Category: MORNING Prayers

Posted in Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Our Morning Offering – 23 July – Gaelic Morning Offering

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 23 July – Tuesday of the Sixteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C

Gaelic Morning Offering

I am bending my knee
in the eye of the Father
who created me.
In the eye of the Son
who purchased me.
In the eye of the Spirit,
who cleansed me.
In friendship and affection.
Through Your own Annointed One, O God,
bestow upon us fulfilment of our need,
Love toward God,
the affection of God,
the smile of God,
the grace of God,
the fear of God
and the will of God,
to do in the world of the Three,
as angels and saints
do in heaven.
Each shade and light,
each day and night,
each time in kindness,
give us Your Spirit,
Amenno 4 gaelic morning offering - 23 july 2019 i am bending my knee.jpg

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 22 July – O Lord, Bless and Sanctify Us

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 22 July – Feast of St Mary of Magdala

O Lord, Bless and Sanctify Us
By St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father & Doctor of the Church

O Lord,
bless those who bless You
and sanctify those who trust in You.
save Your people and bless their inheritance
and keep Your household, the Church,
under Your protection.
Sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house,
reward them with glory through Your divine power
and do not forsake those who hope in You.
To the sick,
give Your aid, healing and comfort.
Keep safe all who travel by land or water.
Send us seasonable weather
and bless the fruits of the earth.
Keep peace in the world
and among all Your people.
Grant rest to the departed
and remember those
who have offered gifts to You.
Save those who are in any way
afflicted or distressed
and grant us all Your heavenly grace.
Ameno lord bless and sanctify us st john chrysostom - 22 july 2019.jpg

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 July – “..One thing is needful.”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 21 July – Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 10:38–42

“..One thing is needful.” … Luke 10:42

REFLECTION – “We must become aware that God dwells within us and do everything with Him, then we are never commonplace, even when performing the most ordinary tasks, for we do not live in these things, we go beyond them!   A supernatural soul never deals with secondary causes but with God alone.   Oh!   How it’s life is simplified, how it resembles the life of the blessed, how it is freed from self and from all things!  Everything for it is reduced to unity, to that “one thing necessary”, of which the Master spoke to Mary.   Then the soul is truly great, truly free, for it has “enclosed its will in God’s.” … St Elizabeth of the Trinity OCD (1880-1906) – The Greatness of our Vocation no. 8 (The Complete Works, vol. 1luke 10 42 one thing is needful - we must become aware - st elizabeth of the trinity 21 july 2019.jpg

PRAYER – O my God teach my heart where and how to seek You, where and how to find You…You are my God and You are my All and I have never seen You.
You have made me and remade me, You have bestowed on me all the good things I possess, Still I do not know You…
I have not yet done that for which I was made….
Teach me to seek You…I cannot seek You unless You teach me
or find You unless You show Yourself to me.
Let me seek You in my desire, let me desire You in my seeking.
Let me find You by loving You, let me love You when I find You.
Amen
By St Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) Doctor of the Churchteach me to seek you - st anselm - 21 july 2019.jpg

Posted in Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, Thomas a Kempis

Our Morning Offering – 21 July – Dear Lord, I Approach You

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 21 July – Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Dear Lord, I Approach You
(Prayer before Holy Communion)
By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Dear Lord,
with simplicity of heart,
in good and stable faith
and at Your command,
I approach You,
full of confidence and adoration,
truly believing that You are present
in this Sacrament, God and Man.
It is Your will that I receive You
and bind myself to You in love.
Most merciful Lord,
I beg of You that special grace,
that my soul may melt and overflow
with Your love,
never concerning myself again
with any other comfort but Your own.
Amendear-lord-i-approach-you-by-thomas-a-kempis-9dec2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 20 July – ‘..in his name will the Gentiles hope.’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 20 July – Saturday of the Fifteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 12:14–21

“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased….
and in his name will the Gentiles hope.”…Matthew 12:18,21

REFLECTION – “My dear souls, let us recognise, I pray you, Christ’s infinite charity towards us, in the institution of this Sacrament of the Eucharist.   In order that our love be a spiritual love, He wills a new heart, a new love, a new spirit for us.   It is not with a carnal heart but with a spiritual one, that Christ has loved us with a gratuitous love, a supreme and most ardent love, by way of pure grace and charity.   Ah!   One needs to love Him back with one’s whole, whole, whole, living, living, living and true, true, true heart!!” …… St Lawrence of Brindisi (1559-1619) Apostolic Doctorbehold-my-servant-matthew-12-18-my-dear-souls-let-us-recognise-st-lawrence-of-brindisi-21-july-2018

