OPEN HOUSE…Conversations with… – Page 84

MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Third Week – Day Thirty Three – 18 November

Posted on November 18, 2018November 18, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Third Week – Day Thirty Three – 18 November

Third Week

Day 33 of 33

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 4, Chapter 11

That the Blood of Christ and the Holy Scriptures

Are Most Necessary unto a Faithful Soul

O most sweet Lord Jesus, how great is the pleasure of the devout soul that feasts with You in Your banquet, where there is set for her, no other food to be eaten but Yourself, her only Beloved and most to be desired, above all the desires of her heart! To me also it would be indeed sweet, in Your presence to pour forth tears from the very bottom of my heart and with the grateful Magdalene, to wash Your feet with tears (Luke 7:38). But where is that devotion? Where that bountiful flowing of holy tears? Surely in Your sight and Your holy Angels, my whole heart ought to burn and to weep for j oy. For in this Sacrament I have You mystically present, hidden under another shape. For to look upon You in Your own Divine brightness, my eyes would not be able to endure, nor could even the whole world stand in the splendour of the glory of Your majesty. Herein then You have regard to my weakness, that You hide Yourself under this Sacrament.

From True Devotion To the Blessed Virgin Mary, Nos. 261-265

In Mary
261. We must do everything in Mary. To understand this, we must realise that the Blessed Virgin is the true earthly paradise of the new Adam and that the ancient paradise was only a symbol of her. There are in this earthly paradise untold riches, beauties, rarities and delights, which the new Adam, Jesus Christ, has left there. It is in this paradise that He “took his delights” for nine months, workedHhis wonders and displayed His riches with the magnificence of God Himself. In this earthly paradise grows the real Tree of Life, which bore our Lord, the fruit of Life, the tree of knowledge of good and evil, which bore the Light of the world. In this divine place there are trees planted by the hand of God and watered by His divine unction, which have borne and continue to bear fruit, that is pleasing to Him. Only the Holy Spirit can teach us the truths that these material objects symbolise.

262. The Holy Spirit, speaking through the Fathers of the Church, also calls our Lady the Eastern Gate, through which the High Priest, Jesus Christ, enters and goes out into the world. Through this gate, He entered the world the first time and through this same gate, He will come the second time.

For Mary
265. Finally, we must do everything for Mary. We take Mary for our proximate end, our mysterious intermediary and the easiest way of reaching Him. Relying on her protection, we should undertake and carry out, great things for our noble Queen. We must defend her privileges when they are questioned and uphold her good name when it is under attack. We must attract everyone, if possible, to her service and to this true and sound devotion. As a reward for these little services, we should expect nothing in return, save the honour of belonging to such a lovable Queen and the joy of being united through her to Jesus, her Son, by a bond that is indissoluble in time and in eternity.

Recite: Litany of the Holy Spirit, Ave Maris Stella: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/29/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-first-week-day-thirteen-29-october/

St Louis de Montfort’s Prayer to Mary: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/11/05/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-second-week-day-twenty-5-november/
AND
Litany of the Holy Name and O Jesus Living In Mary: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/11/12/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-third-week-day-twenty-seven-12-november/ DAY THIRTY THREE - THIRD WEEK - TOTAL CONSECRATION - 18 NOV 2018

MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Third Week – Day Thirty Two – 17 November

Posted on November 17, 2018November 17, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Third Week – Day Thirty Two – 17 November

Third Week

Day 32 of 33

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 2, Chapter 7

Of the Love of Jesus above All Things

Blessed is he that understands (Psalm 119:1,2) what it is to love Jesus and to despise himself for Jesus’ sake. You ought to leave your beloved, for your beloved (Deut. 6:5; Matt. 22:37; Cant. 2:16); for that Jesus will be loved alone above all things.

The love of things created is deceitful and inconstant, the love of Jesus is faithful and persevering. He that cleaves to a creature, shall fall with that which is subject to fall; he that embraces Jesus shall be made strong forever.

2. Love Him and keep Him for your friend, who, when all go away, will not forsake you, nor suffer you to perish in the end. Some time or other you must be separated from all, whether you wish or not. Keep close to Jesus both in life and in death and commit yourself to His faithfulness, who, when all fail, can alone help you.

Your Beloved is of that nature, that He will admit of no rival but will have your heart alone and sit on His throne as King. If you could empty yourself perfectly from all creatures, Jesus would willingly dwell with you.

From True Devotion To the Blessed Virgin Mary, Nos. 257-260
There are some very sanctifying interior practices for those souls who feel called by the Holy Spirit to a high degree of perfection. They may be expressed in four words, doing everything through Mary, with Mary, in Mary and for Mary, in order to do it more perfectly through Jesus, with Jesus, in Jesus and for Jesus.

Through Mary
258. We must do everything through Mary, that is, we must obey her always and be led in all things by her spirit, which is the Holy Spirit of God. “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God,” says St. Paul. Those who are led by the spirit of Mary are children of Mary and, consequently children of God, as we have already shown. Among the many servants of Mary only those who are truly and faithfully devoted to her are led by her spirit. I have said that the spirit of Mary is the spirit of God, because she was never led by her own spirit but always by the spirit of God, who made Himself master of her to such an extent, that He became her very spirit. That is why St Ambrose says, “May the soul of Mary be in each one of us to glorify the Lord. May the spirit of Mary be in each one of us to rejoice in God.” Happy is the man who follows the example of the good Jesuit Brother Rodriguez, who died a holy death, because he will be completely possessed and governed by the spirit of Mary, a spirit which is gentle yet strong, zealous yet prudent, humble yet courageous, pure yet fruitful.

With Mary
260. We must do everything with Mary, that is to say, in all our actions we must look upon Mary, although a simple human being, as the perfect model of every virtue and perfection, fashioned by the Holy Spirit for us to imitate, as far as our limited capacity allows. In every action then, we should consider how Mary performed it or how she would perform it if she were in our place. For this reason, we must examine and meditate on the great virtues she practised during her life, especially: 1) Her lively faith, by which she believed the angel’s word without the least hesitation and believed faithfully and constantly, even to the foot of the Cross on Calvary. 2) Her deep humility, which made her prefer seclusion, maintain silence, submit to every eventuality and put herself in the last place.

