Category: NOTES to Followers

Posted in NOTES to Followers, QUOTES on PATIENCE

Update

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Dear friends, I will be back next week, regardless of how well my eyes work. The Doctor said 2 weeks for the right eye to settle and recover. Those 2 weeks end on Wednesday coming.

At the present moment I cannot focus and type via touch and a prayer. However, I miss you and our friends in Heaven too much and will just struggle on.

Bless you all for your wonderful notes of encouragement and for your prayers. A special note of heartfelt gratitude to those who have continued to support the Site, even though there have been no posts for 10 days, your kindness and charity are humbling and holy. Please keep those prayers rising in supplication and may the good Lord grant us all patience in the trials of this life. Amen 🙏💖

“In His mercy, God has chosen us,
unworthy as we are,
out of the world,
to serve Him and thus, to advance in goodness
and to bear the greatest possible
fruit of love in patience.”

St Anthony Mary Zaccaria (1502-1539)

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Posted in NOTES to Followers

I beg your prayers please 🙏🤗

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Dear Fellow Pilgrims

I ask for your prayers please as tomorrow I undergo surgery on my right eye. This is just a maintenance procedure and an attempt to keep this eye functioning to the best of it’s, not very good, ability.

Sadly, my left eye is beyond help. BUT we have many Saints who are Patrons of eye ailments and diseases. St Lucy, of course, St Augustine, St Raphael the Archangel (of the blind), St Clare of Assisi, St Odelia, St Leodagar of Poitiers, St Giovanna of Orvieto (25 July posted this year) and MORE ….

🙏🙏🙏

I will be out of action for a few days but you will all remain in my prayers. “May the Lord Jesus touch all our eyes!“

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MARY'S MONTH, NOTES to Followers

Happy Mother’s Day!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Happy Mother’s Day! 9 May +2021

Wishing all Mothers a Blessed and Happy Mothers’ Day
May Mary, the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ
and our Mother, be a guide and a comfort to us all.

Mother’s Day Prayer
Hail Mary, Mother of God
Intercessions from 1727
the Liturgical Order of Blessing

Hail Mary, Mother of God
and our Mother,
pray for all mothers,
so that they will be able
to fulfil their maternal responsibilities.
Help them to be lovers and nurturers
of all human life from the moment of conception
until natural death,
all the while, being examples for their own children.
Pray for their children,
so that they, too, will be faithful followers of your Son.
We pray for our mothers,
who have given us life and love,
that we may show them reverence and love.
We pray for mothers,
who have lost a child through death,
that their faith may give them hope
and their family and friend,
support and console them.
We pray for mothers who have died,
that God may bring them
into the joy of His kingdom
We offer these prayers
through Christ, our Lord
and your Son,
in union with the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", EASTER, NOTES to Followers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The RESURRECTION

EASTER SUNDAY – 4 April – Jesus Christ is risen! He is truly risen! Alleluia!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

EASTER SUNDAY – 4 April

A Blessed and Holy Easter to you all!
Alleluia!
Christós anésti!
Jesus Christ is risen!
He is truly risen!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Amen

[Easter is the Anglo- Saxon word for April, and was derived, as Venerable Bede tells us, (in his book De temporum ratione c. 13,) from Easter, a goddess of our pagan ancestors. Others derive Easter from Oest, Oost the Saxon for rising, or the east: and hence, Osteren, the Resurrection. Tr. from Butler’s Moveable Feasts.]

THIS IS THE DAY WHICH THE LORD HATH MADE;
LET US BE GLAD AND REJOICE THEREIN!

The night between Saturday and Sunday has well nigh run its course and the day-dawn is appearing. The Mother of sorrows is waiting, in courageous hope and patience, for the blissful moment of her Jesus’ return.

… But Jesus is not to tarry in the gloomy sepulchre. Quicker than a ray of light through a crystal, He passes through the stone that closes the entrance of the cave. Pilate had ordered his seal to be put upon this stone and a guard of soldiers is there, to see that no-one touches it. Untouched it is and unmoved and yet, Jesus is free!

Thus, as the holy Fathers unanimously teach us, was it at His birth: -He appeared to the gaze of Mary, without having offered the slightest violence to her maternal womb. The birth and the resurrection, the commencement and the end of Jesus’ mission, these two mysteries bear on them, the seal of resemblance – in the first, it is a Virgin Mother; in the last, it is a sealed tomb giving forth its captive God.

