Category: The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Posted in Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Our Morning Offering – 27 December – Oh Teach Me then, Dear Saint!

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Our Morning Offering – 27 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

Oh Teach Me then, Dear Saint!
An Invocation of St John,
the Apostle and Evangelist
“Saint of the Sacred Heart”,
Unknown Author

Saint of the Sacred Heart,
Sweet teacher of the Word,
Partner of Mary’s woes
And favourite of thy Lord!
Refrain: Oh teach me then, dear Saint!
The Secrets Christ taught thee;
The Beatings of His Heart
And how it beat for me!

We know not all thy gifts
But this, Christ bids us see,
That He Who so loved all,
Found more to love in thee.
Refrain

When the last evening came,
Thy head was on His Breast,
Pillowed on earth, where now
In Heaven the Saints find rest.
Refrain

Dear Saint! I stand far off,
With vilest sins opprest,
Oh may I dare, like thee,
To lean upon His Breast?
Refrain

His Touch could heal the sick,
His Voice could raise the dead,
Oh that my soul might be
Where He allows thy head.
Refrain

The gifts He gave to thee
He gave thee to impart
And I, too, claim with thee
His Mother and His Heart!
Refrain

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

St John the Apostle and Evangelist, the Beloved, Nossa Senhora do Rosário / Our Lady of the Rosary (Brazil) (1817) and Memorials of the Saints – 27 December

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St John the Apostle and Evangelist, the Beloved
St John the Beloved:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/27/saint-of-the-day-27-december-st-john-the-apostle-and-evangelist/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/27/saint-of-the-day-27-december-the-disciple-whom-jesus-loved-the-eagle-by-dom-prosper-gueranger/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/27/saint-of-the-day-27-december-st-john-the-apostle-and-evangelist-2/

Nossa Senhora do Rosário / Our Lady of the Rosary (Atibaia, São Paulo, Brazil) (1817) – 27 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/27/feast-of-st-john-the-apostle-and-evangelist-nossa-senhora-do-rosario-our-lady-of-the-rosar-atibaia-sao-paulo-brazil-1817-and-memorials-of-the-saints-27-december/

Bl Adelheidis of Tennenbach
Bl Christina Ebner

St Fabiola (Died 399) Physician, Foundress of the first known hospital and hospice, disciple of St Jerome, benefactress of the Church.
St Fabiola’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/27/saint-of-the-day-27-december-st-fabiola-died-399/

Bl Hesso of Beinwil
St Maximus of Alexandria
St Nicarete of Constantinople
Blessed Roger of Verdun O.Praem. (Died 1138) Abbot

St Theodore of Apamea (c775-c831) Confessor, Martyr, Monk, Brother of Saint Theophanes of Nicaea.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/27/saint-of-the-day-27-december-st-theodore-of-apamea-c-775-c-831-confessor/

St Theophanes of Nicaea
Bl Walto of Wessobrünn

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HEART, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 December – “Blessed are they who have not seen and yet, have believed.” – John 20:29

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One Minute Reflection – 21 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Feast of St Thomas, Apostle of Christ – Ephesians 2:19-22; John 20:24-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Blessed are they who have not seen and yet, have believed.” – John 20:29

REFLECTION – “The disciples’ weakness was so unsteady that, not content with seeing the risen Lord, they still wanted to touch Him if they were to believe in Him. It was not enough for them to see Him with their eyes, they wanted to put out their hands to His limbs and touch the marks of His recent wounds. It was after He had touched and acknowledged His scars that the unbelieving disciple cried out: “My Lord and my God!” Those scars revealed the One Who, where other people were concerned, healed every wound! Could the Lord not have risen without scars? Yet, He saw within His disciples’ hearts, wounds which those scars which He had preserved in His Body, would heal.

And what does the Lord answer that confession of faith of His disciple, who says: “My Lord and my God”? “Have you come to believe because you have seen Me? Blessed are they who have not seen and yet, have believed.” Who is He talking about, my friends, if not of us? And not just of us but of those, too, who will follow us. For shortly afterwards, when He had disappeared from mortal sight so as to strengthen faith in the heart, all those who became believers, believed without seeing and their faith had great merit. To acquire it they reached out to Him, not a hand with which to touch Him but only, a loving heart! ” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 88).

PRAYER – O Lord, grant us, we beseech Thee, to glory in the Feast-day of blessed Thomas, Thy Apostle, that we maybe helped continually by his patronage and imitate his faith with a devotion like his. 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).

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Our Morning Offering – 21 December – Exsultet Orbis! Let the World Rejoice! Feast of St Thomas, Apostle

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Our Morning Offering – 21 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Feast of St Thomas, Apostle

Exsultet Orbis!
Let the World Rejoice!
Unknown Author

Now let the earth with joy resound,
And Heaven the chant re-echo round;
Nor Heaven nor earth too high can raise
The great Apostles’ glorious praise.

O ye who, throned in glory dread,
Shall judge the living and the dead,
Lights of the world forever more!
To you the suppliant prayer we pour.

Ye close the Sacred Gates on high.
At your command apart they fly.
O loose for us the guilty chain
We strive to break and strive in vain.

Sickness and health your voice obey,
At your command they go or stay.
From sin’s disease our souls restore;
In good confirm us more and more.

So when the world is at its end.
And Christ to Judgment shall descend,
May we be called, those joys to see
Prepared from all eternity.

Praise to the Father, with the Son,
And Holy Spirit, Three in One;
As ever was in ages past
And so shall be while ages last.
Amen

(Roman Breviary for the Common of Apostles)
An Office Hymn that was traditionally prescribed for Vespers and Lauds on the Feasts of Apostles and Evangelists outside Easter time. The Hymn is found as early as the tenth century in a hymnal of Moissac Abbey.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Feast of St Thomas, Apostle of Christ, Martyr. Christmas Novenas, Notre-Dame de Saint-Acheul / Our Lady of Saint Acheul, Amiens, France (4th Century) and Memorials of the Saints – 21 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Feast of St Thomas, Apostle of Christ, Martyr
His Feast was moved to 3 July in 1969
https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/03/saint-of-the-day-feast-of-st-thomas-apostle-of-christ/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/03/feast-of-st-thomas-apostle-of-christ-martyr-3-july/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/03/saint-of-the-day-3-july-st-thomas-the-apostle-of-christ/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-feast-of-st-thomas-apostle-of-christ-martyr/

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus
By St Alphonsus – The Sixth Day:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/21/christmas-novena-to-the-divine-infant-jesus-by-st-alphonsus-day-6-21-december/

The Monthly Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague
The Sixth Day

