Thy will, patiently, serenely. To meet others, peacefully, joyously. To face tomorrow, confidently, courageously.”
St Frances of Assisi (c1181-1226)
“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
“All the brothers should strive to follow the humility and the poverty of our Lord Jesus Christ … And they must rejoice when they live among people who are considered to be of little worth and who are looked down upon, among the poor and the powerless, the sick and the lepers and the beggars by the wayside. And when it may be necessary, let them go to seek alms. And they should not be ashamed but rather recall that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the living and all-powerful God … was a poor man and a transient and lived on alms, He and the Blessed Virgin and His disciples.”
(Earlier Rule, #8-9).
“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.”
Prayer in Praise of God By St Francis of Assisi (c1181-1226)
Thou art Holy, Lord, the only God and Thine Deeds art wonderful. Thou art Strong. Thou art Great. Thou art the Most High. Thou art Almighty. Thou, Holy Father art King of Heaven and earth. Thou art Three and One, Lord God, all Good. Thou art Good, all Good, Supreme Good, Lord God, Living and True. Thou art Love. Thou art Wisdom. Thou art Humility. Thou art Endurance. Thou art Rest. Thou art Peace. Thou art Joy and Gladness. Thou art Justice and Moderation. Thou art all our Riches and Thou art Suffice for us. Thou art Beauty. Thou art Gentleness. Thou art our Protector. Thou art our Guardian and Defender. Thou art our Courage. Thou art our Haven and our Hope. Thou art our Faith, our great Consolation. Thou art our Eternal Life, Great and Wonderful Lord, God Almighty, Merciful Saviour. Amen
Our Morning Offering – 17 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Feast of The Stigmata of St Francis of Assisi:
Crucis Christi mons Alvernae By St Francis of Assisi OFM (c1181-1226)
Let Alverna’s holy mountain That high mystery proclaim, Of the sigus of life eternal Which on blessed Francis came; While he sobbed and while he sighed, Grieving for the Crucified.
There, within a lowly cavern, Far from all the world withdrawn, As the Saint his watch was keeping, With incessant scourgings torn, Ever musing more and more On the wounds which Jesus bore;
As he prayed in cold and hunger; As he poured his glowing tears; In his fervent spirit mounting Far above terrestrial spheres, Every earthly thing forgot In his Saviour’s bitter lot.
Lo to him, in form seraphic, Borne upon a Cross on high, Six irradiant wings expanding Came the King of glory nigh, Gazing on him with a face Of benignity and grace.
He saw that tender glance returning, Saw th’ Incarnate Light of Light; Saw his gracious meek Redeemer, Robed in glory Infinite; Drank the words which from Him fell,– Words divine, unspeakable!
Straightway all the sacred summit Kindles like a flaming pyre; Holy Francis sinks enraptured Fainting with ecstatic fire And upon his flesh appear Christ’s immortal Stigmata!
Honour to the high Redeemer, Who for us in torments died, In Whose Image blessed Francis Suffered and was sanctified, Counting everything but loss For the glory of the Cross.
This Hymn is given in a Franciscan Breviary, printed at Venice in 1495, as the Hymn at first Vespers on the Feast of the Stigmata of St Francis 17 Sept (Paris, 1597).
The Five Sundays in Honour of The Sacred Stigmata (Feast 17 September)
All the faithful who, upon the five Sundays which immediately precede the Feast of the sacred Stigmata of St Francis of Assisi, OR upon any other five consecutive Sundays during the year, shall exercise themselves, either in pious meditation, or in vocal prayer, or in any other work of Christian piety, in honour of the said sacred Stigmata, a Plenary Indulgence is granted once a year, on each of the 5 Sundays, on the usual conditions.(Leo XIII, 21 Nov 1885).
Saint of the Day – 17 September – The Feast of The Stigmata of St Francis of Assisi
The Stigmata of St Francis From the Liturgical Year, 1903 Feast Day – 17 September
St Francis Receives the Stigmata, by Giotto, 1295-1300; originally painted for the church of St Francis in Pisa, now in the Louvre. The predella panels show the vision of Pope Innocent III, who in a dream beheld St Francis holding up the collapsing Lateran Basilica, followed by the approval of the Franciscan Rule, and St Francis preaching to the birds.
The great Patriarch of Assisi will soon appear a second time in the holy Liturgy and we shall praise God for the marvels wrought in him by Divine Grace. The subject of today’s Feast, while a personal glory to St Francis, is of greater importance for its mystical signification.
The Man-God still lives in the Church by the continual reproduction of His Mysteries in this His Bride, making her a faithful copy of Himself. In the 13th Century, while the charity of the many had grown cold, the Divine Fire burned with redoubled ardour in the hearts of a chosen few. It was the hour of the Church’s passion; the beginning of that series of social defections, with their train of denials, treasons and derisions which ended in the proscription we now witness. The Cross had been exalted before the eyes of the world – the Bride was now to be nailed thereto with her Divine Spouse, after having stood with Him in the pretorium exposed to the insults and blows of the multitude.
