Category: MORNING Prayers

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the KING Prayers, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on VANITY, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 October – “My Kingdom is not of this world.”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 27 Octoberber – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” –The Feast of Christ the King – Pentecost XXIII – Colossians 1:12-20; John 18:33-37– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Pilate, therefore, said to Him, Thou are then a King?” – John 18:37

REFLECTION – “What a stupendous thing it was for the King of the ages to become King of men! For Christ did not become King of Israel to exact tribute, to equip armies with swords, to subdue visible foes. He became King of Israel that He might rule over men’s souls, counsel them about eternity that, He might lead to the Kingdom of Heaven, those, who would believe in Him, hope in Him and love Him. Accordingly, it was not to increase His power–it was condescension on His part which made Him,, the Son of God, co-equal with the Father, the Word by Whom all things were made–wish to become King of Israel. It was an indication of His mercy; it did not augment His power. He, Who on earth was called King of the Jews, in Heaven is called, Lord of the Angels. But is Christ King of the Jews only and not King of the Gentiles, too? When, in prophecy He said, “But I have established My Kingdom upon Sion, My holy mountain. I will make known the decree of the Lord,” He added immediately, so that the mention of Mount Sion, might not lead men to believe He had been anointed King of the Jews, solely: “The Lord has said to Me – Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee. Ask of Me and I will give Thee the Gentiles for Thy inheritance and the ends of the earth, for Thy possessions.”

Jesus answered – “My Kingdom is not of this world. If My Kingdom were of this world, My followers would have fought, that I might not be delivered to the Jews. But as it is, My Kingdom is not from here.” This is what the good Master wished us to know. First, we had to learn, how vain was the notion of His Kingdom that it should be hostile, either to the Romans or to the Jews. When the Roman governor asked Jesus “Art thou King of the Jews?” the Lord could have answered: “My Kingdom is not of this world.” But Christ asked in His turn, ”Dost thou say this of thyself, or have others told thee of Me?” because, He wished to show, from Pilate’s answer, that He, Jesus, had been charged with this, as a crime by the Jews, before Pilate. Thus He laid bare to us the thoughts of men which He knew and which were vain. After the reply of Pilate, Jesus replied to them, to both Jews and Gentiles, more fittingly and more opportunely, “My Kingdom is not of this world.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon on Christ the King) Roman Breviary

PRAYER – Almighty and eternal God, Who willed to restore all things in Thy beloved Son, the King of the Universe, graciously grant that the peoples of the earth torn asunder by the wound of sin, may submit to His most gentle rule.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the KING Prayers, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, HYMNS, JESUIT SJ, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH

Our Morning Offering – 27 October – Te Saeculorum Principem, Thee, Lord of Every Age, We Sing

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Our Morning Offering – 27 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – The Feast of Christ the King

Te Saeculorum Principem
Thee, Lord of Every Age, We Sing
Breviary Hymn for Christ the King (1925)_
By Fr Vittorio Genovesi SJ (1887-1967)
Trans: Alan G McDougall ( 1895-1965)

Thee, Lord of every age, we sing
Thee, Christ, we hail the nations’ King,
Confess Thy right Thy realm to find
Within the hearts of all mankind.

The hate-swayed mob cries, pride-enticed,
They will not have Thy kingdom, Chris;
But we exultant round Thy Throne
Thy reign o’er all creation own!

O Christ, our Prince, Who bringest peace,
Let every rebel impulse cease
And gather into Thy One Fold
The wanderers whom Thy Love doth hold.

For this Thine arms wide-stretched in plea
Hung bleeding on the atoning Tree;
For this the spear’s revealing dart
Laid bare Thy Love-enflamèd Heart.

For this Thou didst Thy glory hide,
Outpouring from Thy piercèd side
The riches of Thy Love Divine
Beneath the veils of bread and wine.

May realms and they that rule them vie
With solemn rites to raise Thee high;
May laws and arts Thy servants be,
All life be sanctified in Thee.

Their kingly gear and royal state
Kings to their King shall consecrate;
Subjects their all before Thee lay
In service of Thy gentle sway.

Jesu, to Thee, beneath Whose sway
All earth shall bow, all praise we pay;
With Father and with Spirit be
All glory Thine eternally!

℣. His empire shall be multiplied.
℟. And there shall be no end of peace.

(Post Vaticasn II, Stanzas 2 and 6 have been removed!)

Posted in "Follow Me", 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The HOLY GHOST, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 October – “I am the vine, you the branches.” – John 15:5

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One Minute Reflection – 26 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Evaristus – (c44–c107) Martyr, Pope Evaristus is the fifth Bishop of Rome, holding office from c99 until his death in c108 – 1 Corinthians 4:9-14; John 15:1-7 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I Am the vine, you the branches; he who abides in me and I in him, the same bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5

REFLECTION – “The Lord calls Himself the Vine and those united to Him, branches, in order to teach us how much we shall benefit from our union with Him and, how important it is for us, to remain in His Love. By receiving the Holy Spirit, Who is the bond of union between us and Christ our Saviour, those who are joined to Him, as branches are to a vine, share in His own nature.

On the part of those who come to the Vine, their union with Him depends upon a deliberate act of the will, on his part, the union is effected by grace. Because we had goodwill, we made the act of faith that brought us to Christ and received from Him, the dignity of adoptive sonship which made us His own kinsmen, according to the words of Saint Paul: He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.

