Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY FACE, The HOLY FAMILY

Feast of the Holy Family, Within The Octave of The Epiphany, Our Lady of Egypt and the Return of the Child Jesus from Egypt, Madonna delle Grazie / Our Lady of Grace, Italy (1588) and the Saints for 7 January

The Second day Within The Octave of The Epiphany

Our Lady of Egypt and the Return of the Child Jesus from Egypt — 7 January:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/07/our-lady-of-egypt-and-memorials-of-the-saints-7-january/

The Flight into Egypt by Albrecht Durer

Madonna delle Grazie / Our Lady of Grace, Costa Folgaria, Italy (1588) – 7 January, 8 September:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/07/our-lady-of-egypt-madonna-delle-grazie-our-lady-of-grace-costa-folgaria-italy-1588-and-memorials-of-the-saints-7-january/

Blessed Albert of Siena (Died c1181) Hermit
St Aldric of Le Mans
Bl Ambrose Fernandez
St Anastasius of Sens
St Brannock of Braunton
St Candida of Greece
St Cedd
St Clerus of Antioch
St Crispin I of Pavia
St Cronan Beg
St Emilian of Saujon
St Felix of Heraclea
St Giuliano of Gozzano (c350-c391) Deacon, Missionary
St Januarius of Heraclea
St Julian of Cagliari
St Kentigerna

St Lucian of Antioch (Died 312) Confessor, Priest, Marty, Teacher, Theologian, Writer, Founder of the renowned School of Antioch.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “The birthday of the blessed Lucian. a Priest of the Church of Antioch and Martyr, who was distinguished for his learning and eloquence. He suffered at Nicomedia for the confession of Christ, in the persecution of Galerius Maximian and was buried at Helenopolis, in Bithynia. His praises have been proclaimed by St John Chrysostom.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/01/07/saint-of-the-day-7-january-saint-lucian-of-antioch-died-312-confessor-priest-martyr/

Blessed Matthew of Agrigento OFM (1377-1450) Bishop, “Apostle of the Holy Name of Jesus,” Franciscan Priest and Friar, Missionary Preacher often with St Bernardine of Siena, Provincial Vicar and General Commissioner of the Order, founder of many Convents. He was Beatified on 21 February 1767 by Pope Clement XII.
His Zealous Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/07/saint-of-the-day-7-january-blessed-matthew-of-agrigento-ofm-c-1377-1450-apostle-of-the-holy-name-of-jesus/

St Pallada of Greece
St Polyeuctus of Melitene
St Reinhold of Cologne
St Spolicostus of Greece
St Theodore of Egypt
St Tillo of Solignac

St Valentine of Passau (Died 475) Bishop in Passau in the Rhaetia region, Switzerland, an area in the border region of modern Italy, Austria and Switzerland, Monk, Abbot, Missionary, Hermit, Miracle-worker. Died on 7 January 475 at Mais, Tyrol, Austria of natural causes. Patronages – against convulsions, against cramps/stomach pain, against epilepsy, against gout, against plague/epidemics, against demonic possession, of cattle diseases, of pilgrims, poor people, City and Diocese of Passau.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/07/saint-of-the-day-7january-st-valentine-of-passau-died-475-bishop/

St Virginia of Ste-Verge
Bl Wittikund of Westphalia

Posted in INCORRUPTIBLES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, THE EPIPHANY of the LORD

The Epiphany of the Lord, Nostra Signora di Cana / Our Lady of Cana and Memorials of the Saints – 6 January

The Epiphany of the Lord
Epiphany celebrates the visit of the three Kings or Magi (Wise Men) to the Christ Child, signifying the extension of salvation to the Gentiles.
The date of Epiphany, one of the oldest Christian Feasts, is 6 January, the 12th day after Christmas.
However, in some countries, the celebration of Epiphany is transferred to the Sunday which falls between 2 January and 8 January (inclusive). Greece, Ireland, Italy and Poland continue to observe Epiphany on 6 January as do traditional Catholics throughout the world.
Because Epiphany is one of the most important Feasts, it is a Holy Day of Obligation.

The Epiphany:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/01/07/the-solemnity-of-the-epiphany-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-7-january-god-reveals-himself-to-us/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/06/the-solemnity-of-the-epiphany-of-the-lord-6-january/

Saint Caspar, Saint Melchior and Saint Balthasa(1st Century) otherwise known as the Three Wise Men/Kings or the Magi – they are all Martyrs.
Patronages against epilepsy/of epileptics, against thunder, furriers, motorists, pilgrims, playing card manufacturers, sawmill workers, travellers, travelling merchants, Cologne, Germany, Saxony. Additional Memorials – 23 July (translation of Relics); 24 July (Cologne, Germany where their Relics lie).
Their Lives and Deaths:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/01/06/saints-of-the-day-6-january-saint-caspar-saint-melchior-and-saint-balthasar-1st-century-martyrs/

Nostra Signora di Cana / Our Lady of Cana – 6 January:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/06/the-solemnity-of-the-epiphany-of-the-lord-nostra-signora-di-cana-our-lady-of-cana-and-memorials-of-the-saints-6-january/

St Antoninus
St Basillisa of Antinoe

St Charles of Sezze OFM (1613-1670) Stigmatist, Friar, of the Friars Minor, Mystic, Writer, Advisor. His Beatification was celebrated in 1882 while Pope Pius XII approved his Canonisation in 1958 but the Pope died before he could Canonise the Friar so his successor, Pope John XXIII did so on 12 April 1959. His body is incorrupt.
About St Charles:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/01/06/saint-of-the-day-6-january-st-charles-of-sezze-o-f-m-1613-1670/

St Demetrius of Philadelphia
St Diman Dubh of Connor
St Edeyrn
St Eigrad
St Erminold of Prüfening

Bl Frederick of Saint-Vanne
Bl Gertrud of Traunkirchen
Bl Gertrude van Oosten
St Guarinus of Sion
St Guy of Auxerre
St Honorius
St Hywyn of Aberdaron

St Julian of Antinoë
St Julius
Bl Luc of Roucy
Bl Macarius the Scot
St Macra of Rheims
St Merinus

St Peter of Canterbury (Died c614) Priest, Missionar, the First Abbot of the Monastery of Sts Peter and Paul in Canterbury (later St Augustine’s Abbey) and a companion of St Augustine of Canterbury (Died c605) in the Gregorian mission to Kent.
About St Peter:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/06/saint-of-the-day-6-january-saint-peter-of-canterbury-died-c-614-priest-abbot/

St Pia of Quedlinburg
St Pompejanus
Bl Raymond de Blanes
St Schotin
St Wiltrudis of Bergen

Martyrs in Africa: Unknown number of Christian men and women who were Martyred in the persecutions of Septimus Severus. They were burned to death c 210.

Martyrs of Sirmium – 8 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith. The only surviving details are the names of eight of them – Anastasius VIII, Florianus, Florus, Jucundus, Peter, Ratites, Tatia and Tilis. They were martyred in the 4th century at Syrmium, Pannonia (modern Sremska Mitrovica, Vojvodina, Serbia).

Twelve Apostles – Saints of Ireland: Twelve 6th Century Irish Monks who studied under Saint Finian at Clonard Abbey and then spread the Faith throughout Ireland. Each has his own commemoration but on this day, they and their good works are considered and celebrated together. Although Saint Finian is sometimes included, most ancient writers list them as –

Brendan of Birr (Died c573) Monk, known as “Prophet of Ireland,” Founder of the Monastery at Birr in Central Ireland.
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/29/saint-of-the-day-29-november-saint-brendan-of-birr-died-c-573/
Brendan the Navigator (c484–c 577) Priest, Abbot, Founder of many Monasteries.
https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/16/saint-of-the-day-16-may-st-brendan-the-navigator-c-484-c-577/
Columba of Iona (521-597) Apostle of the Picts, Apostle to Scotland, Abbot, Missionary, Evangelist, Poet, Scholar and Writer.
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/09/saint-of-the-day-9-june-saint-columba-of-iona-521-597-apostle-of-the-picts-apostle-to-scotland/
Columba of Terryglass (Died 552) Abbot, Founder of Monasteries, Miracle-worker.
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/12/saint-of-the-day-12-december-saint-columba-of-terryglass-died-552-abbot-one-of-the-twelve-apostles-of-ireland/
Keiran of Saighir (Died c 530) Bishop
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/05/saint-of-the-day-5-march-saint-kieran-died-c-530/
Kieran of Clonmacnois / the Younger (c516-c550) Priest, Monk, Abbot, Teacher.
https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/09/saint-of-the-day-9-september-saint-kieran-the-younger-c-516-c-550/
Canice of Aghaboe
Lasserian of Leighlin
Mobhí of Glasnevin
Ninnidh the Saintly of Loch Erne
Ruadh´n of Lorrha
Senan of Iniscathay

