Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

The Octave Day of Saints Peter and Paul, Notre-Dame d’Iron / Our Lady of Iron, Dunois, France (1631) and the Saints for 6 July

Bl Angela of Bohemia
Bl Christopher Solino
St Cyril of Thessaloniki

St Gervais
St Giusto of Condat
St Goar (6th Century) Priest and Confessor, Hermit.
St Godelieve
St Monenna
St Noyala of Brittany
St Petrus Wang Zuolung

St Saxburgh of Ely
St Sisoes the Great
Bl Suzanne Agathe de Loye

St Tranquillinus of Rome

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 5 July – Saint Zoe of Rome (Died c286) Married laywoman, Martyr

Saint of the Day – 5 July – Saint Zoe of Rome (Died c286) Married laywoman, Martyr. She lived during the reign of Emperor Diocletian and his early persecution of Christians. Also known as – Zoa.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St Zoe, Martyr, wife of the blessed Martyr Nicostratus. Whilst praying at the tomb of the Apostle, St Peter, during the time of Diocletian, she was seized by the persecutors and cast into a dark dungeon, then, being suspended on a tree by her neck and hair and suffocated by loathsome smoke, she yielded up her soul in the confession of the Lord.

Saint Zoe, Martyr (18th Century, Portuguese)

For six years Zoe had been unable to speak. Saint Sebastian made the Sign of the Coss upon her forehead and she immediately began to speak and glorified the Lord Jesus Christ.

Zoe asked for Baptism brining her husband and family to Christ too.

She became greatly devoted to Saint Peter and was discovered praying at his tomb when she was arrested for her faith.

She died, suffocated by the terrible smoke of a dung fire, lit beneath her suspended body. Her body was tied to arock and thrown into the River Tiber. The following night Zoe appears to St Sebastian and showed him the place where her body might be found. Her Relics are preserved in Rome, in the Basilica of Santa Prassede.

The Basilica of St Prassede
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

First Friday, Within the Octave of Sts Peter and Paul, Our Lady of Mount Athos, Great Lavra, Greece , 8th Century, St Anthony Mary Zaccaria and the Saints for 5 July

First Friday

Within the Octave of Sts Peter and Paul

St Agatho of Sicily
St Athanasius the Athonite
St Athanasius of Jerusalem
St Cast
St Cyprille of Libya
St Cyrilla of Cyrene
St Domèce
St Domitius of Phrygia
St Edana of West Ireland

St Erfyl
St Fragan
St Grace of Cornwall
St Gwen
St Marinus of Tomi
St Mars of Nantes
St Marthe


St Numerian of Treves
St Philomena of San Severino
St Probus of Cornwall
St Rosa Chen Aijieh
St Sedolpha of Tomi
St Stephen of Reggio
St Teresia Chen Qingjieh
St Theodotus of Tomi
St Thomas of Terreti
St Triphina of Brittany
St Triphina of Sicily
St Zoe of Rome (Died c286) Married laywoman, Martyr

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, FATHERS of the Church, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN QUOTES, SAINT of the DAY, The ANNUNCIATION, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The GOOD SHEPHERD, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The NATIVITY of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Quote/s of the Day – 4 July – St Andrew of Crete

Quote/s of the Day – 4 July – The Feast of St Andrew of Crete (c660-c740) Bishop, Father of the Church

Thou art the Good Shepherd;
seek me, Thy lamb
and neglect me not,
who has gone astray.

[John 10:11-14]”

Thou art my sweet Jesus,
Thou art my Creator;
in Thee, O Saviour,
I shall be justified.”

Today, the Virgin is born,
tended and formed and prepared,
for her role as Mother of God,
Who is the universal King of the ages.
… Therefore, let all creation
sing and dance and unite
to make worthy contribution
to the celebration of this day.
… Let everything, mundane things
and those above, join in festive celebration.
Today, this created world is raised
to the dignity of a holy place
for Him, Who made all things.
The creature is newly prepared
to be a Divine dwelling place for the Creator!

Today humanity, in all the radiance
of her Immaculate nobility,
receives its ancient beauty.
The shame of sin
had darkened the splendour
and attraction of human nature
but when the Mother
of the Fair One par excellence,
is born, this nature again,
regains, in her person,
its ancient privileges
and is fashioned according to a perfect model,
truly worthy of God ….
The reform of our nature begins today
and the aged world,
subjected to a wholly divine transformation,
receives the first fruits of the second creation.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/07/04/quote-s-of-the-day-4-july-st-andrew-of-crete/

St Andrew of Crete (660-740)
Bishop, Father of the Church

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 4 July – Saint Bertha of Blangy (c644-c723) Widow, Abbess

Saint of the Day – 4 July – Saint Bertha of Blangy (c644-c723) Widow, Abbess, Mother, Founder of a Monastery at Blangy, Artois and 3 Churches in the region. Born in c644 in France and died in c723 at her Convent in Blangy, France of natural causes. Patronage of Blangy. Also known as – Bertha of Artois, Berthe…

Bertha, born in France around the year 644, was the daughter of Count Rigobert, who served in the Court of King Clovis II and Princess Ursanna, the daughter of the King of Kent in England.

In the twentieth year of her age this beautiful and pious maiden was married to the cousin of the King, the noble Sigfried, who determined to advance with his spouse, along the paths of Christian perfection. They were blessed with five daughters, of whom two died in infancy; two others, Gertrude and Deotila, are Canonised Saints like their mother.

