Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on EDUCATION, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 3 December – St Francis Xavier

Quote/s of the Day – 3 December – St Francis Xavier SJ (1506-1552) Confessor

Are we in the habit of seeing all thing in God
and God in all things?
Do we accept all things from His Holy Hands
and do His Will cheerfully and lovingly?
Do we try to control ourselves when God sends
us sorrows, in addition to joy?
If we find we are in need of reform in this matter,
we should make good resolutions and fulfil them!

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

His Lord said to him:
Well done, good and faithful servant
because thou has been faithful over a few things,
I will place thee over many thing.
Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

Matthew 25:21

Ah! If only those who look for knowledge in study,
took as much trouble in looking
for the consolations of the apostolate,
as they give day and night to the pursuit of knowledge!
If only those joys which the scholar seeks
in what he is learning, he were to seek
in making his neighbour feel,
what he is in need of – to know and serve God,
how much more consoled he would
find himself to be and better prepared,
to give an account of himself,
when Christ returns and asks him:
“Give me an account of your stewardship

 (Letter of 15/01/1544).

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/12/03/quote-s-of-the-day-3-december-st-francis-xavier-sj-1506-1552/

St Francis Xavier (1506-1552)

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, I BELIEVE!, JESUIT SJ, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on MISSION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 3 December – “Go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” – Mark 16:15

One Minute Reflection – 3 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Francis Xavier SJ (1506-1552) Confessor – Romans 10:10-18 – Mark 16:15-18 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” – Mark 16:15

REFLECTION – “You have heard what the Lord said to His disciples after the Resurrection. He sent them out to preach the Gospel and they did so. Listen: “Through all the earth their voice resounds and to the ends of the world, their message” (Ps 18:5). Step by step, the Gospel has reached even to us and the ends of the earth. In a few words the Lord, addressing Himself to His disciples, set out what we are to do and what we have to hope for. Just as you have heard, He said: “Whoever believes and is Baptised will be saved.” He asks for our faith and offers us salvation. What He offers us, is so precious that what He asks of us, is as nothing.

The children of men take refuge in the shadow of Thy wings, O my God… from Thy delightful stream, Thou gives them to drink, for with Thee, is the Fountain of Life” (Ps 35[36],8f.). Jesus Christ is the Fountain of Life. Before the Fountain of Life came to us, we had only a human salvation like that of the beasts, of which the psalm speaks: “Man and beast you save, O Lord” (Ps 35[36],7). But now the Fountain of Life has come even to us, the Fountain of Life died for our sakes. Will He refuse us His Life,Who, for our sakes, gave His Death? He is salvation and this salvation is not worthless, like the other one. Why? Because it does not pass away. The Lord has come. He died but He killed death. In Himself, He brought an end to death. He assumed it and He killed it. Where is death now, then? Look for it in Christ and it is no longer there. It used to be there but there it died. O Life, Death of death! Take heart: it will also die in us. What was fulfilled in the Head will also be fulfilled in the members and death will die in us, too!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 233).

PRAYER – O God, Thou Who were pleased to gather into Thy Church the peoples of the Indies by the preaching and miracles of blessed Francis, mercifully grant that we, who honour his glorious merits, may also imitate the example of his virtues. 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).

Posted in GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 3 December – I Love Thee, God, I Love Thee By St Francis Xavier

Our Morning Offering – 3 December – The Memorial of St Francis Xavier SJ (1506-1552) Confessor

I Love Thee, God, I Love Thee
By St Francis Xavier (1506-1552)

Translated by Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ (1844-1889)

I love Thee, God, I love Thee—
Not out of hope for Heaven for me
Nor fearing not to love and be
in the everlasting burning.
Thou, my Jesus, after me
Didst reach Thine arms out dying,
For my sake suffered nails and lance,
Mocked and marred countenance,
Sorrows passing number,
Sweat and care and cumber,
Yea and death and this for me,
And Thou could see me sinning.
Then I, why should not I love Thee,
Jesu so much in love with me?
Not for Heaven’s sake, not to be
Out of hell by loving Thee,
Not for any gains I see,
But just the way that Thou didst me
I do love and will love Thee.
What must I love Thee, Lord, for then?
For being my King and God.
Amen

Posted in JESUIT SJ, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Vergine di Montesanto / Our Lady of the Holy Mountain, Rome (1659), The 5th Day of the Indulgenced Immaculate Conception Novena, St Francis Xavier and the Saints for 3 December

Novena in Honour of the Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary: LINK to the Fifth Day – THE FIFTH DAY – 3 December

Vergine di Montesanto / Our Lady of the Holy Mountain, Rome, Italy (1659) – 3 December:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/03/vergine-di-montesanto-our-lady-of-the-holy-mountain-rome-italy-1659-and-memorials-of-the-saints-3-december/

St Francis Xavier SJ (1506-1552) Confessor, Priest, Missionary, co-Founder with St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) and St Peter Faber (1506-1546) of the Society of Jesus. One of the Greatest Missionaries since St Paul. St Francis was Canonised on 12 March 1622 by Pope Gregory XV. His body is incorrupt.
Glorious St Francis!:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/03/saint-of-the-day-3-december-st-francis-xavier-sj-1506-1552-confessor/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/03/saint-of-the-day-3-december-st-francis-xavier-sj-1506-1552-one-of-the-greatest-missionaries-since-st-paul/

St Abbo (Died c860) Bishop of Auxerre, France, Monk and Abbot.
St Abbo:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/12/03/saint-of-the-day-3-december-st-abbo-of-auxerre-died-c860-bishop/

St Abran
St Agapius
St Agricola of Pannonia
St Anthemius of Poitiers
St Attalia of Strasbourg
Bl Bernard of Toulouse OP Martyr

St Birinus (c660-650) Bishop of Dorchester, England, “Apostle to the West Saxons,” Benedictine Monk.
His Devoted Life

https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/03/saint-of-the-day-3-december-st-birinus-of-dorchester-c-660-650/

St Cassian of Tangiers
St Claudius of Africa
St Claudius the Martyr
St Crispin of Africa
St Edward Coleman
St Eloque of Lagny

St Emma (c975–1038) Married Laywoman, Princess, Mother and Widow, Apostle of the poor, founder of Churches in Bremen, Germany.
About St Emma:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/03/saint-of-the-day-3-december-saint-emma-of-bremen-c-975-1038/

St Ethernan
St Hilaria the Martyr
St Jason the Martyr
St John of Africa
St Lucius, King (Died c200)
St Lucy the Chaste
St Magina of Africa
St Mamas
St Marcos García Rodríguez
St Maurus the Martyr

St Mirocles (Died c316) Confessor, the 6th Bishop of Milan from before 313 to c316. Mirocles was one of the originators of the Ambrosian Liturgy and Chant. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Milan, St Mirocles, Confessor and Bishop, sometimes mentioned by St Ambrose.
His Zealous Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/03/saint-of-the-day-3-december-saint-mirocles-died-c316-confessor-bishop/

St Seleucus
St Stephen of Africa
St Theodore of Alexandria
St Theodulus of Edessa
St Veranus
St Zephaniah the Prophet

Martyrs of Nicomedia: Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian – Ambicus, Julius and Victor. c 303 in Nicomedia, Bithynia (modern Izmit, Turkey).

