The Dogma was promulgated by Blessed Pius IX in 1854 in the Bull Ineffabilis Deus.
This Dogma is rejected by all Protestants including the Orthodox – another reason why we cannot interact with these the way some do and the Vatican II church endorses.
Let us Pray to our Mother, the Immaculate and Blessed Virgin Mary, conceived without sin.
November is a month of Birthdays and Anniversaries for me and as I have a few commitments approaching shortly, including my own Birthday 🎂 I am taking some time off.
God willing, I will be back before Advent.
In the interim be holy and blessed 🙏💖
Love, gratitude and wishing you all abundant blessings. Ana
Beata Vergine Addolorata / The Blessed Virgin of Sorrows, Campocavallo, Osimo, Ancona, Marche, Italy (1892) – 16 June, The first Sunday of August, 15 September (Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows), The last Sunday of September AND special Devotions throughout May: 16 June
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/16/beata-vergine-addolorata-the-bleassed-virgin-of-sorrows-campocavallo-osimo-italy-and-memorials-of-the-saints-16-june/
St John Francis Régis SJ (1597-1640) Priest of the Society of Jesus, Confessor, renowned Preacher, Missionary., Miracle-worker
John Francis Régis was Beatified om 18 May 1716 by Pope Clement XI and Canonised on 5 April 1737 by Pope Clement XII.
His Zealous Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/16/saint-of-the-day-16-june-st-john-francis-regis-sj-1597-1640/
St Actinea of Volterra
St Aitheachan of Colpe
St Amandus of Beaumont
Bl Antoine Auriel
St Aurelian(c523-c551) Bishop of Ar;es.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Lyons, the blessed Aurelian, Bishop of Arles.”
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/06/16/saint-of-the-day-16-june-saint-aurelian-of-arles-c523-c551-bishop/
St Aureus of Mainz
St Benno (1010-1106) Bishop of Meissen, Germany, Confessor. Canonised by Pope Adrian VI in 1523.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/16/saint-of-the-day-st-benno-1010-1106/
St Berthaldus
St Ceccardus of Luni
St Cettin of Oran
St Colman McRhoi
St Crescentius of Antioch
St Cunigunde of Rapperswil
St Curig of Wales
St Cyriacus of Iconium (c 301-c 304) Child MartyrSt Elidan
St Felix of San Felice
St Ferreolus of Besançon
St Ferrutio of Besançon
Bl Gaspare Burgherre
St Graecina of Volterra
St Ismael of Wales
St Julitta of Iconium
St Justina of Mainz
St Lutgarde of Aywières (1182-1246) The first documented woman stigmatist of the Church and one of the first promoters of devotion to the Sacred Heart
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/16/saint-of-the-day-16-june-st-lutgarde-of-aywieres-the-first-known-woman-stigmatic-of-the-church-and-one-of-the-first-promoters-of-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart/
St Maurus of San Felice
St Palerio of Telese
St Similian of Nantes Bishop and Confessor
Blessed Thomas Redyng (1537) O.Cart. Monk Martyr
St Tycho of Amathus
Martyrs of Africa: A group of 5 Christians Martyred together. We know nothing else but the names – Cyriacus, Diogenes, Marcia, Mica, Valeria. They were martyred in an unknown location in Africa, date unknown.
TRINITY SUNDAY:
Feast of the Most Holy Trinity
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/12/feast-of-the-most-holy-trinity-12-june/
Father’s Day + 2025
Wishing all Dads a Blessed and Happy Father’s Day!
O holy Joseph,
thou faithful Spouse
of the Blessed Mother,
thou who didst protect her
and her Divine Child with such care
and didst devote thy whole life to them;
I beseech thee to be also my
and my children’s protector
and advocate, with Jesus,
thy adopted Son.
Obtain for me the grace
to fulfil my duties to my children,
as thou and Mary have done to Jesus.
St Joseph Pray for all our Fathers
and for our spiritual Fathers
of Holy Mother Church
Amen.
Our Lady of the Taper of Cardigan (1100s) – 15 June:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/15/our-lady-of-the-taper-of-cardigan-1100s-and-memorials-of-the-saints-15-june/
St Vitus (c 290-c 303) – Martyr, One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. Died aged 12-13 years of age. Patronages – against animal attacks, against dog bites, against epilepsy; epileptics, against lightning, against over-sleeping, against rheumatic chorea or Saint Vitus Dance, against snake bites, against storms, against wild beasts, of actors, comedians, dancers, dogs, Bohemia, Czech Republic, Serbia, 17 cities.
