Category: MEDITATIONS – ANTONIO CARD BACCI

Posted in "Follow Me", MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on MISSION, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 3 December – The Salvation of Souls

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Thought for the Day – 3 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Salvation of Souls

“We have only to look around us to realise the sad state of the greater part of human society.
Men may be divided into three principal categories – the evil, the indifferent and the good.
The evil are very numerous.
The Holy Spirit tells us that the number of fools is infinite (Eccles 1:15).
Now, the greatest and most real folly, is sin because, sin offends God, our supreme good, our Creator and Redeemer and because, it endangers the salvation of the soul.
Nevertheless, countless sins are committed.
There is an immense number of people who commit sin not merely through human frailty but who have abandoned God absolutely by denying or insulting Him and by striving to eradicate Him from the consciousness of their fellow-men.
Their God is themselves!

The second group is that of the indifferent, those for whom God, religion and the supernatural are quite unimportant.
They are content to lead materialistic lives without any thought of eternity.
It is enough for them to be able to live, make money and to enjoy themselves.
Nothing else matters.
Their God is the world and its goods!
The number of such people is increasing at an alarming rate.

Lastly, there are the good people who desire to become more and more perfect.
Unfortunately, there are very few of these now and one would like to see them displaying greater generosity and enthusiasm for the salvation of those around them.

To which group do you belong?
Perhaps you have not yet made up your mind completely to dedicate yourself to the pursuit of sanctity?
Perhaps you are still wavering between the alternatives of good and evil?
Anyone who remains inactive, becomes an accomplish!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in "Follow Me", CONTEMPLATIVE Prayer, DOCTORS of the Church, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP

Thought for the Day – 2 December – The Contemplative and the Active Life

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Thought for the Day – 2 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Contemplative and the Active Life

“There have always been, in the Church, both contemplatives and active apostles and there have always been people who combined both kinds of life.
The contemplatives seek solitude, avoid contact with the external world and preserve a constant intimacy with God.
The men of action, on the other hand, fight for the glory of God and for the salvation of their neighbour.
Finally, there are those who strive to unite both both forms of spirituality in their work for God.
The first group lead the life of Mary, the second that of Martha, while the third imitate both Mary and Martha.

It is this last group which St Thomas Aquinas prefers.
It is better, he says, to enlighten, than merely to shine; it is better to pass onto others the fruits of our contemplation, than merely to contemplate. (Summa Theologiae II-II q 188 a 6,3).
If we understand and practise his teaching, we can achieve both our own sanctification and the welfare of our neighbour and, can combine the interior life with the external apostolate.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/07/thought-for-the-day-7-december-the-contemplative-and-the-active-life/

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on GOSSIP, QUOTES on MEDITATION, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on SOLITUDE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, Thomas a Kempis

Thought for the Day – 30 November – Recollection

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Thought for the Day – 30 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Recollection

“There is a perfect picture of the spiritual and recollected man in The Imitation of Christ.

“The man of interior life soon recollects himself because he never wholly pours forth himself upon exterior things.
Exterior labour is no prejudice to him, nor any employment necessary for the time but, as things happen, so he accommodates himself to them.
He who is well disposed and orderly in his interior, is not concerned about the strange and perverse doings of ment,” (Bk II c 1:7).

The Imitation of Christ also conta\ins the following passage on the love of solitude.

“Seek a convenient time to attend to thyself and reflect often upon the benefits of God to thee.
Let curiosities alone.
Read such matters as may produce compunction, rather than give occupation.
If you withdraw from superfluous talking and idle visitings and from hearing new things and rumours, you will find time sufficient and proper, to spend in good meditations.
The greatest Saints shunned the company of men when they could and chose rather to live unto God in secret.
*As often as I have been amongst men, said one, I have returned less a man. (*Ana says – St Albert the Great).
This we too often experience when we talk often.” (Bk I c 20, 1-2).

“The cell continually dwelt in, grows sweet” the same chapter continues “but, ill-guarded, it begets weariness” (Bk I c 20, 5).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/03/thought-for-the-day-3-december-recollection/

Posted in "Follow Me", 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The HOLY GHOST, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 29 November – The Blessedness of Those Who Suffer Persecution

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Thought for the Day – 29 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Blessedness of Those Who Suffer Persecution

“Why did God will to grant us happiness, only on this condition – that we deny ourselves and carry the cross with resignation?
The reason is that we should no longer be ourselves but, should belong entirely to God and, should no longer live our own lives, as St Paul expresses it but, should live the life of Jesus Christ.
We ought to become like Him, the Man of Sorrows, Who redeemed us at the price of His Precious Blood and forgave His executioners from the Cross.
We must suffer, moreover, so that, by our suffering, we may expiate our sins, purify our souls, detach ourselves from the world and begin to lead a heavenly life, even on this earth.

