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 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 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 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)

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 22 June – Saint Eberhard of Salzburg (1085-1164) Bishop

Saint of the Day – 22 June – Saint Eberhard of Salzburg (1085-1164)
Archbishop of Salzburg, Austria, Defender of the Papacy, Apostle of the poor and sick, Papal Legate and negotiator. Born in 1085 at Nuremberg, Germany and died on 21 June 1164 at the Cistercian Monastery of Rein, Austria of natural causes. Patronages – Bamberg, Germany, Salzburg, Austria. Also known as – Ebergard, Everard.

Eberhard belonged to the noble Biburger family. From his mother, who with her own hands had taken part in the construction of the pilgrimage Church in Allersdorf, he had inherited a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mother of God.

Having received a Canonry in Bamberg, he completed his Ecclesiastical studies in that City. He attempted to enter the Abbey of St Michael but, as soon as he was received, he left due to unknown reasons. He continued his studies in Paris.

Now in his forties, he obtained, from Bishop Otto to embrace the monastic life in Prufening. In 1133 his family founded the Monastery of Biburg, reserving its Abbey dignity for Everhard whose virtue recommended him for this position but he, however, refused to receive the Abbey blessing, until, in 1138, during a trip to Rome with the Bishop of Bamberg, it was conferred upon him by Pope Innocent II.

On 11 May 1147 he was elected as the Archbishop of Salzburg. When, in 1159, after the election of Alexander III, Frederick Barbarossa and with him the majority of the German Bishops, favoured the antipope Victor IV, Everhard openly took the side of the legitimate Pope, without however separating himself from the Emperor, whose political power he respected. Frederick tried several times to win the Prelate to his cause – to this end, in 1162, after his triumphal entry into Milan, he had him come to Italy but Everard was able to defend his position and beliefs so well that Frederick let him return to his Diocese.

Having become Legate of the Pope (legitimate), Everard was unable to reconcile Barbarossa with Pope Alexander III. Returning from Styria, where he had ensured peace between the military leader of Leubnitz and Duke Ottokar, he was forced to stop at the Monastery of Rein, where he died on 21 June. 1164. Cardinal Archbishop Burchard of Weisspriach had begun the process of Canonisation,but it was interruptedin 1466, upon his death.

Everhard had his Mass and Office in Salzburg until the introduction of the Roman Breviary in 1598. That year the Cathedral was destroyed by fire and the Relics that had been kept safely there were never found again. The memory of the Saint is found in the Benedictine Martyrology on 22 June. Ssaint Eberhard is depicted on the Baptismal Fonts of Salzburg Cathedral which dates from 1321 and is particularly renowned as having been the site of Mozart’s Baptism.

Sqalzburg Cathedral
Salzburg Cathedral Interior

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna Ta’ Pinu, Gharb, Gozo, Malta (1883), St Paulinus of Nola and the Saints for 22 June

St Aaron of Brettany
St Aaron of Pais-de-Laon
St Alban of Britain
Bl Altrude of Rome
St Consortia
St Cronan of Ferns
St Eberhard of Salzburg (1085-1164) Archbishop
St Eusebius of Samosata
St Exuperantius of Como
St Flavius Clemens
St Gregory of Agrigento
St Heraclius the Soldier
St Hespérius of Metz

St John IV of Naples
St Julius of Pais-de-Laon
Bl Kristina Hamm
Bl Marie Lhuilier
St Nicetas of Remesiana
St Precia of Epinal
St Rotrudis of Saint-Omer
St Rufinus of Alexandria

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, JESUIT SJ, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 June – Three loves, two commandments

One Minute Reflection – 21 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – St Aloysius de Gonzaga SJ (1568-1591) Confessor – Ecclesiasticus 31:8-11, Matthew 22:29-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“On these two commandments dependeth the whole law and the prophets.” – Matthew 22:40