Like an artist, selecting a precious marble, the Holy Ghost chose the flesh of the Assisian Seraph as the medium for the expression of His Divine Thought. He, thereby manifested to the world, the special direction He intended to give to the sanctity of souls; He offered to Heaven a first and complete model of the new work He was meditating, viz: the perfect union, upon the very Cross, of the Mystical Body with its Divine Head. Francis was the first to be chosen for this honour but others were to follow and, henceforward, here and there through the world, the Stigmata of Our Blessed Lord will ever be visible in the Church.
Let us read in this light the admirable history of the event composed by the Seraphic Doctor. St Bonaventure, in honour of his holy father St Francis.
Two years before the faithful servant and minister of Christ, Francis, gave up his spirit to God, he retired alone into a high place which is called Mount Alverna and began a forty-day fast in honour of the Archangel St Michael. The sweetness of heavenly contemplation was poured out on him more abundantly than usual, until, burning with the flame of celestial desires, he began to feel an increasing overflow of these Divine favours. While the seraphic ardour of his desires thus raised him up to God and the tenderness of his love and compassion, was transforming him into Christ, the Crucified Victim of excessive love.
One morning, about the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, as he was praying on the mountain side, he saw what appeared to be a Seraph, with six shining and fiery wings, coming down from Heaven. The vision flew swiftly through the air and approached the man of God, Who then perceived that it was not only winged but also Crucified; for the Hands and Feet were stretched out and fastened to a Cross; while the wings were arranged in a wondrous manner, two being raised above the head, two outstretched in flight and the remaining two crossed over and veiling the whole body. As he gazed, Francis was much astonished,and his soul was filled with mingled joy and sorrow. The gracious aspect of Him, Who appeared in so wonderful and loving a manner, gave Francis exceeding joy, while the sight of His cruel Crucifixion pierced his heart with a sword of sorrowing compassion.
He, who appeared outwardly to Francis, taught him inwardly that, although weakness and suffering are incompatible with the immortal life of a Seraph, yet this vision had been shown to him, to the end, that he, Christ’s lover, might learn how his whole being was to be transformed into a living Image of Christ Crucified, not by martyrdom of the flesh but by the burning ardour of his soul. After a mysterious and familiar colloquy, the Vision disappeared, leaving the Saint’s mind burning with Seraphic ardour and his flesh impressed with an exact image of the Crucified, as though, after the melting power of that fire, it had next been stamped with a seal. For immediately, the marks of nails began to appear in his hands and feet, their heads showing in the palms of his hands and the upper part of his feet and their points visible on the other side. There was also a red scar on his right side, as if it had been wounded by a lance and from which blood often flowed staining his tunic and underclothing.
Francis, now a new man, honoured by this new and amazing miracle and, by a hitherto unheard of privilege, adorned with the Sacred Stigmata, came down from the mountain bearing with him the Image of the Crucified, not carved in wood or stone by the hand of an artist but engraved upon his flesh by the Finger of the living God. The seraphic man well knew that it is good to hide the secret of the King; wherefore, having been thus admitted into His King’s confidence, he strove, as far as in him lay, to conceal the Sacred marks. But it belongs to God to reveal the great things which he himself has done and hence, after impressing those signs upon Francis in secret, He publicly worked miracles by means of them, revealing the hidden and wondrous power of the Stigmata. by the signs wrought through them.
Pope Benedict XI. willed that this wonderful event, which is so well attested and in Pontifical diplomas has been honoured with the greatest praises and favours, should be celebrated by a yearly solemnity. Afterwards, Pope Paul V., wishing the hearts of all the faithful to be enkindled with the love of Christ Crucified, extended the Feast to the whole Church.
St Agathoclia St Brogan of Ross Tuirc Blessed Cherubino Testa OSA (1451-1479) Priest, Friar St Columba of Cordova St Crescentio of Rome St Emmanuel Nguyen Van Trieu St Flocellus
St Francis Mary of Camporosso OFM Cap (1804-1866) Lay Friar of the Friars Minor Capuchin Branch, “Quaestor” or Alms collector, as well as humble services such as Infirmarian, Cook, Gardener, Sacristan, gentle carer of the Poor, the sick, the imprisoned, the needy of all kinds, both spiritual and material. Francesco was gifted with immense graces to touch the hearts of all, both small and great and to listen and advise, often blessed with the gifts of prophecy and mind-reading. Born Giovanni Evangelista Croese on 27 December 1804 at Camporosso, Liguria, Kingdom of Sardinia. Italy and died on 17 September 1866 (aged 61) at Genoa, Italy. P The Beloved Questor: https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/11/saint-of-the-day-11-may-st-francesco-maria-da-camporosso-ofm-cap-1804-1866-the-beloved-questor/
Quote/s of the Day – 15 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” and The Feast of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin
“The glorious Virgin paid our ransom as a courageous woman who loved with the compassionate love of Christ. In Saint John it is said: “When a woman is in labour she is sad that her time has come.” (Jn 16:21) The Blessed Virgin did not feel the pain which precedes childbirth because she did not conceive following the sin of Eve, against whom the curse was spoken. She felt her pain later – she gave birth under the Cross! Other women know bodily pain, she felt that of the heart. Others suffer from physical change; she, from compassion and love.”
