Category: The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

The Solemnity of The Body and Blood of Christ “Corpus Christi” – 3 June

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The Solemnity of The Body and Blood of Christ “Corpus Christi” – 3 June

Happy Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, our Lord and God!  What a Gift we celebrate today!

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the whole Christian life.   The feast of Corpus Christi is a celebration of Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist.   It parallels the celebration on Holy Thursday in commemoration of the institution of this Aacrament. When the Eucharist is carried through the streets in solemn procession, the Christian people give public witness of their faith and devotion toward the Sacrament of the Eucharist

In 1246, Bishop Robert de Thorete of the Belgian diocese of Liège, at the suggestion of St Juliana of Mont Cornillon (also in Belgium), convened a synod and instituted the celebration of the feast.

From Liège, the celebration began to spread and, on 8 September 1264, Pope Urban IV issued the papal bull “Transiturus,” which established the Feast of Corpus Christi as a universal feast of the Church, to be celebrated on the Thursday following Trinity Sunday.

At the request of Pope Urban IV, St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), Doctor of the Church, composed the office, the official prayers of the Churc, for the feast.   This office is widely considered one of the most beautiful in the traditional Roman Breviary and it is the source of the famous Eucharistic hymns Pange Lingua Gloriosi and Tantum Ergo Sacramentum.

The feast is also celebrated with a Eucharistic procession, in which the Sacred Host is carried throughout the town, accompanied by hymns and litanies.   There the Eucharistic Lord, held in the monstrance by the priest, is escorted by candles, canopies, incense, choirs, altar servers, and worshipers.   The faithful venerate the Body of Christ as the procession passed by, with Benediction celebrated along the way.

The feast of Corpus Christi is one time when our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament is exposed not just to faithful Catholics but to all the world.   This is a time when Catholics can show their love for Christ in the Real Presence by honouring Him in a very public way.   It is also a wonderful way in which we can show our love for our neighbors by bringing Our Lord and Savior closer to them.   So many conversions are a result of Eucharistic Adoration experienced from inside the Church.   How many more there would be if we could reach those who only drive by the church in worldly pursuits.

“Corpus Christi reminds us first of all of this:, that being Christian means coming together from all parts of the world to be in the presence of the one Lord and to become one with him and in him.
The second constitutive aspect, is walking with the Lord. ,This is the reality manifested by the procession that we shall experience together after Holy Mass, almost as if it were naturally prolonged by moving behind the One who is the Way, the Journey. With the gift of Himself in the Eucharist, the Lord Jesus sets us free from our “paralyses”, He helps us up and enables us to “proceed “, that is, He makes us take a step ahead and then another step and thus sets us going with the power of the Bread of Life.”

Pope Benedict XVI, Corpus Christ 2008

Throughout our lives, if we were raised Catholic, we were taught reverence for the Eucharist.    But “reverence” is not enough.  Most Catholics reverence the Eucharist, meaning, we genuflect, kneel and treat the Sacred Host with respect.    But it’s important to ponder a question in your heart.    Do you believe the Eucharist is God Almighty, the Saviour of the world, the second Person of the Most Holy Trinity?  Do you believe deeply enough to have your heart moved with love and profound devotion every time you are before our divine Lord present before us under the veil of the Eucharist?   When you kneel do you fall down prostrate in your heart, loving God with your whole being?5 - Adoration of the Eucharist, by Jeronimo Jacinto Espinosa, 1650

Perhaps this sounds like it’s a bit excessive.  Perhaps simple reverence and respect is enough for you.   But it’s not.   Since the Eucharist is God Almighty, we must see Him there with the eyes of faith in our soul.   We must profoundly adore Him as the angels do in Heaven.   We must cry out, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty.”  We must be moved to the deepest of worship as we enter into His divine presence.

Ponder the depth of your faith in the Eucharist today and strive to renew it, worshiping God as one who believes with your whole being.

I devoutly adore You, O hidden Deity, truly hidden beneath these appearances.  My whole heart submits to You and in contemplating You, it surrenders itself completely.  Sight, touch, taste are all deceived in their judgement of You but hearing suffices firmly to believe.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ – Corpus Christ – 3 June and Memorials of the Saints

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The Solemnity of Corpus Christi (2018)

Be abundantly blessed today, 3 June 2018, on the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ aka Corpus Christi!   The Source and the Summit of our faith.

Martyrs of Uganda (Memorial) – 22 saints: Twenty-two (22) Ugandan converts martyred in the persecutions of King Mwanga. They are –
• Achileo Kiwanuka • Adolofu Mukasa Ludigo
• Ambrosio Kibuuka • Anatoli Kiriggwajjo
• Anderea Kaggwa • Antanansio Bazzekuketta
• Bruno Sserunkuuma • Charles Lwanga
• Denis Ssebuggwawo • Gonzaga Gonza
• Gyavire • James Buzabaliao
• John Maria Muzeyi • Joseph Mukasa
• Kizito • Lukka Baanabakintu
• Matiya Mulumba • Mbaga Tuzinde
• Mugagga • Mukasa Kiriwawanvu
• Nowa Mawaggali • Ponsiano Ngondwe
They were canonised on 18 October 1964 by Pope Paul VI at Rome, Italy.
—
Bl Adam of Guglionesi
Albert of Como
Athanasius of Traiannos
Auditus of Braga
Bl Beatrice Bicchieri
Caecilius of Carthage
St Charles Lwanga & Companions
Bl Charles-René Collas du Bignon
Clotilde of France
Conus of Lucania
Cronan the Tanner
Davinus of Lucca
Bl Diego Oddi
Bl Francis Ingleby
Gausmarus of Savigny
Genesius of Clermont
Glunshallaich
Hilary of Carcassone
Isaac of Córdoba
John Grande
Kevin of Glendalough
Laurentinus of Arezzo
Liphardus of Orléans
Morand of Cluny
Moses of Arabia
Oliva of Anagni
Paula of Nicomedia
Pergentinus of Arezzo
Phaolô Vu Van Duong
Urbicius
—
Dominicans Martyred in China

Martyrs of Africa – 156 saints: 156 Christians martyred together in Africa, date unknown; the only other information to survive are some of their names –
• Abidianus
• Demetria
• Donatus
• Gagus
• Januaria
• Juliana
• Nepor
• Papocinicus
• Quirinus
• Quirus
Martyrs of Byzantium – 5 saints: A group of Christians, possibly related by marriage, who were martyred together. They were –
• Claudius
• Dionysius
• Hypatius
• Lucillian
• Paul
They were martyred in 273 in Byzantium.