Posted in CHRIST the KING, Gerard MANLEY HOPKINS SJ, GOD ALONE!, HYMNS, JESUIT SJ, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The PASSION, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 5 November – St Ignatius and his Brethren – Seeing God in all things

Quote/s of the Day – 5 November – All Saints and Blesseds of the Society of Jesus (SJ)

I Love Thee, O Thou Lord Most High!
Translation and Parphrase
of St Ignatius Loyola’s Latin Hymn
By Fr Edward Caswell CO (1814-1878)

I love, I love Thee, Lord most high!
Because Thou first hast loved me;
I seek no other liberty
But that of being bound to Thee.

May memory no thought suggest,
But shall to Thy pure glory tend;
My understanding find no rest
Except in Thee, its only End.

My God, I here protest to Thee,
No other will have I than Thine;
Whatever Thou hast given me,
I here again to Thee resign.

All mine is Thine — say but the word,
Whate’er Thou wllest shall be done;
I know Thy Love, all-gracious Lord;
I know It seeks my good alone.

Apart from Thee, all things are naught;
Then grant, O my supremest bliss!
Grant me to love Thee as I ought;
Thou givest all in giving this!

A precious crown is reserved in Heaven
for those who endow their actions with
all the diligence of which they are capable,
for, it is not enough to do good,
we must do it well!

God takes special care
to detach from the passing pleasures of this world,
those whom He Loves with special predilection,
by sending them desires after heavenly bliss
and, by the sorrows and bitterness
of the present life.

St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

I Love Thee, God, I Love Thee
O Deus Ego Amo Te
By St Francis Xavier (1506-1552)

Translated by Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ (1844-1889)

I love Thee, God, I love Thee—
Not out of hope for Heaven for me
Nor fearing not to love and be
in the everlasting burning.
Thou, my Jesus, after me
Didst reach Thine arms out dying,
For my sake suffered nails and lance,
Mocked and marred countenance,
Sorrows passing number,
Sweat and care and cumber,
Yea and death and this for me,
And Thou could see me sinning.
Then I, why should not I love Thee,
Jesu so much in love with me?
Not for Heaven’s sake, not to be
Out of hell by loving Thee,
Not for any gains I see,
But just the way that Thou didst me
I do love and will love Thee.
What must I love Thee, Lord, for then?
For being my King and God.
Amen

We must make our way towards eternity,
never regarding what men think of us,
or of our actions,
studying only to please God.”

St Francis Borgia (1510-1572)

““Man’s salvation and perfection
consists in doing the Will of God
which he must have in view in all things
and, at every moment of his life.

St Peter Claver (1581-1654)

Can we think, the life of man,
better employed than in this good work?
What do I say? Would not all the labours
of a thousand men, be well rewarded,
in the conversion of a single soul
gained to Jesus Christ?
I have always felt a great love
for this kind of life
and for a profession so excellent
and so akin to that of the Apostles.

St Isaac Jogues (1607-1646)
Martyr

Are we in the habit of seeing all thing in God
and God in all things?
Do we accept all things from His Holy Hands
and do His Will cheerfully and lovingly?
Do we try to control ourselves when God sends
us sorrows, in addition to joy?
If we find we are in need of reform in this matter,
we should make good resolutions and fulfil them!

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in DOCTRINE, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, JESUIT SJ, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Within the Octave of All Saints, The Feast of the Holy Relics, Nossa Senhora da Medalha Milagrosa / Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Brazil (1939), All Saints and Blesseds of the Society of Jesus and all the Saints for 5 November

FIRST WEDBESDAY

The Feast of the Holy Relics:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/05/feast-of-the-holy-relics-5-november-2/
AND:
About: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/11/05/feast-of-the-holy-relics-5-november/
Protestantism pretends to regard the veneration which the Church pays to the Relics of the Saints, as a sin and contends that this pious practice is a remnant of paganism.
The Council of Trent, on the contrary, has decided that the bodies of the Martyrs and other Saints, who were living members of Jesus Christ and temples of the Holy Ghost, are to be honoured by the faithful.
This decision was based upon the established usage of the earliest days of the Church and upon the teaching of the Fathers and of the Councils.
The Council orders, however, that all abuse of this devotion is to be careffully avoided and forbids any Relics to be exposed which have not been approved by the Bishops and, these Prelates are recommended, to instruct the people faithfully, in the teaching of the Church on this subject.
While we regret, then, the errors of the impious and of heretics, let us profit by the advantages which we gain, by hearkening to the Voice of the Church!

Nossa Senhora da Medalha Milagrosa / Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Monte Sião, Brazil (1939) – 5 November now moved to 27 November:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/05/feast-of-the-holy-relics-nossa-senhora-da-medalha-milagrosa-our-lady-of-the-miraculous-medal-monte-siao-brazil-1939-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

All Saints and Blesseds of the Society of Jesus:
The Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits, was Founded in 1534 by Saint Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) at Montmartre, Paris, France. A body of clerics regular organised for Apostolic work, following a religious rule and relying on alms for their support. It was the chief instrument of the Catholic Reformation. Pope Paul III approved the new rule in 1540 and Ignatius was elected the first general of the order in 1541. The constitutions, drafted by him and based on his Spiritual Exercises were adopted in 1558. It was the first order which enjoined by its constitutions devotion to the cause of education. The ministry of the Society consists chiefly in preaching. teaching catechism. administering the sacraments. conducting missions in parishes, taking care of parishes. organising pious confraternities, teaching in schools of every grade, writing books, pamphlets, periodical articles, going on foreign missions and special missions when ordered by the current Holy Father, to whom they take a vow of total obedience. Our current Holy Father, Pope Francis is a Jesuit and has jokingly wondered aloud who is boss of whom in his Order. The general resides at Rome, Italy and has a council of assistants. The motto of the Society is Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (For the greater glory of God).
All Jesuit Saints and Blesseds:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/05/feast-of-all-the-saints-and-blesseds-of-the-society-of-jesus/

St Augustine of Terracina
Bl Bernhard Lichtenberg

St Bertille (c629-c703) Virgin, Abbess, spiritual student of St Ouen (also known as St Audoin).
About St Bertille:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/05/saint-of-the-day-5-november-saint-bertille-c-629-c-703/

St Canonica
St Comasia
St Dominator of Brescia
+St Elizabeth (1st Century) Mother of St John the Baptist
St Domninus the Physician
St Epistemis
St Eusebius of Terracina
St Felix of Terracina
St Fibitius
St Galation

St Gerald OSA (1070–1123) Bishop of Béziers from 1121 until the day of his death, Canon Regular of St Augustine and the 2nd Prior of the community at Cassan Abbey, Apostle of the poor and sick, Gerald built a Hospital and restored and extended the Abbey, Miracle-worker. Born around 1070 in Puissalicon and died on 5 November 1123 in Béziers in France of natural causes. Patronages – Puissalicon and the town of Saint-Guiraud and of children suffering from eye diseases.
His Life of Love:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/11/05/saint-of-the-day-5-november-saint-gerald-of-beziers-osa-1070-1123-bishop/