And while this Jesus, this Man-God, thus breaks the sceptre of death, the stillness of the night is undisturbed. His and our victory has cost Him no effort. 0 death! where is now thy kingdom? Sin had made us thy slaves; thy victory was complete and now, lo! thou thyself art defeated! Jesus, whom thou didst exultingly hold under thy law, ( 1 Apec. 1, 5. 2 I. Cor xv, 26. ‘Ibid. 56) has set Himself free and we, after thou hast domineered over us for a time, we too shall be free from thy grasp. The tomb thou makest for us, will become to us the source of a new life, for He that now conquers thee is ‘the First-born among the dead ~ and to-day is the Pasch, the Passover, the deliverance, for Jesus and for us, His brethren.

He has led the way, we shall follow and the day will come, when thou, the enemy, that destroys all things, shalt thyself be destroyed by immortality. Thy defeat dates from this moment of Jesus’ Resurrection,and, with the great Apostle, we say to thee:

‘O death! where is thy victory?

O death! where is thy sting?‘

Servant of God Abbot Dom Prosper Guéranger OSB (1805-1875)
Abbot of Solesmes

Posted in NOTES to Followers

Same Again … no electricity 🙄

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Remember, a very important aspect of daily life is MAINTENANCE! This word applies to our temporal affairs and, of course, most importantly, to our spiritual lives.

South Africa’s problem is lack of this big word, “Maintenance” – for very many years – around 30 odd! – Now we stumble in the darkness, the only light being the light of fires – I doubt the analogy is lost on you all.

Please pray for us – let us pray constantly for each other.

Posted in NOTES to Followers, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES for the NEW YEAR, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on TRUST in GOD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WORD

My Wishes to You All for a Blessed and Grace-filled 2021

Posted on by AnaStpaul

My Wishes to You All
for a Blessed and Grace-filled 2021

Do not let love and fidelity forsake you,
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then will you win favour and esteem
before God and human beings.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
on your own intelligence do not rely.
In all your ways be mindful of him,
and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:3-6

“We implore You,
O All-Holy, Long-Suffering
Life and Restoration,
Source of goodness,
look down from heaven
and visit all those
who ever trust in You;
rescue our life, Lord,
from all constraint and affliction,
and, in the faith of truth, guide us all.
At the prayers of the
Immaculate Mother of God and Virgin,
Save your world
and those in the world
and spare us all,
You who, for us,
became man without change,
only Lover of mankind.”

St Romanos the Melodios (c 490-c 556)

Posted in CHRISTMASTIDE!, NOTES to Followers

For YOU!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

I offer today, special Prayers for you ALL and for all my extended family on WordPress.
Most especially, my heart’s deepest thanksgiving for those most generous and loving Donors, who, in their generosity have constantly contributed to the upkeep of this site.
For Rosemary, Hugh, Melanie who have sent Christmas gifts –

Thank you!

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise,
give thanks to him and praise his name.”
Psalm 100:4

And my wishes for a most Holy and Blessed Christmas
May the Divine Babe of Bethlehem
fill your hearts with His joy, peace and love!
Love
Ana

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

Posted in ADVENT PRAYERS, CHRISTMASTIDE!, NOTES to Followers, NOVENAS, PRAYERS for SEASONS, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The CHRIST CHILD

Getting Ready for the arrival of our King! Blessed Advent Season to you all!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Getting Ready for the arrival of our King!

Blessed Advent Season to you all!

Finally, having traversed the long roads and trials of the desert we have arrived in our new coastal home and after much ado, we are back online at last and I am so happy to be with you.
Blessed be God as His many Graces have been poured down upon us and may He bless you all for your many prayers which so kindly accompanied us during this time.

From tomorrow, I will be back in the usual way. May we share this beautiful season of anticipation together.

In the meantime, herewith, a little reminder of the beautiful Catholic tradition of the St Andrew Novena, the Christmas Anticipation Prayer which we began yesterday and pray 15 times everyday until Christmas.

While a Novena is normally a nine-day prayer, the term is sometimes used for any prayer that is repeated over a series of days. It is an ideal Advent devotion; the First Sunday of Advent is the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saint Andrew.

The novena is not actually addressed to Saint Andrew but to God Himself, asking Him to grant our request in honour of the birth of His Son at Christmas. You can say the prayer all 15 times, all at once; or divide up the recitation as necessary (perhaps five times at each meal).

Prayed as a family, the Saint Andrew Christmas Novena is a very good way to help focus the attention of your family and children on the Advent season.