The Prophet Isaiah calls Christ the Foundation because it is upon Him that we, as living and spiritual stones, are built into a holy priesthood to be a dwelling place for God in the Spirit. Upon no other Foundation than Christ can this temple be built. Here Christ is teaching the same Truth, by calling Himself the Vine, since the Vine is the parent of its branches and provides their nourishment.

From Christ and in Christ, we have been reborn through the Spirit, in order to bear the fruit of life; not the fruit of our old, sinful life but, the fruit of a new life, founded upon our faith in Him and our love for Him. Like branches growing from a vine, we now draw our life from Christ and we cling to His holy commandment, in order to preserve this life. Eager to safeguard the blessing of our noble birth, we are careful not to grieve the Holy Ghost Who dwells in us and Who makes us aware of God’s Presence in us.

Let the wisdom of John teach us how we live in Christ and Christ lives in us: The proof that we are living in Him and He is living in us, is that He has given us a share in His Spirit. Just as the trunk of the vine gives its own natural properties to each of its branches, so, by bestowing on them the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, the only-begotten Son of the Father, gives Christians a certain kinship with Himself and with God the Father because they have been united to Him by faith and determination to do His will in all things. He helps them to grow in love and reverence for God and teaches them, to discern right from wrong and to act with integrity.” – St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Known as “The Pillar of Faith” Archbishop of Alexandria, Father & Doctor of the Church, Doctor Incarnationis (Doctor of the Incarnation) [Commentary on the Gospel of John].

PRAYER – Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Evaristus Thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, whom Thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN Saturdays, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Our Morning Offering – 26 October – Prayer to Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles

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Our Morning Offering – 26 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Vigil of Sts Simon and Jude (Anticipation)

Prayer to Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles
By St Vincent Pallotti SAC (1795-1850)

Immaculate Mother of God,
Queen of the Apostles,
we know that God’s commandment of love
and our vocation to follow Jesus Christ,
impels us to co-operate
in the mission of the Church.
Realising our own weakness,
we entrust the renewal of our personal lives
and our Apostolate, to your intercession.
We are confident,
that through God’s mercy
and the infinite merits of Jesus Christ,
you, who are our Mother,
will obtain the strength of the Holy Spirit,
as you obtained it for the Apostles,
gathered in the Upper Room.
Therefore, relying on your
maternal intercession,
we resolve, from this moment,
to devote our talents,
learning, material resources,
our health, sickness and trials
and every gift of nature and grace,
for the greater glory of God
and the salvation of all.
We wish to carry on those activities,
(which especially promote
the Catholic Apostolate,)
for the revival of faith
and love of the people of God
and so, bring all men and women,
into the faith of Jesus Christ.
(And if a time should come
when we have nothing more to offer,
serviceable to this end,)
we will never cease to pray,
that there will be one fold
and one Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
In this way, we hope to enjoy
the results of the Apostolate of Jesus Christ)
for all eternity.
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 25 October – “I will send to them prophets and apostles and some of them they will kill and persecute. ” – Luke 11:49

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One Minute Reflection – 24 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Saints Chrysanthus and Daria (Died c 282) Martyrs, Married Couple – Wisdom 3:1-8: Luke 11:47-51 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I will send to them prophets and apostles and some of them they will kill and persecute. ” – Luke 11:49

REFLECTION – “One of you will say: “I’m not able to love my enemies at all.” All through Holy Scripture God has said to you that you can and do you answer Him that, to the contrary, you cannot!? Now think about it – who are we to believe? God or you? Since He who is Truth itself cannot lie, let human weakness leave off its futile excuses forthwith! He who is just, cannot demand something impossible and He who is merciful, will not condemn someone for something that person could not avoid. So why these evasions then? There is no-one who knows better, what we are capable of, than He who has given us the ability. Such numbers of men, women, children, tender young girls, have borne flames, fire, sword and the wild beasts for Christ’s sake, without flinching and we, do we say that we cannot bear the insults of unintelligent persons?…

Indeed, if only the good are to be loved, what are we to say of the action of our God, of whom it is written: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son?” (Jn 3,16). For what good deeds are they, that the world had done, for God to love it so? Christ our Lord, found us all to be, not only evil but even dead, on account of original sin and yet… “he loved us and handed himself over for us” (Eph 5,2). In so acting, He loved even those who did not love Him, as the Apostle Paul also says: “Christ died for the guilty” (Rm 5,6). And in his inexpressible mercy, He gave this example to all humankind, saying: “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart” (Mt 11,29).” – St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) Bishop and Monk (Sermons to the people, no 37).

PRAYER – May the prayer of Your blessed Martyrs, Chrysanthus and Daria, defend us, O Lord, that we may ever enjoy the loving help of those whom we honour by this celebration.Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, franciscan OFM, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on DESPAIR, QUOTES on DOUBT, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on PEACE

Our Morning Offering – 25 October – Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace.