After several years of the most harmonious union, Sigfried died in 672 and Saint Bertha took the veil in a Monastery which by Divine instructions she built, at Blangy in the district of Artois. The Monastery was solemnly Consecrated in January of the year 682 and the holy widow endowed it with her terrains. Her daughters Gertrude and Deotila, greatly impressed by their mother’s act, soon followed her example.

Bertha was persecuted by Roger, or Rotgar, a young Lord of the Court of King Thierry III, who was furious over her refusal to give him her dauther, Gertrude’s hand in marriage, she already being a professed religious. He endeavoured to slander her mother as being opposed to the succession of Thierry and involved with the English Royalty in a conspiracy. The King sent for the Abbess to defend her cause, not sure that such conduct could be attributed to this holy woman. He was so impressed by Bertha’s demeanour and testimony that he took her under his protection and the persecution was immediately halted.

On her return to Blangy, Bertha had three Churches built, to honour Saint Omer, Saint Vaast and Saint Martin of Tours and completed the construction of her Convent. And then, after establishing the Rule of Saint Benedict and a regular observance in her community, she named Saint Deotila to replace her as the Abbess and retired to a solitary cell within the Convent, to spend the remainder of her days in prayer.

At the age of 79, having already buried her two daughters Deotila and Emma, she left Gertrude as Abbess in the Monastery of Blangy and died peacefully in the year 723 where she was buried and where her Relics (I believe) are still intact.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Within the Octave of Sts Peter and Paul, Nuestra Señora del Refugio / Our Lady of Refuge, Mexico (1720) and the Saints for 4 July

Within the Octave of Sts Peter and Paul

Nuestra Señora del Refugio / Our Lady of Refuge, Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico (1720) – 4 July:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/04/solemnity-of-saints-peter-and-paul-nuestra-senora-del-refugio-our-lady-of-refuge-matamoros-tamaulipas-mexico-1720-and-memorials-of-the-saints-4-july/

All the Holy Roman Pontiffs

St Albert Quadrelli

St Anthony Daniel
St Aurelian of Lyons
St Bertha of Blangy (c644-c723) Widow, Abbess
St Carileffo of Anille
Bl Catherine Jarrige
St Cesidio Giacomantonio
Bl Damiano Grassi of Rivoli
St Donatus of Libya
St Edward Fulthrop
St Elias of Jerusalem
St Finbar of Wexford
St Fiorenzo of Cahors
St Flavian of Antioch
St Giocondiano
Bl Giovanni of Vespignano
St Haggai the Prophet
Bl Hatto of Ottobeuren
Bl Henry Abbot
St Henry of Albano
St Hosea the Prophet
St Innocent of Sirmium
Bl John Carey

St Jucundian
St Laurian of Seville
St Lauriano of Vistin
St Namphanion the Archmartyr
Bl Natalia of Toulouse
St Odo the Good
Bl Odolric of Lyon
Bl Patrick Salmon
St Sebastia of Sirmium
St Theodore of Cyrene
St Theodotus of Libya
Bl Thomas Bosgrave
Bl Thomas Warcop

St Ulric of Ratzeburg
St Valentine of Langres
St Valentine of Paris
Bl William Andleby
Bl William of Hirsau

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 3 July – St Heliodorus (332-390) Bishop

Saint of the Day – 3 July – St Heliodorus (332-390) the first Bishop of Altino in Italy, disciple, close friend and assistant of St Jerome. Scholar, ex-soldier, Born in332 at Dalmatia (present-day Albania, much of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina) and died in 390 at Altino, Italy of natural causes. Patronage – of Torcello, Italy. Also known as – Heliodorus of Altino. of Altinum, Eliodoro.

The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Altino, St Heliodorus, a Bishop, distinguished for holiness and learning.

Heliodorus was born at Dalmatia, a Roman Province north-east of the Adriatic Sea which was also the native land of St Jerome. He soon sought out that great Doctor, not only to follow his teachings in matters relating to Christian perfection but also, to profit by his deep learning.

The life of a recluse held great attractions for him but, to enter a Monastery, it would have been necessary to leave his spiritual master and director, a sacrifice he was not prepared to make. He, therefore, remained in the world, although not part of it and following the example of the holy Hermits, passed his time in prayer and devout reading.

He accompanied St Jerome on his voyage to the Holy Land, visiting the various Churches of the Orient,and remained with him for a time but a desire to revisit his native land and to see his parents once more drew him back to Dalmatia. St Jerome tried to persuade him to remain but Heliodorus’ intention was to return to St Jerome, as soon as he had fulfilled the duties he owed his parents.

Finding his absence had grown prolonged and fearing that love for his family and attachment to worldly things might lure him from his vocation, St Jerome wrote him an earnest letter. He exhorted his good disciple to break entirely with the world and to consecrate himself to the service of God. But the Lord, who disposes all things, had a mission of activity reserved for His servant. After the death of his mother, Heliodorus went to Italy and soon was remarked for his eminent piety. He was made Bishop of Altino and became one of the most distinguished Prelates of an age fruitful in great men. He sustained the Catholic Faith against the Arian heresy and in 381 assisted at the Council of Aquilea in north-eastern Italy, called for that purpose.

Neither Heliodorus, the disciple, nor his former spirtual advisor, St Jerome, ever forgot their great friendship and bond. St Jerome, in one of his letters, testifies that he was a Bishop who lived in his Episcopal dignity with as much fervour and regular pious devotion, as in a Monastery.