Martyrs of Rome – 8 saints: A group of Christians martyred together. We know nothing else about them but the names –
• Amasius
• Emerita
• Erasmus
• Lucianus
• Orasus
• Satuaucnus
• Septiminus
• Servulus
They were martyred in Rome, Italy, date unknown.

Martyrs of Rome – 86 saints: 85+ Christians martyred together in Rome, Italy, date unknown. The only details that have survived are some of their names –

• Apinus • Apronus • Aurelius • Avidus • Cassianus • Criscens • Cyprus • Domitius • Donata • Donatus • Emeritus • Extricatus • Exuperia • Faustina • Felicitas • Felix • Flavia • Florus • Fortunata • Fortunatus • Fructus • Gagia • Gagus • Gallicia • Gorgonia • Honorata • Januaria • Januarius • Justa • Justus • Libosus • Luca • Lucia • Matrona • Matura • Mesomus • Metuana • Nabor • Neptunalis • Obercus • Paula • Peter • Pompanus • Possemus • Prisca • Procula • Publius • Quintus • Rogatian • Romanus • Rufina • Saturnin • Saturnus • Secundus • Severa • Severus • Sextus • Silvana • Silvanus • Sinereus • Tertula • Titonia • Toga • Urban • Valeria • Veneria • Veranus • Victor • Victoria • Victorinus • Victuria • Victurina • Virianus • Weneria • Zetula.
They were martyred in Rome, Italy, date unknown.

 

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TRUTH, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day- 1 June – The Memorial of St Justin Martyr (c 100-165) Father of the Church

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Quote/s of the Day- 1 June – The Memorial of St Justin Martyr (c 100-165)

Father of the Church

“We used to hate and destroy one another
and refused, to associate with people
of another race or country.
Now, because of Christ, we live together
with such people and pray for our enemies ”

“Let it be understood,
that those who are not found living
as He taught,
are NOT Christian- even though they profess
with the lips, the teaching of Christ.”we used to hate one another - let it be understood that those - st justin martyr - 1 june 2018

“Not as common bread
or as common drink,
do we receive these…..
We have been taught,
that the food,
that has been Eucharistised,
by the word of prayer,
that food, which by assimilation,
nourishes our flesh and blood,
is the flesh and blood
of the incarnate Jesus.”not-as-common-bread-st-justin-martyr-1-june-2018.jpg

“The world suffers nothing from Christians
but hates them, because they reject its pleasures.”the world suffers nothing from Christians - 1 june 2018.jpg

“You can kill us
but you cannot do us
any real harm.”you can kill us - st justin martyr - 1 june 2018

“We have strayed from the Immortal’s ways
and worship with a dull and senseless mind, Idols,
the workmanship of our own hands!”

St Justin Martyr (c 100-165) Father of the Churchwe-have-strayed-st-justin-martyr-1-june-2018.jpg

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MORNING Prayers, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SUNDAY REFLECTIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Sunday Reflection – 27 May – The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

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Sunday Reflection – 27 May – The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Holy Communion
Bl John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

O my God, holiness becomes Your House and yet You dost made Your abode in my breast. My Lord, my Saviour, to me You come, hidden under the semblance of earthly things, yet in that very flesh and blood which You took from Mary. You, who did first inhabit Mary’s breast, come to me.

My God, You see me; I cannot see myself.   Were I ever so good a judge about myself, ever so unbiased and with ever so correct a rule of judging, still, from my very nature, I cannot look at myself and view myself truly and wholly.   But You, as You come to me, contemplates me.

When I say, Domine, non sum dignus—”Lord, I am not worthy”—You whom I am addressing, alone understands in their fullness the words which I use.   You see how unworthy so great a sinner is to receive the One Holy God, whom the Seraphim adore with trembling.   You see, not only the stains and scars of past sins but the mutilations, the deep cavities, the chronic disorders which they have left in my soul.   You see the innumerable living sins, though they be not mortal, living in their power and presence, their guilt and their penalties, which clothe me.   You see all my bad habits, all my mean principles, all wayward lawless thoughts, my multitude of infirmities and miseries, yet You come.   You see most perfectly how little I really feel what I am now saying, yet You come.

O my God, left to myself should I not perish under the awful splendour and the consuming fire of Your Majesty.   Enable me to bear You, lest I have to say with Peter, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”o my god, left to myself - bl john henry newman - 27 may 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SANCTITY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 25 May “Mary’s Month” – The Memorial of St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Father and Doctor of the Church and St Mary Magdalen of Pazzi (1566-1607)

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Quote/s of the Day – 25 May “Mary’s Month” – The Memorial of St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Father and Doctor of the Church and St Mary Magdalen de Pazzi (1566-1607)

“Unfurl the sails and let God steer us where He will.”unfurl-the-sails-st-bede - 25 May 2017

“Christ is the Morning Star,
who, when the night of this world is past,
gives to His saints, the promise of the light of life,
and opens everlasting day.”

