Category: The WORD

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY, The WORD

Holy Trinity Novena

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Holy Trinity Novena

DAY TWO
GOD THE SON
“This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”

 

SCRIPTURAL READING
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.   He was in the beginning with God.   All things came to be through Him and without Him nothing came to be.   What came to be through Him was life and this life was the light of the human race;  the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it…John 1:1-5

MEDITATION
At the Baptism of Jesus and at the Transfiguration, the Father’s words were heard:  “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased, listen to Him”:  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not die but have eternal life.”;   “So that all who will honour the Son, in the same way as they honour the Father.   Who does not honour the Son, does not honour the Father, who sent Him.” (Jn. 5,23)

PRAYER
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day, He rose again.
He ascended into Heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
From thence He shall come, to judge the living and the dead.
Bless me through the marvelous goodness
of Your Sacred Heart, which chose death to bring us life.
Bless me through the love with which You plead for us
before the throne of God,
bless me in the Blessed Sacrament
with which You give Yourself to us in Holy Communion.
Grant that all this love and bitter pain,
may not be lost on me.
Eternal Son, in Your mercy, grant my petition:
…………………….(mention your petition)
Most Holy Trinity, Godhead indivisible,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
our first beginning and our last end,
You have made us after Your own image and likeness.
Grant that all the thoughts of my mind,
all the words of my mouth,
all the affections of my heart
and all my actions be always conformed to Your holy Will.
After having seen You here below, in Your manifestations and by faith,
may I come at last to see You face to face,
in the perfect possession of You, forever in heaven.
Amen

“None of us lives for himself only, none of us dies for himself only;  if we live, it is for the Lord that we live and if we die, it is for the Lord we die.   Whether we live or die, then, we belong to the Lord.   For Christ died and rose to life in order to be the Lord of the living and the dead.”…(Romans 14:7-9)holy trinity novena day two - 19 may 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, MARIAN QUOTES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Marian Reflection – 19 May “Mary’s Month” – Saturday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Marian Reflection – 19 May “Mary’s Month” – Saturday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide

When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.”…John 2:3

REFLECTION – “MARY:   HER FAITH –  “If our faith is weak, we should turn to Mary.   St John tells us, that it was because of the miracle that Christ performed, at his mother ‘s request, at the marriage feast at Cana, that ‘his disciples learned to believe in him.’   Our Mother is always interceding with her Son, so that he may attend to our needs and show Himself to us, in such a way, that we can cry out, ‘You are the Son of God!'”...St Josemaría Escrivá (1902-1975) “Mother of God and Our Mother,” Friends of God, 285
Let us offer to our Mother today:
The “Memorare” for the person in our family who most needs the help of our Lady.when the wine ran out john 2 3 - if our faith is weak - st josemaria - 19 may 2018

PRAYER – Almighty God and Father, Your ways are not our ways, teach us to willingly agree to them, for You know which way we should go.   Help us to say “yes” always to Your plan and to render ourselves, as a sacrament of Your divine love to all we meet.  Fill us with the grace to be your tools, to bring glory to Your kingdom. Our Father, who art in heaven, may Your Will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.   Mary Mother of God, pray for us!   Through our Our Lord Jesus Christ with You, in the union of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.mary mother of faith - pray for us - 19 may 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY, The WORD

Holy Trinity Novena

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Holy Trinity Novena

DAY ONE
GOD THE FATHER
“Our Father who art in heaven”

SCRIPTURAL READING
“This is how you are to pray:  Our Father in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”...Matthew 6:9-15

MEDITATION
In the New Testament, Jesus spoke about the Father and to the Father 170 times.   From the beginning of His ministry, Jesus would say:  “I was sent by the Father,” “Your God and my God,” “the Father and I are one.” “I do only the things told by my Father,” “Father, not my will but Yours be done,” etc.

