Saint of the Day – 4 February – Saint Gilbert of Limerick (c1070–1145) Bishop, Canon Lawyer, Papal Legate to Ireland appointed by the Papacy of Pope Paschal II in c1106 and also then appointed as the Bishop of Limerick, Scholar and Philsopher, Church Reformer, Unknown date or place of birth and died in Bangor, Ireland in 1145 of natural causes. Also known as – Gille, Gillebertus, Gilla, Gilli.
“For the early Irish Lent began on the Sunday after Ash Wednesday. Gilbert of Limerick (†1145) insisted on Ash Wednesday.” This injunction was part of the programme of Church Reform which took place in the 12th Century, reform in which St Gilbert of Limerick was deeply involved.
We know very little about Gilbert’s private history and personal life. He refers to himself both as Gille and Gillebertus. It is not even clear whether he was of Irish or Norse extraction. Is is suggests that his family roots are almost certainly in the Hibero-Norse City of Limerick, Ireland but his choice to retire to Bangor, Co. Down where he died may refer to Bangor as his birthplace.
The first record we have of Gilbert is a letter which he sent in 1106, as the Bishop of Limerick, to St Anselm, at that time the Archbishop of Canterbury, sending a gift of pearls and congratulating him on “the victory of your labours in subduing the indomitable minds of the Normans.” St Anselm’s reply states that the two “have known each other and delighted in friendship, since our time in Normandy.”` This may suggest our Gilbert had been a pupil of St Anselm in north-eastern France.
The balance of evidence suggests that Gilbert was a Papal Legate for almost all his time as the Bishop of Limerick and that he headed the Synod of Raith Bressail in 1111. According to St Bernard of Clairvaux, he was the first to be a Legate “per universam Hiberniam — throughout all Ireland.”
The Synod of Raith Bressail , in 1111,was the second aimed at reforming the Irish Church and the first to include the whole country. The first, held in Cashel in 1101, legislated against the purchase of Church positions and regulated the relationship of Church and State, of marriage laws and, of clerical celibacy.
The Synod of Raith Bressail went further, instituting for the first time, a full system of Diocese in Ireland in a hierarchy subject to a Primate of all Ireland and, through him, to the See of St Peter in Rome and the Sovereign Pontiff. This was the greatest change in the Irish Church since the 5th Century. A document, the Acta, from this Synod, gives further circumstantial evidence for Gilbert’s own origin in Limerick – Limerick is given as a model Diocese (with “St Mary’s Church” as its Cathedral Church) in a level of detail, suggesting local knowledge. Gilbert records in his treatise ‘De Statu Ecclesiae’ that many Irish Bishops and Priests requested he explain the hierarchy he advocated.
St Mary’s Caythedral Church of Limerick
With Saint Malchus of Waterford and Ceallach of Armagh, he helped reorganise the Church in Ireland, replacing monastic rule with that by the Bishops and Diocesan structure and advocating for a uniform Liturgy.
As a Canon Lawyer, Gilbert was working in the Paris tradition which was founded on law based on custom, rather than the compilation and reconciliation of texts as practised by the (later) Gratian. As such his style is very different, “exhortatory rather than prescriptive, encouraging rather than demanding” – very different from what we would regard as a legal text today. The law was based on a common vision of life; an inportant aspect of it was the rights and duties owed to a lord.
The Treatise itself is a commentary on a diagram (the image below) in which the hierarchical structure of the Church is shown as a pyramid, made up of further interlocking pyramids. The Pope is at the apex, balanced by the Emperor and Noah at the other two points. The pyramids below balance the Archbishop with the Duke, then the Bishop, with the Count and finally the Priest with the soldier. 15
In 1115, Gilbert is recorded as being present at the Consecration of a new Bishop of St David’s in Westminster. In 1129, St Bernard of Clairvaux records that Gilbert, along with Maek Isu of Lismore prevailed on St Malachy to accept the vacant See of Armagh and that, in 1140, Malachy became the Papal Legate due to the retirement of St Gilbert having become unwell in his old age.
Gille’s death, his only mention in the Irish annals, is recorded in 1145 in Bangor Co. Down. The ‘De Statu Ecclesiae‘ survived in two manuscripts and a prologue to it, ‘De Uso Ecclesiastico’ in three. The two parts were published by Archbishop James Ussher in 1632.
SEXAGESIMASUNDAY: (Latin – Sexagesima, sixtieth) is the eighth Sunday before Easter and the second before Lent. The Ordo Romanus, St Alcuin and others, count the Sexagesima from this day to Wednesday after Easter. The name was already known to the Fourth Council of Orléans in 541. To the Latins it is also known as “Exsurge” from the beginning of the Introit. The station was at Saint Paul’s Outside the Walls of Rome and hence, the oratio calls upon the Doctor of the Gentiles. The Epistle is from Paul, 2 Corinthians 11 and 12, describing his suffering and labours for the Church. The Gospel (Luke 8) relates the falling of the seed on good and on bad ground, while the Lessons of the first Nocturn continue the history of man’s iniquity and speak of Noah and of the Deluge.
Bl Dionisio de Vilaregut St Donatus of Fossombrone St Eutychius of Rome St Filoromus of Alexandria St Firmus of Genoa Bl Frederick of Hallum St Gelasius of Fossombrone St Geminus of Fossombrone St Gilbert of Limerick (c1070–1145) Bishop
St Jane de Valois O.Ann.M and TOSF (1464-1505) Princess, Queen, Founder, Religious Sister, Mystic, Teacher. Founded the monastic Order of the Sisters of the Annunciation of Mary. From this Order later sprang the religious congregation of the Apostolic Sisters of the Annunciation, founded in 1787 to teach the children of the poor. She was Canonised on 28 May 1950 by Pope Pius XII. Biography: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/04/saint-of-the-day-4-february-saint-jane-of-valois-o-ann-m-1464-1505/
St Themoius St Theophilus the Penitent St Vincent of Troyes St Vulgis of Lobbes
Jesuit Martyrs of Japan: A collective memorial of all members of the Jesuits who have died as Martyrs for the faith in Japan.
Martyrs of Perga – 4 Saints: A group of shepherds Martyred in the persecutions of Decius. The only details we have about them are the names – Claudian, Conon, Diodorus and Papias. They were Martyred in c 250 in Perga, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey).
Saint of the Day – 3 February – Saint Lawrence the Illuminator (Died 576) Bishop, Peacemaker – graced with the charism of granting clarity of understanding to both sides of disagreeing parties, Founded the Farfa Monastery where he died. Born in Syria and died in 576 at the Monastery at Farfa, Italy, of natural causes. Patronages – against eye diseases and blindness, of the blind – both bodily and spiritual cases. Also known as – Lawrence of Spoleto, Laurence …
Lawrence was driven into exile from Antioch, in 514, with 300 faithful during the persecution by the Monophysite patriarch, Severus of Antioch.
He was Ordained to the Priesthood in Rome and sent to preach in Umbria, where he founded a Monastery near Spoleto. He was elected as the Bishop of Spoleto and served as its prelate for 20 years. He then resigned and retired to the famous Monastery of Farfa in the Sabine Hills near Rome which he had founded.
Saint Lawrence was renowned as a peacemaker who helped the parties to see the situation from the other side. It is said that he attained the surname “the Illuminator” because he had a special gift for curing blindness – both physical and spiritual .
St Anna the Prophetess St Berlinda of Meerbeke St Blasius of Armentarius St Blasius of Oreto St Caellainn St Celerinus of Carthage St Clerina of Carthage St Deodatus of Lagny St Eutichio St Evantius of Vienne St Felix of Africa St Felix of Lyons
St Laurentius of Carthage St Lawrence the Illuminator ) Died 576) Bishop St Leonius of Poitiers St Liafdag St Lupicinus of Lyon St Margaret of England St Oliver of Ancona St Philip of Vienne St Remedius of Gap St Sempronius of Africa St Tigrides St Werburga of Bardney St Werburga of Chester
Benedictine Martyrs: A collective memorial of all members of the Benedictine Order who have died as Martyrs for the Faith.
Saint of the Day – 2 February – St Jeanne de Lestonnac ODN (1556-1640) Widow, Mother, Founder of the The Sisters of the Company of Mary, Our Lady ODN (Latin: Ordinis Dominae Nostrae). Born on 27 December 1556 at Bordeaux, France and died on 2 February 1640 of natural causes. Patronages – of widows, abuse victims. Also known as – Jane de Lestonnac, Joan de Lestonnac, Joanne. Additional Memorial – 15 May on some Calendars.
Jeanne was born in Bordeaux in 1556 to Richard de Lestonnac, a member of the Parlement of Bordeaux and Jeanne Eyquem, the sister of the noted philosopher, Michel Eyquem de Montaigne. She grew up in a time where the conflict between the Protestants and the defenders of the Catholic Faith was at its height. This was evident in her own family. While her mother became an enthusiastic Calvinist and tried to persuade her to convert, her father and her uncle Montaigne, adhered to the Catholic Faith and were her support in withstanding her own mother’s influence. Jeanner remained a devoted Catholic.
At the age of 17 she married Gaston de Montferrant, with whom she had seven children, three of whom died in infancy. She was married for 24 years when her husband died. This marked the beginning of a very painful period in her life, with the further loss, within seven months, of her father, uncle and eldest son.