St Louis de Montfort’s Prayer to Mary: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/11/05/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-second-week-day-twenty-5-november/
AND
Litany of the Holy Name and O Jesus Living In Mary: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/11/12/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-third-week-day-twenty-seven-12-november/ DAY THIRTY TWO - THIRD WEEK - TOTAL CONSECRATION 17 NOV 2018

MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The INCARNATION, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY, Uncategorized

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Third Week – Day Thirty-One – 16 November

Posted on November 16, 2018November 15, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Third Week – Day Thirty-One – 16 November

Third Week

Day 31 of 33

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 4, Chapter 2

That the Great Goodness and Love of God Is Exhibited to Man in This Sacrament

In confidence of Your goodness and great mercy, O Lord, I draw near, sick to the Healer, hungry and thirsty to the Fountain of life, needy to the King of Heaven, a servant to his Lord, a creature to the Creator, desolate to my own tender Comforter. “But how is this to me,” that You come unto me (Luke 1:43)? What am I, that You should grant me Your own self? how dare a sinner appear before Your?

And how is it that You vouchsafe to come unto a sinner? You know Your servant and are well aware that he has in him no good thing, for which You should grant him this. I confess, therefore, my own vileness, I acknowledge Your goodness, I praise Your tender mercy and give You thanks for Your transcendent love.

From True Devotion To the Blessed Virgin Mary, Nos. 243-254 243.

Loving slaves of Jesus in Mary, should hold in high esteem devotion to Jesus, the Word of God, in the great mystery of the Incarnation, 25 March, which is the mystery proper to this devotion, because it was inspired by the Holy Spirit, for the following reasons: a) That we might honour and imitate the wondrous dependence which God the Son chose to have on Mary, for the glory of His Father and for the redemption of man. This dependence is revealed especially in this mystery where Jesus becomes a captive and slave in the womb of His Blessed Mother, depending on her for everything. b) That we might thank God for the incomparable graces He has conferred upon Mary and especially that of choosing her to be His most worthy Mother. This choice was made in the mystery of the incarnation. These are the two principal ends of the slavery of Jesus in Mary.

245. a) Since we live in an age of pride when a great number of haughty scholars, with proud and critical minds, find fault even with long-established and sound devotions, it is better to speak of “slavery of Jesus in Mary” and to call oneself “slave of Jesus” rather than “slave of Mary”. We then avoid giving any pretext for criticism. In this way, we name this devotion after its ultimate end which is Jesus, rather than after the way and the means to arrive there, which is Mary. However, we can very well use either term without any scruple, as I myself do.

246. b) Since the principal mystery celebrated and honoured in this devotion is the mystery of the Incarnation where we find Jesus only in Mary, having become incarnate in her womb, it is appropriate for us to say, “slavery of Jesus in Mary”, of Jesus dwelling enthroned in Mary, according to the beautiful prayer, recited by so many great souls, “O Jesus living in Mary”. o jesus living in mary by st louis de montfort for total consecration - 12 nov 2018

249. Those who accept this devotion should have a great love for the Hail Mary, or, as it is called, the Angelic
Salutation. Few Christians, however enlightened, understand the value, merit, excellence and necessity of the Hail Mary. Our Blessed Lady herself had to appear on several occasions to men of great holiness and insight, such as St Dominic, St.John Capistran and Blessed Alan de Rupe, to convince them of the richness of this prayer.

MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Third Week – Day Thirty – 15 November

Posted on November 15, 2018November 14, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Third Week – Day Thirty – 15 November

Third Week

Day 30 of 33

Matthew 27:36-44

Then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus the King of the Jews.” Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, “He saved others, he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel, let him come down now from the cross and we will believe in him. He trusts in God, let God deliver him now, if he desires him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 2, Chapter 12

Of the King’s High Way of the Holy Cross

Unto many this seems a hard saying, “Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus” (Matt. 16:24). But much harder will it be to hear that last word, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire” (Matt. 25:41). For they who now willingly hear and follow the word of the Cross, shall not then fear (Psalm 112:7) to hear the sentence of everlasting damnation. This sign of the Cross shall be in the heaven, when the Lord shall come to judgement (Matt. 24:30). Then all the servants of the Cross, who in their life-time conformed themselves unto Christ crucified, shall draw near unto Christ the Judge with great confidence.

Why therefore fear you to take up the Cross which leads you to the kingdom? In the Cross is salvation, in the Cross is life, in the Cross is protection against our enemies, in the Cross is infusion of heavenly sweetness, in the Cross is strength of mind, in the Cross joy of spirit, in the Cross the height of virtue, in the Cross the perfection of holiness.

Take up, therefore, your Cross and follow Jesus (Luke 14:27) and you shall go into life everlasting.

St Louis de Montfort’s Prayer to Mary: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/11/05/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-second-week-day-twenty-5-november/
AND
Litany of the Holy Name and O Jesus Living In Mary: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/11/12/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-third-week-day-twenty-seven-12-november/ DAY TWENTY NINE - THIRD WEEK - TOTAL CONSECRATION 15 NOV 2018

MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Third Week – Day Twenty Nine – 14 November

Posted on November 14, 2018November 14, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Third Week – Day Twenty Nine – 14 November

Third Week

Day 29 of 33

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 1, Chapter 1

Of the Imitation of Christ and Contempt of all the Vanities of the World

He that follows Me, walks not in darkness (John 8:12), says the Lord. These are the words of Christ, by which we are admonished, how we ought to imitate His life and manners, if we would truly be enlightened and delivered from all blindness of heart. Let, therefore, our chief endeavour be, to meditate upon the life of Jesus Christ.

The doctrine of Christ exceeds all the doctrine of holy men and he that has the Spirit will find therein the hidden manna (Apocalypse. 2:17). But it happens that many, who often hear the Gospel of Christ, feel little desire after it, because they have not the Spirit of Christ (Rom. 8:9). But whosoever will fully and with relish understand the words of Christ, must endeavour to conform his life wholly to the life of Christ.

2. What does it avail you to discourse profoundly of the Trinity, if you be void of humility and are thereby displeasing to the Trinity? Surely profound words do not make a man holy and a just and a virtuous life makes him dear to God. I had rather feel contrition, than know the definition thereof. If you did know the whole Bible by heart and the sayings of all the philosophers, what would all that profit you without the love of God (1 Cor. 13:2) and without His grace?

Vanity of vanities and all is vanity (Eccles. 1:2), except to love God and to serve Him only. This is the highest wisdom, by contempt of the world, to press forward towards heavenly kingdoms.

