MORNING Prayers – Page 179

Thought for the Day – 1 February – The Memorial of Bl Benedict Daswa (1946-1990) Martyr – The First South African-born to be Beatified

Posted on February 1, 2018February 1, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 1 February – The Memorial of Bl Benedict Daswa (1946-1990) Martyr – The First South African-born to be Beatified

Blessed Benedict Daswa: the saint who stood up to witchcraft

Tzaneen, South Africa, 13 September 2015 – Benedict Daswa, a South African catechist whose Christian opposition to witchcraft led to his murder in 1990, was beatified on Sunday as Catholic leaders praised his heroic witness to the faith. Pope Francis in his beatification decree described him as “a zealous Catechist, all-round educator who gave heroic witness to the gospel, even to the shedding of blood.”

According to the diocese investigation into his death, when Daswa saw a man coming towards him with a club to deliver the final blow, he said, “God, into your hands, receive my spirit.”

Mutshiro Michael, 33, one of Daswa’s sons, reacted to the beatification:
“Proud is an understatement to describe what I feel,” he added that he had forgiven his father’s murderers.

Bishop Rodrigues said that Daswa’s death “makes him a hero for all Christians in Africa and elsewhere who are struggling to break free from the enslavement of the world of witchcraft.”

Cardinal Amato also reflected on the beatified man’s life:
“The Holy Spirit transformed this young South African into an authentic hero of the Gospel. His heart was full of love for God and neighbour. Benedict Daswa is like the first martyrs of the Church who, during the persecutions of the Roman emperors, defended their faith with prayer, courage and forgiveness of enemies,” he said in an interview.

Blessed Benedict could become a great saint for people who are concerned that friends or family are abandoning the sacraments because they are intrigued by the New Age practices of those modern ‘white witches’, mediums and psychics. Also, remembering that he was slain because he opposed a witch-hunt, he would be the ideal intercessor for innocent people who are falsely accused of taking part in black magic. Lest we forget, St Joan of Arc was accused of witch-craft.

Blessed Benedict Daswa, Pray for us! bl benedict pray for us! no 2. - 1 feb 2018

CATHOLIC Quotes, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, SAINT of the DAY, SPEAKING of .....

Quote/s for the Day – 1 February – The Memorial of Bl Benedict Daswa (1946-1990) Martyr – The First South African-born to be Beatified

Posted on February 1, 2018February 1, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s for the Day – 1 February – The Memorial of Bl Benedict Daswa (1946-1990) Martyr – The First South African-born to be Beatified.

Would it not have been so simple for Blessed Benedict to pay his share of the required amount to hire the Sangona (Witch Doctor) to “sniff out” the witch who caused the storms? It was not a huge amount of money required by each resident. The temptation to do so must have been quite appealing but he refused and tried to explain that the storms were a natural phenomenon. He did, however, pay the ultimate price for his fidelity, with his blood.

“Speaking of Temptation”

“Virtue is nothing, without the trial of temptation,
for there is no conflict, without an enemy,
no victory, without strife.”

St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father & Doctor of the Church

“There are in truth, three states of the converted,
the beginning, the middle and the perfection.
In the beginning, they experience the charms of sweetness;
in the middle, the contests of temptation;
and in the end, the fullness of perfection.”

St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) Father & Doctor of the Church

“Do not grieve over the temptations you suffer.
When the Lord intends to bestow a particular virtue on us,
He often permits us first to be tempted by the opposite vice.
Therefore, look upon every temptation as an invitation
to grow in a particular virtue and a promise by God,
that you will be successful, if only you stand fast.”

St Philip Neri (1515-1595)

“The beginning of all temptation lies in a wavering mind
and little trust in God, for as a rudderless ship is driven
hither and yon by waves, so a careless and irresolute man,
is tempted in many ways.
Fire tempers iron and temptation steels the just.
Often we do not know what we can stand
but temptation shows us what we are.
Above all, we must be especially alert against
the beginnings of temptation, for the enemy is more easily
conquered if he is refused admittance to the mind
and is met beyond the threshold when he knocks.”

St Francis De Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church

“It often happens that we pray God to deliver us
from some dangerous temptation and yet,
God does not hear us but permits the temptation
to continue troubling us. In such a case, let us understand,
that God permits even this for our greater good.
When a soul in temptation recommends itself to God
and by His aid resists, O how it then advances in perfection.”

“He who trusts himself is lost.
He who trusts in God can do all things.

St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Doctor of the Church

“When tempted, invoke your Angel.
He is more eager to help you, than you are to be helped!
Ignore the devil and do not be afraid of him –
he trembles and flees, at the sight of your Guardian Angel.”

St John Bosco (1815-1888)

MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 1 February – Prayer of a Martyr, St Thomas More (1478-1535)

Posted on February 1, 2018October 21, 2021 by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 1 February – Prayer of a Martyr, St Thomas More (1478-1535)

The prayer below, was written by Saint Thomas More while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London, awaiting execution by King Henry VIII.

Give me the grace, good Lord!
By St Thomas More (1478-1535)

Give me the grace, good Lord.
To set the world at naught.
To set the mind firmly on You
and not to hang upon the words of men’s mouths.
To be content to be solitary.
Not to long for worldly pleasures.
Little by little utterly to cast off the world
and rid my mind of all its business.
Not to long to hear of earthly things
but that the hearing of worldly fancies
may be displeasing to me.
Gladly to be thinking of God,
piteously to call for His help.
To lean into the comfort of God.
Busily to labour to love Him.
To know my own vileness and wretchedness.
To humble myself under the mighty hand of God.
To bewail my sins and, for the purging of them,
patiently to suffer adversity.
Gladly to bear my purgatory here.
To be joyful in tribulations.
To walk the narrow way that leads to life.
To have the last thing in remembrance.
To have ever before my eyes,
my death that is ever at hand.
To make death no stranger to me.
To foresee and consider the everlasting fire of Hell.
To pray for pardon before the judge comes.
To have continually in mind,
the passion that Christ suffered for me.
For His benefits unceasingly to give Him thanks.
To buy the time again that I have lost.
To abstain from vain conversations.
To shun foolish mirth and gladness.
To cut off unnecessary recreations.
Of worldly substance, friends, liberty, life and all,
to set the loss at naught, for the winning of Christ.
To think my worst enemies my best friends,
for the brethren of Joseph could never have done him
so much good with their love and favour,
as they did him with their malice and hatred.
These minds are more to be desired of every man,
than all the treasures of all the princes and kings,
Christian and heathen,
were it gathered and laid together, all in one heap.
Amen give me the grace good lord - st thomas more - 1 feb 2018

