Posted in MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – – 20 January – The Memorial of St Sebastian, Martyr (Died C 288)

Quote/s of the Day – – 20 January – The Memorial of St Sebastian, Martyr (Died C 288)

“Last Words”

“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.”

St Sebastian, Martyr (Died C 288)
(Last words addressed to his executioners)lord jesus, receive my spirit - st sebastian - 20 jan 2018

“If all the swords in England were pointed
against my head, your threats would not move me.
I am ready to die for my Lord,
that in my blood the Church may obtain liberty and peace.”

St Thomas à Becket, Martyr (1118-1170)
(Last words addressed to his murderers)if all the swords - st thomas a becket - 20 jan 2018

“Long live Christ the King!”
“Viva Cristo Rey!”

Blessed Miguel Pro, Martyr (1891-1927)
(Last words addressed to his executioners)viva cristo rey - bl miguel pro - 20 jan 2018

“This is my last hour of life, listen to me attentively:
if I have held communication with foreigners,
it has been for my religion and for my God.
It is for Him that I die.
My immortal life is on the point of beginning.
Become Christians if you wish to be happy after death
because God has eternal chastisements in store
for those who have refused to know Him.”

St Andrew Kim Taegon, Martyr (1821-1846)
(Last words addressed to his murderers)this is my last hour of life - st andrew kim taegon - 20 sept 2017

Posted in MORNING Prayers, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, SAINT of the DAY

One Minute Reflection – 20 January – The Memorial of St Sebastian, Martyr (Died C 288)

One Minute Reflection – 20 January – The Memorial of St Sebastian, Martyr (Died C 288)

What will separate us from the love of Christ?   Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?   …No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us   For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.…Romans 8:35,37-39romans 8-35,37-39

REFLECTION – “From the very beginning of the life of the Church, Christians have always believed that the blood of martyrs is a seed for Christians, as Tertullian said.   Today too, in a dramatic way, the blood of a great number of Christian martyrs continues to be shed on the field of the world,with the certain hope that will bear fruit in a rich harvest of holiness, justice, reconciliation and love of God.   But we must remember that one is not born a martyr.   Archbishop Romero remarked, We must be willing to die for our faith, even if the Lord does not grant us this honour. … Giving life does not only mean being assassinated;  giving life, having the spirit of martyrdom, means offering it in silence, in prayer, in the honest fulfillment of one’s duty;  in this silence of everyday life, giving life a little at a time.’”...Pope Francis 30 October 2015but we must remember that one - pope francis - 20 jan 2018

PRAYER – Grant us, Lord, the spirit of fortitude.   Teach us, by the example of St Sebastian, to render obedience, to you rather than to men and by his prayer, may we gain courage in the face of evil.   We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever, amen.st sebastian - pray for us - 20 jan 2018

sebastian-2-pray for us 2017

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 20 January

Our Morning Offering – 20 January

I love You, O my God
By St John Vianney (1786-1859)

I love You, O my God
and my only desire is to love You
until the last breath of my life.
I love You, O my infinitely lovable God,
and I would rather die loving You,
than live for an instant without loving You.
I love you, O my God
and I desire only to go to heaven
to have the happiness
of loving You perfectly.
I love You, O my God
and my only fear is to go to hell
because one will not have
the sweet solace of loving You there.
O my God,
if my tongue cannot say
at all times that I love You,
at least I want my heart
to repeat it to You as I breathe.
Ah! Do me the grace to suffer
while loving You,
to love You while suffering.
And, that when I die, I not only will love You
but experience it in my heart.
I beg You that the closer I come to my final end,
You will increase and perfect my love for You, amen.i love you o my god - st john vianney - 20 jan 2018

 

 

 

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, VATICAN Resources

The Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity 18-25 January 2018

The Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity 18-25 January 2018

BIBLICAL REFLECTIONS AND PRAYERS DAY 2 – 19 JANUARY

Your right hand, O Lord,
glorious in power
(Ex 15:6)

Day 2: No longer as a slave but a beloved brother

Genesis 1:26-28 God created humankind in God’s own image

Psalm 10:1-10 Why, O Lord, do you stand far off?

Philemon No longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother

Luke 10:25-37 The Parable of the Good Samaritan

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery in which victims are forced or tricked into sex work, child labour and the harvesting of organs for the profit of the exploiters. It is a global, multimillion-dollar industry. It is also a growing problem across the Caribbean. Reformed Churches in the Caribbean have joined with the Council for World Mission and the Caribbean and North American Council for Mission to educate Christian communities to end the scourge of human trafficking.

Reflection

One of the first things we learn about God in the Hebrew and Christian Bible is that God created humankind in his own image. However, this profound and beautiful truth has often been obscured or denied throughout human history. For instance, in the Roman Empire, the dignity of those enslaved was denied. The Gospel message is entirely different to this. Jesus challenged the social norms that devalued the human dignity of Samaritans, describing the Samaritan as the ‘neighbour’ of the man who had been attacked on the road to Jericho – a neighbour to be loved, according to the Law. And Paul, made bold in Christ, describes the once-enslaved Onesimus as ‘a beloved brother’, transgressing the norms of his society and affirming Onesimus’s humanity.

Christian love must always be a courageous love that dares to cross borders, recognising in others a dignity equal to our own. Like St Paul, Christians must be ‘bold enough in Christ’ to raise a united voice in clearly recognising trafficked persons as their neighbours and their beloved brothers and sisters, and so work together to end modern-day slavery.

Prayer

Gracious God,
draw near to those who are victims of human trafficking,
assuring them that you see their plight and hear their cry.

May your Church be united in compassion and courage to work for that day
when no one will be exploited
and all will be free to live lives of dignity and peace.
This we pray in the name of the Triune God
who can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.
Amen.