Bl Gomidas Keumurjian
Bl Gregory Lakota
St Guetnoco
St Hermenegild
St Idda
St Juan Antoni Burró Mas
St Juan Duarte Martín
St Kanten
St Kea
St Laetus (Died 534) Priest and Confessor of Orleans
St Magnus of Milan
St Mamete
St Marco of Troia
St Spinulus of Moyen-Moûtier
St Sylvanus of Syria

+St Zachary (1st Centuiry) Priest and Prophet, Father of St John the Baptist and Spouse of St Elizabeth, mother of the same blessed Precursor of Jesus Christ. Patronages – of childless couples, of patience, of Malta and the Hospitallers of Jerusalem.
St Zachary:

https://anastpaul.com/2024/11/05/saint-s-of-the-day-5-november-st-zachary-and-st-elizabeth-1st-centuiry-parents-of-st-john-the-baptist/

Martyrs of Caesarea Maritima – 4 Saints: Four young Christian men who were Martyred together is the persecutions of Maximian – Aussenzius, Philotheus, Timothy and Theotimus. They were martyred in the arena at Caesarea Maritima, Palestine.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, JESUIT SJ, OUR Cross, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST

Our Morning Offering – 30 October – This is My Joy, To Follow My Saviour By St Alphonsus Rodriguez

Our Morning Offering – 30 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – The Feast of – St Alphonsus Rodriquez SJ (1532-1617)

This is My Joy, To Follow My Saviour
A Prayer to Seek the Consolation of the Cross
By St Alphonsus Rodriguez SJ (1532-1617)

Jesus, love of my soul,
centre of my heart!
Why am I not more eager to endure pains
and tribulations for love of Thee,
when Thou, my God,
have suffered so many for me?
Come, then, every sort of trial in the world,
for this is my delight,
to suffer for Jesus.
This is my joy,
to follow my Saviour
and to find my consolation
with my Consoler on the Cross.
This is my happiness,
this my pleasure –
to live with Jesus,
to walk with Jesus,
to converse with Jesus,
to suffer with and for Him,
this is my treasure!
Amen

Posted in JESUIT SJ, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna della Mondovi / Our Lady of Mondovi, Italy (16th Century) and the Saints for 30 October

Madonna della Mondovi / Our Lady of Mondovi, Piemonte, Italy (16th Century) – 30 October:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/30/madonna-della-mondovi-our-lady-of-mondovi-piemonte-italy-16th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-30-october/

St Alphonsus Rodriquez SJ (1532-1617) a Spanish Lay Brother of the Society of Jesus, Doorkeeper, Mystic, Visionary, Apostle of Charity and of Prayer, Spiritual Adviser. Canonised o 6 September 1887 by Pope Leo XIII.
His Feast Day was moved in 1969.
Wonderful St Alphonsus:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/10/31/saint-of-the-day-31-october-st-alphonsus-rodriguez-sj-1532-1617/

Blessed AngeloOfM.Cap. (1669-1739) Priest and Friar of the Friars Minor Capuchin of Acri .
His Life of Grace:

https://anastpaul.com/2018/10/30/saint-of-the-day-30-october-st-angelo-of-acri-ofm-cap/

St Arilda
St Asterius of Amasea

Blessed Benvenuta Bojani OP (1254-1292) Member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic, Mystic, Repentant. Miracle-worker.
Holy Benvenuta:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/10/30/saint-of-the-day-30-october-blessed-benvenuta-bojani-op-1254-1292/

St Egelnoth the Good
St Eutropia of North Africa

St Gerard (Died 1119) Bishop of Potenza, Miracle-worker.
Miraculous St Gerard:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/30/saint-of-the-day-30-october-saint-gerard-of-potenza-died-1119/

St Germanus (Died c541) Bishop of Capua, Italy, Confessor, Papal Legate. St Germanus was a close friend of St Benedict of Nursia. The Roman Martyrology states: St Germanus, Bishop and Confessor, a man of great sanctity, whose soul, at the hour of death, was seen by St Benedict taken to heaven by angels.
His Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/30/saint-of-the-day-30-october-saint-germanus-of-capua-died-c-541/

St Herbert of Tours

Blessed John Slade (Died 1583) Layman Martyr. Beatified on 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI.
The Roman Martyrology: “At Winchester in England, blessed John Slade, Martyr, who was hanged on the gallows and cruelly disemboweled for having refused the power of Queen Elizabeth I in spiritual matters.
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/30/saint-of-the-day-30-october-blessed-john-slade-died-1583-layman-martyr/

St Lucanus of Lagny
St Marcellus the Centurion

St Marcian (1st Century) the 1st Bishop of Syracuse. Martyr, Disciple of St Peter and sent by the Apostle to Italy. Patronages – the City and Archdiocese of Gaeta, the Archdiocese of Syracuse, Sicily, Italy.
Holy St Marcian:

https://anastpaul.com/2024/10/30/saint-of-the-day-30-october-st-marcian-of-syracuse-1st-century-bishop-martyr/

St Maximus of Cumae
St Nanterius of Saint-Mihiel
Bl Raymond of Cardona
St Saturninus of Cagliari
St Serapion (Died 211) Bishop of Antioch
St Talarica of Scotland
Bl Terrence Albert O’Brien
St Theonestus of Philippi (Died 425) Bishop, Martyr
St Zenobia of Aegea
St Zenobius of Aegea

Martyrs in Africa: A group of 100 to 200 Christians murdered in the early persecutions and about whom we know nothing except that they died for their faith.

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Hail MARY!, JESUIT SJ, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, MARY, MATER ECCLESIAE, MOTHER of GOD, QUOTES on MOTHERHOOD, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Quote/s of the Day – 25 October – Salve Sancta Parens – Hail Holy Parent!

Quote/s of the Day – 25 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – Saturday of the Blessed Virgin – Salve Sancta Parens

Mary, having merited to give flesh
to the Divine Word
and thus, supply the price
of our redemption
that we might be delivered
from eternal death, therefore,
she is more powerful
than all others,
to help us gain eternal life.

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

She is the eldest daughter of the Great King.
If you enjoy her favour,
she will introduce you
to the Monarch of the Universe.
No-one has so great an interest with Him than Mary,
who was the occasion of His coming down from Heaven
to become man, for the redemption of mankind.

St John the Merciful (c552-c 616)

It seems unbelievable
that a man should perish
in whose favour Christ said to His Mother:
‘Behold thy son’,
provided that he has not turned a deaf ear
to the words, which Christ addressed to him:
‘Behold thy Mother
!’”

St Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621)
Doctor of the Church

O Mary, Twice Mother of Mercy
By St Jerome Emiliani (1486–1537)

O Mary,
thou art twice Mother of Mercy
because thou hast been made
Mother of our most merciful Saviour,
and, furthermore because,
thou hast given to us
so many signs
of thy maternal care and love.
Turn upon us, we beseech thee,
thy glance of compassion
and grant, that we may always
live free from sin,
which is the only impediment
to receiving the fruits
of the Divine Mercies.
Amen.