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Our Morning Offering – 25 October

Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace.
“The Peace Prayer”
By St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226)

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving
that we receive;
it is in pardoning
that we are pardoned
and it is in dying,
that we are born to eternal life.
Amen

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, BAPTISM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, LENT, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ANGELS, QUOTES on SIN, St PAUL!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 October – ‘ … Once washed in the saving waters … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 24 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feast of St Raphael the Archangel – Tobias 12:7-15; John 5:1-4 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“In these lay a great multitude of sick, of blind, of lame, of withered, waiting for the moving of the water (by the Angel). ” – John 5:3

REFLECTION – “We read in the Old Testament that in the times of Noah, since all humankind had been won by sin, Heaven’s floodgates opened and rain poured down for forty days … This was a symbol – it was less about a flood than about a Baptism. For it was indeed a Baptism which bore away the misdeeds of the sinners and spared the uprightness of Noah. And so today, just as it was then, our Lord has given Lent to us, so that the skies may open for the same number of days, to inundate us with the floods of Divine Mercy. Once washed in the saving waters of Baptism, this Sacrament enlightens us and, just as formerly, its waters bear away the evil of our sins and confirm the uprightness of our virtues.

Today’s situation is just the same as in Noah’s time. Baptism is flood to sinners and Consecration for the faithful. In Baptism, the Lord rescues justice and destroys injustice. We can see this in the example of one and the same man – before he was cleansed by the spiritual commands, the Apostle Paul was a persecutor and blasphemer (1 Tm 1:13). But once he had been bathed with the Heavenly rain of Baptism, the blasphemer died, the persecutor died, Saul died. Then the Apostle, the just man, Paul came to life… Anyone who lives Lent in a religious manner and observes the Lord’s decrees, will see sin die in himself and grace come to life… such as these die as sinners and live as righteous persons.” – St Maximus of Turin (Died c420) Bishop of Turin, Father of the Church (Sermon for Lent).

PRAYER – O God, Who gave blessed Raphael the Archangel as a traveling companion to Your servant Tobias, grant us, Your servants, ever to be protected by his guardianship and by his help.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH

Our Morning Offering – 24 October – O Raphael, Divinely Sent Guide

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Our Morning Offering – 24 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – The Feast of Saint Raphael the Archangel

O Raphael, Divinely Sent Guide
St Raphael Archangel, 24 October
From the Ambrosian Breviary

O Raphael, divinely sent guide,
graciously receive the hymn
we suppliants address to thee
with joyful voice.

Make straight for us the way of salvation
and forward our steps,
lest at any time, we wander astray
and turn from the path to heaven.

Look down upon us from on high;
reflect into our souls
the splendour shining from above,
from the holy Father of lights.

Give perfect health to the sick,
dispel the darkness of the blin
and while driving away diseases of the body,
give spiritual strength to our souls.

Thou who standest before the Sovereign Judge,
plead for the pardon of our crimes
and, as a trusty advocate,
appease the avenging wrath of the Most High.

Renewer of the great battle,
crush our proud enemy;
against the rebel spirits give us strength
and increase our grace.

To God the Father be glory,
and to His Only Son,
together with the Paraclete Spirit,
now and forevermore.
Amen

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 23 October – “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” Matthew 22:20

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One Minute Reflection – 23 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” –Feria –Philippians 1:6-11; Matthew22:15-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore, render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God, the things that are God’s.” – Matthew 22:20-21

REFLECTION – “An impress of Wisdom has been created in us and in all His Works. Therefore, the true Wisdom which shaped the world, claims for Himself, all which bears His Image and rightly says: The Lord created me in His Works. These words are really spoken by the wisdom in us but the Lord Himself here adopts them as His own. Wisdom, Himself is not created because He is the Creator but, by reason of the created image of Himself, found in His Works, He speaks thus, as though He were speaking of Himself. Our Lord said: He who receives you receives Me and He could say this because the impress of Himself is in us. In the same way, although Wisdom is not to be numbered among created things, yet because His form and likeness is in His Works, He speaks as if He were a creature and says: The Lord created me in His Works, when His purpose first unfolded. …

The likeness of Wisdom has been stamped upon creatures in order that the world may recognise in it, the Word Who was its Maker and, through the Word, come to know the Father. This is Paul’s teaching: What can be known about God is clear to them, for God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world, His invisible nature has been there, for the mind to perceive, in things which have been made. Accordingly, the Word is not a creature, for the passage which begins: The Lord created me . . . is to be understood as referring to that Wisdom which is truly in us and is said to be so.” – St Athanasius (297-373) Bishop of Alexandria, Father and Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – O Lord, we beseech Thee, graciously grant Thou faithful, forgiveness and peace that they may be cleansed of all sin and serve Thee with minds free from care. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The WILL of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 23 October – I Wish to Love Thee, My God

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Our Morning Offering – 23 October – St Anthony Mary Claret CMF (1807-1870) Archbishop and Founder of the Claretians

I Wish to Love Thee, My God
By St Anthony Mary Claret (1807-1870)

I wish to love Thee, my God,
with all my heart,
with all my being,
with all my strength.
I consecrate to Thee,
my thoughts,
desires, words
and actions,
whatever I have
and whatever I can be.
Let me use what I have
for Thy greater honour
and glory,
according to Thy will.
Amen

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HUMAN DIGNITY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 October – ‘ … He enabled us to become, in reality, what had only been a mere likeness before. … ‘

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One Minute Reflection – 22 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feria –Philippians 1:6-11; Matthew 22:15-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Whose likeness and inscription is this?” – Matthew 22:20