His very short life:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/15/saint-of-the-day-15-june-st-vitus/
St Vitus Cathedral, Prague, Czech Republic:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/15/celebrating-st-vitus-memorial-and-the-cathedral-in-his-honour-in-prague-czech-republic-the-country-for-which-he-is-a-patron-art-dei-series-2/
St Achaicus of Corinth
St Barbara Cui Lianshi
St Benildis of Córdoba
St Bernard of Montjoux/Menthon CRSA (c 1020-1081) “Apostle of the Alps” Priest, Founder of a patrol that cleared robbers from the mountains and he established hospices for travellers and pilgrims. The large dogs, trained to search for lost victims in the mountains, are named for him. Patronages – Alpinists, Alps (proclaimed by Pope Pius XI on 20 August 1923), Campiglia Cervo, Italy, mountain climbers (proclaimed by Pope Pius XI on 20 August 1923), mountaineers, skiers, travellers in the mountains (proclaimed by Pope Pius XI on 20 August 1923).
Wonderful Bernard:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/15/saint-of-the-day-15-june-st-bernard-of-menthon-c-r-s-a-c-1020-1081-apostle-of-the-alps/
St Constantine (Died c706) the 17th Bishop of Beauvais , France.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/06/15/saint-of-the-day-15-june-saint-constantine-of-beauvais-died-c706-bishop/
St Domitian of Lobbes
St Edburgh of Winchester
St Eigil
St Eutropia of Palmyra
St Fortunatus of Corinth
St Germaine Cousin (1579–1601) Incorrupt- French Laywoman, Penitent, Apostle of Charity, Miracle-worker. Patronages – abandoned people, abuse victims, child abuse victims, against poverty, disabled and handicapped, people, girls from rural areas, illness, impoverishment, loss of parents, shepherdesses, people disfigured by disease, physical therapists.
Her Life of Love:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/15/saint-of-the-day-15-june-saint-germaine-cousin-1579-1601/
https://youtu.be/NGY4xQp1FeE?list=PL5_ax08Z6UX_IS_p0gFisSs5wlM63KKL2
St Hadelinus of Lobbes
St Hesychius of Durostorum
St Hilarion of Espalion
St Isfrid O.Praem (c 1115-1204) Bishop of Ratzeburg, Confessor, Spiritual advisor, Missionary, Mediator and Peacemaker, a renowned Administrator and gentle corrector of his flock, whom he protected against political abuses, Defender of the Pope and the Holy See. Istfrid also built and restored Churches and Monasteries and established many new Parishes.
A Holy and Untiring Shepherd:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/15/saint-of-the-day-15-june-saint-isfrid-of-ratzeburg-o-praem-c-1115-1204/
St Julius of Durostorum
St Landelin of Crespin
St Leonides of Palmyra
St Libya of Palmyra
St Lotharius of Séez
St Melan of Viviers
St Orsisius
Bl Pedro da Teruel
St Pierre de Cervis
Blessed Pietro Nolasco Perra OdeM (1574-1606) Priest of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy (the Mercedarian Friars), Missionary. He was sent to Valencia to continue his studies and in this City in 1603, he was Ordained a Priest.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/15/saint-of-the-day-15-june-blessed-pietro-nolasco-perra-odem-1574-1606/
St Tatian of Cilicia
Bl Thomas Scryven
St Trillo (6th Century) Abbot of Wales
St Vaughen of Ireland
St Vouga of Lesneven
Martyr of Lucania – 11 Saints: Eleven Christians Martyred together. We known nothing else about them but the names – Anteon, Candidus, Cantianilla, Cantianus, Chrysogonus, Jocundus, Nivitus, Protus, Quintianus, Silvius, Theodolus in Lucania (modern Basilicata), Italy, date unknown.
DISCLAIMER:
Please note:
I cannot control the content of the Advertisements on this Site, or of pop-ups which may appear,
The revenue from the Advertisements, however, does provide a little assistance in the support of the Site.
I do apologise for any inappropriate content.
Our Morning Offering – 11 February – Apparition of the Immaculate Conception at Lourdes
Hail! all Hail! Great Queen of Heaven,
Notre Dame de Lourdes
Unknown Author
First Published in 1905
Hail! all Hail! great Queen of Heaven,
Hail sweet Notre Dame de Lourdes,
‘Neath whose care our weary exile,
Is from countless ills secured.
Refrain:
Then let men and angels praise thee,
Fount of grace to all assured,
While in gladsome strains we are singing,
Hail! sweet Notre Dame de Lourdes
Hail! sweet Notre Dame de Lourdes.
Blessed thou above all others,
Mary Mistress of the spheres,
Star of hope, serenely beaming
Through this darksome vale of tears.
Refrain
Happy angels joy to own thee,
O’er their choirs exalted high,
Throned in blissful light and beauty,
Empress of the starry sky.
Refrain
As the fount is still unsealing
Its pure treasures softly fair,
May each drop be fraught with healing,
Dearest Mother, at thy prayer.
Refrain
So very, very sorry dear Friends!
I have been laid very low by Blinding Migraine which I have not ever experienced before and which, besides the severe pain, destorted and ravaged the vision.
I am still struggling to see, apparently depending upon the strength and cause of the Migraine, the vision can take quiite a few days to recover completely – the PC Light, naturally is also dangerous. I will be back in a short while, I pray 🙏 but will take it slowly and return initially with fewer posts.