St Heliodorus’ Sepulchre beneath his Altar at Torcello Cathedral

Saint Heliodorus died in 390. Heliodorus’ Relics were carried to Altino during the barbarian invasions and then to Torcello, where they rest in a Sepulchre in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, see below.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Notre-Dame-de-la-Carole / Our Lady of la Carole, Paris (1418), St Pope Leo II (611–683) and Memorials of the Saints – 3 July

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 2 July – St Lidanus of Sezze (1026-1118) Abbot

Saint of the Day – 2 July – St Lidanus of Sezze (1026-1118) Abbot, Miracle-worker, Founder of the Monastery of Sezze dedicated to St Cecilia, Virgin Martyr and in memory of his own mother named for St Cecilia. Born in 1026 in Antena, today Civita d’Antino near Avezzano, Italy and died on 2 July 1118 (aged 91–92) at Murillo, today part of Sezze near Terracina in Italy. Patronage – of the City and Diocese of Sezze. Also known as – Lidanus of Antena, Lidan… Lidano…

Ruins of the St Lidanus’ birth-home
 in Civita d’Antino

Lidanus was the only son of Gentilis, from the noble House of Avellarum and of Cecilia. At the very young age of nine, he joined the Benedictine Order at Monte Cassino . In 1043 when Lidanus was 17 years old, his parents died and left him a large fortune part of which he donated to be used, to drain the Pontine Marshes in order to improve the living conditions of all in the area and, with the consent of Abbot Richerio I (1038-1055) of Montecassino, the remainder was used for the construction of a Monastery with an adjoining Church, at the foot of Mount Antoniano, in the heart of the Pontine Marshes, in the Diocese of Sezze.

The area still retains the name of St Lidanus, in fact, he lived for seventy-two years in this Monastery there, of which he had become the Abbot. Lidanus ran the Monastery and lived with his brothers in strict penance, praying, fasting and mortification. His miraculous powers were praised – for example, when the frogs in the swamp were making too much noise, he silenced them with his staff.

Lidanus died in 1118 and was buried in the Church of his Monastery, he remained there until the destruction of that Church which occurred during the struggle between Emperor Frederick II (1194-1250) and the Papacy. His Relics were translated to the Cathedral of Sezze, by will of the Bishop Drusino.

The Cathedral of Sezze

Other official documents remind us of the cult paid to him in the Pontine area – in 1312 the largest of the Cathedral Bells, was dedicated to St Lidanus and, in 1473, the City Magistrate, with a Notarial Deed, committed himself to offering, in honour of the Saint, a new silver Chalice every two years.

Pope Leo X (1475-1521) confirmed the cult and regulated the Feast established by the Statutes of the City of Sezze. In 1606, there was the recognition of the Relics, with the construction of a new Altar, completed in 1672, with a gilded wooden reliquary. Many miracles o occurr at this resting place.

St Charles of Sezze (image below), always carried with him, a Relic of our Saint and with it, blessed the sick. Pope Pius VI Canonised St Lidanus on 9 April 1791, granted the proper Office and the solemn Feast of 2. A 14th Century document, preserved in the Capitular Archive of Sezze, contains the oldest image of Lidanus with the narration of his life, he is depicted with Benedictine monastic habits, with the book of the Rule and the Abbot’s pastoral staff in his hands.

This St Charles of Sezze is a lifestory is very much worth revisiting here:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/01/06/saint-of-the-day-6-january-st-charles-of-sezze-o-f-m-1613-1670/

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, franciscan OFM, JESUIT SJ, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

The Feast of the Visitation of Our Lady, Notre Dame de la Visitation / Our Lady of the Visitation, Auvergne, France (1717), St Processus and Companions and the Saints for 2 July

Bl Benedict Metzler

Bl Giovanni da Fabriano Becchetti
St Jacques Fermin
Bl Jarich of Mariengaarde
St Jéroche
St Lidanus of Sezze (1026-1118) Abbot
St Monegundis
St Oudoceus

Bl Pietro Becchetti da Fabriano

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, Dedication of the Church of Jumieges, Normandy, France (1067) and Memorials of the Saints – 1 July

July – “The Month of the Most Precious Blood”

The Octave Day of St John the Baptist

Dedication of the Church of Jumieges, Normandy, France (1067) 1 July:
HERE:

https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/01/the-most-precious-blood-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-dedication-of-the-church-of-jumieges-normandy-france-1067-and-memorials-of-the-saints-1-july/

St Aaron of Caerleon
St Aaron the Patriarch
St Arnulf of Mainz
St Calais of Anisole
St Carilephus
St Castus of Sinuessa
St Cewydd
St Concordius of Toledo
St Cuimmein of Nendrum
St Domitian (c347-440) Abbot
Bl Elisabeth de Vans
St Eparchius of Perigord
St Eutychius of Umbria
St Esther the Queen

St Gall of Clermont
St Golvinus of Leon
St Gwenyth of Cornwall
Bl Huailu Zhang
St Julius of Caerleon
St Justino Orona Madrigal
St Juthware
St Leonorious of Brittany
St Leontius of Autun
St Martin of Vienne
St Nicasius of Jerusalem

St Secundinus of Sinuessa
St Servan of Culross
St Theobald of Vicenza
St Theodoric of Mont d’Or
St Veep

Martyrs of Rome – 6 Saints: Six Christians who were Martyred together. No details have survived except their names – Esicius, Antonius, Processus, Marina, Serenus and Victor. They were martyred in Rome, Italy, date unknown.