St Bonaventure (1217-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
“Bid me bear, O Mother Blest, On my heart, the wounds imprest, Suffered by the Crucified!
An Indulgence of 50 days each time. Plenary Indulgence once a month under the usual conditions.
“The heart of Mary became, as it were, a mirror of the Passion of the Son, in which might be seen, faithfully reflected, the spitting, the blows and wounds and all which Jesus suffered.”
St Lawrence Justinian (1381-1455)
O Quot Undis Lacrimarum What A Sea Of Tears And Sorrow Breviary Hymn for the Feast of the Seven Sorrow Attrib. Bishop Callisto Palumbella OSM (1687-1749) Trans. Fr Edward Caswell COrat (1814–1878)
What a sea of tears and sorrow Did the soul of Mary toss To and fro upon its billows, While she wept her bitter loss; In her arms her Jesus holding, Torn so newly from the Cross.
Oh, that mournful Virgin-Mother! See her tears how fast they flow Down upon His mangled body, Wounded side, and thorny brow; While His hands and feet she kisses— Picture of immortal woe.
Oft and oft, His arms and bosom Fondly straining to her own; Oft her pallid lips imprinting On each wound of her dear Son; Till at last, in swoons of anguish, Sense and consciousness are gone.
Gentle Mother, we beseech thee By thy tears and troubles sore; By the death of thy dear Offspring, By the bloody wounds He bore; Touch our hearts with that true sorrow Which afflicted thee of yore.
To the Father everlasting, And the Son Who reigns on high, With the Co-eternal Spirit, Trinity in Unity, Be salvation, honour, blessing Now and through eternity. Amen
Attrib. to the Servite Bishop Callisto Maria Vincenzo Antonio Palumbella OSM (1687-1749), who also composed the Office for the Feast inserted in the Breviary in 1720. He was the Bishop of Terracina, Priverno e Sezze, Italy. This Translation by Fr Edward Caswell COrat (1814–1878)
Quote/s of the Day – 13 September – Our Mother of Grace!
“Mary, Mother of Grace, it becomes you to be mindful of us, as you stand near Him who granted you all graces, for you are the Mother of God and our Queen. Help us for the sake of the King, the Lord God and Master, Who was born of you.”
St Athanasius (297-373) Father & Doctor of the Church
“Today humanity, in all the radiance of her Immaculate nobility, receives its ancient beauty. The shame of sin had darkened the splendour and attraction of human nature but when the Mother of the Fair One par excellence, is born, this nature again, regains in her person, its ancient privileges and is fashioned according to a perfect model, truly worthy of God…. The reform of our nature begins today and the aged world, subjected to a wholly divine transformation, receives the first fruits of the second creation.”
St Andrew of Crete (c 650-c 740) Bishop, Theologian, Hymnist
“Thy name, O Mary, cannot be pronounced without bringing some grace to him who devoutly does so!”
St Bonaventure (1217-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
“The devils fear the Queen of Heaven, to such a degree that only on hearing her great name pronounced, they fly from him who does so, as from a burning fire!”
Our Morning Offering – 2 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross”
To Our Lady of Sorrows By St Bonaventure (1217-1274) Seraphic Doctor of the Church
O most holy Virgin, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ, by the overwhelming grief thou experienced when thou witnessed the Martyrdom, the Crucifixion and the Death, of Thy Divine Son, look upon me, with eyes of compassion and awaken in my heart, a tender commiseration for those sufferings and 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 of our divine Lord Jesus, and to thee, the Holy and Immaculate Mother of God. Amen.
Feast of the Seven Joys of Our Lady – This Feast is also known as “The Franciscan Crown,” The Seven Joys of the Virgin. Today was kept by the Franciscans as the Feast of the Seven Joys of the Virgin Mary. As an expression of the Seraphic Order’s devotional life, it corresponds to the Feast of the Holy Rosary, which began among the Dominicans and the observance on 15 September of the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin, https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/27/27-august-feast-of-the-seven-joys-of-our-lady-the-franciscan-crown/
St Agilo of Sithin St Angelus of Foligno St Anthusa the Younger St Arontius of Potenza St Baculus of Sorrento St Carpophorus St David Lewis St Decuman St Ebbo of Sens St Etherius of Lyons St Euthalia of Leontini St Fortunatus of Potenza
St Gebhard of Constance St Giovanni of Pavia St Honoratus of Potenza St John of Pavia St Licerius of Couserans St Malrubius of Merns St Narnus of Bergamo (Died c345) Bishopand Confessor St Phanurius St Poemen Bl Roger Cadwallador St Rufus of Capua St Sabinian of Potenza St Syagrius of Autun
Martyrs of Tomi – 5 Saints: A group of 17 Christians imprisoned and excuted for their faith during the persecutions of Diocletian. They miraculously were unburned by fire and untouched by wild animals. We know the names and a few details on five of them – John, Mannea, Marcellinus, Peter and Serapion. They were tied to stakes and burned alive; they emerged unharmed – thrown to wild animals in the amphitheatre; the animals ignored them; they were beheaded in 304 in Tomi, Mesia (modern Costanza, Romania).