Copy of a Portrait of an 18-year old woman, attributed to Pieter Pourbus, 1574, in the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, possibly St Jeanne de Lestonnac (1556-1640).
Following her husband’s death, Jeanne, at the age of 46 and with her children now grown, turned to a contemplative life and entered the Cistercian Monastery in Toulouse, where she was given the religious name of “Jeanne of Saint Bernard.” She found great peace and satisfaction in the monastic life but, after six months, she became very ill and had to leave the Monastery. She then went to live on her estate La Mothe Lusié to recover her health and where she adopted the lifestyle of a secular Sister, performing many acts of charity, including food and alms distribution and Jeanne regularly met with young women of her social class, to pray and discuss religious questions. She sought for models of Catholic women to be her guides and cultivated an interest in the lives of St Scholastica, St Clare of Assisi, St Catherine of Siena and St Teresa of Avila.
A few years later, in 1605, an epidemic of the Plague erupted in Bordeaux. At risk to her own life, Jeanne returned to her native City to help care for the sick and suffering in the slums and poorest regions of Bordeaux.
Jeanne’s brother, a Jesuit attached to the college in Bordeaux, arranged a meeting between his sister and two Jesuit Priests – Jean de Bordes and François de Raymond. The Jesuits asked her to serve as founder of a new teaching order for young women. They encouraged her to establish for girls, in terms of formal education, what they were doing for boys. The three decided upon a cloistered community to follow the Benedictine Rule, modified to allow Sisters to teach. The group gained the approval of Pope Paul V in 1607. The community took the name of the Compagnie de Notre-Dame.
An old priory was purchased near the Château Trompette but moved in September 1610, to a larger old Monastery on Rue du Hâ. They were well-received and financially supported by the City’s elite. The first five members of the new Order took their religious vows on 10 December 1610. The community established its first school for girls in Bordeaux. Foundations proceeded in Beziers, Périgueux and Toulouse through Jeanne’s personal connections, as well as her connections with the Jesuits and Bordelaise political elite. By the time she died in 1640, 30 Houses existed in France that is roughly one new foundation per year for 30 years.
Two of her daughters and at least one granddaughter had now joined the Order. Revised Rules and Constitutions for the congregation were drawn up in 1638. Joeanne was now over 80 and her health was beginning to fail. She spent her last years in seclusion as she prepared for death. But in her last years she was highly honoured by her Order. She died peacefully on 2 February 1640 in Bordeaux, aged 84, just after the sisters had renewed their vows on the Feast of the Purification of Our Lady. Her body is said to have been as healthy and emitted a sweet smell for several days afterwards. She was buried in the Cemetery of the Convent in Rue du Ha.
St Jeanne was Beatified on 23 December 1900 by Pope Leo XIII and was CanoniSed on 15 May 1949 by Pope Pius XII. As of 2016, her religious order has over 1,450 Sisters found in 27 Countries throughout Europe, Africa, North America and South America.
Our Lady of the Candles – Nuestra Señora de la Purificación y la Candelaria, is a Marian title and image venerated by Filipino Catholics. The image, which is enshrined on the balcony of Jaro Cathedral, is known as the Patroness of Jaro District of Iloilo City and the whole of the Western Visayas. The Feast Day of Our Lady of the Candles is on Candlemas (2 February) and is celebrated in Iloilo City with a Solemn Pontifical Mass presided by the Archbishop of Jaro.
St Adalbald of Ostrevant St Adeloga of Kitzingen St Agathodoros of Tyana St Apronian the Executioner Bl Bernard of Corbara St Bruno of Ebsdorf St Candidus the Martyr St Columbanus of Ghent St Cornelius the Centurion St Felician the Martyr St Feock St Firmus of Rome St Flosculus of Orléans St Fortunatus the Martyr St Hilarus the Martyr St Jeanne de Lestonnac (1556-1640) Widow, Mother, Founder
St Lawrence of Canterbury (Died 2 February 619) The Second Archbishop of Canterbury, the successor of St Augustine of Canterbury from 604 until his death in 619, but he was Consecrated as Archbishop by his predecessor, St Augustine, during Augustine’s lifetime, to ensure continuity in the office, Benedictine Monk, Missionary. He was a member of the Gregorian mission sent from Italy to England to Christianise the Anglo-Saxons. About St Lawrence: https://anastpaul.com/2022/02/02/saint-of-the-day-2-february-saint-lawrence-of-canterbury-died-619/
Saint of the Day – 25 January – Saint Bretannion of Tomi (Died c380) Bishop, Confessor, Defender of the Faith against heresy. Born of Cappadocian origin, he occupied the See of Tomi from 360 until his death in c380 of natural causes. Also known as – Brittany, Vetranio, Vetranius, Bretannione.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Tomi in Scythia, St Bretannion, Bishop, who by his great sanctity and his zeal for the Catholic Faith, shone in the Church under the Arian Emperor Valens,. whom he opposed with fortitude.”
Bretannion lived in the 4th Century and was the Bishop of Tomi, today’s Constance in Romania, on the shores of the Black Sea.
According to the renowned Roman Lawyer and Historian, Sozomen (c400-c450), around the year 368, during the Roman campaign against the Goths in the Danube regions, Emperor Valens stopped in Tomi and spoke to the people gathered in front of the Cathedral to persuade them to betray theTrue Faith proclaimed by the Council of Nicaea.
In fact, it seems that this Emperor had made a personal decision to visit all the Diocese of the Empire, to convince all the faithful to embrace the Arian cause. Bishop Bretannion, however, placed himself at the head of the Clergy and the people of Tomi and all together they moved away from the Church where Emperor Valens was carrying out his heretical propaganda in favour of Arianism.
For this gesture the holy shepherd was exiled but thanks to the protest of the faithful and the fear of sedition in the border territory, the Emperor was induced to revoke the punishment against the Bishop.
Bretannion sent the body of the famous Martyr, Saint Sheba the Goth, who died in Romanian territory, to Saint Basil the Great of Caesarea, accompanying it with a letter from faithful Goths, aimed at illustrating the ‘Passio’ of the Saint, attributed to St Ulfilas “Apostle of the Goths”(c311-c380) but certainly written by Bretanion himself. It was accompanied by a personal letter to St Basil, to which St Basil replied thanking him.
Contradictory reports have been handed down regarding the possible participation in the Council of Constantinople, convened in 381. According to some sources, in fact, Tomi was represented, not by Bretannion, who had probably already died but, by the Bishop Gerontius whom we presume was his successor..
Cardinal Cesare Baronio, in compiling the Martyrologium Romanum, seems to have arbitrarily chosen the date of the commemoration of our Saint Bretannion as 25 January.
St Apollo of Heliopolis St Artemas of Pozzuoli St Auxentius of Epirus St Bretannion of Tomi (Died c380) Bisho, Confessor St Donatus the Martyr St Dwynwen (Died c460) Virgin Princess, Nun. St Eochod of Galloway St Joel of Pulsano St Juventinus of Antioch St Maximinus of Antioch St Palaemon
Saint of the Day – 24 January – Blessed William Ireland SJ (1636-1679) Priest Martyr. Born in 1636 in Lincolnshire, England and died by hanging on 24 January 1679 at Tyburn, London, England. Also known as – William Ironmonger, William Iremonger. He was Beatified on 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI.
William was the eldest son of William Ireland of Crofton Hall, Yorkshire, by his wife, Barbara, a daughter of Ralph Eure, 3rd Baron Eure of Washingborough, Lincolnshire. He had several sisters, to whom he remained close, and who worked tirelessly to prove his innocence After he was falsely accused of conspiring to murder King Charles II during the Popish Plot conspiracy and hysteria,
He was educated at the English College at St Omer in France and was admitted to the Society of Jesus at the age 19 at Watten, Belgium. He studied Theology in Liege and in 1667, aged 31, was Ordained a Priest. For 10 years William was the Confessor to the Poor Clares at Gravelines in Northern France, waiting to return to England.
In 1677, when he finally succeeded, entering his country as William Ironmonger, (William Iremonger) he had only been working as Procurator of his Order (responsible for finances) for a year, when he already became the first victim of the nefarious conspiracy hatched by Titus Oates.
The apostate and perverted Titus Oates, was an Anglican Minister, who hated all Catholics and most particularly, he harboured a deeply vicious hatred towards the Society of Jesus. Together with another Minister, Israel Tonge, he invented the plot which the English Jesuits had supposedly planned wherein the assassination of King Charles II, the fall of the Government and its official religion and the re-establishment of Catholicism. This fictional tale caused an uproar and a new furious persecution against Catholics.
Among the first victims was Fr William, who was arrested together with Fr John Fenwick and William’s assistant, Mr John Grove. They were locked up in Newgate Prison and secured with heavy shackles which embedded itself into the bare flesh of their legs. On 17 December 1678, after three months in the horrors of the most notorious Prison in England, they were finally tried, along with Fr Thomas Whitbread and Thomas Pickering, a Benedictine Brother. At the trial, Titus Oates claimed to have witnessed a meeting of the Jesuits in April of that year and heard the Jesuits plotting to kill the King. He claimed that William, Fr Fenwick and John Grove were at the meeting and the Frs Whitbread and Pickering were to carry out the plan. They allegedly tried to carry out the murder but Fr Pickering’s gun allegedly failed three times. Another witness largely confirmed these statements.