St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Father and Doctor of the Churchchrist-is-the-morning-star-st-bede- 25 may 2018.pg

“Prayer ought to be humble, fervent,
resigned, persevering and accompanied
with great reverence. One should consider,
that he stands in the presence of a God
and speaks with a Lord, before whom,
the angels tremble from awe and fear.”prayer ought to be humble - st mary magdalen de pazzi - 25 may 2018

“O Sisters, if we would only comprehend the fact,
that while the Eucharistic Species remain within us,
Jesus is there and working in us,
inseparably with the Father and the Holy Spirit
and therefore the whole Holy Trinity is there.”

St Mary Magdalen de Pazzi (1566-1607)o sisters if we would only - st mary magdalen of pazzi - 25 may 2018

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, franciscan OFM, MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 18 May – Friday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Felix of Cantalice O.F.M. Cap.(1515-1587) “Brother Deo Gratias”

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Thought for the Day – 18 May – Friday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Felix of Cantalice O.F.M. Cap.(1515-1587) “Brother Deo Gratias”

Saint Felix did not have what the world esteems;  his education was lacking.   But he knew five red letters — the wounds of the divine crucified One, Whom he worshipped daily in the Blessed Sacrament and one white one — the Virgin Mary, from whom he one day miraculously received the divine Child in his arms.

St Felix of Cantalice “Brother Deo Gratias”, Pray for us!st felix of cantalice - pray for us = 18 may 2018

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, franciscan OFM, MORNING Prayers, ON the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 17 May – Thursday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Paschal Baylon O.F.M. (1540-1592) “Seraph of the Eucharist”

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Thought for the Day – 17 May – Thursday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Paschal Baylon O.F.M. (1540-1592) “Seraph of the Eucharist”.

Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament occupied much of Saint Francis of Assisi’s energy.   Most of his letters were to promote devotion to the Eucharist. Paschal shared that concern.

The life of Saint Paschal Baylon is one of simple adoration of the Lord and great devotion to His Mother.   Saint Paschal recognised the importance of spending time before Our Saviour, in contemplation of His passion, love and sacrifice—in the earthly presence of God.   Through his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, Saint Paschal was graced with wisdom beyond his education and obedience and charity, beyond measure.   His life inspires us to greater communion with the Lord, leading us to His spiritual treasures.

An hour in prayer before our Lord in the Eucharist could teach all of us a great deal.

Go to Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament
with bended knee and acknowledge that He is truly present Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity!

Go to Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament
with a silent tongue and confess “Jesus in The Most Blessed Sacrament, you are Lord!”

Go to Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament
with bowed head and say “lead me, Lord”.

Go to Jesus in The Most Blessed Sacrament
with a humble heart and say “show me how to love as You love, Lord”.

Go to Jesus in The Most Blessed Sacrament
with folded hands and say “take my hands, use them as Your hands Lord”

Go to Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament
with a closed mouth and listen to Him whispering to our soul, and responding with “Yes Lord”.

Go to Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament
with a meek spirit and say, “Not by my power and my might but by Your power and Your might Lord!”

Go to Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament
with a fiat and say, “Not my will but Your will be done Lord!”

St Paschal Baylon, Pray for us!st paschal baylon pray for us

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, franciscan OFM, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 17 May – Thursday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Paschal Baylon O.F.M. (1540-1592)

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Quote/s of the Day – 17 May – Thursday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Paschal Baylon O.F.M. (1540-1592)

“God is as really present in the consecrated Host as He is in the glory of Heaven”god-is-really-present-st-paschal-baylon-17 may 2017

“There is no more efficacious means than this
(Eucharistic Adoration)
for nourishing and increasing the piety of the people
toward this admirable pledge of love
which is a bond of peace and of unity.

St Paschal Baylon (1540-1592)there-is-no-more-efficacious-means-st-baylon.17 may 2017

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SUNDAY REFLECTIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, Uncategorized

Sunday Reflection – 13 May – The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord – “O Blessed Host”

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Sunday Reflection – 13 May – The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord “O Blessed Host”

” Blessed Host” Eucharistic Prayer before Holy Communion
By St Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938)
Diary 159

O Blessed Host, in golden chalice enclosed for me,
That through the vast wilderness of exile I may pass –
pure, immaculate, undefiled;
Oh, grant that through the power of Your love
This might come to be.

O Blessed Host, take up Your dwelling within my soul,
O Thou my heart’s purest love!
With Your brilliance the darkness dispel.
Refuse not Your grace to a humble heart.

O Blessed Host, enchantment of all heaven,
Though Your beauty be veiled
And captured in a crumb of bread,
Strong faith tears away that veil.eucharistic prayer before holy comm - st faustina - o blessed host - 13 may 2018 - sunday reflection.jpg

Posted in MORNING Prayers, MYSTICS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote of the Day – 13 May – The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

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Quote of the Day – 13 May – The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

“I heard these words from the Host:

I desired to rest in your hands,
not only in your heart.”

Jesus to St Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938)
Diary 160

i heard these words from the host - st faustina diary 160 - 13 may 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, MORNING Prayers, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Feast of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament – 13 May

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Feast of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament – 13 May

History of the Title of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament

St Peter Julian Eymard (1811-1868), of France, had a strong devotion to the Holy Eucharist and Our Lady and began his priestly life in the Society of Mary.   “But his heart burned with the desire to establish perpetual adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament exposed upon a royal throne and surrounded by a large court of adorers.”  On 2 February 1851, at the shrine of Fourvière, the most Blessed Virgin had made him understand its necessity.   ‘All the mysteries of my Son have a religious order of men to honour them. The Eucharist alone has none . . . .’

