Category: OPEN HOUSE…Conversations with…

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CARMELITES, GOD ALONE!, JESUIT SJ, MARIAN QUOTES, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TRUTH, St Francis de Sales, The ANNUNCIATION, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Quote/s of the Day – 17 July – Humility

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 17 July –The Feast of the Humility of the Blessed Virgin Mary

“To arrive at the knowledge of the Truth,
there are many paths – the first is humility,
the second is humility
and the third is humility.”

“Humility is a very strange entity.
The moment we think we have it,
we have already lost it!”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace)

“True humility consists in persuading
and convincing oneself
that without God,
we are insignificant and despicable
and, in acceptance,
to be treated as such!”

St Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

“In order to overcome the power of the devil,
the soul needs prayer
and will not be able to understand his deceptions,
without mortification and humility.”

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

The most holy Virgin, Our Lady,
gave us an outstanding example of this
when she spoke these words:
“Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord,
let it be done to me according to your word”
(Lk 1:38). When she said she was
the handmaid of the Lord,
she was performing the greatest act of humility
it is possible to do and,
all the more so, in that she was contradicting
the praise given her by the angel –
that she would be mother of God,
that the child to be born from her womb
would be called Son of the Most High,
a greater dignity than any we might imagine –
I say, she opposed her lowliness
and unworthiness to all these praises
and greatness, by saying
that she was the handmaid of the Lord.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of Charity

A FEW MORE FROM ST FRANCIS de SALES:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/17/quote-s-of-the-day-17-july-humility/

“There are some people who
have a right conscience …
Nevertheless, these must remember
St Paul’s warning: “Let him who thinks he stands,
take heed, lest he fall” (1 Cor 10:12).
They must not grow proud, like the Pharisee
who prayed in front of the altar
but, must be humble, like the poor publican,
who knew that without God’s direction and grace,
he would fall into serious sin.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on REASON/INTELLECT, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The HEART, Thomas a Kempis

Thought for the Day – 16 July – Our Passions

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 16 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Our Passions

“Let us be vigilant in the control of our passions.
As soon as they tempt us to do anything contrary to right reason and the Divine Law, let us renew our resolutions and implore the help of God.
“O God,” let us pray, “I wish to love Thee above all things.
I wish neither to contemplate, nor intend, nor do anything which could offend Thee in any way.”
This is the only way in which we shall find peace and an easy conscience for, as The Imitation of Christ says, “whenever a man desires anything inordinately , straightaway, he is disquieted within himself” (Bk 1 C 6).
“It is by resisting the passions,” it continues, “and not by serving them, that true peace of heart is to be found” (Ibid).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/18/thought-for-the-day-18-july-our-passions/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/20/thought-for-the-day-20-july-our-passions/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 15 July – The Voice of God

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

The Voice of God

“It will go hard with the man who refuses to listen to God.
He has reason to be afraid when he lets God’s inspirations and graces pass him by.
Anyone who is deaf to God’s appeals, cannot be saved.

God spoke many times in the heart of His Apostle Judas but, he did not listen.
Even in the Garden of Gethsemane. when Judas betrayed his Master with a kiss, Jesus spoke to him and called him His friend, giving him the kiss of peace and forgiveness.
But, the traitor spurned this last appeal and went his way.

May this never be our fate.
“Be not silent” let us plead, “Lord be not far from me!” (Ps 34:22).
Above all, let us listen obediently to His Voice from whatever source it comes and let us do what He advises us.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/10/thought-for-the-day-17-july-the-voice-of-god-2/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/19/thought-for-the-day-19-july-the-voice-of-god-the-saints/

Posted in CATECHESIS, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on WATCHING, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, St Francis de Sales, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES: JUSTICE, PRUDENCE, TEMPERANCE, FORTITUDE, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 15 July – Ready?

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 15 July – Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Be you then also ready …”
Luke 12:40

“Wretch! using the excuse that your Master is late,
do you imagine He will not come at all?
His coming is certain!
Then why do you not stay on your guard?
No, the Lord is not slow in coming –
this lateness is purely in the imagination
of the wicked servant!”

St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“It is time now for us to rise from sleep!”