Fr William, however, proved that at the time when he was supposed to be walking around the Royal Palace, he was in fact in the Midlands and in the north of Wales. As evidence to the contrary, Oates bribed a maid who claimed to have seen him in London at the time. On these trumped-up charges and blatant lies, William, John Grove and Fr Pickering were found guilty of high treason and sentenced to be hanged,drawn and quartered.
The execution was postponed by Royal Order for one month because the King, Charles II, himself did not believe that the Jesuits were involved in a conspiracy against him. Oates, however, procured and bribed, several more so-called witnesses of dubious repute, after which the King, fearing the wrath of the people, allowed the execution of the sentence.
William and John Grove were taken to Tyburn on 24 January 1679. The mob pelted them with stones and verbal abuse as they were led to the gallows. The King, who had already stated privately that they were innocent, as a special act of clemency, ordered that they be allowed to hang until they were dead, thus sparing them the usual horrors of drawing and quartering whilst still alive. They were hanged,and when they died, they were taken down so that they could be drawn and dismembered.
St Projectus St Sabinian of Troyes St Suranus of Sora St Thyrsus Bl essed William Ireland SJ (1636-1679) Priest Martyr
Martyrs of Asia Minor – 4 Saints: A group of ChristiansMmartyred together for their faith. The only details to survive are four of their names – Eugene, Mardonius, Metellus and Musonius. They were burned at the stake in Asia Minor.
Martyrs of Antioch: Babylas Epolonius Prilidian Urban
Saint of the Day – 23 January – St Raymond of Peñafort OP (1175-1275) Confessor, “Father of Canon Law” Dominican Priest, Co-Founder of the Mercedarian Friars with St Peter Nolasco, Miracle-Worker – born on 1175 at Peñafort, Catalonia, Spain and died on 6 January 1275 at Barcelona, Spain of natural causes. Raymond compiled the Decretals of St Gregory IX (Reign 1227-1241), a collection of Canonical Laws which remained a major part of Church Law until the 1917 Code of Canon Law abrogated it. Patronages – Lawyers, Canon Lawyers, Medical Record Librarians, Barcelona, Spain, Navarre, Spain. Also known as – Ramon de Penyafort, Raymond of Rochefort. … of Penyafort, Raymund. https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/07/saint-of-the-day-st-raymond-of-penafort-op-1175-1275-father-of-canon-law/
Decretals of St Gregory IX
St Raymond of Peñafort OP (1175-1275) By Fr Francis Xavier Weninger SJ (1805-1888)
“Raymond, sprung from the noble race of Peñafort, was born at Barcelona, in Catalonia, Spain, in the year 1175. Even in early childhood. his only delight was in prayer and study and, when but a mere youth, he was so advanced in learning, as to be deservedly appointed to instruct others. Subsequently, he devoted himself to Canon and Civil Law and soon excelled amongst the most celebrated Jurists of his time.
At Bologna he lectured publicly and gratuitously. At this time, Berengarius, Bishop of Barcelona, happening to pass through Bologna and hearing of Raymond’s wide-spread fame, persuaded him to return to his native land, where he first installed him as Canon, subsequently, however, as Provost. Nor did the Bishop hesitate to consult him in his most important affairs.
At the age of forty-four Raymond entered the Order of St Dominic, in which he soon acquired a great reputation for learning and piety. Pope Gregory IX, called him to Rome and chose him for his Spiritual Guide and Confessor, of which duties he acquitted himself with remarkable modesty and frankness. Observing that many poor people visited the Papal Palace, in whose fate no-one seemed to interest themself, Raymond imposed upon the Pope, as a penance, the duty of better providing for Christ’s poor. The Pope, who tells this anecdote himself, loved Raymond the more and valued him the more highly on this account, carefully regulating his manner of life, according to the instructions of the Saint.
As some reward for his many services, the Holy Father wished to appoint him to the Bishopric of Taragona but Raymond, steadfastly refused the proffered dignity, only begging to be dismissed from the Papal Court. In fact, his physicians had already decided that, if he wished to recover from a malady with which he was afflicted, he must seek his native air. Once more restored to his old home, he resumed his primitive fervour, in which he ever persevered. He wrote various instructions for the use of his neighbour, to whose eternal salvation he entirely devoted himself.
In the foundation of the Order for the Redemption of Captives, he took no little part; for he too, like St. Peter Nolasco, was admonished, in an apparition of Our Lady, to interest himself in its cause. He compiled Rules for those who wished to enter the Order, received St Peter as its first member, afterwards appointing him, with permission of the Holy See, its first General. In 1238, Raymond himself was elected the 3rd General but hastened, after three years, to resign, preferring the quiet of the cloister, devoted to prayer, the writing of edifying books and other such holy and useful occupations. He was looked upon by all, as a model of Christian perfection,but he excelled especially in a wonderful humility, an obliging condescension to the poor and a most childlike devotion to the Virgin Mother.
Many and remarkable are the miracles recorded of him but the following, which is the most known, may suffice here. James the First, King of Arragon, had chosen Raymond for his Confessor and desired him to favour him with his company on a journey to the Island of Majorca. But the King, incited by an unholy love for a certain woman, clandestinely conveyed her with him. Raymond had repeatedly and with holy zeal conjured the King to dismiss her and James had even promised to comply with the holy man’s request but upon their arrival at Majorca the Saint, soon perceiving that the King had broken his promise, went up to him and thus addressed him: “Your Majesty must either dismiss this person, or I shall be obliged to set sail for Barcelona to return to my cloister.” The King, growing angry at this reproof, gave strict orders that no-one should give passage to Raymond, should he wish to return to Spain. The holy man, unconscious of the intrigues of the King, hastened to the sea-coast, where a vessel lay ready to sail. He sought for admission in vain, the Officers showed him the Royal Mandate in Raymond’s regard.
Full of confidence in God, the Saint stepped upon a huge rock which stretched far into the sea. After making the Sign of the Cross, he spread his cloak upon the water and mounted the same, as if it were a seaworthy vessel. In vain did he press a fellow-Religious to join him, who had followed him to the coast but who now stood stupefied at this manner of sailing. Raymond did not allow himself to be shaken in his purpose by the fright of his companion but, placing his staff upright on his cloak and gathering up the folds in front in the manner of a sail, he glided off, to the most profound astonishment of all present! He arrived safely in Barcelona within six hours after his departure, the distance being 160 miles. In the presence of a large concourse of people, he stepped ashore, and, throwing his perfectly dry cloak over his shoulders, he hurried to his Monastery.
There, he lived for some time in great sanctity and, when he had almost reached his hundreth year, he slept quietly in the Lord, full of virtues and merits.” Below is St Raymon’d Tomb and Shrine in Barcelona Cathedral.
St Raymond of Peñafort OP (1175-1275) “Father of Canon Law” Dominican Priest, Doctor of Canon Law, the Third Master of the Order of Preachers, Founder of the Mercedarian friars, Writer, Teacher, Miracle-Worker. St Raymond of Peñafort’s Feast day was inserted in the General Roman Calendar in 1671 for celebration on 23 January. In 1969 it was moved to 7 January, the day after that of his death. He is the Patron Saint of canon lawyers, specifically and lawyers, in general. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/07/saint-of-the-day-st-raymond-of-penafort-op-1175-1275-father-of-canon-law/
St Abel the Patriarch St Agathangelus St Amasius of Teano St Aquila the Martyr St Asclas of Antinoe St Clement of Ancyra St Colman of Lismore St Dositheus of Gaza
St Ildephonsus (506-667) Archbishop of Toledo. Theologian, Scholar, Marian devotee, Writer, Evangeliser. Abbot Dom Guéranger calls him the Doctor of the Virginity of Mary. Saint Ildephonsus established the Feast of the Expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is still kept in some places on 18 December. Biography: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/01/23/saint-of-the-day-23-january-st-ildephonsus-607-667/
Saint of the Day – 22 January – Blessed Antonio della Chiesa OP (1394-1459) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, the Dominican Order (Ordo Fratrum Praedicatorum – OP), Prior, Reformer. Antonio was a known Miracle worker and was able to read the consciences of all which gifts made him a sought-after Spiritual Counsellor. Antonio was a Mystic and had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and he was known to have conversed with her several times, in ecstasy. Born in 1394 in San Germano Vercellese, in the region of Piedmont in northern Italy and died on 22 January 1459 in the Dominican Convent in Como, Lombardy, of natural causes, Also known as – Anthony of San Germano. Beatified on 15 May 1819 by Pope Pius VII. Additional Memorial – 28 July in his Hometown of San Germano Vercellese, the date his Relics were translated to the Parish Church there.
Antonio belonged to the noble and illustrious Piedmontese family of the Marquis della Chiesa and, via a connexted line, he was an ancestor of Pope Benedict XV (Reign 1914-1922) (Giacomo Giovanni della Chiesa).
He received a good education and early in life he showed pious traits. He grew up hoping to become a Monk but his father, who was a man of some importance, opposed this. In 1417, as a twenty-year-old, he nevertheless, joined the Dominican Order in Vercelli, despite his family’s protests.
He became known as a popular and effective Preacher, particularly against usurious interest. He also became a sought-after Confessor. He accompanied Saint Bernardine of Siena on a range of missions and served in various capacities in the Dominican Monasteries. Among those positions was that of the Prior and he served at the Friaries of Como and Florence, as well as in Savona and Bologna.