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to Blessed Benedict Daswa- Day Nine – 31 January

Posted on January 31, 2018January 30, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to Blessed Benedict Daswa- Day Nine – 31 January

9th Day: A TRUE WITNESS OF FAITH
On 2 February 1990, after dropping home the man with the bag of mealie-meal, Benedict found his way blocked by tree logs across the road. When he got out of the car to remove them, a mob of young boys and men came from behind the bushes and began throwing large stones at him. Bleeding and injured, he left the car and ran across a soccer field hoping for assistance from a nearby Shebeen (a place where alcoholic drink is sold illegally). Seeing an open door at the rondavel kitchen he ran straight in to hide and save his life.
The mob who quickly chased after him, asked the woman there where Benedict was hiding, threatening to kill her if she did not tell them. Pointing to where Benedict was hiding, she pleaded, “Don’t kill me. He is inside”. Two of the mob entered and pulled Benedict out. Hugging one of them, Benedict pleaded, “Please, spare my life!” The youth responded, “OK. Let me go, we’re not going to kill you.” Believing him, Benedict went out.
As the mob had now surrounded the rondavel, Benedict could not escape, so seeing
one of them coming with a knobkerrie, he knelt and prayed. Things then moved very quickly. The man hit Benedict on the head with his knobkerrie, crushing his skull. Benedict fell to the ground. Boiling water was then poured over his head, ears, nostrils
besides other atrocities.
The burial Mass was con-celebrated on 10 February 1990. At it all the priests wore red vestments because they believed that Benedict had died for his faith. It was his stance against witchcraft which had brought about Benedict’s death.

Word of God:
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5, 10-12)

Reflection: How does the courage of martyrs, like Benedict, help me to live my
faith? How can I stand up for my faith, both in private and in public life?

Prayer: My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm,
he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts,
he has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and exalted those of low degree;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent empty away.
He has helped his servant Israel
in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his posterity forever.
(Luke 1, 46-55 – The Magnificat)

THE NOVENA PRAYER

O Blessed Trinity,
I believe that you dwell in me through my baptism.
I love You, I adore You and I worship You.
I give You thanks for Blessed Benedict,
Whom You chose to bear witness unto death for his faith
In Jesus Christ, my Saviour and my Lord.

Almighty Father, You filled the heart of Blessed Benedict,
With great love and zeal in building up Your kingdom.
You gave him the courage and the strength
To stand up for his faith without fear, even the fear of death.

Loving God, keep me free from all deeds of darkness.
Protect me from evil spirits and the powers of evil.
Make me a true apostle of life in my family and in society.
May Your light, O Lord, shine upon me and through me.

Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Blessed Benedict,
I ask that I may follow his example
Of always being ready to forgive in a Christian spirit.
You know all about my many problems and worries
And my great fears when I look to the future.
I draw strength and courage from the life of Blessed Benedict.

I come to You now, Lord, and through his intercession
I ask for this very special favour
………………………….
(make your request)
if it is according to Your will.
Help me always to follow the good example of Blessed Benedict.
By daily prayer and regular attendance at Church,
Help me to love You, O Lord, above all things
And to love others as You love me. Amen. DAY NINE - NOVENA TO BL BENEDICT DASWA - 31 JAN 2018

JESUIT SJ, MORNING Prayers

Mary Ward (1585-1645) Foundress – 30 January

Posted on January 31, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Mary Ward (1585-1645) Foundress, was an English nun who founded a women’s religious community modelled on the Jesuits, dedicated to active service, died on 30 January in 1645. She is so little known today, though so worthy of praise. Mary-Ward-Augsburg-Portrait

She was born to a Catholic family in North Yorkshire, England, just a few years before the defeat of the Spanish Armada. The family was determined to practice the Catholic faith in spite of the ongoing hostility. In 1589 the family home was burned down but Mary and her sisters were saved by her father.

At the age of 15, Mary Ward felt called to religious life. Ward entered the Poor Clare convent in Saint-Omer in France. At the time the only option for religious life for women was in cloistered communities. Mary Ward, however, wanted to give active service to God and others. Thus began her extraordinary journey.

At the age of 24, Mary gathered a number of companions and formed a religious community. In creating a structure for her religious community, Mary Ward drew on the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus. Church authorities, however, were implacably opposed to the idea of religious women being active in any ministry outside of the enclosed walls of the cloister.

The community grew in the face of severe opposition. They ministered to imprisoned and persecuted Catholics openly on the European continent, secretly in England. Mary was imprisoned by the English government and later by the Inquisition in Rome. While she was personally admired, Mary Ward’s congregation was suppressed in 1630. There was also an effort to destroy all related documents so as to erase the memory of Mary’s work. Returning to England in 1642, Mary died surrounded by a few companions in 1645. Although she was continually frustrated in her dreams, Mary Ward never lost confidence in her relationship with Jesus.

Mary Ward’s legacy survives today in the Sisters of Loreto (Institute of the Blessed Virgin) worldwide and in the newly renamed Congregation of Jesus.

A friend wrote of her:

What applause would she not have won, what friends would she have acquired and have made herself an object of admiration to the world, if she would have relented but a little on some points regarding the Institute. But she put herself aside, without regarding what was agreeable or disagreeable. Her only ambition being fidelity to God, which she desired so that that it did not appear difficult whatever she suffered in so doing – to lose friends and make enemies, to despise honours and embrace contempt, to reject riches and embrace poverty.

Mary Ward, pray for us!

Facts-about-Mary-Ward

MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 31 January -The Memorial of St John Bosco (1815-1888)

Posted on January 31, 2018January 31, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 31 January -The Memorial of St John Bosco (1815-1888)

Inspired by Saint Francis de Sales, Saint John Bosco founded the Salesians to continue his work among boys. Then, joining forces with Mary Mazzarello, he helped found the Salesian Sisters. All this during a time when established Religious communities were closing their doors. But Saint John was different; he was a poor man who truly cared for the poor and people saw that.
In the beginning, his work was disappointing and seemingly impossible. He had little money, no collaborators and hundreds of boys to take care of. But he persisted and miraculously overcame all obstacles.
Eventually, many of his boys became priests and one of them, Dominic Savio, a Saint.
He cried to God, leaned on Mary and neither disappointed him.