Notre-Dame de Saint-Acheul / Our Lady of Saint Acheul, Amiens, France, founded by Saint Firmin, Bishop (4th Century) – 21 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/21/feast-of-st-thomas-apostle-of-christ-christmas-novena-to-the-christ-child-day-six-notre-dame-de-saint-acheul-our-lady-of-saint-acheul-amiens-france-4th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

Bl Adrian of Dalmatia

St Anastasius II of Antioch (Died 609) Bishop and Martyr, Confessor, Defender of the Faith.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-saint-anastasius-ii-of-antioch/

St Baudacarius of Bobbio
St Beornwald of Bampton
Bl Bezela of Göda

Blessed Daniel of the Annunciation OdeM Mercedarian Friar. Daniel was a Mercedarian Friar at the Monastery of Santa Maria della Pace in Naples, Italy. He was a staunch defender of the freedom of the Church from state control and of his Order.(13th Century?)
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-blessed-daniel-of-the-annunciation-odem/

St Dioscorus

Blessed Dominic Spadafora OP (1450-1521) Dominican Priest, renowned Preacher and Evangelist. His body is incorrupt.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/21/saint-of-the-day-21-december-blessed-dominic-spadafora-op-1450-1521/

St Festus of Tuscany
St Glycerius of Nicomedia
St James of Valencia
St John of Tuscany
St John Vincent
St Severin of Trèves (Died c300) Bishop, Confessor
Bl Sibrand of Marigård
St Themistocles of Lycia
Blessed Tommaso Vitali OSM (1425-1490) Priest and Friar of the Order of the Servants of Mary (the Servites)

Posted in EMBER DAYS, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Vigil of St Thomas, EMBER WEDNESDAY, Apostle, Christmas Novenas – Fifth Day, Notre-Dame de Molène / Our Lady of Molene, France (1075) and the Saints for 20 December

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Vigil of St Thomas, Apostle

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
THE FIFTH DAY:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/20/christmas-novena-to-the-divine-infant-jesus-by-st-alphonsus-the-fifth-day-20-december/

The Monthly Novena to the Miraculous
Infant Jesus of Prague
THE FIFTH DAY

EMBER WEDNESDAY – Fast and Abstinence
In case you have forgotten about Ember Days as they are not promoted or encouraged since Vatican II, here is a reminder:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/16/today-is-an-ember-day-did-you-remember/

Notre-Dame de Bon Retour à Île-Molène / Our Lady of Molene, France (1075) – 20 December
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/20/notre-dame-de-bon-retour-a-ile-molene-our-lady-of-molene-france-1075-christmas-novena-day-five-and-memorials-of-the-saints-20-december/

St Attala of Strasbourg
St Bajulus of Rome
St Crescentius of Africa
St Damian of Padua
St Dominic of Brescia

St Dominic de Silos OSB (1000-1073) Monk, Abbot. He was a Spanish Monk, to whom the Abbey of Santo Domingo de Silos, where he served as the Abbot, is dedicated. The mother of the better-known Saint Dominic de Guzmán, the Blessed Joan of Aza, prayed at his Shrine before she was able to conceive the son she named for him. That son would grow up to found the Dominican Order. Dominic’s special patronage thus became connected with pregnancy and until the establishment of the Second Spanish Republic in 1931, his abbatial crozier was used to bless the queens of Spain and was placed by their beds when they were in labour.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/20/saint-of-the-day-20-december-st-dominic-de-silos-o-s-b-c1000-1073/

St Eugene of Arabia
St Hoger of Hamburg-Bremen (Died 916) Bishop
Bl John de Molina
St Julius of Gelduba
Bl Lorenzo Company
St Liberatus of Rome
St Macarius of Arabia
St Malou of Hautvillers
St Paul of Latra
Blessed Peter de la Cadireta

Blessed Peter Massalenus (1375-1453) Monk, Mystic
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/20/saint-of-the-day-20-december-blessed-peter-massalenus-1375-1453-monk/

St Philogonius of Antioch (Died 324) Bishop, Widower, Lawyer, Patriarch of Antioch. Defender of the true Faith against Arianism, in fact, he was one of the first to publicly denouce the heresy, Defender of the people against persecution, Ascetic.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/20/saint-of-the-day-20-december-saint-philogonius-of-antioch-died-324/

St Thomas of Dover
St Ursicinus of Saint-Ursanne (c552-c625) Abbot

Posted in ADVENT, ADVENT PRAYERS, CHRISTMASTIDE!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

The St Andrew’s Christmas Novena- The Christmas Anticipation Prayer

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The St Andrew’s Christmas Novena
The Christmas Anticipation Prayer

The Novena is not actually addressed to Saint Andrew but to God Himself, asking Him to grant our request in honour of the birth of His Son at Christmas. You can say the prayer all 15 times, all at once; or divide up the recitation as necessary (perhaps five times at each meal). We say ours after the Family Rosary each day, with each member saying it a number of times to total 15.

Prayed as a family, the Saint Andrew Christmas Novena is a very good way to help focus the attention of your family and children on the Advent season. nd the reason for the festivities to come.

Pray 15 Times each day, until Christmas Day

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment,
in which the Son of God was born,
of the most pure Virgin Mary,
at midnight, in Bethlehem,
in the piercing cold.
In that hour vouchsafe,
I beseech Thee, O my God,
to hear my prayer and grant my desires,
…………………
[here mention your request]
through the merits of Our Saviour, Jesus Christ
and of His Blessed Mother.
Amen

Posted in OUR Cross, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The HOLY CROSS

Quote of the Day – 30 November – The Passion of Andrew:

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Quote of the Day – 30 November – The Feast of St Andrew, Apostle of Christ, Martyr on the Cross for Christ

It is claimed, that the words below were spoken by St Andrew, according to an ancient account (which dates to the beginning of the 6th Century), entitled –

The Passion of Andrew

“Hail, O Cross, inaugurated by the Body of Christ
and adorned with His limbs
as though they were precious pearls.
Before the Lord mounted you,
you inspired an earthly fear.
Now, instead, endowed with heavenly love,
you are accepted as a gift.

Believers know of the great joy that you possess
and of the multitude of gifts you have prepared.
I come to you, therefore,
confident and joyful,
so that you too may receive me,
exultant as a disciple of the One
Who was hung upon you….

O blessed Cross, clothed in the majesty
and beauty of the Lord’s limbs!…

Take me, carry me far from men
and restore me to my Teacher,
so that, through you,
the One who redeemed me by you,
may receive me.

Hail, O Cross, yes, hail indeed!”