Martyrs of Nagasaki – 14 Beati: A group of fourteen missionaries and Japanese native Christians, who were Martyred together for their faith. They died on 16 August 1627 in Nagasaki, Japan and were Beatified on 7 May 1867 by Pope Pius IX. They are – Blessed Antonius of Saint Francis, Blessed Bartolomé Díaz Laurel, Blessed Caius Akashi Jiemon, Blessed Francisca Pinzokere, Blessed Francisco of Saint Mary, Blessed Franciscus Kuhyoe, Blessed Leo Kurobyoe Nakamura, Blessed Lucas Tsuji Kyuemon, Blessed Ludovicus Matsuo Soyemon, Blessed Magdalena Kiyota, Blessed Maria Shobyoe, Blessed Michaël Koga Kizayemon, Blessed Thomas Sato Shin’emon, Blessed Tsuji Shobyoe.
One Minute Reflection – 25 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Louis IX (1214-1270) King and Confessor – Pemtecost XIV – Galatians l 5:16-24; Matthew 6:24-33 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“No man can serve two masters …” – Matthew 6:24
REFLECTION – “I firmly believe that you know the Kingdom of Heaven is promised and given, by the Lord, only to the poor (cf Mt 5:3) because, she who loves what is temporal, loses the fruit of love.
It is not possible to serve God and mammon, for either the one is loved and the other hated, or the one is served and the other despised; one clothed cannot fight another naked because she who has something to be caught hold of, is more quickly thrown to the ground: someone who lives in the glory of earth, cannot rule with Christ; it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (cf Mt 6:24).
Therefore, you have cast aside your garments, that is, earthly riches, so that instead of being overcome, by the one fighting against you, you will be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven through the straight path and the narrow gate (cf Mt 7:13-14).” – St Clare OSC (1193-1252) Foundress of the Poor Clares (1st Letter to Saint Agnes of Prague 25-29).
PRAYER – O God, Who transported Thy blessed Confessor Louis from an earthly throne to the glory of the heavenly Kingdom, by his merits and intercession we beseech Thee, to make us of the company of the King of kings, Jesus Christ Thy Son. Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
One Minute Reflection – 22 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary”and the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Octave Day of the Assumption – Ecclesiasticus 24:23-31; John 19:25-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Behold, thy mother” – John 19:27
REFLECTION – “The glorious Virgin paid our ransom as a courageous woman who loved with the compassionate love of Christ. In Saint John it is said: “When a woman is in labour she is sad that her time has come.” (Jn 16:21) The Blessed Virgin did not feel the pain which precedes childbirth because she did not conceive following the sin of Eve, against whom the curse was spoken. She felt her pain later – she gave birth under the Cross! Other women know bodily pain, she felt that of the heart. Others suffer from physical change; she, from compassion and love.
The Blessed Virgin paid our ransom as a courageous woman who loved the world and, above all the christian people, with merciful love. “Can a mother forget her infant or be without tenderness for the child of her womb?” (Isa 49:15) This can make us understand – the entire Christian people has come forth from the womb of the glorious Virgin! What a loving Mother we have! Let us take our Mother as our model and, let us follow her in her love. She had compassion for souls, to such an extent that she counted all material loss and every physical suffering as nothing. “(We) have been purchased … at a great price!” (1 Cor 6:20) – St Bonaventure (1217-1274) Franciscan, Cardinal Bishop of Albano, Theologian, Minister General of the Franciscans, Seraphic Doctor of the Church (The Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost – Conference VI, 15-21).
PRAYER – Almighty, everlasting God, Who in the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, prepared a dwelling place worthy of the Holy Ghost, graciously grant, that we, who are devoutly keeping the Feast of her Immaculate Heart, may be able to live according to Thy Heart. 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).
Saint of the Day – 21 August – Blessed Conrad Probus of Toul OFM (c1220-1297) Bishop of Toul, Papal Legate, Defender of the Church against secular interference. Born in c1220 in Tübingen, Wurttemberg (in modern Germany) and died on 2 May 1297 in onstanz, Germany of natural causes. Also known as – Konrad, Probus, … of Tübingen, Conrad Probus.
Conrad, later called Probus, was a Bishop of Toul in France, between 1269 AND 1279.
The central nave completed by Blessed Conrad
In 1245. although his qualities and his life of piety earned him the attention of his Bishop, he decided to become a Religious in the congregation of the Friars Minor.
We know that Pope Nicholas III, his fellow Friar of the Minors and friend, entrusted him with numerous missions, appointing him the Bishop of Toul in Lorraine, on 4 October 1279.
In the list of Bishops of Toul, his name is listed when the Diocese was vacant between the years 1269-1279. Conrad had to defend the rights of the Church against the City Officials. In 1285, having emerged victorious in various disputes, he built the central nave and the smaller ones of the Cathedral of Toul.