PRAYER – Lord God, You bestowed on us all the ways of grace in Your Son, so that Your name might be glorified and souls be saved.   At the intercession of His Mother, whom He so lovingly gave us, grant that we may see what we have to do and, in Your mercy give us the strength to do it and the courage, love and charity to persevere.   Grant above all, that by her prayers we may love You above all and with all we are.   Mary, holy Mother of God, pray for us, through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.mary holy mother pray for us 20 july 2019

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN Saturdays, MARIAN TITLES, Our MORNING Offering, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Our Morning Offering – 20 July – Hail Mary, Queen of Mercy

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 20 July – Saturday of the Fifteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C and a Marian Saturday

Hail Mary, Queen of Mercy
By St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)

Hail Mary, Queen of Mercy,
olive-branch of forgiveness,
through whom we receive
the medicine that heals our sickness,
the balsam of pardon.
Virgin Mother of the divine off-spring,
through your Son,
your only Child who stooped
to become the brother of humankind,
you are the true Mother of us all.
For the sake of His love,
take me, unworthy as I am,
into your motherly care.
Sustain, preserve
and enlighten my conversion.
Be for me, for all eternity,
my cherished mother,
tenderly caring for me
throughout my earthly life
and enfolding me in your arms,
at the hour of my death.
Amenhail mary queen of mercy - 20 july 2019.jpg

Posted in MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 July – “I desire mercy, not sacrifice”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 19 July – Friday of the Fifteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 12:1-8 and the Memorial fo St Macina the Younger

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice” … Matthew 12:7i desire mercy not sacrifice matthew 12 7 19 july 2019

REFLECTION – “I desire mercy”, namely the loyalty of a heart that recognises its own sins, that mends its ways and returns to be faithful to the covenant with God. “  And not sacrifice” – without a penitent heart, every religious action is ineffective! … Pope Francis (General Audience, 13 April 2016)i-desire-mercy-namely-the-loyalty-pope-francis-20-july-2018

PRAYER – Father and almighty God, You have given Your Son to redeem us with complete and absolute love and mercy.   He has taken our flesh and given Himself to us and extended endless mercy for all time.   He has taught us the path of love and mercy.  Grant, we pray, that our hearts may grieve and repent with true sorrow.   And may the prayers of St Macrina, assist us to extend mercy to all.   We make our prayer through the merits of His saving love and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever, amen.st macrina the younger pray for us 19 july 2019

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The GOOD SHEPHERD

Our Morning Offering – 19 July – O Good Shepherd

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 19 July – Friday of the Fifteenth week in Ordinary Time and the memorial of St Macina the Younger – sister of St Gregory of Nyssa

Below is an edited and simplified version 
of St Gregory’s famous
“To the Good Shepherd” prayer.

O Good Shepherd
By St Gregory Of Nyssa (c 335–395)
Father of the Church

O Good Shepherd,
Who carries the whole flock on Your shoulders,
Where are You pasturing Your flock?
Show me the place of peace,
lead me to the good grass that will nourish me,
call me by name so that I hear Your voice,
Answer me,
For You are the One my soul loves.
I call You ‘the One my soul loves’
because Your name is above every name
and above all understanding
and no one can utter or comprehend it.
How could I not love You,
when You loved me so much?
Even though I was stained dark with sin,
You laid down Your life for the sheep of Your flock.
A greater love cannot be imagined,
than exchanging Your life for my freedom!
Show me where You pasture Your flock,
so that I can find that saving pasture too,
and fill myself with the food of heaven
without which no-one can come to eternal life,
and run to the spring
and be filled with the drink of God.
You give it, as from a spring, to those who thirst –
water pouring from Your side,
water that is a spring welling up to eternal life.
If You lead me to pasture here,
You will make me lie down at noon,
sleeping at peace and taking my rest in light
unconquered by any shade.
For the noon has no darkness
and the sun stands far above the mountain peaks.
You bring Your flock to lie in this light,
You bring Your children to rest in You.
Show me how I should sleep
and how I should graze,
and where the path is to my noonday rest.
Do not let me fall away from Your flock
and become lost.
O Good shepherd,
Who carries the whole flock on Your shoulders.
Ameno good shepherd no 1 st gregory of nyssa 19 july 2019.jpg

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 July – “take my yoke upon you and learn from me” 

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 19 July – Thursday of the Fifteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30.