The right hand of God
is lifting in our land,
lifting the fallen one by one;
each one is known by name,
and rescued now from shame,
by the lifting of the right hand of God.

For DAY ONE go here:  https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/01/18/the-octave-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-18-25-january-2018/

DAY 2 - 19 JAN - OCTAVE FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY - 19 JAN 2018

For DAY ONE go here:  https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/01/18/the-octave-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-18-25-january-2018/

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS for PRIESTS, QUOTES on the PRIESTHOOD, SPEAKING of .....

On the Memorial of Blessed Marcelo Spínola y Maestre, Cardinal-Priest (1835-1906) – 19 January

On the Memorial of Blessed Marcelo Spínola y Maestre, Cardinal-Priest (1835-1906) – 19 January

As today we have been thinking of all our Priests, let us pray:

Pope Benedict’s Prayer for Priests

LORD JESUS CHRIST,
Eternal High Priest, You offered Yourself to the
Father on the altar of the Cross and through the
outpouring of the Holy Spirit gave Your priestly
people a share in Your redeeming sacrifice.
Hear our prayer for the sanctification of our priests.
Grant that all who are ordained to the ministerial
priesthood may be ever more conformed to You,
the divine Master.
May they preach the
Gospel with pure heart and clear conscience.
Let them be shepherds according to Your own Heart,
single- minded in service to You and to the Church
and shining examples of a holy,simple and joyful life.
Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Your Mother and ours,draw all priests and the flocks
entrusted to their care to the fullness of eternal life where
You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
AMEN
BENEDICTUS PP. XVIpope-benedicts-prayer-for-priests-19-oct-2017

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Day FOUR – 19 January

For St John Paul, conversion means returning to God “through evaluating earthly realities in the unfailing light of His truth.”   The proof of St Paul’s conversion is his profession:  “For me to live is Christ” (Phil 1:21).   Conversion is a conversion to the will and design of God:  “It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me” (Gal 2:20).

Let us Pray:

Glorious St Paul,
your conversion is a powerful witness to the world
that God loves us and does not give up on us,
no matter how far we stray.
Help me to live a life of ongoing conversion.
True conversion means converting my life to the
design of God, the plan He has for me right now.
Pray that I will love God’s will and providence for me.
May I learn to truly surrender myself to wisdom and tenderness of God.
Pray that I may love God’s will and providence for me.
In this confidence, I entrust to you, St Paul,
these, my intentions ………………..
(mention your request)

I ask this through Christ, Our Lord, amen.

St Paul Pray for us!day-4-novena-st-paul.-2018

 

 

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, Uncategorized

Novena to St Francis de Sales: Day Five – 19 January

Novena to St Francis de Sales
Day FIVE – 19 January

“This poor life is only a journey to the happy life to come.   We must not be angry with one another on the way but rather we must march on as a band of brothers and sisters united in meekness, peace and love.   I state absolutely and make no exception:  do not be angry at all if that is possible.   Do no accept any pretext whatever for opening your heart’s door to anger.   Saint James tells us positively and without reservation,” … a man’s anger does not fulfil God’s justice.”   [St Francis de Sales Jas 1:20] (INT. Part III, Ch. 8; O. III, p. 162)

O blessed Francis de Sales, who on earth did excel in a life of virtue,
especially in the love of God and neighbour,
I earnestly ask you to take me under your compassionate care and protection.
Obtain for me conversion of mind and heart.
Grant that all people, especially
…………………………..
(names of those whom you wish to include)
may experience the depth of God’s redeeming and healing love.
Teach me to fix my eyes on the things of heaven
even as I walk each day with my feet planted firmly on the earth.
Help me, through the practice of virtue and the pursuit of devotion,
to avoid anything that would otherwise
cause me to stumble in my attempt
to follow Christ and to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
Encouraged by your prayers and example,
help me to live fully my sacred dignity
with the hope of experiencing my sacred destiny:
eternal life with God.
Receive also this particular need or concern that I now lift up in prayer.
…………………………….
(mention your particular need).
O God, for the salvation of all,
You desired that St Francis de Sales—
preacher, missionary, confessor, bishop and founder—
should befriend many along the road to salvation.
Mercifully grant that we,
infused with the humility and gentleness of his charity,
guided by his wisdom and sharing in his spirit may experience eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord, amen.

St Francis de Sales, pray for us.DAY FIVE - ST FRANCIS DE SALES NOVENA - 19 JAN 2018jpg

Posted in MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, SPEAKING of .....

Thought for the day – 19 January – The Memorial of Blessed Marcelo Spínola y Maestre, Cardinal-Priest (1835-1906) Saints and Lawyers?

Thought for the day – 19 January – The Memorial of Blessed Marcelo Spínola y Maestre, Cardinal-Priest (1835-1906)

Speaking of Saints and Lawyers?

A lawyer was visited by Satan who promised that if he sold his soul to him, he would be wealthy, have a beautiful wife who would never leave him and all his cases would be successes.

The lawyer said “Yeh, but what’ the catch?”

So many ‘official’ saints were Lawyers – I have been trying to work this out, what is the connection between holiness and the mind of the lawyer?   Especially in the light of the general opinion we all have of lawyers, something akin to the second-hand car salesman! In other words, a bit of a lier and a cheat, at the very least, someone who shines and polishes the little bit of truth available to him.   Perhaps it is just this – this ability to grab the bit of truth available and make it grow, make it shine, make it the reason why we must have that car or why the judge must release the prisoner?

So the saintly lawyers, grab the bit of truth and delve deeper and further until they find the whole truth – this must be it!   And in that digging they, of course, find the ONLY truth – Jesus the Christ and His Church!   Then, if they were good lawyers, that natural instinct, to delve, to dig, will continue and in that effort, sanctity is achieved.