St Benedict (c 480-547)

“But vigilant faith not only performs good works,
like living faith, it also penetrates
and understands revealed Truths quickly
and with great depth and subtlety of perception.
It is active and diligent, in seeking and embracing
those things which can increase and strengthen it.
It watches and perceives from afar, all its enemies.
It is always on the alert to discover the good and to avoid evil.
It guards itself against anything which could ruin it.
Vigilant, it walks firmly and easily keeps
from falling over precipices.

This vigilant faith is accompanied by the Four Cardinal Virtues:
Fortitude, Prudence, Justice and Temperance.
It uses them as an Armoured Breastplate to put its enemies to flight,
or to remain among them firm, invincible and unshaken.
So great is its strength that it fears nothing
because, not only is it strong but also, it is aware
of its strength and by Whom it is supported
—Truth itself!””

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, Quotes on SALVATION

Thought for the Day – 14 July – Everlasting Salvation

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

Everlasting Salvation

“We should not be discouraged because our salvation requires so many sacrifices on our part.
Jesus warned us that it would have to be so.
“How narrow the gate and close the way that leads to life” (Mt 7:14).
“The Kingdom of Heaven has been enduring violent assault and, the violent have been seizing it by force” (Mt 11:12).
“If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Lk 9:23).

All this is required for salvation and anyone who is not prepared to meet these demands, cannot gain everlasting happiness.
Nevertheless, there is no need for despondency.
What is difficult for man is easy for God.
If we ask God for His grace and co-operate generously with it, we shall be saved.

Let us resolve to play our part well!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/14/thought-for-the-day-14-july-everlasting-salvation/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/18/thought-for-the-day-18-july-everlasting-salvation/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 13 July – Accepting the Will of God

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 13 July – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Accepting the Will of God

“Let us pray fervently to God for spiritual peace.
Let us surrender ourselves to His Will and accept everything from His Hands, remembering that everything, joy and sorrow, sickness and health, temptation and spiritual consolation, should form a mystical ladder which will gradually bring us nearer to Heaven and finally unite us to God for evermore.
Everything passes but God is unchangeable.

Sufferings have to end but the merits we gain remain, if we have offered our afflictions to God.
Let us surrender ourselves completely into the hands of God, Who in His goodness, gives us some happiness on earth for our consolation and causes us to suffer, so that we may be purified and made holy.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/13/thought-for-the-day-13-july-accepting-the-will-of-god/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/04/thought-for-the-day-4-january-accepting-the-will-of-god/

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, Of PILGRIMS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, St Francis de Sales, The HOLY FACE

Quote/s of the Day – 13 July – “He who most loves,will be most loved.”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 13 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – 1 Petet 5:1-4; 5:10-11, Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Thou art the Christ,
the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:16

“Hide me then in the day of evil, O Lord,
in the secret place of Thy tabernacle,
in the hidden recesses of Thy Face,
“far from the strife of tongues” (Ps 26:5; 30:21),
for Thy yoke is easy and the burden
Thou hast laid on me is light (Mt 11:30).
And when Thou show me the difference
between Thy service and the service of the world,
gently and tenderly Thou asks me
if it is not better to serve Thee,
the living God, than to serve strange gods
(Cf 2 Chron 12:8). And I, for my part,
adore the hand that lays the load,
I kiss the yoke and I embrace the burden
and it is very sweet to me to sweat beneath its weight.
For masters other than Thee, have long possessed me…
I acknowledge Thy yoke and Thy light burden
which lifts me up and does not crush me down. …”

William of St Thierry O.Cist (c1075 – c1148)

“It is an old custom with the servants of God,
always to have some little prayers ready
and to be darting them up to Heaven
frequently during the day,
lifting their minds to God
out of the filth of this world.
He who adopts this plan,
will get great fruit, with little pains.”

St Philip Neri (1515-1595)

“Amongst all loves,
God’s is so to be preferred
that we must always stand prepared in mind,
to forsake them all for that alone!”

(Treatise on the Love of God, Book 10, Chapter 7)

“Let us always belong to God,
unreservedly and without interruption.
May He ever live and reign in our hearts.”

(Letter to Madame de Chantal)

“He who most loves,
will be most loved.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of the Church

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, St PAUL!

Thought for the Day – 12 July – The Grace of God

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

The Grace of God

“It is astonishing to consider how much St Paul accomplished when he had been transformed by the grace of God.
Formerly, a persecutor of Christians, he became the Apostle of the Gentiles.
Enlightened by faith and inspired by charity, he travelled the globe, spreading everywhere, the religion of Jesus Christ.