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment,
in which the Son of God was born
of the most pure Virgin Mary,
at midnight, in Bethlehem,
in the piercing cold.
In that hour vouchsafe,
I beseech Thee, O my God,
to hear my prayer and grant my desires,
………………… [here mention your request]
through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ
and of His blessed Mother.
Amen

Posted in NOTES to Followers

It is time to say au revoir “Noble Company”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

It is time to say au revoir “Noble Company”

Dear fellow “ardent travellers and noble company,” as we were so beautifully described by St Theodore the Studite in this morning’s One Minute Reflection, I have to leave you for a while to prepare for my frightening move in 2 weeks time.

Please remember me in your prayers – we all know the huge stresses of moving. I definitely need assistance from on high! I could probably take a lesson from our Blessed Mother when the Holy Family fled. I am sure they packed a little lighter than what I am trying to do. Between our Blessed Mother Mary and St Joseph, all will be well. And perhaps, St Jude, as the Patron of hopeless causes, will add his prayer to theirs!

I will, as always, be keeping you all, in mine.

May our good Lord bless us all
and our beloved Mother Mary and St Joseph,
constantly intercede for us.

JMJ

Be our Shelter, Lord, when we are home,
our Companion when we are away
and our welcome Guest when we return.
And at last, receive us into the dwelling place
You have prepared for us
in Your Father’s house,
where You live forever and ever.
Amen

With love
Ana

Posted in NOTES to Followers

Dear Benefactors and Friends

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Dear Benefactors and Friends

I do not cease to give thanks for you!
Ephesians 1:16

My sincerest and humble gratitude to all who have regularly assisted this Site to keep afloat.
I extend my thanks today, to Doreena, Hugh and Melanie, who have all generously kept Anastpaul.com in their budgets.
Most especial gratitude to our Resident Bishop Daniel Dolan, who very kindly celebrated Holy Mass for all the Benefactors of this Site on the Feast of St Wenceslaus – 28 September.
The experiences of the past +-6 months have compromised all of us in unbelievable ways, no matter where we live. Because of this, I know that times are tough but I beg you all, if you too find inspiration and spiritual assistance here, not to forget Anastpaul.com entirely. It is a battle to keep it going from a financial point of view.

To make a Donation please go to:

https://PayPal.Me/Anastpaul

I thank and pray for you all.

“So now, our God, we give thanks to you
and praise your majestic name…”

1 Chronicles 29:13

Posted in NOTES to Followers

Dearly Beloved

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Dearly Beloved

Cape_Whale_Coast_Route_Map

Firstly, the Internet has been intermittent and then gone completely since 25 July, hence the sparsity of posts.   Those who have been with me for a while will know how bad my service provider can be.
It seems to be repaired now, we pray! BUT today I leave for Cape Town for about a week.
We will be moving in November, God willing, to Hermanus on the Cape Whale Coast and are going down today (the first of a few trips) to finalise various matters.

Praying for you as always, please don’t forget me in your prayers.

May Our Beloved Lord keep blessing you all!

Ana

maxresdefault hermanus cape whale coast

 

Posted in NOTES to Followers

Apologies for late posts today!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Dear Valued Friend and Follower

APPEAL MATTHEW 28 10,20 TO MAKE A DONATION

Apologies for the late posts today – my image app was blocked due a late payment. 😥

Your donation, regardless of how big or small it may be, makes a big difference in helping me to continue existing to spread the glory of our beautiful Faith.

Unfortunately, I am still not able to have a Holy Mass said for Donors but you are all always in my prayers.
May God bless you all!

I will bless the Lord at all times,
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord,
let the afflicted hear and be glad.
O magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!

Psalm 34:2-4

Love always … 

Ana

“I always thank my God for you”

1 Corinthians 1:4

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARY'S MONTH, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, NOTES to Followers, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY

Our Morning Offering – 21 May – What Can I Say, Merciful Lady? – St Anselm

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 21 May – “Mary’s Month” – Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter

We shouldn’t really be praying this prayer right now in this Eastertide of Alleluias but, after so many weeks of this virus tyranny, my heart is sad, we were not able to celebrate Easter, we are beleaguered in every way and our hearts ache with longing for the Sacraments.   Then today’s Saint, Blessed  Franz Jägerstätter’s devotion to the Cross of Christ, his own courage and passion, seems so very appropriate for these times too.   May he inspire us and pray for us.   And may our Merciful Lady accept us too, the servants in place of the Master.   Let us Pray!