EASTER III – The Third Sunday after Easter
Wishing all Mothers a Blessed
and Happy Mothers’ Day
May Mary, the Mother of God,
our Lord Jesus Christ and our Mother,
be a guide and a comfort to us all.
Madonna dello Scoglio / Madonna of the Rock, Placanica, Reggio Calabria, Calabria, Italy (mid 1900s) – 11 May:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/11/madonna-dello-scoglio-madonna-of-the-rock-placanica-reggio-calabria-calabria-italy-and-memorials-of-the-saints-11-may/
St Anastasius of Lérida
St Anthimus of Rome
St Bassus of Sabina
St Bertilla
St Criotan of MacReddin
Bl Diego of Saldaña
St Evellius of Pisa
St Fabius of Sabina
St Francesco de Girolamo SJ
St Fremund of Dunstable
St Gengulphus of Burgundy
Blessed Gregory Celli OSA (1225-1343) Priest of the Order of St Augustine renowned Preacher, Contemplative, Hermit. He was Beatified in 1769.
His Pious Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/11/saint-of-the-day-11-may-blessed-gregory-celli-of-verucchio-osa-c-1225-1343/
St Gualberto
St Ignatius of Laconi OFM Cap. (1701-1781) Friar of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. Known as “the Holy Friar,” “the Apostle of the Streets, “ “the Wonder-worker,” “the Miracle-Worker” and “Padre Santo.” Canonised on 21 October 1951 by Pope Pius XII.
“Padre Santo” Ignatius:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/11/saint-of-the-day-11-may-st-ignatius-of-laconi-o-f-m-cap-1701-1781/
Bl Illuminatus
St Illuminatus OSB (Died 13th Century) of San Severino Marche, Monk and Confessor
Bl James Walworth
Bl John Rochester
St Maiulo of Hadrumetum
St Mamertus (Died c477) Archbishop of Vienne, France, Theologian, Writer, Founder of the introduction of the praying of Litanies prior to Ascension Day, called “Rogation Days.” Rogation days are days of prayer and fasting in the Church. They are observed with processions and the praying of the Litany of the Saints. The major Rogation is held on 25 April, the minor Rogations are held on Monday to Wednesday, preceding Ascension Thursday. The word Rogation comes from the Latin verb rogare, meaning “to ask,” which reflects the beseeching of God, for the appeasement of His anger and for protection from calamities.
Rogation St Mammertus:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/11/saint-of-the-day-11-may-st-mamertus-died-c-475/
St Maximus of Sabina
St Mayeul (c906–994) Priest, the 4th Abbot of Cluny, Reformer., Miracle-worker.
Zealous St Mayeul:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/11/saint-of-the-day-11-may-saint-mayeul-of-cluny-c-906-994/
St Mozio of Constantinople
St Possessor of Verdun
St Principia of Rome
St Tudy
St Vincent L’Hénoret
Bl Vivaldus
St Walbert of Hainault
Martyrs of Camerino: An imperial Roman official, his wife, their children and servants, all of whom were converts and martyrs: Anastasius, Aradius, Callisto, Eufemia, Evodius, Felice, Primitiva, Theopista.
Martyrs of Carcassona – 14 Beati:
Martyrs of Osimo:
Diocletius
Florentius
Sisinius
DISCLAIMER:
Please note:
I cannot control the content of the Advertisements on this Site, or of pop-ups which may appear,
The revenue from the Advertisements, however, does provide a little assistance in the support of the Site.
I do apologise for any inappropriate content.
“I am the Resurrection and the Life,
he who believes in Me,
although he be dead, shall live.”
John 11:25
“This is the day which the Lord hath made,
let us be glad and rejoice therein.”
Psalm 117:24
“He is risen!
May the hope of the Resurrection inspire your heart
and may God’s grace shine brightly upon you this Easter and always!”
Thank you for accompanying me on our Lenten journey.
I hope Fr Clarke’s words hves inspired a greater love and understanding of the Sacred Passion of Our Lord.
Today we rejoice and continue with joy singing in our hearts throughout Eastertide.
I will be taking a short break, with Our Lady’s month fast approaching, I cannot be gone very long.
In the meantime, I will continue to offer my humbler prayers for you all. A special word of gratitude to the generous and loving benefactors who keep Breathing Catholic going!
A RESOLVE
For Every Morning of the New Year
I will this day, try to live a simple,
sincere and serene life, repelling
promptly, every thought of
discontent, anxiety, discouragement,
impurity and self-seeking;
cultivating cheerfulness, magnanimity,
charity and the habit of holy silence,
exercising economy in expenditure,
carefulness in conversation,
diligence in appointed service,
fidelity in every trust
and a child-like trust in God.
“What we need most,
in order to make progress,
is to be silent before this great God
with our appetite and with our tongue,
for the language He best hears
is silent love.”
“Strive to preserve your heart in peace;
let no event of this world, disturb it.”