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Notre-Dame de Ardilliers / Our Lady of Ardilliers (1454), Day 8 Christmas Novenas and Memorials of the Saints – 23 December

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus
By St Alphonsus
THE EIGHTH DAY

The Monthly Novena to the
Miraculous Infant of Prague

The Eighth Day

Notre-Dame de Ardilliers de Saumur / Our Lady of Ardilliers, Saumur, Anjou, France (1454) – 23 December:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/23/notre-dame-de-ardilliers-de-saumur-our-lady-of-ardilliers-saumur-anjou-france-1454-and-memorials-of-the-saints-23-december/

St Besa of Egypt (5th Century) Abbot, a wise, compassionate and effective administrator, shepherd of the surrounding peoples Besa was the Senior Abbot of more than one double Monastery in the desert region of Thebes. 
St Besa’s Life of Grace:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-saint-besa-of-egypt-5th-century-abbot/

St Bincema
St Dagobert II of Austrasia
St Frithbert of Hexham (Died 766) Bishop

Blessed Hartmann OSA (c 1090-1164) Bishop of Brixen, Italy and Friar of the Hermits of St Augustine, Reformer of the Clergy, Advisor and Confessor to the Holy Roman Emperor, Leopold I, Miracle-worker.
His Holy Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-bl-essed-hartmann-osa-c-1090-1164-bishop/

St Ivo of Chartres (c1040-1115) Bishop of Chartres, France from 1090 until his death, Confessor, Reformer, Defender of the Faith, Lawyer, Canon Lawyer, Teacher and Theologian, Writer. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Chartres in France, Saint Ivo, Bishop, who re-established the Order of the Canons and did much work and wrote to promote harmony between the clergy and the civil powers and for the good of the Church.”
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-saint-ivo-of-chartres-c-1040-1115/

St John Cirita
St John Stone
St Mardonius of Rome
St Mazota of Abernethy
St Migdonius of Rome

Blessed Nicolás Factor-Estaña OFM (1520-1583) Priest of the Order of Friars Minor, Painter, Preacher, Ascestic, Spiritual Director.
His Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-blessed-nicolas-factor-estana-ofm-1520-1583/

St Servulus (Died c 590) Layman, Beggar, paralysed by Palsy from birth. Saint Servulus was a perfect model of submission to the divine Will; it would be difficult to offer a more consoling example to persons afflicted by poverty, illnesses and the other miseries of life. It is Saint Gregory the Great who narrates for us his edifying story.
St Servulus’ Life of devotion:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-saint-servulus-died-c-590/

Martyrs of Crete – 10 Saints: A group of ten Christians who died in the persecutions of Decius. They were – Agathopus • Basilides • Cleomenes • Eunician • Euporus • Evaristus • Gelasius • Saturninus • Theodulus • Zeticus They were martyred in 250 on the island of Crete.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

The Fourth Sunday of Advent, Christmas Novenas, Notre-Dame de Chartres / Our Lady of Chartres / The Chartres Pilgrimage) (1935) and the Saints for 22 December

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
THE SEVENTH DAY

The Monthly Novena to the
Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague
The Seventh Day

Notre-Dame de Chartres / Our Lady of Chartres, (Pèlerinage de Chartres / The Chartres Pilgrimage) Mother of Youth (1935): also known as the Pilgrimage of Christendom, has been gathering thousands of people on the Solemnity of Pentecost for a three-day trek from the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris to the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Chartres:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/22/notre-dame-de-chartres-our-lady-of-chartres-pelerinage-de-chartres-the-chartres-pilgrimage-mother-of-youth-1935-and-memorials-of-the-saints-22-december/

St Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917) – Italian-American Religious Sister, who founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She was the first naturalised citizen of the United States to be canonised on 7 July 1946 by Pope Pius XII.
About St Frances:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-st-frances-xavier-cabrini-m-s-c-1850-1917/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-st-frances-xavier-cabrini-1850-1917-virgin/

St Abban of New Ross
Bl Adam of Saxony
St Amaswinthus of Málaga
St Athernaise of Fife
St Bertheid of Münster
St Chaeremon of Nilopolis

St Honoratus of Toulouse (3rd Century) Bishop

St Ischirione of Alexandria

Blessed Jutta OSB (c 1084-1136) Nun of the Benedictine Order, Foundress and Abbess, Spiritual Director (most notably of St Hildegard of Bingen), Mystic, miracle worker.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-blessed-jutta-of-disibodenberg-osb-c-1084-1136/

Bl Ottone of Toulouse

Blessed Thomas Holland SJ (1600-1642) Priest of the Society of Jesus and Martyr. of England and Wales. With eyes closed in prayer, Fr Holland looked at a Priest secretly in the crowd and received absolution. After he was hanged, his body was beheaded and quartered and exposed on London Bridge. Fr Holland was only forty-two years of age and a Jesuit for eighteen years. Pope Pius XI Beatified him on 15 December 1929.
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-blessed-thomas-holland-sj-1600-1642-priest-and-martyr-his-faith-was-his-crime/

St Zeno of Nicomedia (Died c303) Martyr, Roman Commander.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Nicomedia, St Zeno, soldier, who derided Diocletian for sacrificing to Ceres, wherefore, he had his jawbone fractured, his teeth plucked out and his head struck off.
St Zeno’s Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-saint-zeno-of-nicomedia-died-303-martyr/

Martyrs of Ostia – 3 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together. The only details about them to survive are three names – Demetrius, Florus and Honoratus. They were martyred at Ostia, Italy.

Martyrs of Rhaitu – 43 Saints: 43 Monks Martyred by Blemmyes, in Raíthu, Egypt, date unknown.

Martyrs of Via Lavicana – 30 Saints: A group of 30 Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. Died in c 303 in Rome, Italy and were buried between two bay trees on the Via Lavicana outside Rome.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

The Feast of St Thomas, Apostle of Christ, Martyr, EMBER SATURDAY, Novenas, Notre-Dame de Saint-Acheul / Our Lady of Saint Acheul, Amiens, France (4th Century) and Memorials of the Saints – 21 December

EMBER SATURDAY

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus
By St Alphonsus – THE SIXTH DAY

The Monthly Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague
The Sixth Day

Notre-Dame de Saint-Acheul / Our Lady of Saint Acheul, Amiens, France, founded by Saint Firmin, Bishop (4th Century) – 21 December:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/21/feast-of-st-thomas-apostle-of-christ-christmas-novena-to-the-christ-child-day-six-notre-dame-de-saint-acheul-our-lady-of-saint-acheul-amiens-france-4th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

Bl Adrian of Dalmatia

St Anastasius II of Antioch (Died 609) Bishop and Martyr, Confessor, Defender of the Faith.
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-saint-anastasius-ii-of-antioch/

St Baudacarius of Bobbio
St Beornwald of Bampton
Bl Bezela of Göda

Blessed Daniel of the Annunciation OdeM Mercedarian Friar. Daniel was a Mercedarian Friar at the Monastery of Santa Maria della Pace in Naples, Italy. He was a staunch defender of the freedom of the Church from state control and of his Order.(13th Century?)
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-blessed-daniel-of-the-annunciation-odem/

St Dioscorus

Blessed Dominic Spadafora OP (1450-1521) Dominican Priest, renowned Preacher and Evangelist. His body is incorrupt.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-blessed-dominic-spadafora-op-1450-1521/

St Festus of Tuscany
St Glycerius of Nicomedia
St James of Valencia O.deM. (Died 1362) Martyr
St John of Tuscany
St John Vincent

St Severin of Trèves (Died c300) Bishop, Confessor, Defender of the Faith, Misionary and Apostle to the Germans in the lower Moselle region.
Additional Feast celebrated on 15 October on some calenders:
His Holy Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2024/10/15/saint-of-the-day-15-october-saint-severus-of-trier-died-c455-bishop-and-confessor/

Bl Sibrand of Marigård
St Themistocles of Lycia

Blessed Tommaso Vitali OSM (1425-1490) Priest and Friar of the Order of the Servants of Mary (the Servites), a renowned and highly effective Preacher and patient spiritual guide.
The Life of a True Shepherd:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-blessed-tommaso-vitali-osm-1425-1490-priest/

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Vigil of St Thomas, Apostle, EMBER FRIDAY, Christmas Novenas – Fifth Day, Notre-Dame de Molène / Our Lady of Molene, France (1075) and the Saints for 20 December

VIGIL OF ST THOMAS, APOSTLE

EMBER FRIDAY – Fast and Abstinence

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
THE FIFTH DAY

The Monthly Novena to the Miraculous
Infant Jesus of Prague
The Fifth Day

Notre-Dame de Bon Retour à Île-Molène / Our Lady of Molene, France (1075) – 20 December
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/20/notre-dame-de-bon-retour-a-ile-molene-our-lady-of-molene-france-1075-christmas-novena-day-five-and-memorials-of-the-saints-20-december/

St Attala of Strasbourg
St Bajulus of Rome
St Crescentius of Africa
St Damian of Padua
St Dominic of Brescia