We should not imagine that this will make our lives sad and dreary.
On the contrary, it will fill them with the lasting joy which God sends from on high.
Let us acquire the peace which is founded on complete control of the passions, on absolute dedication to God and on the power of charity which can overcome all obstacles.
Before we can acquire it, of course, we must be enlightened and strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
It was not until after Pentecost that the Apostles achieved this happiness, so that, “they departed from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer disgrace, for the Name of Jesus” (Acts 5:41).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/06/thought-for-the-day-6-december-the-blessedness-of-those-who-suffer-persecution/

Posted in LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The BEATITUDES

Thought for the Day – 28 November – The Blessedness of the Peacemakers

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Thought for the Day – 28 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Blessedness of the Peacemakers

“We should not imagine, however, that the peace which Jesus brought to us, is a lifeless peace, like that of a cemetery.
On the contrary, it is the peace of conquest, a living peace.
It cannot be attained by the sluggard, who is aiming at an easy and comfortable existence but, by the generous warrior who is always prepared to throw himself into the fight for virtue, for the glory of God and for the salvation of souls.

The peace of Jesus Christ is a victory over the evil which is rampant within us and around us.
It demands vigilance, strifc and perseverance in fidelity to Our Lord.
It requires the spirit of sacrifice, the love of God and dedication to the welfare of our fellowmen.
It is the fruit of internal and external combat.
It excludes all rancour, envy, detraction and malice, which is why it costs so much hardship and conflict.
When a man has gained the victory, however, he experiences that wonderful spiritual tranquility which God alone can give.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/05/thought-for-the-day-5-december-the-blessedness-of-the-peracemakers/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on PURITY, The BEATITUDES

Thought for the Day – 27 November – The Blessedness of the Pure of Heart

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Thought for the Day – 27 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Blessedness of the Pure of Heart

“The pure of heart will see God.
St Thomas Aquinas observed that the heart may and should be purified in two ways, even as God may be seen in two ways (Summa Theologiae II-II q 8, a 7).
The first essential, is to purify the disturbed passions, which blind the soul to heavenly things.
The second, is to cleanse the mind and to make it immune to error and to evil fancies, so that it maybe permanently enlightened by God.

Similarly, the vision of God is twofold.
When we see God perfectly, we see His Divine Essence and, such happiness is possible only in the Beatific Vision.
There is also an imperfect vision of God, by which we see Him, not in Himself but in created things.
We can and should, have this vision in this life.
All the wonders of creation are rays of the eternal beauty of God.
Creatures, therefore, should form, for us, a material ladder which leads us to God.
We should never become entangled with transient worldly goods but, should see and love God in them all.
The Saints were pure of heart and could see God more clearly than the most learned scholar.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/04/thought-for-the-day-4-december-the-blessedness-of-the-pure-of-heart/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ENVY, QUOTES on JUSTICE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The BEATITUDES

Thought for the Day – 25 November – The Thirst for Justice

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Thought for the Day – 25 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Thirst for Justice

“Many people, unfortunately, hunger and thirst for wealth, for pleasure and for honour.
In practice, if not in tbeory, they forget all about their personal sanctification and the welfare of their neighbour.
They pray, certainly and they go to Church, give alms and carry out the duties of their station in life conscientiously, from morning until night.
They may even engage in many external works of charity, on their neighbour’s behalf but, what is their dominant thought and their principal ambition?
To keep up appearances, to be praised and esteemed, to be successful in their careers.
This, however, is not justice or Christian perfection but corresponds to the attitude of the Scribes and Pharisees, who did not seek the Kingdom of Heaven but their own interests (Cf Mt 5:46-48).
Of these, it is written that “they have received their reward” (Mt 6:21).
They have not sought God but themselves!
Therefore, they can never have God or His everlasting happiness as their reward.
They must be content with the insignificant and passing glory of the world.
Indeed, on many occasions, they will be unable to gain even this much and will find that they have laboured in vain!

The envious man will even find cause for personal sorrow and unhappiness, in the welfare and in the success of others,
He would have nobody wealthy, respected or happy in the world but himself!
Even when the zealous man is working for a good cause, he is not concerned with it but only, with himself.
He identifies his own ego with the cause for which he is fighting!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/02/thought-for-the-day-2-december-the-thirst-for-justice/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on JUSTICE, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on REASON/INTELLECT, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), The BEATITUDES

Thought for the Day – 24 November – The Blessedness of Those who Hunger and Thirst for Justice

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Thought for the Day – 24 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Blessedness of Those
who Hunger and Thirst for Justice

“We must also be just towards ourselves.
God has established a hierarchy of faculties in human nature.
There are the lower faculties, which are often moved to action by our passions and above these, there is right reason, which ought to govern all else through the will.
According to St Thomas Aquinas, the rule of right reason within us, should be comparable to that of God in the universe. (De Regimine I, 12).
“It is fitting,” he says elsewhere, “that everything in man, should be subject to reason” (Summa Theologiae I-II, q 100, a 2 ad 1).
St Augustine observes that, as the lower faculties should obey the intellect, so the intellect should be subject to God and should fulfil His Holy Law (Cf De Serm. Domini in Monte, Bk 1, c 2).