REFLECTION – “God does not ask many things of you, for charity alone fulfills the whole Law. But that love is double – love of God and love of the neighbour… When God tells you to love your neighbour, He does not tell you to love him with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind. Rather, He tells you to love your neighbour as yourself. Thus, love God with all that you are because He is greater than you are; love your neighbour as yourself because he is what you are…

Thus, our love has three objects. But why are there only two commandments? I will tell you – God did not consider it necessary to commit you to loving yourself, since there is no-one who does not love himself. But many people lose themselves because they love themselves in a bad way. By telling you to love God, with all that you are, God gave you a rule according to which you must love yourself. Without doubt, you want to love yourself? So love God with all that you are. For it is in Him that you will find yourself and avoid losing yourself in yourself… Therefore, the rule according to which you must love yourself is given to you – love the One Who is greater than you and you will love yourself!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace of the Church (Sermon on the Letter of St James).

PRAYER – O God, bestower of heavenly gifts, Who in the angelic youth Aloysius joined wondrous innocence of life to an equally wondrous love of penance; grant, by his merits and prayers, that we who have not followed him in his innocence may imitate him in his penance. 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).

DIVINE Heart of JESUS, convert sinners,
save the dying, set free the holy souls in Purgatory.

Indulgence 300 Days Everytime –
St Pius X, 11 September, 1907

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 21 June – Saint Suibhne of Cobran (c670- c730) Bishop

Saint of the Day – 21 June – Saint Suibhne of Cobran (c670- c730) Bishop of Armagh, Ireland from 715 to 21 June 730. Died on 21 June c 730 of natural causes.
Also known as – Suibhne of Armagh,Suibhne In-Sui, Suibhney…
Suibne…Suivney…

Saint Suibhne depicted in the Lichfield Gospels,

The Martyrology of Tallagh, an ancient Irish text which lists the Saints venerated by the Irish Church, mentions Saint Suibhne as the Bishop of Cobran, a Diocese which unfortunately has not been identified with certainty. This mention, although valuable, provides no further details about his life or Episcopate.

However, modern hagiographers propose an alternative identification – Saint Suibhne as the Bishop of Armagh, one of the most important Episcopal sees of medieval Ireland. This hypothesis is based on a genealogy reported in the records of Armagh which indicates him as the son of Crundmáel mac Rónáin. These records also places him as the Bishop from 715 to 730, the year of his death.

Regardless of his Episcopal seat, Suibhne is commemorated on 21 June, the day dedicated to his memory. His veneration, attested by several hagiographic sources, suggests a significant role in the religious life of medieval Ireland. However, the lack of concrete details about his life and works, makes it difficult to fully understand the nature and extent of his cult.

Posted in JESUIT SJ, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna dei Miracoli / Our Lady of the Miracles, Alcamo, Sicily (1547), St Aloysius Gonzaga and the Saints for 21 June

St Agofredus of La-Croix

St Apollinaris of Africa
St Colagia
St Corbmac

St Demetria of Rome
St Dominic of Comacchio
St Engelmund

Bl Juan of Jesus

St Lazarus the Leper
St Leutfridus of La-Croix
St Martia of Syracuse
St Martin of Tongres
St Melchiorre della Pace
St Mewan of Bretagne
Bl Nicholas Plutzer

St Raymond of Barbastro

St Suibhne of Cobran (c670-730) Bishop
St Terence
St Ursicenus of Pavia

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 20 June – Saint Bagne of Thérouanne (Died c706) Bishop

Saint of the Day – 20 June – Saint Bagne of Thérouanne (Died c706) the 5th Bishop of Thérouanne in northwest France (now St Omer) and then Abbot of Fontanelle, the Monastery of Saint Wandrille in Normandy, a disciple of *St Wandrille (c 605–668) Priest, Monk, Abbot. Died in c711 of natural causes Patronage – of Calais, France. Also known as – Theodericus Buinu (his birth name), Bagne of Calais, Bagnus, Bain, Baino, Bainus, Baiano. Additional Memorial – 10 June in Calais and possible universally at one time.

