Thought for the Day – 29 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” “Mary, Our Hope”
“In the beautiful prayer, known as the Salve Regina or Hail, Holy Queen, the Church salutes Mary as “our life, our sweetness and our hope.” Mary is our hope, because, she gave us our Saviour, Jesus and, because, she prays to Him continually for the graces which we need. Following the example of Luther, modern protestants raise the objection that Mary cannot be regarded as a source of hope, because, all our trust should be placed in God. Anyone who places his trust in creatures, draws down God’s curse upon himself, they say and, they go on to quote from Jeremias: “Cursed be the man who trusteth in man” (Jer 17:5). But this is true only, when we trust in creatures independently of God, as if we can derive any good from them, without recourse to God. We invoke Mary, however, as the Mother of God and our mediatrix with Him. She is our hope, insofar as she obtains for us from God, the graces and favours which we require. St Bernard assures us, that God has placed in Mary’s hands, all the riches which He wishes to bestow on us (Serm de aquaed). “He will never experience eternal ruin,” says St Anselm, “for whom Mary has once prayed.” St Bernard calls upon Mary as the foundation of all his hope (Ibid). Let us remember, that Mary is our loving Mother who wishes us to pray to her because, she knows that if she intercedes on our behalf, she will certainly be heard. It should be most consoling to us to have such a good and powerful Mother in whom, we can safely trust in every peril and in every necessity. Let us pray to her with love and faith, in the certainty that, we shall be answered in the way that is best for us. Let us say along with St John Damascene: “O Mother of God, if I place my trust in you, I shall be saved. If I am under your protection, I have nothing to fear because to be devoted to you, is to possess a weapon of salvation which God grants only to those, whom He desires to redeem” (Serm de Nat, cap 4).”
Our Morning Offering – 29 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels”
Salve Regina Hail Holy Queen [An Indulgence of 300 days–1925]
By Blessed Herman of Reichenau (1013–1054)
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, Hail our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, Poor banished children of Eve; To thee do we send up our sighs, Mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, Thine eyes of mercy toward us; And after this our exile, Show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
This line, below, by St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) Doctor of the Church
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
℣ Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, ℟ that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Lord of Miracles/Señor de los Milagros de Nazarenas – A mid-17th-century painting of the Crucifixion which is venerated in Lima, Peru and its celebration involves one of the largest processions in the world. It was painted by an unnamed African taken to Peru as a slave from what is now Angola. Above the Cross is the Holy Ghost and God the Father. Below and to the right of Jesus, is His mother, the Virgin Mary with her heart pierced by a Sword of Sorrow. Kneeling and weeping at the foot of the Cross is St Mary Magdalene. The name originated on 13 November 1655 when everything around it was destroyed in an earthquake which left the painting standing and undamaged. Christ is shown enduring the pain of Crucifixion. Every year in October, hundreds of thousands of devotees participate in a procession honouring the imag,e through the streets of Lima. Boulevards are decorated in purple from 18 or 19 and the final Feast 28 October, to celebrate the Lord of Miracles.
St Abdias of Babylon St Abraham of Ephesus St Alberic of Stavelot St Anastasia the Elder St Anglinus of Stavelot St Cyril of Rome St Cyrilla (3rd Century) Virgin Martyr of Rome St Diomedes the Younger St Dorbhene of Iona
St Gaudiosus (Died c453) Bishopof Abitinae in North Africa, Monk and founder of a Monastery where he introduced the Rule of St Augustine. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Naples, St Gaudiosus, an African Bishop, who came to Campania because of the persecution of the Vandals and closed his holy career peacefully in a Monastery near that City.” His Holy Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/28/saint-of-the-day-28-october-saint-gaudiosus-of-naples-died-c453-bishop/
St Genesius of Thiers Bl Germain of Talloires St Godwin of Stavelot
St Maria Ascuncion St Remigius of Lyons St Rodrigo Aguilar Aleman St Salvius of Amiens
Martyrs of Avila – 3 Saints: Two sisters and a brother who, during a period of persecution, fled Talavera de la Reina, Spain, were caught and executed. Martyrs: Christeta, Sabina and Vincent. 303 in Avila, Spain.