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart and you will find rest for yourselves…” … Matthew 11:29matthew 11 29 take my yoke upon you 18 july 2019

REFLECTION – “You are to “take my yoke upon you and learn from me.”   You are not learning from me how to refashion the fabric of the world, nor to create all things visible and invisible, nor to work miracles and raise the dead.   Rather, you are simply learning of me: “that I am meek and lowly in heart.”   If you wish to reach high, then begin at the lowest level.   If you are trying to construct some mighty edifice in height, you will begin with the lowest foundation.   This is humility.   However great the mass of the building you may wish to design or erect, the taller the building is to be, the deeper you will dig the foundation.   The building in the course of its erection, rises up high but he who digs its foundation, must first go down very low.   So then, you see even a building is low before it is high and the tower is raised, only after humiliation.”… St Augustine (354-430) Fater & Doctor (Sermon 69)if you wish to reach high then begin at the lowest level st augustine 18 july 2019

PRAYER – “Holy God, our Father, we turn to You in confidence as children and pray, give us meekness of heart, make us “poor in spirit” that we may recognise that we are not self-sufficient, that we are unable to build our lives on our own but need You, we need to encounter You, to listen to You, to speak to You.   Help us to understand that we need Your gift, Your wisdom, which is Jesus Himself, in order to do the Your will in our lives and thus to find rest in the hardships of our journey.”   Hear the prayers we request of St Simon of Lipnica dear Lord and holy God, which we pray through Christ, our Light, in the Holy Spirit, one God for all eternity, amen. … Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience, 7 December 2011st simon of lipnica pray for us 18 july 2019

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering of St Alphonsus Liguori – 18 July

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 18 July – Thursday of the Fifteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C

Morning Offering
Of St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Doctor of Church

My most sweet Lord,
I offer and consecrate
to Thee this morning
all that I am and have –
my senses,
my thoughts,
my affections,
my desires,
my pleasures,
my inclinations,
my liberty.
In a word,
I place my whole body
and soul in Thy Hands.
Amen

Posted in MORNING Prayers, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 17 July – ‘…the necessary condition…’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 17 July – Wednesday of the Fifteenth week in Ordinary Time, C – Today’s Gospel Matthew 11:25-27.

“You have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, you have revealed them, to the childlike”…Matthew 11:25

REFLECTION – “Thus, children are in and of themselves, a treasure for humanity and also for the Church, for they constantly evoke that necessary condition for entering the Kingdom of God – that of not considering ourselves self-sufficient but in need of help, of love, of forgiveness.”…Pope Francis (General Audience, 18 March 2015)matthew 11 25 you have hidden these things - thus children are - pope francis 17 july 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Lord God, in Your wisdom You created us, by Your Providence, You rule us. Penetrate our inmost being with Your holy light so that our way of life may always be one of faithful service and childlike trust in You.   Grant that we may always follow behind Your Son and grasp His hand, to lead us to You.   Hear the prayers of St Alexius of Rome, who trusted completely in You alone in childlike simplicity. Through Jesus Christ our Lord with the Holy Spirit, one God, forever, amen.st alexius of rome pray for us 17 july 2019.jpg

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 17 July – May the Lord Jesus Touch Our Eyes

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 17 July – Wednesday of the Fifteenth week in Ordinary Time, C – Today’s Gospel Matthew 11:25-27.

“All things have been handed over to me by my Father.   No one knows the Son except the Father and no one knows the Father, except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”...Matthew 11:27

May the Lord Jesus Touch Our Eyes
Origen (c 185-253) Father of the Church

May the Lord Jesus touch our eyes,
as He did those of the blind.
Then we shall begin to see in visible things
those which are invisible.
May He open our eyes to gaze,
not on present realities
but on the blessings to come.
May He open the eyes of our heart,
to contemplate God in Spirit,
through Jesus Christ the Lord,
to whom belong,
power and glory,
through all eternity.
Amenmay the lord jesus touch our eyes - origen - 17 july 2019.jpg

Posted in CATHOLIC Quotes, MARIAN TITLES, MORNING Prayers, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The LAST THINGS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 July – “The final judgement is already in progress…”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 16 July – Tuesday of the Fifteenth week in Ordinary Time, C – Today’s Gospel: Matthew 11:20–24 and the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

“But I tell you that it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgement for the land of Sodom than for you.”…Matthew 11:24matthew 11 24 - but i tell you it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment - 16 july 2019.jpg

REFLECTION – “The final judgement is already in progress, it begins now over the course of our lives.   Thus judgement is pronounced at every moment of life, as it sums up our faith in the salvation which is present and active in Christ, or of our unbelief, whereby we close in upon ourselves.   But if we close ourselves to the love of Jesus, we condemn ourselves.   Salvation is, to open oneself to Jesus, it is He who saves us.”…Pope Francis – General Audience, 11 December 2013the-final-judgment-pope-francis-17-july-2018.jpg

if we close ourselves to the love of jesus - pope francis it is he who saves us 16 july 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Almighty God, to whom this world with all its goodness and beauty belongs, give us grace joyfully to begin this day in Your name and to fill it, with an active love for You and for our neighbour.   Grant us the grace to repent of our sins, to turn to the Cross of Your Son and to beg Him in His great love and suffering to forgive us again!   “May the Virgin Mary, Mother and Queen of Carmel, accompany you on your daily journey towards the Mountain of God.” (Pope Francis)   Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your mother!  Mary, Holy Mother, intercede for us in our weakness and help us to turn our backs on sin and look only at the face of Christ.   We make our prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.our lady of mount carmel - pray for us.2.jpg