Posted in EYES - Diseases, of the BLIND, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 30 June – Saint Adele of Orp-le-Grand (Died c670) Abbess,

Saint of the Day – 30 June – Saint Adele of Orp-le-Grand (Died c670) Abbess, Founder, Born in the early 7th Century in modern Belgium and died in c670 of natural causes at her Monastery. Patronage – agaomst eye diseases, ailmnts and vision disorders. Also known as – Adel, Adèlais. Additional Memorial – on the 1st Sunday in October (procession of her Relics through the streets of Orp-le-Grand) and 25 May on some calendars.

Adele of the Merovingian Dynasty noble family, decided to take the veil by entering the Monastery of Nivelles which had been founded by Itte Idoberge, widow of King Pepin the Elder and her daughter ,Saint Gertrude.

Around the year 640, she founded a Monastery at Orp-le-Grand, of which she became the first Abbess.
While Childeric II governed, this new Monastery flourished, so much so, that it led her to construct a larger building which she had dedicated to Saint Martin, into which she moved her entire community.

There are two local traditions regarding St Adele’s life. The first tells how Saint Adele became blind and then miraculously recovered her sight, the second reports that the Saint was born blind and received her sight during her Baptism.

We know little more about her and it is said that Saint Adele of Orp-le-Grand died around the year 670 and was buried in the Crypt of Saint Martin’s Abbey.

Chapelle Sainte-Adele Orp-le-Grand Orp-Jauche

Every year on the 1st Sunday of October her Relics are carried in procession, with great participation of the faithful through the streets of Orp-le-Grand.

St Adele’s Church at Orp-le-Grand Abbey

She is popularly invoked for curing vision disorders and is traditionally represented in religious dress. There is a terracotta statue depicting her in the Church of St Omer.
In homage to Saint Adele, many Churches have been dedicated to her in Saint-Géry, Fromiée and Hemptinne. In Brye, in Hainaut, next to the Chapel which bears her name, there is a well built in the 18th Century, where pilgrims draw miraculous water to bathe their eyes.
The celebration and remembrance for Saint Adele of Orp-le-Grand is generally held on 30 June.

St Adele’s miraculous well

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Pentecost VI, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours / Our Lady of Good Help, Montréal, Canada (1672) and the Saints for 30 June

Pentecost VI

St Adele of Orp-le-Grand (Died c670) Abbess, Founder

St Adolphus of Osnabrück O.Cist. (1185-1224) Bishop
St Alpinian of Limoges
St Alrick the Hermit
Bl Ambrose de Feis
Bl Anthony de Tremoulières
Bl Arnulf of Villers
St Austriclinian of Limoges
St Basilides of Alexandria
St Bertrand of Le Mans
St Clotsindis of Marchiennes

Bl Elisabeth Heimburg
St Emiliana of Rome
St Erentrude
St Eurgain
St Gaius
Bl Jacob Clou
St Leo the Deacon
St Lucina of Rome
St Lucina of the Callistus Catacombs
St Marcian of Pampeluna
St Martial of Limoges
St Ostianus
St Otto of Bamberg
St Peter of Asti
St Petrus Li Quanhui

St Raimundus Li Quanzhen

St Vihn Son Ðo Yen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 2 9 June – Saint Syrus of Genoa (Died c380) Bishop

Saint of the Day – 29 June – Saint Syrus of Genoa (Died c380) Archbishop of Genoa, Miracle-worker. Born in a suburb of Genoa and died in his home City at an advanced age of natural causes and was buried there. He is the chief Patron of Genoa. Also known as – Siro. Additional Memorial – 7 July (translation of his relics; in Genoa).

Born at Struppa, a neighbourhood of Genoa, as a Priest, he soon acquired a reputation for holiness and zeal. He succeeded Saint Felix as the Bishop of Genoa, having previously been the Parish Priest at Saint Romulus Church.

As a boy, Syrus brought his pet blackbird back to life by means of his saliva and prayers. Later, while walking with his father in the hills, he wished that a ship making for the Port might be still, whereupon the wind died and the ship came to a halt as if at anchor. Asking his father for permission to go on board, Syrus expressed his wish the boat might come to the land, whereupon the wind returned and the boat freely entered the harbour.

St Syrus of Genoa. Painted by Denys Savchenko. The Painint resides at St Peter and St Therese of the Child Jesus Church in Genoa, Italy

Legend holds that the bisBop was able to banish a basilisk which dwelt in a well adjacent to the Church of the Twelve Apostles – a plaque on a nearby house recalls the miracle. This event is represented in a medieval Bas Relief on the Portico Arcade next to the Church, as well as a fresco by Carlone in the Apse.

The Basilica of San Siro is one of the oldest Churches in Genoa. It occupies the site of a former Church originally dedicated to the Twelve Apostles. In later centuries, the Church was renamed after St Syrus and was elevated to a Basilica. Originally, it was the Cathedral of Genoa but it stood outside of the original walls and was vulnerable to attacks from Saracen pirates the title of Cathedral was transferred to San Lorenzo.

There is another Church dedicated to San Siro, San Siro di Struppa, outside the City centre in the suburb where our Saint was born and where his Relics now lie enshrined . Below is an image of the Basilica Interior.