Dedication of the Basilica of Auxilium Christianorum / Our Lady Help of Christians, Turin, Italy, built by St John Bosco (1868) – 27 October: HERE: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/27/88503/
St Capitolina St Colman of Senboth-Fola St Colman of Templeshambo St Desiderius (Died c623) Bishop of Auxerre
St Elesbaan (Died c555) King of Ethopia, Confessor, Penitent Hermit and Monk. The Roman Martyrology states today: “St Elesbaan, King, who after having defeated the enemies of Christ and sent his Royal Diadem to Jerusalem, in the time of Emperor Justin, led a monastical life, as he had vowed and went to his reward.” Holy Elesbaan: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/27/saint-of-the-day-27-october-saint-elesbaan-of-ethiopia-died-c-555/
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CHRIST the KING “Therefore, by our Apostolic authority, we appoint the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King, annually, on the last Lord’s day in the Month of October that is to say, on the Sunday which immediately precedes the Feast of All Saints, to be observed everywhere in the world. Likewise we enjoin, that the dedication of the human race to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, be annually renewed upon that selfsame day.” From the Encyclical Letter of Pope Pius XI Quas Primas; 11 December 1925 https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/25/25-november-the-solemnity-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-king-of-the-universe/ AND: https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/30/30-october-christ-the-king/
St Adalgott of Einsiedeln St Alanus of Quimper St Albinus of Buraburg
St Alfred the Great (849-899) King of Wessex, Confessor, Scholar, Writer and Translator, negotiator. He administered justice with insight and fairness, protected the poor, and encouraged art and the crafts. He tried in all that he did, to rule as a model Christian King. For all this, he alone among the rulers of England is called “the Great.” This Great Saint’s Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/26/saint-of-the-day-26-october-saint-alfred-the-great-849-899/
St Alorus of Quimper St Amandus of Strasburg St Amandus of Worms St Aneurin St Aptonius of Angouleme St Arnold of Queralt St Bean of Mortlach St Bernard de Figuerols
St Gaudiosus (7th Century) Bishop of Salerno St Gibitrudis St Gwinoc St Humbert St Lucian Martyr of Nicomedia and Companions St Marcian St Quadragesimus of Policastro St Quodvultdeus St Rogatian of Carthage
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.
St Fronto (1st-2nd Centuries) Bishop of Périgueux, consecrated by St Peter Apostle, Confessor, Missionary, Miracle-worker. Born at an unknown date in Lycaonia, Asia Minor and died in Périgueux, France of natural causes. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Périgueux in France, St Fronto, who, being made Bishop by the blessed Apostle Peter, with a Priest named George, converted to Christ a large number of the people of that place and renowned for miracles, rested in peace.” St Fronto’s Life of Service: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/25/saint-of-the-day-25-october-saint-fronto-of-perigueux-1st-2nd-centuries-bishop-confessor/
St Fructus of Segovia
St Gaudentius (Died 410) Bishop of Brescia, renowned Preacher, Theologian, Diplomatic Mediator, The Roman Martyrology states today: “In Brescia, Saint Gaudentius, Bishop, who, Ordained by Saint Ambrose, shone among the prelates of his time for doctrine and virtue, instructed his people with words and writings and founded a Basilica which he called the ‘Council of Saints.‘” A Holy and Zealous Shepherd: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/25/saint-of-the-day-25-october-st-gaudentius-of-brescia-died-410/
St George of Périgueux (1st-2nd Centuries) Priest, assistant to St Fronto St Goeznoveus of Leon St Guesnoveus Bl Henry of Segusio St Hilary (Died c540) Bishop of Mende, France St Hildemarca of Fecamp St Januarius of Sassari St Lucius of Rome St Lupus of Bayeux St Mark of Rome
St Miniato of Florence St Peter of Rome St Protus of Sassari St Recaredo Centelles Abad St Tabitha
Blessed Thaddeus McCarthy (c1455–1492) “White Martyr of Munster” – Bishop. He was a Bishop who never ruled his See/s, even though he was appointed to two of them – Bishop of Ross, Ireland in 1482 and Bishop of Cork and Cloyne in 1490. Patronages – exiles, the homeless, those suffering calumny, rejection and persecution, pilgrims. The Pain of Earthly Rejection but Beloved of the Lord: https://anastpaul.com/2019/10/25/saint-of-the-day-25-october-blessed-thaddeus-mccarthy-c-1455-1492-the-white-martyr-of-munster/
St Theodosius of Rome
Martyrs of Rome – A group of 46 soldiers and 21 civilians Martyred together in the persecutions of Claudius II. 269 in Rome, Italy.