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MARRIAGE, MARRIED LOVE, QUOTES on the FAMILY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 15 July -‘… but not more than you love your God!’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 15 July – Monday of the Fifteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 10:34-11:1 and The Memorial of St Bonaventure (1221-1274) Doctor of the Church and Bl Anne-Marie Javouhey (1779-1851)

“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me…” … Matthew 10:37

REFLECTION – “It is to those who are on fire with love or, rather, those He wants to set on fire with this love, that our Saviour addresses these words.   For our Saviour has not done away with but regulated, the love we owe to parents, spouse, children.   He did not say:  “Those who love them” but “Those who love them more than me”…   Love your father but love the Lord even more,  love him who brought you into the world but love yet more he who gave you being.   It was your father who brought you into the world but it was not he who created you, since he did not know, when he bred you, who you would be or what you would become.   It was your father who fed you but he is not the origin of the food that staunched your hunger.   Finally, your father must die if you are to inherit his goods but you will share the inheritance God intends for you, while living with him eternally.

So love your father but not more than you love your God, love your mother but love still more the Church who has begotten you into eternal life…   Indeed, if you owe such gratitude to those who begot you for mortality, what kind of love do you owe to those who begot you for eternity?   Love your spouse, love your children as God does, to lead them to serve God together with you and then, when you are reunited, you will not be afraid of being separated.   Your love for your family would indeed fall short if you did not lead them to God…

Take up your cross and follow the Lord.   Your Saviour Himself, wholly God as He was in the flesh, clothed with your flesh, He, too, showed human feelings when He said – “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me,” (Mt 26:39)…   The servant’s nature with which He clothed Himself for your sake caused His human voice, the voice of His flesh, to be heard.   He took your voice so as to express your weakness and give you His strength… and to show you, whose will to prefer.”… St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Church – Sermon 344, #2-3matthew 10 37 whoever lovs father or mother - so love your father but not more - st augustine 15 july 2019.jpg

PRAYER – God our Father, we are Your children and You have set us aside to come home to You by the light of the way of Your divine Son.   Grant we pray, that we may grow in faith and love daily, by the intercession of Saint Bonaventure and Blessed Anne-Marie Javouhey (1779-1851) and may be a light of love, to all around us, as they were.   We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st bonaventure pray for us 15 july 2019

bl anne-marie javouhey pray for us 15 july 2019

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, DOCTORS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY

Our Morning Offering – 15 July – Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 15 July – Monday of the Fifteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C

Prayer for the Gifts
of the Holy Spirit
By St Bonaventure (1221-1274) – Seraphic Doctor of the Church

We beg the all-merciful Father through You,
His only-begotten Son made man for our sake,
crucified and glorified for us,
to send upon us, from His treasure-house,
the Spirit of sevenfold grace,
Who rested upon You in all His fullness.

The spirit of wisdom,
enabling us to relish the fruit of the tree of life,
which is indeed Yourself.
The gift of understanding:
to enlighten our perceptions.
The gift of prudence,
enabling us to follow in Your footsteps.
The gift of strength:
to withstand our adversary’s onslaught.
The gift of knowledge,
to distinguish good from evil
by the light of Your holy teaching.
The gift of piety,
to clothe ourselves with charity and mercy.
The gift of fear,
to withdraw from all ill-doing
and live quietly in awe
of Your eternal majesty.

These are the things for which we petition.
Grant them for the honour of Your Holy Name,
to which, with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
be all honour and glory, thanksgiving, renown
and Lordship forever and ever.
Amenprayer for the seven gifts of the holy spirit by st bonaventure - 30 oct 2018 mem of st angelo of acri.jpg

Posted in MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 July – “Go and do likewise.”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 14 July – Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel:  Luke 10:25–37 and the memorial of Saint Camillus de Lellis MI (1550-1614) “The Giant of Charity” and Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (1656–1680) “Lily of the Mohawks”

“Go and do likewise.”... Luke 10:37luke 10 37 go and do likewise - 14 july 2019.jpg

REFLECTION – “In choosing these two Words addressed by God to His people and by putting them together, Jesus taught once and for all that love for God and love for neighbour are inseparable; moreover, they sustain one another.   Even if set in a sequence, they are two sides of a single coin – experienced together they are a believer’s strength!

To love God is to live of Him and for Him, for what He is and for what He does.   Our God is unmitigated giving, He is unlimited forgiveness, He is a relationship that promotes and fosters.