Truly, if you have faith and don’t doubt… ‘In truth I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt at all, …. but even if you say to this mountain, “Be pulled up and thrown into the sea,” it will be done. And if you have faith, everything you ask for in prayer, you will receive.’…Matthew 21:21-22

St John Bosco, pray for us! don-bosco-pray-for-us-2018

EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MARIAN QUOTES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 31 January -The Memorial of St John Bosco (1815-1888)

Posted on January 31, 2018January 31, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 31 January -The Memorial of St John Bosco (1815-1888)

“Do you want our Lord to give you many graces?
Visit him often.
Do you want him to give you few graces?
Visit him seldom.
Visits to the Blessed Sacrament are powerful
and indispensable means of overcoming the attacks of the devil.
Make frequent visits to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
and the devil will be powerless against you.”

“I beg you to recommend to everyone,
first, adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
and then reverence for most holy Mary.”

“Take refuge often at the feet of Jesus…
My dear ones, the Visit to the Blessed Sacrament
is an extremely necessary way to conquer the devil.
Therefore, go often to visit Jesus
and the devil will not come out victorious against you.”

“Jesus could have limited His presence only
to the celebration of Mass, but no!
He wanted to make a permanent dwelling among us.
Night and day He awaits us and offers Himself to us at all times.
Like a most tender mother, He opens His arms to us.
He is there generously to give us His gifts.
He is there to draw us to Him
and lead us to paradise with Him.

Oh! Let us go visit Him often.”

jesus could have limited - st john bosco - 31 jan 2018

“I beg you to recommend to everyone,
first, adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
and then reverence for most holy Mary.”

“Ask the Blessed Virgin for the grace
to receive Communion frequently
and worthily… Try to imagine,
that the Blessed Virgin herself,
will give you the Sacred Host.
No one would dare strike
at the Heart of Jesus
while He is in Mary’s hands.”

“The power of evil men lives on the cowardice of the good.”

“The fullness of love, in all the mothers of this earth,
could never equal, the love Mary has, for each one of us.”

MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 31 January -The Memorial of St John Bosco (1815-1888)

Posted on January 31, 2018January 31, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 31 January -The Memorial of St John Bosco (1815-1888)

Whoever welcomes one such child for my sake welcomes me….Matthew 18:5-6 matthew-18-5-6 - 2017

REFLECTION – “Let us regard those boys over whom we have some authority as our own sons. Let us place ourselves in their service. Let us be ashamed to assume an attitude of superiority. Let us not rule over them except for the purpose of serving them better. This was the method that Jesus used with the apostles. He put up with their ignorance and roughness and even their infidelity. He treated sinners with a kindness and affection that caused some to be shocked, others to be scandalised and still others to hope for God’s mercy. And so he bade us to be gentle and humble of heart.” – from a letter by Saint John Bosco let us be ashamed - st don bosco - 31 jan 2018

PRAYER – We praise You, Lord, for calling St John Bosco to be a loving father and prudent guide of the young. Give us his fervent zeal for souls and the graces You granted him, making him in a servant of all. Enable us, O Lord, to live for You alone and to see in all Your image. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God with You, forever and ever, amen. st john bosco pray for us - 31 jan 2018

DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY

Our Morning Offering – 31 January – The Memorial of St John Bosco (1815-1888) Founder of the Salesians

Posted on January 31, 2018January 30, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 31 January – The Memorial of St John Bosco (1815-1888) Founder of the Salesians, which is founded on the spirituality and philosophy of Saint Francis de Sales.

O Love Eternal
By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church

O love eternal,
my soul needs
and chooses You eternally!
Ah, come Holy Spirit,
and inflame our hearts
with Your love!
To love – or to die!
To die – and to love!
To die to all other love
in order to live in Jesus’ love,
so that we may not die eternally.
But that we may live
in Your eternal love,
O Saviour of our souls,
we eternally sing,
“Live, Jesus!
Jesus, I love!
Live, Jesus, whom I love!
Jesus, I love,
Jesus who lives and reigns
forever and ever. Amen. o love eternal by st francis de sales - 31 jan 2018

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to Blessed Benedict Daswa- Day Eight – 30 January

Posted on January 30, 2018January 29, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to Blessed Benedict Daswa- Day Eight – 30 January

8th Day: A TRUE APOSTLE OF LIFE
After his strong stand against witchcraft at the community meeting on Sunday, 28
January 1990, people started grumbling and said, “He is the one who is influencing
people, as he is a leader. Why does he refuse to burn witches? He does not agree with
our way”.
Many saw him as belittling their traditional beliefs and practices, and as a stumbling
block in the community because of his consistent stance against witchcraft. Because
Benedict, as a true disciple of Jesus Christ, was standing firm in his Catholic faith,
some people said, “We had better kill him!” They therefore conspired to get rid of him.

Word of God
There shall not be found among you any one who burns his son or his daughter as an
offering, anyone who practices divination, a soothsayer, or an augur, or a sorcerer, or
a charmer, or a medium, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For whoever does these
things is an abomination to the LORD; and because of these abominable practices the
LORD your God is driving them out before you. You shall be blameless before the
LORD your God. For these nations, which you are about to dispossess, give heed to
soothsayers and to diviners; but as for you, the LORD your God has not allowed you
so to do. (Deuteronomy 18, 10-14)

Reflection: Do I respect the lives of others, even the weakest ones, especially
the unborn babies?
Do I live a healthy and responsible life?

Prayer: The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers assail me, uttering slanders against me,
my adversaries and foes, they shall stumble and fall. (Psalm 27:1-3,12-14)

NOVENA PRAYER:

I come to You now, Lord, and through his intercession
I ask for this very special favour
…………………………………
(mention your request/s)
if it is according to Your will.

Help me always to follow the good example of Blessed Benedict.
By daily prayer and regular attendance at Church,
Help me to love You, O Lord, above all things
And to love others as You love me.
Amen. DAY EIGHT - NOVENA BL BENEDICT - 30 JAN 2018

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St John Bosco – Day Nine – 30 January

Posted on January 30, 2018January 29, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St John Bosco – Day Nine – 30 January

9th Day: For Family, Friends, and those in Need

O Saint John Bosco,
you were full of compassion toward all people,
especially the young,
who suffered from illness, poverty, hunger, injustice and alienation.
Pray for all in need and for us too,
that the blessings of God and protection of Mary Help of Christians
may be on us all,
to care for and cure us,
strengthen us
and comfort us.
Pray for our families,
especially for our young people,
that they may be kept safely in God’s grace.
Intercede for us in life and in death
so that we may eternally sing the Divine mercies in heaven.
Through your intercession
may God grant me the following grace
……………….…………..
(make your request)
so that together with others
I may bring all to the love of Christ, amen.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory to the Father…
St John Bosco Pray for us! DAY NINE - NOVENA ST JOHN BOSCO - 30 JAN 2018

LENT, MORNING Prayers, PRACTISING CATHOLIC

Thought for the Day -30 January – Lent is Coming!