In this way, there exists in us, absolute justice, which is the harmony of perfection.
If the passions, however, rebel and dethrone reason or, if reason revolts against God, there follows the degradation of human nature, the triumph of sin, remorse and spiritual ruin!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/01/thought-for-the-day-1-december-2/

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, The BEATITUDES

Thought for the Day – 23 November – The Blessedness of Those Who Mourn

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Thought for the Day – 23 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Blessedness of Those Who Mourn

“As well as regretting the evils which beset humanity, the Christian should also shed tears of repentance for his sins.
Our sins are so many that they demand penance and reparation.
St Aloysius Gonzaga wept whenever he recalled the peccadilloes of his childhood, which were hardly serious enough to be real sins.
We have sinned and maybe sinners still but do we weep for our transgressions?

A sincere Christian is not content merely to regret his sins and to pray for forgiveness but he imposes, on himself, voluntary penances in expiation of his own offences and of the offences of others.
Tears of repentance are blessed by God, Who forgives and pardons those who mourn for their transgressions.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/30/thought-for-the-day-30-november-the-blessedness-of-those-who-mourn/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on VIRTUE, The BEATITUDES

Thought for the Day – 22 November – The Blessedness of the Poor

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Thought for the Day – 22 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Blessedness of the Meek

“Learn from me,” said Jesus when He proposed Himself to us, as our model, “for I am meek and humble of heart and You will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light” (Mt 11:30).
“By your patience,” He said on another occasion, “you will win your souls” (Lk 21:19).
“Love your enemies,” He said too, “do good to those who hate you and pray for those who persecute and calymuniate you, so that you may be children of your Father in Heaven, Who makes His sun to rise on the good and the evil and sends rain on the just and the unjust” (Mt 5:44).

If we obey this lofty teaching, we shall have peace of soul.
We shall not be easily annoyed but shall rather, regret the misdeeds and unhappiness, of those who unjustly offend us.
Moreover, we shall be able to persuade our fellowmen to follow the path of virtue.
This is why the Psalmist says that “the meek shall possess the land, they shall delight in abounding peace” (Ps 36:11).
“Blessed are the meek,” Jesus repeats in the Sermon on the Mount, “for they shall possess the earth” (Mt 5:4).

What is meant by this promise?
Tyrants, persecutions and evil-doers, have passed away and are remembered with bitterness and execration.
But the Saints still hold sway over the world and dominate the minds and hearts of millions, winning universal love and veneration.
We should imitate the gentleness which can give such peace and exert such influence!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/28/thought-for-the-day-28-november-the-blessedness-of-the-poor/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TIME

Thought for the Day – 21 November – The Glory of God

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Thought for the Day – 21 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Glory of God

“Let us study the behaviour of the Saints, who forgot themselves and thought only of God.
In order to please Him, to win His approval and to co-operate in the manifestation of His glory, they deprived themselves of food and rest and sacrificed themselves entirely for His sake.

Now, consider yourself.
Perhaps you are still excessively self-centred.
Perhaps you love yourself too much and love God too little.
Perhaps you try too hard to achieve worldly success and forget that at the end of life, your insignificant personal conquests and laurels, will seem to you, to be so many useless toys on which you have wasted the precious time which God gave you.
Consider this carefully and form suitable resolutions for the future.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/26/thought-for-the-day-26-november-the-glory-of-god/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 20 November – The Storms of Life

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Thought for the Day – 20 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Storms of Life

“At other times, however, the tempest will come from outside ourselves and will have a shattering effect on our spiritual life.
It may be some insult which has seriously wounded us.
There may be somebody near to us who has grown quite insufferable.
Or perhaps suffering will come to us in the guise of illness, disgrace or loss of our dear ones.
We shall feel lonely and abandoned in the midst of the storm.
To whom shall we have recourse in our hour of need?
Shall we turn to our fellow-men?
Perhaps there will be nobody able to understand us perfectly, or, if there is somebody who sympathises with us,he may be able to do nothing for us, save to utter a few kind words.

Let us turn, therefore, to Jesus on the Cross and to Jesus in the Blessed Eucharist.
The Crucifix will teach us how to suffer with resignation and with love.
Before this mystery of infinite love, all our anguish and unrest, will give way to a Christian acceptance of suffering.