“Anyone who takes life seriously
in the Christian sense,
will regard it as a difficult journey
towards perfection and towards God.
This journey will be, at the same time,
painful and joyful.
… It is our own loss if we sit down lazily
on the side of the road,
which should lead us to Heaven.
It is even more disastrous,
if we acknowledge defeat
and lay down the spiritual weapons
of prayer and renunciation,
in order to surrender ourselves to sin or to indifference.
Everyday we should say to ourselves,
in the presence of God –
A new life is beginning …
in You, by Your grac and for You!
Amen”
This day a great Light has descended upon the earth!
Alleluia!
“And the Word became Flesh
and dwelt among us,
full of Grace and Truth;
we have beheld His Glory,
Glory as of the Only Son from the Father.”
John 1:14
My sincere thanksgiving
for those most generous and loving Benefactors,
who, in their generosity, have constantly contributed
to the upkeep of this site.
For those who, in the midst of their manifold duties
during this very busy time, have still found time
to send Christmas donations and prayers.
May the Divine Infant,
His Immaculate Mother and Holy St Joseph,
Bless you all.
My wishes for a most Holy and Blessed Christmas
May the Divine Babe of Bethlehem
fill your hearts with His Joy, Peace and Love!
Sent with my love and prayers to you and yours.
Ana 🤗🙏🧡
Firstly, a big welcome and thank you to all new followers, for joining our pilgrimage on Breathing Catholic. I hope you find inspiration, acquire knowledge and achieve joy on the Site.
If you would like me to post a particular subject, Saint, Novena, et al, please let me know.
Secondly, I beg your indulgence for a little while – I am rather tired and need a little break. Please excuse my absence for a few days BUT I will continue to post the Link to the Rosary Novena.
Finally, I am begging you all – to please consider assisting this Apostolate – as little as a regular $5 monthly, when multiplied by 20 people, would make a huge difference. Because I live in Cape Town, South Africa, the expenses related to Breathing Catholic are exorbitant (SA Rand Exchange Rate to USD).
And many costs have doubled, some even trebled in 2024 – Site and App costs, WiFi, Electricity, Cost of Living, a new PC Chair (most DESPARATELY needed to alleviate back, shoulder, neck and arm pain) 😥.
Bottom line – Anastpaul.com needs committed monthly Donors to survive – remember, no amount is too small!
I send my humble prayers to Heaven daily, for you all and, for the love of our Good and Gracious Lord, I beg! 🙏💘🤗 Ana
Apologies dear friends, Breathing Catholic will be out of action for a while. Our entire area is in darkness due to a violent storm. Electricity Pylons have been uprooted and the lines supply quite a large area. It is almost precisely a year ago when we experienced a very similar storm and ensuing electricity disaster, leaving us for more than 3 days without power.
We are praying that it will not be as long this time. Please keep us in your prayers 🙏
“We never give more honour to Jesus
than when we honour His Mother,
and we honour her,
simply and solely,
to honour Him all the more perfectly.
We go to her only as a way
leading to the goal we seek – Jesus, her Son.” s
Please join us as we pray a Novena in reverence and filial devotion
to Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Assumed into Heaven, our Queen and our Mother Mary.
We pray in preparation for the great Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, Body and Soul as defined and declared as Dogma on 1 November 1950, by Pope Pius XII.
Thus he solemnly proclaimed that the belief whereby, the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the close of her earthly life, was taken up, body and soul, into the Glory of Heaven, definitively forms part of the deposit of faith, received from the Apostles.
Our Novena will include a brief Meditation with practical reflection, a preparatory prayer by St Alphonsus Liguori and the daily prayer each morning for nine days. See you here!
Quote/s of the Day – 2 August – St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Bishop, Confessor, Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
As you most probably are aware, the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games were marred by some degrading and horrible blasphemies. A parody of the Last Supper was enacted and broadcast with incredible obscenity.
Let us pray St Alphonsus Act of Reparation on our knees with tears and love to Our Saviour:
Act of Reparation
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
Indulgence of 3 Years – Once a Day
O Jesus, my Saviour and Redeemer,
Son of the living God,
behold we kneel before Thee
and offer Thee our reparation;
we would make amends,
for all the blasphemies uttered
against Thy Holy Name,
for all the injuries done to Thee
in the Blessed Sacrament,
for all the irreverence shown toward
Thine Immaculate Virgin Mother,
for all the calumnies and slanders,
spoken against Thy Spouse,
the Holy Catholic and Roman Church.
O Jesus, Who hast said:
“If you ask the Father anything in My Name,
He will give it you,”
we pray and beseech Thee,
for all our brethren who are in danger of sin;
shield them from every temptation
to fall away from the true faith;
save those who are even now
standing on the brink of the abyss;
to all of them, give light
and knowledge of the truth,
courage and strength, for the conflict with evil,
perseverance in faith and active charity!
For this do we pray, most merciful Jesus,
in Thy Name, unto God the Father,
with Whom Thou livest and reignest
in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
world without end.