Posted on January 30, 2018January 30, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day -30 January – Lent is Coming!

Ash Wednesday is on Valentine’s Day!

On a day typically reserved for chocolates, candies and delicious meals shared with a loved one, the Church asks you to fast, pray and abstain from meat! Take it as an opportunity to pray with each other and grow deeper in a true and abiding love of God.

Lent lasts 40 days and ends on April 1 (no fools!)

In imitation of Jesus fasting in the desert, the Church instituted a special season of fasting that lasts 40 days. However, the six Sundays in Lent are not considered part of the official “Lenten fast” (every Sunday is a special remembrance of the Resurrection of Christ). For this reason, Easter is “technically” 46 days after Ash Wednesday. This year Easter lands on April 1, but is no joke!

The three pillars of Lent are prayer, fasting and almsgiving

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “The interior penance of the Christian can be expressed in many and various ways. Scripture and the Fathers insist above all on three forms, fasting, prayer and almsgiving, which express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others. Alongside the radical purification brought about by Baptism or martyrdom they cite as means of obtaining forgiveness of sins: effort at reconciliation with one’s neighbour, tears of repentance, concern for the salvation of one’s neighbour, the intercession of the saints and the practice of charity ‘which covers a multitude of sins.’”

Lent is a time to practice these essential spiritual practices and clean out our interior house.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics … For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.

All Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence from meat (unless superseded by a solemnity)

Fridays have always been special days of prayer and penitence in the Church. Catholic peoples from time immemorial have set apart Friday for special penitential observance by which they gladly suffer with Christ that they may one day be glorified with Him. This is the heart of the tradition of abstinence from meat on Friday where that tradition has been observed in the holy Catholic Church.

Go Forth – may this be our best Lent ever!

https://aleteia.org/2018/01/26/lent-is-almost-here-heres-what-you-need-to-know/

DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on PRAYER

Quote/s of the Day – 30 January – “Speaking of Prayer”

Posted on January 30, 2018January 30, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 30 January

“Speaking of Prayer”

“Prayer is the place of refuge
for every worry,
a foundation for cheerfulness,
a source of constant happiness,
a protection against sadness.”

“It is simply impossible, to lead,
without the aid of prayer,
a virtuous life.”

“What prayer, could be more true
before God the Father,
than that, which the Son,
who is Truth, uttered with His own lips?”

“You can set up an altar to God
in your minds, by means of prayer.
And so it is fitting,
to pray at your trade,
on a journey,
standing at a counter
or sitting at your handcraft.”

St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father & Doctor

“Faith furnishes prayer with wings,
without which it cannot soar to heaven.”

St John Climacus (579-649)

“It is an old custom of the saints of God,
to have some little prayers ready
and to be frequently, darting them
up to heaven, during the day,
lifting their minds to God,
out of the mire of this world.
He who adopts this plan,
will obtain great fruits with little pain.”

St Phillip Neri (1515-1595)

“Without prayer,
we have,
neither light
nor strength,
to advance
in the way
which leads to God.”

“He who
prays most
receives most.”

St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Doctor of the Church

“In order to succeed in prayer,
it should be done when we first awaken,
when our whole being is calm and recollected.
We need to make our meditation
before anything else.”

“As far as possible,
you should pray in quiet silent devotion.
Try to have a favourite topic of prayer,
such as a devotion to the passion of Jesus,
the Blessed Sacrament,
awareness of the divine presence,
go directly to Jesus without too much fuss.”

St Peter Julian Eymard (1811-1868)

MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 30 January – Gospel of the Day Mark 5:21-43 Year B

Posted on January 30, 2018January 29, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 30 January – Gospel of the Day Mark 5:21-43 Year B

She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.”…Mark 5:27-28 mark 5 27-28 - 30 jan 2018

REFLECTION – “The second episode, that of the woman with the haemorrhage, again manifests how Jesus came to liberate human beings in their totality. In fact, the miracle takes place in two stages: first there is the physical healing but this is closely linked to the deeper healing, that which grants God’s grace to those who welcome Him in faith. Jesus says to the woman: ‘Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be healed of the evil that afflicts you!’ (Mark 5:34). These two stories of healing are an invitation for us to overcome the purely horizontal and materialistic vision of life. We rightly ask God for so many healings from our problems, from concrete necessities. But what we must ask for insistently, is a more solid faith, so that the Lord might renew our life and a firm trust in His love, in His providence that does not abandon us.”…Pope Benedict XVI July 2012 we rightly ask God - 30 jan 2018 - pope benedict

PRAYER – Almighty Father, grant that our trust and faith may grow each day. Help us to be secure in Your unfailing love and help. Even in our times of fear, pain and distress, give us the trust to know that You are always with us and that Your healing grace does indeed work miracles in our lives. Grant us strength, O Lord, to overcome all our fears with confidence in Your loving care. Through Jesus Christ in union with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.

EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS

Our Morning Offering – 30 January 2018

Posted on January 30, 2018January 29, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 30 January 2018

O make my heart beat with Your Heart!
By Bl Cardinal John Henry Newman

Most Sacred,
most loving Heart of Jesus,
You are concealed in the Holy Eucharist,
And You beat for us still.
Now, as then, You say:
“With desire I have desired.”
I worship You
with all my best love and awe,
With fervent affection,
With my most subdued,
most resolved will.
For a while, You take up Your abode within me.
O make my heart beat with Your Heart!
Purify it of all that is earthly,
All that is proud and sensual,
All that is hard and cruel,
Of all perversity,
Of all disorder,
Of all deadness.
So fill it with You,
That neither the events of the day,
Nor the circumstances of the time,
May have the power to ruffle it;
But that in Your love and Your fear,
It may have peace. Amen o make my heart beat with your heart!-bl john henry newman.8 june 2017

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to Blessed Benedict Daswa- Day Seven – 29 January

Posted on January 29, 2018January 28, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to Blessed Benedict Daswa- Day Seven – 29 January

7th Day: A COURAGEOUS WITNESS TO THE TRUTH

On 25 January 1990 during a heavy thunderstorm, several lightning strikes burned a number of thatched rondavels (round huts) in the area. Traditionally when this happens it is not seen as a natural phenomenon, but as the work of a supposed witch. The headman gathered his council and the community to discuss the matter, with the aim of finding out who was responsible. They agreed that a traditional healer be consulted to “sniff out” (identify) the person who was responsible for these burnings. A contribution of R5 per person was agreed on to pay the person.
Benedict arrived late at the meeting after this decision had been taken. His explanation that lightning was a natural phenomenon was rejected. He argued strongly against blaming witches for causing lightning strikes. When the decision was upheld, Benedict refused to pay the contribution, arguing that his Catholic faith prevented him from taking part in anything connected with witchcraft.