Therefore, to love God means to invest our energies each day to be His assistants in the unmitigated service of our neighbour, in trying to forgive without limitations and in cultivating relationships of communion and fraternity.   It is not a matter of pre-selecting my neighbour – this is not Christian but it is about having eyes to see and a heart to want what is good for him or her.   Today’s Gospel passage invites us all to be projected not only toward the needs of our poorest brothers and sisters but above all to be attentive to their need for fraternal closeness, for a meaning to life and for tenderness.”… Pope Francis (ANGELUS Sunday, 4 November 2018)therefore, to love god means - pope francis - good samaritan 14 july 2019.jpg

PRAYER – God our Father, we are Your children and You have set us aside to come home to You by the light of the way of Your divine Son. Grant we pray, that we may grow in faith and love for You and our neighbour daily, by the intercession of  Saints Camillus and Kateri, may learn the gentleness and tenderness of love, to all around us.  We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st-camillus-de-lellis-pray-for-us-14-july-2017

st kateri tekakwitha pray for us 14 july 2019

Posted in Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Our Morning Offering – 14 July – Prayer before Holy Communion

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 14 July – Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Prayer before Holy Communion
By Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

O my God, holiness becomes Your House,
and yet You make Your abode in my breast.
My Lord, my Saviour, to me You come,
hidden under the semblance of earthly things,
yet in that very flesh and blood
which You took from Mary,
You, who did first inhabit Mary’s breast,
come to me.
My God, You see me;
I cannot see myself…
You see how unworthy, so great a sinner is,
to receive the One Holy God,
whom the Seraphim adore with trembling…
My God, enable me to bear You,
for You alone can.
Cleanse my heart and mind from all that is past…
give me a true perception of things unseen,
and make me truly, practically,
and in the details of life,
prefer You to anything on earth,
and the future world,
to the present.
Amenprayer-before-holy-communion-by-john-henry-newman-8-july-2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on COURAGE, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 July – ‘I will acknowledge before my Father…’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 13 July – Saturday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 10:24–33 and the Memorial of Blessed Carlos Rodriguez Santiago

“So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father, who is in heaven…”… Matthew 10:32matthew 10 32 - so everyone who acknowledges me 13 july 2019.jpg

REFLECTION – “You can be a witness to Christ every day.   You were tempted by the spirit of impurity but… you considered that chastity of spirit and body should not be soiled – you are a martyr or, in other words, a witness to Christ… You were tempted by the spirit of pride but, seeing the poor and needy, you were seized by tender compassion and preferred humility to arrogance –  you are a witness to Christ.   Better still – you have not given your witness in word alone but in deed as well.
What is the surest kind of witness?   “Anyone who acknowledges that Jesus Christ came among us in the flesh” (cf. 1Jn 4,2) and who keeps the commands of the Gospel…   How many there are each day of these hidden martyrs of Christ who confess the Lord Jesus!    The apostle Paul knew that kind of martyrdom and witness of faith rendered to Christ, he who said:  “Our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience” (2Cor 1,12).   For how many people have made a confession of faith exteriorly but denied it interiorly!…  So be faithful and courageous in interior persecutions so that you may also win the victory in exterior persecutions.   There are “kings and rulers,” judges of formidable power, in the persecutions within, likewise.   You have an example of these in the temptations undergone by our Lord (Mt 4,1ff.)”… St Ambrose (340-397) Father & Doctor of the Church -Sermon 20 on Psalm 118what is the surest kind of witness - st ambrose - 13 july 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Come to help us in our weakness, God of mercy, forgive the sins of Your people and as nothing we can do is worthy in Your sight, save us through the intercession of the Mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ.   Listen too to the prayers of a fellow pilgrim Blessed Carlos, who has, by his love for You and passion to proclaim Christ Your Son, reached his eternal destination with You.   We make our prayer through Jesus with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.bl-mother-of-our-lord-pray-for-us-27-oct-2018

bl carlos santiago pray for us 13 july 2019

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN Saturdays, Our MORNING Offering, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Our Morning Offering – 13 July – A Morning Salutation to Mary

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 13 July – Saturday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C and a Marian Saturday

A Morning Salutation to Mary
A Coptic Catholic Prayer

We greet you,
glorious Mother of the Light
O Blessed Mary,
from the rising of the sun
to its setting
praise is due to you,
O Mother of God.
You are the second heaven,
the bright unfading flower,
the ever-virgin mother.
For the Father chose you
and the Holy Spirit overshadowed you
and the Son humbled Himself
and took flesh from you.
Therefore, ask Him to give peace
to the world He has created
and to deliver it from every tribulation.
And we shall sing to Him a new song
and bless Him,
now and forever,
Amena morning salutation to mary - coptic prayer - 27 ocat 2018 sat prayer to mary.jpg

Posted in MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 July – Standing firm?