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, St PAUL!, St PETER!

Sts Peter and Paul, Apostles, Notre-Dame de Buglose / Our Lady of Buglose, France (1634) and the Saints for 29 June

Sts Peter and Paul, Apostles: The joint commemoration of the Apostles, Peter and Paul, is one of the most ancient customs of the Roman Church, attested already in the oldest surviving Roman Liturgical Calendar, the Depositio Martyrum, written in 336. A verse of the Hymn, Apostolorum Passio, an authentic work of St Ambrose († 397) and still used in the Ambrosian liturgy, says that “the thick crowds make their way through the circuit of so great a city; the feast of the sacred Martyrs is celebrated on three streets.” These “three streets” are the via Cornelia, the main street running up to and over the Vatican hill; the via Ostiensis, where the burial and Church of St Paul are and the via Appia, on which resides the Cemetery “in Catacumbas.

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 28 June – St Irenaeus

Quote/s of the Day – 28 June – St Irenaeus (c130–c202) Bishop, Martyr, Father of the Church

The business of a Christian
is nothing else,
than to be ever
preparing
for death.

And, should anyone press you into service
for one mile, go with him for two miles.

Matthew 5:41

So, in everything, Christ invites you
to be of service to your neighbour,
taking no thought for his wickedness
but filling your own goodness to the brim.
Thus He invites us to become like our Father
“who makes his sun rise
on the bad and the good,
” (Mt 5:45).”

He is the Word of God
who dwelt with man
and became the Son of Man,
to open the way for man, to receive God,
for God to dwell with man,
according to the will of the Father.

It was, too, to lead the Ninevites
to firm repentance and to convert them
to Him, Who would deliver them from death,
amazed as they were by the sign accomplished in Jonah …
In the same way, God permitted man
to be swallowed by that great monster,
the author of disobedience,
not so that he should altogether vanish away
and die but because God, had prepared beforehand,
the salvation fulfilled by His Word
by means of the “sign of Jonah.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/06/28/quote-s-of-the-day-28-june-st-irenaeus-2/

St Irenaeus (c130 – c202)
Bishop, Martyr, Father

Posted in DYING / LAST WORDS, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 28 June – St John Southworth (1592-1654) Priest Martyr, ‘The Parish Priest of Westminster’

Saint of the Day – 28 June –Saint John Southworth (1592-1654) Priest Martyr, Missionary. Known as ‘The Parish Priest of Westminster.’ Born in 1592 at Samlesbury, Lancashire, England and died by being hanged, drawn and quartered on 28 June 1654 at Tyburn Tree, London, England. Patronage – the Clergy of the Westminster Diocese. His remains were purchased by the Spanish Ambassador to England and were sent to the English College in Douai, France. There the Relics were hidden to prevent destruction during the French Revolution and were only rediscovered in 1927 and are now housed at Westminster Cathedral, London. Additional Memorials – 27 and 28 June in the Diocese of Westminster,25 October as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai.

John was born in 1592 at Samlesbury Hall, near Preston in Lancashire, to a recusant Catholic family. He entered the English College in Douai and was Ordained a Priest in 1618.

Upon returning to England, he ministered in London and Lancashire, with a brief period as Chaplain to the Benedictine Nuns in Brussels.

John was first arrested and sentenced to death in 1626 at Lancashire Castle but reprieved through the efforts of Queen Henrietta Maria, the French wife of King Charles I. He was to be arrested three more times, spending much of the rest of his life effectively on parole.

Throughout the 1630’s he attended to the Plague victims in Westminster, administering the Sacraments and helping those in need, thus gaining him selfthe nickname ‘The Parish Priest of Westminster.’

In 1654 John was arrested for the last time, and tried at the Old Bailey in London. By this stage the courts were weary of executing Catholics and a more lenient sentence was likely. However, refusing to deny his Priesthood, John was sentenced to death.

On the 28 June 1654, John Southworth was hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn Tree after a long gallows speech.

This gallows I look on as His Cross
which I gladly take to follow my dear Saviour.

Following his execution, the Spanish Ambassador bought the body for 40 Guineas, had it stitched back together and embalmed before returning it to the English College in Douai for veneration. During the war between England and France in 1793, the lead coffin containing the body of John Southworth was buried in an unmarked grave for safe keeping, where it remained hidden until 1927 when the College was demolished to make way for housing.

In 1929 John Southworth was Beatified and his major Relics were sent to St Edmund’s College, in Ware, Hertfordshire, England the successor of the English College in Douai, before being transferred to Westminster Cathedral in 1930 (pictured below).

The names of the 40 Martyrs of England and Wales which adorn the ceiling in the ‘Chapel of St George and the English Saints’ in Westminster Cathedral, where the body of St John is enshrined.
Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN TITLES, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, SAINT of the DAY

Within the Octave of St John the Baptist, The Vigil of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariæ / Institution of the Angelus of Our Lady, (1456), St Irenaeus and the Saints for 28 June

Within the Octave of St John the Baptist

The Vigil of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul

Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariæ / Institution of the Angelus of Our Lady, (1456) – 28 June:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/28/institution-of-the-angelus-of-our-lady-europe-1456-and-memorials-of-the-saints-28-june/

St John Southworth (1592-1654) Priest Martyr
St Lupercio
St Papias the Martyr

St Theodichildis

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 27 June – Saint Sampson of Constantinople (Died c530) Priest, Father of the Poor.