He feared neither the anger of the hostile Jews, nor the tribunals of the Roman judges, neither long and difficult journeys, nor scourging, shipwreck and imprisonment.
“The love of Christ impels us,” (2 Cor 5:14) he said.
It was the love of God which drove him on and on, until he met his martyrdom.
But what about ourselves?
We also have received grace from God.
Often we hear His voice appealing to us to abandon our sinful ways, to practise virtue, to love Him more ardently and to prove our love, by deeds.
If we co-operate, we shall be able to say with St Paul: “by the grace of God, I am what I am and his grace in me has not been fruitless,” (1 Cor 15:10) and “I have laboured … yet, not I but the grace of God with me” (ibid).

It is wise to recall, however, that Judas also received special graces from God.
He did not correspond with them and was probably damned for eternity.
If we fail to correspond with God’s graces, the result will be tragic for ourselves.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/02/thought-for-the-day-2-july-the-grace-of-god/

Posted in "Follow Me", LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on GOSSIP, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TRUTH, REDEMPTIVE Suffering, St Francis de Sales, The LORD'S PRAYER, The PASSION, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 12 July – ‘Love your enemies’

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Quote/s of the Day – 12 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St John Gualbert (c985-1073) Abbot – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6, Matthew 5:43-48 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But I say to you,
love your enemies …”
Matthew 5:44

St John Gualbert said to his enemy,
“I cannot refuse what you ask
in Christ’s Name.
I grant you your life
and I give you my friendship.
Pray that God may forgive me my sin.”

St John Gualbert (c985-1073)
“The Merciful Knight”

“To the extent that you pray, with all your soul,
for the person who slanders you,
God will make the truth known
to those who have been scandalised
by the slander.”

St Maximus the Confessor (c 580–662)

“Remember the sufferings of Christ,
the storms that were weathered…
the crown that came from those sufferings
which gave new radiance to the faith…
All Saints give testimony to the truth
that without real effort,
no-one ever wins the crown.”

St Thomas à Becket (1118-1170)
Martyr, Archbishop of Canterbury

“Above all, avoid false accusations
and the distortion of truth
regarding your neighbour.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of the Church

The Lord’s Prayer
Jesus
Matthew 6:9-13

Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us
And lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 11 July – The Enemies of the Soul

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

The Enemies of the Soul

“The second enemy is the world.
There are so many beautiful things around us reflecting the power and the goodness of God.
These should be an invitation to us to love their Creator and a spiritual ladder which leads us towards Him.
Unfortunately, we often go astray in the midst of the passing beauty of this world.
Often we set our hearts upon this beauty, our hearts which should belong wholly to God and which can find peace and happiness in Him alone.
Sometimes worldly objects deceive the senses and ensnare the will.
Riches, pleasures and honours attract us and we fail to remember that everything on earth passes like a shadow and that when we shall stand before the Judgement Seat of God, only our good works will accompany us!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/14/thought-for-the-day-14-july-the-enemies-of-the-soul/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on the FAMILY, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 10 July – The Good Odour of Christ

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

The Good Odour of Christ

“I ought to examine the way in which I behave in the Church, in my family and in society.
When I am in the Church, my whole being should be absorbed in prayer.
My mind should be occupied with God, my heart should love Him and my lips should praise and thank Him.
Anyone who sees me praying, should wish to do the same.

When I am in my own home, I should promote peace and harmony by my good example.
The family is like a miniature Church, in which everyone should exercise some priestly function in keeping with his position.

Finally, I should carry about, in society, ‘the good odour of Christ‘ – the fragrance of my interior holiness.
I can do this if I am not ashamed of my Christian Faith and if I act constantly in perfect accordance with the evangelical precepts.

When I have examined myself on these points, I should form resolutions whicb will help me to improve my behaviour.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/11/thought-for-the-day-11-july-the-good-odour-of-christ/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/12/thought-for-the-day-12-july-the-good-odour-of-christ/

Posted in "Follow Me", MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on VANITY, St PAUL!

Thought for the Day – 9 July – Vanity

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

Vanity

“What hast thou,” asks St Paul, “which thou hast not received? And if thou hast received it, why dost thou boast as if thou hadst not received it?” (1 Cor 4:7).
Whenever we are tempted to be proud or boastful, let us reflect on these words of the Apostle of the Gentiles.
In spite of the miracles which he had worked and the sacrifices which he had endured for the love of Jesus, he said: “I am nothing” (2 Cor 12:11).