Word of God
“And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of man also will
acknowledge before the angels of God; but he who denies me before men will be
denied before the angels of God”. (Luke 12, 8-9)

Reflection: Am I afraid to stand up for my Christian belief when it is
ridiculed or attacked in the name of ‘traditional culture’?
Do I believe in witchcraft? Have I sometimes practised it?

Prayer: Incline not my heart to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds
in company with men who work iniquity;
and let me not eat of their dainties!
Let a good man strike or rebuke me in kindness,
but let the oil of the wicked never anoint my head;
For my prayer is conntinually against their wicked deeds.
(Psalm 141, 4-5b)

NOVENA PRAYER:

I come to You now, Lord, and through his intercession
I ask for this very special favour
………………………….………
(mention your request/s)
if it is according to Your will.

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St John Bosco – Day Eight – 29 January

Posted on January 29, 2018January 28, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St John Bosco – Day Eight – 29 January

8th Day: For Purity

O Saint John Bosco,
you prized the virtue of purity highly
and strove with all your might to foster it
in the hearts of young and old.
Pray for us that, inspired by your example,
we may nurture it in our hearts and minds
and may act effectively to defend our young people
against a culture pervaded by sex and violence.
Through your intercession
may God grant me the following grace
……………………………………..
(MENTION YOUR REQUEST)
so that together with others,
I may assist in bringing my neighbour,
especially young people to the love of Christ, amen.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory to the Father…
St John Bosco Pray for us! DAY EIGHT - NOVENA ST JOHN BOSCO - 29 JAN 2018

CONFESSION/PENANCE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LENT, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE

Thought for the Day – – 29 January – “Speaking of Repentance”

Posted on January 29, 2018January 29, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 29 January – “Speaking of Repentance”

Catholics have largely deserted the confessional. Our Communion lines are full and our confessionals are empty. Unless there has been some radical change in human nature over the past half century, something I see no evidence for, there is something very, very wrong in all this.
Saint Augustine, who once prayed before his conversion, Lord make me chaste but not now, knew the temptation to put off until some theoretical tomorrow repentance. We know that God will accept our repentance but true repentance means putting away sins we are deeply attached to, or ones we in despair think we cannot summon up the willpower to avoid in future. Saint Augustine, in Sermon 32 responds to this manana mentality by reminding us that while God has promised us forgiveness He has not promised us endless tomorrows to seek His forgiveness. As we enter Lent, let us recall these words of the Bishop of Hippo:

I know and as I do every one knows, who has used a little more than ordinary consideration, that no man who has any fear of God omits to reform himself in obedience to His words but he who thinks that he has longer time to live. This it is which kills so many, while they are saying, Tomorrow, Tomorrow and suddenly the door is shut. He remains outside with the raven’s croak, because he had not the moaning of the dove. Tomorrow, Tomorrow- is the raven’s croak. Moan plaintively as the dove and beat your breast but while you are inflicting blows on your breast, be the better for the beating lest you seem not to beat your conscience but rather with blows to harden it and make an evil conscience more unyielding instead of better.

Moan with no fruitless moaning. For it may be you are saying to yourself, God has promised me forgiveness, whenever I reform myself I am secure – I read the divine Scripture, In the day that the wicked man turns away from his wickedness and does that which is lawful and right, I will forget all his iniquities. I am secure then, whenever I reform myself, God will give me pardon for my evil deeds.

What can I say to this? Shall I lift up my voice against God? Shall I say to God, Do not give him pardon? Shall I say, this is not written, God has not promised this? If I should say ought of this, I should say falsely. You speak well and truly; God has promised pardon on your amendment, I cannot deny it but tell me, I pray you, see, I consent, I grant, I acknowledge that God has promised you pardon but who has promised you a tomorrow?

Where you read to me that you shall receive pardon, if you reform yourself, there read to me how long you have to live. Thou dost confess, I cannot read it there.

You know not then how long you have to live.

Reform yourself and so be always ready. Be not afraid of the last day, as a thief, who will break up your house as you sleep but awake and reform yourself today.

Why do you put it off till tomorrow? If your life is to be a long one, let it be both long and good. No one puts off a good dinner because it is to be a long one and do you wish to have a long evil life? Surely if it is to be long, it will be all the better if it be good; if it is to be short, it is well that its good be as long as possible.

But men neglect their life to such a degree, as that they are unwilling to have anything bad, except it. You buy a farm and you look out for a good one; you wish to marry a wife, you choose a good one; you wish for the birth of children and you long for good ones; you bargain for shoes and you do not wish for bad ones; and yet a bad life you do love. How has your life offended you, that you are willing to have it only bad, that amid all your good things, you should yourself alone be evil?

St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Church, pray for us and thank you!

CONFESSION/PENANCE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on REPENTANCE

Quotes of the Day – 29 January – “Speaking of Repentance”

Posted on January 29, 2018January 29, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quotes of the Day – 29 January

“Speaking of Repentance”

To speak of repentance is not fashionable today in a world that prefers to ignore sin, yet we who belong to Christ can testify that repentance is the way to forgiveness and freedom. It is the key that unlocks the mercy of God! The call to repentance is always addressed to ourselves first, since all of us are continually in need of deeper conversion.

“Be ashamed when you sin,
don’t be ashamed when you repent –
Sin is the wound, repentance is the medicine.
Sin is followed by shame;
repentance is followed by boldness
Satan has overturned this order
and given boldness to sin and shame to repentance.”

“Do you fast?
Then feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty,
visit the sick, do not forget the imprisoned,
have pity on the tortured,
comfort those who grieve and who weep,
be merciful, humble, kind, calm, patient,
sympathetic, forgiving, reverent, truthful and pious,
so that God might accept your fasting
and might plentifully grant you the fruits of repentance.”