St Dominic de Silos OSB (1000-1073) Monk, Abbot. He was a Spanish Monk, to whom the Abbey of Santo Domingo de Silos, where he served as the Abbot, is dedicated. The mother of the better-known Saint Dominic de Guzmán, the Blessed Joan of Aza, prayed at his Shrine before she was able to conceive the son she named for him. That son would grow up to found the Dominican Order. Dominic’s special patronage thus became connected with pregnancy and until the establishment of the Second Spanish Republic in 1931, his abbatial crozier was used to bless the queens of Spain and was placed by their beds when they were in labour.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/20/saint-of-the-day-20-december-st-dominic-de-silos-o-s-b-c1000-1073/

St Eugene of Arabia
St Hoger (Died 916) Bishop
Bl John de Molina
St Julius of Gelduba
Bl Lorenzo Company
St Liberatus of Rome
St Macarius of Arabia
St Malou of Hautvillers
St Paul of Latra
Blessed Peter de la Cadireta

St Philogonius of Antioch (Died 324) Bishop, Widower, Lawyer, Patriarch of Antioch. Defender of the true Faith against Arianism, in fact, he was one of the first to publicly denouce the heresy, Defender of the people against persecution, Ascetic.
His Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/20/saint-of-the-day-20-december-saint-philogonius-of-antioch-died-324/

St Thomas of Dover

St Ursicinus of Saint-Ursanne (c552-c625) Abbot, Hermit, disciple of St Columban (543-615).  Born in c552 in either France or Ireland and died on 20 December in c625 near modern St-Ursanne, Jura, Switzerland of natural causes. Patronages – against stiff neck, Besançon in France, in Switzerland – Basel, Saint-Ursanne.
A Saint Patron against a Stiff Neck!:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/20/saint-of-the-day-20-december-saint-ursicinus-of-saint-ursanne-c552-c625-abbot/

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Nuestra Señora de Toledo (The Chasuble of St Ildephonsus) (657), Christmas Novenas and Memorials of the Saints – 19 December

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus By St Alphonsus –
THE FOURTH DAY

The Monthly Novena to the Miraculous Infant of Prague
The Fourth Day

Nuestra Señora de Toledo (La Casulla de Santo Ildephonsus) / Our Lady of Toledo, Spain (The Chasuble of St Ildephonsus) (657) – 19 December:
This miraculous story here:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/19/the-fourth-sunday-of-advent-christmas-novena-to-the-christ-child-day-four-nuestra-senora-de-toledo-our-lady-of-toledo-spain-the-chasuble-of-st-ildephonsus-657-and-memorials-of-the-s/

Blessed Pope Urban V (1310-1370) Bishop of Rome from 28 September 1362 to his death in 1370, Priest, Benedictine Monk, Abbot, Canon lawyer, brilliant scholar, teacher.
About Blessed Pope Urban:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/19/saint-of-the-day-19-december-blessed-pope-urban-v-1310-1370/

St Avitus of Micy
Bl Berengar of Banares

St Berardo Valeara OSB (c1050-1122) Bishop of Teramo, Italy, Priest, Benedictine Monk at Monte Cassino, Reformer, Evangelist, Apostle of Charity and Peace.
His life:

https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/19/saint-of-the-day-st-berardo-valeara-of-teramo-osb-c-1050-1122/

St Boniface of Cilicia
Bl Cecilia of Ferrara
St Fausta of Sirmium
St Gregory of Auxerre (c455-c540) Bishop and Confessor
St Jaume Boguñá Casanovas
St Johannes Gogniat
St Josep Albareda Ramoneda

St Manirus of Scotland (c 700-824) Confessor, Bishop, Missionary. Manirus is venerated as one of the Apostles of northern Scotland.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/19/saint-of-the-day-19-december-saint-manirus-of-scotland-c-700-824-confessor-bishop/

St Meuris of Alexandria
St Nemesius of Alexandria
St Ribert of Saint-Oyend
St Thea of Alexandria
St Timothy the Deacon

Blessed William of Fenoli O.Cart. (1065-1120) Carthusian Monk, Hermit, Miracle-worker. Beatified on 29 March 1860 by Pope Pius IX (cultus confirmation).
His Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/19/saint-of-the-day-19-december-blessed-william-of-fenoli-o-cart-1065-1120/

Blessed Mercedarian Fathers – (6 Beati): A group of Mercedarian Friars noted for their dedication to the Order’s Rule, for their continuous prayer life and their personal piety.
Blessed Bartolomeo of Podio
Blessed Giovanni of Verdera
Blessed Guglielmo de Gallinaris
Blessed Guglielmo of Prunera
Blessed Pietro of Benevento
Blessed Pietro of Gualba

Martyrs of Nicaea – (4 Saints): A group of Christians Martyred together. The only surviving details are four of their names – Darius, Paul, Secundus and Zosimus. They were martyred at Nicaea, Bithynia (modern Izmit, Turkey).

Martyrs of Nicomedia – 5 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little more than the names of five – Anastasius, Cyriacus, Paulillus, Secundus and Syndimius. They were martyred in 303 at Nicomedia, Asia Minor.

Posted in CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, MOTHER of GOD, QUOTES on CHASTITY, QUOTES on HUMILITY, Quotes on SALVATION, St Francis de Sales, The ANNUNCIATION, The INCARNATION, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 18 December – Chastity and Humility

Quote/s of the Day – 18 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Feast of Our Lady of Expectation

By a woman,
came the flood of our ills
and by a woman too,
our blessings,
have their spring.

St Gregory Thaumaturgus (c213-c270)
“the Wonder-Worker,” Bishop, Confessor

And Mary said,
‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be to me according to thy word.’

Luke 1:38

The price of our salvation
is offered to thee.
We shall be set free at once, if thou consent.
In the eternal Word of God, we all came to be
and behold, we die.
In thy brief response,
we are to be remade.
in order to be recalled to life.
Answer quickly, O Virgin.
Reply in haste to the Angel,
or rather, through the Angel to the Lord.
Answer with a word,
receive the Word of God.
Speak thine own word,
conceive the Divine Word.
Breathe a passing word,
embrace the Eternal Word
!”

St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
The Last Father and the Mellifluous Doctor

She saw herself raised to the highest dignity
that ever was or will be, for although
it should please God to create anew many worlds,
He could never make a pure creature be greater
than the Mother of God.
Our Lady humbled herself and acknowledged herself unworthy of being raised to the high dignity
of Mother of God, therefore, she was made to be His Mother, for she had no sooner uttered the protestation of her littleness, than, having abandoned herself to Him,
by an act of incomparable charity,
she became the Mother of the Most High,
Who is the Saviour of our souls!

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

Posted in ADVENT, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, EMBER DAYS, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MARIAN TITLES, MOTHER of GOD, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on PURITY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The INCARNATION, The REDEMPTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 18 December – ‘ … She indeed, is Mother of God, divinely named Mary … ‘

One Minute Reflection – 18 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Ember Wednesday – The Feast of Our Lady of Expectation – Isaias 7:10-15; Luke 1:26-38 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Hail, full of grace!” – Luke 1:28

REFLECTION – “The degeneration caused by sin had obscured the beauty of our original nobility. But when the mother of supreme Beauty is born, our nature finds its purity once more and sees itself moulded according to the perfect model, worthy of God (Gn 1:26)… We had all preferred the world below, to that above. There no longer remained any hope of salvation. The state of our nature cried aloud to Heaven to come to the rescue … Then, at last, in His good pleasure, the world’s Divine Artificer determined to make a new world appear, a different world full of harmony and youth.

Now was it not fitting, that a most pure virgin without stain, should place herself at the service of this mysterious plan, first of all?… And where was this virgin to be found, if not in this woman, alone of her kind, chosen by the world’s Creator before all generations? Yes, she indeed, is Mother of God, divinely named Mary, whose womb gave birth to God Incarnate and whom, He Himself had supernaturally prepared, as His Temple…

In this way, then, the design of the Redeemer of our race was to bring about a birth and, as it were, a new creation to replace the one which went before. Therefore, just as in Paradise, He had taken a little clay out of the pure and spotless earth, to fashion the first Adam (Gn 2:7), so, at the moment of bringing about His Own Incarnation, He made use of another earth, so to speak, namely, this Pure and Immaculate Virgin, chosen from among all other beings He had created. It is in her that He, Adam’s Creator, has remade us in our very substance and become a new Adam (1 Cor 15:45), that the old might be saved by the New and Eternal!” – St Andrew of Crete (660-740) Bishop (Sermon 1 for the Nativity of the Mother of God ; PG 97, 812).