Feast of the Most Holy Redeemer – The Feast of the Most Holy Redeemer is a Liturgical Feast. It is celebrated in Venice as the Festa del Redentore. It is also celebrated by the Redemptorists and was celebrated in the City of Rome. The Feast is found only in the special calendar of some Diocese and religious Orders and is celebrated with proper Mass and Office either on the third Sunday of July or on 23 October. https://anastpaul.com/2019/10/23/the-feast-of-the-most-holy-redeemer-23-october/
St Anthony Mary Claret CMF (1807-1870) Known as “The Spiritual Father of Cuba.” In the first years, records show, that he Confirmed 100,000 people and performed 9,000 Sacramental Marriages.Archbishop of Cuba, one of the Fathers of the First Vatican Council,Confessor to the Queen of Spain, Missionary, Founder of the Congregation of Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, commonly called the Claretians, Confessor, Mystic, Social Reformer, Spiritual Director, Writer, Publisher, Preacher, Apostle of Charity. He was declared venerable by Pope Leo XIII in 1899. He was Beatified in 1934 and in 1950, Canonised by Pope Pius XII. His heart is incorrupt. The 1969 revision of the calendar moved St Anthony Feast to the day of his death, 24 October (from the 23rd) but the 24th is and had been the Feast of Saint Raphael the Archangel since 1921. About St Anthony Mary here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/10/24/saint-of-the-day-24-october-st-anthony-mary-claret-1807-1870-cmf/
St Arethas of Negran St Benedict of Sebaste St Clether St Domitius (8th Century) Priest St Elfleda St Ethelfleda Sts Germanus and Servandus of Cadiz St Gratien of Amiens Bl Henry of Cologne OP (Died 1225) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, one of the first Disciples of St Dominic St Ignatius of Constantinople
St Severinus of Cologne (c330-c400) the 3rd Bishop of Cologne, Confessor, Defender of the Faith against heretics, Miracle-worker. He heard about the death of St Martin of Tours by the message of Angels’ voices. He founded a Monastery in honour of the Martyrs, Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, which is nowadays the Basilica of St. Severinus. This Zealous Patron of Cologne: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/23/saint-of-the-day-23-october-saint-severinus-of-cologne-c330-c400-bishop-confessor/
St Syra of Faremoutiers St Theodoret of Antioch Blessed Thomas Thwing Priest Martyr Beatified on 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI St Verus of Salerno
Martyrs of Nicaea – 3 Saints Euerotas Socrates Theodota
Martyrs of Valenciennes – 6 Beati: A group of Urusuline and Briggittine nuns murdered together in the anti-Christian excesses of the French Revolution. They were guillotined on 23 October 1794 in Valenciennes, Nord, France and Beatified on 13 June 1920 by Pope Benedict XV. Anne-Joseph Leroux Clotilde-Joseph Paillot •Jeanne-Louise Barré Marie-Augustine Erraux Marie-Liévine Lacroix Marie-Marguerite-Joseph Leroux
St Abericus (Died 2nd Century) Bishop St Alodia of Huesca St Apollo of Bawit St Benedict of Macerac St Bertharius of Monte Cassino St Cordula
St Donatus (Died 874) Bishop of Fiesole, Confessor, Irish Nobleman, Monk, Priest, Poet, Writer, Scholar, Professor, Adviser to Emperors Louis the Pious and Lothair I, Founder of San Martino a Mensola Abbey and leader of two military expeditions against the Saracens. His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/22/saint-of-the-day-22-october-st-donatus-of-fiesole-died-874/
Bl Esclaramunda of Majorca St Hermes of Adrianople St Ingbert St Leothade of Auch
St Moderan of Rennes St Nepotian of Clermont (Died c388) Bishop St Nunctus of Mérida St Nunilo of Huesca St Philip of Adrianople St Philip of Fermo St Rufus of Egypt
St Verecundus Bishop and Confessor of Verona. The details of his labors are lost but the Goths ruled Verona at the time. St. Valens succeeded him.