If this is not enough, let us turn to Jesus in the Blessed Eucharist.
Let us invite Him into our hearts to calm the tempest and to give us His divine grace, which will conquer every temptation and heal every wound.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/17/thought-for-the-day-17-april-the-storms-of-life/

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, GOD is LOVE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL

Thought for the Day – 19 November – The Most Terrifying Passage in the Gospel

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Thought for the Day – 19 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Most Terrifying Passage
in the Gospel

“Why should the Eternal Judge punish or reward us, in accordance with our own deeds of charity and of mercy towards our unfortunate fellowmen?
Simply because Christianity consists mainly of charity, since God Himself is charity.
“God is love and he who abides in love, abides in God and God in him” (1 Jn 4:16).
When charity is genuine, being the love of God above all things and of our neighbour as ourselves, it is “the bond of perfection,” (Col 3:14) and, “bears with all things, believes all things, hopes all things endures all things” (1 Cor 13:7).
True love, in the Christian sense, presupposes faith, hope and all the other virtues, whereas faith without charity, is as St Paul says, as futile as “a tinkling cymbal” (1 Cor 13:1).
Even the devils have faith but their faith will not save them.
“He who does not love,” St John tells us, “abides in death” (1 Jn 3:14).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/24/thought-for-the-day-24-november/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on the CHURCH, SACRAMENTS

Thought for the Day – 18 November – Our Parish

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Thought for the Day – 18 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Our Parish

“Just as every Christian belongs to a family, so also, he belongs to a Parish.
The Parish should be the necessary complement of the family, in which everyone can receive the complete formation which he needs.
The family is the first cell in the organism of the Church.
The parents should regard their duties as Sacred and, in a way, Priestly.
They are joined together, not only for the purpose of procreating children but, also of educating them.
This is a lifty honour and responsibility.
They do not possess, however, the means of completing the education of their children.
They can do a great deal but they cannot do everything, for they are not, in fact, Priests possessing the necessary means of communicating the supernatural life through the Sacraments and through the authoritative Word of God.

Parents are the natural guardians of their children but, in the Church, there is a spiritual father to assist them, namely, the Parish Priest.
No good Catholic should ignore the existence of his Parish Priest and of his Parish.
In his Parish Church, he has received the priceless gift of supernatural life through the Sacrament of Baptism.
There too, he recited his childhood prayers, obtained forgiveness for his sins in the Confessional, received the Sacrament of Confirmation, made his First Holy Communion and received, perhaps, the Nuptial blessing at his marriage.
There will come a day when he will be borne to his Parish Church for the last time, to receive from the Priest, his final blessing and prayers for the repose of his soul.

We should love our Parish, therefore, in the same way as we love our family and, we should cherish our Parish Church.
It is not enough to visit any Church but, we should give pride of place to our own, which houses our spiritual family and our spiritual history and holds, for us, so many precious memories of the past.
We ought to make a special point of attending it, for our own benefit and that of our children and in order to give good example.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in "Follow Me", JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OPEN HOUSE...Conversations with..., QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HOLY NAME

Thought for the Day – 15 November – Conversation with God and with Men

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Thought for the Day – 15 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Conversation with God and with Men

“Do not speak too often with men but speak often with God.
We should always be in communication with God because, to converse with God, is to pray.
Jesus has told us that we ought always to pray (Lk 18:1).
We have a great need of intimacy with God, for if the life of grace does not flow within us, we become like arid branches and fall prey to temptations and to tepidity.
In order to remain close to God, we must pray constantly.
As St Paul says, “whatever you do, in word or in work, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through Him” (Col 3:17).
This is what the Saints did.
While their feet walked the earth, their minds were in Heaven.

We should imitate them by trying to cultivate the interior life which will keep us detached from the world and from sin and always close to God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/15/thought-for-the-day-15-november-conversation-with-god-and-with-men/

Posted in "Follow Me", LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MODESTY, QUOTES on MORALS, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VIRTUE, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Thought for the Day – 14 November – Good Example

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Thought for the Day – 14 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Good Example

“The Holy Spirit tells us that God entrusts to everyone, the care of his neighbour (Ecclus 17:12).
“Let your light shine before men,” says Jesus Christ, “in order that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven” (Mt 5:16).
St Paul echoes this counsel, when he warns us not to return evil for evil but to “provide good things, not only in the sight of God but also in the sight of all men” (Cf Rom 12:17).
In other words, we are obliged to edify our neighbour by our good example.