REFLECTION – “Oh man! why do you despise yourself so, seeing you are so precious to God? And why do you demean yourself in this way, when God honours you by Christ’s birth in our flesh!? Why search out how you were made and not enquire what you were made for? Was not this whole dwelling, this world you see, made for you? For your sake light spreads abroad and causes darkness to fade; for your sake night is ruled and day measured; for you Heaven shines with the varied splendours of sun and moon and stars; for you the earth is spangled with flowers, trees and fruits; for you this amazing mass of animal life, in the air, the fields, the loveliness of water, was created, so that no dismal solitude should spoil the new world’s joy. …

Besides this, the Creator seeks out what else He can add to your dignity – He sets His image within you (Gen 1:27) so that your visible image, might make present, upon earth, the invisible Creator and, to you, He entrusts the care of earthly goods, so that, as vast a domain as this, should not be lacking a representative from the Lord. … And what God accomplished in you by His power, He graciously assumed into Himself – He wanted to be truly manifested in the man in whom, hitherto, He had only appeared in image. He enabled us to become, in reality, what had only been a mere likeness before. … And so, Christ is born, to restore all its integrity, to fallen nature! ” – St Peter Chrysologus (c400-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and “Doctor of Sermons” of the Church (Sermon 148, On the Mystery of the Incarnation).

PRAYER – Grant us, Thou servants, O Lord God, we beseech Thee, to enjoy lasting health of mind and body and, by the intercession of glorious and blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may we be delivered from present sorrow and partake to the full of eternal happiness. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, ROSARY REFLECTIONS and QUOTES, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE

Our Morning Offering – 22 October – Through Thee, to Us, Our Saviour Came, Sweet Lady of the Rosary!

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Our Morning Offering – 22 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels”

Through Thee, to Us, Our Saviour Came
Sweet Lady of the Rosary!
By St Amadeus of Lausanne O.Cist (1108-1159)

Through thee, to us, our Saviour came,
Through thee, to Him, we fain would go.
Our lives are marred by wrong and shame,
Yet, confidence in thee we know.
The friendship thou dost give to all
Who love thy name, shall ever be
Assurance thou wilt hear our call,
Sweet Lady of the Rosary!

Thou art our Strength upon the way,
Our Morning Star, to cheer and guide;
Our Beacon Light to show the day,
And lead us to the Saviour’s Side;
A Comforter in ev’ry pain
We find, O Mother blest, in thee,
And seek we, never, thee in vain,
Fair Lady of the Rosary!

Thy praises, Mary, we would sing,
And all our faculties employ,
That unto thee our hearts might bring
A glory-crown of love and joy.
Bless thou each humble effort made
In thy regard and grant that we,
May by thy influence be swayed,
Our Lady of the Rosary!

Posted in GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), St Francis de Sales, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 October – ‘ … When we do abandon all, Our Lord takes care of all …’

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One Minute Reflection – 21 Octoberber – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” –Saint Ursula and Companions (Died c238) Virgin Martyrs –Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6; Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And everyone who has left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My Name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold and shall possess life everlasting.” – Matthew 19:29

REFLECTION – “WE MUST POSSESS a continual and imperturbable equanimity, amid the great variety of human occurrences and although, all things change around us, remain immovable, with our eyes fixed on God alone.
And, although, all things, I will not merely say around us but even within us, should turn topsy-turvy; whether our souls be joyful or sorrowful, in peace or in trouble, in light or in darkness, in temptation or in repose, in happiness or in disgust, although the sun scorch, or the dew refresh – we should always keep our will fixed on the good pleasure of God, as its sole and supreme object.

It is true that we require great confidence to abandon ourselves, without any reserve, to Divine Providence but, when we do abandon all, Our Lord takes care of all and disposes of all.
But, if we reserve anything which we are unwilling to confide to Him, He leaves us, as if He would say: “You think yourselves sufficiently wise to manage that affair without Me – you can do so and see what will come of it!” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor Caritatis( Consoling Thoughts on God and Providence).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord our God that we may never cease devoutly, to venerate the triumphs of Thy holy Virgins and Martyrs, Ursula and her companions that, as we cannot worthily shew forth their praises, yet we may continually honour them, with lowly service. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH

Our Morning Offering – 21 October – Lord, for Tomorrow and its Needs

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Our Morning Offering – 21 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels”

Lord, for Tomorrow and its Needs
By Sister Mary Xavier (1877)

Lord, for tomorrow and its needs
I do not pray;
keep me, my God, from stain of sin,
just for today.

Let me both diligently work
and duly pray;
let me be kind in word and deed,
just for today.

Let me no wrong or idle word
unthinking say;
set Thou a seal upon my lips,
just for today.

And if today my tide of life
should ebb away,
give me Thy Sacraments Divine,
sweet Lord, today.