If we model our lives on this outstanding example, we shall have peace on earth and an everlasting reward in Heaven.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/10/thought-for-the-day-10-july-vanity/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/11/thought-for-the-day-11-july-vanity/

Posted in "Follow Me", LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on GOSSIP, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on SCANDAL

Thought for the Day – 8 July – Uncharitableness

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

Uncharitableness

“It is no excuse to claim that we only speak of matters which are true and known to all.
They maybe true but God alone can judge the human conscience.
They maybe known to all but, by our maliciousness, we are spreading evil about our neighbour, whereas we ought to try and spread only what is good.

Besides being opposed to Christian charity, unkind conversation ruins whatever opportunities we may have of practising the apostolate in which everyone is obliged to play his part.
If we are apostolic, we promote our neighbour’s spiritual welfare, whereas uncharitable criticism, spreads evil about him and gives bad example to others.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/07/thought-for-the-day-7-july-uncharitableness/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/08/thought-for-the-day-8-july-uncharitableness/

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on SUFFERING, St Francis de Sales, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 8 July – The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a treasure

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 8 July – Proverbs 31:10-31, Matthew 13:44-52

“Jesus said in parables:
The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a treasure,
hidden in a field.”

Matthew 13:44

“Thy will be done
on earth as it is
in Heaven.”
Matthew 6:10

“I want to advise you and remind you, what His will is.
Do not fear that it means He will give you riches,
or delights, or honours, or all these earthly things.
His love for you is not that small!
and He esteems highly what you give Him.
He wants to repay you well,
for He gives you His Kingdom
while you are still on earth …
See … what He gave to the One He loved most.
By that we understand what His will is.
For these are His gifts in this world.”

St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Doctor of Prayer of the Church

“This life is short and it is only given us
to gain the other.”

“Whoever thinks well on eternity,
troubles himself little about what happens
in these three or four moments of mortal life.”

“By giving yourself to God,
you not only receive Himself in exchange
but, eternal life as well!”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Posted in CATECHESIS, CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD is LOVE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HELL, Quotes on SALVATION, St Francis de Sales, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 8 July – Our choice – Heaven or Hell?

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One Minute Reflection – 8 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – St Elizabeth of Portugal TOSF (1271-1336) Widow, Queen –Proverbs 31:10-31, Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“So shall it be at the end of the world. The Angels shall go out and shall separate the wicked from among the just. And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” – Matthew 13:49-50

REFLECTION – “Consider the choice you make in this life will last forever in the next!
Consider too, that while both are open to receive you, according to your choice, yet God, Who is prepared to give the one by reason of His Justice, the other by reason of His Mercy, all the while desires, unspeakably that you should select Paradise. offering you countless graces on God’s part, countless assistance to attain to it.
Consider that Jesus Christ, enthroned in Heaven, looks down upon you in loving invitation – ‘O beloved one, come unto Me and joy forever in the eternal blessedness of My Love!’
Behold His Mother yearning over you with maternal tenderness, ‘Courage, my child, do not despise the Goodness of my Son, or my earnest prayers for thy salvation.‘ …

O Hell, I abhor thee now and forever; I abhor thy griefs and torments, thine endless misery, the unceasing blasphemies and maledictions which thou pourest out upon my God and turning to thee, O blessed Paradise, eternal glory, unfading happiness, I choose thee forever as my abode, thy glorious mansions, thy precious and abiding tabernacles.

O my God, I bless Thy Mercy which gives me the power to choose, O Jesus, Saviour, I accept Thine Eternal Love and praise Thee for the promise Thou hast given me, of a place prepared for me, in that blessed New Jerusalem, where I shall love and bless Thee forever. ” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor Caritatis (Excerpt – ‘Introduction to the Devout Life’ 9th Meditation).

PRAYER – Most merciful God, Who among other admirable gifts, endowed blessed Queen Elizabeth with the special grace of calming the tumult of war; grant by her intercession that, after the peace for which we humbly pray, we may attain everlasting happiness. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, Quotes on SALVATION

Thought for the Day – 7 July – The Salvation of Souls

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

The Salvation of Souls

“Remember the countless conversions effected by the Saints as a result of their prayers, mortifications and heroic sacrifices.
No-one can call himself a Christian who does not love, in a practical manner, his fellowmen, especially unfortunate heretics and sinners.