Saint of the Day – 27 June – Saint Sampson of Constantinople (Died c530) Priest, Apostle of the poor and ill, Physician, founder of a hospital for the poor which lasted for hundreds of years. Born in Rome and died in c530 in Constantinople of natural causes. Also known as – Sampson the Hospitable, Samson…. Father of the Poor.

The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Constantinople, St Sampson, a Priest who harboured the poor.”

Sampsonwas born in Rome to a prominent and devout family. He was a Physician who devoted much of his time to helping the poor and sick.

He moved to Constantinople and there turned his home into a free hospitable, providing his patients with food, a bed and medical care. He was later Ordained a Priest.

When the Byzantine Emperor,Justinian the Great became ill, he sent for Sampson to cure him. He was the only Physician in the City to help the Emperor’s illness and the latter wanted to reward him. Sampson requested that the Emperor help him establish a new hospital for the poor. With the Emperor’s assistance, Sampson foundeda hospital which became the largest free clinic in the Empire and served the people of Constantinople for 600 years.

Sampson was buried in the Church of the Holy Martyr St Mocius (Died c190) in Constantinople.

Posted in franciscan OFM, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Within the Octave of St John the Baptist, Madre del Perpetuo Soccorso / Mother of Perpetual Succour, Matka Boża / Mother of God of Gietrzwald, Poland (1877) and the Saints for 27 June

Within the Octave of St John the Baptist

https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/27/thought-for-the-day

St Adeodato of Naples
St Aedh McLugack
St Anectus of Caesarea
St Arialdus of Milan
St Arianell of Wales


St Crescentius of Mainz
Bl Daniel of Schönau
Bl Davanzato of Poggibonsi OFM (c1200-1295) Priest
St Desideratus of Gourdon
St Dimman
St Felix of Rome
St Ferdinand of Aragon
St Gudene of Carthage
Bl Hemma of Gurk
St Joanna the Myrrhbearer
St John of Chinon

Blessed Maria Pia Mastena
St Sampson of Constantinople (Died c530) Priest
St Spinella of Rome
St Tôma Toán
St Zoilus of Cordoba

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Matka Boża Tęskniąca / Longing Mother of God, Warsaw, Poland, Sts John and Paul Sibling Martyrs and the Saints for 26 June

St Acteie of Rome
St Albinus of Rome

St Babolenus of Stavelot-Malmédy
St Barbolenus of Fossés
Bl Bartholomew of Vir
St Corbican
St David of Thessalonica
St Deodatus of Nola
St Dionysius of Bulgaria
St Edburga of Gloucester
St Hermogius of Tuy
St John of the Goths
St Maxentius of Poitou (c448-c515) Abbot
St Medico of Otricoli
St Pelagius of Oviedo
St Perseveranda of Poitiers
Bl Raymond Petiniaud de Jourgnac
St Salvius
Bl Sebastian de Burgherre
St Soadbair
St Superius
St Terence of Rome
St Vigilius of Trent

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 26 June – St Maxentius (c448-c515) Abbot

Saint of the Day – 26 June – St Maxentius (c448-c515) Abbot, Miracle-worker, in of Poitou . Born in c448 in Agde, France and died in c515. Also known as – Masenzio, Massenzio, Maixent.

The Roman Martyrology records: “In the territory of Poitiers in Aquitaine, in today’s France, Saint Maxentius, Abbot, famous for his virtues.

Maxentius was born at Agde,and Baptised with the name of Adjutor. He was placed, from his infancy, by his pious parents in the Monastery of St Severus and formed to piety by that holy Abbot, who never lost sight of him and continually taught him that everything in the world, is full of snares and temptations and unless we live in watchfulness and circumspection, the devil besieges us so close that it is impossible for us not to be surprised by him.

The youth, by walking always in holy fear, was happy to preserve his soul free from whatever could defile it. He fled with great dread the applause of men, as the bane of virtue. To avoid this danger, he stole away into a distant country but after two years was found and brought back by his parents and friends. The fear of the esteem of men again forced him abroad,and going into Poitou, he changed his name into that of Maxentius and put himself under the direction of a virtuous Abbot named Agapetus.

The brethren were struck with admiration to see one so perfectly disengaged from the world, so humble, so mortified, so full of charity and so enlightened in the paths of salvation and they unanimously chose him their superior. In his devotions he seemed animated with the spirit of David when he composed his psalms and in his instructions with the zeal and charity of John the Baptist. Austere towards himself, he showed in all his actions that he sought only that food which never perishes. Following the example of Agapetus, he laid down his office as soon as it was possible and shut himself up in a remote cell but the Monks obliged him still to continue to direct them by his counsels.

St Maxentius turns back the plundering army

Clovis, the King of the French, was then at war with Alaric, King of the Visigoths, who reigned in Spain, Languedoc and Aquitaine. A barbarous army was stopped by the Saint’s presence from plundering the Monastery and a soldier who attempted to strike him was seized with a numbness which continued until he was cured by the Saint. Nature on many occasions obeyed his voice, as St Gregory of Tours relates.

St Maxentius died about the year 515 and is named in the Roman Martyrology.