Good example is the most effective sermon and it is a sermon which all of us can and should deliver.
We ought to preach this sermon everywhere and at all times – in the Church and outside it, in our family circle and in society, with our superiors, equals and inferiors, when we are speaking and when we are silent, in our behaviour and in our appearance!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/14/thought-for-the-day-14-november-good-example/

Posted in "Follow Me", CONFESSION/PENANCE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SANCTITY

Thought for the Day – 12 November – Daily Progress

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Thought for the Day – 12 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Daily Progress

“There are two ways in which we should make constant daily progress.
The first is in the removal of our defects and imperfections.
As The Imitation of Christ insists, we should soon become holy, if we were to conquer, at least, one sin every year.

It is opportune, at this stage, to ask ourselves, how many years we have already spent on earth?
During these years, how many personal defects can we claim to have remedied?
Perhaps there was a time when we were better than we are now?
If we have wasted time and have abused our Creator’s gifts and favours, we should humble ourselves and do penance before God.

Finally, we should resolve and do our best, to remedy at least one defect everyday.
We should select, first of all, whatever imperfection we know to be the most dangerous.
This will be difficult and even heroic work but, it is very necessary.
We must work on our own character as a sculptor works on a block of marble, hammering, cutting and chiselling patiently and perseveringly.
With the help of God, we shall be successful.
Even as the Saints succeeded, so we shall succeed, if we depend on God’s grace and make the necessary sacrifices.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/12/thought-for-the-day-12-november-daily-progress/\z

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on ANGER

Thought for the Day – 11 November – Sensitiveness

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Thought for the Day – 11 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Sensitiveness

“Our wounded feelings sometimes give rise to an external explosion in the form of bitter and offensive remarks.
These always create disharmony and have various unfortunate after-effects.

It is fatal to lose control over ourselves.
A man who has surrendered to anger and resentment, does not weigh his words and is not responsible for his actions.
When the fit has passed, he is left with a sense of humiliation because of his lack of moderation and must suffer the consequences, both before God and before his fellowmen in his domestic and social enviroment.
“When the angry man has calmed down,” Seneca truly observed, “he is angry with himself.”
“Let anger be foreign to us,” said Cicero, “for an angry man is incapable of acting correctly, or prudently. Anything which is done, in a state of agitation, cannot be done properly, nor can it meet with the approval of the bystanders” (De Officiis I, 38).

Let us meditate also on these apt quotations from Sacred Scripture.
“A mild answer calms wrath but a harsh word, stirs up anger” (Prov 15:1).
“An ill-tempered man, stirs up strife but a patient man allays discord” (Prov 15:18).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/11/thought-for-the-day-11-november-sensitiveness/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on MERIT, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR

Thought for the Day – 10 November – Prayer, Work and Leisure

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 10 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Prayer, Work and Leisure

“WORK:
Work is a duty commanded by God, Who, after the sin of Adam, told him and his descendants: “In the sweat of your brow you shall eat bread” (Gen 3:19).
So, work becomes an obligation and a means of expiation.
We are all obliged, therefore, to engage in some kind of work, mental or manual, whether we are rich or poor.
Idleness had been condemned by God as the father of all the vices.
“Idleness,” warns the Holy Spirit, “is an apt teacher of mischief” (Eccles 33:29).
It is impossible for a man who works and prays, to commit sin, both because he lacks the time and because he is close to God.
A man who is close to God will certainly never offend Him. whereas the mind of a man who is lazy and inactive, is open to the attractions of sin.

Let us shun idleness, therefore and love hard work, as a means of making reparation for our sins and of gaining merit before God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/10/thought-for-the-day-10-november-prayer-work-and-leisure/

Posted in INDULGENCES, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PARTIAL Indulgence, PLENARY Indulgences, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on the CHURCH, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE

Thought for the Day – 9 November – INDULGENCES

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Thought for the Day – 9 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

INDULGENCES

“Throughout the Centuries, Indulgences have been regulated by the authority of the Church which, in the course of the Council of Trent, (Session XXV Decr. de Indulg.) sanctioned their lawfulness and usefulness, for the Faithful, both living and dead.
There is no question of innovation.
It cam be said quite truly that the first Indulgence was granted by Jesus Himself, to the repentant thief!
“This day,” He told him, “thou shalt be with me in Paradise.”
By these words, Our Lord remitted, not only the sin and the eternal punishment, due to it but, also all temporal punishment.
In the same way, an Indulgence was granted by St Paul, when he mitigated the punishment inflicted on the offender at Corinth (2 Cor 6-8).