Fontanelle Abbey St Wandrille’s Monastery

Bagne was born to an illustrious family and was named Theodericus Buinus. He embraced the monastic life and was one of the most fervent disciples of St Wandrille. He built up the Monastery of Fontenelle so much by his prudence, his learning and his holiness that, after the death of Saint Drancius, Successor of Saint Omer to the see of Thérouanne and Boulogne, he was elected and called to govern the Diocese.

Baigne was at the head of this See for twelve years, fulfilling all the duties of his pastoral charge with extraordinary zeal and with the greatest perfection, from the year 685 to the year 697. He made several translations and went to Rome, where Pope Sergius I showered him with precious gifts and gave him marks of his high esteem and friendship.

Finally, overwhelmed by the fatigue of the pastoral care and jealous of imitating so many holy Bishops whose veneration he had made honourable, in 697, our Saint Bagne resigned from his Office and chose ,for the place of his retreat, his dear Abbey of Fontenelle, in which he had once spent days so full of meditation, prayer and peace.

Three years after his retirement. he had to yield to the entreaties of the Monks and accept the new Office of Abbot of Fontenelle. In 705 he transferred, from the Church of Saint Paul to that of Saint Peter, the bodies of Saint Wandrille and Saint Ansbert, which were found intact and emmiting the sweetest smell.

Saint Bagne only lived, it seems, for a very short time after this transfer. We are unsure of the precise date of his death, which is usually placed in c706.

There remains, says Father Van-Drival, who provided us with the above details (1635), a living memory of this holy Bishop in the name of the village of “Binghem” the home of Bagne. We have, in fact, the tradition that Saint Bagne sometimes lived in this place, where he had acquired land for the Church of Thérouanne. In 846, the Relics of Saint Bagne were translated to Saint Omer, in order to protect them from the desecration of the Danes. The City of Calais having been the Saint’s favourite place for preaching and this holy Bishop having reaped great fruits of conversion there, the Calaisians have always considered him as their very own Apostle and honoured him as their Patron. His feast is celebrated on 10 June in that City.

*St Wandrille:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/22/saint-of-the-day-22-july-st-wandrille-of-fontenelle-c-605-668/

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Notre-Dame-de-Grace / Our Lady of Grace also known as Our Lady of Consolation (1524), St Pope Silverius (Died 538) Martyr and the Saints for 20 June

St Bagne of Thérouanne (Died c706) Bishop
Blessed Benignus of Breslau O,Cist. (13th-14th Century) Cistercian Monk and Martyr
St Edburga of Caistor
St Florentia of Seville

St Gemma of Saintonge
St Goban of Picardie
St Helen of Öehren

St Macarius of Petra (Died c350) Bishop and Confessor
St Methodius of Olympus

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, OUR Cross, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, SAINT of the DAY, SELF-DISTRUST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 19 June – The Bridegroom came and they, who were ready, went in with Him … – Matthew 25:10

One Minute Reflection – 19 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – St Juliana Falconieri OSM (1270 – 1341) Virgin – 2 Corinthians 10:17-18, 11:1-2; Matthew 25:1-13 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ … The Bridegroom came and they, who were ready, went in with Him … ” – Matthew 25:10

REFLECTION – “In this world, which is to say, in the Church, wholly following Christ, He says to all of us: “Whoever wishes to come after Me must deny himself.” This command is not being directed to virgins but not married women, to widows but not wives, to Monks but not husbands, to Priests but not laity. It is the whole Church, the whole Body of Christ with all its members, differentiated and divided according to their proper functions that is, to follow Christ. May she wholly follow Him, she who is one alone, the dove, the bride (Sg 6:9); may she follow Him, she who has been redeemed and endowed with the Blood of her Bridegroom. Virginal purity has its place here; the continence of widows has its place here; wedded chastity has its place here…