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CONSECRATION Prayers, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, St Francis de Sales, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 22 October – ‘So then, have faith with love. This is the “wedding garment!”

Quote/s of the Day – 22 October – Ferial Day – Ephesians 4:23-28 – Matthew22:1-14 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Friend how did you come in here
without a wedding garment?

Matthew 22:12

So then, have faith with love.
This is the “wedding garment!”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father & Doctor of the Church

Totally love Him,
Who gave Himself totally,
for your love.

St Clare (1194-1253)

Do much for God
and do nothing without love:
refer everything to this love;
eat and drink with it in mind
!”

(Letter to Madame de Chantal)

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of Charity

What is it to serve God
and to go to Heaven?
Nothing else but to love
!”

St Aloysius Gonzaga (1568-1591)

You must be reconciled to your enemies,
speak to them, as if they had never done you
anything but good, all your life,
keeping nothing in your heart but the charity,
which the good Christian should have, for everyone,
so that we may all appear with confidence,
before the tribunal of God.

St John Vianney (1786-1859)

Daily Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Prayers to the Sacred Heart
1936 – 15th Edition, Dublin

O Sacred Heart of Jesus,
filled with infinite love,
broken by our ingratitude
and pierced by our sins,
yet loving us still,
accept the Consecration
we make to Thee,
of all that we are
and all that we have.
Take every faculty
of our souls and bodies,
only day by day
draw us, nearer and nearer
to Thy Sacred Heart,
and there, as we shall hear the lesson,
teach us Thy Holy Way.
Amen

Posted in GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, MARIAN QUOTES, Quotes on SALVATION

Quote/s of the Day – 10 October – St Francis Borgia

Quote/s of the Day – 10 October – St Francis Borgia SJ (1510-1572) Confessor

We must make our way towards eternity,
never regarding what men think of us,
or of our actions,
studying only to please God.”

I have great doubts about the salvation of those
who do not have special devotion to Mary.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/10/quote-s-of-the-day-10-october-st-francis-borgia-2/

St Francis Borgia (1510-1572

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, Quotes Self-Oblation, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 October – ‘ … He weighs the heart and not the substance …’

One Minute Reflection – 10 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – St Francis Borgia SJ (1510-1572) Confessor, Priest of the Society of Jesus, – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6 – Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

And everyone who has left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My Name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold and shall possess life everlasting.” – Matthew 19:29

REFLECTION – “No-one should say to himself, even when he regards others who have left a great deal behind: “I want to imitate those who despise this world but I have nothing to leave behind.” You leave a great deal behind, my friends, if you renounce your desires. Our external possessions, no matter how small, are enough for the Lord, He weighs the heart and not the substance and does not measure the amount we sacrifice for Him but the effort with which we bring it…. The Kingdom of God has no assessment value put on it but it is worth everything you have… To Peter and Andrew it was worth the nets and boat they gave up; to the widow it was worth two small coins (Lk 21:2); to another person it was worth a cup of cold water (Mt 10:42). The Kingdom of God, as I said, is worth everything you have. Think about it, my friends, what has less value when you purchase it, what is more precious when you possess it?

But perhaps a cup of cold water offered to someone who needs it, is not enough, even then the Word of God gives us assurance…: “Peace on earth to men of goodwill!” (Lk 2:4). In the sight of God, no hand is ever empty of a gift, if the deep places of the heart are filled with goodwill… Although I have no gifts to offer outwardly, yet I find within myself something to place on the Altar of Thou praise… Thou art better pleased with an offering of our heart! (cf. Ps 55:13).” – St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermons on the Gospel no 5).

PRAYER – O Lord Jesus Christ, model of true humility and its reward, we beseech Thee, that as Thou made blessed Francis one of Thy glorious imitators, by his contempt for earthly honours, grant us to follow his example and to share in his glory.Through 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).

Posted in JESUIT SJ, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

La Naval de Manila / Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary , Philippines (1593), St Francis Borgia and the Saints for 10 October

La Naval de Manila / Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary , Quezon City, Philippines (1593) – Second Sunday of October:
Also known as Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario / The Grand Lady of the Philippines.
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/10/twentieth-sunday-after-pentecost-la-naval-de-manila-the-grand-lady-of-the-philippines-1593-and-memorials-of-the-saints-10-october/

St Francis Borgia SJ (1510-1572) Confessor, Priest of the Society of Jesus, Advisor, Missionary, Evangelist, Administrator par excelleance. Francisco de Borja y Aragon was the 4th Duke of Gandía, was a Grandee of Spain, a Spanish Jesuit and third Superior General of the Society of Jesus
Biography:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/10/10/saint-of-the-day-10-october-st-francis-borgia-s-j-1510-1572/
AND The Childhood and Youth of St Francis Borgia SJ (1510-1572) Confessor and a note on Monthly Patrons:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/10/saint-of-the-day-10-october-the-childhood-and-youth-of-st-francis-borgia-sj-1510-1572-confessor-and-a-note-on-monthly-patrons/ patrons/
AND:
We continue – ST FRANCIS at COURT and his MARRIAGE until the DEATH of the EMPRESS – his “DAMASCUS MOMENT”:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/10/saint-of-the-day-10-october-st-francis-borgia-sj-1510-1572-confessor/

St Aldericus
St Cassius
St Cerbonius (c493-575) Bishop and Confessor of Populonia in Tuscany, Italy
St Cerbonius of Verona
St Clarus of Nantes
Bl Demestrius of Albania
Bl Edward Detkens
St Eulampia
St Eulampius
St Florentius the Martyr
St Fulk of Fontenelle
St Gereon
St Gundisalvus
Bl Hugh of Macon

St John of Bridlington OSA (1319-1379) Priest, Prior of the Monastery of the Canons Regular of St Augustine.
His Life and Legacy:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/10/saint-of-the-day-10-october-saint-john-of-bridlington-osa-1319-1379/

St Maharsapor the Persian
St Malo the Martyr
St Patrician
St Paulinus of Capua

St Paulinus of York (c584-644) First Bishop of York, Missionary – Paulinus was a member of the Gregorian mission sent in 601 by Pope Gregory I.
His Holy and Zealous Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/10/saint-of-the-day-10-october-st-paulinus-of-york-c-584-644/

Bl Pedro de Alcantara de Forton de Cascajares
St Pinytus of Crete
Bl Pontius de Barellis
St Tanca
St Teodechilde
St Victor of Xanten

Martyrs of Ceuta – 7 Beati: A group of seven Franciscan Friars Minor missionaries to Muslims in the Ceuta area of modern Morocco. Initially treated as madmen, within three weeks they were ordered to convert to Islam and when they would not they were first abused in the streets, then arrested, tortured and executed.
Angelo, Daniele di Calabria, Donnolo, Hugolinus, Leone, Nicola, Samuele.
They were beheaded in 1227 in Mauritania Tingitana (Ceuta, Morocco). Local Christians secreted the bodies away and gave them proper burial in Ceuta. They were Beatified in 1516 by Pope Leo X.