The Crypt at St Maxentius Abbey
Posted in CATECHESIS, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on the POOR, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, SAINT of the DAY, St Francis de Sales, St PAUL!, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 25 June– Shall receive a hundredfold … Matthew 19:29

One Minute Reflection – 25 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – St William (1085-1142) Abbot – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6; Matthew 19:27-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

… Shall receive a hundredfold and shall possess life everlasting.” – Matthew 19:29

REFLECTION – “The possessions which we have, are not our own: God has given them to us to cultivate and He wishes us to render them fruitful and profitable … Always deprive yourself, therefore, of some part of your means, giving them to the poor with a willing heart … It is true that God will return it to you, not only in the next world but also in this, for there is nothing which makes a person prosper, in temporal matters, so much, as almsgiving. But until such time as God shall repay it, you will always be impoverished to that extent. Oh! how holy and rich is the impoverishment which is caused by almsgiving.

Love the poor and poverty, for by this love you will become truly poor, since, as Scripture says: “We become like the things that we love” (cf Hos 9:10). Love makes those who love, equal to one another: “Who is weak and I am not weak?” says St Paul (2 Cor 11:29). He might have said: “Who is poor, with whom I am not poor?” For love made him become, such as those whom he loved. If, then, you love the poor, you will be truly participating in their poverty and poor like them. Now, if you love the poor, be often among them; be pleased to see them in your house and to visit them in theirs; associate willingly with them; be glad that they are near you in the Churches, in the streets and elsewhere. Be poor in speech with them, speaking to them as their equal but be rich in deed, giving them of your goods, as one who possesses more abundantly.

Will you do even more? … Become a servant of the poor; go to serve them … with your own hands … and at your own expense. This service has more glory in it than a throne!” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church (Introduction to the devout life, Part three Ch 15).

PRAYER – O God, Who made Thy Saints an example and a help for our weakness, grant us, as we walk the path of salvation, so to venerate the virtues of the blessed Abbot William that we may obtain his intercession and follow in his footsteps. Through 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).

“JESUS, meek and humble of HEART, make my heart like unto Thine.” – 300 Days, EVERYTIME. (Unless otherwise stated, e.g., “once a day,” a partial Indulgence may be gained any number of times in succession.) St Pope Pius X, 15 September 1905.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 25 June – Blessed Burchard of Mallersdorf OSB (Died 1122) Abbot

Saint of the Day – 25 June – Blessed Burchard of Mallersdorf OSB (Died 1122) the 1st Abbot of the Monastery of Mallersdorf. Born in the 11th Century in the Upper Franconia (in modern Bavaria, Germany) died on 25 June 1122 of natural causes in Mallersdorf, Bavaria, Germany. Also known as – Burkhard.

Mallersdorf Monastery is now a Franciscan Convent for Poor Clares

Little is known about Burchard’s early life but it is believed that he entered the monastic life at an early age. He joined the Benedictine Monastery of Saint Michael in Bamberg, Bavaria, where he devoted himself to a life of prayer and contemplation. His deep spirituality and commitment drew the attention of his fellow Monks and Superiors, who recognised his piety and wisdom. Burchard’s dedication to the monastic life was evident in his adherence to the Rule of Saint Benedict and his diligent study of the Sacred Scriptures.

In 1109, Burchard was appointed as the 1st Abbot of the newly founded Monastery of Mallersdorf. This appointment was a testament to his leadership qualities, spiritual depth and administrative skills. As Abbot, Burchard guided the community, fostering a spirit of holiness and discipline among them. Under his leadership, the Monastery flourished both spiritually and materially, becoming a centre of learning and devotion.

He was known for his humility and his care for the physical and spiritual well-being of his Monks. He provided for their needs and encouraged them to continually seek God through prayer, study and charitable works. As a teacher, Burchard imparted his knowledge and wisdom to his brothers, guiding them in the ways of sanctity and virtue.

Throughout his life, Burchard was a living example of holiness, inspiring those around him. . His devotion to the Virgin Mary was particularly notable, and he fostered a special reverence and love for her among the community.

Blessed Burchard died on 25 June 1122, in Mallersdorf, Bavaria, where he had served as the Abbot for many years. His Relics were enshrined in 1695, ensuring that his memory would be preserved for all of us.

While the Church has not officially recognised Burchard’s cult, he is venerated locally as such. l. His Feast Day is celebrated on 25 June. His legacy lives on in the monastic tradition, reminding us of the importance of seeking God wholeheartedly and offering ourselves in the service of others.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Beata Vergine delle Grazie / Our Lady of Grace-Romagna, Italy (1548)

St Gohard of Nantes
Bl Guy Maramaldi
Bl Henry Zdick

St Luceias and Companions

St Molonachus of Lismore

St Selyf of Cornwall
St Solomon I
St Solomon III of Bretagne

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 24 June – Saint Gohardus of Nantes (Died 843) and his Companions, Bishop Martyr,

Saint of the Day – 24 June – Saint Gohardus of Nantes (Died 843) and his Companions, Bishop Martyr, a Cephalophore (from the Greek for “head-carrier”), Lord of Blain. Born in 8th Century Angers, Neustria (in modern France) died on 24 June 843 in the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Nantes, Marche de Bretagne. Also known as – Gohard, Gunardo, Gunhard, Gundhard, Gunthard, Godard, Gonhard, Guichard, Guihard, Wighard.

Gohardus was born in Blain in Angers. It was during his Episcopate, in 843 that the Battle of Blain took place, the first major battle between the Franks and the Britons. Damage caused by struggles between these two factions in the area was compounded by Viking raids.