St Louis de Montfort’s Prayer to Mary: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/11/05/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-second-week-day-twenty-5-november/
AND
Litany of the Holy Name and O Jesus Living In Mary: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/11/12/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-third-week-day-twenty-seven-12-november/ DAY TWENTY NINE - THIRD WEEK - TOTAL CONSECRATION 14 NOV 2018

Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY NAME, Thomas a Kempis

Our Morning Offering – 12 November

Posted on November 12, 2018November 11, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 12 November

O Sweet Name of Jesus
By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

O sweet Name of Jesus,
holy above all names
in heaven and on earth
and to which every knee,
both of men
and of angels in heaven,
on earth and in hell, bends.
You are the Way of the just,
the Glory of the saints,
the Hope of those in need,
the Balm of the sick,
the Love of the devout
and the Consolation
of those that suffer.
O, Jesus be to me a help
and a protector
so that Your Name
may be blessed for all times.
Amen

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471) CRSA …(Manualis Parvulorum XIII)

MARIAN DEVOTIONS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – First Week – Day Eighteen – 3 November

Posted on November 3, 2018November 3, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – First Week – Day Eighteen – 3 November

Readings and Prayers

First Week
Theme for the Week: Knowledge Of Self

Day 18 of 33

Luke 17:1-10

On Leading Others Astray:  And he said to his disciples: ‘It is impossible that scandals should not come, but woe to him through whom they come. It were better for him, that a millstone were hanged about his neck and he cast into the sea, than that he should scandalise one of these little ones.’
On Brotherly Correction:  ‘Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sin against you, reprove him: and if he do penance, forgive him. And if he sin against you seven times in a day and seven times in a day be converted unto you, saying, I repent, forgive him.’
The Power of Faith :  And the apostles said to the Lord: Increase our faith. And the Lord said: ‘If you had faith like to a grain of mustard seed, you might say to this mulberry tree, Be you rooted up and be you transplanted into the sea and it would obey you. ‘
Humble Service:  But which of you having a servant ploughing, or feeding cattle, will say to him, when he is come from the field: Immediately go, sit down to meat: And will not rather say to him: Make ready my supper and gird yourself and serve me, whilst I eat and drink and afterwards you shalt eat and drink? Does he thank that servant, for doing the things which he commanded him? I think not. So you also, when you shall have done all these things that are commanded you, say: We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which we ought to do.’

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 3, Chapter 47
That All Grievous Things Are to Be Endured For the Sake of Eternal Life

My son, be not wearied out by the labours which you have undertaken for My sake, nor let tribulation cast you down ever at all but let My promise strengthen and comfort you under every circumstance. I am well able to reward you, above all measure and degree. You shall not long toil here, nor always be oppressed with griefs. Wait a little while, and you shall see a speedy end of your evils.

Recite: Litany of the Holy Ghost, Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, & Ave Maris Stella:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/29/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-first-week-day-thirteen-29-october/ DAY EIGHTEEN FIRST WEEK- TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 3 NOV 2018

MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – First Week – Day Sixteen – 3 November

Posted on November 1, 2018November 1, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – First Week – Day Sixteen – 3 November

Readings and Prayers

First Week
Theme for the Week: Knowledge Of Self

Day 16 of 33

From True Devotion To the Blessed Virgin Mary, No. 228
Preparatory Exercises

During the first week they should offer up all their prayers and acts of devotion to acquire knowledge of themselves and sorrow for their sins. Let them perform all their actions in a spirit of humility. With this end in view they may, if they wish, meditate on what I have said concerning our corrupted nature and consider themselves during six days of the week as nothing but sails, slugs, toads, swine, snakes and goats.
Or else they may meditate on the following three considerations of St Bernard: “Remember what you were – corrupted seed; what you are – a body destined for decay; what you will be -food for worms.”
They will ask our Lord and the Holy Spirit to enlighten them saying, “Lord, that I may see,” or “Lord, let me know myself,” or the “Come, Holy Spirit”.
Every day they should say the Litany of the Holy Spirit, with the prayer that follows, as indicated in the first part of this work.
They will turn to our Blessed Lady and beg her to obtain for them that great grace which is the foundation of all others, the grace of self-knowledge. For this intention, they will say each day the Ave Maris Stella and the Litany of the Blessed Virgin.

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 2, Chapter 5
Of Self-consideration

We cannot trust overmuch to ourselves (Jer. 17:5), because grace oftentimes is wanting to us and understanding also. Little light is there in us and this we quickly lose by our negligence. Oftentimes too, we perceive not our inward blindness how great it is. Oftentimes, we do evil and excuse it worse (Psalm 141:4). We are sometimes moved with passion and we think it zeal. We reprehend small things in others and pass over our own greater matters (Matt. 7:5). Quickly enough, we feel and weigh, what we suffer at the hands of others but we mind not how much others suffer from us. He, that well and rightly considers his own works, will find little cause to judge hardly of another.

Recite: Litany of the Holy Ghost, Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, & Ave Maris Stella See here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/29/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-first-week-day-thirteen-29-october/ DAY SIXTEEN FIRST WEEK- TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 1 NOV 2018

MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – First Week – Day Fourteen – 30 October

Posted on October 30, 2018October 29, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – First Week – Day Fourteen – 30 October

Readings and Prayers

First Week
Theme for the Week: Knowledge Of Self

Day 14 of 33

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 3, Chapter 13

Of the Obedience of One in Humble Subjection, After the Example of Jesus Christ

My son, he that endeavours to withdraw himself from obedience, withdraws himself from grace and he who seeks for himself private benefit (Matt. 16:24), loses those which are common. He that does not cheerfully and freely submit himself to his superior, it is a sign that his flesh is not as yet perfectly obedient unto him but oftentimes kicks and murmurs against him.
Learn, therefore, quickly to submit yourself to your superior, if you desire to keep your own flesh under the yoke. For more speedily is the outward enemy overcome, if the inward man be not laid waste. There is no worse, nor more troublesome enemy to the soul, than you are unto yourself, if you be not well in harmony with the Spirit.
It is altogether necessary that you take up a true contempt for yourself, if you desire to prevail against flesh and blood.
Because as yet you love yourself too inordinately, therefore, you are afraid to resign yourself wholly to the will of others. And yet, what great matter is it, if you, who are but dust and nothing, subject yourself to a man for God’s sake, when I, the Almighty and the Most Highest who created all things of nothing, humbly subjected Myself to man for your sake?

I became of all men the most humble and the most abject (Luke 2:7; John 13:14), that you might overcome your pride with My humility.

O dust! learn to be obedient. Learn to humble yourself, you earth and clay and to bow yourself down under the feet of all men. Learn to break your own wishes and to yield yourself to all subjection.

Recite: Litany of the Holy Ghost, Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, & Ave Maris Stella ( See here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/29/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-first-week-day-thirteen-29-october/ ) DAY FOURTEEN FIRST WEEK- TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 30 oct 2018

MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Twelve – 28 October

Posted on October 28, 2018October 27, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Twelve – 28 October

Readings and Prayers

12 Day Preparation

Day 12 of 33

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 1, Chapter 25., cont.