Make up your mind, to offer your prayers and sacrifices for their conversion.
Include them in your daily offering, daily Mass and daily Rosary too.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/07/thought-for-the-day-7-july-the-salvation-of-souls/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/07/thought-for-the-day-7-july-the-salvation-of-souls-2/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The HEART

Thought for the Day – 6 July – The Gift of Speech

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

The Gift of Speech

“Above all, the gift of speech is intended to be used in prayer.
The tongue should express externally, the interior language of the mind and heart which should be principally concerned with the adoration of our Creatpr.
Since we have received everything which we have from God, all our gifts should be used in His service.
Speech was given to us not only to enable us to speak with men but, more particularly, to enable us to speak with God.

Let us sanctify this gift by means of prayer.
Let us take care, however, that our prayers do not remain meaningless and superficial while our minds are absorbed with other matters.

Everything in us should pray.
The intellect should bow in adoration of God’s Majesty; the will should conform itself entirely to His law; the heart should find its true and only happiness in God and, the tongue should praise Him, implore His favour and forgiveness and offer our whole being to Him, from Whom we have receive everything.

This should be the primary function of speech.
If this gift is employed in this way, it will gain for us many other graces and favours from God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/08/thought-for-the-day-8-july-the-gift-of-speech/

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on PATIENCE, St Francis de Sales, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 6 July – Sts Peter and Paul

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 6 July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – The Octave Day of Sts Peter and Paul

“Upon this rock I will build My Church
and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven
and whatever you bind on earth
shall be bound in Heaven and,
whatever you loose on earth,
shall be loosed in Heaven.”

Matthew 16:18-19

“Nothing escaped the Wisdom
and Power of Christ,
the elements of nature lay at His service,
spirits obeyed Him, Angels served Him. …
And yet, out of all the world,
Peter alone was chosen
to stand at the head,
for the calling of all the peoples
and the oversight of all the Apostles
and Fathers of the Church.”

St Pope Leo the Great (400-461)
Father and Doctor

“Do not, therefore, lose your confidence,
which has a great reward.
For you have need of patience that,
doing the will of God,
you may receive the promise.
For yet a very little while
and He Who is to come,
will come
and will not delay.”

Hebrews 10:35-37

“St Paul, the incomparable master,
the great Doctor of the Infant Church,
made Jesus Christ on the Cross
the delightful object of his love,
the sweet subject of his discourses,
the end of all his aspirations in this world
and the foundation of all his hopes in eternity
Blessed is the soul, which thus everywhere,
finds Jesus Christ Crucified!”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CREATION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD

Thought for the Day – 5 July – A Ladder Ascending to God

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

A Ladder Ascending to God

“How often, nevertheless, is our mind led astray by the passing beauty of this world.
How often is our heart engrossed in a search for a happiness, which is purely illusory.
God has given us created things so that we may see in them, a reflection of His goodness and beauty and may use them as a ladder, which will lead us to Him.
We shall be lost if we look back and fall beneath the false spell of this earthly fairyland.
Our minds and hearts should look upwards towards Heaven.

God alone can satisfy the infinite desires of the soul.
Let us never lose sight of Him.
Everything else passes but God does not change.
He will be our sure guide in this life and our everlasting happiness in the next.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/06/thought-for-the-day-6-july-a-ladder-ascending-to-god/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/06/thought-for-the-day-6-july-a-ladder-ascending-to-god-2/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN

Thought for the Day – 4 July – The New Life

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The New Life

“All this is difficult and may demand heroism.
“The Kingdom of Heaven has been enduring violent assault and the violent have been seizing it by force” (Mt 11:12).
We have to do violence to ourselves and to our passions but virtue has its reward, not only in Heaven but even in this life.
The reward is the peace of soul which God bestows on us after we have overcome our perverse inclinations.

Holiness brings with it a spiritual youth which will never pass away.
A new life is beginning!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/03/thought-for-the-day-4-july-the-new-life-2/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/14/thought-for-the-day-14-august-the-new-life/

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD

Thought for the Day – 3 July – The Tabernacle Lamp

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

The Tabernacle Lamp

“The Tabernacle Lamp keeps Jesus company by night and by day.
We should keep Him company too.
We could not remain on our knees forever in front of the Tabernacle, neither could most of us spend as long as the Saints did in intimate conversation with Jesus.