What Can I Say, Merciful Lady?
St Anselm (1033-1109)
Marian Doctor / Magnificent Doctor

My most merciful Lady,
what can I say about the fountains
that flowed from your most pure eyes
when you saw your only Son before you,
bound, beaten and hurt?
What do I know of the flood
that drenched your matchless face,
when you beheld your Son, your Lord
and your God,
stretched on the cross without guilt,
when the flesh of your flesh
was cruelly butchered by wicked me?
How can I judge what sobs
troubled your most pure breast
when you heard,
“Woman, behold your son,”
and the disciple,
“Behold, your Mother,”
when you received as a son
the disciple in place of the Master,
the servant for the Lord?
Amenwhat can i say merciful lady - st anselm - to the sorrowful mother at the foot of the cross 28 sept 2019

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, NOTES to Followers, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS

A little late but Wishing all Mothers! – 12 May

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Dear all, we were without power today – from 7.00 to 18.00 to add to the lockdown woes and on Mother’s Day too!   I was unable to finish my posts and of course, to wish all our Mothers a Blessed Day.

Wishing all Mothers a Blessed and Happy Mothers’ Day

May Mary, the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ

and our Mother, be a comfort to us all.

Mothers’ Day Prayer
to Mary, our Mother
Intercessions from 1727 the Liturgical Order of Blessing

Mary, Mother of God
and our Mother,
pray for all mothers,
so that they will be able
to fulfil their maternal responsibilities.
Help them to be lovers and nurturers of
all human life from the moment of conception
until natural death,
all the while being examples for their own children.
Pray for their children,
so that they, too, will be faithful followers of your Son.
We pray for our mothers,
who have given us life and love,
that we may show them reverence and love.
We pray for mothers,
who have lost a child through death,
that their faith may give them hope
and their family and friend, support and console them.
We pray for mothers who have died,
that God may bring them
into the joy of His kingdom
We offer these prayers
through Christ, our Lord
and your Son,
in union with the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amenmother's day prayer to mary our mother - 12 may 2019

Posted in NOTES to Followers

I hope you have missed me too!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

A “lockdown” of a different kind!

For 4 days I have been without any internet connection and have missed you all greatly.
I hope you have missed me too!

My service provider denied that it was their fault but today, I was blessed to speak to someone who agreed that it was and he fixed it.   So at last, I will be back with my posts just in time for the Easter Triduum.

The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy
and with my song I praise him.

Psalm 28:7

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, NOTES to Followers, The LORD'S PRAYER

Holy Father Calls on World to Pray the “Our Father” Together at 12 Noon and announces the Urbi et Orbi Blessing on Friday 27 March which will include a Plenary Indulgence

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Holy Father Calls on World to Pray the “Our Father” Together at 12 Noon and announces the Urbi et Orbi Blessing on Friday 27 March which will include a Plenary Indulgence

Pope Francis has called for all Christians throughout the world to join in praying the Our Father on Wednesday, 25 March 2020, at noon.

25 march 2020 pray the our father at noon today pope francis coronavirus 25march2020

He made the appeal after praying the noonday Angelus on 22 March broadcast from Apostolic Library in the Vatican.

“In these days of trial, while humanity trembles because of the pandemic’s menace, I would like to propose to all Christians to unite their voices to Heaven,” the Pope said after Sunday’s Angelus.   “I invite all the Heads of Churches and the leaders of all the Christian Communities, together with all the Christians of the various Confessions, to invoke the Most High, Almighty God, reciting contemporaneously the prayer that Jesus Our Lord taught us.   I invite all, therefore, to do so several times a day, but, all together, to recite the Our Father .the Lord's Prayer - matthew 6 9-13 - 20 june 2019

On the day in which many Christians recall the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary of the Incarnation of the Word, may the Lord be able to hear the unanimous prayer of all His disciples that are preparing to celebrate the victory of the Risen Christ.

With this same intention, next Friday, 27 March at 6:00 pm, I will preside over a moment of prayer in the courtyard of St Peter’s Basilica, with the empty Square. From now on I invite all to take part spiritually through the means of communication.   We will listen to the Word of God, we will elevate our prayer, we will adore the Most Blessed Sacrament, with which at the end I will give the Urbi et Orbi Blessing, to which will be annexed the possibility to receive a Plenary Indulgence.”

Posted in NOTES to Followers

Thanksgiving Mass for Nicole

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thanksgiving Mass for Nicole

Holy Mass will be said for Nicole
on Thursday 26 March
And YES! we still have Daily Mass
but not for long as we too, enter ‘lockdown’ on Friday.

Nicole, apologies for the delay but our Priests were on their Lenten Retreat.
Visit Nicole’s inspiring Catholic blog here:
https://devotionsstmaximiliankolbeandmilitiaimmaculata.wordpress.com/

I do not cease to give thanks for you!
Ephesians 1:16

Any Donation, no matter how small,
will be received with all my heart!