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 30 November – ”We have found the Messiah”

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One Minute Reflection – 30 November – The Feast of St Andrew, Apostle of Christ – Readings: Romans 10: 9-18; Matthew 4: 18-22

“At once they left their nets and followed him.” – Matthew 4:20

REFLECTION – “After Andrew had remained with Jesus (Jn 1:39) and had learned what he did learn, he did not keep his treasure concealed for himself but hastened to run quickly to his brother, Simon Peter, to share with him, the good things that he had received.
Consider what he told his brother: “We have found the Messiah (which interpreted is Christ)” (Jn 1:41). Do you perceive, in these words, the fruit of what he had learned in such a short time? It shows, at once, the authority of the Teacher who taught His disciples and their own enthusiasm and will to learn from Him, since the very beginning.

Indeed Andrew’s eagerness, his zeal in wanting to spread immediately such a good news, supposes a soul who was longing to see the accomplishment of the many prophecies concerning Christ. It is a mark of brotherly kindness, of loving kinship, of genuine goodwill, to hasten to stretch out a helping hand to one another in spiritual matters. … ”We have found the Messiah” he says – not any messiah but “the Messiah,” the one Christ they were awaiting.” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father and Doctor of the Church (Homely on the Gospel of Saint John, 19:1).

PRAYER – Lord, in Your kindness hear our petitions. You called Andrew the Apostle, to preach the Gospel and guide Your Church in faith. May he always be our friend in Your Presence, to help us with his prayers. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. (Collect)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Our Morning Offering – 30 November – St Andrew, Once a Fisherman. Captator olim piscium

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Our Morning Offering – 30 November – The Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle

St Andrew, Once a Fisherman
Captator olim piscium
Attrib. to Saint Peter Damian (1007-1072)
Doctor of the Church

Saint Andrew, who once cast your nets
Upon the lake of Galilee,
Show now your skill in catching souls,
And save us from the world’s wild sea.

Saint Peter’s brother during life,
Not even death your souls could part,
Since both endured the bitter cross
With patient and courageous heart.

True brothers in your work on earth,
Your crown of glory is the same,
Both fathers of the infant Church,
Both crucified for Jesus’ Name.

You were the first to find Our Lord,
And led your brother to his feet,
So help us on life’s weary way,
Befriend us in its dust and heat.

Companion of your brother’s toil,
Preserve the Church in charity,
That with Saint Peter, shepherd true,
We may serve God in unity.

Beloved Saint, so dear to Christ,
Help us to run the path of love,
That we may all God’s praises sing,
United in full joy above.
Amen

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, FRANCISCAN OFM, MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Feast of St Andrew the Apostle, Virgen de la Concepción / Mary Immaculate, Mexico (1524) and Memorials of the Saints for 30 November

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Feast of St Andrew the Apostle
St Andrew!
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/30/saint-of-the-day-30-november-st-andrew-apostle-of-christ-martyr/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/11/30/feast-of-st-andrew-apostle-of-christ-martyr-30-november/

Virgen de la Concepción, San Juan de los Lagos / Mary Immaculate of Saint John of the Lakes, Mexico) (1524) – 30 November, 2 February, 24 June, 15 August, 8 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/30/feast-of-st-andrew-the-apostle/

St Abraham of Persia
St Anders of Slagelse
Bl Andrew of Antioch
Bl Arnold of Gemblours

St Castulus of Rome (c288) Martyr, married to Saint Irene of Rome (the woman who assisted St Sebastian after he had been wounded by the Imperial archers) and father of 2 children, Military Officer and he was the Chamberlain (or officer, valet) of Emperor Diocletian. His Feast day was moved to 26 March in 1969.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/26/saint-of-the-day-26-march-saint-castulus-of-rome-died-c-288-martyr/
St Constantius of Rome
St Crider of Cornwall

Blessed Cuthbert Mayne (1544-1577) Priest Martyr. Additional Memorials – • 25 October as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, • 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai, • 1 December as one of the Martyrs of Oxford University.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/30/saint-of-the-day-30-november-blessed-cuthbert-mayne-1544-1577-priest-martyr/

St Domninus of Antioch
St Euprepis of Rome
Bl Everard of Stahleck

Blessed Frederick of Regensburg OSA (Died 1329) Lay Friar of the Hermits of St Augustine, devotee of the Blessed Sacrament. St Pius X Beatified him on 12 May 1909.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/30/saint-of-the-day-30-november-blessed-frederick-of-regensburg-osa-died-1329/

St Galganus Guidotti (1148-1181) Hermit
St Isaac of Beth Seleucia

Blessed John of Vercelli OP (1205-1283) Priest and Friar, Sixth Master General of the Order of Preachers, Founder of the The Society of the Holy Name, Canon lawyer, Professor. Beatified in 1903 by Pope Pius X.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/01/saint-of-the-day-1-december-blessed-john-of-vercelli-op-c-1205-1283/

Bl Joscius Roseus
St Justina of Constantinople
St Mahanes the Persian
St Maura of Constantinople
St Merola of Antioch
St Mirocles of Milan
St Sapor
St Simeon of Persia
St Trojan
St Tudwal of Tréguier
Bl William de Paulo
Zosimus the Wonder Worker

Martyrs of Saxony – 6 Saints: Missionaries who worked with Saint Willehad of Bremen. Martyrs. – Attroban, Benjamin, Emmingen, Folkard, Gerwald and Grisold. They were martyred on 30 November 782 at River Weser, Lawer Saxony, Germany.

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The HEART, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 November – ‘… Let us, too, build a dwelling in our hearts …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 29 November – The Vigil of St Andrew Apostle – Ecclesiasticus 44:25-27; 45:2-4; 45:6-9; John 1:35-51 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying and they stayed with Him that day.” – John 1:39

REFLECTION – “John was there and two of his disciples with him.” John was such “a friend of the Bridegroom” that he did not seek his own glory, he simply bore witness to the truth (Jn 3:29,26). Did he dream of keeping back his disciples and preventing them from following the Lord? Not in the least. He, himself, showed them the One they were to follow … He declared: “Why cling to me? I am not the Lamb of God. Behold the Lamb of God … Behold Him who takes away the sins of the world.”

At these words the two disciples who were with John, followed Jesus. “Jesus turned and saw that they were following Him and said to them: ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to Him: ‘Rabbi, where are you staying?” As yet they were not following Him definitively, as we know, they joined themselves to Him, when He called them to leave their boat … when He said to them: “Come after me and I will make you fishers of men” (Mt 4:19). That was the moment they joined Him definitively, no longer to leave Him. But for now they wanted to see where Jesus was living and put into practice the words of Scripture: “If you see an intelligent man, seek him out at daybreak; let your feet wear away his doorstep! Learn from him the precepts of the Lord” (cf. Sir 6:36). So Jesus showed them where He was living, they went and stayed with Him. What a happy day they spent! What a blessed night! Who can say what it was they heard from the Lord’s mouth? Let us, too, build a dwelling in our hearts, construct a house where Christ can come to teach and converse with us.” … St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermons on Saint John’s Gospel No 7).

PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness.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).

Posted in "Follow Me", GOD ALONE!, MARIAN PRAYERS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MISSION, Quotes on SALVATION, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Our Morning Offering – 7 November – Prayer to Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 7 November – Tuesday being the Day on which we honour the Holy Apostles, as the Church is apostolic. That is, it is founded on the authority and teaching of the Apostles, most especially that of St Peter to whom Jesus gave the keys of his Kingdom. Each Bishop is a direct successor of the Apostles and so we include them in our prayers.

Prayer to Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles
By St Vincent Pallotti SAC (1795-1850)

Immaculate Mother of God,
Queen of the Apostles,
we know that God’s commandment of love
and our vocation to follow Jesus Christ,
impels us to co-operate
in the mission of the Church.
Realising our own weakness,
we entrust the renewal of our personal lives
and our Apostolate, to your intercession.
We are confident,
that through God’s mercy
and the infinite merits of Jesus Christ,
you, who are our Mother,
will obtain the strength of the Holy Spirit,
as you obtained it for the Apostles,
gathered in the Upper Room.
Therefore, relying on your
maternal intercession,
we resolve, from this moment,
to devote our talents,
learning, material resources,
our health, sickness and trials
and every gift of nature and grace,
for the greater glory of God
and the salvation of all.
We wish to carry on those activities,
(which especially promote
the Catholic Apostolate,)
for the revival of faith
and love of the people of God
and so, bring all men and women,
into the faith of Jesus Christ.
(And if a time should come
when we have nothing more to offer,
serviceable to this end,)
we will never cease to pray,
that there will be one fold
and one Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
In this way, we hope to enjoy
the results of the Apostolate of Jesus Christ)
for all eternity.
Amen.

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 November – ‘There is no question but that this Householder is Christ. …’ St Jerome

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 4 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – Saint Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) He is known as the “Father of the Clergy” – Some of his Patronages: Bishops, Priests, Seminarians • Catechists • Catechumens • Spiritual Directors • Spiritual leaders. – Sirach 44:16-27; 45:3-20, Matthew 25:14-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“A man going abroad, called his servants and handed over his goods to them.” – Matthew 25:14

REFLECTION – “There is no question but that this Householder is Christ. After His Resurrection, when He was about to return triumphantly to the Father, He called His Apostles and entrusted them with the Gospel teaching, giving more to one, less to the other, never too much or too little but according to the abilities of those who received it. In the same way, the Apostle Paul said that he had fed with milk those unable to take solid food (1 Cor 3:2)…

Five, two, one talent: let us take these to be the different graces granted to each, whether the five senses for the first; understanding of faith and works for the second; the reasons for distinguishing us from other creatures, for the third. “The one who received five talents went away and traded with them and made another five.” That is to say, besides the physical and material senses he had received, he added knowledge of heavenly things. His knowledge was raised from the creatures to the Creator, from the corporal to the incorporeal, from the visible to the invisible, from the transient to the eternal. “The one who received two made another two.” This one likewise, according to his ability, doubled in the school of the Gospel what he had learned in the school of the Law. Or perhaps we could say, that he understood that knowledge of faith and the works of this present life, lead to future happiness. “But the man who received one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.” In the grip of works here below and of worldly pleasures, the wicked servant neglected God’s commands.  However, let us note that, according to another evangelist, he wrapped it in a linen cloth – by this we could understand that he took away the force of his Master’s teaching, by a life of softness and pleasure…

The Master welcomed the first two servants… with the same words of praise. “Come,” He said, “share in your master’s joy and receive what eye has not seen and ear has not heard and what has not entered the human heart” (1 Cor 2:9). What greater reward could be bestowed on a faithful servant?” – St Jerome (343-420) Translator of Sacred Scripture (the Vulgate), Father and One of the Original Four Doctors of the Latin Church .

PRAYER – Safeguard Thy Church, O Lord, under the continual protection of St Charles, Thy Confessor and Bishop, so that just as his concern for his flock made him glorious, so his intercession may make us ever fervent in loving Thee. 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).

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The SECOND COMING

Quote/s of the Day – 28 October – The Feast of Saints Simon and Jude

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Quote/s of the Day – 28 October – The Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles

“… It was their vocation
to call sinners to repentance,
to heal those who were sick,
whether in body or spirit,
to seek in all their dealing,
never to do their own will
but the will of Him who sent them and,
as far as possible, to save the world
by their teaching.”

St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444)
Bishop, Father & Doctor of the Church

Prayer to Sts Simon and Jude
From the Liturgical Year, 1903

Great evils surround us!
is there any hope left to the world?
The confidence of thy devout clients
proclaims thee, O Jude,
the Patron of desperate cases
and for thee, O Simon,
this is surely the time
to prove thyself Zelotes, full of zeal.
Deign, thou both,
to hear the Church’s prayers
and aid her, with all thy Apostolic might,
to re-animate faith,
to rekindle charity
and to save the world!
Amen

Prayer to St Jude Patron of Impossible Causes:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/28/quote-of-the-day-28-october-patron-of-impossible-causes/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 October – If they kept My Word, they will also keep yours. John 15:20

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One Minute Reflection – 28 October – Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles – Ephesians 4:7-13, John 15:17-25 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The servant is not greater than his Master. … If they kept My Word, they will also keep yours. ” – John 15:20

REFLECTION – “Just as those, who have been trained in agriculture cut up the land with the plough and then, bury the seed in the furrow and do not rely any further on their own skill but rather, leave the rest to the power and favour of God — I mean the germination of the seed which is buried in the earth and nourishing it, up to perfect fruit, — so too, I think, the interpreter of the noblest truths ought only to sow the Word and leave the rest to God.

The Saviour, therefore, gives His advice in this matter to His disciples as a medicine, for lack of spirit and a cure for listlessness. For, He says, do not ever choose to shy away from continuing to teach, even if some of those, who have once been admonished, should nullify the teaching that has been given to them. Rather, finding that even My Words are often not received by many, do not strive to surpass My reputation. Instead, follow in My footsteps and do not become discouraged!” – St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church – (Commentary on the Gospel of John, 10)

PRAYER – O God, Who has given us a way of coming to know Thy Name through Thy blessed Apostles Simon and Jude, grant us to honour their everlasting glory, by becoming more holy and to become more holy by honouring it. 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).

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Our Morning Offering – 28 October – Exsultet Orbis! Let the World Rejoice!

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Our Morning Offering – 28 October – Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles

Exsultet Orbis!
Let the World Rejoice!
Unknown Author

Now let the earth with joy resound,
And Heaven the chant re-echo round;
Nor Heaven nor earth too high can raise
The great Apostles’ glorious praise.