Posted in CHRIST the KING Prayers, Gerard MANLEY HOPKINS SJ, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, Our MORNING Offering, POETRY, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 6 October – I Love Thee, God, I Love Thee, O Deus Ego Amo Te

Our Morning Offering – 6 October

I Love Thee, God, I Love Thee
O Deus Ego Amo Te
By St Francis Xavier (1506-1552)

Translated by Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ (1844-1889)

I love Thee, God, I love Thee—
Not out of hope for Heaven for me
Nor fearing not to love and be
in the everlasting burning.
Thou, my Jesus, after me
Didst reach Thine arms out dying,
For my sake suffered nails and lance,
Mocked and marred countenance,
Sorrows passing number,
Sweat and care and cumber,
Yea and death and this for me,
And Thou could see me sinning.
Then I, why should not I love Thee,
Jesu so much in love with me?
Not for Heaven’s sake, not to be
Out of hell by loving Thee,
Not for any gains I see,
But just the way that Thou didst me
I do love and will love Thee.
What must I love Thee, Lord, for then?
For being my King and God.
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on PRIESTS, the PRIESTHOOD and CONSECRATED LIFE, St PAUL!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 30 September – “You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:14

One Minute Reflection – 30 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Jerome (347-419) Confessor, Father and Doctor – 2 Timothy 4:1-8 – Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:14

REFLECTION – “I shall always love and reverence the Apostles sent by Christ and their successors, in sowing the seed of the Gospel, those zealous and tireless co-operators in propagating the Word, who may justly say of themselves: Let a man so account of us as the ministers of Christ and the dispensers of the Mysteries of God. For Christ, like a most watchful and most faithful householder, wished that the Gospel lamp should be lit by such ministers and delegates, with fire sent down from Heaven and once lit, should not be put under a measure but set upon a candlestick, so that it may spread its brightness far and wide and put to flight, all darkness and error, rife among both Jews and Gentiles.

Now it is not enough for the Gospel teacher to be a brilliant speaker in the eyes of the people; he must also be as a voice crying in the desert and endeavour, by his eloquence, to help many to lead good lives, lest, if he omit his duty of speaking, he be called the dumb dog that is not able to bark, spoken of by the prophet. Yes, he should also burn, in such a way, that, equipped with good works and love, he may adorn his evangelical office and follow the leadership of Paul. He indeed was not satisfied with bidding the Bishop of the Ephesians: This command and teach: conduct thyself in work as a good soldier of Christ Jesus but he unflaggingly preached the Gospel to friend and foe alike and, said with a good conscience to the Bishops gathered at Ephesus: You know how I have kept back nothing that was for your good but have declared it to you and taught you in public and from house to house, urging Jews and Gentiles to turn to God in repentance and to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Such should be the shepherd in the Church who, like Paul, becomes all things to all men, so that the sick may find healing in him; the sad, joy; the desperate, hope; the ignorant, instruction; those in doubt, advice; the penitent, forgiveness and comfort and finally, everyone, whatever is necessary for salvation. And so Christ, when He wished to appoint the chief teachers of the world and of the Church, did not limit Himself to saying to His disciples: You are the light of the world but also added these words: A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a measure but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all who are in the house. Those churchmen err, who imagine that it is by brilliant preaching, rather than by holiness of life and all-embracing love, they fulfil their office.” – St Peter Canisius SJ (1521-1597) Doctor of the Church (Sermon excerpt).

PRAYER – O God, Who graciously gave Thy Church blessed Jerome, Thy Confessor and peerless teacher, to explain the Holy Scriptures, grant, we beseech Thee that, with the help of his merits and by Thy assistance, we may be able to put into practice what he has taught us by his life and works. Through 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).

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, Holy Name PRAYERS, JESUIT SJ, OUR Cross, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS on the CROSS of CHRIST, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, Quotes Self-Oblation, REDEMPTIVE Suffering, The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY NAME, The PASSION

Our Morning Offering – 26 September – Jesus, What Can I Give Thee in Return? The Prayer of St Jean de Brébeuf

Our Morning Offering – 26 September – St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646), St Isaac Jogues SJ (1607-1646) Priest, Martyr, Missionary and Companions

Jesus, What Can I Give Thee in Return?
The Prayer of St Jean de Brébeuf SJ (1593-1649)

Jesus, my Lord and Saviour,
what can I give Thee in return
for all the favours Thou hast
first conferred upon me?
I will take from Thy Hand,
the Cup of Thine Sufferings
and call on Thy Name.
I vow before Thee, eternal Father and the Holy Ghost,
before Thy most holy Mother
and her most chaste Spouse,
before the Angels, Apostles and Martyrs,
before my blessed fathers,
Saint Ignatius and Saint Francis Xavier,
in truth, I vow to Thee, Jesus my Saviour,
that, as far as I have the strength,
I will never fail to accept the grace of Martyrdom,
if someday Thou, in Thine Infinite Mercy,
should offer it to me,
Thy most unworthy servant …
My beloved Jesus,
here and now, I offer
my body and blood and life.
May I die only for Thee,
if Thou will grant me this grace,
since Thou willingly died for me.
Let me so live that Thou may grant me
the gift of such a happy death.
In this way, my God and Saviour,
I will take from Thy Hand,
the Cup of Thine Sufferings
and call upon Thy Name,
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
Amen

Posted in GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 23 September – Suscipe

Our Morning Offering – 23 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross”

Suscipe
“Receive”
By St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

Receive, O Lord,
all my liberty.
Take my memory, understanding
and entire will.
Whatsoever I have or hold,
Thou hast given it – I give all back to Thee
and commit it wholly to be governed by Thy Will.
Thy Love and Thy Grace give unto me
and I am rich enough
and ask for nothing more!
Amen

Posted in CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SELF-DISTRUST, St Francis de Sales, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 20 September – Blessed are you who are poor

Quote/s of the Day – 20 September – 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

Let him who is greatest among you,
become as the youngest
and he who is the leader,
as the servant.

Luke 22:25

No Christian should think of himself
as his own master
but each should rather so think and act,
as though given by God,
to be slave to his fellow brothers and sisters
.”

St Basil the Great (329-379)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Humility is the mother of many virtues
because, from it are born:
obedience, fear, reverence, patience,
modesty, meekness and peace.
He who is humble easily obeys everyone,
fears to offend anyone,
is at peace with everyone,
is kind to all!

St Thomas of Villanova OSA (1488-1555)

Be generous to the poor orphans
and those in need.
The man to whom our Lord
has been liberal
ought not to be stingy.
We shall one day find in Heaven,
as much rest and joy
as we ourselves have dispensed in this life.

St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

Humility is not just about self-mistrust
but about the entrusting of ourselves to God.
Distrusting ourselves and our own strength
produces trust in God
and from that trust,
generosity of soul is born.

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of Charity

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 11 September – ‘ … Do not worry … but entrust to Divine Providence … 

One Minute Reflection – 11 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Protus and St Hyacinth (Died c257) Brother Martyrs – Hebrews 10:32-38 – Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Yes, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid, you are of more value than many sparrows.” – Luke 12:6-7

REFLECTION – “It seems to me you ought to resolve to carry out peacefully what you can. Do not worry about all the rest but entrust to Divine Providence that which you are unable to accomplish on your own. What is pleasing to God, is the reasonable care and attention we give, to accomplishing well, whatever business we must undertake through duty. What is not pleasing to God, is anxiety and disquiet of mind. The Lord wants our limitations and weaknesses, to find their support in His Strength; He wants us to hope that His Goodness will complete and perfect the imperfectness of our means.