These members who have their place here should follow Christ, each according to their category, each according to their status, each after its fashion. Let them deny themselves, that is to say, let them not rely on themselves. Let them carry their cross that is to say, bear, for Christ’s sake in the world, all that the world inflicts on them. May they love Him, He, the Only One, Who never deceives or is deceived, the Only One ,Who is not mistaken. May they love Him because, what He promises is true. Yet because, He does not give it to us now, our faith falters. Keep going, persevere, bear and accept this delay and you have carried His Cross!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 96:9)

PRAYER – O God, Who miraculously fortified blessed Juliana, Thy Virgin, in her last illness with the precious Body of Thy Son, grant, we beseech Thee, that with her merits pleading for us, we also, refreshed and strengthened by the same Sacrament in our dying agony, may be brought to our heavenly home. 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).

EUCHARISTIC Heart of JESUS, model of the priestly heart, have mercy on us.
COR JESU Eucharisticum, cordis sacerdotalis exemplar, miserere nobis. – Indulgence 300 Days, Everytime – Raccolta 177St Pius X, 11 Sept

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 19 June – Blessed Humphrey Middlemore O.Cart. (Died 1535) Priest, Martyr

Saint of the Day – 19 June – Blessed Humphrey Middlemore O.Cart. (Died 1535) Priest, Martyr, Carthusian Monk and Prior. Died on 19 June 1535at Tyburn Tree , London for refusal to take the new Oath of Supremacy by being hanged, drawn and quartered. Additional Memorial – on 4 May as one of the Carthusian Martyrs of London during the violent horrors perpetrated by Henry VIII when Catholics refused to recognise his so-called marriage to Anne Boleyn.

Although the date of his birth is uncertain, his father was Thomas Middlemore of Edgbaston, Warwickshire, who had acquired his estate at Edgbaston by marriage with the heiress of Sir Henry Edgbaston. Humphrey’s mother was Ann Lyttleton, of Pillaton Hall, Staffordshire.
Humphrey became attracted to the Carthusian Order at an early age and entered the London Charterhouse, where he was Professed and Ordained. He was subsequently appointed to the Office of Procurator. He was esteemed by the Prior, Dom John Houghton (also Martyred).

In 1534 the question of King Henry VIII’s marriage with Anne Boleyn arose. The King was determined that the more prominent of his subjects should expressly acknowledge the validity of the marriage and the right of succession of any issue therefrom. The Crown was at first anxious to secure the public acquiescence of the Monks of the London Charterhouse in this matter, since they enjoyed great prestige for the austerity and sincerity of their mode of life. Accordingly, the Royal Commissions paid a visit to the Charterhouse and required the Monks to take the Oath to that effect. Doms John Houghton and Humphrey Middlemore refused and were, in consequence, imprisoned in the Tower of London but, after a month’s imprisonment, they were persuaded to take the Oath conditionally and were released.

In the following year, on 4 May 1535, the authorities sent to their death at Tyburn Tree, three leading English Carthusians, first among them John Houghton, Prior of the London Charterhouse but also Robert Lawrence and Augustine Webster, respectively Priors of Beauvale and Axholme. This led to Middlemore becoming Vicar of the community.

Meanwhile, Thomas Bedyll, one of the Royal Commissioners, had again visited the Charterhouse and endeavoured, both by conversation and writing, to shake the faith of Middlemore and his community, in the Papal supremacy. His efforts left them unmoved and, after debating with them, he obtained authority from Thomas Cromwell to arrest three leading Monks of the London House: Middlemore, as the Vicar and with him ,Doms William Exmew and Sebastian Newdigate. All three were thrown into prison, where they were treated with cruelty, being bound to posts with chains round their necks and legs and compelled to remain thus day and night for two weeks. They were then brought before the Council and required to take the Oath. They refused and gave arguments from Scripture and the Church Fathers in favour of the Pope and his supremacy over the Church of Christ.

They were accordingly condemned to death and executed at Tyburn Tree on 19 June, being hanged, drawn and quartered. This was a little more than a month after their fellow Monks. This process of attrition was to claim fifteen of the London Carthusians.

Pope Leo XIII Beatified Blessed Humphrey on 29 December 1886.