O ye who, throned in glory dread,
Shall judge the living and the dead,
Lights of the world forever more!
To you the suppliant prayer we pour.

Ye close the Sacred Gates on high.
At your command apart they fly.
O loose for us the guilty chain
We strive to break and strive in vain.

Sickness and health your voice obey,
At your command they go or stay.
From sin’s disease our souls restore;
In good confirm us more and more.

So when the world is at its end.
And Christ to Judgment shall descend,
May we be called, those joys to see
Prepared from all eternity.

Praise to the Father, with the Son,
And Holy Spirit, Three in One;
As ever was in ages past
And so shall be while ages last.
Amen

(Roman Breviary for the Common of Apostles)
An Office Hymn that was traditionally prescribed for Vespers and Lauds on the Feasts of Apostles and Evangelists outside Easter time. The Hymn is found as early as the tenth century in a hymnal of Moissac Abbey.

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, MIRACLES, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles of Christ, Lord of Miracles/Señor de los Milagros de Nazarenas, Notre-Dame de Vivonne / Our Lady of Vivonne, Savoy, France and the Saints remembered on 28 October

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Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles of Christ:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/10/28/feast-of-the-apostles-sts-simon-and-jude-28-october/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/10/28/feast-of-saints-simon-and-jude-apostles-of-christ-28-october
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/28/saints-of-the-day-28-october-feast-of-saints-simon-and-jude/

Lord of Miracles/Señor de los Milagros de Nazarenas – A mid-17th-century painting of the Crucifixion that is venerated in Lima, Peru and its celebration involves one of the largest processions in the world.
It was painted by an unnamed African taken to Peru as a slave from what is now Angola. Above the Cross is the Holy Spirit and God the Father. Below and to the right of Jesus, is His mother, the Virgin Mary with her heart pierced by a sword of sorrow. Kneeling and weeping at the foot of the cross is St Mary Magdalene.
The name originated on 13 November 1655 when everything around it was destroyed in an earthquake that left the painting standing and undamaged. Christ is shown enduring the pain of Crucifixion.
Every year in October, hundreds of thousands of devotees from all races and economic backgrounds participate in a procession honouring the image through the streets of Lima. Boulevards are decorated in purple on 18,19 and the final Feast 28 October to celebrate the Lord of Miracles.

Notre-Dame de Vivonne / Our Lady of Vivonne, Savoy, France – 28 October:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/28/feast-of-saints-simon-and-jude-apostles-of-christ-lord-of-miracles-senor-de-los-milagros-de-nazarenas-notre-dame-de-vivonne-our-lady-of-vivonne-savoy-france-and-memorials-of-the-saints-28-oc/

St Abdias of Babylon
St Abraham of Ephesus
St Alberic of Stavelot
St Anastasia the Elder
St Anglinus of Stavelot
St Cyril of Rome
St Cyrilla of Rome
St Diomedes the Younger
St Dorbhene of Iona

St Eadsin of Canterbury (Died 1050) Archbishop of Canterbury from 1038 to 1050, Monk. He crowned St Edward the Confessor as King of England in 1043.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/28/saint-of-the-day-28-october-saint-eadsin-of-canterbury-died-1050/

St Elius of Lyon
St Faro of Meaux

St Fidelis of Como (Died c 304) Soldier-Saint Martyr
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/28/saint-of-the-day-28-october-saint-fidelis-of-como-died-c%e2%80%89304-martyr/

St Ferrutius
St Gaudiosus of Naples (Died c453) Bishop
St Genesius of Thiers
Bl Germain of Talloires
St Godwin of Stavelot
St Maria Ascuncion
St Remigius of Lyons
St Rodrigo Aguilar Aleman
St Salvius of Amiens

Martyrs of Avila – 3 Saints: Two sisters and a brother who, during a period of persecution, fled Talavera de la Reina, Spain, were caught and executed. Martyrs: Christeta, Sabina and Vincent. 303 in Avila, Spain.

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

VIGIL of Sts Simon and Jude, Apostles, Dedication of the Basilica of Auxilium Christianorum / Our Lady Help of Christians, built by St John Bosco (1868) and Memorials of the Saints – 27 October

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VIGIL of Sts Simon and Jude, Apostles

Dedication of the Basilica of Auxilium Christianorum / Our Lady Help of Christians, Turin, Italy, built by St John Bosco (1868) – 27 October:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/27/88503/

St Abban of Magh-Armuidhe
St Abraham the Poor

Blessed Bartholomew of Vicenza OP (c 1200–1271) Bishop, Confessor, Dominican Friar, renowned Preacher, Defender of the Faith, Writer, Theologian, diplomatic peacemaker.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/10/27/saint-of-the-day-27-october-blessed-bartholomew-of-vicenza-op-c-1200-1271/

St Capitolina
St Colman of Senboth-Fola
St Colman of Templeshambo
St Desiderius of Auxerre

St Elesbaan of Ethiopia (Died c 555) King of Ethopia, Confessor, Penitent Hermit and Monk
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/27/saint-of-the-day-27-october-saint-elesbaan-of-ethiopia-died-c-555/

St Emeline of Boulancourt (c 1115-c 1178) Virgin, Lay Sister, Hermit.
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/27/saint-of-the-day-27-october-saint-emeline-of-boulancourt-c-1115-c-1178/

St Erotheides
St Florentius of Trois-Châteaux

St Frumentius (Died c383) “Apostle to Ethiopia,“ Bishop, Confessor.
St Frumentius’ Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/10/27/saint-of-the-day-27-october-st-frumentius-died-c-383-apostle-to-ethiopia/

Bl Goswin of Clairvaux
St Namatius of Clermont (Died c462) Bishop

St Odrian (Died c563) Bishop of Waterford, Ireland, Abbot, Missionary
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/27/saint-of-the-day-27-october-saint-odrian-c-died-563-bishop/

Bl Salvador Mollar Ventura
St Thraseas of Eumenia
St Uni

Posted in ART DEI, MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

The 21st Sunday after Pentecost, Notre-Dame de Talant / Our Lady of Talant, France (1443) and the Saints celebrated on 22 October

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The 21st Sunday after Pentecost

Notre-Dame de Talant / Our Lady of Talant, near Dijon, France (also known as the Virgin of St Luke (1443) – 22 October:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/22/notre-dame-de-talant-our-lady-of-talant-near-dijon-france-1443-and-memorials-of-the-saints-22-october/

St Abericus Marcellus
St Alodia of Huesca
St Apollo of Bawit
St Benedict of Macerac
St Bertharius of Monte Cassino
St Cordula