“Since it is likely that, being men,
they would sin every day,
St Paul consoles his hearers by saying
‘renew yourselves’ from day to day.
This is what we do with houses:
we keep constantly repairing them as they wear old.
You should do the same thing to yourself.
Have you sinned today?
Have you made your soul old?
Do not despair, do not despond
but renew your soul by repentance and tears
and Confession and by doing good things.
And never cease doing this.”

St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father & Doctor of the Church

“Repentance is the renewal of baptism.
Repentance is a contract with God for a second life.
A penitent is a buyer of humility.
Repentance is constant distrust of bodily comfort.
Repentance is self-condemning reflection of carefree self-care.
Repentance is the daughter of hope and the renunciation of despair.
A penitent is an undisgraced convict.
Repentance is reconciliation with the Lord
by the practice of good deeds contrary to the sins.
Repentance is purification of conscience.
Repentance is the voluntary endurance of all afflictions.
A penitent is the inflicter of his own punishments.
Repentance is a mighty persecution of the stomach
and a striking of the soul into vigorous awareness.”

St John Climacus (579-649) Father of the Church – The Ladder of Divine Ascent

“To do penance is to bewail
the evil we have done
and to do no evil to bewail.”

St Gregory the Great (540-604) Father & Doctor of the Church

“Satisfaction consists in the cutting off
of the causes of the sin.
Thus, fasting is the proper antidote to lust;
prayer to pride, to envy, anger and sloth;
alms to covetousness.”

St Richard of Chichester (1197-1253)

“Where sin was hatched,
let tears now wash the nest.”

St Robert Southwell (1561-1595)

“We come to confession quite preoccupied
with the shame that we shall feel.
We accuse ourselves with hot air.
It is said that many confess and few are converted.
I believe it is so, my children,
because few confess with tears of repentance.”

“The saints understood how great
an outrage sin is against God.
Some of them passed their lives
in weeping for their sins.
St Peter wept all his life;
he was still weeping at his death.
St Bernard used to say,
‘Lord! Lord! it is I who fastened You to the Cross!'”

St John Vianney (1786-1859)

CONFESSION/PENANCE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, SPEAKING of .....

One Minute Reflection – 29 January – Speaking of Repentance

Posted on January 29, 2018January 28, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 29 January – Speaking of Repentance

Repent, therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out...Acts 3:19 acts 3 19 - 29 jan 2018

REFLECTION – “I know and as I do every one knows, who has used a little more than ordinary consideration, that no man who has any fear of God omits to reform himself in obedience to His words but he who thinks that he has longer time to live. This it is which kills so many, while they are saying, Tomorrow, Tomorrow and suddenly the door is shut. He remains outside…You speak well and truly; God has promised pardon on your amendment, I cannot deny it but tell me, I pray you, see, I consent, I grant, I acknowledge that God has promised you pardon but who has promised you a tomorrow?”…St Augustine (354-430) Doctor of the Church, Sermon 32 god has promised pardon - st augustine - 29 jan 2018

PRAYER – Lord, my holy God, grant that I may always seek Your forgiveness and strive each moment to live Your will. I am weak and a sinful creature but long to see Your face and reach my heavenly home. Fill me with Your grace that I may live in the Light and footsteps of Your divine Son. Lord, Jesus Christ, son of God, my father, have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen the jesus prayer - 29 jan 2018

HYMNS, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY

Our Morning Offering – 29 January – The memorial of St Dallan Forgaill (c 530- 598)

Posted on January 29, 2018January 28, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 29 January – The memorial of St Dallan Forgaill (c 530- 598)

Be Thou my Vision
By St Dallan Forgaill (c 530- 598)

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my wisdom and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight,
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.
Thou my soul’s shelter, Thou my high tower.
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven my Treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s son,
Heart of my heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O ruler of all. be thou my vision by st dallan forgaill - 29 jan 2018

Be Thou my Vision by Audrey Assad:

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to Blessed Benedict Daswa- Day Six – 28 January

Posted on January 28, 2018January 27, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to Blessed Benedict Daswa- Day Six – 28 January

6th Day: A MAN OF PRAYER AND CHARITY TO THE END

People who knew Benedict well observed that he was a prayerful person in his daily life, in his family, and in the Church. He had a deep personal relationship with Christ and was guided and strengthened by his faith in every aspect of life. He had special love and concern for the sick, the vulnerable and those in prison and liked to visit them. He gave freely of his resources to help the poor and the needy in his village, as well the learners in Nweli Primary school.
In the afternoon of 2 February 1990, as Benedict was working in his orchard, his sister-in-law urgently requested him to take her very sick child to the doctor at Makwarela (Sibasa). Before he started his car, he said to her, “Let us first pray”. On his way back to Mbahe, he gave a lift home to a man living in a neighbouring village. The man was carrying a bag of mealie-meal and was unable to get public transport because of unrest in the area.

Word of God
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?” And the King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me”. (Matthew 25, 35-40)

Reflection: Do I help and support people in need?
Do I pay attention to the poor and destitute in my community?

Prayer: In return for my love they accuse me, even as I make prayer for them.
So they reward me evil for good and hatred for my love.
(Psalm 109, 4-5)

NOVENA PRAYER:

O Blessed Trinity,
I believe that You dwell in me through my baptism.
I love You, I adore You and I worship You.
I give You thanks for Blessed Benedict,
Whom You chose to bear witness unto death for his faith
In Jesus Christ, my Saviour and my Lord.

I come to You now, Lord, and through his intercession
I ask for this very special favour
………………………….………
(mention your request/s)
if it is according to Your will.

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St John Bosco – Day Seven – 28 January

Posted on January 28, 2018January 27, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St John Bosco – Day Seven – 28 January

7th Day: For Missionaries

O Saint John Bosco,
in your love and concern for all the scattered children of God,
you sent your sons and daughters to the farthest part of the world
to bring the knowledge of the loving God and the Light of the Gospel.
Pray for all missionaries and pray for us, that,
inspired by your example and in your spirit,
we may be united in work and prayer to win souls for Christ.
Through your intercession
may God grant me the following grace
………………………………..
(mention your request)
so that together with Salesian missionaries all over the world
I may assist in bringing all I meet especially the young
to the love of Christ, amen.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory to the Father…
St John Bosco, Pray for us! DAY SEVEN - NOVENA ST JOHN BOSCO - 28 JAN 2018

EUCHARISTIC Adoration, franciscan OFM, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, SAINT of the DAY, SUNDAY REFLECTIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Sunday Reflection – – 28 January – The Memorial of St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor angelicus (Angelic Doctor) and Doctor communis (Common Doctor)

Posted on January 28, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Sunday Reflection – – 28 January – The Memorial of St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor angelicus (Angelic Doctor) and Doctor communis (Common Doctor)

Fr Raneiro Cantalamessa OFM – Preacher to the Papal Household – “This is My Body”

The Eucharist is the Father’s gift to the world. The mystery contained in the words: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (John 3:16) is made present in every Mass. In the priest who offers us the body and blood of Christ at the moment of Communion, we can see, with the eyes of faith, the Father in person, who comes to give us “the bread of heaven, the true bread” and says: “Take, this is the body of my Only Begotten Son, which I have given for you.”