After several years of prudent reflection and interior combat, encouraged by Pope Pius IX, he founded the Congregation of the Most Blessed Sacrament at Paris on 13 May 1856

The title of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament was first given to Mary by St Peter Julian Eymard in May 1868, while speaking to his novices.   A few years later he described what her statue should look like:  “The Blessed Virgin holds the Infant in her arms and He holds a chalice in one hand and a Host in the other.”   He exhorted them to invoke Mary: “Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, pray for us who have recourse to thee!”

Later, Pius IX enriched the invocation with indulgences.   Twice, St  Pius X did the same. On 30 December 1905, he granted a 300 days indulgence to the faithful who pray:  “Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, pray for us.”
“This title, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, is perhaps the most meaningful of all,” said St. Pius X.

In 1921 the Sacred Congregation of Rite authorised the Blessed Sacrament Congregations to celebrate each year, on 13 May, a “solemn commemoration of the Blessed Virgin,” with the intention of honouring Mary under the title of “Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament.”   And of course this Feast is still celebrated today with great joy by all the spiritual sons and daughters of St Peter Julian Eymard.

St Pope John XXIII codified the title of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament when he declared St Peter Julian Eymard a saint on 9 December 1962, at the end of the last session of the Second Vatican Council.

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SILENCE, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote of the Day – 12 May – Saturday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide

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Quote of the Day – 12 May – Saturday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide

“My TV is the tabernacle.”

St Mother Teresa (1910-1997)my tv is the tabernacle - st mother teresa - 12 may 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MARIAN QUOTES, MARY, MATER ECCLESIAE, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL ENCYLICALS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 11 May – “Mary’s Month!” – Friday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide

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Quote/s of the Day – 11 May – “Mary’s Month!” – Friday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide

“Who, more than Mary, could be, a star of hope for us?
With her “yes”, she opened the door of our world,
to God Himself;  she became the living Ark of the Covenant,
in whom God took flesh, became one of us
and pitched His tent among us.”

Spe Salvi 49who, more than mary - pope benedict XVI - 11 may 2018

“Consequently, every time we approach
the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharistic liturgy,
we also turn to her who, by her complete fidelity,
received Christ’s sacrifice for the whole Church.
The Synod Fathers rightly declared that
“Mary inaugurates the Church’s participation
in the sacrifice of the Redeemer.”
She is the Immaculata, who receives God’s gift
unconditionally and is thus associated with His work of salvation.
Mary of Nazareth, icon of the nascent Church,
is the model for each of us, called to receive the gift
that Jesus makes of Himself in the Eucharist.”

Sacramentum Caritatis 33

Pope Benedict XVIevery time we approach the body and blood of christ - pope benedict - 11 may 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 10 May St John of Avila (1499-1569) St Joseph de Veuster (1840-1889)

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Quote/s of the Day – 10 May – Thursday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide, the Memorials of St John of Avila (1499-1569) “Apostle of Andalusia” “Father Master Avila” – Doctor of the Church and St Joseph de Veuster (1840-1889) – St Damian of Molokai

“Turn yourself round like a piece of clay and say to the Lord:
I am clay, and You, Lord, the potter.
Make of me what You will.”turn-yourself-round-stjohnofavila-10 may 2017

“Withdraw your heart from the world
before God takes your body from it.”withdraw-your-heart-st-john-of-avila-10-may-2018.jpg

Dear brothers and sisters, I pray God may open your eyes
and let you see what hidden treasures He bestows on us
in the trials from which the world thinks only to flee.
Shame turns into honour when we seek God’s glory.
Present affliction become the source of heavenly glory.
To those who suffer wounds in fighting His battles,
God opens His arms in loving, tender friendship.
That is why He (Christ) tells us, that if we want to join Him,
we shall travel the way He took.
It is surely not right that the Son of God should go His way
on the path of shame, while the sons of men
walk the way of worldly honour:
“The disciple is not above his teacher,
nor the servant greater than his master.”

St John of Avila “Father Master Avila” (1499-1569)dear brothers and sisters - st john of avila - 10 may 2018

“The Blessed Sacrament is indeed the stimulus for us all, for me as it should be for you, to forsake all worldly ambitions.   Without the constant presence of our Divine Master upon the altar in my poor chapels, I never could have persevered casting my lot with the lepers of Molokai, the foreseen consequence of which, begins now to appear on my skin and is felt throughout the body.   Holy Communion being the daily bread of a priest, I feel myself happy, well pleasedand resigned in the rather exceptional circumstances, in which it has pleased Divine Providence to put me.”

St Father Damien of Molokai (1840-1889)the blessed sacrament is indeed the stimulus - st damian of molokai - 10 may 2018

 

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, EASTER, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The INCARNATION, The WORD

One Minute Marian Reflection – 8 May – “Mary’s Month!” – Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide

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One Minute Marian Reflection – 8 May – “Mary’s Month!” – Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide

And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.   Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God…Luke 1:35and the angel said to her in reply - luke 1 35 - 8 may 2018

REFLECTION – MARY:  MOTHER OF CHRIST – “Jesus Christus, Deus homo:  Jesus Christ, God man.   This is one of the ‘mighty works of God,’ which we should reflect upon and thank Him for.   He has come to bring ‘peace on earth to men of good will,’ to all who want to unite their wills to the holy will of God – not just the rich, not just the poor but everyone, all the brethren.   We are all brothers in Jesus, children of God, brothers of Christ.   His mother is our mother .”…St Josemaría Escrivá (1902-1975) – “Christ Triumphs through Humility” – “Christ is Passing By – 13”
Let us offer to our Mother today:
Jesus Himself, when we receive Him in Holy Communion.mary mother of christ - st josemaria - 8 may 2018

PRAYER – Shape us in the likeness of the divine nature of our Redeemer, whom we believe to be true God and true man, since it was Your will, Lord God, that He, Your Word, should take to Himself our human nature in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Grant, we pray, that by intercession of the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, we may reach eternal life.   We make our prayer, through Christ, our Lord, in union with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever, amen.mary mother of christ - pray for us - 8 may 2018

 

 

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MORNING Prayers, SUNDAY REFLECTIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Sunday Reflection – 6 May – Sixth Sunday of Eastertide B

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Sunday Reflection – 6 May – Sixth Sunday of Eastertide B

We Offer to Jesus the Adoration of our Whole Being
By Fr Vincent Martin Luca

Lay your whle being, your faculties and all your works in homage at the foot of the Eucharistic Altar and Throne and say to the Lord:
“To You alone be love and glory!”