PRAYER – O God, Who, by the message of an Angel, willed to take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant that we, Thy suppliants, who believe her to be truly, the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with Thee. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in ADVENT PRAYERS, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS to the DIVINE INFANT JESUS

Our Morning Offering – 18 December – Awaiting Baby Jesus

Our Morning Offering – 18 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Feast of Our Lady of Expectation

Awaiting Baby Jesus
Traditional Catholic Advent Prayer

My heart is beating,
filled with joy,
awaiting Mary’s Baby Boy.
For with this Child, we embrace
the birth of God’s
most precious grace.
Baby Jesus, soon to come!
For us comes the Promised One.
Baby Jesus, God’s own Son,
Thou will be the Chosen One
to lead Thy flock unto salvation.
Our eternal life awaits.
The birth of Jesus brings us nearer
Heaven’s Holy Gates.
Sing with joy
and count the days,
for soon to come,
the Lord we’ll praise.
Rejoice that Jesus
will soon arrive,
the Messiah and our faith alive.
Amen

Posted in EMBER DAYS, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Ember Wednesday, Novenas- Day Three, Our Lady of the Expectation and the Saints celebrated on 18 December

Christmas Novena to the Christ Child – Day Three: THE THIRD DAY

The Monthly Novena to the Infant of Prague – LINK : The Third Day

Our Lady of the Expectation – This Feast originated in Spain. When the Feast of the Annunciation (25 March) was transferred to 18 December because of the regulation forbidding Feasts in Lent, it remained on this date after the Annunciation was again celebrated on its original date. It impressed on the faithful, the sentiments of the Blessed Virgin as the time of her delivery approached.
More about the Feast here:

https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/18/the-feast-of-our-lady-of-expectation-18-december/

St Basilian of Laodicea
St Bodagisil of Aquitaine
St Desiderius of Fontenelle

St Flannán of Killaloe (7the Century) Bishop, Abbot, Missionary to the Hebrides Islands, renowned for his preaching.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/18/saint-of-the-day-18-december-saint-flannan-of-killaloe-7th-century/

St Gatian of Tours (c 251-301) The founding Bishop of the See of Tours, Missionary..
About St Gatian:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/18/saint-of-the-day-18-december-saint-gatian-of-tours-c-251-301/


St Mawnan of Cornwall – He is lincluded in various calendars in the British Isles. A Town in the County of Cornwall is named for him. No reliable information about his life has survived.
St Rufus of Philippi+
St Samthann (Died 739) Virgin, Founder Abbess
St Theotimus of Laodicea– Martyr. No further information has survived.

St Winebald OSB (c 701-761) Benedictine Priest, Abbot, Confessor, Missionary, Founder of many Monasteries, disciple of St Boniface.
St Winebald’s Life:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/18/saint-of-the-day-18-december-saint-winebald-osb-c-701-761/

St Zosimus of Philippi+

Mercedarians Redeemers – Also known as “Blessed Redentori.”
A group of Mercedarian Friars who worked together, under the leadership of Saint Peter de Amer, to ransom prisoners and minister to them after.
Blessed Bernardo de Pratis
Blessed Giacomo de Lara
Blessed Louis Gasco
Blessed Peter de Quesada
Blessed Peter of Barcelona
Blessed William de Quadres

Martyrs of Northwest Africa – 42 Saints:
Mercedarian Redeemers – 6 beati – These are a group of Mercedarian Friars who worked together, under the leadership of Saint Peter de Amer, to ransom (e.g., redeem) prisoners and minister to them after.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Our Lady of the Earthquake, Basilicata, Italy (1857), Novenas, St Lazarus and Memorials of the Saints – 17 December

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus
By St Alphonsus – The Second Day:
LINK HERE:

THE SECOND DAY

The Monthly Novena to the Infant of Prague
LINK to The Second Day
: The Second Day

Madonna del Terremoto (Madonna del Carmine) / Our Lady of the Earthquake, Paterno, Potenza, Basilicata, Italy (1857) – 17 December. (As Patron-Our Lady of Carmel – 26 July):
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/17/christmas-novena-ember-day-madonna-del-terremoto-madonna-del-carmine-our-lady-of-the-earthquake-paterno-potenza-basilicata-italy-1857-and-memorials-of-the-saints-17-december/

St Begga of Ardenne (c613-693) Widow, Mother of 3 children, Founder of Churches and a Monastery of which she became the first Abbess. Patronages – Ardenne, against stuttering and of stutterers.
he Roman Martyrology reads: “At Ardenne, at the Seven Churches, St Begga Widow, sister of St Gertrude of Nivelles.”
St Begga’s Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-saint-begga-of-ardenne-c613-693-widow/

St Briarch (Died 627) Abbot
St Judicaël
St Maxentiolus
St Modestus of Jerusalem

St Olympias of Constantinople (c361-365 – 408) Childless Widow, Deaconess, friend of St John Chrysostom, Apostle of charity and Founder of a Convent, hospital and an orphanage, Defender of the true faith.
About St Olympias:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-st-olympias-of-constantinople-c-361-365-408/

Bl Peter of Spain

St Sturmi of Fulda OSB (c705-779) Abbot, Priest, Monk, Missionary, disciple of Saint Boniface and Founder and first Abbot of the Benedictine Monastery and Abbey of Fulda. Known as “The Apostle of the Saxons,” “The Apostle of Germany.”
About St Sturmi:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-saint-sturmi-of-fulda-c-705-779/

St Tydecho

St Wivina (1103-c 1170) Virgin, Abbess
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-saint-wivina-1103-c-1170-virgin-abbess/

St Yolanda

Martyrs of Eleutheropolis – (60+ Martyrs-Beati): Approximately 60 Christian soldiers in the imperial Roman army of emperor Heraclius; they were murdered as a group for their faith by invading Saracen Muslims. We know the names of two of them – Calaoicus and Florian. 638 in Eleutheropolis (Beit Jibrin), Palestine.

Posted in IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, MOTHER of GOD, Our MORNING Offering, QUOTES on PURITY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Our Morning Offering – 15 December – O Purest of Creatures, Sweet Mother, Sweet Maid

Our Morning Offering – 15 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Octave Day of the Immaculate Conception

O Purest of Creatures,
Sweet Mother, Sweet Maid

By Fr Frederick W Faber C.Orat. (1814-1863)

O Purest of creatures, sweet Mother, sweet maid,
The one spotless womb wherein Jesus was laid!
Dark night hath come down on us, Mother! and we
Look out for thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!

Deep night hath come down on this rough-spoken world,
And the banners of darkness are boldly unfurled;
And the tempest-tossed Church,—
all her eyes are on thee;
They look to thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!

He gazed on thy soul, it was spotless and fair,
For the empire of sin—it had never been there;
None ever had owned thee, dear Mother but He.
And He blest thy clear shining, sweet Star of the Sea!

Earth gave Him one lodging; t’was deep in thy breast,
And God found a home where the sinner finds rest;
His home and His hiding-place, both were in thee,
He was won by thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

“Gaudete” Sunday, The Third Sunday of Advent, Octave Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora de Monguí / Our Lady of Mongui, Colombia (16th Century), Memorials of the Saints for 15 December and Novena Reminders

Octave Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus by St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori – BEGINS on 16 December:
This Novena is translated from the Italian of Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori and was first published in 1758.
Although this Novena is intended, primarily as a preparation for the Feast of our Lord’s Nativity, it can be used with spiritual profit at any time of the year, as a devotion in honour of the Infant Jesus.
This translation by the Redemptorists of the UK.

AND/OR:
December, naturally being the Month of the Divine Infant, is a wonderful time to begin this Monthly practice:
The Monthly Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague

From 16 to 24 December (and of every Month on the same dates).

Nuestra Señora de Monguí / Our Lady of Mongui, Monguí, Boyacá, Colombia (16th Century) – 15 December:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/15/nuestra-senora-de-mongui-our-lady-of-mongui-mongui-boyaca-colombia-16th-century-memorials-of-the-saints-and-an-ember-day-15-december/

St Adalbero (c958- 1005) Bishop
St Bacchus the Younger
St Christiana the Slave
St Florentius of Bangor

St Margaret of Fontana
Bl Maria della Pace

Blessed Maria Vittoria De Fornari Strata (1562–1617) Widow, Nun, Foundress of the Order of the Annunciation – or Blue Nuns, of which she is the Patron.
Her Lifestory:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/15/saint-of-the-day-15-december-blessed-maria-vittoria-de-fornari-1562-1617/

St Mary Crocifissa di Rosa (1813–1855) Religious, Foundress of the Handmaids of Charity/Sisters of Charity. She was Beatified in 1940 by Pope Pius XXI and Canonised in 1954 by the same Pontiff.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2016/12/15/saint-of-the-day-15-december/

St Maximinus of Micy
St Offa of Essex
St Paul of Latros
St Silvia of Constantinople
St Urbicus

St Valerian of Abbenza (c377-c457) Confessor, Bishop.
The Roman Martyrology this day states: “In Africa, the holy Bishop Valerian, who, being upwards of eighty years old, in the persecution of the Vandals, under the Arian King Genseric, was asked to deliver the Sacred vessels of the Church and, as he constantly refused, an order was issued to drive him, all alone, out of the City and all were forbidden to allow him to stay, either in their houses or on their land. For a long time, he remained lying on the public roads in the open air and thus, in the confession and defence of the Catholic verity, closed his blessed life.
Pray for Us, Holy St Valerian:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/15/saint-of-the-day-15-december-saint-valerian-of-abbenza-c377-c457-

Martyrs of North Africa – 7 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith in North Africa. The only details about them that survive are their names – Caelian, Candidus, Faustinus, Fortunatus, Januarius, Lucius and Mark.