St Donatus of Fiesole (Died 874) Bishop of Fiesole, Confessor, Irish Nobleman, Monk, Priest, Poet, Writer, Scholar, Professor, Adviser to Emperors Louis the Pious and Lothair I, Founder of San Martino a Mensola Abbey and leader of two military expeditions against the Saracens.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/22/saint-of-the-day-22-october-st-donatus-of-fiesole-died-874/

Bl Esclaramunda of Majorca
St Hermes of Adrianople
St Ingbert
St Leothade of Auch

Blessed Lucia Bartolini Rucellai (Died 1520) Widow, Tertiary of the Order of Preachers, Penitent, Prioress,
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/22/saint-of-the-day-22-october-blessed-lucia-bartolini-rucellai-died-1520/

St Lupenzius
St Mark of Jerusalem

St Mary Salome (First Century) Disciple of Jesus, wife of Zebedee and Mother of Saints James and John, Apostles of Christ:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/10/22/saint-of-the-day-22-october-saint-mary-salome-first-century-disciple-of-jesus/

St Maroveus of Precipiano

St Melanius (Died 314) Bishop, Confessor, Miracle-worker, Hermit.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rouen, St Melanius, Bishop, who was Ordained by Pope St Stephen I and sent to Rouen to preach the Gospel.”
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/22/saint-of-the-day-22-october-saint-melanius-died-314-bishop-of-rouen/

St Moderan of Rennes
St Nepotian of Clermont
St Nunctus of Mérida
St Nunilo of Huesca
St Philip of Adrianople
St Philip of Fermo
St Rufus of Egypt
St Symmachus of Capua
St Valerius of Langres (Died c411) Archdeacon Martyr
St Verecundus of Verona

Martyrs of Heraclea – 4 Saints: A group of four clerics in Heraclea (modern Marmara Ereglisi, Turkey) who were arrested in the persecutions of Diocletian. They were imprisoned, abused and ordered to turn over all the Scriptures they had hidden from authorities; they refused and were executed together. Martyrs. – Eusebius, Hermes, Philip and Severus. They were burned at the stake in 304 in Adrianople (modern Edirne, Turkey).

Martyrs of Adianople:
Blessed Alexander
Blessed Anna
Blessed Elisabeth
Blessed Glyceria
Blessed Heraclius
Blessed Theodota

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, DANTE ALIGHIERI!, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The NATIVITY of JESUS

Quote/s of the Day – 18 October – St Luke

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 18 October – The Feast of St Luke, the Evangelist – 2 Corinthians 8:16-24, Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“St Luke, the historian
of the meekness of Christ.”

Dante Alighieri (c1265-1321)

“When, after abandoning the darkness of error
to bind himself to God’s love,
Paul was joined to the number of the disciples,
Luke went with him everywhere
and became his travelling companion … ” (Acts 16:10)

“It was this Evangelist who related
the mystery of Gabriel,
the messenger sent to the Virgin
to announce joy to the whole world.
It was he, who told in full,
the birth of Christ,
showing us the newborn child lying in a manger
and describing shepherds and Angels shouting for joy.”

“The harvest indeed is great
but the labourers are few.
Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest
that He send labourers into His harvest.”
Luke 10:2

“But in Luke, grace does not stop there.
His speech is not limited to serving the Gospel alone.
At the end of Christ’s miracles
he also relates the Acts of the Apostles. …
Luke was not just a spectator of all those things
but really participated in them.
And that is why he put so much care
into teaching us about them.”

Anonymous Byzantine – Life of Saint Luke
11th Century

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on MISSION, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 18 October – “The harvest indeed is great but the labourers are few.” – Luke 10:2

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 18 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – The Feast of St Luke, the Evangelist – 2 Corinthians 8:16-24, Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The harvest indeed is great but the labourers are few.” – Luke 10:2

REFLECTION – “All the farmer’s work naturally leads towards the harvest. So how could Christ call a ‘harvest’ a work that was still in its initial stages? Idolatry reigned over all the earth .… Everywhere there was fornication, adultery, debauchery, greed, theft, wars . … The earth was filled with so many evils! No seed had yet been sown there. The thorns, thistles and weeds which covered the ground, had not yet been pulled up. The ground had not yet been ploughed, no furrow had yet been drawn.

So how could Jesus say, that the harvest was abundant? … The Apostles were probably distressed and frustrated: “How are we going to be able to say anything, to stand upright before so many people? How can we, the Eleven, correct all the inhabitants of the earth? Shall we, who are so ignorant, be able to approach scholars; shall we, who are so stripped of everything, be able to meet armed men; shall we, who are subordinates, be able to approach people in authority? We know only one language – shall we be able to argue with the barbarians, who speak foreign languages? Who will bear with us, if they do not even understand our language?”

Jesus did not want such reasoning to discourage them. So He called the Gospel a ‘harvest.‘ It is as if, He told them: “Everything is prepared, all the preparations have been made. I am sending you out to harvest the ripe grain. You shall be able to sow and reap, on the same day!” When the farmer leaves his home to go out and gather the harvest, he is brimming over with joy and shining with happiness. He thinks neither of the suffering, nor the difficulties he might encounter . … Christ says, lend Me your tongue and you shall see the ripe grain going into the King’s granaries. And so, He then sends them out, telling them: “I am with you always, until the end of the world.” (Mt 28:20).” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father and Doctor of the Church (Homily on the abundant harvest, 10, 2-3)

PRAYER – O Lord, we beseech Thee, that Luke, Thy holy Evangelist, who for the honour of Thy Name bore continuously in his body the suffering of the Cross, may intercede on our behalf. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Our Morning Offering – 18 October – Holy and Learned, Great Saint Luke

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Our Morning Offering – 18 October – The Feast of St Luke, the Evangelist

Holy and Learned, Great Saint Luke
Prayer/Hymn in Honour of St Luke
“Plausibus Luca canimus”
Trans the Benedictines of
Saint Cecilia’s Abbey, Ryde, UK

Holy and learned, great Saint Luke,
we praise you,
Closely you followed in the steps of Jesus,
As supreme witness to His life and teaching
Shedding your life-blood.

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
You left in writing, for all time to study
Stories unrivalled for their depth and beauty,
Christ’s love revealing.

Yours are the records
which we read with pleasure
Of the beginning of the Church so fervent,
Under the impulse of the true and living
Spirit of Jesus.

Paul’s earnest helper, sharer in his travels,
Zealous as he was, with a heart as loving,
Make our souls also steadfast and devoted
To the Lord Jesus.