In Como, he reformed the life and morals of the entire Town and following this success Antonio was sent to govern other Convents. It was at these Convents that he insisted on a rigorous observance to their Rule of Life according to Saint Dominic. He is remembered as a kind Prior who had mercy on sinners and, at the same time, was firm with them that they may amend their ways.
Antonius was also one of the leaders in opposition to the last antipope, Felix V, who troubled the Church from 1440 until 1449. Felix V had a large support network stemming from Switzerland and Antonio vigourously opposed his work. He succeeded in winning over a large number of the antipope’s adherents to the lawful power of the recognised Pontiff, Pope Eugene IV and later Pope Nicholas V.
While on a trip from Savona to Genoa, he was captured by pirates but he was released unharmed. He had been apprehended with a fellow Friar and the pirates released the pair, after being so impressed with their gentle and kind demeanour.
Antoniuo, worn out by activity and penance, he died at the age of 65 having poredicted the date of his death, on 22 January 1459 in Como while he was Prior there. He was buried in the Dominican Church in the City and many miracles happened at his grave. On 28 July 1810 his Relics were translater to the Parish Church of San Germano Vercellese, his birth Town. He was Beatified on 15 May 1819 when his cult was confirmed by Pope Pius VII (1800-1823).
St Anastasius the Persian (Died 628) Martyr, Monk. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rome, at Aquiae, Salviae, St Anastasius, a Persian Monk, who, after suffering much at Caesarea in Palestine, from imprisonment, stripes and fetters, had to bear many afflictions from Chosroes, King of Persia, who caused him to be beheaded. He had sent before him, to Martyrdom, seventy of his companions, who were precipitated into rivers. His head was brought to Rome, together with his venerable likeness, by the sight of which, the demons are expelled and diseases cured, as is attested by the Acts of the Second Council of Nicacea.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/22/saint-of-the-day-21-january-st-anastasius-the-persian-died-628-martyr-monk/
Blessed Antonio della Chiesa OP (1394-1459) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers St Blaesilla of Rome St Brithwald of Ramsbury St Caterina Volpicelli St Dominic of Sora St Guadentius of Novara
Blessed Maria Mancini of Pisa OP (1356-1431) Widow, Second Order Sister of the Order of Preachers, spiritual disciple of St Catherine of Siena, Prioress, Mystic, Reformer, Apostle of the poor and the sick. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Pisa, Blessed Maria Mancini, who, twice widowed and all her children lost, under the exhortation of St Catherine of Siena, began community life in the Monastery of St Domenic, which she led for ten years.” Her Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/22/saint-of-the-day-22-january-blessed-maria-mancini-of-pisa-op-1356-1431/
Bl Walter of Himmerode Bl William Patenson
Martyrs of Puigcerda: St Orontius St Victor St Vincent
Saint of the Day – 21 January – St Publius of Athens (2nd Century) Bishop of Athens and Martyr. Died around 112. (Not to be confused with St Publius of Malta who is remembered on 22 January).
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Athens, the birthday of St Publius, Bishop, who as successor of St Denis (Dionysius) the Areopagite, nobly governed the Church at Athens. No less celebrated for the lustre of his virtues than for the brilliance of his learning, he was gloriously crowned for having borne testimony to Christ.”
St Eusebius of Caesarea, speaking of Bishop Dionysius (Denis) of Corinth, recalls the letters he sent to various Christian communities. Regarding the one sent to the Christianity of Athens, he tells us that Dionysius blamed the Athenians for having become somewhat lukewarm in the profession of faith “after their leader, Publius had been Martyred during the persecutions of those times” and recalled that “after the Martyrdom of Publius, Quadratus had been elected their Bishop.”
Publius was, therefore, the Bishop of Athens during the 2nd Century and suffered Martyrdom in one of the persecutions of that time, probably at the beginning of the empire of Marus Aurelius, between 161 and 170.
St Agnes of Aislinger St Anastasius of Constantinople St Aquila of Trebizond St Brigid of Kilbride St Candidus of Trebizond Bl Edward Stransham
St Epiphanius of Pavia (c 439–496) Bishop of Pavia, Italy from from 466 until his death. Papal and Secular Mediator and Peacemaker, Known as – “Epiphanius the Peacemaker,” “The Glory of Italy,” “The Light of Bishops.” The Roman Martyrology for 21 January reads : “In Pavia, Saint Epifanio, Bishop , who, at the time of the barbarian invasions, worked zealously for the reconciliation of the peoples, for the liberation of prisoners and for the reconstruction of the destroyed City.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/21/saint-of-the-day-21-january-saint-epiphanius-of-pavia-439-496/
St Eugenius of Trebizond St Gunthildis of Biblisheim
Blessed Josefa María Inés de Benigánim OAD (1625–1696) Nun of the Discalced Augustinian Nuns with the religious name of “Josefa María of Saint Agnes,” Virgin, Mystic, gifted with the charism of prophecy and counsel. She became known for her profound spiritual and theological insight as well as for her severe austerities she practised during her life. Her body is incorrupt. Blessed Josefa was Beatified on 26 February 1888, at Saint Peter’s Basilica by Pope Leo XIII. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/21/saint-of-the-day-21-january-blessed-josefa-maria-ines-de-beniganim-oad-1625-1696/
St Lawdog St Maccallin of Waulsort
St Meinrad of Einsiedeln OSB (c 797–861) “Martyr of Hospitality,” Martyr, Priest, Monk, Hermit. In 1039, the year of Meinrad’s Canonisation as a Saint, his remains were brought back to Einsiedeln. During the French Revolution, Meinrad’s relics were hidden at Tyrol, Austria, by Abbot Conrad Tanner and his reliquary is now enshrined in the Grace Chapel of the Abbey Church at Einsiedeln. St Meinrad’s Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/21/saint-of-the-day-21-january-saint-meinrad-of-einsiedeln-osb-c-797-861-martyr/
St Patroclus of Troyes St Publius of Athens (2nd Century) Bishop
St Valerian of Trebizond St Vimin of Holywood St Zacharias the Angelic
Blessed Martyrs of Laval – 19 Beati: Fifteen men and four women who were Martyred in Laval, France by anti-Catholic French Revolutionaries. The were born in France and they were Martyred on several dates in 1794 in Laval, Mayenne, France. They were Beatified on 19 June 1955 by Pope Pius XII at Rome, Italy. They are: Blessed André Duliou Blessed Augustin-Emmanuel Philippot Blessed François Duchesne Blessed François Migoret-Lamberdière Blessed Françoise Mézière Blessed Françoise Tréhet Blessed Jacques André Blessed Jacques Burin Blessed Jean-Baptiste Triquerie Blessed Jean-Marie Gallot Blessed Jeanne Veron Blessed John Baptist Turpin du Cormier Blessed Joseph Pellé Blessed Julien Moulé Blessed Julien-François Morin Blessed Louis Gastineau Blessed Marie Lhuilier Blessed Pierre Thomas Blessed René-Louis Ambroise
Martyrs of Rome – 30 Saints: Thirty Christian soldiers executed together in the persecutions of Diocletian. They were Martyred in 304 in Rome, Italy.
Martyrs of Tarragona: Augurius, Eulogius, Fructuosus.
Saint of the Day – 20 January – Saint Féchín of Fore (Died 665) Abbot, Priest, Founder of several Irish Monasteries, Féchín name is particularly connected with that of Fobhar (Fore or Foure) in Westmeath which was his first Monastic foundation and an important one for its renowned Manuscripts. Born in Connacht, Ireland and died in 665 ofthe Plague in Ireland. Also known as – Feichin, Vigean, Mo-Ecca.
Saint Féchín statue at Fore Abbey
Born of Irish Royal stock, he was the son of Coelcharna, descendant of Eochad Fionn, brother to the famous King Conn of the Hundred Battles and his mother, Lassair, was of the Royal blood of Munster. When fit to be sent to school he was placed under St Nathy of Achonry (Died 610) Bishop of Achonry/
Having finished his studies, he was Ordained Priest and retired to a solitary place at Fore in Westmeath, there to live as a Hermit. But he was followed by many disciples and Fore became a Monastery. Here he eventually governed over 300 Monks. He is said to have so pitied the Monks engaged in grinding their corn, that he, brought water from a marsh to the Monastery, by cutting a tunnel through the rock and then established a water mill. Of this miracle, the Monk, Scholar and Historian,, Gerald of Wales (Giraldus Cambrensis) relates the following :-
“There is a mill at Foure, in Meathwhich St Fechin made most miraculously with his own hands, in the side of a certain rock. No women are allowed to enter, either this mill or the Church of the Saint and the mill is held, inasmuch reverence, by the natives as any of the Churches dedicated to the Saint.”
Féchín’s influence, being himself Royal, was very great with the Kings and Princes of his age. The Saint finding a poor leper, full of sores one day, took him to the Queen and bade her minister to him, as if to Christ. She bravely overcame her repugnance and tended him with gentle care as if of three hundred Monks.
He also established a religious house on the Island of Immagh, near the coast of Galway. The inhabitants were then pagans but Féchín, with his Monks, evangelised and converted them.
The Monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary which he founded in Cong is renowned because of the Cross of Cong, one of the great treasures of Ireland which had been hidden in an old oaken chest in the village and now resides in the National Museum in Dublin. Both the Church and Monastery at Cong were rebuilt in 1120 for the Augustinians by Turlough O’Connor, who gave them the bejewelled processional Cross he had made to enshrine a particle of the True Cross. Cong Abbey also served as the refuge for the last high king of Ireland, Roderick O’Connor. The Monastery was suppressed by King Henry VIII.