Martyrs of Rome – 22 Saints: A group of 22 Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Valerian. The only details we have are five of their names – Antonius, Irenaeus, Saturnin, Theodorus and Victor. c 258 in Rome, Italy.

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, FATHERS of the Church, GATE of HEAVEN, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Our Morning Offering – 14 December – O Gloriosa Virginum By St Venantius Fortunatus

Our Morning Offering – 14 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” and Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception – Today is also the Feast day of dear St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609) Bishop, Poet, Hymnist, Writer. Another “Golden Words”:

O Gloriosa Virginum
By St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609)

O Glorious Virgin, ever blest,
Sublime above the starry sky,
Who nurture from thy spotless breast
To thy Creator didst supply.

What we had lost through hapless Eve,
The Blossom sprung from these restores,
And, granting bliss to souls that grieve,
Unbars the everlasting doors.

O Gate, through which hath passed the King.
O Hall, whence Light shone through the gloom;
The ransomed nations, praise and sing
Life given from the Virgin womb.

All honour, laud and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-born, to Thee;
All glory, as is ever meet,
To Father and to Paraclete.
Amen

O Gloriosa Domina is the second half of the Hymn: Quem Terra, Pontus, Aethera. It was composed by St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609) the Bishop of Poitiers.
In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the Hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to O Gloriósa Vírginum.
It is sung in the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Roman Breviary.
It is said that St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) was always singing this Hymn. His mother sang it to him as a baby,and even on his death bed after receiving Extreme Unction, he intoned the Hymn.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception, Madonna del Patrocinio / Our Lady of Defence -Romagna, Italy) (1685) and Memorials of the Saints – 14 December

Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God

Madonna del Patrocinio / Our Lady of Defence – also known as Santa Maria del Calcare (Faenza, Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy) (1685) – 14 December:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/14/madonna-del-patrocinio-our-lady-of-defence-faenza-ravenna-emilia-romagna-italy-1685-and-memorials-of-the-saints-14-december/

St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609) Bishop, Poet, Hymnist, Writer.
Another “Golden Words”:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/14/saint-of-the-day-14-december-saint-venantius-fortunatus-c-530-c-609/

St Agnellus of Naples (535-596) Abbot, Priest, Hermit, Defender and Protector of the City of Naples, Miracle-worker.
St Agnellus is one of the 50+ Co-Patrons of the City of Naples
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “
In Naples, in Campaniaa, St Agnellus, Abbot. Illustrious by the gift of miracles, he was often seen with the standard of the Cross, delivering the City besieged by enemies.”
A Mighty and Powerful Saint:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/14/saint-of-the-day-14-december-saint-agnellus-of-naples-osa-535-596/

St Berthold of Regensburg OFM (c 1220-1272) Friar of the Order of the Friars Minor, Renowned Preacher for which reason he was known as “Sweet Brother Berthold,” “The Beloved of God and man,” “A Second Elias,”,”The Teacher of the Nations.”
Celebrating St Berthold:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/14/saint-of-the-day-14-december-saint-berthold-of-regensburg-ofm-c-1220-1272/

Bl Buenaventura Bonaccorsi
St Folcuino of Therouanne
St John Pan y Agua (Bread-and-Water)

St Matronianus of Milan
St Pompeius of Pavia

St Viator of Bergamo (Died c370) Bishop and Confessor
Bl William de Rovira

Martyrs of Alexandria – 4 Saints: A group of Egyptian Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Decius – Arsenius, Dioscurus, Heron and Isidore. They were burned to death in 250 at Alexandria, Egypt.

Martyrs of Apollonia – 7 Saints: Martyred in the persecutions of Decius. The only surviving details are three names – Callinicus, Leucio and Tirso. The Martyrdom took place at Apollonia, Bithynia (in modern Turkey).

Martyrs of Ashkelon – 3 Saints: Several pilgrims from Egypt to Cilicia (in modern Turkey) who planned to minister to fellow Christians suffering in the persecutions of Emperor Maximinus. They were arrested, torture, mutilated and then imprisoned in Ashkelon. Some were ordered to forced labour in the mines but we have the names of three who were Martyred by order of Governor Firmilian – Ares, Elijah and Promo. They were burned at the stake or beheaded at the gates of Ashkelon c 308.

Martyrs of Hayle – 2+ Saints: Several Christians, including a brother and sister, who were Martyred together by pagans. The only other information to survive are the names of the two siblings – Fingar and Phiala. 5th Century at Hayle, Cornwall, England.

Martyrs of Syria – 3 Saints: Three Christians who were Martyred together. Known to Saint John Chrysostom who preached on their Feast Day and left us the only details we have – their names – Drusus, Theodore and Zosimus. The date and precise location of their Martyrdom is unknown but it was in Syria, possibly in Antioch.

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, DOGMA, FATHERS of the Church, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Our Morning Offering – 12 December – O Gloriosa Femina, O Glorious Maid, Exalted Far

Our Morning Offering – 12 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Within the Octave

O Gloriosa Femina
O Glorious Maid, Exalted Far
By St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609)
Bishop, Father o the Church

O Glorious Maid, exalted far
Beyond the light of burning star,
From Him who made thee, thou hast won
Grace to be Mother of His Son.

That which was lost in hapless Eve
Thy holy Scion did retrieve:
The tear-worn sons of Adam’s race
Through thee have seen the heavenly place.

Thou wast the gate of Heaven’s high Lord,
The door through which the Light hath poured.
Christians rejoice, for through a Maid
To all mankind is life conveyed!

All honour, laud and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-born, to Thee;
All glory, as is ever meet,
To Father and to Paraclete.
Amen.

This Hymn was used for Lauds in the Sarum Breviary for the Feasts of the Immaculate Conception, the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Annunciation, the Assumption and the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The above is the original text of this Hymn as it appears in The English Hymnal (1906), where it is listed as a Morning Office Hymn for Feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
Chant Tone: “O Gloriosa Domina” Gregorian Chant, Mode II, traditional.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception, Nuestra Senora De Guadalupe / Our Lady of Guadalupe (1531) and Memorials of the Saints for 12 December

Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God

Nuestra Senora De Guadalupe / Our Lady of Guadalupe
The First Apparition was on 12 December 1531.
All about Our Lady of Guadalupe:

https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/12/saint-of-the-day-the-feast-of-our-lady-of-guadalupe-12-december/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/12/feast-of-our-lady-of-guadalupe-12-december/

St Abra
St Agatha of Wimborne
Bl Bartholomew Buonpedoni

St Pope Callistus II (c1065-1124) Bishop of Rome 1 February 1119-13 December 1124)
His Life of Grace:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/12/saint-of-the-day-12-december-saint-pope-callistus-ii-c-1065-1124/

St Colman of Clonard

St Columba of Terryglass (Died 552) Abbot One of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. Founder of Monasteries, Miracle-worker, pupil and disciple of St Finnian of Clonard (470–549) known as the “Tutor of the Saints of Ireland.” (See St Finnian below).
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/12/saint-of-the-day-12-december-saint-columba-of-terryglass-died-552-abbot-one-of-the-twelve-apostles-of-ireland/


Bl Conrad of Offida
St Corentius of Quimper
St Cormac
St Cury
St Donatus the Martyr
St Edburga of Thanet

St Finnian of Clonard (470–549) “Tutor of the Saints of Ireland,” Monk and Founder of Monasteries the most famous being Clonard Abbey, Confessor, Ascetic, Missionary, Teacher, miracle-worker.
Holy St Finnian:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/12/saint-of-the-day-12-december-saint-finnian-of-clonard-470-549-tutor-of-the-saints-of-ireland/

St Florentius of Carracedo O.Cist. (Died 1152) Abbot
St Gregory of Terracina
St Hermogenes
Bl Ida of Nivelles

Bl Martin Sanz
St Simon Phan Ðac Hòa
St Spyridon of Cyprus
St Synesius

St Vicelinus of Oldenburg (1086-1154) Bishop, Missionary, “the Apostle of Holstei,” zealous Preacher.
His Zealous Life
:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/12/saint-of-the-day-12-december-saint-vicelinus-of-oldenburg-1086-1154/

Martyrs of Alexandria – 6 Saints: A group of six Christians Martyred for their faith during the persecutions of Decius. We know little more than five of their names – Alexander, Ammonaria, Dionysia, Epimachus and Mercuria. They were burned to death c 250 in Alexandria, Egypt.