St Bonosus St Camerinus of Sardinia St Cameron St Cisellus of Sardinia St Cyriaca
Blessed Conrad Probus of Toul OFM (c1220-1297) Bishop St Euprepius of Verona St Fidelis of Edessa St Theogonius of Edessa St Gracia of Lérida St Hardulph St Joseph Nien Vien St Leontius the Elder St Luxorius of Sardinia St Maria of Lérida St Maximianus the Soldier St Maximilian of Antioch St Natale of Casale Monferrato St Paternus of Fondi St Privatus of Mende St Quadratus of Utica
Quote/s of the Day – 15 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven – Judith 13:22-25; 15:10, Luke 1:41-50 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
The Praises of Mary “Assumption” Poem by Saint Anthony
O how wondrous is the dignity of the glorious Virgin! She merited to become the mother of Him who is the strength and beauty of the Angels and the grandeur of all the Saints.
Mary was the seat of our sanctification, that is to say, the dwelling place of the Son Who sacrificed Himself for us.
“And I shall glorify the place where my feet have stood.” The feet of the Saviour signify His human nature. The place where the feet of the Saviour stood was the Blessed Mary, who gave Him His human nature.
Today the Lord glorifies that place, since He has exalted Mary above the choirs of the Angels. That is to say, the Blessed Virgin, who was the dwelling of the Saviour, has been assumed bodily into Heaven.
Mary, our Queen and Mother of Mercy By St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Evangelical Doctor of the Church
Mary, our Queen! Holy Mother of God, we beg you to hear our prayer. Make our hearts overflow with Divine grace and resplendent with heavenly wisdom. Render them strong with your might and rich in virtue. Pour down upon us the gift of mercy so that we may obtain the pardon of our sins. Help us to live in such a way as to merit the glory and bliss of Heaven. May this be granted us, by your Son Jesus Who has exalted you above the Angels, has crowned you as Queen and has seated you with Himself forever, on his refulgent throne. Amen.
Mary, Virgin most Blessed Mother of Mercy By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor of the Church (Prayer used as part of the Assumption Novena)
O Mary, Virgin most Blessed and Mother of Our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, through thy mercy I beseech thee, to come to my aid and to inspire me with such confidence in thy power that I may have recourse to thee, pray to thee and implore thy aid, in all needs of soul and body. Amen
St Alypius of Thagaste (Died 430) Bishop Bishop of the See of Thagaste (in what is now Algeria) in 394, Confessor, Reformer, Defender of the Faith against heresy, Lawyer, teacher, spiritual advisor. He was a lifelong disciple and friend of Saint Augustine of Hippo and joined him in his conversion (in 386; Confessions 8.12.28) and life in Christianity. He is credited with helping establish Augustine’s Monastery in Africa. Most of what is known about him comes from Augustine’s autobiographical Confessions. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/15/saint-of-the-dy-saint-alypius-of-thagaste-died-430/
Blessed Alfred of Hildesheim OSB (Died 874) Bishop, Benedictine Monk, Confessor, Founder of Essen Abbey, Hildesheim Cathedral, many Convents, Schools and Seminaries, Royal Spiritual Adviser to the East Frankish King Louis the German, Diplomatic Peacemaker, he was know for his great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. His Lifestory: https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/15/saint-of-the-day-15-august-blessed-alfred-of-hildesheim-osb-died-874-bishop/
Blessed Aimo Taparelli OP (c 1395-1495) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, widower and father, Reformer, spiritual writer. He served as an Inquisitor-General for his Order in the Lombard and Liguria regions of Italy and became a travelling preacher in Northern Italian Cities. His name means “defends the house with the sword.” Aimo was Beatified on 29 May 1856 by Pope Pius IX. Blessed Aimo’s zealous Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/15/saint-of-the-day-15-august-blessed-aimo-taparelli-op-c-1395-1495/
Blessed Alberto Berdini OFM Conv. (1385– 1450) Priest and Friaer of the Friars Minor Conventual, known as the “King of Preachers – Rex Praedicatorum” Disciple and companion of St Bernardine of Siena in his Missionary work in Italy., often called upon to assist in peace discussions between warring Cities. Born in 1385 in Sarteano, Tuscany, Italy and died on 15 August 1450 in Milan, Italy of natural causes. Blessed Albert’s Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/08/15/saint-of-the-day-14august-blessed-alberto-berdini-ofm-conv-1385-1450/
St Simplician (c320-c401) Archbishop of Milan and Successor of St Ambrose (340-397) Doctor of the Church in the Archdiocese of Milan, Teacher, Catechist, Writer, Mystic. St Ambrose used to call Simplician father, as a sign of spiritual relationship but they were also great friends. Simplician took also an active part in the conversions of both Alypius of Thagaste and Augustine of Hippo. The meeting between Augustine and Simplican occurred in Milan in 386 and it is recorded in Augustine’s Confessions. After his conversion, Augustine also called Simplician father and in 397 he dedicated to Simplician two books on the issue of predestination, known as De Diversis Quaestionibus ad Simplicianum. St Augustine, remembered and referred to him with deep gratitude, calling him the “spiritual father of my soul” and would submit his own writings to him to review and comment. Details of the life of St Simplician here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/08/15/saint-of-the-day-15-august-st-simplician-of-milan/
Martyrs of Nicomedia – 3 Saints: Three Christians Martyred together. No details survive but the names – Eutychian, Philip and Straton. They were martyred in Nicomedia, Bithynia (in modern Turkey).