So, for tomorrow and its needs
I do not pray
but keep me, guide me, love me, Lord,
just for today.
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on The SOUL, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 20 October – “Whose image and inscription is this? ” – Matthew 22:20

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One Minute Reflection – 20 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St John Cantius (1390-1473) Confessor – Philippians 1:6-11; Matthew 22:15-21 – – – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Whose image and inscription is this? ” – Matthew 22:20

REFLECTION – “Moses wrote in the Law: “God created man in His image and likeness” (Gn 1:26). I would ask you to reflect on the importance of this saying. God, Who is almighty, invisible, incomprehensible and without compare, when he fashioned man of clay, ennobled him by the image of His Own greatness. What is there in common between man and God, between clay and spirit? For “God is spirit” (Jn 4:24). Therefore, it represents a great sign of His esteem for man that God should have rewarded him with the image of His eternity and the likeness of His Own life. The greatness of man lies in his likeness to God, as long as he preserves it …

As long as a soul makes good use of the virtues sown into it, it remains like God. All the virtues God placed in us at our creation He has taught us to repay to Himself. In the first place, He requires us to love Him with all our heart (Dt 6:5) since, from the beginning, even before we existed, “He loved us first” (1Jn 4:10). To love God, then, is to restore His image within us. Now, he loves God who keeps His commandments…

Therefore, it is for us to reflect to our God, to our Father, the unsullied image of His Own holiness, since He is holy and has said: “Be holy as I Am Holy” (Lv 11:45) with love, since He is Love and John has said: “God is Love” (1Jn 4:8); with kindness and in truth, since God is good and true. Let us not become depictors of a false image … And lest we insinuate the image of pride within ourselves, let us allow Christ to paint His image within us.” – St Columban (543-615) Monk, Founder of monasteries, Father of the Church (Instruction 11, 1-4).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that by following the example of blessed John, Thy Confessor, we may advance in a knowledge of holiness and, by showing pity for others, obtain Thou forgiveness through his merits. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Our Morning Offering – 20 October – O Purest of Creatures, Sweet Mother, Sweet Maid

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Our Morning Offering – 20 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feast of Mater Admirabilis / Mother Most Admirable

O Purest of Creatures,
Sweet Mother, Sweet Maid
By Fr Frederick W Faber C.Orat. (1814-1863)

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

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

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

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

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on the POOR, The HEART, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 October – ‘ … Repay God, with the image of God …’

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One Minute Reflection – 19 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Peter of Alcantara OFM (1499-1562) Confessor – Philippians 3:7-12, Luke 12:32-34 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be too.” – Luke 12:34

REFLECTION – “God accepts our offerings of money and is pleased with the gifts we make to the poor but, on one condition – that every sinner, when offering God his money, should offer Him his soul at the same time … When our Lord says: “Repay to Caesar that which belongs to Caesar and to God that which belongs to God” (Mk 12:17), what does He seem to say but – “Just as you repay Caesar with his own image on a coin, so repay God, with the image of God within ourselves” (cf Gn 1:26) …

This is why, as we have already said on numerous occasions, when we hand out money to the poor, let us offer our souls to God, so that, where our treasure is, there our heart may also be. Indeed, why does God ask us to give money? Unquestionably because, He knows the special love we have for it, we are always thinking about it and, where our money is, there too is our heart. This is why God urges us to make up our treasure in Heaven by making gifts of it to the poor; it is so that our hearts may follow where we have already sent our treasure and, when the Priest says: “Lift up your hearts” we may answer with peaceful conscience: “We lift them up to the Lord.” – St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) Bishop, Father (Sermon 32, 1-3).

PRAYER – O God, Who graciously made blessed Peter, Thy Confessor, glorious by the gift of remarkable penance and sublime contemplation, grant, we beseech Thee, that, by the merit of his prayers, we may the more easily understand the things of Heaven by curbing our passions. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, Our MORNING Offering, ROSARY QUOTES, ROSARY REFLECTIONS and QUOTES, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE

Our Morning Offering – 19 October – Queen of the Holy Rosary

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Our Morning Offering – 19 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels”

Queen of the Holy Rosary

Queen of the Holy Rosary!
Thee as our Queen we greet,
And lay our lowly, loving prayers
Like roses at thy feet.
Would that these blossoms of our souls
Were far more fair and sweet.

Queen of the Joyful Mysteries!
Glad news God’s envoy bore.
The Baptist’s mother thou didst tend;
Angels thy Babe adore,
Whom with two doves thou ransomest;
Lost, He is found once more.

Queen of the Dolorous Mysteries!
Christ ‘mid the olives bled,
Scourged at the pillar, crowned with thorns,
Beneath His Cross He sped
Up the steep hill and there once more
Thine arms embraced Him–dead!

Queen of the Glorious Mysteries!
Christ from the tomb has flown,
Has mounted to the highest heaven
And sent His Spirit down
And soon He raises thee on high
To wear thy heavenly crown.

Queen of the Holy Rosary!
We, too, have joys and woes.
May they, like thine, to triumph lead!
May labour earn repose,
And may life’s sorrows and life’s joys
In heavenly glory close.