Martyrs of Trier – 4 Saints and Companions: “At Treves (Trier), the holy Martyrs, Maxentius, Constantius, Crescentius, Justinus and their companions, who suffered in the persecutions of Diocletian, under the Governor Rictiovarus.”

Posted in CARMELITES, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOMINICAN OP, GATE of HEAVEN, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, Our MORNING Offering, QUOTES on PURITY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Our Morning Offering – 10 December – INVIOLATA!

Our Morning Offering – 10 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Within the Octave

INVIOLATA!
INVIOLATE!
Unknown Author
(11th Century)

Thou art inviolate, undefiled
and chaste, O Mary.
Thou has become the resplendent
Gate of Heaven,
O loving and dearest Mother of Christ,
Accept our devout acclamations
in praise of thee.
That our minds and bodies
may be pure,
Devoted hearts and lips
now implore thee.
Through thy sweet sounding prayers,
Gain us pardon forever.
O kind one, who alone
didst remain inviolate.
Amen

The Hymn Inviolata has been claimed by the Carmelite Order, as a Traditional Hymn originating within their ranks. The Hymn is also used by Dominican Friars in the chanting of Compline. Its origins trace to the 11th Century. It appears in Hymnals from 1860 to 1920.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Within the Octave, Santissima Casa de Loreto / The Holy House of Loreto / Our Lady of Loreto (1291), St Pope Melchiades and Memorials of the Saints – 10 December

Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God

St Pope Melchiades (Died 314) Bishop of Rome from 2 July 311- 19 or 11 January 314)

St Abundius
St Albert of Sassovivo
St Angelina of Serbia
Blessed Brian Lacey (Died 1591) Lay Martyr
BL Bruno of Rommersdorf
St Caesarius of Epidamnus
St Carpophorus
St Deusdedit of Brescia (Died c700) Bishop

St Edmund Gennings
St Emérico Martín Rubio
St Florentius of Carracedo
St Fulgentius of Afflighem
St Gemellus of Ancyra
St Gonzalo Viñes Masip
Bl Guglielmo de Carraria
St Guitmarus
St Hildemar of Beauvais
Bl Jerome Ranuzzi
Bl John Mason

St John Roberts (1577-1610) Priest, Martyr, Monk, Missionary.
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/10/saint-of-the-day-10-december-saint-john-roberts-1577-1610-priest-martyr/

St Julia of Merida
St Lucerius
St Maurus of Rome
St Mercury of Lentini
St Polydore Plasden
Bl Sebastian Montanol
Bl Sidney Hodgson
St Sindulf of Vienne
St Swithun Wells

St Thomas of Farfa (Died c720) Abbot, Hermit, Pilgrim, expert Restorer and Abbot extraordinaire! Born at Maurienne, Savoy, France and died in c720 of natural causes at his famous Monastery of Farfa.
The Extraordinary Restorer and Abbot:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/10/saint-of-the-day-9-december-saint-thomas-of-farfa-died-c720-abbot/

Bl Thomas Somers
St Valeria

Martyrs of Alexandria – 3 Saints: A group of Christians murdered for their faith in the persecutions of Galerius Maximian – c 312. The only details that have survived are three of the names – Eugraphus, Hermogenes and Mennas.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Resumed Mass of Sunday, Nostra Signora dell’Immacolata Concezione / Our Lady of the Conception, Naples, Italy (1618) and the Saints for 9 December

Resumed Mass of Sunday

Nostra Signora dell’Immacolata Concezione / Our Lady of the Conception, Naples, Italy (1618) – 9 December:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/09/nostra-signora-dellimmacolata-concezione-our-lady-of-the-conception-naples-italy-1618-and-memorials-of-the-saints-9-december/

St Auditor of Saint-Nectaire
St Balda of Jouarre
St Budoc of Brittany
St Caesar of Korone
St Cephas

Ven Clara Isabella Fornari OSC (1697–1744) Virgin, Nun of the Poor Clares, Mystic, Stigmatist.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/09/saint-of-the-day-9-december-venerable-clara-isabella-fornari-osc-1697-1744-virgin/

St Cyprian of Perigueux
St Ethelgiva of Shaftesbury
St Gorgonia (Died c370) Married mother, Sister of St Gregory Nazianzen
St Julian of Apamea

St Michaela Andrusikiewicz
St Nectarius of Auvergne

St Peter Fourier CRSA (1565-1640) “The Good Father of Mattaincourt,” Priest, Founder, Reformer, Confessor, Ascetic, Theologian, Teacher, Preacher, Apostle of Prayer, Penance and Charity, Marian devotee. Together with the Blessed Alix Le Clerc, in 1597, Fourier founded the Congregation of Notre Dame of Canonesses Regular of St Augustine, who were committed to the free education of children, taking a fourth vow to that goal. St Peter was Beatified on 20 January 1730 by Pope Benedict XIII and Canonised on 27 May 1897 by Pope Leo XIII.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/09/saint-of-the-day-9-december-st-peter-fourier-c-r-s-a-1565-1640/

St Proculus of Verona (Died c320) Bishop of Pav ia.
The Roman Martyrology says today: “In Verona, during the persecution of Diocletian, St Proculus, Bishop, who was buffeted, scourged with rods and driven out of the City. Being at length, restored to his Church, he rested in peace.
One who survived Diocletian:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/09/saint-of-the-day-9-december-saint-proculus-of-verona-died-c320-bishop/

St Syrus of Pavia (1st Century) The First Bishop og Pavia, Italy, Confessor, Miracle-worker, Defender of the Faith, Evangeliser.
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/09/saint-of-the-day-9-december-saint-syrus-of-pavia-1st-century/

St Valeria of Limoges
St Wulfric of Holme

Blessed Mercedarian Fathers – (10 Beati): The memorial of ten Mercedarian Friars who were especially celebrated for their holiness:
Arnaldo de Querol • Berengario Pic • Bernardo de Collotorto • Domenico de Ripparia • Giovanni de Mora • Guglielmo Pagesi • Lorenzo da Lorca • Pietro Serra • Raimondo Binezes • Sancio de Vaillo

Martyrs of North Africa – (24 Saints): Twenty-four Christians murdered together in North Africa for their faith. The only details to survive are four of their names – Bassian, Peter, Primitivus and Successus.

Martyrs of Samosata – (7 Saints): Seven Martyrs crucified in 297 in Samosata (an area of modern Turkey) for refusing to perform a pagan rite in celebration of the victory of Emperor Maximian over the Persians. They are – Abibus, Hipparchus, James, Lollian, Paragnus, Philotheus and Romanus. They were crucified in 297 in Samosata (an area in modern Turkey).

Posted in ADVENT, ADVENT REFLECTIONS, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOGMA, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOD ALONE!, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MARIAN TITLES, Meditations for ADVENT, MOTHER of GOD, QUOTES on MOTHERHOOD, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The NATIVITY of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 8 December – The Approaching Day

Thought for the Day – 8 December – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

Meditations for Advent
From “The Devout Year”
By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)

The Approaching Day

+1. When the sun is soon to appear above the horizon, the morning star, shining with a light derived indeed from Him but, nevertheless, shining bright and clear, even before His Coming, gives the signal of His approach. So, the holy Mother of God, dawning upon the world, with a grace and beauty which was the gift of her Divine Son, anticipated His Incarnation and made the world more beautiful in God’s Sight, than it had ever been before. Mary was more precious to God than all the rest of men and this, quite independently of her Divine Maternity.
Consider why this was and learn a lesson for yourself.

+2. The morning star is still clearly seen when all other stars have been extinguished by the light of the Coming Day . Mary has a brilliancy so great that the brightness of all the other Saints fades into nothing in comparison with hers. If this was the case even in comparison with the glory of St John Baptist, St Joseph, Abraham the Patriarch, the friend of God – Job, the model of patience, Daniel, the beloved of God, what must her glory be!
Thank God for having created one child of Adam worthy of Himself!

+3. Mary’s consummate beauty is the consequence of there being in her, nothing of her own. All was God’s ; no mixture of self in her motives, in her aims, in her joys and sorrows, her love and hatred.
Her affections were simply a reflection of what God loved and hated; like God she loved all things except sin and those who were the declared and eternal enemies of God.
She desired nothing for herself, except that, she might see God’s holy Will fulfilled in all.
Is this the account which you can give of yourself ?
Only if this is so, are you a worthy child of Mary.