Those who take on numerous responsibilities, even with an upright and pure intention, must resolve to do simply what lies within their power … If it is necessary to set certain things aside, arm yourselves with patience and do not think that God expects of us what we are unable to do. He does not want a man to distress himself on account of his limitations … there is no need to tire ourselves out excessively. More, if we have laboured to do our best, we can abandon all the rest to Him ,Who has the power to accomplish whatever He will.

May the Divine Goodness always be pleased to communicate His Light of Wisdom to us, so that we may clearly see and firmly accomplish, His good pleasure, for ourselves and for others … so that we may accept from His Hand, whatever He sends us, taking due note of what is the most important – patience, humility, obedience and charity!” – St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) Priest, Founder of the Society of Jesus (Letter of 17 November 1555)

PRAYER – May the precious witness of Thy blessed Martyrs, Protus and Hyacinth, comfort us, O Lord and may their kind intercession, continually protect us. 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).

Posted in GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 9 September – St Peter Claver

Quote/s of the Day – 9 September – St Peter Claver SJ (1581-1654) Confessor, “Slave of the slaves”

To love God as He ought to be loved,
we must be detached from all temporal love.
We must love nothing but Him,
or if we love anything else,
we must love it, only for His sake.

Seek God in all things
and you shall find God
by your side
!”

Man’s salvation and perfection
consists in doing the Will of God
which he must have in view in all things
and, at every moment of his life.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/09/quote-s-of-the-day-9-september-st-peter-claver-sj-1581-1654/

St Peter Claver (1581-1654)

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, JESUIT SJ, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on The SOUL, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 September – ‘ … The body is dead without the soul and the soul is dead without God. … ‘

One Minute Reflection – 9 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Peter Claver SJ (1581-1654) Confessor, Priest of the Society of Jesus, Missionary – 2 Timothy 2:8-10; 3:10-12 – Matthew 10:26-32 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather, be afraid of him, who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28

REFLECTION – “The Gospel is life. Impiety and infidelity are the death of the soul. So then, if the soul can die, how then is it yet immortal? Because, there is always a dimension of life in the soul which can never be extinguished. And how does it die? Not in ceasing to be life but by losing its proper life. For the soul is both life to something else and it has it own proper life. Consider the order of the creatures. The soul is the life of the body. God is the life of the soul. As the life which is the soul, is present with the body, that the body may not die, so the life of the soul (God), ought to be with the soul that it may not die.

How does the body die? By the departure of the soul. I say, by the departure of the soul, the body dies and it lies there as a mere carcass, what was a little before, a lively, not a contemptible object. There are in it still, its several members, the eyes and ears. But these are merely the windows of the house – its inhabitant is gone. Those who bewail the dead, cry in vain at the windows of the house. There is no-one there within it to hear. Why is the body dead? Because the soul, its life, is gone . But at what point is the soul itself dead? When God, its life, has forsaken it! This then we can know and hold for certain – the body is dead without the soul and the soul is dead without God. Everyone without God has a dead soul. You who bewail the dead rather, should bewail sin! Bewail ungodliness! Bewail disbelief! – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 65).

PRAYER – God of mercy and love, Thou offer all peoples the dignity of sharing in Thy Light and Life. By the example and prayers of St Peter Claver, strengthen us to love each other as brothers. 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

Posted in JESUIT SJ, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Santa María la Antigua / St Mary the Ancient, Panama, 16th Century, St Gorgonius (Died c303) Martyr, St Peter Claver SJ (1581-1654) Confessor and all the Saints for 9 September

Santa María la Antigua / St Mary the Ancient, Panama City, Panama , 16th Century, Patron of the Republic of Panama – 9 September:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/09/santa-maria-la-antigua-st-mary-the-ancient-panama-city-panama-16th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-9-september/

St Peter Claver SJ (1581-1654) Confessor, Priest of the Society of Jesus, Missionary, Confessor, Patron of the missions to African peoples and Human Rights Defender, Apostle of Charity. Also known as “The Apostle of Cartagena” and “The Slave of the Slaves.”
Wonderful St Peter:

https://anastpaul.com/2017/09/09/saint-of-the-day-9-september-st-peter-claver-s-j/

St Gorgonius of Nicomedia (Died c303) Martyr, Confessor, Soldier, Imperial Court Official and companions, St Dorotheus. After many horrific tortures these two were finally strangled to death in 303 in Nicomedia, Bithynia (modern Izmit, Turkey).
The Roman Martyrology reads today
: “At Nicomedia, the holy Martyrs, Gorgontius, Dorotheus and others. The greatest honours had been conferred on them by the Emperor Diocletian but, as they detested the cruelty which he exercised against the Christians, they were, by his orders, suspended in his presence and lacerated with whips; then their skin being torn from their bodies and vinegar and salt poured over them, they were burned on a gridiron and finally, strangled. After some time, the body of the blessed Gorgonius was brought to Rome and deposited on the Latin Way. Thence, it was transferred to the Basilica of St Peter and later some Relics went to France.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/09/saint-of-the-day-9-september-st-gorgonius-of-nicomedia-died-c303-confessor-martyr/

St Alexander of Sabine
St Basura of Masil
St Bettelin
St Dorotheus of Nicomedia (Died c303) Martyr, Soldier
St Gorgonio of Rome
St Gorgonius of Nicomedia (Died c303) Martyr, Soldier
St Isaac the Great
St Joseph of Volokolamsk (c1439-1515) Abbot, Founder

St Kieran the Younger (c516-c550) Abbot, One of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. St Kieran, like so many Saints, had a supernatural affinity with animals – there are many legends related to this.
His Holy Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/09/saint-of-the-day-9-september-saint-kieran-the-younger-c-516-c-550/

Bl Maria Eutimia Uffing
Bl Mary de la Cabeza
St Omer (c595-670) Bishop
St Osmanna
St Rufinian

St Peter of Nicomedia (Died c303) Martyr, Soldier

St Severian
St Straton
St Tiburtius

St Valentinian (c480-548) Bishop of Chur in Switzerland, known as a man of bountiful generosity and care of the needy and of refugees.
His Loving Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/09/saint-of-the-day-9-september-saint-valentinian-of-chur-c480-548-bishop/

St Wulfhilda

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CARMELITES, CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, INGRATITUDE, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on the POOR, St Francis de Sales, The PASSION, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 7 September – Just one returned to show his gratitude …

Quote/s of the Day – 7 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Pentecost XIII – Galatians 3:16-22; – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/–

Were not ten made clean?
And where are the other nine?