Offer Him the homage of your thoughts, desiring the Divine Eucharist to be the dominant thought of your life;
the homage of your affections, calling Jesus, the King and God of your heart;
the homage of your will, desiring henceforth to have no other law,
no other end than His service,
His love
and His glory;
the homage of your memory, in order to remember Him alone and thus to live
in Him,
by Him
and for Him alone.

Then contemplate the greatness of the love of Jesus as He institutes, multiplies and perpetuates His Divine Eucharist, to the end of time.
Marvel at His wisdom in the Divine invention which excites the wonder of the angels themselves.
Praise His power which has triumphed over every obstacle and exalt His goodness,
which has determined the gifts of that power.

On realising that you are the very end of the greatest and the holiest of Sacraments,
break forth into a transport of joy and love,
for you alone,
what He has done for all!
What LOVE!sunday reflection - 6 may - fr vincent luca page 242 come to me

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Marian Thought for the Day – 6 May “Mary’s Month!” – Sixth Sunday of Eastertide B

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Marian Thought for the Day – 6 May “Mary’s Month!” – Sixth Sunday of Eastertide B

Mary is the “Domus Aurea,” the House of Gold
Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

WHY is she called a House?   And why is she called Golden?   Gold is the most beautiful, the most valuable, of all metals. Silver, copper and steel may in their way be made good to the eye but nothing is so rich, so splendid, as gold.   We have few opportunities of seeing it in any quantity but anyone who has seen a large number of bright gold coins knows how magnificent is the look of gold.   Hence it is that in Scripture the Holy City is, by a figure of speech, called Golden.   “The City,” says St. John, “was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.”   He means of course to give us a notion of the wondrous beauty of heaven, by comparing it with what is the most beautiful of all the substances which we see on earth.

Therefore, it is that Mary too, is called golden because her graces, her virtues, her innocence, her purity, are of that transcendent brilliancy and dazzling perfection, so costly, so exquisite, that the angels cannot, so to say, keep their eyes off her any more than we could help gazing upon any great work of gold.

But observe further, she is a golden house, or, I will rather say, a golden palace.   Let us imagine we saw a whole palace or large church all made of gold, from the foundations to the roof;  such, in regard to the number, the variety, the extent of her spiritual excellences, is Mary.

But why called a house or palace?   And whose palace?   She is the house and the palace of the Great King, of God Himself.   Our Lord, the Co-equal Son of God, once dwelt in her. He was her Guest, nay, more than a guest, for a guest comes into a house as well as leaves it.   But our Lord was actually born in this holy house.   He took His flesh and His blood from this house, from the flesh, from the veins of Mary.   Rightly then was she made to be of pure gold because she was to give of that gold to form the body of the Son of God.   She was golden in her conception, golden in her birth.   She went through the fire of her suffering like gold in the furnace and when she ascended on high, she was, in the words of our hymn,

Above all the Angels in glory untold,
Standing next to the King in a vesture of gold.mary is the house of gold

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!HOLY MARY MOTHER OF GOD - PRAY FOR US

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN QUOTES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote of the Day – 6 May “Mary’s Month!” – Sixth Sunday of Eastertide B

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Quote of the Day – 6 May “Mary’s Month!” – Sixth Sunday of Eastertide B

The great St Hilary (315-368) , Father and Doctor of the Church (Doctor of the Divinity of Christ), wrote this excellent passage:

“The greatest joy that we can give Mary
is that of bearing Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
within our breast.”

Her motherly union with Jesus becomes a union also with whoever is united to Jesus, especially in Holy Communion. And what can give as much joy to one who loves, as union with the person loved? And we—–do we not happen to be beloved children of the heavenly Mother?the greatest joy that we can give mary - st hilary - 6 may 2018

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MORNING Prayers, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Our Morning Offering – 6 May – The Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year B

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Our Morning Offering – 6 May – The Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year B

Prayer to the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus
By Fr Vincent Martin Luca

With all my heart, I love You, Jesus
because You are all good
and deserving of all my love,
for You died for my sins,
the just man for the sake of the unjust,
that You may lead me to God the Father.
From Your Eucharistic Heart,
the Source of all Love,
renew Your Spirit within me
that I may love others,
with a new heart
made from Your very own Love.
Amenwith all my heart I love you Jesus - by fr vincent martin luca - 6th sunday of easter B - 6 may 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, EASTER, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Our Morning Offering – 29 April – Fifth Sunday of Eastertide

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Our Morning Offering – 29 April – Fifth Sunday of Eastertide

An Act of Confidence
Before Holy Mass
By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor

My soul expand your heart.
Your Jesus can do You every good
and indeed, love you.
Hope for great things from Your Lord,
who, urged by love,
comes all love to You.
Yes, my dear Jesus, my hope,
I trust in Your goodness,
that in giving Yourself to me this morning,
You will enkindle in my poor heart,
the beautiful flame of Your pure love
and a real desire to please You,
so that, from this day forward,
I may never will anything
but what You will.
Amenac act of confidence before Holy Mass - st Alphonsus - 29 april 2018 - 5th sunday of easter