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 12 July – Friday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C – Gospel: Matthew 10:16–23 and the Memorial of St John Gualbert (c 985-1073)

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves,
so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”...Matthew 10:16

REFLECTION – “As Jesus gave His disciples authority to offer valuable services of health, freedom and life, who should they have to face opposition?   The point is, that these good services are not ends in themselves but manifestations of what Jesus came to establish, namely, the Kingdom of heaven.   These services are also the doorway for stirring in people an interest in Jesus, eventually leading them to faith in Him.
So what’s so jarring about the Kingdom of heaven that it provokes persecution?    Since the Kingdom of heaven, ushered in by Jesus, challenges the values of those opposed to it’s values, Jesus anticipates His own rejection and forewarns His disciples to expect persecution, hatred and rejection in His name, even though they will be offering valuable services.
As His disciple, am I willing to continue my services in His name, by standing firm for His cause of establishing God’s reign?”…Fr Isaac SDBmatthew 10 16 behold i send you out as sheep - since the kingdom of heaven - god's word 12 july 2019

PRAYER – Lord God, grant us restless hearts, hearts which seek Your Face.   Keep us from the blindness of heart which sees only the surface of things.   Give us the simplicity and purity which allow us to recognise Your presence in the world.   When we are not able to accomplish great things, grant us the courage which is born of humility and goodness. Impress Your Face on our hearts.   May we encounter You along the way and show Your image to the world.   Grant, we pray that the prayers of St John Gualbert may assist in being courageous and merciful to all.   Through Christ, our Lord, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st john gualbert pray for us 12 july 2019

Posted in CARMELITES, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY

Our Morning Offering – 12 July – by St Thérèse

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 12 July – The Memorial of Sts Louis & Zelie Martin – Parents of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus

Morning Offering
By St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873-1897)

O my God!
I offer You all my actions of this day
for the intentions and for the glory
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
I desire to sanctify
every beat of my heart,
my every thought,
my simplest works,
by uniting them to Its infinite merits
and I wish to make reparation for my sins,
by casting them into the furnace
of Its Merciful Love.
O my God!
I ask You for myself and for those
whom I hold dear,
the grace to fulfil perfectly
Your Holy Will,
to accept for love of You
the joys and sorrows of this passing life,
so that we may one day be united together,
in Heaven for all Eternity.
Amenmorning-offering-o-my-god-i-offer-you-all-my-actions-of-this-day-st-therese-lisieux-12-july-2019-mem-of-louis-and-zelie

Posted in MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 11 July – “Without cost you have received…”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 11 July – Thursday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 10:7–15 and the Memorial of St Benedict and Bl Valeriu Traian Frentiu (1875-1952)

“Without cost you have received,
without cost you are to give.”…Matthew 10:8

REFLECTION – “To undertake the discipleship of Jesus means to take up your cross — we all have one — to accompany Him on His path, an uncomfortable path that is not of success or of fleeting glory but one which takes us to true freedom, to that which frees us from selfishness and sin.   It is necessary to clearly reject that worldly mentality which places one’s “I” and one’s own interests at the centre of existence.   That is not what Jesus wants from us!   Instead Jesus invites us to lose our life for Him and for the Gospel, to receive it renewed, fulfilled and authentic.   We are certain, thanks to Jesus, that this path leads us to the resurrection, to the full and definitive life with God.   Choosing to follow Him, our Master and Lord who made Himself the Servant of all, one to walk behind and to listen attentively to His Word — remember to read a passage from the Gospel every day — and in the Sacraments.”… Pope Francis (Angelus, 13 September 2015)matthew 10 8 without cost you have received - it is necessary to clearly reject - pope francis 11 july 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Lord God, You appointed St Benedict to be a wise master in the school of Your service, give us the grace to put Your love before all else and so to run with joy in the way of Your commandments.   Listen we pray to the intercession of St Benedict as we ask him for his prayers.   Through Christ our Lord and the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st benedict pray for us 11 july 2019.jpg

Posted in Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY

Our Morning Offering – 11 July – With All My Heart I Seek You

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 11 July – Thursday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C

With All My Heart
I Seek You
By St Pope John Paul II (1920-2005)

With all my heart
I seek You,
let me not stray
from Your commands…
Open my eyes,
that I may consider
the wonders of Your law.
I am a wayfarer of earth,
hide not Your commands from me…
Make me understand
the way of Your precepts,
and I will meditate
on Your wondrous deeds…
Your compassion is great, O Lord…
Amenwith all my heart i seek you st john paul 11 july 2019