Here are some, I could find on a quick search, who kept their eye on heaven:
Blessed Anacleto González Flores
Blessed Angelo Carletti
Blessed Antoine-Frédéric Ozanam
Blessed Antonio Franco
Blessed Augustine Novello
Blessed Bartholomew Longo
Blessed Bernardine of Fossa
Blessed Charles Steeb
Blessed Contardo Ferrini
Blessed Demosthenes Ranzi
Blessed Dermot O’Hurley
Blessed Gennaro Maria Sarnelli
Blessed Giacomo Villa
Blessed Giuseppe Antonio Tovini
Blessed Henry of Segusio
Blessed Humbert of Romans
Blessed Jacopone da Todi
Blessed James the Almsgiver
Blessed Jean of Hainaut
Blessed John of Vercelli
Blessed John Storey
Blessed José Perpiñá Nácher
Blessed Luigi Beltrame Quattrocchi
Blessed Manuel Basulto Jiménez
Blessed Marcelo Spínola y Maestre
Blessed Mark Fantucci
Blessed Nazju Falzon
Blessed Paul Burali d’Arezzo
Blessed Paul of Wallachia
Blessed Peter de Geremia
Blessed Pierre de Barellis
Blessed Pietro of Gubbio
Blessed Pope Innocent XI
Blessed William Scott
Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
Saint Amphilochius of Iconium
Saint Andrew Avellino
Saint Aprus of Toul
Saint Bernadine Realino
Saint Bertrand of Aquileia
Saint Charles Borromeo
Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Saint Francis de Sales
Saint Germanus of Auxerre
Saint Gregory Barbarigo
Saint Ivo of Kermartin
Saint James of the Marches
Saint Jerome
Saint John Houghton
Saint John of Avila
Saint John of Capistrano
Saint Josemaria Escriva
Saint Liphardus of Orleans
Saint Paulinus of Nola
Saint Philogonius of Antioch
Saint Raymond of Penyafort
Saint Richard of Chichester
Saint Salvius of Albi
Saint Satyrus of Milan
Saint Sylvester Gozzolini
Saint Theophilus the Lawyer
Saint Thomas a Becket
Saint Thomas More
Saint Tryphillius of Leucosia
Saint Turibius of Mogroveio
Venerable Cesare Baronio
Venerable Luis de Trelles y Nogerol

Blessed Marcelo Spínola y Maestre, pray for us that we too shine and polish the truth until we meet you in heaven as saints!blessed marcelo - no 2 pray for us

 

 

Posted in MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on the PRIESTHOOD, SPEAKING of .....

Quote/s of the Day – 19 January – The Memorial of Blessed Marcelo Spínola y Maestre, Cardinal-Priest (1835-1906) “Speaking of Priests”

Quote/s of the Day – 19 January  – The Memorial of Blessed Marcelo Spínola y Maestre, Cardinal-Priest (1835-1906)

“Speaking of Priests”

“The power of the priest,
is the power of the divine person;
for the transubstantiation of the bread
requires as much power
as the creation of the world.”

St Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444)the power of the priest - st bernardine - 19 jan 2018

“The worthy priest is
an angel of purity,
in mind and body,
a cherub of light and knowledge,
a seraph of love and Charity,
an apostle of zeal in work and sanctity,
a little god on earth
in power and authority,
in patience and benignity.
He is the living image of Christ in this world,
of Christ watching, praying, preaching,
catechising, working, weeping,
going from town to town,
from village to village,
suffering, agonising, sacrificing Himself
and dying for the souls
created to His image and likeness. . .
He is the light of those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death.
He is the destroyer of error,
schisms and heresies,
the converter of sinners,
the sanctifier of the just,
the strength of the weak,
the consolation of the afflicted,
the treasure of the poor.
He is the confusion of hell,
the glory of heaven,
the terror of demons,
the joy of angels,
the ruin of Satan’s kingdom,
the establishment of Christ’s empire,
the ornament of the Church. . .”

St John Eudes (1501-1680)the worthy priest is...-st john eudes - 19 jan 2018

“What tongue, human or angelic,
may ever describe a power so immeasurable
as that exercised by the simplest priest in Mass?
Who could ever have imagined that the voice of man,
which by nature hath not the power,
even to raise a straw from the ground,
should obtain through grace,
a power so stupendous,
as to bring from Heaven to earth,
the SON of GOD?”

St Leonard of Port Maurice OFM (1676-1751)what tongue,human or angelic - st leord of port maurice - 19 jan 2018

“St Bernard tells us that everything
has come to us through Mary;
and we may also say that everything
has come to us through the priest;
yes, all happiness, all graces, all heavenly gifts.”

“The priesthood is the love of the Heart of Jesus.
When you see a priest, think of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

“If we had not the Sacrament of Orders,
we should not have Our Lord.
Who placed Him there, in that tabernacle?
It was the priest.
Who was it that received your soul,
on its entrance into life? The priest.
Who nourishes it, to give it strength
to make its pilgrimage? The priest.
Who will prepare it to appear before God,
by washing that soul, for the last time,
in the blood of Jesus Christ? The priest –
always the priest.
And if that soul comes to the point of death,
who will raise it up,
who will restore it to calmness and peace?
Again the priest.
You cannot recall one single blessing from God
without finding,
side by side with this recollection,
the image of the priest.”

St Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney, the Cure of Ars (1786-1859) – Patron of Priestsst john vianney - 3 quotes on the priesthood - 19 jan 2018

To be Continued ……………….

smiley winking

 

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS for PRIESTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on the PRIESTHOOD, SAINT of the DAY, SPEAKING of ....., The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 January – The Memorial of Blessed Marcelo Spínola y Maestre (1835-1906)

One Minute Reflection – 19 January – The Memorial of Blessed Marcelo Spínola y Maestre (1835-1906)

And Jesus called to him the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over unclean spirits… So they went out and preached that men should repent...Mark 6:7,12mark 6 - 7,12

REFLECTION – “‘O Priest! You are not yourself because you are of God.   You are not of yourself because you are the servant and minister of Christ.   You are not you own because you are the spouse of the Church.   You are not yourself because you are the mediator between God and man.   You are not from yourself because you are nothing. What then are you?   Nothing and everything.   O Priest!   Take care lest what was said to Christ on the cross be said to you: “He saved others, himself he cannot save!”‘ ...St NorbertO Priest! - St Norbert

PRAYER – O Lord of all, today we pray for our priests. All our priests from the Holy Father to our the newly ordained. Keep them holy and for yourself O Lord. Keep them in the image of Your Son, our High Priest, Jesus Christ. Keep them pure in heart, loving in spirit, filled with charity for all and most of all, with the greatest of love for You. Bless their hearts and their hands, that administer Your Eucharistic Son to your faithful. Grant that the prayers of Blessed Marcelo Spínola, may intercede for all our priests and ourselves. Amenblessed marcelo - pray for us

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January: Day THREE – 18 January

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Day THREE – 18 January

“Suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him…. (he) heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?…I am Jesus….” They led (Saul) by the hand” (Acts 9:3,4,5,8)

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI speaks of conversion as an act of obedience toward a reality that does not originate from us, that precedes us:  the concrete God. (Joseph Ratzinger – The Nature and Mission of Theology {Ignatius, 1995 p 58})

Let us Pray:

Glorious St Paul,
your conversion is a powerful witness to the world
that God loves us and does not give up on us,
no matter how far we stray.
Help me to live a life of ongoing obedience to God
and conversion of my wilful heart.
Pray that I may renounce self-will
and surrender myself to my Creator
who has a plan to make me a saint.
May faith move me to believe that God can and will,
change the things in me that seem insurmountable.
Pray that I may love God’s will and providence for me.
In this confidence, I entrust to you, St Paul,
these, my intentions
………………………………….
(mention your request)

I ask this through Christ, Our Lord, amen.

St Paul Pray for us!day-three-st-paul - 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Francis de Sales – Day Four: 18 January

Novena to St Francis de Sales
Day Four – 18 January

“Self-love dies only when our body dies, so we must, while we live in this land of exile, continue to counterattack its assaults on our senses and its underhanded tactics.   It is enough if we firmly withstand, giving no wilful or deliberate consent … When we feel within ourselves the first movements of self-love or of other passions, let us prostrate ourselves immediately before the heart of God and tell Him, in a spirit of confidence and humility, “Lord, have mercy on me because I am a very weak creature.”   Then let us tranquilly rest in peace and put ourselves at God’s disposal.” (St Francis de Sales Letters 1675; O. XIX, pp. 272-273)

O blessed Francis de Sales,
who on earth did excel in a life of virtue,
especially in the love of God and neighbour,
I earnestly ask you to take me
under your compassionate care and protection.
Obtain for me conversion of mind and heart.
Grant that all people, especially ……………………..
(names of those whom you wish to include)
may experience the depth of God’s redeeming and healing love.
Teach me to fix my eyes on the things of heaven even as I walk each day
with my feet planted firmly on the earth.
Help me, through the practice of virtue and the pursuit of devotion,
to avoid anything that would otherwise cause me to stumble in my attempt
to follow Christ and to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
Encouraged by your prayers and example,
help me to live fully my sacred dignity
with the hope of experiencing my sacred destiny, eternal life with God.
Receive also this particular need or concern that I now lift up in prayer
………………………..…….
(mention your particular need).
O God, for the salvation of all, You desired that St Francis de Sales—
preacher, missionary, confessor, bishop and founder—
should befriend many long the road to salvation.
Mercifully grant that we,
infused with the humility and gentleness of his charity,
guided by his wisdom and sharing in his spirit may experience eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

St Francis de Sales, pray for us.DAY FOUR - ST FRANCIS DE SALES NOVENA - 18 JAN 2018jpg

Posted in MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY

Thought for the Day – 18 January – The Memorial of St Margaret of Hungary (1242-1270)

Thought for the Day – 18 January – The Memorial of St Margaret of Hungary (1242-1270)

A young woman of extraordinary beauty, St Margaret attracted the attention of suitors even though she was a nun.   Ottokar, the king of Bohemia, was determined to marry her.   For political reasons, Béla liked the idea.   He asked Margaret to get released from her commitments and marry Ottokar.   Béla had not bargained for the steely resistance of his strong-willed daughter.   She responded to his request with defiance:

“When I was only 7-years-old, you tried to espouse me to the Polish Duke.   You will remember my answer then.   I said that I wished to serve Him only to whom you had espoused me at my birth.   As a child, I would not yield to your will in opposition to God’s claims on me.   Do you think that I am likely to give in to you now that I am older and wiser?   And am I more capable of grasping the greatness of the divine grace that has been given me?   Then, my Father, stop trying to turn me from my determination to remain a religious.   I prefer the heavenly kingdom to that which has been offered me by the King of Bohemia.   I would rather die than obey these commands of yours that will bring death to my soul.   Mark my words. If matters ever come to such a pass and I am driven to it, I will surely put an end to the whole affair by mutilating myself, so that I shall never again be desirable to any man.”

So Béla backed down.   Witnesses say that had he persisted, gritty Margaret would likely have fulfilled her threat.   Butler’s Lives of the Saints says that she performed “marvellous” service to the sick, so nauseating that its “details cannot be set out before the fastidious modern reader.”   Out of sympathy for the poor, Margaret also imitated their squalor. She so neglected all personal hygiene, for example, that she repulsed her sisters.   And for long periods she denied herself food and sleep.   Since she was a princess and the convent was built for her, no one seems to have been able to temper her excesses.