But if you observe anything worthy of reproof, beware you do not the same. And if at any time you have done it, labour quickly to amend you rself. As your eye observe others, so are you by others noted again.

How sweet and pleasant a thing it is, to see brethren fervent and devout, obedient and well-disciplined! How sad and grievous a thing it is, to see them walk disorderly, not applying themselves to that for which they are called! How hurtful a thing it is, when they neglect the purpose of their calling and busy themselves in things not committed to their care!

Be mindful of the purpose you have embraced and set always before yourself the image of the Crucified. Good cause you have to be ashamed in looking upon the life of Jesus Christ, seeing you have not as yet endeavoured to conform yourself more unto Him, though you have been a long time in the way of God.

A religious person that exercises himself seriously and devoutly in the most holy life and passion of our Lord, shall there abundantly find whatsoever is profitable and necessary for himself, neither shall he need to seek any better thing, besides Jesus. O if Jesus crucified would come into our hearts, how quickly and fully should we be. A man fervent and diligent is prepared for all things.

It is harder toil to resist vices and passions, than to sweat in bodily labours. He that avoids not small faults, by little and little falls into greater. You will always rejoice in the evening, if you spend the day profitably. Be watchful over yourself, stir up yourself, warn yourself and whatsoever becomes of others, neglect not yourself. The more violent means you use against yourself, the more shall you progress. Amen.

Recite: Veni Creator, Ave Maris Stella, Magnificat and Glory Be (See HERE: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/17/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-day-one-17-october/ ) DAY TWELVE - TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 28 oct 2018

MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Eleven – 27 October

Posted on October 27, 2018October 26, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Eleven – 27 October

Readings and Prayers

12 Day Preparation

Day 11 of 33

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 1, Chapter 25

On the Fervent Amendment of our Whole Life

When a certain anxious person, who often times wavered between hope and fear, once overcome with sadness, threw himself upon the ground in prayer, before one of the altars in the Church and thinking these things in his mind, said “Oh, if I only knew how to persevere,” that very instant he heard within him, this heavenly answer: “And if thou did know this, what would thou do? Do now what you would do and thou shall be perfectly secure.” And immediately being consoled and comforted, he committed himself to the Divine Will and his anxious thoughts ceased. He no longer wished for curious things, searching to find out what would happen to him but studied rather to learn what was the acceptable and perfect will of God for the beginning and the perfection of every good work.

“Hope in the Lord,” said the Prophet, “And do all good and inhabit the land and thou shall be fed of the riches thereof.”

There is one thing that keeps many back from spiritual progress and from fervour in amendment, namely – the labour that is necessary for the struggle. And assuredly they especially advance beyond others in virtues, who strive the most manfully to overcome the very things which are the hardest and most contrary to them. For there a man does profit more and merit more abundant grace, when he does most to overcome himself and mortify his spirit. All have not, indeed, equal difficulties to overcome and mortify but a diligent and zealous person will make a greater progress though he have more passions than another, who is well regulated but less fervent in the pursuit of virtues.

Recite: Veni Creator, Ave Maris Stella, Magnificat and Glory Be (See HERE: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/17/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-day-one-17-october/ ) DAY ELEVEN - TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 27 oct 2018

MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Ten – 26 October

Posted on October 26, 2018October 26, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Ten – 26 October

Readings and Prayers

12 Day Preparation

Day 10 of 33

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 3, Chapter 10

That it is sweet to despise the world and to serve God.

Now, will I speak again, O Lord and will not be silent, I will say in the hearing of my God and my King Who is on high: Oh, how great is the abundance of Your sweetness, O Lord, which You have hidden for those that fear You!

But what are You, for those who love You? What, to those who serve You with their whole heart? Unspeakable indeed is the sweetness of Your contemplation, which You bestow on those who love You. In this most of all, have You shown me the sweetness of Your love, that when I had no being, You did make me and when I was straying far from You, You brought me back again, that I might serve You and You have commanded me to serve You.

O Fountain of everlasting love, what shall I say of You? How can I forget You, Who have vouchsafed to remember me even after I was corrupted and lost?

Beyond all hope, You show mercy to Your servant and beyond all desert, have You manifested Your grace and friendship. What return shall I make to You for this favour? For it is granted to all who forsake these things, to renounce the world and to assume the monastic life. Is it much that I should serve You, Whom the whole creation is bound to serve? It ought not to seem much to me to serve You but this does rather appear great and wonderful to me, that You vouchsafe to receive one so wretched and unworthy as Your servant. It is a great honour, a great glory, to serve You and to despise all things for You for they who willingly subject themselves to Your holy service, shall have great grace. They shall experience the most sweet consolation of the Holy Spirit, Who for the love of You, have cast aside all carnal delight.

Recite: Veni Creator, Ave Maris Stella, Magnificat and Glory Be (See HERE: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/17/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-day-one-17-october/ ) DAY TEN - TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 26 oct 2018

MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Nine – 25 October

Posted on October 25, 2018October 24, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Nine – 25 October

Readings and Prayers

12 Day Preparation

Day 9 of 33

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 1, Chapter 13, cont.

Fire tries iron and temptation a just man.
We often know not what we are able to do but temptations discover what we are. Still, we must watch, especially in the beginning of temptation, for then the enemy is more easily overcome, if he be not suffered to enter the door of the mind but is withstood upon the threshold the very moment he knocks. Whence a certain one has said “Resist beginnings; all too late the cure.” When ills have gathered strength, by long delay, first there comes from the mind a simple thought, then a strong imagination, afterwards delight and the evil motion and consent and so, little by little the fiend does gain entrance, when he is not resisted in the beginning. The longer anyone has been slothful in resisting, so much the weaker he becomes, daily in himself and the enemy, so much the stronger in him.

Some suffer grievous temptations in the beginning of their conversion, others in the end and others are troubled nearly their whole life. Some are very lightly tempted, according to the wisdom and the equity of the ordinance of God who weighs man’s condition and merits and pre-ordains all things for the salvation of His elect.

We must not, therefore, despair when we are tempted but the more fervently pray to God to help us in every tribulation – Who, of a truth, according to the sayings of St Paul, will make such issue with the temptation, that we are able to sustain it.

Let us then humble our souls under the hand of God in every temptation and tribulation, for the humble in spirit, He will save and exalt. In temptation and tribulations, it is proved, what progress man has made and there also, is great merit and virtue made more manifest.