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

One Minute Reflection – 10 July – The Twelve

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 10 July – Wednesday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 10:1–7

The names of the twelve apostles are these:   first, Simon, who is called Peter and Andrew his brother;  James the son of Zebedee and John his brother; …Matthew 10:2

REFLECTION – “The order in which the apostles were divided and the distinction of each one were given by him who plumbs the depths of the heart.   The first to be recorded is Simon called Peter (to distinguish him from the other Simon, who is called the Cananaean from the village of Cana in Galilee, where the Lord turned the water into wine).   He also calls James the son of Zebedee because he is followed by another James, the son of Alphaeus.   And he associates the apostles by pairs.  He joins Peter and Andrew as brothers not so much in the flesh as in the spirit;  James and John, who left behind their natural father and followed the true Father;  Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the publican.   The other Evangelists, in listing the names, put Matthew first and then Thomas, nor do they mention the name publican, lest in recalling his former way of life they seem to insult the Evangelist.   But Matthew, as we said before, places himself after Thomas and calls himself a publican so that “where sin abounded, grace has abounded even more.”

Simon the Cananaean is the one whom another Evangelist calls the Zealot.   In fact, Cana interpreted means “zeal.”   Church history relates that the apostle Thaddaeus was sent to Edessa, Abgarum in the region of Osroene.   The person whom Luke the Evangelist calls Jude the brother of James, elsewhere called Lebbaeus, which interpreted means “little heart,” is believed to have been referred to by three names.   Simon Peter and the sons of Zebedee (called sons of thunder) were named for their strength of mind and great faith.   Judas Iscariot took his name either from his hometown or from the tribe of Issachar.   By a certain prophecy he was born in condemnation of himself, for Issachar interpreted means “reward,” as to signify the price of the traitor.” … St Jerome (343-420)  – Father & Doctor of the Church (Commentary on Matthew, 1.)matthew 10 2 - the names of the 12 apostles are these - st jerome - 10 july 2019

PRAYER – Holy God and Almighty Father, we are the disciples of Your Son as we follow Him home to You, grant us we pray, the strength and love to imitate Him in all things and to daily, pick up our cross with joy and commitment.   May the Blessed Virgin, be a constant protection and assistance in our times of struggle and may all your angels and saints and martyrs, pray for us, through our Lord Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, God for always and forever, amen.blessed virgin mary pray for us 17 jan 2019

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Our Morning Offering – 10 July – I Bind Unto Myself Today

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 10 July – Wednesday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C

I Bind Unto Myself Today
Lauds Prayer/Hymn

I bind unto myself today
the strong name of the Trinity
by invocation of the same,
the Three in One and One in Three.

I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need.

The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, His shield to ward,
The word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.

I bind unto myself the name,
The strong name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.

Of whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word.
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.

(derived from St Patrick’s breastplate
also known as The Deer Cry)i bind unto myself today - lauds psalter week 2 sunday hymn 10 july 2019.jpg

Posted in "Follow Me", DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 9 July – I will not deny you

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 9 July – The Memorial of Saints St Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, Martyrs of China

“Even though I should have to die with you, I will not deny you.”

Matthew 26:35matthew 9 35 even though i should suffer with you i will not deny you 9 july 2019

“The road is narrow.
He who wishes to travel it more easily,
must cast off all things
and use the cross as his cane.
In other words,
he must be truly resolved,
to suffer willingly,
for the love of God in all things.”

St John of the Cross (1542-1591) Doctor of the Churchthe road is narrow - st john of the cross 9 july 2019 chinese martyrs

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL DECREE, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on HUMAN DIGNITY, QUOTES on JUSTICE, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on PEACE, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 July – ‘Look for neither gain nor gratitude…’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 9 July – Tuesday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 9:32–38 and the Memorial of Saints St Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom…Matthew 9:35

REFLECTION – “The presence of the Christian faithful in human groups, should be inspired by that charity, with which God has loved us and with which, He wills, that we should love one another (cf. 1 Jn 4:11).   Christian charity truly extends to all, without distinction of race, creed, or social condition – it looks for neither gain nor gratitude.   For as God loved us with an unselfish love, so also the faithful should in their charity care for the human person himself, loving him with the same affection with which God sought out man.   Just as Christ, then, went about all the towns and villages, curing every kind of disease and infirmity as a sign that the kingdom of God had come (cf. Matt. 9:35ff; Acts 10:38), so also the Church, through her children, is one with men of every condition but especially with the poor and the afflicted…   She shares in their joys and sorrows, knows of their longings and problems, suffers with them in death’s anxieties.   To those in quest of peace, she wishes to answer in fraternal dialogue, bearing them the peace and the light of the Gospel.
Let Christians labour and collaborate with others in rightly regulating the affairs of social and economic life.   With special care, let them devote themselves to the education of children and young people…   Furthermore, let them take part in the strivings of those peoples who, waging war on famine, ignorance and disease, are struggling to better their way of life and to secure peace in the world…
However, the Church has no desire at all to intrude itself into the government of the earthly city.   It claims no other authority, than that of ministering to men, with the help of God.”…Vatican Council II – Decree on the missionary activity of the Church, “Ad Gentes” # 12matthew 9 35 and jesus went about - christian charity ad gentes no 2 vat II 9 july 2019.jpg