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MORNING Prayers, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 24 April – Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Mary Euphrasia Pelletier (1796-1868)

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Quote/s of the Day – 24 April – Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Mary Euphrasia Pelletier (1796-1868)

“Draw near to our Lord, thoroughly aware
of you own nothingness and you may hope
all things from His Goodness and Mercy.
Never forget that Jesus Christ is no less generous
in the Blessed Sacrament than He was
during His mortal life on earth.”draw near to our lord - st mary euphrasia - 24 april 2018

“The Blessed Sacrament is the first
and supreme object of our worship.
We must preserve, in the depths of our hearts,
a constant and uninterrupted, profound adoration,
of this precious pledge, of Divine Love.”we must preserve - st mary euphrasia - 24 april 2018

“To speak of the Blessed Sacrament,
is to speak of what is most sacred.
How often, when we are in a state of distress,
those to whom we look for help leave us;
or what is worse, add to our affliction
by heaping fresh troubles upon us.
He is ever there waiting to help us.”to speak of the blessed sacrament - st mary euphrasia- no 2- 24 april 2018

“May your heart be an altar,
from which the bright flame,
of unending thanksgiving
ascends to heaven.”may your heart be an altar - st mary euphrasia - 24 april 2018

“It is human to fall
but angelic to rise again.”

“One person is of more value
than the whole world.”

“Do well ALL that you do!”it is human...one person is more value ...do well all - st mary euphrasia pelletier - 24 april 2018

St Mary Euphrasia Pelletier (1796-1868)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on the CHURCH, SUNDAY REFLECTIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Sunday Reflection – 22 April – The Fourth Sunday of Easter – Good Shepherd/Vocations Sunday – Year B

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Sunday Reflection – 22 April – The Fourth Sunday of Easter – Good Shepherd/Vocations Sunday – Year B

“There flowed from His side water and blood.   Beloved, do not pass over this mystery without thought; it has yet another hidden meaning, which I will explain to you. I said that water and blood symbolised Baptism and the Holy Eucharist.   From these two sacraments the Church is born:- from baptism, the cleansing water that gives rebirth and renewal through the Holy Spirit and from the holy Eucharist.

Since the symbols of baptism and the Eucharist flowed from His side, it was from His side that Christ fashioned the Church, as He had fashioned Eve from the side of Adam. Moses gives a hint of this when he tells the story of the first man and makes him exclaim:- Bone from my bones and flesh from my flesh!   As God then took a rib from Adam’s side to fashion a woman, so Christ has given us blood and water from His side to fashion the Church.   God took the rib when Adam was in a deep sleep and in the same way Christ gave us the blood and the water after His own death.

Do you understand, then, how Christ has united His bride to Himself and what food He gives us all to eat?   By one and the same food we are both brought into being and nourished.   As a woman nourishes her child with her own blood and milk, so does Christ unceasingly nourish with His own blood those to whom He himself has given life.’”

St John Chrysostom (347-407) – Father & Doctordo you understand then, how christ has united His bride to Himself - st john chrysostom - 22 april 2018 - sunday reflection

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, EASTER, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Our Morning Offering -22 April – The Fourth Sunday of Easter Year B

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Our Morning Offering -22 April – The Fourth Sunday of Easter Year B

Give me Yourself, O My God
By St Augustine (354-430) Doctor of Grace

Give me Yourself, O my God,
give Yourself to me.
Behold I love You
and if my love is too weak a thing,
grant me to love You more strongly.
I cannot measure my love
to know how much it falls short of being sufficient
but let my soul hasten to Your embrace
and never be turned away,
until it is hidden in the secret shelter
of Your presence.
This only do I know,
that it is not good for me
when You are not with me,
when You are only outside me.
I want You in my very self.
All the plenty in the world
which is not my God is utter want.
Amengive me yourself o my god - prayer of st augustine - act of petition - 22 april 2018 - 4th sun of easter year B

 

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SIN, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 21 April – Saturday of the Third Week of Eastertide, the Memorial of St Anselm (1033-1109) Doctor of the Church and of St Conrad of Parzham OFM Cap. (1818-1894)

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Quote/s of the Day – 21 April – Saturday of the Third Week of Eastertide, the Memorial of St Anselm (1033-1109) Doctor of the Church and of St Conrad of Parzham OFM Cap. (1818-1894)

“Remove grace
and you have nothing
whereby to be saved.
Remove free will
and you have nothing
that could be saved.”remove-grace-st-anselm.21 april 2017

“God has promised pardon
to him that repents
but he has not promised repentance
to him that sins.”

St Anselm (1033-1109) Doctor of the Churchst-anslem-god-has-promised-pardon.-21 april 2017

Prayer of Adoration and Repentance/Night Prayer
By St Conrad of Parzham (1818-1894)

I have come to spend
a few moments with You, O Jesus
and in spirit I prostrate myself in the dust
before Your Holy Tabernacle to adore You,
my Lord and God, in deepest humility.
Once more, a day has come to its close, dear Jesus,
another day which brings me nearer to the grave
and my beloved heavenly home.
Once more, O Jesus, my heart longs for You,
the true Bread of Life, which contains
all sweetness and relish.
O my Jesus,
mercifully grant me pardon for the faults
and ingratitude of this day
and come to me,
to refresh my poor heart which longs for You.
As the heart pants for the waters,
as the parched earth longs for the dew of heaven,
even so does my poor heart long for You,
You Fount of Life.
I love You, O Jesus,
I hope in You,
I love You
and out of love for You,
I regret sincerely all my sins.
May Your peace and Your benediction be mine,
now and always and for all eternity.
Amen

St Conrad of Parzham (1818-1894)prayer of adoration - i have come to spend - st conrad of parzham - 21 april 2018

 

Posted in DEVOTIO, DOCTORS of the Church, EASTER, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SPEAKING of ....., The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, Uncategorized

Quote/s of the Day – 20 April – Friday of the Third Week of Eastertide – Today’s Gospel: John 6:52-59

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Quote/s of the Day – 20 April – Friday of the Third Week of Eastertide – Today’s Gospel: John 6:52-59

“Speaking of: The Holy Eucharist”

“You can call happy those who saw Him.
But, come to the altar and
you will see Him,
you will touch Him,
you will give to Him holy kisses,
you will wash Him with your tears,
you will carry Him within you
like Mary Most Holy.”