The church recognises Margaret of Hungary as a saint in spite of the traces of wilfulness and pride that seem to have marked her life.   But she excelled in charity and “love covers over many a sin” (1 Peter 4:8).   Those of us who want to be holy but have many “in-spite-ofs” to contend with, can be glad of that!

St Margaret of Hungary, pray for us!st margaret of hungary - pray for us 2 - 18 jan 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SACRAMENTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 18 January – “Speaking of the Holy Eucharist/Holy Mass”

Quote/s of the Day – 18 January – “Speaking of the Holy Eucharist/Holy Mass

“Let us return from that Table,
like lions breathing out fire,
terrifying to the devil!”

St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father & Doctor of the Churchlet us return from that table - st john chrysostom - 18 jan 2018

“O Sacrament of Love!
O sign of Unity!
O bond of Charity!
He who would have Life finds here indeed
a Life to live in and a Life to live by.”

St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Churcho sacrament of love - st augustine - 18 jan 2018

“What does the poor man do
at the rich man’s door,
the sick man in the presence of his physician,
the thirsty man at a limpid stream?
What they do, I do before the Eucharistic God.
I pray. I adore. I love.”

St Francis of Assisiwhat does the poor man do - st francis - 18 jan 2018

“Put all the good works in the world
against one Holy Mass;
they will be as a grain of sand
beside a mountain.”

St John Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859)put all the good works - st john vianney - 18 jan 2018

“When you look at the crucifix,
you understand how much Jesus loved you then.
When you look at the Sacred Host,
you understand how much Jesus loves you now.”when you look - st mother teresa - 18 jan 2018

“Unless we believe and see Jesus
in the appearance of bread on the altar,
we will not be able to see Him
in the distressing disguise of the poor.”

St Mother Teresaunless we believe - st mother teresa - 18 jan 2018

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

One Minute Reflection – 18 January – The Memorial of St Margaret of Hungary (1242-1270)

One Minute Reflection – 18 January – The Memorial of St Margaret of Hungary (1242-1270)

Just as the Father who has life sent me and I have life because of the Father, so the man who feeds on me will have life because of me...John 6:57john 6 57 - 18 jan 2018

REFLECTION – “The Holy Eucharist, is a fire that purifies and consumes all our miseries and imperfections.   Do everything in your power to make yourself worthy of the Eucharist and this Divine Fire, will take care of the rest.”…St Hyacinth of Mariscotti T.O.R.(1585-1640)the holy eucharist - st hyacinth - 18 jan 2018

PRAYER – Living God, You have given me the Eucharist as my food for heavenly life.   Help me to partake of it often and so be strengthened on my pilgrim journey on earth.   Grant that St Margaret of Hungary, may add us all to her prayers, that by her intercession, we too may learn the true way home.   Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever, amen.st margaret of hungary - 18 jan 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 18 January

Our Morning Offering – 18 January

Daily Prayer “Grant me Grace”
By St Thomas Aquinas
(1225-1274) Doctor of the Church

Grant me grace,
O merciful God,
to desire ardently
all that is pleasing to You,
to examine it prudently,
to acknowledge it truthfully,
and to accomplish it perfectly,
for the praise and glory of Your name.
Amengrant me grace - st thomas aquinas - 18 jan 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Day TWO – 17 January

Saul of Tarsus, the “Pharisee, a son of Pharisees” (Acts 23:6) had often prayed in the Psalms “You have said, ‘seek my face.’   My heart says to you, ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek’…Bow your heavens, O Lord and come down!….Flash forth the lightening …Stretch forth your hand from on high, rescue me and deliver me.” (Ps 27:8-9; 144:5,6,7).

And that is EXACTLY what happened when Saul encountered Christ on the road to Damascus!

LET US PRAY:

Glorious St Paul,
your conversion is a powerful witness to the world
that God loves us and does not give up on us,
no matter how far we stray.
May every circumstance of my life be an occasion
to change my way of thinking,
to renounce self-will and
to surrender myself to the wisdom
and tenderness of Jesus Christ
who is acting to make me His saint.
Pray that I may love God’s will and providence for me.
In this confidence, I entrust to you, St Paul,
these, my intentions
………………………………………..
(mention your request)

I ask this through Christ, Our Lord, amen.

St Paul Pray for us!day-two-novena-st-paul - 2018 VERSION

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Announcing the NOVENA to Blessed BENEDICT DASWA – Memorial 1 February

Announcing the NOVENA to Blessed BENEDICT DASWA – Memorial 1 February

Begins 23 January

We are encouraging people in all the Dioceses of Southern Africa (SACBC region) to pray for the favours and graces they need during the nine days prior to the Feast on 1 February.   This novena will commence on 23 January and conclude on 31 January.   We also invite people to make three acts of kindness each day of the Novena in remembrance of the three acts of charity which Blessed Benedict performed the day he was martyred.

The NOVENA PRAYER in various languages

The Novena Prayer in various languages for opening or downloading:

English english-novena     

Afrikaans afrikaans_combined

French french-novena

Portuguese portuguese-novena

South Sotho s-sotho-novena

North Sotho sepedi-novena

XiTsonga tsonga-novena

TshiVenda venda-novena

ANNOUNCING A NOVENA TO BL BENEDICT DASWA - BEGINS 23 JAN

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Francis de Sales Day Three – 17 January

Novena to St Francis de Sales
Day Three – 17 January

“I desire very little and what I do desire I desire very little;  I have hardly any desires but if I were to begin my life all over again I would want to have none at all … Ask for nothing, refuse nothing; we must simply abandon ourselves into the hands of Providence, without nourishing any other desire but to do whatever God wills.   St Paul practised this act of absolute abandonment at the very moment of his conversion.   When he was deprived of his sight, he immediately said, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” [cf. Act 22:10]   From that moment on he put himself completely at God’s disposal.   All our perfection consists precisely in the practical application of this principle. ” (St Francis de Sales Spiritual Treatises XXI, O. VI, pp. 383-384)