Recite: Veni Creator, Ave Maris Stella, Magnificat and Glory Be (See HERE: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/17/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-day-one-17-october/ ) DAY NINE- TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 25 oct 2018

MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary

Posted on October 23, 2018October 22, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary

Readings and Prayers

12 Day Preparation

Day 7 of 33

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 1, Chapter 18, cont.

Outwardly they suffered want but within they were refreshed with grace and Divine consolation. They were aliens to the world, they seemed as nothing and the world despised them but they were precious and beloved in the sight of God.

They persevered in true humility, they lived in simple obedience, they walked in charity and patience and so every day they advanced in spirit and gained great favour with God. They were given for example to all religious and ought more to excite us to advance in good, than the number of lukewarm to induce us to grow remiss.

Oh! how great was the fervour of all religious in the beginning of their holy institute! Oh, how great was their devotion in prayer, how great was their zeal for virtue! How vigorous the discipline that was kept up, what reverence and obedience, under the rule of the superior, flourished in all! Their traces that remain still bear witness, that they were truly holy and perfect men who did battle so stoutly and trampled the world under their feet.

Now, he is thought great who is not a transgressor and who can, with patience, endure what he has undertaken. Ah, the lukewarmness and negligence of our state! that we soon fall away from our first fervour and are even now tired with life, from slothfulness and tepidity.

Oh that advancement in virtue be not quite asleep in thee, who has so often seen the manifold examples of the devout!

Recite: Veni Creator, Ave Maris Stella, Magnificat and Glory Be (See See HERE: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/17/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-day-one-17-october/ ) DAY SEVEN- TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 23 oct 2018

MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Six – 22 October

Posted on October 22, 2018October 21, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Six – 22 October

Readings and Prayers

12 Day Preparation

Day 6 of 33

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 1, Chapter 18

On the examples of the Holy Fathers.
Look upon the lively examples of the holy Fathers in whom shone real perfection and the religious life and you will see how little it is and, almost nothing, that we do. Alas, what is our life when we compare it with theirs? Saints and friends of Christ, they served our Lord in hunger and in thirst, in cold, in nakedness, in labour and in weariness, in watching, in fasting, prayers and holy meditations and in frequent persecutions and reproaches.

Oh, how many grievous tribulations did the Apostles suffer and the Martyrs and Confessors and Virgins and all the rest who resolved to follow the steps of Christ! For they hated their lives in this world, that they might keep them in life everlasting. Oh what a strict and self-renouncing life the holy Fathers of the desert led! What long and grievous temptations did they bear! How often were they harassed by the enemy, what frequent and fervent prayers did they offer up to God, what rigorous abstinence did they practice!
What a valiant contest waged they to subdue their imperfections! What purity and straightforwardness of purpose kept they towards God! By day they laboured and much of the night they spent in prayer, though while they laboured, they were far from leaving off mental prayer. They spent all their time profitably. Every hour seemed short to spend with God and even their necessary bodily refreshment was forgotten in the great sweetness of contemplation. They renounced all riches, dignities, honours and kindreD, they hardly took what was necessary for life. It grieved them to serve the body even in its necessity.

Accordingly, they were poor in earthly things but very rich in grace and virtues.

Recite: Veni Creator, Ave Maris Stella, Magnificat, and Glory Be (See See HERE: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/17/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-day-one-17-october/ ) DAY SIX- TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 22 oct 2018

MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Five – 21 October

Posted on October 21, 2018October 20, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary –

Day Five – 21 October

Readings and Prayers

12 Day Preparation

Day 5 of 33

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 3, Chapter 40

Wherefore but I did know well, how to cast from me all human comfort, either for the sake of devotion, or through the necessity by which I am compelled to seek You, because there is no man that can comfort me. Then might I deservedly hope in Your favour and rejoice in the gift of a new consolation. Thanks be to You from Whom all things proceed, as often as it happens to me. I, indeed, am but vanity and nothing in Your sight , an inconstant and weak man. Where, therefore, can I glory, or for what do I desire to be thought of highly?
Because of my very nothingness and this is most vain. Truly pride is an evil plague, because it draws away from true glory and robs us of heavenly grace. For, while a man takes complacency in himself, he displeases You, while he wants for human applause, he is deprived of true virtues. But true, glory and holy exultation is to glory in You and not in one’s self; to rejoice in Your Name but not in one’s own strength. To find pleasure in no creature, save only for Your sake. Let Your Name be praised, not mine, let Your work be magnified, not mine, let Your Holy Name be blessed but let nothing be attributed to me of the praise of men. You are my glory; You are the exultation of my heart; in You, will I glory and rejoice all the day; but for myself, I will glory in nothing but in my infirmities.

Recite: Veni Creator, Ave Maris Stella, Magnificat, and Glory Be (See See HERE: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/17/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-day-one-17-october/ )

DAY FIVE- TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 21 oct 2018

MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Four – 20 October

Posted on October 20, 2018October 19, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Four – 20 October

Readings and Prayers

12 Day Preparation

Day 4 of 33

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 3, Chapters 7, 40

That man has no good of himself and that he cannot glory in anything Lord, what is man, that Thou art mindful of him; or the son of man, that Thou visit him? What has man deserved that Thou should give him grace? Lord, what cause have I to complain, if Thou forsake me, or what can I justly allege, if what I petition Thou shalt not grant?
This most assuredly, I may truly think and say – Lord I am nothing, I can do nothing of myself, that is good but I am in all things defective and ever tend to nothing. And unless I am assisted and interiorly instructed by Thee, I become wholly tepid and relaxed but Thou, O Lord, are always the same and endure unto eternity, ever good, just and holy, doing all things well, justly and holy and disposing them in wisdom.

But I who am more inclined to go back, than to go forward, continue not always in one state, for I am changed, seven different times. But it quickly becomes better when it pleases Thee and Thou stretch out Thy helping hand, for Thou alone, without man’s aid can assist me and so strengthen me, that my countenance shall be more diversely changed but my heart be converted and find its rest in Thee alone.

He who would be too secure in time of peace will often be found too much dejected in time of war. If you could always continue to be humble and little in your own eyes and keep your spirit in due order and subjection, you would not fall so easily into danger and offence. It is good counsel that, when you have conceived the spirit of fervour, you should meditate how it will be when that light shall be withdrawn.