Taken from:
Cyril Robert – Mary Immaculate:
God’s Mother and Mine. 1946

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, St PAUL!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 18 October – “Luke, the beloved physician, greets you”

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One Minute Reflection – 18 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – The Feast of St Luke, the Evangelist – 2 Corinthians 8:16-24, Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The harvest indeed is great but the labourers are few. Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest that He send labourers into His harvest. ” – Luke 10:2

REFLECTION – “That Luke was inseparable from Paul and his fellow-labourer in the Gospel, he himself clearly evinces, not as a matter of boasting but as bound to do so by the truth itself. For when Barnabas and John Mark, had parted company from Paul and sailed to Cyprus, Luke writes: “We came to Troas” (Acts 16:8.11)… Then he carefully indicates all the rest of their journey as far as Philippi,and how they delivered their first address … And all the remaining details of his journey with Paul, he recounts with all possible diligence … As Luke was present at all these occurrences, he carefully noted them down in writing, so that he cannot be convicted of falsehood or boastfulness for all these details were well known …

That Luke was not merely a follower but also a fellow-labourer of the Apostles and especially of Paul, Paul himself declared too in his Epistles, saying: “Demas has forsaken me and has left for Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me” (2 Tim 4:11). From this Paul shows that Luke was always attached to and, inseparable from him. And again, in the Letter to the Colossians, he says: “Luke, the beloved Physician, greets you” (Col 4:14)…” – St Irenaeus (c130-c202) Bishop, Martyr, Theologian, Father of the Church (Against the Heresies III).

PRAYER – O Lord, we beseech Thee, that Luke, Thy holy Evangelist, who for the honour of Thy Name bore continuously in his body the suffering of the Cross, may intercede on our behalf. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Our Morning Offering – 18 October – Holy and Learned, Great Saint Luke

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Our Morning Offering – 18 October – The Feast of St Luke, the Evangelist

Holy and Learned, Great Saint Luke
Prayer/Hymn in Honour of St Luke
“Plausibus Luca canimus”
Trans the Benedictines of
Saint Cecilia’s Abbey, Ryde, UK

Holy and learned, great Saint Luke,
we praise you,
Closely you followed in the steps of Jesus,
As supreme witness to His life and teaching
Shedding your life-blood.

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
You left in writing, for all time to study
Stories unrivalled for their depth and beauty,
Christ’s love revealing.

Yours are the records
which we read with pleasure
Of the beginning of the Church so fervent,
Under the impulse of the true and living
Spirit of Jesus.

Paul’s earnest helper, sharer in his travels,
Zealous as he was, with a heart as loving,
Make our souls also steadfast and devoted
To the Lord Jesus.

Tender physician, use your gift of healing,
Comfort our weakness with a faith unswerving,
So that rejoicing, we may praise forever
God the Almighty.
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 17 October – “For My yoke is sweet and My burden light.” – Matthew 11:30

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One Minute Reflection – 17 Octoberber – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690) Virgin – Ephesians 3:8-9, 14-19, Matthew 11:25-30 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For My yoke is sweet and My burden light.” – Matthew 11:30

REFLECTION – “People who complain about the roughness of the Lord’s yoke have possibly not completely rejected, the heavy load of the lusts of the world, or, if they did reject them, they have enslaved themselves to them again, to their greater shame! Outwardly, they carry the yoke of the Lord but inwardly, they submit their shoulders to the burden of the world’s cares. They set on the balance of the Lord’s yoke, the hardships and difficulties which they inflict on themselves… As for the yoke of the Lord – it is “sweet and its burden light”.

Indeed, what is sweeter, what more glorious, than to see oneself lifted up above the world by the scorn one shows it and, seated at the summit of a conscience at peace, to have the whole world at one’s feet? Then, one sees nothing to desire, nothing to fear, nothing to envy, nothing of one’s own which might be taken away, no evil which might be caused one, by another. The eyes of the heart turn towards “an inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled and unfading which is kept for us in Heaven” (1 Pt 1:4). With a sort of greatness of soul, one gives little importance to this world’s goods – they pass away; to the pleasures of the flesh – they are contaminated; to the world’s pomp – it fades and, in one’s joy, one repeats the words of the Prophet: “All mankind is grass and all its glory like the flower of the field; the grass withers, the flower fades but the Word of the Lord remains forever” (Is 40:6-8)… In charity – and nowhere but in charity – dwells true tranquillity and true sweetness, for, it is the yoke of the Lord!” – St Aelred of Rievaulx (1110-1167) Cistercian Monk (The Mirror of charity I:30-31).

PRAYER – O Lord Jesus Christ, Who wondrously revealed the unsearchable riches of Thy Heart to blessed Margaret Mary, the Virgin, grant us, by her merits and through imitating her, to love Thee, in all things and above all things, so that we may be found worthy to possess a lasting dwelling place in Thou Heart itself. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Our Morning Offering – 17 October – In Thy Divine Heart By St Margaret Mary

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Our Morning Offering – 17 October – St Margaret Mary Alacoque VHM (1647-1690) Virgin

In Thy Divine Heart
By St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)
Visionary of the Sacred Heart

Lord Jesus,
let my heart never rest
until it finds Thee,
Who are its Source,
its love and its happiness.
By the wound in Thy Heart
pardon the sins I have committed,
whether out of weakness,
or out of evil desires.
Place my weak heart
in Thy own Divine Heart,
continually under Thy
protection and guidance,
so that I may persevere in doing good
and in fleeing evil,
until my last breath.
Amen

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PEACE, The HEART, The HOLY GHOST, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 August– ‘ … For everything lies in the soul’s inner sanctuary. …’

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One Minute Reflection – 16 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feast of the Purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of St Hedwig of Andechs (1174-1243) Widow – Proverbs 31:10-31, Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure  hidden in a field; he who finds it, hides it and in his joy, goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” – Matthew 13:44

REFLECTION – “In my opinion, it would be unworthy of us to withdraw, even for a moment, from the contemplation of Christ. When we have lost sight of Him, even briefly, let us turn our mind’s regard back to Him, directing the eyes of our heart, as by a very straight line. For everything lies in the soul’s inner sanctuary. There, after the devil has been expelled and the vices no longer reign at all, the Kingdom of God can be established in us, as the Evangelist says: “For amen I say to you that the Kingdom of God is within you.”