O blessed Francis de Sales,
who on earth did excel in a life of virtue,
especially in the love of God and neighbour,
I earnestly ask you to take me under your compassionate care and protection.
Obtain for me conversion of mind and heart.
Grant that all people, especially …………………….
(names of those whom you wish to include)
may experience the depth of God’s redeeming and healing love.
Teach me to fix my eyes on the things of heaven even as I walk each day
with my feet planted firmly on the earth.
Help me, through the practice of virtue and the pursuit of devotion,
to avoid anything that would otherwise cause me to stumble
in my attempt to follow Christ and to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
Encouraged by your prayers and example,
help me to live fully my sacred dignity
with the hope of experiencing my sacred destiny: eternal life with God.
Receive also this particular need or concern that I now lift up in prayer.
………………………………………. (mention your particular need).
O God, for the salvation of all, You desired that St Francis de Sales—
preacher, missionary, confessor, bishop and founder—
should befriend many along the road to salvation.
Mercifully grant that we,
infused with the humility and gentleness of his charity,
guided by his wisdom and sharing in his spirit may experience eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

St Francis de Sales, pray for us.DAY THREE - NOVENA TO ST FRANCIS DE SALES - 17 JAN 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY CROSS

Thought for the Day – 17 January – The Memorial of St Anthony Abbot (251-356) 

Thought for the Day – 17 January – The Memorial of St Anthony Abbot (251-356)

In an age that smiles and jeers at the notion of devils and angels, a person known for having power over evil spirits must at least make us pause.   And in a day when people speak of life as a “rat race,” one who devotes a whole life to solitude and prayer points to an essential of the Christian life in all ages.   Anthony’s hermit life reminds us of the absoluteness of our break with sin and the totality of our commitment to Christ.   Even in God’s good world, there is another world whose false values constantly tempt us.

Our most powerful protection IS
the Sign of the Cross:

Let us not then be ashamed
to confess the Crucified.
BE THE CROSS OUR SEAL,
made with boldness by our fingers,
on our brow and in everything,
over the bread we eat and the cups we drink,
in our comings in and goings out,
before our sleep,
when we lie down
and when we awake,
when we are in the way
and when we are still.
Great is that preservative,
it is without price,
for the poor’s sake,
without toil,
for the sick,
since also its’ grace is from God.
It is the Sign of the faithful
and the dread of evils –
for He has triumphed over them in it,
having made a shew of them openly –
for when they see the Cross,
they are reminded of the Crucified;
they are afraid of Him,
Who hath bruised the head of the dragon.
Despise not the Seal
because of the freeness of the Gift
but for this,
rather honour thy Benefactor!

St Cyril of Jerusalem (315-387)

Father & Doctor of the Church

“The Sign of the Cross
is the most terrible weapon
against the devil. 
Thus the Church wishes not only,
that we have it continually
in front of our minds,
to recall to us 
just what our souls are worth 
and what they cost Jesus Christ 
but also that we should make it
at every juncture ourselves: 
when we go to bed, 
when we awaken during the night, 
when we get up, 
when we begin any action, 
and, above all, 
when we are tempted.”

St John Vianney (1786-1859)the sign of the cross - st john vianney.- new version - 17 jan 2018 jpg

St Anthony Abbot Pray for us!st anthony abbot - pray for us

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY CROSS

Quote/s of the Day – 17 January – The Memorial of St Anthony Abbot (251-356)

Quote/s of the Day – 17 January – The Memorial of St Anthony Abbot (251-356)

“The illusions of this world soon vanish,
especially if a man arms himself with
the Sign of the Cross.
The devils tremble
at the Sign of the Cross of our Lord,
by which He triumphed over
and disarmed them.”the illusions of this world - st anthony abbot - 17 jan 2018

“The days are coming when men will go mad;
and, when they meet a man who has kept his senses,
they will rise up against him, saying,
“You are mad, because you are not like us.”the days are coming - st anthony abbot - 17 jan 2018

“I saw the snares that the enemy
spreads out over the world
and I said groaning,
“What can get through from such snares?”
Then I heard a voice saying to me, “Humility.”

“Reject pride and consider everyone
more righteous than yourself.”

St Anthony Abboti saw the snares - st anthony - 17 jan 2018

St Anthony told his monks:
For the presence, either of the good or evil,
by the help of God, can easily be distinguished.
The vision of the holy ones, is not fraught with distraction:
‘For they will not strive, nor cry,
nor shall anyone hear their voice’ (Matthew 12:19; Isaiah 42:2).
But it comes quietly and gently.
that an immediate joy, gladness and courage, arise in the soul.
For the Lord, who is our joy, is with them
and the power of God the Father.

St Ambrose: (340-397) Life of Saint Anthonyfor the presence either of the good or evil - st anthony - 17 jan 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY

One Minute Reflection – 17 January – The Memorial of St Anthony Abbot (251-356) 

One Minute Reflection – 17 January – The Memorial of St Anthony Abbot (251-356)

What can a man offer in exchange for his very life?……..Matthew 16:26

REFLECTION – “Everything of this world is sold at its price or exchanged for another equivalently priced.   But the promise of life eternal is purchased at a bargain price!”……St Anthony Abbot everything of this world - st anthony abbot - 17 jan 2018

PRAYER – Lord of all, help me to be willing to pay the price of receiving eternal life.   Let me offer myself to You in all that I do and say each day.   Lord, grant that through the intercession of St Anthony Abbot, we may deny ourselves, abandon ourselves to Your divine will and love You above all things.   Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God with You forever amen.agostinocarracci_thetemptationofstanthonyabbot-detail-pray-for-us.17 Jan 2017 picjpg