The Cross of Cong
St Féchín’s numerous monastic foundations include those at Ballysadare (his birthplace?), Imaid Island, Omey and Ard Oilean, from which came the oldest Manuscript recording the details of his life. All of these Monasteriest are now in ruins. His memory, however, is also perpetuated at Ecclefechan and Saint Vigean’s (the name under which he is invoked in the Dunkeld Litany), near Arbroath in Scotland, where a fair was held on his Feast day. There are also pilgrimages undertaken to explore St Féchín’s foundations and the holy mill.
St Pope Fabian (c200 – c 250) Martyr, Confessor, Peacemaker, Administrator and Reformer, Apostle of Charity. Bishop of Rome from 10 January 236 until his death in 250, succeeding Anterus. He is famous for the miraculous nature of his election, in which a dove is said to have descended on his head to mark him as the Holy Spirit’s unexpected choice. He was succeeded by Cornelius. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/20/saint-of-the-day-20-january-st-pope-fabian-c-200-c-250-martyr/
Saint of the Day – 19 January – Saint Lomer of Corbion (Died 593) Abbot of the Monastery he founded at Corbion near Chartres, friend of animals, Miracle-worker. Born in Neuville-la-Mare, Diocese of Chartres, France and died in January 593 of natural causes. Also known as – Laumer, Laudomarus, Launomar, Launomaro.
Statue of St Lomer at the Church of Notre-Dame at Perche
In his childhood and adolescence, Lomer kept his father’s sheep, in which employment he mortified his body by regular fasts and spent his time in studies and prayer.
He was initially trained for the Priesthood by a holy Priest named Chirmirius, was Ordained and then served in Chartres and the surrounds, where he was made both Canon and Bursar of the Cathedral Chapter.
After many years, Lomer withdrew to live a eremitic life in the forests of La Perche where, some brigands, who had come to rob him, left edified and spread the fame of his sanctity. . His reputation for great holiness and miracles, including the gift of prophecy, resulted in a number of disciples attaching themselves to his hermitage in the forest.
In c570 Lomer founded a Monastery at Corbion to house his many disciples, six leagues from Chartres. He died more than a hundred years old, in January. 593 (the actualy day, however, uncertain).
His body was buried in the Church of St-Martin-du-Val and Subsequently, IN 595, moved to Corbion. During the Norman invasions, his Relics were protect in Blois, where, in 924, the Monastery of St-Laumer was built, to which that of Corbion was joined. These two houses were destroyed in 1567 by the Huguenots and the Relics were lost. However, in 912, St Lomer’s skull was transferred to Moissat, where in 1284, St Simon of Bourges, carried out a new translation.
The Saint’s Feast has celebrated isince the 17th Century in the Diocese of Chartres and then, in that of Chartres and Séez. His name was inscribed in the French and Benedictine Martyrologies on 19 January. The iconography of the Saint depicts him as a teaching Abbot, as he appears in the 13th Century Statue im the South portal of Chartres Cathedral, in the guise of an Abbot, with a book in his right hand.
In the early 20th Century, an event in the life of St. Lomer – an incident involving the theft of the Saint’s favourite cow – was published in The Book of Saints and Friendly Beasts, a collection of brief tales for children, Lomer’s Vita states that the Abbot was so holy that “savage wild beasts obeyed when he commanded.”
Sts Marius and Family of Perisa – Martha, Audifax, Abacjum (Died c270 – Martyrs, Husband, Wife and 2 Sons – in the time of Emperor Claudius. The Roman Martyrology today states: “At Rome, on the Cornelian road, the holy Martyrs, Marius and his wife Martha, with their sons, Audifax and Abachum, noble Persians, who came to Rome, through devotion, in the time of the Emperor Claudius. After they had been beaten with rods, tortured on the rack and with fire, lacerated with iron hooks and had endured the cutting off their hands, Martha was put to death in the place called Nympha. The others, were beheaded and cast into the flames.” Including: St Abachum of Persia + (St Marius and Family of Persia – Martyrs) St Audifax of Persia + (St Marius and Family of Persia – Martyrs) St Martha of Persia + (St Marius and Family of Persia – Martyrs) Their Lives and Deaths: https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/19/saints-of-the-day-19-january-st-marius-and-family-martha-audifax-abacjum-died-c-270-martyrs/
St Canute (1040-1086) Martyr, King of Denmark, known as Canutus the Holy – Canutus was an ambitious King who sought to strengthen the Danish monarchy, devotedly supported the Roman Catholic Church and had designs on the English throne. Slain by rebels in 1086, he was the first Danish King to be Canonised. He was recognised as Patron Saint of Denmark in 1101. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/19/saint-of-the-day-19-january-st-canutus-1040-1086/
Bl Andrew of Peschiera St Arsenius of Corfu
St Bassian of Lodi (c320–c409) Archbishop, Penitent, Miracle-worker. St Bassian was a close of friend of St Ambrose and St Felix of Como. About St Bassian: https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/19/saint-of-day-19-january-st-bassian-of-lodi-c-320-c-413/ Bl Beatrix of Lens St Branwallader of Jersey St Catellus of Castellammare St Contentius Bl Elisabetta Berti St Faustina of Como St Fillan St Firminus of Gabales St Germanicus of Smyrna St Godone of Novalesa St John of Ravenna St Joseph Sebastian Pelczar St Liberata of Como St Lomer of Corbion (Died 593) Abbot St Messalina iof Foligno St Ponziano of Spoleto St Remigius of Rouen
St Wulstan (c1008–1095) Bishop of Worcester , England, from 1062 to 1095, Monk, Prior, a man of extreme holiness and penitence who was admired by all, he was a he was a man of iron will, immense charm and unworldly humility and piety and suffered no luxury, preferring always the poor to himself. A Life to Imitate: https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/19/saint-of-the-day-19-january-saint-wulfstan-c-1008-1095/
Martyrs of Numidia – 9 Saints: A group of Christians Martryred together for their faith. The only details to survive are nine of their names – Catus, Germana, Gerontius, Januarius, Julius, Paul, Pia, Saturninus and Successus. 2nd century Numidia in North Africa.
Martyrs of Carthage – 39 Christians Martyred together in Carthage, date unknown. We have no information about them except 9 of the names – Catus, Germana, Gerontius, Januarius, Julius, Paul, Pia, Saturninus and Successus. Died IN Carthage, North Africa (modern Tunis, Tunisia).
Saint of the Day – 18 January – Saint Volusian of Tours (Died 496) Bishop of Tours from 488 until his death. Died on 18 January 496, whilst in exile, of natural causes. Patronage – of Foix, France. Also known as – Volusian of Foix, Volusianus… Volusien…
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Tours in France, St Volusian, Bishop, who was made captive by the Goths and in exile, gave up his soul to God.”
Volusian had been born into a family of senatorial rank, very wealthy, a relative of the Bishop who preceded him, St Perpetuus and he lived in the days when Clovis was the King of the Franks,
Volusian was the Bishop of Tours, in France, the see made famous by St Martin two Centuries earlier. He lived at a time before clerical celibacy and was married to a woman unfortunately notorious for her violent temper which was a great trial to the Bishop. His time was too, a fearful one, when the barbarian invasions had begun and the fear of these barbaric Goths was extreme.
In writing to a friend of his, a certain Bishop Ruricius, of nearby Limoges Diocese, Volusian expressed his fear of the Goths who were beginning to terrorise his Diocese. Ruricius humorously replied: “timere hostem non debet extraneum qui consuevit sustinere domesticum” — that is, “anyone who already has a terrible enemy at home, he has nothing to fear from external ones.”
As the Goths began to overrun Volusian’s Diocese, Volusian was driven from his See and sent into exile into Spain. St Gregory of Tours, who succeeded Volusian a Century later, as the Bishop of Tours, describes the turmoil of the times and it is from his writings that we have received the little knowledge we have of St Volusian. But we are unsure of where he died. It is simply known that he was driven from his See, went into exile and died after ruling as Bishop for seven years.