Tender physician, use your gift of healing,
Comfort our weakness with a faith unswerving,
So that rejoicing, we may praise forever
God the Almighty.
Amen

Posted in DANTE ALIGHIERI!, MARIAN TITLES, MARTYRS, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

The Feast of St Luke the Evangelist, Notre-Dame de Reims / Our Lady of Rheims (405) and the Memorials of the Saints – 18 October

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The Feast of St Luke the Evangelist, Physician, Disciple of St Paul, Evangelist, Author of the Gospel according to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Tradition says he was an Artist too. Dante calls St Luke the “historian of the meekness of Christ.”
St Luke here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/10/18/saint-of-the-day-st-luke-the-evangelist-18-october/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/10/18/saint-of-the-day-18-october-st-luke-the-evangelist/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/18/saint-of-the-day-st-luke-the-evangelist-18-october-2/

Notre-Dame de Reims / Our Lady of Rheims – Dedication of the Church of Our Lady of Rheims (405) built by St Nicasius – 18 October:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/18/feast-of-st-luke-the-evangelist-notre-dame-de-reims-our-lady-of-rheims-and-memorials-of-the-saints-18-october/

St Acutius of Pozzuoli

St Amabilis of Auvergne (c397- c475) Priest, Confessor, Miracle-worker. Tradition tells that snakes and demons fled from his voice, often the images and medals depicting him bear the words “The demons flee as well as snakes and fire.”
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/18/saint-of-the-day-18-october-st-amabilis-of-auvergne-c-397-c-475/

St Asclepiades of Antioch
St Athenodorus (Died c269) Bishop Martyr the brother of St Gregory Thaumaturgus.
St Brothen
Bl Burchard I
St Cadwaladr of Brittany
Bl Domenico of Perpignano
St Eutychius of Pozzuoli
St Gwen
St Gwen of Talgarth (463-c492) Widow
St Gwendoline

St Julian Sabas the Hermit (4th Century) Hermit, Confessor and Miracle-worker.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/18/saint-of-the-day-18-october-saint-julian-sabas-the-hermit-4th-century/

St Justus of Beauvais (c 278—c 287) Martyr, Child of nine years of age. He is a Cephalophores.
The Life and Death of St Justus:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/10/18/saint-of-the-day-18-october-st-justus-of-beauvais-c-278-c-287-martyr/

Bl Margherita Tornielli
St Monon of Nassogne
St Proculus of Pozzuoli
Bl Theobald of Narbonna
St Tryphonia of Rome

Martyrs of Africa – 9 Saints: A group of Christians Martryed together in Africa. The only details that have survived are the names – Beresus, Dasius, Faustinus, Leucius, Lucius, Martialis, Victoricus, Victrix and Viktor. They were Martyred in c300 in Africa.

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY SPIRIT, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on MISSION, QUOTES on TRUTH, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The HOLY SPIRIT, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 9 October – Go. Behold, I send you forth …

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 9 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St John Leonardi (1541-1609) Confessor, Priest, Founder – 2 Corinthians 4:1-6; 4:15-18, Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Go. Behold, I send you forth as lambs in the midst of wolves.” – Luke 10:3

REFLECTION – “The Lord of all bestowed on His Apostles the power of proclaiming the Gospel. And, it is through them that we have come to understand the truth, that is to say, the teaching of the Son of God. To them, the Lord said: “Whoever listens to you, listens to Me. Whoever rejects you, rejects Me and rejects the One Who sent Me” (Lk 10:16). For we have not known the message of salvation from any, besides those who brought the Gospel to us.

This is the Gospel they first of all preached. Then, by God’s will, they handed it onto us in their Writings ,so that it might become “the pillar and foundation” of our faith (1Tm 3:15). It is not permissible to say they preached before, they had acquired perfect understanding, as some people rashly claim, who boast of being correctors of the Apostles. For indeed, after our Lord had been raised from the dead and the Apostles had been “clothed with power from on high” (Lk 24:49) by the coming of the Holy Spirit, they were filled with assurance about everything and possessed perfect knowledge. Then, they went forth “to the ends of the world” (Ps 18:5; Rom 10:18), proclaiming the Good News, of all the good things which have come to us from God and announcing peace on earth to men. Each and all, possessed the Gospel of God in equal measure.” – St Irenaeus (c130-202) Bishop, Martyr, Father of the Church (Against the heresies III, 1).

PRAYER – O God, Who in a wondrous way graciously urged blessed John, Thy Confessor, to propagate Thy faith among the pagans and through him brought together a new religious family in Thy Church for the education of the faithful, grant Thy servants, so to profit by his teaching that we may reach everlasting rewards.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).

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DESPAIR, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The HEART

Thought for the Day – 21 September – The Heart of Judas

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 21 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Heart of Judas

“Even after his betrayal, Judas still had time to make amends.
It would have sufficed if he had gone to Jesus and asked Him for forgiveness.
He would certainly have received the kiss of peace.
He was overcome by despair, however and decided that his sin was too great to be forgiven.
So, throwing away his money, the reward of his betrayal, he took a rope and “hanged himself with a halter” (Mt 27:5).

If we should ever have the misfortune to fall into sin, we should remember that the mercy of God is infinite.

It is enough to go to Him and to ask for pardon and for the grace not to offend Him any more under any circumstances.
We should then resolve to love Him with all the power of our poor hearts, to atone for our sins and to serve Him faithfully for the rest of our lives.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/08/thought-for-the-day-8-september-the-heart-of-judas/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/07/thought-for-the-day-7-april-the-heart-of-judas/

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The HEART

Quote/s of the Day – 21 September – The Feast of St Matthew

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 21 September – The Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, Martyr

“For, as Scripture says,
“The first living creature was like a lion,” (Rev 4:7)
symbolising His effectual working,
His leadership and Royal Power;
“the second was like a calf,”
signifying His Sacrificial and Priestly order
but, “the third had, as it were, the face as of a man,”
– an evident description of His coming as a human being;
“the fourth was like a flying eagle,”
pointing out the gift of the Spirit
hovering with its wings over the Church.
And, therefore, the Gospels of
Mark, Luke, Matthew and John
are in accord with these living things,
among which Christ Jesus is seated. …”

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

“Why did Jesus not call Matthew,
at the same time, as He called Peter
and John and the rest?
He came to each one, at a particular time,
when He knew that they would respond to Him.
He came at a different time to call Matthew,
when He was assured
that Matthew would surrender to His call.
For He, Who is acquainted
with our inmost hearts
and knows the secrets of our minds,
knows when each one of us is ready
to respond fully.”