But, our hearts can remain with Jesus and can burn with love for Him like the flame of the Lamp.
It is easy to remain in union with Jesus by doing everything, even the most unimportant actions, from the motive of love for Him.
We can offer Him all our sufferings and joys and, whatever sacrifices we make in order to remain good.
As the magnetic needle of the mariner’s compass is fixed in the direction of the north, so our thoughts and affections should be always turned towards Jesus.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/02/thought-for-the-day-2-july-the-tabernacle-lamp/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/14/thought-for-the-day-14-april-the-tabernacle-lamp/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TIME

Thought for the Day – 2 July – Moments of Silence

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

Moments of Silence

“Such is the speed of modern life that many people forget God and do not even pause to think about themselves.
Action is everything.
There is no time for reflection, no time for prayer.
Life has become mechanical and superficial, for nobody has the time, nor the inclination, to think about spiritual matters.

What is the result?
Since men are not machines but living beings, composed of soul and body and are capable of feeling and passion, their lower inclinations break loose and insist on being satisfied.
In the absence of prayer and of all effort to lead a good life, grace is lacking to inspire the mind, to strengthen the will and to keep the heart pure.
Rapid materialistic progress has accustomed men to accept, as inevitable, the most shameful falls.
The absence of any kind of contact with God, makes the soul the slave of sin.

Examine yourself.
Perhaps, you have not yet sunk to this low level of spirituality and are still capable of feeling remorse and the urge to do good.
But, you must listen for God’s voice and a certain amount of silence, is necessary, if His voice is not to be drowned in the tumult of the world.
We are in real need of solitude, recollection and prayer!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 1 July – The Passion of Our Lord

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Thought for the Day – 1 July – “The Feast and Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus” – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Passion of Our Lord

“Meditation on the Passion of Jesus” writes St Albert the Great, “is more profitable than fasting on bread and water or than scourging ourselves.”

This is because, when we meditate with love and gratitude on the Passion of our Redeemer, we have the experience of being transformed and set aglow with charity.
We realise the truth of St Paul’s words, “The sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come, that will be revealed in us” (Rom 8:18)).

Let us cast ourselves, therefore, into the merciful arms of God and be prepared to suffer everything, even death, for the love of Jesus.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/09/thought-for-the-day-9-april-the-passion-of-our-lord/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/01/thought-for-the-day-1-july-the-passion-of-our-lord/

Posted in "Follow Me", DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, QUOTES on ENEMIES, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TIME, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, St Francis de Sales, The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The LORD'S PRAYER, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

Quote/s of the Day – 1 July – Most Precious Blood

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 1 July – “The Feast and Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus”

“Embrace, then, Jesus Crucified,
raising to Him the eyes of your desire!
Consider His burning love for you
which made Jesus pour out His Blood
from every part of His body!
Embrace Jesus Crucified,
loving and beloved and in Him,
you will find true life because He is God made Man.
Let your heart and your soul burn
with the fire of love drawn from Jesus on the Cross!
… You will have no other desire than to follow Jesus!
Run, … do not stay asleep
because time flies and does not wait one moment!
Dwell in God’s sweet love!”

St Catherine of Sienna (1347-1380)
Doctor of the Church

“If a man finds it very difficult to forgive injuries,
let him look at a Crucifix
and think that Christ shed all His Blood for him
and not only forgave His enemies
but, even prayed His Heavenly Father,
to forgive them too.
Let him remember,
that when he says the Pater Noster, everyday,
instead of asking pardon for his sins,
he is calling down VENGEANCE UPON HIMSELF!”

St Philip Neri (1515-1595)

“The Saviour has instituted
the most glorious Sacrament
of the Eucharist,
which truly contains His Body and His Blood,
so that, whoever eats it will live forever.
Therefore, those who receive it frequently,
with devotion, strengthen their spiritual life
and well-being, to such an extent,
that it is almost impossible for them
to be poisoned by any kind of evil attachment.”