PRAYER – True Light of the world, Lord Jesus Christ, as You enlighten all men for their salvation, give us grace, we pray, to herald Your coming, by preparing Your ways of justice and of peace.   Let us invoke Mary Most Holy, who welcomes under her mantle all the tired and worn-out people, so that through an enlightened faith, witnessed in life, we can offer relief, for so many, in need of help, of tenderness, of hope.   And may the prayers of Your Martyrs St Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, strengthen us on our journey.   Who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.mary most holy pray for us - 9 nov 2018.jpg

st augustine zhao rong martyrs of china pray for us 9 july 2019.jpg

Posted in Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY

Our Morning Offering – 9 July – Lord God, You have Considered me Worthy

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 9 July – Tuesday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C and the Memorial of Saints St Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions

Lord God, You have Considered me Worthy
St Polycarp (69-155)
Before Martyrdom

Lord God almighty,
Father of Jesus Christ,
Your dear Son through
whom we have come to know You,
God of the angels and powers,
God of all creation,
God of those who live in Your presence,
the race of the just – I bless You.
You have considered me
worthy of this day and hour,
worthy to be numbered with the martyrs
and to drink the cup of Your Anointed One,
and thus to rise and live forever,
body and soul,
in the incorruptibility of the Holy Spirit.
Amenlord god you have considered me worth - st polycarp - prayer before martyrdom 9 july 2019.jpg

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 July – “Faith is …”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 8 July – Monday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Matthew 9:18–26 and the Memorial of Blessed Peter Vigne (1670-1740)

“Take heart, daughter, your faith has made you well.”...Matthew 9:22

REFLECTION – “Faith is that which makes us believe from the depths of our souls… all the truths that our religion teaches us, all that the Gospel holds and all that the Church sets before us.   The just man lives truly by this faith (Rom 1:17), for it replaces for him, the greater part of his natural senses.   It so transforms all things, that the senses are of little use to the soul, which through them is only deceived, whilst faith shews it realities.
Where the eye sees but a poor man, faith sees Jesus (Mt 25:40).   Where the ear hears curses and persecution, faith sings:  “Rejoice and be glad” (cf Mt 5:12).   The touch feels only blows and stonings but faith says:  “Be glad you are deemed worthy to suffer for the name of Christ” (cf. Acts 5:41)…  The smell perceives only incense, faith tells us that the true incense is “the prayers of the saints” (Rv 8,4).
The senses lead us astray to created beauty, faith thinks of the eternal beauty and despises all created things, for they are as nothing and as dust beside that beauty.   The senses hold pain in horror, faith blesses it as a marriage crown that unites it to its Beloved, like a walk with her Bridegroom hand in divine hand.   The senses rebel against injuries but faith blesses them:  “Bless those that curse you” (Lk 6:28)… she finds them sweet, for in them she shares the lot of Jesus.   The senses are full of curiosity, faith is content to know nothing, she thirsts to bury herself and longs to pass her life motionless before the Tabernacle.”… Blessed Charles de Foucauld (1858-1916) Hermit and Missionary in the Sahara (Retreat at Nazareth 1897)matthew 9 22 take heart daughter your faith has - faith is - bl charles de foucauld 8 july 2019.jpg

PRAYER – Almighty Lord and God, protect and strengthen us by Your power throughout this day, even as You have enabled us to begin it.   By Your grace, may the our faith be our guide and let our every thought, word and deed aim at doing Your will and what is pleasing in Your sight.   Grant that by the prayers of Blessed Peter Vigne, we may ever turn our eyes and hearts to the summit of our faith in the Holy Eucharist.   Through Your divine Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God now and forever, amen.bl peter vigne pray for us 8 july 2019.jpg

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The SIGN of the CROSS

Our Morning Offering – 8 July – In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 8 July – Monday of the Fourteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year C

In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
By St Hilary of Poitiers (315-368)
Father & Doctor of the Church

Father, keep us from vain strife of words.
Grant to us constant profession of the Truth!
Preserve us in a true and undefiled faith
so that we may hold fast to that
which we professed
when we were baptised
in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
that we may have You for our Father,
that we may abide in Your Son
and in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Amenin the name of the father son and holy spirit - st hilary - 8 july 2019.jpg