Recite: Veni Creator, Ave Maris Stella, Magnificat, and Glory Be ( See HERE: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/17/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-day-one-17-october/ ) DAY FOUR- TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 20 oct 2018

MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on JOY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD, Thomas a Kempis

One Minute Reflection – 14 October – Today’s Gospel: Mark 10:17–30 –

Posted on October 14, 2018October 14, 2018 by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 14 October – Today’s Gospel: Mark 10:17–30 — Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

“You lack one thing – go, sell what you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven and come, follow me.”...Mark 10:21

REFLECTION – “Jesus’ reply is clear: “I tell you there is no-one who has given up everything and has not received everything”. If you gave up everything. You will receive everything, in that overflowing measure with which God gives His gifts. You will receive everything. …. Everything!”… The Lord does not know how to give less than everything – when He gives something, He gives Himself, which is everything. …the sign that we are on the ‘everything and nothing’ path, of the forsaken fullness, is joy. It is no surprise that “the rich young man’s countenance darkened and he went away saddened”. …amid the trials and difficulties, the saints had a cheerful face, a generous outlook and joy in their heart. This is the sign”….Pope Francis – Santa Marta, 28 February 2017

PRAYER – Lord God, open our hearts to Your grace. Teach us Your ways . May we always be intent upon doing Your will. With You, in You and for You! Grant that the prayers of our Blessed Mother Mary, St Donatian and all Your holy saints in heaven, grant us Your gifts and with them true joy. We make our prayer through Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen. blessed virgin holy mother mary pray for us 14 oct 2018 st donatian pray for us 14 oct 2018

MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, SAINT of the DAY, The GOOD SHEPHERD, Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 3 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 9:57–62 and The Memorial of St Théodore Guérin SP (1798 – 1856)

Posted on October 3, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 3 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 9:57–62 and The Memorial of St Théodore Guérin SP (1798 – 1856)

“You know … that the good God
always makes use
of nothing,
in order to accomplish
something.”

St Théodore Guérin (1798 – 1856)

“He will be with you also, all the way, that faithful God.
Every morning when you awaken to the old and tolerable pain,
at every mile of the hot uphill dusty road of tiring duty,
on to the judgement seat, the same Christ there as ever,
still loving you, still sufficient for you, even then.
And then, on through all eternity.”

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

CONSECRATION Prayers, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MORNING Prayers, OPEN HOUSE...Conversations with..., PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Open House… Conversations with … St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)

Posted on September 28, 2018October 17, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Open House… Conversations with …
St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)

On The Memorial of St Simón de Rojas O.SS. (1552-1624) known as “Father Ave Maria” and the “Apostle of the Ave Maria”, we learn a little from St Louis.

How do I find the Grace of God?

TO FIND THE GRACE OF GOD, WE MUST DISCOVER MARY
(Excerpt from The Secret of Mary by St Louis Marie de Montfort)

The difficulty, then, is how to arrive at the true knowledge of the most holy Virgin and so find grace in abundance through her. God, as the absolute Master, can give directly Hhat he ordinarily dispenses only through Mary and it would be rash to deny that He sometimes does so. However, St Thomas assures us that, following the order established by His divine Wisdom, God ordinarily imparts His graces to men through Mary . Therefore, if we wish to go to Him, seeking union with Him, we must use the same means which He used in coming down from heaven to assume our human nature and to impart His graces to us. That means was a complete dependence on Mary His Mother, which is true devotion to her.

28. Chosen soul, this devotion consists in surrendering oneself in the manner of a slave to Mary and to Jesus through her and then performing all our actions with Mary, in Mary, through Mary and for Mary. Let me explain this statement further.

29. We should choose a special feast day on which to give ourselves. Then, willingly and lovingly and under no constraint, we consecrate and sacrifice to her unreservedly our body and soul. We give to her our material possessions, such as house, family, income, and even the inner possessions of our soul, namely, our merits, graces, virtues and atonements. Notice that in this devotion we sacrifice to Jesus through Mary all that is most dear to us, that is, the right to dispose of ourselves, of the value of our prayers and alms, of our acts of self- denial and atonements. This is a sacrifice which no religious order would require of its members. We leave everything to the free disposal of our Lady, for her to use as she wills for the greater glory of God, of which she alone is perfectly aware.

30. We leave to her the right to dispose of all the satisfactory and prayer value of our good deeds, so that, after having done so and without going so far as making a vow, we cease to be master over any good we do. Our Lady may use our good deeds either to bring relief or deliverance to a soul in purgatory, or perhaps to bring a change of heart to a poor sinner.

31. By this devotion we place our merits in the hands of our Lady but only that she may preserve, increase and embellish them, since merit for increase of grace and glory cannot be handed over to any other person. But we give to her all our prayers and good works, inasmuch as they have intercessory and atonement value, for her to distribute and apply to whom she pleases. If, after having thus consecrated ourselves to our Lady, we wish to help a soul in purgatory, rescue a sinner, or assist a friend by a prayer, an alms, an act of self-denial or an act of self-sacrifice, we must humbly request it of our Lady, abiding always by her decision, which of course remains unknown to us. We can be fully convinced that the value of our actions, being dispensed by that same hand which God himself uses to distribute His gifts and graces to us, cannot fail to be applied for His greatest glory.

Act of Consecration to Mary
By St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)

I, N…., a faithless sinner-
renew and ratify today in thy hands,
Immaculate Mother, the vows of my Baptism;
I renounce forever Satan, his pomps and works,
and I give myself entirely to Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Wisdom,
to carry my cross after Him all the days of my life
and to be more faithful to Him than I have ever been before.
In the presence of all the heavenly court,
I choose thee this day, for my Mother and Mistress.
I deliver and consecrate to thee, as thy slave,
my body and soul, my goods, both interior and exterior
and even the value of all my good actions, past, present and future,
leaving to thee the entire and full right of disposing of me
and all that belongs to me, without exception,
according to thy good pleasure,
for the greater glory of God, in time and in eternity.
Amen

“One cannot contemplate Mary
without being attracted by Christ
and one cannot look at Christ
without immediately perceiving
the presence of Mary.”

Pope Benedict XVI

“Those who would receive Christ and bring Him forth must become like her . . .
her soul was virginal, so well cut loose from everything of earth,
so humble before God, that He could wholly fill her.”

(D Aemiliana Löhr, The Mass Through the Year)

DOCTORS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY CROSS, Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 14 September – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Posted on September 14, 2018September 14, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 14 September – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

“In the Cross is salvation;
in the Cross is life;
in the Cross is protection against our enemies;
in the Cross is infusion of heavenly sweetness;
in the Cross is strength of mind;
in the Cross is joy of spirit;
in the Cross is excellence of virtue;
in the Cross is perfection of holiness.
There is no salvation of soul,
nor hope of eternal life,
save in the Cross.”