Indulgences are called Plenary, when they remit all the temporal punishment due to sin and Partial, when it is the intention of the Church to release the sinner from whatever penalties would have been expiated, if he had done penance for a certain period of time, in accordance with the ancient discipline.
No essential relaxation of practice is intended because the Church always demands that the sinner should first ensure that he is in the state of grace, by making a good Confession.
As the Council of Trent insists, he should be sincerely repentant.
The Church requires, moreover, that in order to gain a Plenary Indulgence, the penitent should be detached from all affections, even towards deliberate venial sin!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/09/thought-for-the-day-9-november-indulgences/

Posted in DEVOTIO, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, NOVEMBER - Month of the SOULS in PURGATORY, PURGATORY, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The HOLY SOULS

Thought for the Day – 8 November – The Advantages of Devotion to the Souls in Purgatory

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Thought for the Day – 8 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Advantages of Devotion
to the Souls in Purgatory

“The story is told of St John of God who, on one occasion, when he was finding it difficult to provide for the crowds of sick people, whom he had in his hospital, he went about the streets of Granada, crying: “My dear brothers, give alms to yourselves!”
Many were astonished at these words but, the Saint explained that Jesus regards as done to Himself anything which we do for the poor and unfortunate and that, therefore, He repays the generous giver handsomely.
Since the Souls in Purgatory, are poor and needy, it is certain that whatever we do for them, will redound to our own advantage.

St Margaret of Cortona had a keen devotion to the Faithful Departed.
It is related of her that when she was dying, she saw a band of blessed spirits descending from above, in order to escort her into Heaven.
These were the countless souls whom her prayers had rescued from the pains of Purgatory.

“If only everyone realised,” the Cure d’Ars once said to a fellow Priest, “what great influence with God, the Holy Souls in Purgatory possess and, the vast number of favours which we obtain through their intercession, they certainly would not be forgotten. Let us pray earnestly for them and they will intercede strongly for us!”

“Whenever I wish to obtain some favour from our Heavenly Father,” said St Catherine of Bologna, “I have recourse to the Souls in Purgatory. I beseech them to present my petition to the Divine Majesty, in their name and through their inetercession, my request is granted.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/08/thought-for-the-day-7-november-they-advantages-of-devotion-to-the-souls-in-purgatory/

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, NOVEMBER - Month of the SOULS in PURGATORY, PURGATORY, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 7 November – How We Can Help the Faithful Departed

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Thought for the Day – 7 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

How We Can Help the Faithful Departed

“There are many ways in which we can come to the assistance of the faithful departed.

(a) We can help them by prayer.
This is the simplest way and one which is possible for everyone.
When we pray for our dead, we feel that we are close to them and are consoled in our sorrow.
Moreover, we can be sure of gaining a great deal in return, for the prayers which they offer on our behalf, are very pleasing to God.

(b) We can offer Holy Mass for them.
When we do this, it is not only we who pray but Jesus joins with us and offers Himself as a victim of reparation on behalf of the suffering souls.
The Mass has an infinite value and one Mass alone would be enough to empty Purgatory.
But the application of its infinite merits are always limited, in accordance with the hidden designs of God.
Ir is certain, however, that there is no more effective means of helping the faithful departed.

(c) We can offer our good works on their behalf.
Every good action has power to satisfy God for some of the debts which we or others have contracted in His regard.
Among the good works which we can offer for the souls in Purgatory, are Holy Communion, voluntary mortifications, meek acceptance of the unavoidable sorrows of life, acts of patience and of compassion, spiritual and corporal works of mercy, Indulgences and almsgivine.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/07/thought-for-the-day-7-november-how-we-can-help-the-faithful-departed/

Posted in DOCTRINE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, NOVEMBER - Month of the SOULS in PURGATORY, ON the SAINTS, PURGATORY, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY

Thought for the Day – 6 November – The Communion of Saints and the Souls in Purgatory

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Thought for the Day – 6 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Communion of Saints
and the Souls in Purgatory

“The consoling Doctrine of the Communion of Saints, is the foundation of devotion towards the faithful departed.
The universal Church, both on earth, in Purgatory and in Heaven, constitutes the Mystical Body of Christ, which is the channel of the Divine life of Jesus.

This life is not extinguished by death but only by mortal sin, which makes us like dead limbs separated from the vine which is Cbrist.
The souls of those belonging to us who have died in the state of grace, therefore, are living members of the Mystical Body of Christ.
Now, the different members of the human body, do not possess a separate life but are all co-ordinated and directed towards the good of the whole body.
In the same way, all the members of the Mystical Body, whether they are exiles on earth, suffering souls in Purgatory, or blessed in Heaven, should help one another so as to promote the welfare of the whole.