Martyrs of Heraclea – 4 Saints: A group of four clerics in Heraclea (modern Marmara Ereglisi, Turkey) who were arrested in the persecutions of Diocletian. They were imprisoned, abused and ordered to turn over all the Scriptures they had hidden from authorities; they refused and were executed together. Martyrs. – Eusebius, Hermes, Philip and Severus. They were burned at the stake in 304 in Adrianople (modern Edirne, Turkey).
Saint Ursula and Companions: (Died c238) Virgin Martyrs This Amazing Story: https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/21/saint-of-the-day-21-october-saint-ursula-and-companions-died-c-238-virgin-martyr/ There are other Saints closely associated with Ursula and her story – travelling companions who were Martyred with her. They are: Antonia of Cologne Cesarius of Cologne Cyriacus of Cologne Daria Fiolanus of Lucca Ignatius of Cologne James of Antioch Mauritius of Cologne Pontius of Cologne Sulpitius of Ravenna Vincent of Cologne Travelling companion, but escaped the massacre: Cunera Led by a dove to the lost tomb of St Ursula: Cunibert of Cologne.
St Agatho the Hermit St Asterius of Périgord St Asterius of Rome
Our Morning Offering – 20 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feast of Mater Admirabilis / Mother Most Admirable
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!
Blessed James Strepar OFM (c1340-1409) Archbishop of Halicz, Poland from 1392 until his death Religious Priest of the Order of Friars Minor, Missionary. St Pius X proclaimed Blessed James, along with St Anthony of Padua, the Patrons of the Conventual Franciscan Order of Krakow Province. He was given the title of “Protector of the Kingdom, Defender and Guardian of the Homeland,” for his exceptional merits, including civil ones. Such was he considered by all. He was Canonised by by Pope Pius VI on 11 September 1791. His body is incorrupt. His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/20/saint-of-the-day-20-october-blessed-james-strepar-ofm-c-1340-1409/
St Leopardo of Osimo St Lucas Alonso Gorda St Martha of Cologne + Virgin Martyr
St Maximus of Aquila (c228-c250) Deacon Martyr. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Aveia, near Aquila in Abruzzo, Italy, the birthday of blessed Maximus, Deacon and Martyr, who, through the desire of suffering, presented himself to the persecutors who sought him. After answering with great constancy, he was racked and tortured, then beaten with rods and finally, he died by being precipitated from an elevated place.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/20/saint-of-the-day-20-october-saint-maximus-of-aquila-c228-c250-deacon-martyr/
St Orora St Saula of Cologne + Virgin Martyr St Sindulphus of Rheims St Usthazanes St Vitalis of Salzburg (Died c730) Bishop
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St Altinus St Aquilinus of Evreux St Asterius of Ostia St Beronicus of Antioch St Columban — Priest in Tours, France. Listed in the Martyrology of St Jerome. No other details have survived.