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 17 January

Our Morning Offering – 17 January

Morning Prayer
By St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) Doctor of the Church “Doctor of Prayer”

Lord, grant that I may always
allow myself
to be guided by You,
always follow Your plans,
and perfectly accomplish
Your Holy Will.
Grant that in all things,
great and small,
today and all the days of my life,
I may do whatever You require of me.
Help me respond
to the slightest prompting of Your Grace,
so that I may be Your trustworthy
instrument for Your honour.
May Your Will be done in time
and in eternity by me,
in me
and through me.
Amen.morning prayer of st teresa of avila - 17 jan 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Novena to St Paul in preparation for the Feast of The Conversion of St Paul on 25 January

Blessed John Henry Newman (d 1890) looked upon conversion as nothing more than a deeper discovery of what we already truly desire. Conversion happens at the level of desire. It is the restoration of what makes us truly human.

Novena to St Paul
DAY ONE – 16 January

Glorious St Paul,
your conversion is a powerful witness to the world
that God loves us and does not give up on us,
no matter how far we stray.
Help me to live a life of ongoing conversion.
True conversion means converting my life to the
design of God, the plan He has for me right now.
Pray that I may love God’s will and providence for me.
In this confidence, I entrust to you, St Paul,
these, my intentions,
………………………………..
(mention your request)

I ask this through Christ, Our Lord, amen.

St Paul Pray for us!day-one-st-paul-novena- 2017 pic

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Francis de Sales – Day Two – 16 January

Novena to St Francis de Sales
Day Two – 16 January

“State openly that you desire to be devout.   I do not say that you should assert that you are devout but that you desire to be devout.   Do not be ashamed to practice the ordinary, necessary actions that bring us to the love of God.   Acknowledge frankly that you are trying to meditate, that you would rather die than commit a mortal sin, that you are resolved to frequent the sacraments and to follow your director’s advice.   This candid confession of our desire to serve God and to consecrate ourselves entirely to His love is most acceptable to His Divine Majesty.” (St Francis de Sales INT. V, Ch. 18; O. III, p. 365)

O blessed Francis de Sales, you who on earth did excel in a life of virtue,
especially in the love of God and neighbour,
I earnestly ask you to take me under your compassionate care and protection.
Obtain for me conversion of mind and heart.
Grant that all people, especially ……………………….
(names of those whom you wish to include)
may experience the depth of God’s redeeming and healing love.
Teach me to fix my eyes on the things of heaven
even as I walk each day with my feet planted firmly on the earth.
Help me, through the practice of virtue and the pursuit of devotion,
to avoid anything that would otherwise cause me to stumble
in my attempt to follow Christ and to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
Encouraged by your prayers and example,
help me to live fully my sacred dignity
with the hope of experiencing my sacred destiny:
eternal life with God.
Receive also this particular need or concern that I now lift up in prayer.
…………………………… (mention your particular need).
O God, for the salvation of all,
You desired that St. Francis de Sales—
preacher, missionary, confessor, bishop and founder—
should befriend many along the road to salvation.
Mercifully grant that we,
infused with the humility and gentleness of his charity,
guided by his wisdom and sharing in his spirit
may experience eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

St Francis de Sales, pray for us.DAY TWO-NOVENA TO ST FRANCIS DE SALES - 16 JAN 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY

Thought for the Day – 16 January – The Memorial of St Joseph Vaz (1651-1711) Apostle of Sri Lanka

Thought for the Day – 16 January – The Memorial of St Joseph Vaz (1651-1711) Apostle of Sri Lanka

“Saint Joseph shows us the importance of transcending religious divisions in the service of peace.   His undivided love for God opened him to love for his neighbour;  he ministered to those in need, whoever and wherever they were.   His example continues to inspire the Church in Sri Lanka today.   She gladly and generously serves all members of society.   She makes no distinction of race, creed, tribe, status or religion in the service she provides through her schools, hospitals, clinics and many other charitable works.  All she asks in return is the freedom to carry out this mission.

Religious freedom is a fundamental human right.   Each individual must be free, alone or in association with others, to seek the truth and to openly express his or her religious convictions, free from intimidation and external compulsion.

As the life of Saint Joseph Vaz teaches us, genuine worship of God bears fruit not in discrimination, hatred and violence but in respect for the sacredness of life, respect for the dignity and freedom of others and loving commitment to the welfare of all.”   (From the Homily of Pope Francis on the Canonisation of St Joseoph Vaz – 14 January 2015)

“Joseph Vaz was on fire with faith.   Guided by the example of his Divine Master, he travelled the whole Island, going everywhere, often barefoot, with a rosary round his neck as a sign of his Catholic faith.   As a true disciple of Jesus, he endured innumerable sufferings with joy and confidence, knowing that in those sufferings too God’s plans were being fulfilled. His heroic charity, shown in a particular way in his selfless devotion to the victims of the epidemic in 1697, earned him the respect of everyone.
May the example of Father Joseph Vaz speak to your hearts…He welcomed everyone as a child of God.   And because of this love his name is now invoked as a blessing, here in Sri Lanka and throughout the world. “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Mt. 5: 9).   When lasting peace comes, all Sri Lankans will be blessed and your country will be restored in its full dignity and greatness.   May Almighty God achieve this through you. Amen.

May Almighty God through the intercession of Our Lady and of blessed Joseph Vaz achieve this through you.”   (St Pope John Paul on the Beatification of St Joseph Vaz – 21 January 1995)

st joseph vaz pray for us no 2 - 16 jan 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 16 January – The memorial of St Joseph Vaz (1651-1711) Apostle of Sri Lanka – “Speaking of Charity”

Quote/s of the Day – 16 January –  The memorial of St Joseph Vaz (1651-1711) Apostle of Sri Lanka – “Speaking of Charity”

“Help one another
with the generosity
of the Lord
and despise no one.
When you have
the opportunity
to do good,
do not let it go by.”