Luke 17:17

While He is judged, Wisdom remains silent
and the Word says nothing.
His enemies despise and Crucify Him …
Those, to whom yesterday,
He gave His Body as food, watch from a distance
as He dies. Peter, the first of the Apostles,
is the first to flee. Andrew also took flight
and John, who rested at His side,
did not prevent the soldier from piercing that side
with a lance. The Twelve fled –
they did not say one word in His favour, they,
for whom He is giving His Life.
Lazarus is not there, he, whom He called back to life.
The blind man did not weep for Him
Who opened his eyes to the light
and the crippled man, who could walk
thanks to Him, did not run to Him.
Only a bandit who was crucified next to Him
confessed Him and called Him his King!
O thief, precocious blossom from the tree of the Cross, first fruit of the wood from Golgotha!

St Ephrem (306-373)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“ For man’s lowliness,
is his gratitude
and, God’s greatness,
is His Mercy.

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

What we need most,
in order to make progress,
is to be silent before this great God
with our appetite and with our tongue,
for the language He best hears
is silent love.

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

Do much for God
and do nothing without love:
refer everything to this love;
eat and drink with it in mind
!”

(Letter to Madame de Chantal)

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of Charity

Daily Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Prayers to the Sacred Heart
1936 – 15th Edition, Dublin

O Sacred Heart of Jesus,
filled with infinite love,
broken by our ingratitude
and pierced by our sins,
yet loving us still,
accept the Consecration
we make to Thee,
of all that we are
and all that we have.
Take every faculty
of our souls and bodies,
only day by day
draw us, nearer and nearer
to Thy Sacred Heart,
and there, as we shall hear the lesson,
teach us Thy Holy Way.
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, In the PRESENCE of GOD, JESUIT SJ, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on SPIRITUAL WORKS of MERCY, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 September – Well done, good and faithful servant … Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” – Matthew 25:21

One Minute Reflection – 5 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Lawrence Justinian (1381-1455) Bishop and Patriarch of Venice, Confessor – Ecclesiasticus 44:16-27; 45:3-20 – Matthew 25:14-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

His Lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant because thou has been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many thing. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” – Matthew 25:21

REFLECTION – “I have no idea what to write you from these parts [India and Sri Lanka] except this – the consolations bestowed by our Lord God, to those who go among the pagans, to convert them to the Faith of Christ, are so great that, if there is any joy to be had in this life, it is surely this! I have often heard it said, to someone going about amongst these Christians: “Lord, do not give me so many consolations in this life! Yet since, in Thy infinite goodness and pity, Thou are giving them me, take me into Thine holy glory! For indeed, there is such great suffering in living without seeing Thee, after Thou has shown Thyself to Thy creature, in this way!” Ah! If only those who look for knowledge in study, took as much trouble in looking for the consolations of the apostolate, as they give day and night to the pursuit of knowledge! If only those joys, which the scholar seeks in what he is learning, he were to seek in making his neighbour feel, what he is in need of – to know and serve God, how much more consoled he would find himself to be and better prepared, to give an account of himself, when Christ returns and asks him: “Give me an account of your stewardship” 

I will end, asking our Lord God … to bring us together in His holy glory. And to obtain this blessing, let us take as our intercessors and advocates, all the holy souls of the region, where I now am. … I beg all these holy souls to obtain for us from our Lord God, for as long as we remain separated, the grace of feeling His holy will in the depth of our souls and of fulfilling it perfectly.” – St Francis Xavier (1506-1552) Jesuit missionary (Letter of 15/01/1544).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God that the venerable feast of Thy blessed Confessor and Bishop, may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. 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).

Posted in GOD ALONE!, In the PRESENCE of GOD, JESUIT SJ, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 1 September – Seeing God in All Things

Thought for the Day –1 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Seeing God in All Things

Are we in the habit of seeing all thing in God and God in all things?
Do we accept all things from His Holy Hands and do His Will cheerfully and lovingly?

Do we try to control ourselves when God sends us sorrows, in addition to joy?
If we find we are in need of reform in this matter, we should make good resolutions and fulfil them!

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on WATCHING, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 31 August – Being ready …

Quote/s of the Day – 31 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Pentecost XII – St Raymond Nonnatus 1204-1240) Priest, Confessor, Cardinal, Friar of the Mercedarian Order – Ecclesiasticus Sir 31:8-1 – Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Jesus said to His disciples:
gird your loins
and light your lamps”

Luke 12:35

“ … The Bridegroom came
and they, who were ready,
went in with Him …
 ”

Matthew 25:10

Make ready then the vessel of your soul
that you may become a son of God
and an heir of God
and joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17);
if, indeed, you are preparing yourself
that you may receive;
if you are drawing near in faith
that you may be made faithful;
if of set purpose,
you are putting off the old man
!”

St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“The reason for loving God,
is God Himself!
As to how He is to be loved,
there is only one measure –
It is immeasurable!”

St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father & Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

God takes special care
to detach from the passing pleasures of this world,
those whom He Loves with special predilection,
by sending them desires after heavenly bliss
and, by the sorrows and bitterness
of the present life.

St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, JESUIT SJ, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, QUOTES on CHASTITY, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION

Quote/s of the Day – 13 August – St John Berchmans and “The Chaplet of the Twelve Stars”

Quote/s of the Day – 13 August – “The Month of the
Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St John Berchmans SJ (1599-1621) Jesuit Novice

“The Chaplet of the Twelve Stars”
OR The Immaculate Conception Chaplet
Composed by St John Berchmans SJ (1599-1621)

St John recited the Chaplet daily to obtain the grace never to commit any sin against the virtue of purity, through the intercession of the Immaculate ever Virgin Mary.
He name the prayer “The Chaplet of the Twelve Stars” with which to crown our Lady.
The Chaplet may be prayed for other intentions.

The Chaplet consists of three groups of four beads each.
A large bead separates each group and a medal of the Immaculate Conception (also known as The Miraculous Medal) is attached to the end.

How to Pray the Chaplet of the 12 Stars

+1. Holding the Miraculous Medal, make the Sign of the Cross, kissing the Medal as you do so.
Then on the Miraculous Medal say:
“Blessed be the pure, most Holy and Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

+2. On the first single bead, the Our Father.

+3. On each of the first group of four beads, the Hail Mary.

After the fourth Hail Mary, the Glory Be.

+4. On the second single bead:
Blessed be the pure, most Holy and Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
” Then the Our Father.

+5. Repeat the same sequence on each of the remaing groups to the end. thus completing the 12 Stars i.e. 3 Groups of 4 each.

At the end, some add:
Oh Mary conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to thee
. ”
(The words on the front of the Miraculous Medal).