St Desiderius of Longoret St Ednoth St Ethbin St Eusterius of Salerno
St Frideswide (c665-735) Virgin, Abbess, Founder of the St Mary’s Convent, Miracle-worker The Convent is now Christ Church College, University of Oxford and the Convent Church became Oxford Cathedral. Patronage – of the City of Oxford, England and of the University of Oxford. Her Holy and Zealous Life: https://anastpaul.com/2024/10/19/saint-of-the-day-19-october-saint-frideswide-c665-c735-virgin/
St Laura of Cordoba St Lucius of Rome St Lupus of Soissons St Pelagia of Antioch
St Varus and 6 Companions (Died c307) Martyrs, Soldier. Died in c307 by being tortured and then hanged from a tree on 19 October 307 in Kemet, Upper Egypt. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Egypt, St Varus, Solder under the Emperor Maximinus. He used to visit and comfort seven saintly Monks, detained in prison, when one of them happening to die, he wished to take his place and having suffered cruel afflictions, with them, he obtained the Palm of Martyrdom.” Their Lives and Deaths: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/19/saint-of-the-day-19-october-saint-varus-and-six-companions-died-c307-martyrs/
Martyrs of Africa – 9 Saints: A group of Christians Martryed together in Africa. The only details that have survived are the names – Beresus, Dasius, Faustinus, Leucius, Lucius, Martialis, Victoricus, Victrix and Viktor. They were Martyred in c300 in Africa.
St Gerald of Clairvaux O.Cist (Died 1177) Abbot regarded as the first Cistercian Martyr St Junian St Lull St Magnobodus of Angers St Martinian of Mauretania St Mummolinus St Saturian of Mauretania St Silvanus of Ahun St Victor of Cologne St Vitalis of Noirmoutier
Martyrs in Africa – 220 Saints: A group of 220 Christians Martyrs about whom we know nothing but that they died for their faith.
Martyrs of North Africa – 365 Saints: A group of 365 Christians who were Martyred together in the persecutions of the Vandal king Genseric. The only details that have survived are the names of two of the Martyrs – Nereus and Saturninus. 450 in North Africa.
St Callistus of Huesca St Cannatus of Marseilles St Euthymius the Younger St Fortunatus of Rome St Leonard of Vandoeuvre Vandoeuvre St Sabinus (Died c760) Bishop of Catania in Sicily
Martyrs of Cologne: A group of 360 Christian soldiers Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian and Maximian. They were Martyred in 303 outside the City walls of Cologne, Germany.-
Saint Fortunatus of Todi (Died 537) Bishop, Confessor, miracle-worker. An entry in the Roman Martyrology under 14 October records: “At Todi in Umbria, St Fortunatus, Bishop, who, as is mentioned by blessed Gregory, was endowed with an extraordinary gift for casting out unclean spirits.” About St Fortunatus: https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/14/saint-of-the-day-14-october-saint-fortunatus-of-todi-died-537/
St Gaudentius of Rimini St Gundisalvus of Lagos St Lupulo of Capua St Lupus of Caesarea St Manacca St Manehildis St Modesto of Capua St Rusticus of Trier St Saturninus of Caesarea St Venanzio of Luni
Martyrs of Caesarea – 4 Saints: Three brothers and a sister Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian – Carponius, Evaristus, Fortunata and Priscian. In 303 in Caesarea, Cappadocia (in modern Turkey) – their relics enshrined in Naples, Italy.
Our Morning Offering – 13 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” and The Holy Angels” and Our Lady of Fatima: The Sixth & Final Apparition – Our Lady of the Holy Rosary (the name she gave herself when Lucia asked her name).
Act of Consecration and Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
O Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth and tender Mother of men, in accordance with thy ardent wish made known at Fatima, I consecrate to thee, myself, my brethren, my country and the whole human race. Reign over us and teach us how to make the Heart of Jesus reign and triumph in us and around us, as It has reigned and triumphed in thee. We wish to atone for the many crimes committed against Jesus and thee. We wish to call down upon our country and the whole world, the peace of God in justice and charity. We promise to imitate thy virtues, by the practice of a Christian life without regard to human respect. We resolve to receive Holy Communion on the first Saturday of every month and to offer thee five decades of the Rosary on this day, together with our sacrifices in the spirit of reparation and penance. Amen.