This Statue of St Volusian resides at the Abbey Church at Foix
Feast of the Chair of the Apostle, St Peter at Rome: This Feast was instituted to commemorate the establishment of the Holy See at Rome. In 1960, Pope John XXIII removed from the General Roman Calendar, the 18 January Feast of the Chair of Peter at Rome. Two Liturgical Feasts were celebrated in Rome, in Honour of Chairs of Saint Peter, one of which was kept in the Baptismal Chapel of St Peter’s Basilica, the other at the Catacomb of Priscilla. The dates of these celebrations are 18 January and 22 February. The two Feasts were included in the Tridentine Calendar with the rank of Double which, in 1604, Pope Clement VIII raised to the rank of Greater Double. Those traditional Catholics. who do not accept the changes made by Pope John XXIII, continue to celebrate both Feast days: “Saint Peter’s Chair at Rome” on 18 January and the “Chair of Saint Peter at Antioch” on 22 February. https://anastpaul.com/2017/02/22/feast-of-the-chair-of-st-peter-22-february/
Blessed Beatrix d’Este the Younger (c 1230-1262) French Benedictine Nun, Founded a Convent. Beatified in 1774 by Pope Clement XIV. Her memorial date was decreed by Pope Pius VI for today. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Ferrara, Blessed Beatrice d’Este, Nun, who, on the death of her future husband, having renounced the kingdom of this world, consecrated herself to God in a Monastery founded by herself under the rule of Saint Benedict.” Her Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/18/saint-of-the-day-18-january-blessed-beatrix-deste-the-younger-c-1230-1262/
St Catus
Blessed Cristina Ciccarelli OSA (1481–1543) Religious of the Order of Saint Augustine, Mystic, Stigmatist, Apostle of the poor, Reformer, she had a had a particular devotion to the Eucharist and to the Passion and Death of Christ, she was granted the gift of Prophecy, visions and levitation. Beatified in 1841 by Pope Gregory XVI . About Bl Cristina: https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/18/saint-of-the-day-18-january-blessed-cristina-ciccarelli-osa-1481-1543/
St Day/Dye St Deicola of Lure Bl Fazzio of Verona St Leobardus of Tours St Moseus of Astas St Ulfrid of Sverige St Volusian of Tours (Died 496) Bishop
Saint of the Day – 17 January – St Anthony Abbot (251-356) Hermit, Founder of Monasteries, Abbot and Spiritual Guide, Mystic and Miracle-Worker, beloved of all animals. Born in 251 at Heracleus, Egyptand died on 17 January 356 at Mount Colzim of natural causes. Also known as – Anthony of Egypt, Anthony of the Desert, Anthony the Anchorite, Anthony the Hermit, Antonio Abate, Father of All Monks, Father of Western Monasticism. His Patronages are numerous – against eczema, skin diseases and rashes, pestilence, Saint Anthony’s Fire, of firefighters, of wild animals, amputees, anchorites, basket weavers and makers, bell ringers, brushmakers, domestic animals, butchers, cemetery and funeral workers and gravediggers, epileptics, farmers, hermits, monks, pigs, livestock, Hospitallers, of 29 Cities in Europe.
The Roman Martyrology says: “In Thebais, St Anthony, Abbot and Spiritual Guide of many Monks. He was most celebrated for his life and miracles, of which St Athanasius has written a detailed account. His holy body was found by divine revelation, during the reign of the Emperor Justinian and brought to Alexandria, where it was buring in the Church of St John the Baptist.”
St Anthony unknown artist Italian School
St Anthony’s Vocation Anthony was born in 251 to a wealthy family of farmers in the village of Coma, now Qumans, in Egypt. Around the age of 18-20, he was left an orphan with a rich estate to manage and with a younger sister to educate. Attracted by the evangelical teaching “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have, give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven, then come, follow me” and by the example of some Anchorites who lived nearby in prayer, poverty and chastity, Anthony’s heart was drawn to choose this path. He, therefore, sold his goods, entrusted his sister to a community of virgins and dedicated himself to an ascetic life in front of his house and then outside the town.
Seeking a penitential and isolated life, he prayed to God for enlightenment. Not far away he saw a Hermit, like himself, who sat and worked, weaving a rope, then stopped, stood up and prayed; immediately after, he went back to working and praying again. This Anchorite was an Angel of God showing Anthony the path of work and prayer which, two Centuries later, would form the basis of the Benedictine Rule “Ora et labora” and Western Monasticism. Part of Anthony’s work was used to obtain food and part was distributed to the poor. St Athanasius asserts that he prayed continually and was so attentive to reading the Scriptures that he trained them verbatim in his memory oand he no longer needed scrolls.
From the Sienese Altarpiece (1425-50) depiciting the Life of St Anthony – this image shows him as a little boy on the right and as a young adult on the left, after hearing the Gospel of the rich young man
St Anthony’s Temptations While still very young, after a few years of his solitary life, very difficult trials began for him. Impure thoughts tormented him, doubts assailed him about the advisability of such a solitary life. The instinct of the flesh and the attachment to material goods which he had tried to suppress, returned in overbearing and uncontrollable force. He, therefore, asked for help from other Hermits, who told him not to be afraid but to move forward with confidence because God was with him. They also advised him to get rid of all ties and material possessions and retreat to a more solitary place. Thus, barely covered by a rough cloth, Anthony took refuge in an ancient tomb dug into the rock of a hill, aurrounding the village of Coma. A friend brought him some bread every now and then; for the rest, he had to make do with wild berries and herbs growing around him. In this place, the first temptations were replaced by terrifying visions and noises. Furthermore, he went through a period of terrible spiritual darkness. All this Anthonye overcame by patiently persevering in faith, carrying out the will of God, day by day, as his teachers had taught him. When Christ finally revealed Himself to him as the Hermit, he asked: “Where were Thou? Why did Thou not appear from the beginning, to put an end to my sufferings?”. He heard Him reply: “Anthony, I was here with thee and witnessed thy fight”…
St Anthony’s Temptations
On the Mountains of Pispir Discovered by his fellow citizens, who, like all Christians of those times, flocked to the Hermits to receive spiritual advice, prayer and consolation but, at the same time, disturbed their solitude and meditation, forced Anthony to move further away. In the Pispir mountains there was an abandoned fortress, infested with snakes but with a spring source and in 285 Anthony moved there and remained there for 20 years. Twice a year, bread was dropped to him from above. In this new solitude he followed the example of Jesus, Who, guided by the Spirit, retreated into the desert “to be tempted by the devil,”
St Athanasius tells of the many times when St Anthony struggled against devils, not only by resisting temptations but also suffering bodily harm which they were permitted to inflict upon him. On one such occasion, “a multitude of demons … so cut him with stripes that he lay on the ground speechless from the excessive pain.” He was discovered unconscious by the local villagers, who thought him dead and brought him to their Church, here depicted in the background. (Life of Anthony 8 and 9)
The First Communities of disciples Then came the time when many people who wanted to dedicate themselves to the solitary eremitcal life arrived at the fort. Anthony went out and began to console the afflicted, obtaining cures from the Lord, freeing the possessed and instructing the new disciples. Two groups of Monks were formed who gave rise to two Monasteries, one east of the Nile and the other on the left bank of the river. Each Monk had his own solitary cave but obeyed a brother more experienced in spiritual life. Anthony gave everyone his advice on the path towards perfection of the spirit and union with God, thus operating as their Abbot from his cave.
In the Thebaid Once again, to escape the many curious people who went to the fortress, Anthony decided to retreat to a more isolated place. He, therefore ,went to the Thebaid desert, in Upper Egypt, where he began to cultivate a small garden to support himself and those disciples and visitors, who followed him. He lived in the Thebaid region until the end of his very long life. He was able to bury the body of the Hermit Saint Paul the Hermit, with the help of a lion — for this reason he is considered the Patron Saint of wild animals, of cemeteries, gravediggers and funeral workers. In his last years he welcomed two Monks who looked after him in his extreme old age. He died at the age of 106, on 17 January 356 and was buried in a secret place.
St Anthony meets St Paul the Hermit
The Spiritual Inheritance His presence had also attracted many people to the Thebaid eager for a more spiritual life. Many chose to follow his style, thus Monasteries arose among those mountains. The desert was populated by Monks, the first of that multitude of consecrated men, who in the East and the West, continued the path he had begun, expanding it and adapting it to the needs of the times. His disciples handed down his wisdom to the Church, collected in 120 sayings and 20 letters. In Letter 8, Saint Anthony wrote: “Ask with a sincere heart for that great Spirit of fire which I myself have received and it will be given to you.”
The Last Rites and Death of St Anthony
Protection against Shingles (Herpes Zoster) In 561 his tomb was discovered and the Relics began a long journey through time and space, from Alexandria to Constantinople, until arriving in France, in the 11th Century, in Motte-Saint-Didier, where a Church was built in his honour. Crowds of sick people flocked to venerate his Relics in this Church, especially those suffering from skin eruptions, caused by the poisoning of a fungus present in rye, used to make bread (or so it was thought). The disease, now scientifically known as herpes zoster, was known since ancient times as ‘ignis sacer’ (sacred fire) due to the burning sensation it caused. Also for this reason, our Saint is invoked against skin diseases in general. To house all the sick people who arrived, a hospital was built and a brotherhood of religious people was founded, the ancient hospital order of the ‘Antoniani.’ Hence the Patronage of Hospitallers. The village took the name of Saint-Antoine de Viennois.
The Tau Staff is visible in St Anthony’s hand
The Pig, the Fire, the “Tau” The Pope granted the Antonians the privilege of raising pigs for their own use and at the expense of the community, so the piglets could move freely between courtyards and streets; no-one touched them, if they wore an identification bell. Their fat was used to treat ergotism, which was called “sickness. Antonio” and then “fire of St Anthony.” For this reason, in popular religiosity, the pig began to be associated with the great Egyptian Hermit, later considered the Patron Saint of pigs and by extension, of all domestic and stable animals. In his iconography, in addition to the pig with the bell, there also appears the T-shaped Hermits’ staff, the “tau” the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet and, therefore, an allusion to the last things and destiny. A popular legend which connects his iconographic attributes, narrates that Saint Anthony went to hell to contend with the devil for the souls of the dead. While his little pig, sneaking in, created havoc among the demons, he lit his tau-shaped stick with infernal fire and took it out together with the recovered little pig — he gave fire to humanity, lighting a pile of wood.