On the Feast day of St John the Baptist, a month after the defeat of Blain, the Vikings arrived at Nantes. Gohardus was celebrating Mass in Nantes Cathedral with a large community of Monks and Priests, when the Vikings attacked, killing the Bishop and his congregation.

Nantes Cathedra

Legend says that Gohardus picked up his severed head and walked down to the Loire River, where a boat took him to Angers. His body was buried in St Peter’s Collegiate Church in Angers, the City where he was born.

Gohardus was Canonised in 1096 by Pope Urban II. The Romanesque Crypt of Nantes Cathedral is dedicated to our Saint Gohardus and was redesigned shortly after his Canonisation to house his Relics brought from Angers. A side Chapel of the Cathedral is dedicated to enshrine his Relics.

His Feast Day is celebrated on 24 June.

St Gohardus Shrine and Relics in the Side Chapel at Nantes Cathedral dedicated to him
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, St JOHN the BAPTIST

The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, Madonna della Navicella / Our Lady of the Ship , Italy (1508) and the Saints celebrated on 24 June

St Aglibert of Créteil
St Agoard of Créteil
St Amphibalus of Verulam

St Erembert I of Kremsmünster
St Faustus of Rome and Companions
St Festus of Rome
St Germoc
St Gohardus of Nantes (Died 843) Bishop Martyr
St Henry of Auxerre/the Hagiographer
St Ivan of Bohemia
St John of Rome

St John of Tuy
St Joseph Yuan Zaide
St Rumold
St Simplicio of Autun
St Theodulphus of Lobbes

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 23 June – St Bilio of Vannes (Died c915) Bishop, Martyr, Confessor

Saint of the Day – 23 June – St Bilio of Vannes (Died c915) Bishop, Martyr, Confessor, a zealous Defender of the Faith and of his flock. St Bilio is believed to have been the 31st Bishop of Vannes in Brittany, France during (circa 892-915/919). He was murdered by Norman invaders whilst defending his See and his people. Also known as – Bili, Bille, Bily, Bilius.

Bilio played a significant role in the history of the Church in Brittany during the 9th Century. His existence, although debated by some scholars, is testified by historical documents and by the popular veneration which elected him Patron of the parish of Plandren.

Information on Bilio comes from various sources, including:

  • Historical documents: The codex of the Abbey of San Salvatore di Redon preserves seven documents which mention the pastoral activity of Bilio between 892 and 913, offering concrete evidence of his life and his Episcopate.
  • Episcopal lists: The Episcopal list of Vannes includes our Saint in thirty-first place, placing him between Kenmonoc (878-888) and Cunadan. However, the reliability of this list, especially for the early Bishops, has been questioned by some scholars.
    -The Roman Martyrology: Recognises him as a Martyr, specifying that he was killed by the Normans invaders during their incursions into Brittany.
    -Hagiography: The hagiographic tradition narrates his Martyrdom during a Viking raid, elevating him to a symbol of heroic resistance and sacrifice for the Faith.

The period in which Bilio exercised his Episcopate (circa 892-915/919) was marked by the devastating Norman invasions which plagued Brittany. Despite difficulties and dangers, Bilio distinguished himself as a zealous and courageous shepherd, dedicated to the well-being of his people and the defence of the Faith and the Church.

According to tradition, Bilio met his death during one of these Norman incursions, suffering Martyrdom for his faith. His heroic resistance made him a symbol of reference for the Christian community, who venerated his remains and proclaimed him Patron of the parish of Plandren, where he is presumed to have been buried.
The figure of St Bilio, although fascinating and full of meaning, is not exempt from historiographical debates. Some scholars question his Martyrdom, while his precise chronological lposition remains uncertain, due to the unreliability of some sources. Nevertheless, we will entreat his intercession for the whole Catholic Church and for ourselves, as time is non-existent in Heaven!

Vannes Cathedral
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Pentecost V, Saint John‘s Eve, Madonna del Sasso, Italy (1347) and the Saints for 23 June

Pentecost V


Vigil of the Feast of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

St Agrippina of Rome
St Bilio of Vannes (Died c915) Bishop Martyr Confessor

Bl Félix of Cîteaux
St Felix of Sutri
Bl Frances Martel
St Hidulphus of Hainault
St James of Toul
St John of Rome

Bl Lupo de Paredes

St Moeliai of Nendrum

Bl Peter of Juilly
Bl Thomas Corsini of Orvieto
St Thomas Garnet
Bl Walhere of Dinant
St Zenas of Philadelphia
St Zeno of Philadelphia

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, QUOTES on TRUTH, SAINT of the DAY, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Quote/s of the Day – 22 June – St Paulinus of Nola

Quote/s of the Day – 22 June – St Paulinus of Nola (c 354-431) Bishop, Confessor, Father.

The present is nothing.
But eternity abides
for those on whom
all Truth, all Good, has shone,
in One Entire and Perfect Light.

Listen, then, my son and give me your ear.
Break off all ties which bind
and entangle you in this world.
Change your secular service
into something better –
start being a soldier
for the eternal King!

It is a loving act to show sadness
when our dear ones are torn from us
but, it is a holy act to be joyful,through hope
and trust in the promises of God …
Thankful joy is more acceptable to God
than long and querulous grief.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/06/22/quote-s-of-the-day-22-june-st-paulinus-of-nola-2/

St Paulinus of Nola (c 354-431)