Part of a stained glass window in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Bridge Gate, Derby
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, MYSTICS, SAINT of the DAY

Nostra Signora d Montesenario / Our Lady of the Servites OSM, Monte Senario, Florence, Italy (1240), St Juliana Falconieri OSM and the Saints for 19 June

Sts Adleida and Lupo of Bergamo Married Martyrs
Bl Arnaldo of Liniberio
St Culmatius of Arezzo
St Deodatus of Jointures
St Deodatus of Nevers
St Gaudentius of Arezzo

St Hildegrin of Châlons-sur-Marne Bishop
St Hildemarca of Fecamp (Died c682) Abbess
Blessed Humphrey Middlemore O.Cart. (Died 1535) Priest, Martyr
St Innocent of Le Mans
St Lambert of Saragossa Layman Martyr
St Lupo of Bergamo
St Modeste Andlauer
St Nazario of Koper
Bl Odo of Cambrai
St Rémi Isoré
Bl Sebastian Newdigate
Bl Thomas Woodhouse
Bl William Exmew
St Zosimus of Umbria

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, AUGUST - The Immaculate Heart of Mary, BAPTISM, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN QUOTES, QUEENSHIP of MARY, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on ENVY, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on VIRTUE, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY GHOST, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Quote/s of the Day – 18 June – “The Harp of the Holy Ghost!”

Quote/s of the Day – 18 June – “The Harp of the Holy Ghost!” Father & Doctor of the Church, Confessor

“The Cross gives Light to the whole universe;
it casts out darkness
and gathers nations together in charity,
into One Church, One Faith, One Baptism…
”

“Virtues are formed by PRAYER.
PRAYER preserves temperance.
PRAYER suppresses anger.
PRAYER prevents emotions of pride and envy.
PRAYER draws the Holy Ghost, into the soul
and raises man to Heaven.
”

“Let Heaven sustain me in its embrace
because, I am honoured above it.
For Heaven was not Thy Mother
but Thou hast made it Thy Throne.
How much more honourable
and venerable, than the throne
of a king, is His Mother?!
”

“Thou alone and Thy Mother,
are in all things fair,
there is no flaw in Thee
and no stain in Thy Mother.
”

“Some people, who were opposed to the Holy Ghost, said:
“These people have had too much new wine; they are drunk.”
Indeed, you speak truly! However, it is not as you think it is.
It is not wine from the vineyard they have drunk.
It is a new wine that flows from Heaven –
a wine newly pressed on Golgotha.
The Apostles caused it to be drunk and thus ,
they inebriated all creation.
This is wine that was pressed on the Cross!
”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/18/quote-s-of-the-day-18-june-st-ephrem/

St Ephrem (306-373)
Father & Doctor of the Church

Posted in Against Unexplained FEVER or HIGH Temperatures, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 18 June – Saint Abraham of Clermont (Died c479) Abbot

Saint of the Day – 18 June – Saint Abraham of Clermont (Died c479) Abbot and Founder of the Monastery of St Cyriacus in Clermont-Ferrand, Hermit, Miracle-worker. Born in 5th Century Syria and died in c479 of natural causes in his Monastery in France. Patronage – against fever. Also known as – Abraham the Abbot.

Ancient Monks with an old Abbot

Abraham was born in Syria, along the Euphrates River and was of Persian origins. He later left for Egypt, to visit some of the hermits and Monks there, seeking knowledge of monastic life and rules. However, on the way to Egypt, he was kidnapped and held prisoner for five years.

Finally. he managed to escape and ardously travelled to Gaul (France). He settled in Clermont in the Auvergne region as a Hermit. His reputation for holiness spread rapidly and he attracted so many disciples that he needed to build a Monastery to house them, near the Basilica of Saint Cyricus not far from St Illidius Church in Clermont.

He died around 479. St Apollinaris Sedonius, the Bishop of Clermont wrote an Epitaph on the grave of St Abraham from which we have been granted confirmation of some facts concerning our Saint’s life.