(Introduction to the Devout Life, Part II, Chapter 20)

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of the Church

Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, papal ENCYCLICALS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS, The INCARNATION

Thought for the Day – 30 June – Devotion to the Sacred Heart

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Thought for the Day – 30 June – “The Last Day of Month of the Sacred Heart” – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Devotion to the Sacred Heart

“When we consider it under it’s fundamental aspect as the cult of the love of God, rather than of the Incarnate Word, devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is as old as Christianity, even though it is only in recent centuries, that it has assumed it’s present symbolism.
“He who does not love, does not know God,” says St John, “for God is love” (1 Jn 4:8).
“And we have come to know,” he continues “and have believed, the love that God has in our behalf.   God is love and he who abides in love, abides in God and God in him” (1 Jn 4:16).
This cult of the love of God, particularly of the love of God made man, vibrates throughout the pages of the Gospel and of the writings of the Apostles, especially of St John and of St Paul.

In the works of the Fathers, there are references to the Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance, from which flowed all the infinite graces of the Church for our redemption.
We are reminded of this in the Encylical, Haurietis Aquas, published by Pope Pius XII in the year 1956.
But the specific cult of the love of God, as symbolised by the Heart of Jesus, was explicitly approved by the Church after Jesus Himself appeared in the year 1674 to St Margaret Mary Alacoque and showed her His Heart on fire with love for men.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/01/thought-for-the-day-1-june-devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Thought for the Day – 29 June – St Peter, Prince of the Apostles / St Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles

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

St Peter, Prince of the Apostles
St Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles

“It is good to admire the fidelity of St Peter and the designs of Divine Providence in making him the visible Head of the Church but, it is far better, to follow his example.
His love for Jesus, led him to leave his family and his fisherman’s trade, in order to follow Our Lord.
It led him to undertake long voyages, to endure imprisonment and to face martyrdom.
What can we do for the love of Jesus?
Remember that, if love is to be sincere, it must be generous and effective.

Secondly let us meditate on and imitate, the ardent and fearless faith of St Peter.
He was not afraid to preach the teaching of Christ before the Sanhedrin.
He was not afraid of Herod, who cast him into prison.

He was not afraid of the Roman Emperor, who caused him to be crucified.
Our faith should be steadfast and lively, like his!

Finally, let us imitate Peter in his repentance.
Although he loved Jesus very much and had such great faith in Him, in a moment of weakness and of imprudence, he denied Him three times.
All his life, however, be wept bitterly for this sin.
Whenever he heard a cock crowing, it was as if an arrow had pierced his heart.
He was not satisfied, until he was hanging upon the cross like his Divine Master and could prove his love for Jesus by a Martyr’s death.”

St Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles

We can learn many other virtues from St Paul, besides his zealous love for God and for his fellowmen.
We can also learn from him, the virtues of humility and of apostolic fervour.
The Apostle of the Gentiles reached such heights of sanctity, as to feel himself transformed into Christ Himself and to deserve to be taken up into the third Heaven, where he enjoyed a foretaste of eternal happiness.
Nevertheless, he considered himself unworthy to be called an Apostle and he realised, that all his gifts came to him from God.
“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to think anything as from ourselves but our sufficiency, is from God” (2 Cor 3:5).
Whenever we succeed in any project, we should think on the same lines because, it is only when we are humble and depend on the grace of God, that the success of our actions will redound to the glory of our Creator.
If the cancer of ambition or of self-love, should corrupt our purity of intention, our work would not be blessed by God and would not make us worthy of everlasting life.
Let us repeat often: “All for You, with You and in You, my God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/29/thought-for-the-day-29-june-st-peter-prince-of-the-apostles-st-paul-the-apostle-to-the-gentiles-2/

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CATECHESIS, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, St Francis de Sales, St PAUL!, St PETER!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 29 June – ‘There are the gates of our true country … ‘

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Quote/s of the Day – 29 June – Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

“There are the gates of our true country,
the two lights of the immense world.
There Paul’s voice is heard like thunder;
there Peter withholds or hurls the bolt .
The former opens the hearts of men,
the latter opens Heaven.
Peter is the Foundation-stone,
Paul the Architect of the temple
where stands the Altar
by which God is propitiated.
Both together form a single Fountain,
which pours out its healing
and refreshing waters.”