PRAYER

God Eternal Father, bless me, through the love,
with which, You have begotten Your only Son, from all eternity
and shared with Him, the fullness of Your Divinity.
Bless me, through the love, which has adopted us as children
and made us partakers of the treasures of Your Divinity.
Bless me, through the love, which sent us Your Son
and the Holy Spirit to work the miracles of Your power and mercy in us.
Grant that I may always revere and honour You as my great God
and love You with my whole heart, as the best of fathers.
Eternal Father, grant my petition:
…………………….(mention your petition)
Most Holy Trinity, Godhead indivisible,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
our first beginning and our last end,
You have made us after Your own image and likeness.
Grant that all the thoughts of my mind,
all the words of my mouth,
all the affections of my heart
and all my actions be always conformed to Your holy Will.
After having seen You here below in Your manifestations and by faith,
may I come at last to see You face to face,
in the perfect possession of You forever in heaven.
Amen

Pray 3 Our Fathers, 3 Glory Besholy trinity novena - day one - 18 may 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The PASSION, The WORD

One Minute Marian Reflection – 18 May “Mary’s Month” Friday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Marian Reflection – 18 May “Mary’s Month” Friday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide

“…and you yourself a sword will pierce...” Luke 2:35

REFLECTION – “MARY:  THE CO-REDEMPTRIX – “It is with good reason that the popes have called Mary co-redemptrix. ‘So fully, in union with her suffering and dying Son, did she suffer and nearly die; so fully, for the sake of the salvation of all souls, did she abdicate the rights of a mother over her Son and immolate him, insofar as it was in her power, to satisfy the justice of God, that it can rightly be said that she redeemed mankind together with Christ.’   This gives us a deeper understanding of that moment in the Passion of our Lord on which we shall never tire of meditating:  Stabat autem iuxta crucem Iesu mater eius, ‘There, standing by the cross of Jesus, was his mother.'”…St Josemaría Escrivá (1902-1975) – “Mother of God and Our Mother,” Friends of God, 287.
Let us offer to our Mother today:
Five small hidden sacrifices in honour of the five major wounds of our Lord.luke 2 35 - st josemaria - so full in union wit her suffering and dying son - 18 may 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, in Your wisdom You gave us Your only begotten Son and His Mother to be ours too!   You gave us both Your only Divine Son to save us from our sins and His Mother, to help us become Your perfect children. Penetrate our inmost being with Your holy light, so that our way of life may always be worthy of Your great love and the sacrifice of Your Son and His Mother.   We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.mary - co-redemptrix - pray for us - 18 may 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION, The SEVEN LAST WORDS of CHRIST, The WORD

One Minute Marian Reflection – 17 May “Mary’s Month” – Thursday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Marian Reflection – 17 May “Mary’s Month” – Thursday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide

And at three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”…Mark 15:34

REFLECTION – “MARY:  THE SORROWING MOTHER – “Our Lady is there listening to the words of her Son, united to Him in His suffering, when He cried out ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’   What could she do?   She united herself fully, with the redemptive love of her Son and offered to the Father, her immense sorrow, which pierced her pure heart, like a sharp-edged sword.”…St Josemaría Escrivá (1902-1975) “Mother of God and Our Mother,” Friends of God, 288
Let us offer to our Mother today:
The mortification of keeping quiet about any pain or discomfort, any inconvenience or disappointment, uniting it with her pain as she stood by her crucified Son.what could she do - she united herself - st josemaria - 17 may 2018

PRAYER – Almighty God and Father, forgive the sins of Your people and as nothing we can do is worthy in Your sight, save us through the intercession of the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ.   As Christ suffered for our sins, so Mary, the Blessed Virgin His Mother, suffered with Him and for us too.   Grant we pray, that by her prayers we may learn to give You these sufferings alone, in silence for our sins in union with our suffering Lord and His Mother, with the Holy Spirit, one God with You, forever amen.mary mother of sorrows - pray for us - 17 may 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, St PAUL!, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

Quote of the Day – 16 May – Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote of the Day – 16 May – Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide

“The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness;
when we do not know what prayer to offer,
to pray as we ought,
the Spirit Himself intercedes for us,
with groans beyond all utterance
and God, who can read our hearts,
knows well what the Spirit’s intent is;
for indeed, it is according to the mind of God
that He makes intercession for the saints.”