St Benedict of Cupra St Berthoald of Cambrai St Carpus of Troas St Chelidonia St Comgan the Monk St Florence of Thessalonica St Fyncana St Fyndoca Bl Gebrand of Klaarkamp
St Theophilus (Died c184) Bonfessor, Bishop of Antiochfrom 169 until 182, Scolar and Writer, Theologian, Apologist, Defender of the Faith against heresy The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Antioch, the holy Bishop, Theophilus, who held the pontificate in that Church and City, the sixth after the blessed Apostle, Peter.” His Virtuous Dedicated Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/13/saint-of-the-day-13-october-saint-theophilus-of-antioch-died-c184-confessor-bishop/
St Venantius (5th Century) Confessor, Priest Abbot in Tours
Three Crowns of Cordoba – (3 Saints): Three Christian men Martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian – Faustus, Januarius and Martial. They were burned to death in 304 in Cordoba, Spain.
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St Eustachius The Syrian Priest and Confessor St Evagrius the Martyr St Felix St Herlindis St Juan Osiense St Maximilian (Died c284) Bishop Martyr of Celeia, Slovenia St Meinards
St Serafino OFM Cap (1540-1604) Confessor, Franciscan Capuchin Lay Friar, gifted with the Charism of prophecy, Mystic, Apostle of the poor, Spiritual Advisor, devoted to the Blessed Sacrament, the Holy Rosary and to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Miracle-worker. The Roman Martyrology states: “At Ascoli, St Seraphinus, Confessor, of the Order of Minorite Capuchins, distinguished by holiness of life and humility. He was enrolled among the Saints by the Sovereign Pontiff Clement XIII.” Holy St Serafino: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/12/saint-of-the-day-12-october-st-serafino-of-montegranaro-ofm-cap-1540-1604/
St Wilfrid (c 633-709) Bishop of York in England, Abbot, Founder of Monasteries and Churches. Patronages – Diocese of Middlesbrough, Ripon “A quick walker, expert at all good works, with never a sour face” – such was the great St Wilfrid, whose glory it was to secure the happy links which bound England to Rome.” His Zealous Life: https://anastpaul.com/2018/10/12/saint-of-the-day-12-october-st-wilfrid-c-633-709/
Martyrs of Arian North Africa: Commemoration of the 4,996 Martyrs who died in the persecutions of the Vandals in Africa mandated by the Arian King Huneric. The persecuted Christians include Bishops, Priests, Deacons and thousands of the lay faithful. They died in 483 at various locations in North Africa. (Would we follow Christ and stand true to the Faith today?)
Thought for the Day – 11 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Mary, the Mother of God
“Most Holy Mary, not only were you raised to the dignity of Mother of God but, you carried out His holy Will, heroically on all occasions. Obtain for me, from your divine Son, Jesus, the grace to co-operate always and at all costs, with His designs for me, both in life and in death, amen.”
Quote/s of the Day – 11 October – The Feast of the Divine Maternity
“Gracious Lady, thou art a Mother and Virgin, thou art the Mother of the body and soul of our Head and Redeemer, thou art too, truly Mother of all the members of Christ’s Mystical Body. For through thy love, thou hast co-operated in the begetting of the faithful in the Church. Unique among women, thou art Mother and Virgin, Mother of Christ and Virgin of Christ. Thou art the beauty and charm of earth, O Virgin. Thou art, forever, the image of the holy Church. Through a woman came death, through a woman came Life, yes, through thee, O Mother of God.“
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
“You have guarded the integrity of the temple [of your body]; you have kept your tabernacle free from all sin, so that the Father becomes your guest, the Holy Ghost overshadows you and the Only-begotten Son Incarnate is born of you.”
St Hesychius of Jerusalem (Died c450) Priest, Exegete, Father
“May the Blessed Virgin, unique in her merits, stand in the presence of her Creator interceding always in our favour. She will be radiant in the fullness of glory, she who brought forth, from her virginal womb, the King of glory.”
St Amadeus of Lausanne (1108-1159)
“The prayers of Mary, have the force of command with Jesus Christ. Hence, it is impossible for the Son not to grant a grace for which the Mother asks.”