Deo Gratias

St Felix of Cantalice (151-1587)

deo gratiasd - thank god - st felix of cantalice brother deo gratias - 18 may 2018

To make a Donation and assist this Site to keep going, please go to:

https://PayPal.Me/anastpaul

I thank and bless you all.

Holy Mass and Daily Prayer, will be offered for those who donate.

During this time of uncertainty, may we all draw closer to God and keep our eyes fixed on Christ.

You all remain in my daily prayer.

“I will give you rest.”

i will give you rest - st john XXIII - sun reflection 7 july 2019

 

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, NOTES to Followers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on PRAYER, The WORD

Prepare a guest room for me …

Posted on by AnaStpaul

… Prepare a guest room for me,
for I am hoping,
through your prayers,
to be granted to you …

Philemon 22

Your Inbox will shortly be burdened again with my posts.

The new PC is up (not quite organised yet) and I will be back next week.

In the meantime, I send you greetings and prayers for your Lenten journey and thanksgiving for your prayers and for the Donations some have graced me with.   Your Donations have greatly assisted me in getting back online.

Holy Mass will be said in Thanksgiving with special mention of Annemarie, Fr Jacques, Beverly and Hugh.

“Prayer is an aspiration of the heart.
It is a simple glance directed to Heaven.
It is a cry of gratitude and love
in the midst of trial as well as joy.”

St Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face (1873-1897)
Doctor of the Churchprayer is an aspiration of the heart - st therese child jesus 6 march 2020

May the Lord always shine His Face upon us all!

In love and gratitude
Ana

“O God, grant that whatever good things I have,
I may share generously with those who have not
and whatever good things I do not have,
I may request humbly from those who do.”

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Doctor anglicuso god grant that whatever good things I have - st thomas aquinas 6 march 2020

Posted in NOTES to Followers

Apologies – No Power Again!

Posted on by AnaStpaul

So sorry for the sparsity of posts today and even dearest Cardinal Bacci’s advice, on ‘The Order of the Day’ doesn’t help too much, when we suffer 3 periods per day of 2 1/2 hours each, of this thing called load-shedding!

His advice for me, means we have to adapt to suit load-shedding!   I will try harder but, sadly, we are only advised of the planned power cuts each morning – oftentimes too late to pre-plan.

God bless you all and please add South Africa to your planned daily prayers, I beg.

Love
Ana

Cardinal Bacci’s advice here:   https://anastpaul.com/2020/02/15/thought-for-the-day-15-february-the-order-of-the-day/power cut - so sorry 18 march 2019

Posted in NOTES to Followers

Load Shedding Disasters

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The constant load shedding in South Africa is causing endless damage to home and business appliances, national telephone systems, business networks etc etc

For the last two days I have been without the internet and my router (2nd one in the last year) was damaged beyond repair, an expense I can ill afford and many thousands of others across the country.

I missed you all!

Please pray for South Africa.

power-cut-logo-01

Posted in NOTES to Followers

My soul glorifies the Lord – Holy Mass dates

Posted on by AnaStpaul

My soul glorifies the Lord

Holy Mass will be offered in thanksgiving for the generous and gracious support of:

Catherine and Sharyn, on Wednesday 22 January

Suzette and Hugh, on Thursday 23 January

Laracel, on Friday 24 January

All and any donations help keep this site going.
Holy Mass will be offered for all those who assist.

May the good Lord bless you all!APPEAL 20 sept 2019

Posted in NOTES to Followers, QUOTES for the NEW YEAR, The WORD

May our good Lord Bless and keep you all in 2020! Rejoice in the Lord always

Posted on by AnaStpaul

May our good Lord
Bless and keep you all
in 2020!may our good lord bless and keep you all in 2020.jpg

“Brothers, . . . I can only say,
that forgetting all that lies behind me
and straining forward to what lies in front of me
and I am racing towards the finishing-point,
to win the prize of God’s heavenly call
in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:13BROTHERS I CAN ONLY SAY THAT forgetting phil 3 13 - happy new year .jpg

Rejoice in the Lord always.
I shall say it again: rejoice!
…The Lord is near.
Have no anxiety at all
but in everything, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God,
that surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts
and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4, 5d,6-7philippians 4 4 5d 6-7 1 jan 2020.jpg

Do not let love and fidelity forsake you,
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then will you win favour and esteem
before God and human beings.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
on your own intelligence do not rely.
In all your ways be mindful of him,
and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:3-6proverbs 3 3-6 do not let love and fidelity forsake you happy new year.jpg