Quote/s of the Day – 12 August – St Clare (1194-1253) Virgin
“We are to become vessels of God’s compassionate love for others.”
“Our labour here is brief but the reward is eternal. Do not be disturbed by the clamour of the world which passes like a shadow. Do not let false delights of a deceptive world deceive you.”
“Never forget that the way which leads to Heaven is narrow that the gate leading to Life, is narrow and low that there are but few who find it and enter by it and if, there be some, who go in and tread the narrow path, for some time, there are but very few, who persevere therein.”
St Deusdedit the Cobbler (6th Century)Confessor, Layman – Deusdedit was a poor layman shoemaker in 6th Century Rome, Italy. Patronages – shoemakers, of the poor. His name meaning, “dedicated to God.” The Roman Martyrology reads of him today: “At Rome, the holy Confessor Deusdedit, a working man, who gave to the poor, every Saturday, whatever he had earned during the week.” His Dedicated Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/08/10/saint-of-the-day-10-august-st-deusdedit-the-cobbler-6th-century-confessor-layman/
St Gerontius St Paula of Carthage
Martyrs of Alexandria – 260+ Saints: A large number of Christians who were Martyred in Alexandria, Egypt between 260 and 267 in the persecutions of Decius and Valerian, whose names have not come down to us and who are commemorated together.
Martyrs of Rome – 165 Saints: Group of 165 Christians Martyred in the persecutions of Aurelian. 274 in Rome, Italy.
Saint/s of the Day – 7 August – Blessed Agathangelus Nourry OFM.Cap (1598-1638) and Blessed Cassian Vaz Lopez-Neto OFM Cap (1605-1638) Martyrs, Friars of the Capuchin branch of the Friar’s Minor, Missionaries. Agathangelus was born on 31 July 1598 near Vendome, France and died by being stoned to death or hanged with the cords of his own Habit (records vary) on 7 August 1638 at Dibauria, Abyssinia. Also known as – Agathangelo Noury, Agathangelus of Vendome, Agathangelus Noury, Agathange Noury of Vendôme.
Agathangelus Noury joined the Capuchin Friars in 1619. He worked as a Missionary from 1629 until his death.
As Superior of the mission in Cairo, Egypt, he worked zealously to bring the Copts back to the unity of the Church.
When, in 1637, he was sent as Superior to the new mission in Ethiopia, he summoned Cassian Lopez-Netto to assist him.
Cassian was born in Nantes in 1607 and made profession in the Capuchin Order in 1623. In 1637, he joined his Superior in the new Mission in Ethiopia to spread the Gospel and evangelise the natives.
After a few months of missionary activity both were seized by the Abyssinians. As a reward for their apostolate both were crowned with Martyrdom in the City of Gondar in the year 1638.
They were Beatified on 1 January 1905 by St Pius X.
St Albert of Trapani O.Carm. (c1240-1307) Carmelite Priest, Confessor, Preacher, Evangeliser, apostle of prayer and a devout servant of the Blessed Virgin and the Passion of Christ. St Teresa of Jesus (1515-1582) and St Mary Magdalene de Pazzi (1566-1607) were especially devoted to him, the Bl Baptist Spagnoli (1447–1516) composed a sapphic ode in his honour. His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/07/saint-of-the-day-7-august-saint-albert-of-trapani-o-carm-c-1240-1307/
+Blessed Cassian Vaz Lopez-Neto OFM Cap (1605-1638) Martyr St Claudia of Rome St Donat St Donatian of Chalons-sur-Marne St Donatus of Besancon St Faustus of Milan St Hyperechios Bl Jordan Forzatei St Julian of Rome St Peter of Rome
Martyred Deacons of Rome – 6 Saints: A group of Deacons who were Martyred with Pope Saint Sixtus II. We know nothing about them but their names and their deaths – Agapitus, Felicissimus, Januarius, Magnus, Stephen and Vincent. They were beheaded on 6 August 258 in a cemetery on the Appian Way, Rome, Italy.
Martyrs of Como – 6 Saints: A group of Christian soldiers in the imperial Roman army. Martyred in the persecutions of Maximian. We know little else but the names – Carpophorus, Cassius, Exanthus, Licinius, Secundus and Severinus. c.295 on the north side of Lake Como, near Samolaco, Italy. Their relics in the church of San Carpoforo, Como, Italy.
Saint of the Day – 2 August – Blessed Frederic Campisani OFM (c1255-1335) Religious of the Third Order of the Friars Minor and Hermit, Mystic, Miracle-worker, Exorcist. Born in c1255 in Syracuse, Sicily, Italy and died on 2 August 1335 of natural causes. Also known as – Frederico, Frederick.
Federic was born in Syracuse to the noble Campisani family, between 1250 and 1260. Since boyhood, he was attracted to listening to the Word of God and, as soon as he could, he wore the Franciscan Habit as a penitent.
He retired as a solitary hermit in the Maddalena Peninsula, so called by a small Church dedicated to the holy penitent St Mary Magdalene which later became the place where Blessed Federic lived.