Not only does the Father give us the Eucharist, He also gives Himself in the Eucharist because there is only one indivisible divine nature, in receiving the divinity of the Son, we also receive the Father. “Whoever sees me sees the Father,” also means “whoever receives me, receives the Father.”

One day (it was the Saturday of the Second Week of Lent) after listening to the Gospel passage of the parable of the Prodigal Son, I understood clearly that Communion offered me, there and then, the incredible opportunity of receiving the Father’s forgiving embrace – and not only mentally!

Fr Raneiro Cantalamessa OFM – Preacher to the Papal Household – “This is My Body” (out of interest, this entire book is a series of lectures to the Holy Father and his household, who was St John Paul at the time, (during the Year of the Eucharist 2004-2005) on St Thomas Aquinas, Adore Te Devote.

ArchAngels and Angels, DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN QUOTES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 28 January – The Memorial of St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor angelicus (Angelic Doctor) and Doctor communis (Common Doctor)

Posted on January 28, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 28 January – The Memorial of St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor angelicus (Angelic Doctor) and Doctor communis (Common Doctor)

“Nothing created has ever been able
to fill the heart of man.
God alone can fill it infinitely.”

“It is only God who creates.
Man merely rearranges.”

“When the devil is called
the god of this world,
it is not because he made it
but because we serve him
with our worldliness.”

“To pretend angels do not exist
because they are invisible,
is to believe we never sleep
because we don’t see ourselves sleeping.”

“Charity is
the form,
mover,
mother
and root
of all
the virtues.”

“To love is to
will the good
of the other.”

“The greatest kindness
one can render
to any man
consists in leading him
from error to truth.”

“Believing is
an act of the intellect
assenting to the divine truth,
by command of the will,
moved by God through grace.”

“He who is NOT angry
when there is just cause
for anger is IMMORAL.
WHY?
Because anger looks to
the good of justice.
And if you can live amid injustice
without anger,
you ARE IMMORAL
as well as UNJUST!”

“The celebration of Holy Mass
is as valuable, as the death
of Jesus on the cross.”

“Mary means Star of the sea,
for as mariners are guided to port
by the ocean star, so Christians attain
to glory through Mary’s maternal intercession.”

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor of the Church

DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY CROSS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 January – The Memorial of St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor angelicus (Angelic Doctor) and Doctor communis (Common Doctor)

Posted on January 28, 2018January 27, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 28 January – The Memorial of St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor angelicus (Angelic Doctor) and Doctor communis (Common Doctor)

“This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved you. No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.”…John 15:12-13 john 15 12-13

REFLECTION – “If you seek the example of love: “Greater love than this no man has, than to lay down his life for his friends.” Such a man was Christ on the cross. And if He gave His life for us, then it should not be difficult to bear whatever hardships arise for His sake. If you seek patience, you will find no better example than the cross. Christ endured much on the cross and did so patiently, because “when he suffered he did not threaten; he was led like a sheep to the slaughter and he did not open his mouth.” If you seek an example of obedience, follow Him who became obedient to the Father even unto death. “For just as by the disobedience of one man,” namely, Adam, “many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one man, many were made righteous.” If you seek an example of despising earthly things, follow Him who is “the King of kings and the Lord of lords, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Upon the cross He was stripped, mocked, spat upon, struck, crowned with thorns and given only vinegar and gall to drink. Do not be attached, therefore, to clothing and riches, because “they divided my garments among themselves.” Nor to honours, for He experienced harsh words and scourgings. Nor to greatness of rank, for “weaving a crown of thorns they placed it on my head.” Nor to anything delightful, for “in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.” – from the writings of Saint Thomas Aquinas and if he gave his life for us - st thomas aquinas - 28 jan 2018

PRAYER – Lord, our God, since it was by your gift that St Thomas became so great a saint and theologian, give us grace to understand his teaching and follow his way of life. May his great love for Jesus Crucified and His pure adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, be our guide to follow in Your Son’s footsteps and take up our cross and follow Him. Grant that by the prayers of St Thomas, we may grow in love and sanctity, amen. st-thomas-aquinas-pray-for-us-no2.2017

CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, DEVOTIO, DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Our Morning Offering – 28 January – The Memorial of St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor angelicus (Angelic Doctor) and Doctor communis (Common Doctor)

Posted on January 28, 2018January 27, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 28 January – The Memorial of St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor angelicus (Angelic Doctor) and Doctor communis (Common Doctor)

PRAYER before HOLY MASS
By St Thomas Aquinas
(1225-1274)
Angelic Doctor and Common Doctor

Almighty and ever-living God,
we approach the sacrament
of Your only-begotten Son,
Our Lord Jesus Christ.
We come to the Doctor of Life
unclean, to the Fountain of Mercy,
blind, to the Radiance of Eternal Light
and poor and needy
to the Lord of heaven and earth.
Lord, in Your great generosity,
heal our sicknesses,
wash away our defilements,
enlighten our blindness,
enrich our poverty
and clothe our nakedness.
May we receive the bread of angels,
the King of kings and Lord of lords,
with humble reverence,
with the purity and faith,
the repentance and love
and the determined purpose
that will help to bring us to salvation.
May we receive the sacrament
of the Lord’s Body and Blood
and its reality and power.
Loving Father, as on our earthly pilgrimage
we now receive Your beloved Son
in the holy sacrifice of this Mass,
may we one day see Him face to face in glory,
who lives and reigns with You for ever,
AMEN. prayer before holy mass - st thomas aquinas - 28 jan 2018

PRAYER after HOLY COMMUNION
By St Thomas Aquinas
(1225-1274)
Angelic Doctor and Common Doctor