Romans 8:26-27romans 8 26 - 27 - the spirit comes to the aid of our weakness - 16 may 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, MARIAN QUOTES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Marian Reflection – 16 May “Mary’s Month!” – Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Simon Stock (1165-1265)

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Marian Reflection – 16 May “Mary’s Month!” – Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Simon Stock (1165-1265)

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother…John 19:25

REFLECTION – MARY:  AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS – “We find her on Calvary, at the foot of the cross, praying.   This is nothing new for Mary.   She has always acted like this, in fulfilling her duties and looking after her home.   As she went about the things of this earth, she kept her attention on God.”…St Josemaría Escrivá (1902-1975) “A Life of Prayer,” Friends of God, 241.
Let us offer to our Mother today:
An act of contrition, said many times, asking
her to offer our sorrow for our sins to Jesus crucified.we find her on calvary - st josemaria - 16 may 2018

PRAYER – Almighty God, grant that Your faithful who rejoice in the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may be delivered from every evil through her prayer and come to enduring joys in heaven.   May we, ever fulfil our duties and offer all our sufferings for the reparation of our own sins and those of all the world.   Mary, holy loving Mother, pray for us.   Through our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.holy mothr mary - pray for us - 16 maty 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Marian Reflection -15 May – “Mary’s Month” – Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Marian Reflection -15 May – “Mary’s Month” – Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide

Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.”…John 2:4-5

REFLECTION – “MARY:  AT CANA – “In the Gospel, St John has recorded a wonderful phrase of our Lady.   At the wedding of Cana, she turned to the waiters and said:  ‘Do whatever he tells you.’   That is what it is all about — getting people to face Jesus and ask Him:  ‘Lord, what do you want me to do?’ “…. St Josemaría Escrivá (1902-1975) “To Jesus through Mary,” Christ is Passing 149
Let us offer to our Mother today:
Prompt obedience, when we are called or asked to do some errand or some act of service.at the wedding of cana - st josemaria escriva - 15 may 2018

PRAYER – Accept our prayer, Lord, as we wend our way to You.   Grant, we pray, that by the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may remember her words and do whatever You tell us.   Mary, our Mother and Mother of our Lord Jesus, pray for us. Through Jesus Christ, in union with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever amen.mary mother - pray for us - 15 MAY 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 14 May – Monday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide – Feast of St Matthias, Apostle

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 14 May – Monday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide – Feast of St Matthias, Apostle – Today’s Readings: Acts of the Apostles 1:15-17.20-26, Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15:9-17

Pope Benedict XVI, (Holy Father from 2005 to 2013)
Homily of the 14 May 2010 (Apostolic journey to Portugal – trans. © Libreria Editrice Vaticana)

Be witnesses!

“One of these men, then […] must become a witness with us to his resurrection” (Acts 1:20-22).

These were the words of Peter… My brothers and sisters, you need to become witnesses… to the resurrection of Jesus.   In effect, if you do not become His witnesses in your daily lives, who will do so in your place?   Christians are, in the Church and with the Church, missionaries of Christ sent into the world.   This is the indispensable mission of every ecclesial community, to receive from God the Father and to offer to the world the Risen Christ, so that every situation of weakness and of death may be transformed, through the Holy Spirit, into an opportunity for growth and life.

We impose nothing, yet we propose ceaselessly, as Peter recommends in one of his Letters:  “In your hearts, reverence Christ as Lord.   Always be prepared to make a defence to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you” (1 Pet 3:15).   And everyone, in the end, asks this of us, even those who seem not to.   From personal and communal experience, we know well that it is Jesus whom everyone awaits.   In fact, the most profound expectations of the world and the great certainties of the Gospel meet in the ineluctable mission which is ours, for “without God man neither knows which way to go, nor even understands who he is.”   In the face of the enormous problems surrounding the development of peoples, which almost make us yield to discouragement, we find solace in the sayings of our Lord Jesus Christ, who teaches us:  ‘Apart from me you can do nothing’ (Jn 15:5) and who encourages us:  ‘I am with you always, to the close of the age’ (Mt 28:20)” (cf.Caritas in Veritate, 78)…