The blessed in Heaven and the faithful departed certainly do this and we ought to do the same.
We should preserve a bond of love and prayer between ourselves and our loved ones, who have departed from this life before us.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/06/thought-for-the-day-6-november-the-communion-of-saints-and-the-souls-in-purgatory/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, NOVEMBER - Month of the SOULS in PURGATORY, PURGATORY, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SUFFERING

Thought for the Day – 5 November – The Consolations of the Suffering Souls in Purgatory

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Thought for the Day – 5 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Consolations of the
Suffering Souls in Purgatory

“In her description of Purgatory, St Catherine of Genoa, writes as follows:

“The soul in Prgatory is happy with its lot but, its happiness is similar to that of the Martyr at the stake.
Its happiness, in other words, is of a pure and supernatural kind which the world could not understand.
The Martyr allows himself to be put to death, rather than offend God; he feels the pain of dying but, despises death because of his ardent love for God.
In the same way because it realises that God desires and commands its agony, the soul in Purgatory, loves Him and is happy to allow Him to refine and purify it spiritually, through suffering.”

In one of her ecstasies, St Mary Magdalen de Pazzi was accorded a vision of Purgatory so terrifying that it caused her to grow pale and cry out.
Suddenly she saw her own recently deceased brother among the suffering souls.
“My poor brother!” she exclaimed, “how much you are suffering. Yet, I can see too, how greatly you are consoled. Although you are tortured by fire, you are content because, you know that these tortures are the prelude to everlasting happiness.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/05/thought-for-the-day-5-november-the-consolations-of-the-suffering-souls-in-purgatory/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, NOVEMBER - Month of the SOULS in PURGATORY, PURGATORY, QUOTES on MORTAL SIN, QUOTES on SIN, VENIAL SIN

Thought for the Day – 4 November – More About the Sufferings of Purgatory

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Thought for the Day – 4 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

More About the Sufferings of Purgatory

“The vision of Purgatory accorded to St Frances of Rome, is well known.
She saw Purgatory divided into three separate sections.

(1) The firs was the part furthest from Heaven and bordering, as it were, on Hell.
In it two kinds of people were suffering terrible torments, namely, lay folk who had committed grave sins and postponed their conversion until the moment of death;
and – men and women who had dedicated their lives to God but on account of venial sins, neglect of duty, tepidity and lack of gratitude for their great vocations, had heavy debt to pay to Divine Justice.

(2) The second place, was the most crowded.
Here, the physical pain was still unimaginably severe, while the desire to be purified and to b with God was the cause of intense spiritual anguish.
The souls in this region, however, were not only resigned to their lot but, even longed for greater sufferings which would finally wash away the imperfections which kept them apart from God.

(3) The Third section was the nearest to Heaven and was the abode of purer and more perfect souls.
These did not have to endure much sensible pain but, their yearning for God was so insistent that, every moment of separation, seemed like an eternity.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/04/thought-for-the-day-4-november-more-about-the-sufferings-of-purgatory/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, NOVEMBER - Month of the SOULS in PURGATORY, PURGATORY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on The SOUL

Thought for the Day – 3 November – The Pain of Purgatory

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Thought for the Day – 3 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Pain of Purgatory

“In the course of her vivid description of Purgatory, St Catherine of Genoa writes: “The suffering souls experience such torments as the human tongue could not describe, nor the human intellect comprehend, unless God Himself, revealed them by means of a special grace!”

The ordinary teaching of the Church includes fire as the principal torment.
However, the Church has never defined the nature of this fire, nor determined whether it is physical or spiritual.
It is certain that this fire is as real as the flames of Hell and is created by God, not to be an instrument of service to men but, to be a means of expiation and purification.
This is why it is a far more tormenting fire than that which we know and use on earth.
St Thomas Aquinas holds that it is actually a physical fire.
He meets the objection that material fire could never touch a spiritual soul by saying that, even as the soul is affected on earth, by the suffering of the body, to which it is joined, so it can be subject in the next life, to the action of the fires of Purgatory (Supplementum Tertiae Partis q7, a3).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/03/thought-for-the-day-2-november-the-pain-of-purgatory/

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The BEATITUDES

Quote/s of the Day – 3 November – “Blessed are the poor in spirit.”

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Quote/s of the Day – 3 November – Within the Octave of All Saints – Apocalypse 7:2-12, Matthew 5:1-12– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Matthew 5:3

“Blessed are the poor in spirit.”
Wisely indeed He puts first…
what every man seeks…
For who does not want to be happy?
Why do men universally quarrel and fight,
bargain, resort to flattery
and inflict injuries on one another?
Is it not simply in order to obtain,
by fair means or foul…
something that promises to make them happy?…
So, the Teacher of all men… begins
by redirecting those who have lost the way…;
He Who is “the Way, the Truth and the Life”…
(Jn 14,16; 6,32;4,6) begins with the words:
“Happy are the poor in spirit.”

Bl Isaac of Stella O.Cist. (c 1100–c 1170)
Cistercian Monk, Abbot, Theologian, Philosopher

“Seek for nothing,
desiring to enter for love of Jesus,
with detachment, emptiness
and poverty in everything in this world.
You will never have to do
with necessities greater than those
to which you made your heart yield itself –
for the poor in spirit are most happy
and joyful in a state of privation
and he who has set his heart on nothing,
finds satisfaction everywhere!”