Lord, Father all-powerful and ever-living God,
I thank You, for even though I am a sinner,
Your unprofitable servant,
not because of my worth
but in the kindness of Your mercy,
You have fed me
with the Precious Body and Blood
of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
I pray that this Holy Communion,
may not bring me condemnation
and punishment
but forgiveness and salvation.
May it be a helmet of faith
and a shield of good will.
May it purify me from evil ways
and put an end to my evil passions.
May it bring me charity and patience,
humility and obedience
and growth in the power to do good.
May it be my strong defense
against all my enemies,
visible and invisible
and the perfect calming
of all my evil impulses,
bodily and spiritual.
May it unite me more closely to You,
the One true God
and lead me safely through death
to everlasting happiness with You.
And I pray that You will lead me, a sinner,
to the banquet where You,
with Your Son and holy Spirit,
are true and perfect light,
total fulfillment, everlasting joy,
gladness without end
and perfect happiness to Your saints.
Grant this through Christ our Lord,
AMEN. prayer after holy communion by st thomas aquinas - 28 jan 2018

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to Blessed Benedict Daswa- Day Five – 27 January

Posted on January 27, 2018January 26, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to Blessed Benedict Daswa- Day Five – 27 January

5th Day: A MAN COMMITTED TO THE CHURCH
As a voluntary catechist, Benedict Daswa helped to build up the Church community,
especially by preparing people for baptism. He was a member of the Parish Pastoral
Council and was always regular at the meetings. He led the Sunday Service when a
priest or a pastoral worker was not available and was very involved in youth ministry,
encouraging the young people to live good, productive lives and to be proud of their
faith.
Benedict promised his wife that he would start building their house as soon as the new
Church of Nweli was finished. This task of building the first Catholic Church in the area
was a project so dear to his heart that he not only helped the priest with his own car to
transport the building material for it but worked tirelessly on it and encouraged others
to do likewise. After its completion, true to his promise, he started building his own
house.

Word of God
So we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually members one of another.
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them; if prophecy, in
proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who
exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal;
he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12, 5-8)

Reflection: What do I do for the Church and in the Church?
Do I contribute to the building/upkeep of the church and its services?

Prayer: I will not enter my house or get into my bed;
I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids,
Until I find a place for the Lord,
A dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob. (Psalm 132,3-5)

NOVENA PRAYER:

O Blessed Trinity,
I believe that you dwell in me through my baptism.
I love You, I adore You and I worship You.
I give you thanks for Blessed Benedict,
Whom you chose to bear witness unto death for his faith
In Jesus Christ, my Saviour and my Lord.

Almighty Father, You filled the heart of Blessed Benedict,
With great love and zeal in building up your kingdom.
You gave him the courage and the strength
To stand up for his faith without fear, even the fear of death.

I come to You now, Lord, and through his intercession
I ask for this very special favour
………………………………..
(mention your request/s)
if it is according to Your will.

MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St John Bosco – Day Six – 27 January

Posted on January 27, 2018January 26, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Novena to St John Bosco – Day Six – 27 January

6th Day: For Salesian Cooperators and the Salesian Family

O Saint John Bosco,
you founded the Association of Salesian Cooperators,
the seed of the worldwide Salesian Family,
in order to ensure the widest possible participation
in the charitable work on behalf of young people.
Pray for all the members of the Salesian Family that,
inspired by your example and bonded in one spirit,
they may share in the Salesian mission and model in their life
and work pastoral educative charity.
Through your intercession may God
grant me the following grace
……………………………….
(mention your intention)
so that together with the Salesian Family
I may assist all I am able to
and help young people in today’s society.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory to the Father…
St John Bosco Pray for us! DAY SIX - NOVENA ST JOHN BOSCO - 27 JAN 2018

MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY GHOST

Thought for the Day – 27 January – The Memorial of St Angela Merici (1474-1540)

Posted on January 27, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 27 January – The Memorial of St Angela Merici (1474-1540)

“I ask you, Lord, to receive all my self-will
that by the infection of sin is unable to distinguish
good from evil.
Receive, O Lord, all my thoughts, words and deeds,
interior and exterior,
that I lay at the feet of your Divine Majesty.
Although I am utterly unworthy,
I beseech you to accept all my being.”

At Angela Merici’s death in 1540 she had started 24 groups. St Charles Borromeo organised the Ursulines into a formal religious congregation and it was given papal approval in 1544. Over the years the Ursulines have flourished as the oldest and one of the most respected of the church’s teaching orders.

To the long list of authorities Ursulines were to obey—Ten Commandments, Church, parents, civil laws—St Angela added “divine inspirations that you may recognise as coming from the Holy Spirit.” A refreshing and liberating rule. Also a dangerous one, for when it’s obeyed, the Holy Spirit may act in unexpected ways.

Innovation has always been a part of genuine sanctity. New wineskins are often needed for the eternally new wine of the Gospel and the saints are not only holy but they are often creative geniuses as well – always, listening to the creative genius, the Holy Spirit!

St Angela Merici, pray for us! st angela merici pray for us no 2 - 27 jan 2018

	Santas e Santos do d… on Nuestra Señora de la Palabra /…
	Santa Rosa Venerini… on Saint of the Day – 7 May…
	Beata Anna Rosa Gatt… on Saint of the Day – 6 May…
	AnaStpaul on Saint of the Day – 5 May – Sai…
	hughie1 on Saint of the Day – 5 May – Sai…

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“Speaking of Temptation”

St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father & Doctor of the Church

St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) Father & Doctor of the Church

St Philip Neri (1515-1595)

St Francis De Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church

St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Doctor of the Church

St John Bosco (1815-1888)

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“Speaking of Prayer”

St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father & Doctor

St John Climacus (579-649)

St Phillip Neri (1515-1595)

St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Doctor of the Church

St Peter Julian Eymard (1811-1868)

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Where you read to me that you shall receive pardon, if you reform yourself, there read to me how long you have to live. Thou dost confess, I cannot read it there.

You know not then how long you have to live.

Reform yourself and so be always ready. Be not afraid of the last day, as a thief, who will break up your house as you sleep but awake and reform yourself today.

St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Church, pray for us and thank you!

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“Speaking of Repentance”

St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father & Doctor of the Church

St John Climacus (579-649) Father of the Church – The Ladder of Divine Ascent

St Gregory the Great (540-604) Father & Doctor of the Church

St Richard of Chichester (1197-1253)

St Robert Southwell (1561-1595)

St John Vianney (1786-1859)

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St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Doctor of the Church

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