Yes!  We are called to serve the humanity of our own time, trusting in Jesus alone, letting ourselves be enlightened by His word:  “You did not choose me but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide” (Jn 15:16).   How much time we have lost, how much work has been set back, on account of our lack of attention to this point!   Everything is to be defined starting with Christ, as far as the origins and effectiveness of mission is concerned, we receive mission always from Christ, who has made known to us what He has heard from His Father and we are appointed to mission, through the Spirit, in the Church.   Like the Church herself, which is the work of Christ and His Spirit, it is a question of renewing the face of the earth, starting from God, God always and alone!you did not choose me - how much time has been lost - pope benedict - 14 may 2018

So we say, St Matthias, today we call on you for your intercession!st-matthias-pray-for-us-14 may 2018-2

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN QUOTES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The CHRIST CHILD, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 May – Mary’s Month!” – Monday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 14 May – Mary’s Month!” – Monday of the Seventh Week of Eastertide

After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions...Luke 2:46after three days they found - luke 2 46 - 14 may 2018

REFLECTION – “MARY: LOSING AND FINDING THE CHILD JESUS – “The Mother of God, who looked for her Son so anxiously when he was lost (through no fault of her own) and experienced such great joy in finding him, will help us retrace our steps and put right, whatever may be necessary when, because of our carelessness or our sins, we have been unable to recognise Christ.   With her help, we will know the happiness of holding Him in our arms once more and telling Him we will never lose Him again.”…St Josemaría Escrivá (1902-1975) “Mother of God and Our Mother,” Friends of God, 278
Let us offer to our Mother today:
A good, sincere, sorrowful confession of our sins and failures, in the sacrament of Penance.the mother of god who looked for her son - st josemaria - 14 may 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, as You brought joy to the world, through the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, grant that through His Virgin Mother, we may constantly seek and recognise our Lord and Saviour and turn to Him in complete trust and love.   Mary, Mother of our Lord, bring your holy child to us.   Through Jesus Christ with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.mother of god and our mother - mary pray for us - 14 may 2018

Posted in CATECHESIS, EASTER, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on PRAYER, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 12 May – Saturday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide – Today’s Gospel John 16:23-28.

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 12 May – Saturday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide – Today’s Gospel John 16:23-28.

Saint John-Mary Vianney (1786-1859) Curé of Ars

“Whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you” (Jn 16:23)

Children, your heart is small but prayer expands it and make is capable of loving God. Prayer is a foretaste of heaven, an outflow from paradise.  Never does it leave us without sweetness.   It is a honey that comes into the soul and sweetens everything.   All our troubles melt away before a well-made prayer like snow before the sun.   Prayer makes the time pass speedily and with such enjoyment that we don’t notice its length…

You can tell well enough who they are who lose themselves in prayer like a fish in water because they belong entirely to God.   There is no division in their hearts.   How I love generous souls like those!   Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Collette saw our Lord and talked to him as we talk to each other.   But as for us, how often do we come to church not knowing what we’ve come for and what we want to ask!   And yet, when we visit someone’s house we know perfectly well why we’re going there.   There are some people who appear to be saying to the good God:  “I’ve just come to say a word or two so that I can be done with you.”   How often I have thought that we would obtain everything we want if, when we come to worship our Lord, we were to ask him for it with a truly living faith and pure heart.john 16 23 - whatever you ask the father in my name - 12 may 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Marian Reflection 11 May – “Mary’s Month!” – Friday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Marian Reflection 11 May – “Mary’s Month!” – Friday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide

Having listened to what the king had to say, they set out.   And suddenly the star they had seen rising went forward and halted over the place where the child was…Matthew 2:9