Amen.
“Lord it is good for us to be here”
Matthew 17:4
“Lord, let us remain here;
let us never more depart from this place;
for, the sight of Thine Beauty consoles us
more than all the delights of the earth!
Let us, then, brethren,
courageously resolve to bear patiently
with all the sufferings which shall come upon us
during the remaining days of our lives:
to secure Heaven, they are all little
and nothing.
“Your sorrows shall be turned into joy.”
(John 16:20)
When, then, the crosses of this life afflict us,
let us raise our eyes to Heaven
and console ourselves with the hope of Paradise.
Have courage! Let us love God
and labour for Heaven.
There the Saints expect us, Mary expects us,
Jesus Christ expects us –
He holds in His Hand a Crown, to make
each of us a king in that eternal Kingdom!”
“Let us read the lives of the Saints;
let us consider the penances
which they performed
and blush to be so effeminate
and so fearful of mortifying our flesh.”
O Jesus, My Sweet Love!
(I too have kept Thee suffering)
Prayer of Contrition
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
O Jesus, my sweet Love!
I too have kept Thee suffering
through all Thy life.
Tell me, then, what I must do
in order to win Thy forgiveness.
I am ready to do all Thou askest of me.
I am sorry, O sovereign Good,
for all the offences I have committed against Thee.
I love Thee more than myself,
or at least, I feel a great desire to love Thee.
Since it is Thou Who hast given me this desire,
do Thou also give me the strength to love Thee exceedingly.
It is only right that I,
who have offended Thee so much,
should love Thee very much.
Always remind me of the love
Thou hast borne me,
in order that my soul may ever burn
with love of Thee and long to please Thee alone.
O God of love,
I, who was once a slave of hell,
now give myself all to Thee.
Graciously accept me and bind me to Thee
with the bonds of Thy love.
My Jesus, from this day and forever,
in loving Thee will I live
and in loving Thee will I die.
O Mary, my Mother and my hope,
help me to love Thy dear God and mine.
This is the only favour I ask of thee
and through thee, I hope to receive it.
Amen
Act of Spiritual Communion
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor
I desire, good Jesus,
to receive Thee in Holy Communion
and since I cannot now receive Thee
in the Blessed Sacrament,
I beseech Thee to come to me spiritually
and to refresh my soul with Thy sweetness.
Come, my Lord, my God and my All!
Come to me
and never let me ever again
be separated from Thee by sin.
Teach me Thy blessed ways,
help me with Thy grace to imitate Thy example,
to practise meekness, humility,
charity and all the virtues of Thy Sacred Heart.
My divine Master, my one desire is to do Thy will
and to love Thee, more and more.
Help me, that I may be faithful to the end, in Thy service.
Bless me in life and in death,
that I may praise Thee, forever in heaven,
Amen
MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/08/02/quote-s-of-the-day-2-august-st-alphonsus-maria-de-liguori/
I love and leave you for a while to move house but, like the Lord in John 16, “A little while and now you shall not see Me:and again a little while and you shall see Me … ”
Ciao, you probably know means both “Hello” and “Goodbye” in Italian – I will be hanging around here most days and be fully moved and reasonably settled by the 3rd week of May, I pray. I plan to finish dear Dom Lorenzo Scupoli’s Spiritual Combat (we are on Chapter 54 and there are only 66 Chapters), whilst I am officially ‘away.’ Thus we will be ready to start a new Series when I return fully.
Circumstances beyond our control are forcing us to move at the beginning of May, I, therefore, need to get going with the packing immediately. Please bombard Heaven with your prayers, especially for the intercession of our dearest helpers, St Joseph and St Jude, during this stressful and well-nigh impossible time. We are experiencing great difficulties, as the cost of living becomes an overwhelming burden in South Africa and beg your prayers.
I will, as usual, be praying for you all. I know, many struggle and suffer all over the world in similar or worse circumstances. May our good Lord Bless you 🤗 your names are written on His Hands 🙏🧡 Ana
“This is the day which the Lord hath made,
let us be glad and rejoice therein.”
Psalm 117:24
Thank you for accompanying me on our Lenten journey, I pray you have been inspired by our Saints and have grown in faith, hope and love.
Today we rejoice and continue with joy singing in our hearts through the Octave as we celebrate this great Feast!
May the Risen Lord fill your hearts with His infinite love,
may He protect your faith and your families.
A special word of gratitude to the benefactors of “Breathing Catholic.” 💘🤗
Because of YOU, we are able to travel onward and upward!
May the Beloved bless you abundantly.
“Live joyfully!
Our Lord is looking lovingly down upon you! ”
[30] And the Apostles coming together unto Jesus,
related to Him all things that they had done and taught.
[31] And He said to them:
Come apart into a deserted place and rest a little.
For there were many coming and going
and they had not so much, as time to eat.
[32] And … they went into a desert place apart.
[Mark 6:30-32]
Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
I will be taking a small rest prior to Lent but will still be here for a few important posts. The Candlemas Novena amongst others.