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOGMA, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, Hail MARY!, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MARIAN TITLES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 December – “Hail, full of grace …” – Luke 1:28

One Minute Reflection – 8 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Feast of the Immaculate Conception – Proverbs 8:22-35, Luke 1:26-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Hail, full of grace …” – Luke 1:28

REFLECTION – “How can I speak? What praises could I possibly make of the holy and glorious Virgin? She surpasses all other beings except for God Himself. She is by nature more beautiful than the Cherubim and Seraphim and the whole Angelic Host. No language, whether of Heaven or earth, or even of the Angels, is enough to praise her. Blessed Virgin, spotless dove, heavenly bride… temple and throne of the Godhead! Christ, the Sun Who shines resplendently in Heaven and on earth, belongs to thee. Thou art the luminous cloud which brought Christ down to earth, He Who is the bright streak of lightening, Who shines across the world.

Rejoice, full of grace, gate of Heaven! It was of thee, the author of the Song of Songs speaks … when he cries aloud: “A garden enclosed is my sister, my bride; an enclosed garden, a fountain sealed” (4:12)… Holy Mother of God, spotless ewe – thou gave birth to Christ, the Lamb, the Word made flesh in thee … How amazing a wonder in the heavens – a woman clothed with the sun (Apoc 12:1), carrying the Light in her arms! … How amazing a wonder in the heavens – the Lord of Angels becomes the Virgin’s Child. Angels judged Eve; now they fill Mary with glory, since it was she who raised Eve from her fall and brought Adam, expelled from Paradise, into Heaven.

Vast is the grace given to this Holy Virgin. Hence Gabriel, first addresses her with this greeting: “Hail, full of grace” resplendent as the Heaven. “Hail, full of grace” Virgin adorned with countless virtues… “Hail, full of grace” thou quench our thirst at the sweetness of the everlasting stream. Hail, holy and Immaculate Mother, thou conceived the Christ Who existed before thee. Hail, royal purple, thou clothed the King of Heaven and earth. Hail, O sealed book, thou enabled the world to read the Word, the Father’s Son!” – St Epiphanius of Salamis (c315-403) Bishop of Salamis,  known as the Oracle of Palestine and Father of the Church (Sermon No 5)

PRAYER – O God, Who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin, prepared a worthy dwelling for Thy Son, and Who, by Thy Son’s death, foreseen by Thee, preserved her from all taint, grant, we beseech Thee, through her intercession that we too, may come to Thee, unstained by sin. T 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 FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, Our MORNING Offering

Our Morning Offering – 8 December – Immaculate! Immaculate!

Our Morning Offering – 8 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” and The Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Immaculate! Immaculate!
By Fr Frederick William Faber CO (1814-1863)

O Mother! I could weep for mirth,
Joy fills my heart so fast;
My soul today is Heaven on earth,
O could the transport last!
I think of thee and what thou art,
Thy majesty, thy state
And I keep singing, in my heart,
Immaculate! Immaculate!

When Jesus looks upon thy face,
His Heart with rapture glows
And in the Church, by His sweet Grace,
Thy blessed worship grows.
I think of thee and what thou art,
Thy majesty, thy state
And I keep singing, in my heart,—
Immaculate! Immaculate!

The Angels answer with their songs,
Bright choirs in gleaming rows
And Saints flock round thy feet in throngs
And Heaven with bliss o’erflows.
I think of thee and what thou art,
Thy majesty, thy state
And I keep singing, in my heart,
Immaculate! Immaculate!

This Hymn comes from Hymns By Frederick Faber, (1871 edition) and is under the title “Immaculate! Immaculate!”
It is a Hymn for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on 8 December.

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

The Immaculate Conception of the Glorious and Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of God, The Second Sunday of Advent and Memorials of the Saints for 8 December

The Immaculate Conception of the Glorious and Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of God – 8 December.
Patronages – barrel makers, coopers, cloth makers, cloth workers, soldiers of the United States, Spanish infantry, tapestry workers, upholsterers, Argentina, Brazil, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Guam, Nicaragua, Panama, Portugal, Tanzania, Tunisia, United States, 68 Diocese, 8 Cities.
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/08/the-solemnity-of-the-immaculate-conception-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary-8-december-2/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/12/08/the-feast-of-the-immaculate-conception-solemnity-8-december/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/08/8-december-the-solemnity-of-the-immaculate-conception/

THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

St Anastasia of Pomerania
St Anthusa of Africa
St Casari of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon

St Eucharius of Trier (Died 3rd Century) the First Bishop of Trier, Germany, Date and place of birth are unknown but Eucharius is believed to have been of Italian origin. Additional Memorial in Limburg, Germany of the 3 Bishops sent by St Peter, occurs on 11 September. –
The Roman Martyrology reads:
At Treves, St Eucharius, disciple of the blessed Apostle Peter and the first Bishop of that City.”
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/08/saint-of-the-day-8-december-saint-eucharius-of-trier-died-3rd-century-bishop/

St Pope Eutychian (Died 283) The 27th Pope
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/08/saint-of-the-day-8-december-saint-pope-eutychian-died-283/

St Gunthildis of Ohrdruf
St Macarius of Alexandria
St Patapius

St Romaric (Died 653) Married French noble layman, Abbot, Founder of the renowned Remiremont double Monastery in north-eastern France. Died in 653 of natural causes. He was Canonised on 3 December 1049 by Pope Leo IX.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In the Monastery of Luxeuil, St Romericus, Abbot, who left the highest station at the Court of King Theodebert, renounced the world and surpassed all others in the observance of monastic discipline.”
About St Romaric:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/08/saint-of-the-day-8-december-saint-romaric-died-653-abbot/

St Sophronius of Cyprus (6th Century) Bishop

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Vigil of the Immaculate Conception, Day 9 of the Novena, Virgen del Castillo / Virgin of the Castle, Spain (1642) St Ambrose and the Saints for 7 December

Novena in Honour of the Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary: – LINK to the 9th Day – THE NINTH DAY – 7 December

Vigil of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
– A Day of FASTING and ABSTINENCE.
On this Vigil day, Catholics stand in the remains of the night as the dawn makes its appearance. This resplendent dawn is that Singular Conception, the Immaculate Conception, who ushers in the Light of Christ.
A day of Fast and Abstinence following the Rubrics of Pope Pius X for the Universal Calendar of the Church.

It is through the most Blessed Virgin Mary, that Jesus Christ came into the world and, it is also through her, that He will reign in the world.” – St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)

Virgen del Castillo, Inmaculada Concepción / Virgin of the Castle, Yecla, Spain (1642) – 7 and 8 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/07/vigil-of-the-solemnity-of-the-immaculate-conception-virgen-del-castillo-inmaculada-concepcion-virgin-of-the-castle-yecla-spain-1642-and-memorials-of-the-saints-7-december/

St Ambrose (c 340-397) – Confessor, Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church, Theologian, Apostle of Charity, Writer, Musician, Preacher, Reformer and Protector – all-in-all a brilliant, charismatic, vibrant man.
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/07/saint-of-the-day-7-december-st-ambrose-c-340-397-father-and-doctor-of-the-church-2/
And More:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/07/more-on-todays-saint-st-ambrose-c340-397-father-and-doctor-of-the-church/

St Agatho of Alexandria
St Anianas of Chartres
St Athenodoros of Mesopotamia
St Buithe of Monasterboice

St Burgundofara / more commonly known as Fara (c 595-c 643) Nun, Abbess, Founder of the famous Evoriacum Monastery, near Paris in France, which after her death was renamed in her honour, Faremoutiers Abbey (Fara’s Monastery).
Biography:

https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/07/saint-of-the-day-7-december-st-burgundofara-c-595-c-643-virgin/

St Charles Garnier SJ (1606-1649) Priest Martyr, Missionary. Charles Garnier was Canonised on 29 June 1930 by Pope Pius XI with the seven other Canadian Martyrs (also known as the North American Martyrs).
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/07/saint-of-the-day-7-december-st-charles-garnier-sj-1606-1649/

St Diuma
St Geretrannus of Bayeux
St Martin of Saujon (Died c400) Priest, Abbot

St Maria Giuseppa Rosello FdM (1811-1880) Religious sister and Founder of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy. She was Canonised in 1949 by Pope Pius XII.
About St Maria Giuseppa:

https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/07/saint-of-the-day-7-december-st-maria-giuseppa-rosello-fdm-1811-1880/

St Sabinus of Spoleto (Died c 303) Bishop of Assisi, Martyr, Miracle-worker.
His Life and Death:

https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/07/saint-of-the-day-7-december-saint-sabinus-of-spoleto-died-c-303/

St Servus the Martyr
St Theodore of Antioch

St Urbanus of Teano (Died circa late 4th Century) Confessor, Bishop of Teano, Italy.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Teano in Campania, Saint Urbanus, Bishop.”
A Zealous Shepherd:

https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/07/saint-of-the-day-7-december-saint-urbanus-of-teano-died-circa-late-4th-century-confessor-bishop/

Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The NINE FIRST FRIDAYS

First Friday, Day 8 of the Immaculate Conception Novena, Notre-Dame de Séez/ Our Lady of Séez, France (5th Century), St Nicholas and Memorials of the Saints – 6 December