Posted in JESUIT SJ, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Our Lady, Refuge of Sinners / Refugium Peccatorum, St John Berchmans SJ (1599-1621), Link to Day 8 of the Assumption Novena, Saints for 13 August

Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, DAY EIGHT:
Mary, the Queen of Mercy

Our Lady, Refuge of Sinners / Refugium Peccatorum – St John Damascene calls Mary a City of Refuge to all who flee to Her.
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/13/our-lady-refuge-of-sinners-refugium-peccatorum-and-memorials-of-the-saints-13-august/

+St Hippolytus (Died c235) Martyr
AND
+St Cassian (of Imola) (Died c235) Martyr
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, blessed Hippolytus, Martyr, who gloriously confessed the Faith, under the Emperor Decius {mpt Valerian}. After enduring other torments, he was tied by the feet to the necks of wild horses and being cruelly dragged through briars and brambles and having all his body lacerated, he yielded his spirit.”
AND:
“At Imola, the birthday of St Cassian, Martyr. As he refused to worship idols, the persecutor called the boys whom the Saint taught and who hated him, giving them leave to kill him. The torment suffered by the Martyr was the more grievious, as the hand which inflicted it by reason of its weakness, rendered death more tardy.”
HOLY MARTYRS for CHRIST:

https://anastpaul.com/2024/08/13/saint-s-of-the-day-13-august-saints-hippolytus-and-cassian-died-c235-martyrs/

St Cassian

St Cassian of Todi Martyr

St Centolla and Helen (Died c304) Martyrs

St John Berchmans SJ (1599-1621) Jesuit Novice – born Jan Berchmans on 13 March 1599 at Driest, Brabant, Belgium and died on 13 August 1621 at Rome, Italy of natural causes. Patronages – Altar Servers, Jesuit novices and students. He had a special devotion to God’s Mother and to him is owed the Little Rosary of the Immaculate Conception.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/13/saint-of-the-day-13-august-saint-john-berchmans-sj-1599-1621/

St Anastasius the Monk
St Anastasius the Priest

St Benildus Romançon FSC (1805-1862) Teacher of the Brothers of Christian Schools

St Cassian of Todi
St Concordia
Blessed Gertrude  O.Praem (1227-1297) Abbess of Altenberg
St Helen of Burgos
St Herulph of Langres
Bl John of Alvernia
St Junian of Mairé
St Ludolph

St Maximus the Confessor (c580-662) Father of the Church, Monk, Abbot, Theologian, Confessor, Scholar, Writer. Also known as St Maximus of Constantinople and St Maximus the Theologian. St Maximus, a man of fearless courage in witnessing to – “confessing” – even while suffering, the integrity of his faith in Jesus Christ, true God and true man, Saviour of the world and of His Holy Catholic Church.
Glorious St Maximus
:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/13/saint-of-the-day-13-august-saint-maximus-the-confessor-c-580-662-father-of-the-church/

St Nerses Glaietsi

St Radegunde (c518-587) Queen, Abbess, Ascetic, Founder of a female Convent of enclosed Nuns,named and dedicated to the Holy Cross of which a Relic was enshrined, Sainte-Croixwho also cared for the sick within their Convent.
Renowned St Radegunde:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/13/saint-of-the-day-13-august-saint-radegunde-c-518-587/

St Wigbert of Fritzlar (c675-c 746) Born in England, a learned Scholar and Abbot, Missionary, Miracle-worker, gifted with a penetrating understanding of Sacred Scripture as well as the gift of prophecy, companion of St Boniface, the Apostle of Germany. Wigbert was known as a quiet and gentle man and a great teacher. Both St Alcuin and St Bede knew and mentioned him in their historical writings of the times and of the Church. St Bede admired his contempt of this world and his learning.
A fascinating and much-admired Saint:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/13/saint-of-the-day-13-august-st-wigbert-of-fritzlar-c-675-c-746/

Bl William Freeman

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, JESUIT SJ, Quote on SELF-ABANDONMENT, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on PRIESTS, the PRIESTHOOD and CONSECRATED LIFE

Quote/s of the Day – 8 August – ‘That is amazing grace!’

Quote/s of the Day – 8 August – The Fourteen Holy Helpers – 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 – Mark 16:15-18 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Go into the whole world
and preach the Gospel to every creature.

Mark 16:15

You did not choose Me
but I chose you…

John 15:16

That is amazing grace!
For what were we before Christ had chosen us
besides being wicked and lost?
What then has He chosen in those who are not good?
You cannot say, I am chosen because I believed.
For if you believed in Him,
you had already chosen Him.
Nor can you say, before I believed I did good works
and, therefore, was chosen.
For what good work is there
before faith when the Apostle says,
“Whatever is not of faith is sin?”
What is there for us to say, then
but that we were wicked and were chosen,
that by the grace of having been chosen,
we might become good?

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

But what shall we offer, brothers,
what shall we give Him
for all the benefits He has given us?
He offered the most precious Victim
He possessed for our sake;
in truth, He could not have had
anything more precious.
So let us, too,
do what we can,
let us offer Him the best we have,
that is to say, ourselves!
He offered Himself,
so who are you,
to hesitate to offer yourself
?”

St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father & Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

This was how we spoke to them,
not with words but, with our hands
and our actions.
And in fact, convinced as they were
that they had been brought here to be eaten,
any other language would have
proved utterly useless.
Then, we sat, or rather knelt,
beside them and bathed their
faces and bodies.

St Peter Claver (1581-1654)

Can we think, the life of man,
better employed than in this good work?
What do I say? Would not all the labours
of a thousand men, be well rewarded,
in the conversion of a single soul
gained to Jesus Christ?
I have always felt a great love
for this kind of life
and for a profession so excellent
and so akin to that of the Apostles.

St Isaac Jogues (1607-1646)
Martyr

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, JESUIT SJ, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on WISDOM, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY

Quote/s of the Day – 31 July – St Ignatius Loyola

Quote/s of the Day – 31 July – St Ignatius Loyola SJ (1491-1556) Priest, Confessor, Founder, Theologian, Spiritual Writer, Mystic.

Suscipe
“Receive”
By St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

Receive, O Lord,
all my liberty.
Take my memory, understanding
and entire will.
Whatsoever I have or hold,
Thou hast given it – I give all back to Thee
and commit it wholly to be governed by Thy Will.
Thy Love and Thy Grace give unto me
and I am rich enough
and ask for nothing more!
Amen

God takes special care
to detach from the passing pleasures of this world,
those whom He Loves with special predilection,
by sending them desires after heavenly bliss
and, by the sorrows and bitterness
of the present life.

A precious crown is reserved in Heaven
for those who endow their actions with
all the diligence of which they are capable,
for, it is not enough to do good,
we must do it well!

Truth, always shines with the brightness
which belongs to it, while falsehood,
is wrapped in darkness –
to dispel this darkness, it is enough,
to put falsehood in the presence of truth
!”

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings?
And yet not one of them is forgotten before God.
Yes, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Therefore, do n
ot be afraid, you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Luke 12:6-7

“It seems to me you ought to resolve to carry out
peacefully what you can.
Do not worry about all the rest
but entrust to Divine Providence
that which you are unable to accomplish on your own.
What is pleasing to God, is the reasonable care and attention
we give, to accomplishing well, whatever business
we must undertake through duty.
What is not pleasing to God,
is anxiety and disquiet of mind.
The Lord wants our limitations and weaknesses,
to find their support in His Strength;
He wants us to hope that His Goodness
will complete and perfect, the imperfectness of our means.
… May the Divine Goodness always be pleased
to communicate His Light of Wisdom to us,
so that we may clearly see and firmly accomplish,
His good pleasure, for ourselves and for others …
so that we may accept from His Hand,
whatever He sends us, taking due note
of what is the most important – patience,
humility, obedience and charity!

(Letter of 17 November 1555)

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/31/quote-s-of-the-day-31-july-st-ignatius-loyola-2/

St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)