REFLECTION – “MARY:  WELCOMING THE MAGI: “‘Going into the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother.’   Our Lady is always near her Son.   The Magi are not received by a king on a high throne but by a child in the arms of His mother.   Let us ask the Mother of God, who is our mother, to prepare for us the way that leads to the fullness of love …. Her sweet heart knows the surest path for finding Christ.” …St Josemaria Escrivá (1902-1975) “The Epiphany of Our Lord,” Christ is Passing By, 38.
Let us offer to our Mother today:
A visit to a poor person to communicate
our Lady‘s concern for that person.going into the house they saw the child with Mary - st josemaria - 11 may 2018

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, Your plans are always the Truth.   So in Your wisdom, You gave us Mary as our Mother, to help us home to You.   Grant that by her prayers we finally arrive with You in Your eternal Kingdom.   Through Jesus our Lord, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.mary mothr of god - pray for us - 11 may 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The WORD

One Minute Marian Reflection – 10 May “Mary’s Month” and Thursday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Marian Reflection – 10 May “Mary’s Month” and Thursday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide

The parents of Jesus, took him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord…Luke 2:22the parents of Jesus took him up to Jersualem - luke 2 22 - 10 may 2018

REFLECTION – MARY:  PRESENTING JESUS IN THE TEMPLE: “She teaches us to have charity.   Remember the scene of the presentation of Jesus in the temple.   An old man, Simeon, said to Mary, ‘Behold: This child is destined to bring about the fall of many and the rise of many in Israel and to be a sign, which people will refuse to acknowledge, so that the thoughts of many hearts shall be made manifest. As for your own soul, it shall have a sword pierce it.’   So great is Mary’s love for all mankind that she, too, fulfilled Christ’s words:  ‘Greater love has no man than this, that he should lay down his life for his friends.’ “… St Josemaría Escrivá (1902-1975) – “Mother of God and Our Mother,” Friends of God, 287.
Let us offer to our Mother today:
A pilgrimage to one of her shrines, or at least such a pilgrimage in prayer.as for your own soul - st josemaria - 10 may 2018

PRAYER – Our Father, Your Son was ransomed with the offering of 2 turtledoves and Mary, in obedience and with immense love in heart was submissive and offered herself too, for all mankind.   Her sorrows were to come and she pondered them whilst she manifested her love and charity through her son.   Grant us we pray, through her intercession, that we may grow in charity and through the offering of our sorrows, for the sins of all the world.   Through our Lord Jesus Christ in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.mary mother of god - pray for us - 10 may 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

Marian Thought for the Day – 9 May “Mary’s Month!” – Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Marian Thought for the Day – 9 May “Mary’s Month!” – Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide

Mary is the “Virgo Veneranda,”

The All-Worshipful Virgin
Blessed John Henry Newman Cong. Orat. (1801-1890)

WE use the word “Venerable” generally of what is old.   That is because only what is old has commonly those qualities which excite reverence or veneration.

It is a great history, a great character, a maturity of virtue, goodness, experience, that excite our reverence and these commonly, cannot belong to the young.

But this is not true when we are considering Saints.   A short life with them is a long one. Thus Holy Scripture says, “Venerable age is not that of long time, nor counted by the number of years but it is the understanding of a man that has gray hairs and a spotless life is old age.   The just man, if he be cut short by death, shall be at rest;  being made perfect in a short time, he fulfilled a long time.” [Wisdom v.]

Nay, there is a heathen writer, who knew nothing of Saints, who lays it down that even to children, to all children, a great reverence should be paid and that on the ground of their being as yet innocent.   And this is a feeling very widely felt and expressed in all countries;  so much so that the sight of those who have not sinned (that is, who are not yet old enough to have fallen into mortal sin) has, on the very score of that innocent, smiling youthfulness, often disturbed and turned the plunderer or the assassin in the midst of his guilty doings, filled him with a sudden fear and brought him, if not to repentance, at least to change of purpose.

And, to pass from the thought of the lowest to the Highest, what shall we say of the Eternal God (if we may safely speak of Him at all) but that He, because He is eternal, is ever young, without a beginning and therefore without change and, in the fullness and perfection of His incomprehensible attributes, now just what He was a million years ago?   He is truly called in Scripture the “Ancient of Days,” and is therefore infinitely venerable;   yet He needs not old age to make him venerable;  He has really nothing of those human attendants on venerableness which the sacred writers are obliged figuratively to ascribe to Him, in order to make us feel that profound abasement and reverential awe which we ought to entertain at the thought of Him.