We know that there is only ONE thing necessary
and so, for this New Year, 2024,
I wish you only that ONE THING –
that HE may fill your heart,
your mind, your soul, your whole being,
everyday and every moment
and then, nothing will be wanting to you,
ALL will be yours and even sadness
and pain will serve only to unite you
more and more closely to our Divine Saviour.
And so, abiding in His Sacred Heart,
2024 will be PERFECT!
“We must make our way towards eternity,
never regarding what men think of us,
or of our actions,
studying only to please God.”
The One Thing Necessary
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor
O my God,
help me to remember,
that time is short, eternity long.
What good is all the greatness of this world
at the hour of death?
To love Thee, my God
and save my soul is the one thing necessary.
Without Thee, there is no peace of mind or soul.
My God, I need fear only sin
and nothing else in this life,
for to lose Thee, my God, is to lose all.
O my God, help me to remember,
that I came into this world with nothing
and shall take nothing from it, when I die.
To gain Thee, I must leave all.
But in loving Thee,
I already have all good things –
the infinite riches of Christ and His Church in life,
Mary’s motherly protection and perpetual help
and the eternal dwelling place
Jesus has prepared for me.
Eternal Father, Jesus has promised
that whatever we ask
in His Name will be granted us.
In His Name, I pray,
give me a burning faith,
a joyful hope,
a holy love for Thee.
Grant me perseverance in doing Thine will
and never let me be separated from Thee.
My God and my All,
make me a Saint!
Amen
May the Holy Family of Bethlehem
fill your hearts with joy, peace and love!
And my Love and Prayers for you and yours.
My sincere thanksgiving
for those most generous and loving Benefactors,
who, in their generosity, have constantly contributed
to the upkeep of this site.
For those who, in the midst of their manifold duties
during this very busy time, have still found time
to send Christmas donations and prayers.
May the Divine Infant, His Immaculate Mother and Holy St Joseph,
Bless you all.
Ana
Octave Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus by St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori – BEGINS on 16 December:
This Novena is translated from the Italian of Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori and was first published in 1758.
Although this Novena is intended, primarily as a preparation for the Feast of our Lord’s Nativity, it can be used with spiritual profit at any time of the year, as a devotion in honour of the Infant Jesus.
This translation by the Redemptorists of the UK.
AND/OR:
December, naturally being the Month of the Divine Infant, is a wonderful time to begin this Monthly practice:
The Monthly Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague
From 16 to 24 December (and of every Month on the same dates).
Nuestra Señora de Monguí / Our Lady of Mongui, Monguí, Boyacá, Colombia (16th Century) – 15 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/15/nuestra-senora-de-mongui-our-lady-of-mongui-mongui-boyaca-colombia-16th-century-memorials-of-the-saints-and-an-ember-day-15-december/
St Adalbero of Metz
St Bacchus the Younger
St Christiana the Slave
St Florentius of Bangor
St Margaret of Fontana
Bl Maria della Pace
Blessed Maria Vittoria De Fornari Strata (1562–1617) Widow, Nun, Foundress of the Order of the Annunciation – or Blue Nuns, of which she is the Patron.
Her Lifestory:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/15/saint-of-the-day-15-december-blessed-maria-vittoria-de-fornari-1562-1617/
Blessed Marino of Cava OSB (1146-1170) Monk, the Seventh Abbot of the famous Abbey of The Holy Trinity of Cava (La Trinità della Cava). He was also appointed as a Royal and secular Governor, through the efforts of his diplomatic peace negotiations.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/15/saint-of-the-day-15-december-blessed-marino-of-cava-osb-died-1170/
St Mary Crocifissa di Rosa (1813–1855) Religious, Foundress of the Handmaids of Charity/Sisters of Charity. She was Beatified in 1940 by Pope Pius XXI and Canonised in 1954 by the same Pontiff.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2016/12/15/saint-of-the-day-15-december/
St Maximinus of Micy
St Offa of Essex
St Paul of Latros
St Silvia of Constantinople
St Urbicus
St Valerian of Abbenza (c377-c457) Confessor, Bishop
Blessed Victoria Strata (1562-1617) Widow,
Martyrs of North Africa – 7 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith in North Africa. The only details about them that survive are their names – Caelian, Candidus, Faustinus, Fortunatus, Januarius, Lucius and Mark.
Martyrs of Rome – 22 Saints: A group of 22 Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Valerian. The only details we have are five of their names – Antonius, Irenaeus, Saturnin, Theodorus and Victor. c 258 in Rome, Italy.
The Dogma was promulgated by Blessed Pius IX in 1854 in the Bull Ineffabilis Deus.
This Dogma is rejected by all Protestants including the Orthodox – another reason why we cannot interact with these the way some do and the Vatican II church endorses.
Let us Pray to our Mother, the Immaculate and Blessed Virgin Mary, conceived without sin.