St John Chrysostom (347-407) Doctor of the Churchyou can call happy - st john chrysostom - 20 april 2018

“The Blessed Eucharist is the perfect Sacrament
of the Lord’s Passion, since
It contains Christ Himself and his Passion.”

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Angelic Doctorthe blessed eucharist - st thomas aquinas - 20 april 2018

“The last degree of love
is when He gave Himself to us
to be our Food;
because He gave Himself to be
united with us in every way.” 

St Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444)the last degree of love - st bernardine of siena - 20 april 2018

“Of all devotions, that of adoring Jesus
in the Blessed Sacrament
is the greatest after the sacraments,
the one dearest to God
and the one most helpful to us.”

St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctorof all devotions that of adoring Jesus in the blessed sacrament - st alphonsus liguori - 20 april 2018

“Upon receiving Holy Communion,
the Adorable Blood of Jesus Christ
really flows in our veins and His Flesh
is really blended with ours.”

St John Vianney (1786-1859)upon receiving holy comm - st john vianney - 20 april 2018 - fri 3rd week easter

“I urge you with all the strength of my soul
to approach the Eucharistic Table
as often as possible.
Feed on this Bread of the Angels from which
you will draw the strength to fight inner struggles.”

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925)i urge you 2 - bl pier

Posted in EASTER, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 20 April – Friday of the Third Week of Eastertide

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One Minute Reflection – 20 April – Friday of the Third Week of Eastertide

So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you;  he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day.   For my flesh is food indeed and my blood is drink indeed.”...John 6:53-55

REFLECTION – “About these words I observe, first, that they evidently declare on the face of them some very great mystery.   How can they be otherwise taken?   If they do not, they must be a figurative way of declaring something which is not mysterious but plain and intelligible.   But is it conceivable, that He who is the Truth and Love itself, should have used difficult words, when plain words would do?   Why should He have used words, the sole effect of which, in that case, would be to perplex, to startle us needlessly?   Does His mercy delight in creating difficulties?   Does He put stumbling-blocks in our way without cause?   Does He excite hopes and then disappoint them?   It is possible;  He may have some deep purpose in so doing but which is more likely, that His meaning is beyond us, or His words beyond His meaning?
All who read such awful words as those in question will be led by the first impression of them, either with the disciples to go back, as at a hard saying, or with St Peter to welcome what is promised:  they will be excited in one way or the other, with incredulous surprise or with believing hope?   And are the feelings of these opposite witnesses, discordant indeed, yet all of them deep, after all unfounded?   Are they to go for nothing?   Are they no token of our Saviour’s real meaning?   This desire and again this aversion, so naturally raised, are they without a real object and the mere consequence of a general mistake on all hands, of what Christ meant as imagery, for literal truth?   Surely this is very improbable!”…Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)but is it conceivable that he, who is the truth and love itself - bl john henry newman - 20 april 2018 - john chapter 6

PRAYER – Lord God, source of our freedom and our salvation, listen to our humble prayer.   We stand with St Peter and welcome what our divine Saviour, Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ has promised.   Help us to grow in love and faith at each Holy Sacrifice we attend.   Help us to accept with total commitment this great Mystery and as He gives Himself to and for us, help us to give ourselves to and for the glory of Your Kingdom. Through our Lord Jesus, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever, amen.  Peter, the spokesman for the apostles, proclaims, “Lord, to whom shall we go?   You have the words of eternal life and we have believed and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God” (Jn 6:67-69).john 6 67-69

Posted in DEVOTIO, DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – Tuesday of the Third Week of Eastertide – Today’s Gospel: John 6:30–35 & the Memorial of Bl Andrés Hibernón Real O.F.M. (1534-1602) ‘Apostle of Eucharistic Adoration’

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Thought for the Day – – Tuesday of the Third Week of Eastertide – Today’s Gospel:  John 6:30–35 & the Memorial of Bl Andrés Hibernón Real O.F.M. (1534-1602) ) ‘Apostle of Eucharistic Adoration’

Meditation on the Blessed Sacrament by St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)  – Most Zealous Doctor

Meditation, wherever it is made,
pleases God.
But it seems that Jesus,
especially delights in prayer,
made before the Blessed Sacrament.
Did he not leave Himself for us
in this sacrament to be food for our spirit
and to be present for all who seek Him?

We cannot all make pilgrimages
to the places where Jesus lived
but the Lord who died for us
on the cross of Calvary
now dwells in person,
in the tabernacle – waiting.

We need not await a command
as we would of an earthly king,
to enter His presence –
He is waiting for us
to lay before Him our wants
and to seek His help.
So that we may taste
the sweetness of His presence,
it is good to empty ourselves
of earthly desires.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46: 10

What pleasure is found in spending
a long time before the altar
where the Lord dwells!

What heavenly sweetness the Lord
allows us to taste and enjoy!

What should we do in the presence
of the Lord in the Eucharist?

We should stay there, not to enjoy
sweetness and consolation
but to give pleasure to God
by making acts of love, saying

O my God, I love

and desire nothing but You.

Grant that I may always love You;

then do with me and all I possess,

as You please.

These acts of love,
even when made without sensible delight,
please god greatly.
For good people often have to bear
with distractions and dryness in prayer.