Popular devotion On the day of his liturgical memory, the stables are blessed and the domestic animals are brought to be blessed. In some countries of Celtic origin, Saint Anthony took on the functions of the divinity of rebirth and light, Lug, the guarantor of new life, to whom wild boars and pigs were consecrated. Therefore, in various works of art, there is a boar at his feet. Patron of all those involved in processing pigs, alive or slaughtered, he is also the Patron of those who work with fire, such as firefighters because he cured that metaphorical fire which was Herpes Zoster. Even today, on 17 January, especially in agricultural villages and farmhouses, it is customary to light the so-called “St Anthony’s bonfire which had a purifying and fertilising function, like all the fires which marked the transition from winter to the imminent spring. The ashes, then collected in the home braziers of the past, were used to heat the house and, using a special bell made with wooden slats, to dry damp clothes. Venerated throughout the Centuries, his name is among the most widespread in Catholicism. Saint Anthony of Padua himself, precisely to indicate his desire for greater perfection, chose to change the name received at his Baptism to that of our Saint today.
The Life of St Anthony by St Athanasius: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=XiKDl_lOb74&list=PL5_ax08Z6UX9h2VWw84sk4zcAQUliDUo7
St Achillas of Sketis St Amoes of Sketis St Anthony of Rome Bl Euphemia Domitilla
BlessedGamelbert of Michaelsbuch (c720-c802) Priest, Monk, Hermit. “Such was his kindness of heart, that he used to buy the little birds caught by the peasants, in order to set them free. He never allowed his servants to work in the fields or woods, if bad weather threatened. He valued, above everything, peace and concord and kept the peace among his parishioners, as far as he possibly could.” – from “The Little Bollandists” by Monsignor Paul Guérin, 1882 Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/17/saint-of-the-day-17-january-blessed-gamelbert-of-michaelsbuch-c-720-c-802/
Martyrs of Langres – Triplet Brothers with their Grandmother: At Langres, in the time of Marcus Aurelius, the Saints Eleusippus, Meleusippus, Speusippus, born at one birth, who were crowned with Martyrdom, together with their grandmother, Leonilla,
Saint of the Day – 16 January – Saint Honoratus of Arles (c350-c429) Bishop and Confessor, Monk and Abbot, Miracle-worker, Founder of the renowned Monaster at Lérins. on the Iles-de-Lérins, the Lérins Islands, outside present-day Cannes. Born in c350 in northern Gaul (modern France) and died in January 429 of natural causes, Patronages – against and for rain, against drought. Also known as – Honorat, Honore, Honoratus of Lérins.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Arles, St Honoratus, Bishop and Confessor, whose life was renowned for learning and miracles.”
This Statue of St Honoratus resides in Barcelona – Basílica de la Mercè
Honoratus and his brother, also a Saint, Venantius were of a noble pagan family of Roman heritage, their father being a Roman Consul to Gaul in the north of modern France. Honoratus was born around the year 350 probably in Lorraine or possibly in Trier in present-day Germany.
After receiving an outstanding education in the liberal arts both Honoratus and his brother became Christians and in 368, under the instruction and guidance of St Caprasius (died around 430), a holy Hermit of Lérins, the two brothers embarked, from Marseilles, on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and the Desert Monks in Egypt and Syria, speciafically aimed at studying monasticism.
The sudden death of Venantius and illness of Honoratus in Greece, prevented further travels. St Caprasius and our Saint, returned home through Italy stopping at Rome. On their return to Gaul, Honoratus went on into Provence. There in around 405, encouraged by St Leontius the Bishop of Fréjus (Died c488), he was Ordained a Priest and took up his abode on the wild Lérins Island today named after him — the Île Saint-Honorat, with the intention of living there in solitude.
Numerous disciples soon gathered around Honoratus, including St Lupus of Troyes, St Eucherius of Lyon and St Hilary of Arles (who was our Saints’ nephew[?]). Thus was founded the Monastery of Lérins which has enjoyed so great a celebrity status and which was, during the 5th and 6th Centuries, a nursery for illustrious Bishops and remarkable Ecclesiastical writers. His Rule of Life was chiefly borrowed from that of St Pachomius. It is believed too that the glorious St Patrick trained there for his missionary work in Ireland. The famous Monastery of Lerinum (Lérins) which stands there to this day, the oldest existing Monastery in Europe, is today inhabited by Cistercians. Many visitors also found their way to Lérins, among them Saint John Cassian . He called the foundation at Lérins “en ingens fratrum coenobium — a great community of brothers.”
Honoratus’ reputation for sanctity was such that in 426, after the assassination of Patroclus, Archbishop of Arles, he was summoned from his solitude to succeed to the government of the Diocese which the Arian and Manichaean beliefs had greatly disturbed. He appears to have succeeded in re-establishing order and orthodoxy, while still continuing to direct, from afar, the Monks of Lérins.
He died in the arms of Hilary, his disciple and nephew, who was to succeed him in the See of Arles. Almost immediately after his death in around 430, Hilary wrote the “Sermo de Vita Sancti Honorati” probably in 430.
In 1391, Honoratus’ Relics were transferred to Lérins and his Tomb now stands empty under the High Altar in the Church named after him in Arles. His Relics have, since 1788, been in the Church of Notre-Dame in Grasse in the south of France, north-west of Cannes. There he was later honoured as “St Transitus” (Latin transitus = the moved) – possibly moved for safety during the Revolution.
Honoratus’ various writings have not been preserved, nor has the Rule which he gave to the solitaries of Lérins. St John Cassian, dedicated several of his “Conferences” to our Saint Honoratus.
St Henry of Coquet St Honoratus of Arles (c350-c429) Bishop and Confessor St Honoratus of Fondi Abbot Bl James of Luino St James of Tarentaise Bl Joan of Bagno di Romagna Bl Konrad II of Mondsee St Leobazio St Liberata of Pavia St Melas of Rhinocolura St Otto of Morocco St Peter of Morocco St Priscilla of Rome St Sigeberht of East Anglia
Saint of the Day – 15 January – Saint Bonitus of Clermont (c623-706) Bishop, Confessor, Chancellor of the Kingdom, Governor of Provence, Diplomatic peacemaker, Protector of Slaves and active advocate for its abolition, a man of deep devotion and Asceticism, Promoter of monasticism, builder of Churches and Monasteries., Miracle-worker. Heir to a rich heritage, he used his resources not only to beautify Churches and Monasteries but also, to relieve the miseries of the poor. Bonitus is a much loved and endearing Saint in France and, in some ways, a very modern figure. Born in c623 in Auvergne, France and died in 706 in Lyon, France of natural causes. Patronages – against leg ailments (gout), of Clermont and Lyons, France, of Bonito, Italy. Also known as – Bonet, Bonito, Bonnet, Bont, Bunìto, Bunìtë, Bonnite.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Clermont, in Auvergne, St Bonitus, Bishop and Confessor.”
Bonitus was born in Auvergne around 623–630 (but the place is unknown, probably Clermont). He came from a large aristocratic family from Auvergne, who held important positions in France (like many Bishops at that time). He made, perhaps in Clermont, very careful studies in law, grammar and literature, in order to prepare himself for a political career. He was thus noticed by King Sigebert II who entrusted him with high functions at Court. After the death of his father, he became the Chancellor of King Sigebert III, then, in around 677, he was sent to Marseille as the Governor of Provence.
He exercised this function with great gentleness (while the time was particularly marked by violence). He strongly opposed the sale of slaves and bought back those he could reach, to free them. Despite his responsibilities, he practiced severe asceticism and demonstrated great piety. This is how the cult of Saint Sidoine Apollinaire (former Bishop of Clermont) would have developed early in Provence, and this thanks to the action of Bonitus (he indeed had great admiration for this Bishop who courageously defended the Province of Auvergne against the Visigoths).
Bonitus’elder brother, St Avitus, was then the Bishop of Clermont. Feeling his death approaching, he persuaded his entourage and the faithful of Clermont, to elect Bonitus in his place. This was done around 689 or 690, with the consent of the clergy and the approval of the King (according to the tradition of the time).
His Episcopate in Clermont extended over approximately ten years, illustrated by his piety and charity. He gave new impetus to the famous Episcopal school (founded at the beginning of the 6th Century) responsible for training young clerics. He also took care of the training of his clergy and organised missions in regions which were still poorly Christianised — these missions seemed a novelty for the time.
He favoured the monastic expansion then underway, either by encouraging the restoration of ruined Monasteries (for example the Abbey of Menat by a young Monk Ménélée), or by establishing new Monasteries (perhaps Royat, Chamalières, Beaumont…) , or by favouring founders (for example Calmin who built Mozac). In his undertakings, Bonitus benefited from the friendly assistance of the pious Count Genèsius who then Governed Auvergne.
Inhabited by profound piety, Bonitus was also concerned with liturgical celebrations — instituting a solemn fast and then a famous and miraculous procession of prayer which he ordered in Clermont, to pray for the cessation of the long drought which was desolating Auvergne and, an abundant rain poured down and alloweda beneficial and a succesful and long-awaited harvests!.
However, after ten years of Episcopate, he was assailed by scruples. Bonitus resigned his Seat and retired, as a penance, as a simple Monk at the Benedictine Abbey of Manglieu. In fact, he thought that his designation as Bishop had not been valid and that it was hardly reconcilable with Canonical rules because he had been chosen by his brother. Feeling remorseful, when he was the Bishop, he sought advice from several Monks, including the renowned Monk Tillo, of the Abbey of Solignac, near Limoges, who suggested he resign. What motivated his decision. (We can also assume that his appointment had perhaps caused resentment among high-ranking Priests, including the one who would be his successor, Nordebert…).