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471) The Inner Life

“The road is narrow.
He who wishes to travel it more easily
must cast off all things and use the cross as his cane.
In other words, he must be truly resolved
to suffer willingly for the love of God in all things.”

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

The everlasting God has in His wisdom
foreseen from eternity the cross He now
presents to you as a gift from His inmost heart.
The cross He now sends you
He has considered
with His all-knowing eyes,
understood with His divine mind,
tested with His wise justice,
warmed with loving arms
and weighed with His own hands
to see that it is not one inch too large
nor one ounce too heavy for you.
He has blessed it with His holy name,
anointed it with His grace,
perfumed it with His consolation,
taken one last glance at you and your courage
and then sent it to you from heaven,
a special greeting from God to you,
an alms of the all-merciful love of God.

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

Camillus wanted to have on his habit the Sign of the Cross
in order ‘to demonstrate that this is a religion of the Cross…
so that those who want to follow our way of life will get ready…
to follow Jesus Christ unto death’.
He wanted it to be dark red
‘because more like the true wood of the most holy Cross
on which the Redeemer of the World died and was appended’.

St Camillus de Lellis (1550-1614)

“Oh cherished cross!
Through thee my most bitter trials
are replete with graces!”

St Paul of the Cross (1694-1775)

“Everything is a reminder of the Cross.
We ourselves are made in the shape of a cross.”

St John Vianney (1786-1859)

“Let us not forget,
that Jesus not only suffered
but also rose in glory;
so, too, we go to the glory
of the Resurrection,
by way of suffering
and the Cross.”

St Maximillian Kolbe (1894 -1941)

“There is line from the illuminator of the St John’s Bible that states:
“We have to love our way out of this.”
There is nothing wimpy or namby-pamby
or blind about this conviction.
When we love extravagantly,
we are not purposely blinding ourselves to moral realities—
just the contrary.

Love is not a sentiment, but “a harsh and dreadful thing,”
as Dostoevsky said.

This is just what Jesus shows on His terrible cross.
And this is just what we, His followers, must imitate.
Taking up the cross means, not just being willing to suffer
but being willing to suffer as He did,
absorbing violence and hatred through our forgiveness and nonviolence.”

Bishop Robert Barron

Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY NAME, Thomas a Kempis

Our Morning Offering – 31 August

Posted on August 31, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 31 August

O Sweet Name of Jesus
By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

O sweet Name of Jesus,
holy above all names
in heaven and on earth
and to which every knee,
both of men
and of angels in heaven,
on earth and in hell bends.
You are the the Way of the just,
the Glory of the saints,
the Hope of those in need,
the Balm of the sick,
the Love of the devout
and the Consolation
of those that suffer.
O, Jesus be to me a help
and a protector
so that Your Name
may be blessed for all times.
Amen

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471) CRSA …(Manualis Parvulorum XIII) o sweet name of jesus - thomas a kempis - 6 jan 2018

MORNING Prayers, OPEN HOUSE...Conversations with..., QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE, Uncategorized

Open House….Conversations with …. 30 August

Posted on August 30, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Open House….Conversations with …. 30 August

Little weekly reflections from those ‘minds alive’, our friends and intercessors waiting on our arrival.

Mother, how do we live by example?

Thomas Malcolm Muggeridge was a British journalist and media celebrity who did not care much about God and religion. But…he saw compassion actualised before his very eyes through the person of Mother Teresa and that made him do something he had sworn he would never do – he became a Catholic!
Muggeridge had an assignment to write about Mother Teresa. Travelling to India, he thought the trip was just the usual work but the amazing thing was, in the course of his talks and days of observation of the little nun, he experienced a complete conversion of his heart, his mind, his soul, his very being.
He confessed: “Words cannot express how much I owe her, she showed me Christianity in action. She showed me the power of love. She showed me how one loving person can start a tidal wave of love that can spread to the entire world!”

“You must first learn to forget yourself

so that you can dedicate yourself to God and to neighbour alike!”

St Mother Teresa (1910-1997)

you must first learn to forget yourself - st mother terea - 30 aug 2018 - conversations with 2

EUCHARISTIC Adoration, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, Thomas a Kempis

Our Morning Offering – 25 August – A Eucharistic Offering

Posted on August 26, 2018August 24, 2019 by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 25 August – 21st Sunday of the Year in Ordinary Time, Year B

A Eucharistic Offering
By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Lord, all things in heaven and earth are Yours.
I desire to offer myself to You
in free and perpetual oblation,
so that I may forever be with You.
Lord, in simpliciy of heart,
I offer myself this day to You,
to be Your servant in service
and sacrifice of perpetual praise.
Accept me with the oblation of Your precious Body,
which this day I offer You in the presence
of Your holy angels, here invisibly present,
so that it may be to my salvation
and to the salvation of all people.
Amen a eucharistic offering - thomas a kempis - lord all things in heaven-26 august 2018

GOD the FATHER, MORNING Prayers, OPEN HOUSE...Conversations with..., QUOTES of the SAINTS

Open House….Conversations with ….

Posted on August 24, 2018August 30, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Open House….Conversations with ….24 August

Little weekly reflections from those ‘minds alive’, our friends and intercessors waiting on our arrival.

Blessed John Henry, does created beauty reflect Divine Beauty?

“Leave, then, the prison of your own reasonings, leave the town, the work of man, the haunt of sin – go forth, my Brethren, far from the tents of Cedar and the slime of Babylon, with the patriarch, go forth to meditate in the field and from the splendours of the work, imagine the unimaginable glory of the Architect.

Mount some bold eminence and look back, when the sun is high and full upon the earth, when mountains, cliffs and sea rise up before you like a brilliant pageant, with outlines noble and graceful and tints and shows soft, clear and harmonious, giving depth and unity to the whole and then go through the forest, or fruitful field, or along meadow and stream and listen to the distant country sounds and drink in the fragrant air which is poured around you in spring or summer; or go among the gardens and delight your senses with the grace and splendour and the various sweetness of the flowers you find there – then think of the almost mysterious influence upon the mind of particular scents, or the emotion which some gentle, peaceful strain excites in us, or how soul and body are rapt and carried away captive by the concord of musical sounds, when the ear is open to their power – and then, when you have ranged through sights and sounds and odours and your heart kindles and your voice is full of praise and worship, reflect – not that they tell you nothing of their Maker – but that they are the poorest and dimmest glimmerings of His glory and the very refuse of His exuberant riches and but the dusky smoke which precedes the flame, compared to Him Who made them!

Such is the Creator, in His Eternal Uncreated Beauty, that, were it given to us to behold it, we should die of very rapture at the sight!”