With the view of the immense sea, he lived a life full of virtue and full of miracles which occurred through his intercession. It is said that various possessed people were freed from the devil, various illnesses were cured and a dead man was resurrected. Frederic had been granted the gift of prophecy too and many came to him seeking spiritual advice and assistance.
On 2 August 1335, the solitary of the Magdalene fell asleep in the Lord, full of merits and amid the mourning of those who turned to him for help for their body and spirit.
The first canonical process in 1336 was desired by the Bishop of Syracuse, Pietro De Montecateno and in 1761, Bishop Giuseppe Antonio De Requesens ordered the canonical recognition of the the blessed Fredric’s Relics.
The devotion and cult fof Blessed Federic has had ups and downs over the Centuries and has resurfaced in our times, almost as if to show us the path of perfection to be sought in silence, in the immense noise of modern life. But if we manage to create silence around us, the contemplation of nature will return and we will still be able to listen to the Word of God as our Blessed Frederic did from childhood until death..
The Portiuncula Indulgence: An Indulgence which may be gained in any Church so designated by the Bishop, by all the faithful who, after Confession and Holy Communion, visit such Churches between noon of 1 August and midnight of 2 August, or on the Sunday following. The Indulgence is toties quoties and is applicable to the souls in Purgatory.
St Jonatus St Justin of Paris St Kenneth of Wales St Leontius of Perga St Maur St Nemesius of Lisieux Bl Orlando of Vallombrosa St Peregrinus of Modena St Rioch Bl Rudolph St Secundel St Secundus of Palestrina St Sophia St Verus of Vienne
Seven Holy Machabees – 8 Saints: “At Antioch, the Martyrdom of the Seven Holy Brothers, the Machabees and thei mother, who suffered under King Antiochus Epiphanes. Their relics were transferred to Rome and placed in the Church of St Peter in Chains.”
Saints Faith, Hope and Charity: The daughters of Saint Sophia. While still children, they were tortured and Martyred for their faith in the persecutions of Hadrian. They were scourged, thrown into a fire, and then beheaded.
Our Morning Offering – 27 July – Our Lady Mother of Mercy and Mary’s Saturday
Mary, our Queen and Mother of Mercy By St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Evangelical Doctor of the Church
Mary, our Queen! Holy Mother of God, we beg you to hear our prayer. Make our hearts overflow with Divine grace and resplendent with heavenly wisdom. Render them strong with your might and rich in virtue. Pour down upon us the gift of mercy so that we may obtain the pardon of our sins. Help us to live in such a way as to merit the glory and bliss of Heaven. May this be granted us, by your Son Jesus Who has exalted you above the Angels, has crowned you as Queen and has seated you with Himself forever, on his refulgent throne. Amen
St Aetherius of Auxerre St Anthusa of Constantinople St Arethas St Aurelius of Cordoba St Benno of Osnabruck (c 1020-1088) Bishop Bl Berthold of Garsten
St Ecclesius of Ravenna St Felix of Cordoba St Galactorio of Lescar St George of Cordoba St Hermippus St Hermocrates St Hermolaus St Juliana of Mataró St Lillian of Cordoba Blessed Lucy Bufalari of Amelia OSA (Died 1350) Virgin, Augustinian Oblate Prioress. Her body is incorrupt. St Luican
Blessed Maria Magdalena Martinengo OSC Cap (1687-1737) Nun of the Order of the Capuchin Poor Clares, Mystic with a great devotion to the Passion of Christ. She had a great horror of sin and devoted much time to contemplating death, and the Divine Judgement. The recognition of two miracles attributed to her direct intercession allowed for Pope Leo XIII to preside over her Beatification on 3 June 1900. Her Story: https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/27/saint-of-the-day-27-july-blessed-maria-magdalena-martinengo-osc-cap-1687-1737/
Bl Rudolf Aquaviva S.J. Bl Robert Sutton St Semproniana of Mataró St Sergius of Bisceglia Bl William Davies Bl Zacarías Abadía Buesa
Martyrs of Nicomedia – 3 Saints: Three Christians Martyred together. The only other information to survive are their names – Felix, Jucunda and Julia. Nicomedia, Asia Minor.
Seven Sleepers of Ephesus: A group of seven young Christian men who hid in a cave in hopes of avoiding the persecution of Decius in the year 250. Found and arrested, they were ordered by the pro-consul in Ephesus to renounce their faith; they refused and were sentenced to die. Legend says that they were walled up in their hiding cave, guarded by the dog Al Rakim; when the cave wall was breached in 479 – they all woke up! It is likely that the youths were tortured to death in various ways and buried in the cave. The resurrection story confusion came from the phrase “went to sleep in the Lord” which was used to describe the death of Christians and 479 is when their relics were discovered. Their names were Constantinus, Dionysius, Joannes, Malchus, Martinianus, Maximianus and Serapion. They were martyred in 250 in Ephesus (in modern Turkey); tradition says that they were walled up in a cave to suffocate but other records indicate that they were tortured to death in various ways. Their relics discovered in 479 and translated to Marseilles, France and enshrined in a large stone coffin.