St Polycarp of Smyrna (69-155) Father of the Churchhelp one another - st polycarp - 16 jan 2018

“No one has ever been accused
for not providing ornaments
…Do not, therefore, adorn the church
and ignore your afflicted brother,
for he is the most precious temple of all.”

St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father & Doctor of the Churchno one has ever - st john chrysostom - 16 jan 2018

“Beauty grows in you to the extent that love grows
because charity itself is the soul’s beauty.”

“You cannot attain to charity except through humility.”

St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor of the Churchbeauty grows in you - st augustine - 16 jan 2018

“It is by the path of love, which is charity,
that God draws near to man and man to God.
But where charity is not found,
God cannot dwell.
If, then, we possess charity,
we possess God, for “God is Charity”

St Albert the Great (1200-1280) Doctor of the Churchit is by the path of love - st albert the great - 16 jan 2018

If you want God to hear your prayers,
hear the voice of the poor.
If you wish God to anticipate your wants,
provide those of the needy without waiting
for them to ask you.
Especially anticipate the needs of those
who are ashamed to beg.
To make them ask for alms is to make them buy it.”

St Thomas of Villanova (1486-1555)if you want god to hear your prayers - st homas of villanova - 16 jan 2018

“No man discovers anything big
if he does not make himself small.”

“Show me your hands.
Do they have scars from giving?
Show me your feet.
Are they wounded in service?
Show me your heart.
Have you left a place for divine love?”

Venerable Fulton J Sheen (1895-1979)no man discovers - ven fulton sheen - 16 jan 2018

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

One Minute Reflection – 16 January – The Memorial of St Joseph Vaz (1651-1711) Apostle of Sri Lanka

One Minute Reflection – 16 January – The Memorial of St Joseph Vaz (1651-1711) Apostle of Sri Lanka

“Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Spirit”…Matthew 28:19

REFLECTION – “I encourage each of you to look to Saint Joseph as a sure guide. He teaches us how to go out to the peripheries, to make Jesus Christ everywhere known and loved…. Saint Joseph gives us an example of missionary zeal…. Leaving behind his home, his family, the comfort of his familiar surroundings, he responded to the call to go forth, to speak of Christ wherever he was led. Saint Joseph knew how to offer the truth and the beauty of the Gospel in a multi-religious context, with respect, dedication, perseverance and humility.   This is also the way for the followers of Jesus today.   We are called to go forth with the same zeal, the same courage, of Saint Joseph…” Pope Francis at the Canonisation of St Joseph Vaz, 14 January 2015i encourage each of you - pope francis - 16 jan 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, may we too glorify You by our lives as St Joseph Vaz did!   Grant us, we pray, Your grace, that we may, in union with the Church throughout the world, sing a new song to the You and declare Your glory to all the ends of the earth.   May the prayer of St Joseph Vaz, intercede on our behalf, to assist us to imitate his zeal and love. Amenst joseph vaz - pray for us - 18 jan 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Francis de Sales Day One – 15 January

Novena to St Francis de Sales
Day One – 15 January

There is no clock, no matter how good it may be, that doesn’t need resetting and rewinding twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.   In addition, at least once a year it must be taken apart to remove the dirt clogging it, straighten out bent parts and repair those worn out.   In like manner, every morning and evening a person who really takes care of his heart must rewind it for God’s service by means of certain practices of piety.   At least once a year he must take it apart and examine every piece in detail;  that is, every affection and passion, in order to repair whatever defects there may be. (INT. Part 5, Ch. 1; O. III, p. 340)

O blessed Francis de Sales,
who on earth did excel in a life of virtue,
especially in the love of God and neighbour,
I earnestly ask you to take me
under your compassionate care and protection.
Obtain for me conversion of mind and heart.
Grant that all people,
especially ……………………..
(names of those whom you wish to include)
may experience the depth of God’s redeeming and healing love.
Teach me to fix my eyes on the things of heaven
even as I walk each day with my feet planted firmly on the earth.
Help me, through the practice of virtue and the pursuit of devotion,
to avoid anything that would otherwise cause me to stumble
in my attempt to follow Christ
and to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit.
Encouraged by your prayers and example,
help me to live fully my sacred dignity
with the hope of experiencing my sacred destiny:
eternal life with God.
Receive also this particular need or concern
that I now lift up in prayer………………………………
(mention your particular need).
O God, for the salvation of all,
you desired that St Francis de Sales,
preacher, missionary, confessor, bishop and founder,
should befriend many along the road to salvation.
Mercifully grant that we,
infused with the humility and gentleness of his charity,
guided by his wisdom and sharing in his spirit
may experience eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

St Francis de Sales, pray for us.DAY ONE - NOVENA TO ST FRANCIS DE SALES - 15 JAN 2018

Posted in MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Thought for the Day – 15 January – The Feast of Our Lady of Banneux – Our Lady of the Poor and Queen of Nations

Thought for the Day – 15 January – The Feast of Our Lady of Banneux – Our Lady of the Poor and Queen of Nations

There are many ways of “being poor” and in today’s world, the more we have, the poorer we can be.   Our Lady of Banneux is a most worthy intercessor to pray on our behalf to our God of such loving mercy, for all the needs of the poor of the world, for so many who are rich in goods but poor in spirit.

As St John Paul said on a visit to Banneux – “The poor today – and there are many ways of being poor! – feel at home in Banneux.   They come here to find comfort, courage, hope, union with God in their affliction.   I encourage the pilgrims who come here to pray to her, who, always and everywhere in the Church, reflects the face of the Mercy of God.”

Holy Mother Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us!our lady of banneux - pray for us no 2 - 15 jan 2018