But within us there can be nothing else than knowledge or ignorance of the truth and the love, of either the vices, or the virtues, by which we make ready a Kingdom in our hearts, either for the devil or for Christ.

The Apostle Paul also describes the characteristics of this Kingdom when he says: “For the Kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Thus, if the Kingdom of God is within us and the Kingdom of God is itself, righteousness and peace and joy, then, whoever abides in these things, is undoubtedly in the Kingdom of God … Let us lift up the eyes of our soul to that Kingdom which is endless joy!” – St John Cassian (c360-435) Monk, Theologian, Founder of Monasteries, Father of the Church, Disciple of St John Chrysostom (Conferences No 1).

PRAYER – O God, Who taught blessed Hedwig to forsake worldly vanities that she might, humbly follow Thy Cross, with her whole heart, grant through her merits and example, we may learn to renounce the perishable delights of the world and, by embracing Thy Cross, overcome all things opposed to our salvation. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, IMMACULATE HEART PRAYERS, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH

Our Morning Offering – 16 October – Tota Pulchra Es, Maria – You Are All Beautiful, Mary

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Our Morning Offering – 16 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feast of the Purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Tota Pulchra Es, Maria
You Are All Beautiful, Mary
Unknown Author – 4th Century

You are all beautiful, Mary,
and the original stain is not in you.
You are the glory of Jerusalem,
you are the joy of Israel,
you give honour to our people.
You are an advocate of sinners.
O Mary, O Mary,
Virgin most intelligent,
Mother most merciful.
Pray for us,
Plead for us,
To the Lord Jesus Christ.

Tota pulchra es, Maria.
Et macula originalis non est in Te.
Tu gloria Ierusalem.
Tu laetitia Israel.
Tu honorificentia populi nostri.
Tu advocata peccatorum.
O Maria, O Maria,
Virgo prudentissima.
Mater clementissima.
Ora pro nobis.
Intercede pro nobis.
Ad Dominum Iesum Christum.

This prayer used by the Church since the 4th Century for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the Purity of the Blessed Virgin. It takes some text from the book of Judith and other text from Song of Songs, specifically 4:7. Many composers have set this prayer to music over the centuries.

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CARMELITES, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 15 October – ‘ … Keep going, persevere, bear and accept this delay and you have carried His Cross!’ … – (Matthew 25:10)

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One Minute Reflection – 15 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Teresa of Jesus of Avila OCD (1515-1582) Virgin and Doctor of the Church – 2 Corinthians 10:17-18; 11:1-2; Matthew 25:1-13  – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ … The Bridegroom came and they, who were ready, went in with Him … ” – Matthew 25:10

REFLECTION – “In this world, which is to say, in the Church, wholly following Christ, He says to all of us: “Whoever wishes to come after Me must deny himself.” This command is not being directed to virgins but not married women, to widows but not wives, to Monks but not husbands, to Priests but not laity. It is the whole Church, the whole Body of Christ with all its members, differentiated and divided according to their proper functions which is, to follow Christ. May she wholly follow Him, she who is one alone, the dove, the bride (Sg 6:9); may she follow Him, she who has been redeemed and endowed with the Blood of her Bridegroom. Virginal purity has its place here; the continence of widows has its place here; wedded chastity has its place here…

These members who have their place here should follow Christ, each according to their category, each according to their status, each after its fashion. Let them deny themselves, that is to say, let them not rely on themselves. Let them carry their cross that is to say, bear, for Christ’s sake in the world, all that the world inflicts on them. May they love Him, He, the Only One, Who never deceives or is deceived, the Only One ,Who is not mistaken. May they love Him because, what He promises is true. Yet because, He does not give it to us now, our faith falters. Keep going, persevere, bear and accept this delay and you have carried His Cross!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 96:9)

PRAYER – Graciously hear us, O God, our Saviour that as we rejoice on the feast-day of blessed Teresa, Thy Virgin, we may be so nourished by the food of her heavenly teaching, as to learn how to serve Thee. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CARMELITES, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, DOCTORS of the Church, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PAPAL PRAYERS

Our Morning Offering – 15 October – Haec Est Dies, This is the Day

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Our Morning Offering – 15 SOctoberber – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Teresa of Jesus of Avila OCD (1515-1582) Virgin, Doctor of the Church

Haec Est Dies
This is the Day
By Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644)

This is the day, when, filled with love,
And shining like a heavn’ly dove,
The spirit of Teresa flies
To temples high above the skies.

And then she hears the Bridegroom’s Voice:
“The wedding of the Lamb, rejoice!
Come, sister, from Mount Carmel’s height.
Come to your crown of glory bright.”

May all the virgins blest adore
O Bridegroom Jesus, evermore,
And sing Thou wedding songs of praise
Throughout the everlasting days.

This Hymn is used for Lauds on the Feast of St. Teresa of Jesus of Avila.
Tune: “Hæc Est Dies” Gregorian Chant.