St Antoninus (1389-1459)
O Mary, Mother of God By St Ephrem (306-373) Father and Doctor of the Church
O Virgin most pure, wholly unspotted, O Mary, Mother of God, Queen of the universe, thou art above all the saints, the hope of the elect and the joy of all the blessed. It is thou who hast reconciled us with God; thou art the only refuge of sinners and the safe harbour of those who are shipwrecked; thou art the consolation of the world, the ransom of captives, the health of the weak, the joy of the afflicted and the salvation of all. We have recourse to thee and we beseech thee to have pity on us. Amen.
One Minute Reflection – 11 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – The Feast of the Divine Maternity –Ecclesiasticus Sirach 24:23-31 – Luke 2:43-51 –
“He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them and His mother kept all these things in her heart.” – Luke 2:51
REFLECTION – “Consider the most prudent woman Mary, Mother of true Wisdom, as the pupil of her Son. For she learned from Him, not as from a child or man but, as from God. Yes, she dwelt in meditation on His words and actions. Nothing of what was said or done by Him, fell idly on her mind. As before, when she conceived the Word itself, in her womb, so now, does she hold within her, His ways and words, cherishing them, as it were, in her heart. That which she now beholds in the present, she waits to have revealed with greater clarity, in the future. This practice she followed as a rule and law through all her life.” – St Bede the Venerable(673-735) Father and Doctor of the Church (Exposition of the Gospel of Luke).
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, maybe assisted by her intercession with Thee.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).
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
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.
Our Morning Offering – 9 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels”
Through Thee, to Us, Our Saviour Came Sweet Lady of the Rosary By St Amadeus of Lausanne O.Cist (1108-1159)
Through thee, to us, our Saviour came, Through thee, to Him, we fain would go. Our lives are marred by wrong and shame, Yet, confidence in thee we know. The friendship thou dost give to all Who love thy name, shall ever be Assurance thou wilt hear our call, Sweet Lady of the Rosary!
Thou art our Strength upon the way, Our Morning Star, to cheer and guide; Our Beacon Light to show the day, And lead us to the Saviour’s Side; A Comforter in ev’ry pain We find, O Mother blest, in thee, And seek we, never, thee in vain, Fair Lady of the Rosary!
Thy praises, Mary, we would sing, And all our faculties employ, That unto thee our hearts might bring A glory-crown of love and joy. Bless thou each humble effort made In thy regard and grant that we, May by thy influence be swayed, Our Lady of the Rosary!
St Aron of Kracow St Abraham the Patriarch St Alfanus of Salerno St Andronicus of Antioch St Athanasia of Antioch Bl Bernard of Rodez St Demetrius of Alexandria St Deusdedit of Montecassino St Domninus St Dorotheus of Alexandria
St Goswin Bl Gunther St Lambert St Publia (4th Century) Widow, Abbess St Sabinus of the Lavedan St Valerius
Martyrs of Laodicea – Three Christians Martyred together in Laodicea but no other information about them has survived but their names – Didymus, Diodorus and Diomedes. They Died in Laodicea, Syria.
St Evodius (5th Century) Bishop and Confessor of Rouen
St Felix (Died 390) the first Bishop of Como. Felix was a friend of Saint Ambrose, who praised him for his missionary activity and Ordained him a Priest in 379 and Consecrated him as Bishop in 386. St Ambrose sent him to evangelise the City of Como, as a testimony to the great missionary drive of the Church of Milan. St Felix is honoured as a zealous shepherd of souls. Blessed St Felix: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/08/saint-of-the-day-8-october-saint-felix-of-como-died-390/
Pelagia among her courtesans, as Saint Nonnus prays for her
St Peter of Seville
St Ragenfrida (Died 9th Century) Virgin, Abbess. Daughter of Adalbert, Count of Ostrevant and Regina, who is also remembered as a Saint. Patronage – of Denain, Northern France, where her Monastery was. Her Blessed Life: The Roman Martyrology: “In Denain in Hainault, in today’s France, Saint Ragenfrida, Abbess, who built a Monastery in this place with her assets, of which she was a worthy guide.” Her Blessed Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/08/saint-of-the-day-8-october-saint-ragenfrida-virgin-abbess-died-9th-century/
Quote/s of the Day – 7 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – The Feast of the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary/Our Lady of Victory of Lepanto
“The Rosary is the most divine of devotions.”