“The Mystery of Divine Condescension” Discourses addressed to mixed congregations – Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman Cong. Orat. (1801-1890)

such is the creator - bl john henry newman - 1st conversations with....24 aug 2018.jpg

Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, Thomas a Kempis

Our Morning Offering – 15 August – The Memorial of St Tarcisius (Died c 257) – Martyr of the Holy Eucharist

Posted on August 15, 2018August 14, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 15 August – The Memorial of St Tarcisius (Died c 257) – Martyr of the Holy Eucharist

Write Your Blessed Name upon My Heart
By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Write Your blessed name,
O Lord, upon my heart,
there to remain so indelibly engraved,
that no prosperity,
no adversity,
shall ever move me from Your love.
Be to me, a strong tower of defence,
a comforter in tribulation,
a deliverer in distress,
a very present help in trouble
and a guide to heaven,
through the many temptations
and dangers of this life.
Amen write your blessed name upon my heart - thomas a kempis - mem of st tarcisius 15 august 2018

MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, Thomas a Kempis

Our Morning Offering – 27 July

Posted on July 27, 2018July 26, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 27 July – Friday of the Sixteenth week in Ordinary Time, Year B

Above All That is Not You
Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

O most loving Jesus,
give me this special grace to rest in You
above all created things,
above all health and beauty,
above all glory and honour,
above all dignity and power,
above all knowledge and prudence,
above all riches and talents,
above all joy and gladness,
above all fame and praise,
above all sweetness and consolation,
above all hope and promise,
above all merit and desire,
above all gifts and rewards
that You may give or send –
except Yourself –
above all joy or happiness
that the human mind and heart
can grasp or feel,
above all Angels and Archangels,
above all the heavenly hosts as well,
above all things visible and invisible
and above all that is not You,
my God.
Amen o most loving jesus - above all that is not you - thomas a kempis - 27 july 2018

MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, Thomas a Kempis

Our Morning Offering – 10 July

Posted on July 10, 2018July 9, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 10 July – Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week of Ordinary Time, Year B

A Prayer for Fulfilling
the Will of God
Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

O most merciful Jesus,
grant me Your grace,
that it may remain with me always
and persevere with me to the end.
Grant me always to will and desire,
what is more pleasing and acceptable to You.
Let Your will be mind
and let my will always follow Yours
in perfect conformity with it.
Let my will and desires always be one with Yours
and let me be unable to will or not to will,
except as You will or do not will.
Grant that I may die to all worldly things
and that I may be despised and unknown
for love of You.
Grant, above all things to be desired,
that I may find rest in You
and that in Your Heart alone may be my peace.
You, O Lord, give true peace to the heart
and perfect rest to body and soul.
Apart from You, all is difficult and never still.
In that peace, in You Who are the one,
supreme and eternal Good,
I will sleep and take my rest.
Amen a prayer for fulfilling the will of god - thomas a kempis -10 july 2018

MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, Thomas a Kempis

Our Morning Offering – 25 June – Monday of the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time, Year B

Posted on June 25, 2018June 24, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 25 June – Monday of the Twelfth Week of Ordinary Time, Year B

O Light Eternal
Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

O Light eternal,
surpassing all created brightness,
flash forth the lightning from above
and enlighten the inmost recesses of my heart.
Cleanse, cheer, enlighten
and vivify my spirit with all its powers,
that it may cleave to You in ecstasies of joy.
Oh, when will that happy
and wished-for hour come,
that You may fill me with Your presence
and become all in all to me?
So long as this is not given me,
my joy will not be complete.
Amen o light eternal - thomas a kempis - 25 june 2018 - beige old light

MORNING Prayers, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SPEAKING of ....., Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 14 June – Thursday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time, Year B

Posted on June 14, 2018June 14, 2018 by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 14 June – Thursday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time, Year B

Speaking of: Seeking Thomas à Kempis

“Man sees your actions
but God your motives.”

“What else does anxiety
about the future bring you
but sorrow upon sorrow?”

“He who loves
with purity,
considers not,
the gift of the lover
but the
love of the giver.”

“Nothing, how little so ever it be,
if it is suffered for God’s sake,
can pass without merit
in the sight of God.”

“Who has a harder fight,
than he who is striving,
to overcome himself?”

“Habit is overcome by habit.”

“Love wakes much and sleeps little
and, in sleeping, does not sleep.
It faints but is not weary;
it is restricted in its liberty
and is great freedom.
It sees reasons to fear
and does not fear
but, like an ember or a spark of fire,
flames always upward,
by the fervour of its love, toward God
and through the special help of grace,
is delivered from all perils and dangers.”

“For a small reward,
a man will hurry away on a long journey;
while for eternal life,
many will hardly take a single step.”

“In the Cross is salvation;
in the Cross is life,
in the Cross is protection against our enemies,
in the Cross is infusion of heavenly sweetness,
in the Cross is strength of mind,
in the Cross is joy of spirit,
in the Cross is excellence of virtue,
in the Cross is perfection of holiness.
There is no salvation of soul,
nor hope of eternal life,
save in the Cross.”

“He will be with you also,
all the way, that faithful God.
Every morning when you awaken,
to the old and tolerable pain,
at every mile of the hot uphill dusty road
of tiring duty,
on to the judgment seat,
the same Christ there as ever,
still loving you,
still sufficient for you, even then.
And then, on through all eternity.”

	Santo Markus Penulis… on Saint of the Day – 25 Ap…
	Santa Maria Euphrasi… on Saint of the Day – 24 Ap…
	Santo Adelbertus dar… on Saint of the Day – 23 Ap…
	Santo Georgius, Oran… on Saint of the Day – 23 Ap…
	Santo Konradus dari… on Saint of the Day – 21 Ap…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Readings and Prayers First Week Theme for the Week: Knowledge Of Self

Share this:

Readings and Prayers

Share this:

Readings and Prayers

Share this:

Readings and Prayers

Share this:

Readings and Prayers

Share this:

Readings and Prayers

Share this:

Readings and Prayers

Share this:

Readings and Prayers

Share this:

Readings and Prayers

Share this:

Share this:

St Théodore Guérin (1798 – 1856)

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Share this:

Open House… Conversations with … St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)

Pope Benedict XVI

Share this:

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471) The Inner Life

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

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

St Camillus de Lellis (1550-1614)

St Paul of the Cross (1694-1775)

St John Vianney (1786-1859)

St Maximillian Kolbe (1894 -1941)

Bishop Robert Barron

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Speaking of: Seeking Thomas à Kempis

Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Share this:

Readings and Prayers

First Week
Theme for the Week: Knowledge Of Self

Open House… Conversations with …
St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)