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Love of Self, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 30 September – “I am not come to destroy but to fulfil.” – Matthew 5:17

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One Minute Reflection – 30 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Jerome (347-419) Confessor, Father and Doctor – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I am not come to destroy but to fulfil.” – Matthew 5:17

REFLECTION – “Grace which was formerly veiled, so to speak, in the Old Testament, has been fully revealed in the Gospel of Christ by a harmonious disposition of the times, just as God usually disposes of everything with harmony … But within this wonderful harmony, we notice a great difference between the two ages. On Sinai, the people did not dare draw near the place where the Lord was giving His Law; in the Upper Room, the Holy Ghost comes down on all those assembled there, while waiting for the fulfilment of the promise (Ex 19:23; Acts 2:1). In the first instance, the Finger of God inscribed the laws on tablets of stone but now, it is in human hearts where He writes it (Ex 31:18; 2 Cor 3:3). Formerly the Law was written without and brought fear to sinners but now, it has been given to them within, to make them righteous …

Indeed, as the Apostle Paul says, everything written on the stone tablets, “you shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill. .., you shall not covet” and whatever other commandments there may be, are summed up in this saying: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself. Love does no evil to the neighbour; hence, love is the fulfilment of the Law” (Rm 13:9f.; Lv 19:18) … This charity has been “poured into our hearts through the Holy Ghost Who is given to us” (Rm 5:5).” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (On the spirit and the letter, 28-30).

PRAYER – O God, Who graciously gave Thy Church blessed Jerome, Thy Confessor and peerless teacher, to explain the Holy Scriptures, grant, we beseech Thee that, with the help of his merits and by Thy assistance, we may be able to put into practice what he has taught us by his life and works. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 30 September – O Lord, Show Thy Mercy to Me

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Our Morning Offering – 30 September – Memorial of St Jerome (347-419) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church

O Lord, Show Thy Mercy to Me
By St Jerome (347-419)
Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church

O Lord, show Thy mercy to me
and gladden my heart.
I am like the man
on the way to Jericho,
who was overtaken by robbers,
wounded and left for dead.
O Good Samaritan,
come to my aid.
I am like the sheep which went astray.
O Good Shepherd,
seek me out and bring me home,
in accord with Thy will.
Let me dwell in Thy house
all the days of my life
and praise Thee,
forever and ever
with those who are there.
Amen

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, GUARDIAN ANGELS - Prayers etc, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ANGELS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 September – … Their Angels in Heaven, always see the Face of My Father … Matthew 18:10

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One Minute Reflection – 29 September – “The Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of the Dedication of the Archangel St Michael – Apocalypse 1:1-5, Matthew 18:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… Their Angels in Heaven, always see the Face of My Father …” – Matthew 18:10

REFLECTION – “Although the good God is sufficient unto Himself, nevertheless, He makes use of the ministry of the Angels to govern the world … When we see God taking such care of our lives, we conclude that our souls are something truly great and precious, if He is to employ all that is greatest in His Court for the souls’ preservation and sanctification. He has given us His Son to save us; this same Son … gives to each of us one and, even several Angels, who are solely occupied in asking, on our behalf, the graces and aids we might need, to ensure our salvation … Oh, how little people know what they are and what they were made for! In Holy Scripture we read that the Lord said to His people: “See, I am sending an Angel before you, to guard you on the way” (Ex 23:20) …

We should often pray to our Guardian Angels, carefully respect them and, above all, try to imitate them in all our actions. And the first thing we need to imitate in them, is the thought of the Presence of God … Surely, if we were completely penetrated with God’s Presence, how could we do evil? How much more pleasing to God would be all our good deeds! … God said to Abraham: “Would you be blameless? Walk in My Presence” (Gn 17:1). How could we possibly forget God so easily, when we have Him always with us? Why are we not full of respect and gratitude towards our Angels, who accompany us day and night? … Perhaps you will say: “I am to unworthy to merit it.” My brethren, not only does God not lose sight of you for an instant but, He gives you an Angel who never ceases to guide your steps. Ah, happiness too great, yet too little known!” – St Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney (1786-1859) Priest, Curé of Ars, Patron of Parish Priests (Sermon for the Feast of the Guardian Angels).

PRAYER – O God, Who assign according to a wondrous order, the duties of Angels and men, mercifully grant that our life on earth be guarded by those who continually stand in Thy presence and minister to Thee in Heaven. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH

Our Morning Offering – 29 September – Praise to St Michael, the Prince of the Celestial Army

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 29 September – The Feast of the Dedication of the Archangel St Michael

Praise to St Michael, the Prince of the Celestial Army

“At that time shall Michael rise up, the great prince,
who standeth for the children of thy people.” – Dan 12:1.

Hail, Bright Archangel!
By Fr F W Faber CO (1814-1863)

Hail, bright Archangel!
Prince of Spirit divinely strong!
To whose rare merit hath been given in Heaven!
To head the Angelic throng!

Thine the first worship was, when gloom
Through Heaven’s thinned ranks did move,
Thus giving unto God the bloom
Of young creation’s love.

O trumpet-tongued! O beautiful!
O force of the Most High!
The blessed of the earth look dull
Beside thy majesty.

First servant of the Ineffable!
The first created eye
That ever, proved and perfect, fell
On the dread Trinity!

O Michael! worship Him this night,
The Father, Word and Dove,
Renewing with strong act the might
Of thy first marvellous love.