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

Prayer to St Matthew
as your Patron Saint

Saint Matthew, whom I have chosen
as my Special Patron, pray for me,
that I, too, may one day
glorify the Blessed Trinity in Heaven.
Obtain for me your lively faith,
that I may consider all persons,
things and events,
in the light of Almighty God.
Pray, that I may be generous
in making sacrifices of temporal things,
to promote my eternal interests,
as you, so wisely did.
Set me on fire with a love for Jesus,
that I may thirst for His sacraments
and burn with zeal,
for the spread of His kingdom.
By your powerful intercession,
help me in the performance
of my duties to God,
to myself and to all the world.
Win for me the virtue of purity
and a great confidence in the Blessed Virgin.
Protect me this day
and everyday of my life.
Keep me from mortal sin.
Obtain for me the grace of a happy death.
Amen

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on MERCY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 September – “Why does your Master eat with publicans and sinners? ” – Matthew 9:11

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 21 September – “Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – The Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, Martyr – Ezekiel 1:10-14, Matthew 9:9-13– – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Why does your Master eat with publicans and sinners? ” – Matthew 9:11

REFLECTION – “Our Lord chose Matthew, the Tax Collector, to encourage his fellows to join him. He looked on sinners, called them and brought them to sit beside Him. What a wonderful sight! Angels stand trembling while Publicans, seated, rejoice! The Angels are struck with awe before the Lord’s greatness, while sinners eat and drink with Him! The Scribes choke with hatred and indignation, the Publicans rejoice because of his mercy. The heavens saw the sight and were filled with wonder; hell saw it and was maddened. Satan saw it and was enraged; death saw it and withered; the Scribes saw it and were much troubled.

There was joy in Heaven and happiness among the Angels because the rebellious had been persuaded, the recalcitrant quieted and sinners reformed and because, Publicans had been made righteous. Just as our Lord did not turn away from the shamefulness of the Cross, in spite of the entreaties, of His friends (Mt 16:22) so, He did not refuse the company of Publicans in spite of the taunts of His enemies. He despised mockery and scorned praise, thus, accomplishing all that is for mankind’s good!” – St Ephrem (306-373) Deacon in Syria, Father and Doctor of the Church (Commentary on the Gospel).

PRAYER – May we be helped, O Lord, by the prayers of the blessed Apostle and Evangelist, Matthew that what we ourselves cannot obtain, maybe granted by his intercession. 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).

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Our Morning Offering – 21 September – Exsultet Orbis! Let the World Rejoice!

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Our Morning Offering – 21 September – Feast of St Matthew – Apostle and Evangelist

Exsultet Orbis!
Let the World Rejoice!
Unknown Author

Now let the earth with joy resound,
And Heaven the chant re-echo round;
Nor Heaven nor earth too high can raise
The great Apostles’ glorious praise.

O ye who, throned in glory dread,
Shall judge the living and the dead,
Lights of the world forever more!
To you the suppliant prayer we pour.

Ye close the Sacred Gates on high.
At your command apart they fly.
O loose for us the guilty chain
We strive to break and strive in vain.

Sickness and health your voice obey,
At your command they go or stay.
From sin’s disease our souls restore;
In good confirm us more and more.

So when the world is at its end.
And Christ to Judgment shall descend,
May we be called, those joys to see
Prepared from all eternity.

Praise to the Father, with the Son,
And Holy Spirit, Three in One;
As ever was in ages past
And so shall be while ages last.
Amen

(Roman Breviary for the Common of Apostles)
An Office Hymn that was traditionally prescribed for Vespers and Lauds on the Feasts of Apostles and Evangelists outside Easter time. The Hymn is found as early as the 10th Century in a Hymnal of Moissac Abbey.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Saint of the Day – 21 September – Saint Iphigenia of Ethiopia (1st Century) Virgin, Converted, Baptised and Consecrated to God by St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

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Saint of the Day – 21 September – Saint Iphigenia of Ethiopia (1st Century) Virgin, Princess, Abbess, Converted, Baptised and Consecrated to God by St Matthew, the Apostle and Evangelist and sharing his Feast day today. Also known as – Ephigenia, Iphigenia of Abyssinia.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Ethiopia, St Iphigenia, virgin, who being Baptised and Consecrated to God by the blessed Apostle, St Matthew, ended her holy life in peace.”

Iphigenia was born a Princess to the Royal House of Ethiopia in the 1st Century. As a nation steeped in the paganism of the era, Ethiopia was to become witness to St Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist, who spread the Gospel there and converted much of the people.

Although we know little for certain about the events that transpired, an idea of her conversion and the efforts of the Apostle can be garnered from the 13th Century, “Golden Legend” by Blessed James of Voragin OP c1226-1298) the Archbishop of Genoa. Originally in Latin, it was the most widely read book during the late Middle Ages. This legend gives detail to St Matthew’s travels in Africa – his story is closely bound to the Princess Iphigenia.

“The Ethiopian King, at the time of St Matthew’s arrival, was named Egippus. He sent for all the men in his Provinces saying to them: “Come and see ye God in the likeness of a man.” Upon this, the people came with crowns of gold and divers manner of sacrifices and would have sacrificed to him. St Matthew beheld them and said: “What do ye men? I am not God but I am servant of our Lord.“

[Therefore, from the resources brought, they instead built a Church for the glory and honour of the Lord]. In which Church the Apostle sat three and thirty years and converted all Ethiopia to the Faith of Christ. The King Egippus, with his wife and his daughter,Iphigenia and all the people, were Baptised. And then the apostle hallowed to God Iphigenia the King’s daughter and made her mistress and governess of more than two hundred virgins.

And after this, Hirtacus succeeded to the King and coveted the said virgin Iphigenia and the Apostle said to him that after the custom of his predecessor, he should come on the Sunday to the Church and Iphigenia being present with the other virgins, he should hear what he should say of the goodness of lawful marriage.

And when the virgins and all the people were assembled, he spoke long of good and lawful matrimony and he made rehearsal of his sermon saying that marriage is good if it be truly held by good alliance. But ye that be here, know ye well that if any servant would take the wife of a king wedded, he should not only run to the offence of the king but above that, he should deserve death and not for to wed her but for that he in so taking the spouse of his lord should corrupt the marriage joined. And thou the king that knew that Iphigenia is made the spouse of the King perdurable [eternal] and is sacred with the holy veil, how mayst thou take the wife of a more puissant [powerful] king and couple her to thee by marriage?

And when the King heard this he began to enrage and departed [in a] frantic rage. And the Apostle without dread confirmed all the others to patience. And Iphigenia, Iying before him for dread, he blessed and all the other virgins too. And after the solemnities of the Mass, the King sent a tormentor, with a sword behind him, which slew Matthew, who was standing by the Altar holding up his hands unto Heaven and so was consecrated a Martyr.

[Following Hirtacus’ death sometime later] the people then established for to be King, the brother of Iphigenia whom the Apostle had Baptised too and reigned seventy years and established his son for to be King after him and increased much the honour of Christianity and replenished all Ethiopia with noble Churches of our Lord.”

Blessed James of Voragin OP c1226-1298)
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/13/saint-of-the-day-13-july-blessed-james-of-voragine-op-c-1226-1298-author-of-the-golden-legend/