St Venantius Fortunatus (c 530 – c 609)
“The Troubadour of Christ”

“Yes, the Apostle chosen
to be His co-worker,
merited to share,
the same Name as Christ.
They built the same Building together –
Peter does the planting,
the Lord gives the increase
and it is the Lord, too,
Who sends those,
who will do the watering (cf 1 Cor 3:6f).”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father & Doctor of the Church

“These falls were both very great
but there was this differ­ence.
One acknowledged his guilt; the other despaired.
Yet, our Saviour had inspired in the heart of both,
the same Peccavi [admission of guilt] (“I have sinned”)
… From this time on, St Peter never ceased weeping,
principally when he heard the cock crow
at night and morning, for he remembered
this crowing as the signal for his conversion.
… Why then was Judas not converted?
… Alas, did not this unhappy man know
that Our Lord alone could give it to him,
that He was the Saviour and held Redemption in His hands?
… Certainly, he knew it but he did not wish,
nor dare to ask pardon. ”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas

“He grieved for his three sins,
not only on that sad night but throughout his life.
St Clement (c35-c101 the third succeeding Pope
after St Peter) writes that he wept so often
that his tears wore two deep furrows in his cheeks
and that, whenever he heard the cock crowing,
the cry pierced his heart.
He loved Jesus sincerely and passionately.
If we really love Jesus as Peter did
and are prepared to face death for His sake,
as Peter was, then we may be sure
that we shall never offend God again.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“I have appeared to you for this purpose,
to appoint you as a servant and witness,
of what you have seen
and what you will be shown.
I shall deliver you from this people
and from the Gentiles, to whom I send you,
to open their eyes, that they may turn
from darkness to light
and from the power of Satan to God,
so that they may obtain forgiveness of sins
and an inheritance among those,
who have been consecrated by faith in Me.”

Acts 26:16-18

“Yet I live, no longer I
but Christ lives in me;
insofar as I now live in the flesh,
I live by faith in the Son of God,
Who has loved me
and given himself up for me.”

Galatians 2:20

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on SUFFERING, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 28 June – Steadfastness in Suffering

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

Steadfastness in Suffering

“Christ has suffered for you, leaving you an example that you may follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21).

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/15/thought-for-the-day-15-june-steadfastness-in-suffering/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/03/thought-for-the-day-16-june-steadfastness-in-suffering-2/

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on SUFFERING

Thought for the Day – 27 June – External Mortification

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

External Mortification

“Principle:
So great is the happiness which is in store for me that it is a pleasure for me to suffer. (St Francis of Assisi).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/18/thought-for-the-day-18-january-external-mortification/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/25/thought-for-the-day-25-june-external-mortification/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, I BELIEVE!, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, PAPAL ENCYLICALS, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, ROSARY QUOTES, St PAUL!, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 27 June – Our Mother

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 27 June – Feast of Our Mother of Perpetual Succour (Help)

“O Mary,
you give assistance
to everyone endeavouring
to rise to God!”

St Bridget of Sweden (c 1303 – 1373)

“Wherefore, in the same holy bosom
of His most chaste Mother,
Christ took to Himself flesh
and united to Himself,
the spiritual Body formed
by those who were to believe in Him.
Hence Mary, carrying the Saviour
within her, may be said,
to have also carried, all those.
whose life was contained
in the life of the Saviour.
Therefore, all we,
who are united to Christ
and, as the Apostle says,
are members of His body,
of His flesh and of His bones (Eph 5:30),
have issued from the womb of Mary,
like a body united to it’s Head.”

St Pius X (1835-1914)
Pope from 1903 to 1914
Encyclical “Ad diem illum laetissimum” #10-11

“Be our Mother, O Mary,
for you have borne us spiritually on Mount Calvary,
at the foot of the Cross.
Deign to obtain for us, through your intercession
that we may love Jesus as you loved Him
and follow Him faithfully, as you followed Him,
unto Death.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Prayer to Our Mother
of Perpetual Succour,
When In Urgent Need
By St Alphonsus’ Redemptorists

O Mother of Perpetual Succour,
numerous clients continually surround thy Holy picture,
all imploring thy mercy.
All bless thee as the assured help of the miserable,
all feel the benefit of thy motherly protection.
With confidence then, do we present ourselves before thee in our misery.
See, dear Mother, the many evils to which we are exposed,
see how numerous are our wants.
Trials and sorrows often depress us,
reverses of fortune and privations,
often grievous, bring misery into our lives,
everywhere we meet the Cross.
Have pity, compassionate Mother,
on us and on our dear ones,
especially in this our necessity
…………… (mention your need).
Help us, dear Mother in our distress,
deliver us from all our ills,
or, if it be the Will of God,
that we should suffer still longer,
grant that we may endure all,
with love and patience.
These Grace’s we expect of thee with confidence,
because thou art our Perpetual Succour,
amen.