Dear Friends
On Thursday evening, 9 November, we lost a close family member, my elder sister, who left us on her final journey home. She had struggled against many odds, not just those related to health and finally gave up the fight and committed her spirit to our loving and merciful God. Our prayers for the dead this month are so appropriate for her soul now too and for these I thank you.
I shall be Absent (with your leave) for about 10 days.
“To this must be added that, I cannot be ungrateful to God, for I must rather rejoice that I had such a brother, [sister for me] than grieve that I had lost a brother, for the former is a gift, the latter a debt to be paid.
And so, as long as I might, I enjoyed the loan entrusted to me – now, He Who deposited the pledge, has taken it back.
There is no difference between, denying that a pledge has been deposited and grieving at its being returned.
In each there is untrustworthiness and in each, [eternal] life is risked.
It is a fault, if you refuse repayment and impiety, if you refuse a sacrifice. Moreover, the lender of money can be made a fool of but the Author of nature, the Lender of all that we need, cannot be cheated.
And so, the larger the amount of the loan, so much the more gratitude is due for the use of the capital.” (From St Ambrose’ Sermon on the Death of his older brother, St Satyrus (c335-c378) Confessor). St Satyrus here: https://anastpaul.com/2023/09/17/saint-of-the-day-17-september-st-satyrus-of-milan-c335-c378-confessor/
“Carry me, O Christ,
on Thy Cross
which is salvation to the wanderer,
rest for the wearied
and, in which alone,
is Life for those who die.”
Prayer for the Dead
From My Prayer Book, 1927
By Fr Francis Xavier Lasance (1860-1946)
O God, whose property it is,
ever to have mercy and to spare,
we beseech Thee,
on behalf of the soul of Thy servant,
whom Thou hast called out of this world,
look upon her with pity
and let her be conducted
by the holy Angels to Paradise,
her true country.
Grant that she, who believed in Thee
and hoped in Thee, may not be left
to suffer the pains of the Purgatorial fires
but may be admitted to eternal joy.
Through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord,
Who with the Holy Ghost-
liveth and reigneth,
world without end.
Amen
It is no fallacy, or historical legend that the Cape can be rocked by frightening storms.
From Sunday 24 September until Tuesday night (27th) record gale force winds and rainfall wrecked havoc across the Cape from Table Bay, up the coastal areas, on both sides and inland, with rivers bursting their banks, flooding nearby areas, bridges and roads being submerged and much, much more.
Naturally there has been extensive damage to the infrastructure, as well as to private homes. Many towns and villages were cut off completely and, of course, suprise, suprise, power lines were extensively damaged. There have also been reports of missing people – let us pray for their safe recovery.
For nearly 3 days we were without power.
Unfortunately my auxiliary power supply was no match for this extreme and extended outage – once again!
I must find and work towards a better solution for the future.
Many thanks to God for bringing me back safely to Breathing Catholic and in time to begin the Novena to Our Lady of the Rosary. Let us not forget to mention those who have lost their homes, possessions, means of earning a living and motor vehicles and those who are still reported as missing.
Thank you for your patience and loving support – Deo Gratias! 🙏💘 Ana
“… give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thes 5:18
I thank those Priest who celebrated Holy Mass on the great Feast of St James the Greater, offering the greatest of all prayers for the success of the operation I was undergoing. I was and am, so well protected by all your glorious intercessions that I was cushioned, protected, comforted and so very confident!
I am nearly back online – just awaiting a final Post-op Examination to confirm the status of my eye and whether it can handle the PC light. I might have to ease into the time I usually spend here, slowly increasing the hours.
I continue to pray in thanksgiving and joy, for you all. 🙏💖
“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God, in Christ Jesus, for you” (1 Thes 5:18).
Dearest faithful Friends and fellow Pilgrims
I am off to Cape Town for about a week+- for an Eye Operation which has become essential. It will hopefully assist with comfort and reduce pain. For those who are unaware of this issue – I do have a note on my ‘About’ regarding this problem eye.
We have on the site, under PATRONAGE sub-category EYES Diseases, the BLIND – 36 Patrons who I am sure will be very happy to assist, by their intercession, to our Divine Physician and let us never forget the endless caring love and prayers of our Holy Virgin Mother.
I beg your prayers and, if any Priests here with us, would offer a Holy Mass – if possible on Tuesday morning 25 July, I will be endlessly grateful. The operation is scheduled for South African time – 8.00 am.
THANK YOU ALL – MY poor Prayers are always yours! Ana 🙏💖
O St Lucy, you preferred to let your eyes be torn out
instead of denying the faith
and defiling your soul
and God, through an extraordinary miracle,
replaced them with another pair of sound and perfect eyes
to reward your virtue and faith,
appointing you as the protector against eye diseases.
I come to you for you to protect my eyesight
and to heal the illness in my eyes.
O St Lucy, preserve the light of my eyes
so that I may see the beauties of creation,
the glow of the sun,
the colour of the flowers
and the smile of children.