After having practiced monastic life for some time in Manglieu, he decided to undertake, despite his great age, a pilgrimage to Rome via Lyon, where he stayed for a time in the Monastery of Isle-Barbe. In reality,, he was sought out in Manglieu, in order to settle various disciplinary or doctrinal disputes which had arisen in the Lyon region and in the north of Italy. This is how, among other things, he resolved a conflict between the Bishop of Lyon and the Duke of Burgundy and, as a wise advisor, he succeeded in appeasing the revolt between the King of Lombard and his subjects. We can sense here the experience of the politician he once was.
Then, arriving in Rome, he made his devotions at the Tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul and then he started his journey his way back home. During this period, he returned with captives, whose freedom he had purchased in Rome and, according to reports, he performed miracles with the oil brought from the Tomb of Saint Peter.
Finally, he returned to Lyon where he lived for four years in a Monastery and took care to re-establish good relations with his successor in Clermont. In 706, therefore, very old, he died in Lyon of an attack of gout. His body, believed to be miraculous, was then placed in the Saint-Pierre Monastery of this City.
The Bishop of Clermont requested the transfer of his remains to Auvergne. It was not without many difficulties — Clermont and Lyon fought over the Relics! Finally, after six years of negotiations, he sent the Abbot of Manglieu (the same one who had welcomed Bonitus into his Monastery) to Lyon to settle this long dispute. And the Relics were brought back triumphantly to Clermont. The translation would have taken place around 712(?) and the remains deposited in the Saint-Maurice Church, a very old Church which was restored for the occasion. It was located below the Poterne, near the current Rue Sidoine Apollinaire and this cCurch then became a place of pilgrimage, it also took the name of Saint Bonitus (later, it woulf be destroyed under the Revolution).
In 1095, the Relics were transferred to the recently built cathedral and placed in a chapel in the apse which will bear his name. In the 13th century, in the new Gothic cathedral, the chapel dedicated to Saint Bonnet was decorated with a set of stained glass windows which tell the story of his life in a slightly legendary way! A beautiful reliquary of gilded silver was made to enclose his relics. But it was destroyed during the Revolution and its relics disappeared.
Bonifus’ fame was significant and numerous Relics of the Saint were scattered in various places (as was often the custom, especially during the Middle Ages). This is why a certain number of places and Churches bear his name in France, particularly in the Diocese of Lyon, Marseille, Autun and, especially in Auvergne in the vast territory of the former Diocese of Clermont. Today, in the area of Puy-de -Dôme (therefore, the current Diocese of Clermont), he is the Patron of 17 Churches.
In order to establish his biography, historians were able to rely on a reliable source, being the “Vita Sancti Boniti = The Life of Saint Bonitus” written shortly after his death by a Monk from Manglieu. He wrote down what he had learned, often from direct witnesses (including the Abbot of Manglieu). Subsequently, much later legends were written which took pleasure in embellishing his life but, they at least testify to the popularity of the Saint and the fervour of his cult (he was invoked particularly for leg ailments). He was the 28th Bishop and he closes (to this day!) the list of holy Bishops of Clermont. Currently his Feast is celebrated in the Diocese on 16 January (supposed day of his death) but the 1914 Roman Martyrology which is used for the Traditional Calendar, shows his day and festival as 15 January.
The above graceful and factual rendition of our Saint Bonitus’ life, is from the Diocese of Clermont.
St Maurus OSB (c512-584) Benedictine Monk, Abbot and Deacon, Miracle-worker. Maurus was the first disciple of Saint Benedict of Nursia (512–584). He is mentioned in Saint Gregory the Great’s biography of the latter as the first oblate, offered to the Monastery by his noble Roman parents as a young boy, to be brought up in the monastic life. The formula and blessing of St Maurus were universally adopted and approved for use in the Blessing of the Sick. His Life and Miracles: https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/15/saint-of-the-day-15-january-saint-maurus-osb-c-512-584/
St Blaithmaic of Iona St Bonitus of Clermont (c623-706) Bishop, Confessor St Britta St Ceolwulf of Northumbria St Emebert of Cambrai St Ephysius of Sardinia St Eugyppius Bl Geoffrey of Peronne Bl Giacomo Villa St Gwrnerth St Habakkuk the Prophet St Isidore of Scété St Isidore the Egyptian St Ita of Killeedy St John Calabytes St Liewellyn St Lleudadd of Bardsey St Malard of Chartres St Maximus of Nola St Michaeas + Bl Peter of Castelnau St Placidus
Quote/s of the Day – 14 January – St Hilary (315-368) Confessor, Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church
“The Son of God, is nailed to the Cross but on the Cross, God conquers human death. Christ, the Son of God, dies but all flesh is made alive in Christ. The Son of God is in hell but man is carried back to Heaven!”
(On the Trinity Book II)I
“When I look at Thine heavens, according to my own lights, with these weak eyes of mine, I am certain, with reservation, that they are Thine heavens. The stars circle in the heavens, reappear year after year, each with a function and service to fulfil. And, although I do not understand them, I know that Thou, O God, are in them.”
“Little children follow and obey their father. They love their mother. They know nothing of covetousness, ill-will, bad temper, arrogance and lying. This state of mind opens the road to Heaven. To imitate our Lord’s own humility, we must return to the simplicity of God’s little ones.”
Saint of the Day – 14 January – St Hilary (315-368) Confessor, Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church, Writer, Philosopher, Theologian, Preacher, Defender of the Faith, Doctor of the Divinity of Christ, Miracle-worker. The “Hammer of the Arians” and “Athanasius of the West.” Patronages – against rheumatism, against snakes and snakebites, children with learning impediments, children learning to walk, lawyers, mothers, of the sick, of La Rochelle and Poitiers in France,4 Cities in Italy. Also known as – Ilario di Poitiers, Malleus Arianorum.
The Roman Martyrology reads yesterday, 13 January the day of his death: “At Poitiers, in France, the birthday of St Hilary, Bishop and Confessor of the Catholic Faith which he courageously defended and for which he was banished for four years to Phrygia, where, among other miracles, he raised a man from the dead. Pope Pius IX declared him a Doctor of the Church. His festival is celebrated on the 14th day of this Month.”
This staunch defender of the Divinity of Christ was a gentle and courteous man, devoted to writing some of the greatest theology and was like his Master in being labeled a “disturber of the peace.” In a very troubled period in the Church, his holiness was lived in both scholarship and controversy.
Raised a pagan, he was converted to Christianity when he met his God of nature in the study of Sacred Scriptures. His wife was still living when he was chosen, against his will, to be the Bishop of Poitiers in France. He was soon involved in the immense fight against what became the scourge of the 4th Century, -Arianism which denied the Divinity of Christ.
The heresy spread rapidly. St Jerome said “The world groaned and marvelled to find that it was Arian.” When Emperor Constantius ordered all the Bishops of the West to sign a condemnation of Athanasius, the great Defender of the Faith in the East, Hilary refused and was banished from France to far off Phrygia. Eventually he was called the “Athanasius of the West.”
While in Phrygia, however, he continued to govern his Diocese, as well as writing two of the most important of his contributions to theology. While there, he was invited by some semi-Arians (hoping for reconciliation) to a Council the Emperor called to counteract the Council of Nicea. But Hilary predictably defended theTruth of the Church and when he sought public debate with the heretical bishop who had exiled him, the Arians, dreading the meeting and its outcome, pleaded with the Emperor to send this troublemaker back home to the small Town of Poitiers, where his enemies hoped he would fade into obscurity. Hilary was welcomed by his people but he continued the fight against the heretics without ceasing.
While Hilary closely followed the great St Athanasius, in exegesis and Christology respectively, his work shows many traces of vigorous independent thought. St Jerome and others consider our St Hilary as the first Catholic Hymnist. Hilary is the pre-eminent Latin writer of the 4th Century (before Sts Ambrose and Augustine) and his works continue to be highly influential. Remember this Hymn we prayed yesterday for the Octave of the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord:
Jesus Refulsit Omnium Jesus, Light of All the Nations By St Hilary (315-368) Father & Doctor of the Church Doctor of the Divinity of Christ
Jesus, the merciful Redeemer of all nations, shone forth on this day; let the faithful of every race celebrate Him in their songs of praise.
A Star, shining in the heavens, announces His Birth; it leads the way and guides them to His Crib.
Prostrating, they adore the Infant wrapped in swaddling clothes; they confess Him to be the true God, offering Him their mystic gifts.
Thirty years of His life had passed and He, the infinitely pure God, seeks the laver of baptism.
John, the favoured Baptist trembles as he bends the head of Jesus beneath the waters–that Jesus whose Blood was to purify the whole earth from its sins.
The Divine Voice of the Father is heard from Heaven, bearing testimony to His Son and the Holy Ghost, too, is present, the Giver of holy grace.
We beseech Thee in humble supplication, O Jesus! protect Thy people; we ask it of Thee by the power Thou didst show when Thou didst command the water to be changed into wine.
May praise, honour and all power be to the Trinity forever and forever. Amen
(Verses 4-6 omitted on the image). I could not find the name of the Translator of this version of this Hymn, often referred to as “the oldest” Christmas Hymn.
AnaStpaul 
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