As for distractions,
of these we must not make much account.
It is enough to drive them away
when they come.
Do not on this account leave off prayer.

Saint Francis de Sales said:

“If, in meditation, we do nothing
but drive away distractions,
our meditation would be of great profit.”

And as for dryness:
this is the greatest pain
for those given to prayer,
for we find ourselves without
any sensible desire of loving God.
Added to this, at times, is the fear
of being separated from God
because of our sins.
There is the feeling
of being in utter darkness
without any way of escape.
At such times let us unite our desolation
with that which Jesus suffered on the cross.

If we can say nothing else,
it is enough to say,
at least by an act of the will:

My God, I desire to love You.
Have pity on me;
Leave me not.

PRAYER of one in deep affliction.

My God, I love You tenderly
though I feel You far away.
I will seek You ceaselessly
lest from You I stray.
AMENmeditation on the blessed sacrament - st alphonsus liguori - 17 april 2018

 

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, franciscan OFM, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – Tuesday of the Third Week of Eastertide – Today’s Gospel: John 6:30–35 & the memorial of Bl Andrés Hibernón Real O.F.M. (1534-1602)

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One Minute Reflection – Tuesday of the Third Week of Eastertide – Today’s Gospel: John 6:30–35 & the memorial of Bl Andrés Hibernón Real O.F.M. (1534-1602)

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life;  he who comes to me shall not hunger and he who believes in me shall never thirst…John 6:35i am the bread of life - john 6 35. - 17 april 2018

REFLECTION – “When I stand up to talk, people listen to me;  they will follow what I have to say.   Is it any power of mine?   Of course not.   St Paul says, ‘What have you that you have not received and you who have received, why do you glory as if you had not?’  But the secret of my power is that I have never, in fifty-five years, missed spending an hour in the presence of our Lord, in the Blessed Sacrament.   That’s where the power comes from.  That’s where sermons are born.  That’s where every good thought is conceived.” …Venerable Archbishop Fulton J Sheen (1895-1979)the secret of my power - ven fulton j sheen - 17 april 2018

PRAYER – Lord Jesus, present for me in the Holy Eucharist, everyday, everywhere. Lord Jesus, the life of my soul, the food of my life, the quenching of my thirst.   Let me love You in the Holy Eucharist.   May Your Sacred Heart become my heart.   Blessed Andrés Hibernón Real, you who loved to spend time with the Lord, who never missed a day being with Him, please pray for us, amen.bl andres hibernon real - pray for us - 17 april 2018

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 16 April – Monday of the Third Week of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Benedict Joseph Labre – Known as the Beggar of Perpetual Adoration (1748-1783)

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Thought for the Day – 16 April – Monday of the Third Week of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Benedict Joseph Labre – Known as the Beggar of Perpetual Adoration (1748-1783)

Benedict Joseph Labre was truly eccentric, one of God’s special little ones.   Born in France and the eldest of 18 children, he studied under his uncle, a parish priest.   Because of poor health and a lack of suitable academic preparation he was unsuccessful in his attempts to enter the religious life.   Then, at age 16, a profound change took place. Benedict lost his desire to study and gave up all thoughts of the priesthood, much to the consternation of his relatives.

He became a pilgrim, traveling from one great shrine to another, living off alms.   He wore the rags of a beggar and shared his food with the poor.   Filled with the love of God and neighbour, Benedict had special devotion to the Blessed Mother and to the Blessed Sacrament.   In Rome, where he lived in the Colosseum for a time, he was called “the poor man of the Forty Hours devotion” and “the beggar of Rome.”

On 16 April 1783, the last day of his life, Benedict dragged himself to a church in Rome and prayed there for two hours before he collapsed, dying peacefully in a nearby house. Immediately after his death, the people proclaimed him a saint.

Benedict Joseph Labre was canonised by Pope Leo XIII in 1881.

St Benedict’s life reminds us that the Lord loves and has a beautiful plan for all His creations, despite what society may judge or view them as.   I, personally, do not regard him as being mentally ill, though many do and he is the Patron of mental illness and against insanity.   For me, his mission was simply a striving, throughout his life to grow closer to the Lord, to serve Him through his neighbour and to serve as an example for others.   I see shades of St Francis and many other Saints.   He faced multiple rejections with grace and eventually changed his plan in obedience to God, never giving up his search for holiness.   We are challenged by the life of this saint to consider our own actions, both when we encounter difficulties in our lives that prevent us from following what we perceive to be the will of God and also when we encounter those individuals in our communities who society has written off, marginalised and judged as ‘less than’ and ‘unworthy’.

My thought is this, that if we seek Christ who sought us first, we will find Him, for He is right beside us, whatever our circumstances.   St Benedict found Him, in his neighbour and waiting quietly, in the Real Presence of the Blessed Sacrament, as He waits for you and me.

St Benedict Joseph Labre, pray for us!  (Last year’s Saint of the Day – https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/04/16/saint-of-the-day-16-april-st-benedict-joseph-labre/)ST BENEDICT - BEGGAR OF PERPETAUL ADORATION - PRAY FOR US - 16 APRIL 2018st-labre-pray-for-us- 16 april 2017 - no 2

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, MIRACLES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 16 April – Monday of the Third Week of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879)

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 16 April – Monday of the Third Week of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879)

“Nothing is anything anymore to me,
everything is nothing to me,
only Jesus!
Neither things,
nor persons,
neither ideas,
nor emotions,
neither honour,
nor sufferings.
Jesus is for me honour,
delight,
heart and soul.”nothing is anything anymore to me - st bernadette - 16 april 2018

“You must receive God well – 
give Him a loving welcome,
for then, He has to pay us rent.”

St Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879)you must receive god well - st bernadette - 16 april 2018