St John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Doctor of the Church

“If humble souls are contradicted,
they remain calm;
if they are calumniated,
they suffer with patience;
if they are little esteemed,
neglected, or forgotten,
they consider this their due;
if they are weighed down
with occupations,
they perform them cheerfully. ”

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

O Merciful God
By St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Doctor Angelicus, Doctor Communis

O merciful God,
grant that I may ever perfectly
do Your Will in all things.
Let it be my ambition to work
only for Your honour and glory.
Let me rejoice in nothing but that leads to You,
nor grieve for anything, that leads away from You.
May all passing things be as nothing in my eyes
and may all that is Yours, be dear to me
and You, my God, dear above them all.
May all joy be meaningless without You
and may I desire nothing, apart from You.
May all labour and toil delight me when it is for You.
Make me, O Lord, obedient without complaint,
poor without regret,
patient without murmur,
humble without pretence,
joyous without frivolity,
and truthful without disguise.
Amen

Posted in DOCTRINE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, NOVEMBER - Month of the SOULS in PURGATORY, PURGATORY, VENIAL SIN

Thought for the Day – 2 Novemer – “Purgatory”

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Thought for the Day – 2 Novemer – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“Purgatory”

“The clear testimony of the New Testament may also be invoked in support of this teaching.
Jesus refers to sins which cannot be forgiven, either in this life or in the next, (Cf Mt 12:31-32) from which, the Fathers deduce that there are sins, namely those of a venial nature, which can be forgiven after death.

St Paul, moreover, speaks of imperfections which will be expiated and purged by fire after death (Cf 1 Cor 3:10-15).
Obviously, this cannot take place in Hell but, only in Purgatory.
It would be impossible to cite here, all the testamoies of the Fathers and of theological writers.
No-one, can deny, that they exist, however, for they combine to build up a tradition which the Council of Trent (Sess XXV) gathered together, when proclaiming the existence of Purgatory and the obligation of the faithful to pray for the dead, who are expiating their sins there.

This is a very consoling Doctrine.
It is comforting to know that one day, we shall find a way of purifying ourselves of all trace of sin and imperfection and that, meanwhile, we can be spiritually united with our departed loved ones and can help them by our prayers.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/02/thought-for-the-day-1-november-purgatory/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/02/07/thought-for-the-day-7-february-purgatory/

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on ZEAL

Quote/s of the Day – 1 November – All Saints Day

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Quote/s of the Day – 1 November – All Saints Day

“Similarly, anyone who wishes
to understand the minds
of the sacred writers
must first cleanse his own life
and approach the Saints,
by imitating their deeds.”

St Athanasius (297-373)
Father & Doctor of the Church

“Let listening to worldly news
be BITTER FOOD for you
and let the words of
Saintly men
be as combs
filled with honey.”

St Basil the Great (329-379)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“The Saints must be honoured
as friends of Christ
and children and heirs of God.
Let us carefully observe
the manner of life of all the Apostles,
Martyrs, Ascetics and just men,
who announced the coming of the Lord.
And let us emulate their faith,
charity, hope, zeal, life,
patience under suffering
and perseverance unto death,
so that we may also
share their crowns of glory.”

St John Damascene (676-749)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“I am a sinner
and do not think much of myself.
I have recourse,
to the greatest Servants of the Lord
that they may pray for me
to the blessed Christ and His Mother.
But do not forget,
that all the Saints
cannot endear you to Christ
as much as you can yourself.
It is entirely up to you!”

St Cajetan (1480-1547) Confessor

“God speaks to us through His Saints.
The Saints are those in whom
God dwells in such a special way
that their entire personalities reflect Him.
They live the Gospel perfectly.
Whenever we encounter
one of these privileged beings,
whether in the pages of a book [or online]
or in our actual surrounding world,
let us pay attention to them
and do our best to imitate their virtues.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in Hail MARY!, MARIAN QUOTES, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, ROSARY QUOTES, ROSARY REFLECTIONS and QUOTES

Thought for the Day – 31 October – “Pray for Us … at the Hour of Our Death”

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Thought for the Day – 31 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“Month of the Holy Rosary”
“Pray for Us … at the Hour of Our Death”

“My dear Mother Mary, you who lived in the intimate presence of God, obtain for me too, this great grace, so that I may avoid sin, do good and love God, upon earth, in the hope of enjoying Him forever in Heaven. Amen.🙏”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/31/thought-for-the-day-31-october-pray-for-us-at-the-hour-of-our-death/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/31/thought-for-the-day-31-october-pray-for-us-at-the-hour-of-our-death-2/