First Friday of the Month:
I promise you, in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all powerful love, will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Friday, for Nine Consecutive Months, the grace of final repentance; they shall not die in my disgrace, nor without receiving the Sacraments; my Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge, in that last moment.” — Our Lord to St Margaret Mary

    Notre-Dame de Séez/ Our Lady of Séez, Normandy, France (5th Century) – 6 December:
    HERE:

    https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/06/notre-dame-de-seez-our-lady-of-seez-normandy-france-5th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-6-december/

    Novena in Honour of the Immaculate Conception
    of the Blessed Virgin Mary: – LINK to the 8th Day: – THE EIGHTH DAY – 6 December

    St Nicholas (270-343) Confessor, Bishop, Abbot, Apostle of Charity, Miracle-worker.
    Full Biography here:

    https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/06/saint-of-the-day-6-december-st-nicholas-270-343/
    More:
    https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/06/saint-of-the-day-st-nicholas-270-343-bishop/

    St Abraham of Kratia ( c474–c558) Bishop, Monk, Hermit.
    Biography:

    https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/06/saint-of-the-day-6-december-saint-abraham-of-kratia-c-474-c-558/

    St Aemilianus the Martyr

    Blessed Angelica Leonti of Milazzo TOM (1519-1559) Virgin, Lay Tertiary of the Order of the Minim.
    A Model for our Times:

    https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/06/saint-of-the-day-6-december-blessed-angelica-leonti-of-milazzo-tom-1519-1559-virgin/

    St Asella of Rome (Died c 406) Virgin Hermit Friend of St Jerome
    A Flower of the Lord:

    https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/06/saint-of-the-day-6-december-saint-asella-of-rome-a-flower-of-the-lord-died-c-406/

    St Boniface the Martyr
    St Dativa the Martyr
    St Dionysia the Martyr

    St Gertrude the Elder the Elder (c560-649) Widow, Abbess
    St Isserninus of Ireland
    St Leontia the Martyr
    St Majoricus the Martyr
    St Polychronius
    St Tertus

    Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

    The Sodality of Our Lady / Our Lady of the Jesuit College, Rome (1584), The 7th Day of the Immaculate Conception Novena, St Sabbas of Mar Saba and Memorials of the Saints – 5 December

    The Sodality of Our Lady / Our Lady of the Jesuit College, Rome (1584) – 5 December:
    HERE:

    https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/05/the-sodality-of-our-lady-our-lady-of-the-jesuit-college-rome-1584-and-memorials-of-the-saints-5-december/

    Novena in Honour of the Immaculate Conception
    of the Blessed Virgin Mary: LINK to the 7th DAY – THE SEVENTH DAY – 5 December

    St Abercius
    St Anastasius
    St Aper of Sens

    Blessed Bartholomew Fanti of Mantua O.Carm. (c 1428-1495) Carmelite Priest, renowned Preacher. Humble and gentle, Bartholomew gave an example to everyone of a life of prayer, of loving kindness and generosity to all and of faithful service to the Lord. He was remembered and revered, even during his life, for his great love ot the Blessed Sacrament, which was the source and the summit of his apostolic life, together with his love and devotion to the Virgin Mother. His Beatification received the Papal approval of Pope Pius X on 18 March 1909.
    Biography:

    https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/05/saint-of-the-day-5-december-blessed-bartholomew-fanti-o-carm-c-1443-1495/

    St Basilissa of Øhren
    St Bassus of Lucera
    St Bassus of Nice
    St Cawrdaf of Fferreg
    St Christina of Markyate
    St Consolata of Genoa
    St Crispina
    St Cyrinus of Salerno – Bishop. Martyr. No other information has surived.
    St Dalmatius of Pavia (Died c304) Bishop Martyr
    St Firminus of Verdun

    St Gerald of Braga (Died 1109) Archbishop of Braga, Portugal, Abbot, Reformer. He renewed divine worship and restored Churches.
    St Gerald’s Life:

    https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/05/saint-of-the-day-5-december-saint-gerald-of-braga-died-1109-bishop/

    St Gratus
    Bl Giovanni Gradenigo
    St Justinian
    St Martiniano of Pecco
    St Nicetius of Trier
    St Pelinus of Confinium

    Martyrs of Thagura – 12 Saints: A group of twelve African Christians who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. The only details about them that have survived are five of their names – Crispin, Felix, Gratus, Juliua and Potamia. They died in 302 in Thagura, Numidia

    Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

    Notre-Dame-de-la-Chapelle d’Abbeville / Our Lady of La Chapelle, France (1400), Day 6 of the Immaculate Conception Novena, St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450), St Barbara (Died 3rd Century) Virgin Martyr and all the Saints for 4 December

    Novena in Honour of the Immaculate Conception
    of the Blessed Virgin Mary – LINK to the DAY 6 – THE SIXTH DAY – 4 December

    Notre-Dame-de-la-Chapelle d’Abbeville / Our Lady of La Chapelle, at Abbeville, France (1400) – 4 December:
    HERE:

    https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/04/notre-dame-de-la-chapelle-dabbeville-our-lady-of-la-chapelle-at-abbeville-france-1400-and-memorials-of-the-saints-4-december/

    St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450) “Golden Words” Confessor,, Father & Doctor of the Church – Bishop of Ravenna, Italy. Today we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Peter Chrysologus, a fifth-century Italian Bishop known for testifying courageously to Christ’s full humanity and divinity during a period of the heresy called “Monophysite.”
    The saint’s title, Chrysologus, signifies “golden speech” in Greek. Named as a Doctor of the Church in 1729 by Pope Benedict XIII., he is distinguished as the “Doctor of Homilies” for the concise but theologically rich reflections he delivered during his time as the Bishop of Ravenna.
    176 of his sermons have survived – it is the strength of these beautiful explanations of the Incarnation, the Creed, the place of Mary and John the Baptist in the great plan of salvation, Mary’s perpetual Virginity, the penitential value of Lent, Christ’s Eucharistic presence and the Primacy of St Peter and his successors in the Church.
    FEAST DAY: 4 December (General Roman Calendar 1729-1969)

    https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/30/saint-of-the-day-30-july-st-peter-chrysologus-c-400-450-golden-words/

    St Ada of Le Mans
    St Adelmann of Beauvais

    St Anno II (c 1010-1975) Archbishop of Cologne from 1056 until his death. From 1063 to 1065 he acted as Regent of the Holy Roman Empire for the minor Emperor Henry IV, Reformer, founder of Monasteries and builder of Churches.
    The Life of St Anno:

    https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/04/saint-of-the-day-4-december-saint-anno-ii-c-1010-1975-archbishop-of-cologne/

    St Apro

    St Bernardo degli Uberti OSB Vall. (c1060-1133) Cardinal Bishop, Benedictine Vallombrosan Monk, Abbot of San Salvi Monastery, Abbot-General of the Vallombrosans. Created a Cardinal by Pope Urban II in 1097. Papal legate, Bishop of Parma, Italy in 1106. Exiled twice during disputes with Anti–Papal forces opposing Pope Saint Gregory VII.
    A fascinating Saint who even Pablo Picasso could not resist painting (2nd image below – maybe Senor Picasso’s ‘Blue Period?
    This Holy Shepherd:
    https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/04/saint-of-the-day-4-december-st-bernardo-degli-uberti-osb-vall-c1060-1133-cardinal-bishop-a-fascinating-saint-who-even-pablo-picasso-could-not-resist-painting/

    St Bertoara of Bourges
    St Christian O.Cist. (c1180-1245) Bishop
    St Christianus
    St Clement of Alexandria
    St Cyran of Brenne
    St Eraclius
    St Ezequiel Álvaro de La Fuente
    St Felix of Bologna (Died 432) Bishop
    Bl Francis Galvez
    St Heraclas of Alexandria
    Bl Jerome de Angelis
    St John the Wonder Worker
    St Maruthas
    St Melitus of Pontus

    St Osmund (Died 1099) Bishop of Salisbury, Confessor, Count of Sées, Lord Chancellor of England. He was Canonised in 1456 by Pope Callistus III.
    The Life of St Osmund:

    https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/04/saint-of-the-day-4-december-saint-osmund-died-1099/

    Blessed Pietro Tecelano TOSF (c 118-1289) Layman, Widower, Tertiary of the Order of Friars Minor, Apostle of the sick and the poor, spiritual and secular adviser, Miracle-worker. Pietro was Beatified on 18 August 1802 by Pope Pius VII.
    His Life:

    https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/04/saint-of-the-day-4-december-blessed-pietro-tecelano-tosf-c-1200-1289/

    St Prudens Martyr. No other information has survived.
    St Sigiranus
    Bl Simon Yempo
    St Sola

    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 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 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 of Dorchester (c 660-650) Bishop, “Apostle to the West Saxons,” Benedictine Monk.
    Biography:

    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 of Bremen (c975–1038) Married Laywoman, Princess, Mother and Widow, Apostle of the poor, founder of Churches.
    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
    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
    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).