Preserve also the eyes of my soul,
the faith, through which I can know my God,
understand His teachings,
recognise His love for me
and never miss the road that leads me
to where you, St Lucy,
can be found in the company of the angels and saints.
St Lucy, protect my eyes and preserve my faith.
So once again we had an unscheduled BLACK-OUT yesterday – hence the shortage of posts.
At least most of you know the situation in South Africa, for the rest who have not heard of the crises called Loadshedding (controlled or scheduled power outages), if I suddenly disappear mid-word – it will definitely be another ESKOM power outage, either scheduled which has simply failed to return to ON or unscheduled which, at present, seems almost as common as ‘scheduled’ – a very BIG SIGH ….
Be it light or be it dark, I never cease praying for you all … 🙏🙏🙏🤗💖 Ana
Bless you all my dear Friends for your kind prayers and thoughts. After nearly 70 hours of darkness the power was restored overnight on Friday 16 June but sadly, as the storms continued, fallen tree branches, amongst other natural havoc, damaged many power lines and after about 10 hours of LIGHT, we were once again plunged into darkness. Another +-20 hours of darkness followed but is now once again restored. I pray that I will be back online tomorrow morning.
“Most Holy Mary, may I follow your example here on earth.
Please lead us, together with your Divine Son, Jesus,
here in our earthly pilgrimage,
for you never once lost sight of God.
May the darkness of this world not encompass me,
for with you beside me and Christ around me,
I will be safe.
For the beauty of the created things
can be a snare of immense power.
May the Light of your Son,
be my beacon and Light my path
and intercede for me,
that I may ever radiate His Light.
Grant that I may see, in all things,
the Presence and Beauty of God alone,
so that I may always continue to advance,
nearer and nearer to Him.
Amen.”
Daily Prayer to the Most Holy Name
By St Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444)
Apostle of the Most Holy Name
Jesus,
Name full of glory, grace, love and strength!
Thou art the Refuge of those who repent,
our Banner of warfare in this life,
the Medicine of souls,
the Comfort of those who mourn,
the Delight of those who believe,
the Light of those who preach the true faith,
the Wages of those who toil,
the Cure of the sick.
To Thou, our devotion aspires;
by Thee, our prayers are received;
we delight in contemplating Thee.
O Name of Jesus,
Thou art the glory
of all the Saints for eternity.
Amen.
Wishing you all, dearest Readers, a most Holy and Devout Feast Day of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus our Beloved Saviour.
As you see from the title, we are in darkness. I am writing this on my phone on borrowed signal from my neighbour’s solar driven wifi. We pray we will be restored to electricity today.
In the meantime, let us pray for the workers out there. Much love, hugs and prayer ANA
Thought for the Day – 1 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“All devotions which have been approved by the Church are valuable because they are acts of religion which have as their object, the author of all holiness and source of all goodness.
By these acts, God is adored, thanked and supplicated by His children who have been redeemed by the Precious Blood of Christ.
Devotion to the Blessed Virgin and to the Saints, is also directed, ultimately, towards God, Who has endowed His faithful servants, especially the Mother of Jesus, with His gifts and graces and has established them as mediators by His Throne.
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, however, is not one of the many pious practices merely permitted or recommended by the Church.
Fundamentally, it is a devotion which is essential for any Christians, insofar, as it is the cult of the love of God made man for our sakes.
We know that Christianity is the religion of love.
“God is love and he who abides in love, abides in God and God in him” (1 Jn 4:16).
Everything flows from God’s love for mankind – both the Creation and the Redemption, for God created us out of love and redeemed us with the love of His Only-begotten Son Who became man and died for us and, both the Old and the New Law, for the basis of the Old Law was “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength,” (Deut 6:4) and the commandment of charity, was called by Jesus His own commandment, on which His entire teaching was based.
The Sacraments, especially the Blessed Eucharist, have their origin in the same infinite love.
So have the graces which God gives us, our justification, through the merits of our Redeemer and the final reward for which we hope in Heaven.
Devotion to the Sacred Heart is the worship of this infinite love, of which, it is a living symbol.”
I am running out of the wondrous words of our beloved Cardinal Bacci. As many enriching writings as there are in our beautiful Faith, I have found none other as direct and powerful as he AND, most importantly, one who covers the entire Liturgical year.
I will, therefore, introduce, where appropriate, other reflections but where no-one else, in my knowledge, has a suitable meditation, I will be re-visiting our dear Cardinal Bacci, i.e. starting from post one and perhaps highlighting a different quote than previously.
My little rest and battery charging plans were certainly not meant to be, for within a day of signing off and waving you all goodbye, I became ill with a horrid cold which turned into a bronchial episode.
Then the rest of the family too fell victim to this violent ‘change-of-season’ cold.
And now, it is nearly Ascension Thursday and I am still struggling to regain full strength.
BUT, I will be back shortly (by Wednesday or Thursday), God willing and with the help of your prayers, for which I thank and bless you 🙏🤗
AnaStpaul 
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