Quote/s of the Day – 26 July – St Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Grandmother of Jesus.
St Anne, through her constant prayer, received, the Mother of God and then, became the Grandmother of God!
“Let my prayer come like incense before Thee, O Lord.”
Psalm 140:2
“Exercise your soul! Use keeps metal brighter but disuse produces rust. … So “No-one lights a candle and puts it under a bushel but upon a candlestick that it may give light.” For of what use is wisdom, if it fails to make those who hear it wise?”
St Clement of Alexandria (c150-c215) Father of the Church
“God accepts our desires as though they were of great value. He longs ardently for us to desire to and love Him. He accepts our petitions for benefits, as though we were doing Him a favour. His joy in giving, is greater than ours in receiving. So let us not be apathetic in our asking, nor set too narrow bounds to our requests; nor ask for frivolous things unworthy of God’s greatness.”
St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390) Father & Doctor of the Church
“Arm yourself with prayer instead of a sword; be clothed with humility instead of fine raiment.”
St Dominic OP (1170-1221)
“In prayer, the soul cleanses itself from sin, charity is nourished, faith is strengthened, hope made secure; the spirit rejoices, the soul grows tender and the heart is purified, truth discovers itself, temptation is overcome, sadness takes to flight, the senses are renewed, failing virtue is made strong, tepidity disappears, the rust of sin is rubbed away. In it are brought forth, lively flashes of heavenly desires and in these fires, burns the flame of Divine love. Great are the excellences of prayer, great its privileges. The heavens open before it and unveil therein, their secrets and to it, are the ears of God ever attentive.”
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St Peter of Alcantara (1499-1562)
“When you pray, let it be your intention to will God’s Will alone and not your own, as well in asking as in obtaining that is, pray because God Wills you to pray and desire to be heard, insofar and, no farther, than He Wills. Your intention, in short, should be to unite your will to the Will of God and not to draw His Will to yours. And this because, your will, being infected and ruined by self-love, often errs and knows not what to ask but the Divine Will, being always united to ineffable goodness, can never err.”
Bl Antonio of Olmedo St Bantu of Trier St Beatus of Trier St Cugat del Valles (Died c304) Lay Martyr St Ebrulfus St Fagildo of Santiago St Felix of Furcona St Florentius of Furcona St Glodesind of Metz
St Mordeyren St Nissen of Wexford St Olympiad of Constantinople St Paul of Palestine
Blessed Pietro Corradini OFM (1435–1490) Priest of the Franciscan Friars Minor, Confessor, Preacher, Spiritual Director. Pietro and a great devotion to the Holy Mother and constantly taught love of her. Fr Pietro served in several leadership positions within his Order. The Beatification process commenced not too long after Fr Pietro’s death and culminated on 10 August 1760 after Pope Clement XIII issued a formal decree that approved Corradini’s local ‘cultus’ thus naming him Blessed. A Special Child of Mary: https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/25/saint-of-the-day-25-july-blessed-pietro-corradini-ofm-1435-1490-priest/
St Theodemir of Cordoba
Martyrs of Caesarea – 3 Saints: Three Christians Martyred together in the pesecutions of emperor Maximilian and governor Firmilian – Paul, Tea and Valentina. 309 in Caesarea, Palestine.
Martyrs of Cuncolim, Goa, south western India– 20 Saints: On 15 July 1583 the group met at the Church of Orlim and hiked to Cuncolim to erect a Cross and choose land for a new Church. Local anti-Christian Hindu pagans, seeing the unarmed Christians, gathered their weapons and marched on them. One of the Parishioners, a Portuguese emigre named Gonçalo Rodrigues, carried a firearm but Father Alphonsus Pacheco stopped him from using it. The Hindu pagans, numbering at least 500, then fell upon them and killed them all without mercy. They were – • Alphonsus Pacheco • Alphonsus the altar boy • Anthony Francis • Dominic of Cuncolim • Francis Aranha • Francis Rodrigues • Gonçalo Rodrigues • Paul da Costa • Peter Berno • Rudolph Acquaviva • ten other native Christian converts whose names have not come down to us They were Martyred on Monday 25 July 1583 at the village of Cuncolim, district of Salcete, territory of Goa, India. They were Beatified on 30 April 1893 by Pope Leo XIII.
Quote/s of the Day – 24 July – St Francisco Solano OFM (1549 – 1610) “The Wonder Worker of the New World”
“How is it, my Lord Jesus, that Thou wast Crucified while I have Thy servants to care for me; Thou wast naked, while I am clothed; Thou wast struck with blows and crowned with thorns, while I have everything I need to satisfy my wants and give me consolation?”
“It is true that I am going to Heaven but on the strength of Christ’s Passion and Death; for myself, I am the greatest of sinners. But I will be a good friend to you when I reach my home in Heaven.”
“God chose Francis Solano to be the hope and edification of all Peru. the example and glory of Lima, the splendour of the Seraphic Order!”
From the Funeral Oration in 1610
St Francisco Solano OFM (1549 – 1610) “The Wonder Worker of the New World
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