The Basilica of Saint Cyricus
Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Notre-Dame-des-Oliviers / Our Lady of Olives, France (1881), St Ephrem and the Saints for 18 June

St Abraham of Clermont (Died c479) Abbot

St Alena of Dilbeek
St Amandus of Bordeaux
St Arcontius of Brioude
St Athenogenes of Pontus
St Calogero of Sicily
St Calogerus of Fragalata
St Calogerus the Anchorite
St Colman mac Mici
St Cyriacus of Malaga
St Demetrius of Fragalata
St Edith of Aylesbury

St Elpidius of Brioude
St Equizio of Telese
St Erasmo
St Etherius of Nicomedia
Bl Euphemia of Altenmünster
St Fortunatus the Philosopher
St Gerland of Caltagirone
St Gregory of Fragalata

St Guy of Baume
St Jerome of Vallumbrosa
St Marina of Alexandria
St Marina of Bithynia
Bl Marina of Spoleto

St Osanna of Northumberland
St Osmanna of Jouarre
St Paula of Malaga
Bl Peter Sanchez

Martyrs of Rome – 3 Saints: Three Christians Martyred together . We have no details but their names – Cyriacus, Paul and Thomas. In Rome, Italy, date unknown.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 17 June – Saint Fulk (Died 900) Bishop Martyr

Saint of the Day – 17 June – Saint Fulk (Died 900) Archbishop of Rheims in 883, Chancellor of Frankish Kingdom, protector and defender of the Church’s rights and assets for which position he was murdered on 17 June 900. Some sources name him a Martyr for the Church of Christ. Also known as – Foulques the Venerable, Coots the Venerable … Folco…Foulque…Fulco…Foulques of Reims… Fulko…Fulque…Fulquerio…Venerável…

Fulk was born into a noble Frankish family with close ties to the Carolingian dynasty. His brother, Anscarius I, became the first Marquis of Ivrea, giving rise to the Anscarici dynasty.

Fulk undertook an Ecclesiastical career from a young age, becoming a Palace Cleric at the Court of Charles II the Bald. In 877 his dedication and ability led to his appointment as the Abbot of the Benedictine Abbey of St Bertinus.

On 7 March 883, Fulk reached the pinnacle of his Ecclesiastical career with his appointment as the Archbishop of Rheims, one of the most prestigious Episcopal Sees of the West Frankish Kingdom. During his tenure, he fervently devoted himself to the restoration of the Diocesan Cathedral, the symbol of his spiritual authority.

In 898, Fulk assumed the role of the Chancellor of the Kingdom, taking a leading role in the political sphere. He became noticeable for his tenacious defence of Ecclesiastical assets from the expansionist aims of the nobles, countering secular interference in the properties of the Church.

Fulk’s strenuous defence of the rights of the Church led him to clash with Baldwin II, the powerful Count of Flanders. According to the chronicler Floardus, the King granted Fulk the Abbey of St Vaast in Arras, previously controlled by Baldwin. This act fuelled tensions between the two, leaders culminating in the assassination of Fulk on 17 June 900 at the hands of men in the service of the Flemish Count.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Heilige Maria im Walde / Holy Maria in the Forest, Austria (1849) and the Saints for 17 June

St Adolph of Utrecht
St Agrippinus of Como
St Antidius of Besançon
Bl Arnold of Foligno
St Avitus of Perche
St Blasto of Rome

St Briavel of Gloucestershire
St David of Bourges
St Dignamerita of Brescia
St Diogenes of Rome
St Emily de Vialar
St Fulk of Rheims (Died 900) Bishop
St Gundulphus of Bourges

St Himerius of Amelia
St Hypatius of Chalcedon
St Molling of Wexford
St Montanus of Gaeta
St Nectan of Hartland
Bl Paul Burali d’Arezzo
Bl Peter Gambacorta
Bl Philippe Papon
St Prior
St Rambold of Ratisbon

St Theresa of Portugal