St Charles Borromeo (1538-1584)
“… [I] resolved to recite a Rosary for anyone who caused me trouble. Then I heard the Voice from the Tabernacle say, ‘Your prayers for those who mortify you, are very pleasing to Me. In exchange, I am ready to grant you many graces.‘”
St Serafino of Montegranaro (1540-1604)
“The greatest method of praying is to pray the Rosary.”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
“Never will anyone who says his Rosary everyday, be led astray. This is a statement that I would gladly sign with my blood.”
St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)
“The Rosary is a powerful weapon to put the demons to flight and to keep oneself from sin… If you desire peace in your hearts, in your homes and in your country, assemble each evening to recite the Rosary. Let not even one day pass without saying it, no matter how burdened you may be with many cares and labours.”
One Minute Reflection – 7 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – The Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary – Proverbs 8:22-24, 32-35 – Luke 1:26-38 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Hail, full of grace!” – Luke 1:28
REFLECTION – “Let us honour the Queen of Heaven, Mother of Life, source of mercy, overflowing delights, leaning on her Beloved. Let us praise her, knowing full well that our praise will be insufficient.
Risen above the tallest trees of Paradise and exalted above the highest peaks of mountains, she will penetrate Heaven with incredible majesty accompanied by the singing of the Choirs of Celestial Angels and surrounded by the dancing of Angels. Happy are those who dwell in Thine House, O Lord, they will praise Thee without end! In Thee we praise, not Eve, who introduced the poison but Mary, who gave Life, who is the mother and nursemaid of all, the life of all the living. In thee we praise even our own mothers.
May all hear and rejoice, the humble virgin rises, crowned, to the throne of glory, may the humble rejoice. May those who exalt themselves in their presumption fall. Mary who gives herself as a holocaust to the fullness of grace. May the Blessed Virgin, unique in her merits, stand in the presence of her Creator, interceding always in our favour.She will be radiant in the fullness of glory, she who brought forth, from her virginal womb, the King of Glory.” – St Amadeus of Lausanne O.Cist. (1108-1159) Cistercian Bishop (Marian Sermon VII)
PRAYER – O God, Whose Only-begotten Son, by His life, death and resurrection, has merited for us the grace of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, that, meditating on these Mysteries in the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may both imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise. 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).
St Pope Mark (Died 336) The 34th Pope and Confessor.
St Adalgis of Novara (Died c 850) Bishop St Apuleius of Capua
St Augustus (Died c560) Priest and Abbot of Bourges. The Roman Martyrolog states of him today: “Near Bourges in Aquitaine, France, Saint Augustus, Priest and Abbot, who had his hands and feet so contracted that he could not support himself except with his knees and elbows. He was healed through the intercession of St Martin of Tours. He gathered around himself some Monks and waited intently on prayer.” His Life of Virtue: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/07/saint-of-the-day-7-october-saint-augustus-of-bourges-died-c-560/
St Justina (Died c 304) Virgin and Martyr of Padua. The Roman Martyrology states today: “At Padua, Saint Justina, Virgin and Martyr, who was Baptised by blessed Prosdocimus, disciple of St Peter. As she remained firm in the faith of Christ, she was put to the sword by order of the Governor Maximus and thus went to God.” Her Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/07/saint-of-the-day-7-october-saint-justina-of-padua-died-c-304-virgin-and-martyr/
St Marcellus of Capua (Died Third or Fourth Century) Martyr St Martin Cid St Osith St Palladius of Saintes St Quarto of Capua St Rigaldo
St Sergius and Companions – Martyrs
Mercedarian Nuns of Seville: Five Mercedarian Nuns at the Monastery of the Assumption in Seville, Spain noted for their piety – Sisters Agnese, Bianca, Caterina, Maddalena and Marianna.
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