And so of the great Mother of God, as far as a creature can be like the Creator;  her ineffable purity and utter freedom from any shadow of sin, her Immaculate Conception, her ever-virginity—these her prerogatives (in spite of her extreme youth at the time when Gabriel came to her) are such as to lead us to exclaim in the prophetic words of Scripture both with awe and with exultation, “Thou art the glory of Jerusalem and the joy of Israel;  thou art the honour of our people;  therefore hath the hand of the Lord strengthened thee and therefore art thou blessed forever.”

Mary, Virgo Veneranda, Pray for us!mary virgo veneranda - pray for us - 9 may 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 8 May – Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide – Today’s Gospel: John 16:5–11

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 8 May – Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Eastertide – Today’s Gospel: John 16:5–11

” 5 But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’  6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts.  7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counsellor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.  8 And when he comes, he will convince the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:  9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;  10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more;  11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” (RSV-Catholic ed)

“It is better for you that I go”
St Bernard (1091-1153) Mellifluous Doctor
3rd sermon for Pentecost

The Holy Spirit overshadowed the Virgin Mary (Lk 1:35) and strengthened the apostles on the day of Pentecost.   In her case it was to soften the impact on her virginal body of the coming of the divinity and, in theirs, to “clothe them with power from on high” (Lk 24:49), that is with burning charity…   In their weakness how could they have fulfilled their mission of conquering death without that “love as strong as death” or not allowed the “gates of hell to prevail against them” without that “passion fierce as Sheol” ? (Mt 16:18; Sg 8:6).   However, when they saw such enthusiasm, some thought they were drunk (Acts 2:13).

They were indeed drunk but with new wine…, that which the “true Vine” poured down from the heights of heaven, that which “gladdens the human heart” (Jn 15:1; Ps 104[103]:15)…   This was a new wine for the dwellers on earth but it is found in abundance in heaven…, it runs in streams in the streets and squares of the holy city where it spreads gladness of heart…

And so in heaven, there was a special wine of which earth was ignorant.   Yet earth, too, had something of its own that was its glory – Christ’s flesh – and heaven thirsted for the presence of that flesh.   Could anyone stand in the way of so reliable and grace-filled an exchange, between heaven and earth, angels and apostles, as that by which earth possesses the Holy Spirit and heaven the flesh of Christ?…

“If I do not go away,” Jesus says, “the Advocate will not come to you.”   That is to say, if you do not allow what you love to leave you, you will not obtain what you desire.   “It is to your advantage that I go” and that I should carry you over from earth to heaven, from flesh to spirit, for the Father is spirit, the Son is spirit and the Holy Spirit is also spirit… And the Father “who is spirit seeks worshippers who will worship him in spirit and in truth” (Jn 4:23-24).

Come O Holy Spirit, Come!come o holy spirit, come! - 8 may 2018.jpg

 

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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 CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The WORD

One Minute Marian Reflection – 7 May “Mary’s Month” – Monday of the Sixth week of Eastertide

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Marian Reflection – 7 May “Mary’s Month” – Monday of the Sixth week of Eastertide

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren...Luke 1:36luke 1 36 - and behold elizabeth your relative - 7 may 2018

REFLECTION – “MARY:  OUR MODEL IN ORDINARY LIFE – “We can’t forget that Mary spent nearly every day of her life just like millions of other women who look after their families, bring up their children and take care of their houses.   Mary sanctifies the ordinary, everyday things.what some people wrongly regard as unimportant and insignificant, everyday work, looking after those closest to you, visits to friends and relatives.   What a blessed ordinariness, that can be so full of love of God.” …St Josemaria Escriva (1902-1975) – “To Jesus through Mary” – Christ is Passing By 144
Let us offer to our Mother today:
Affectionate details of service and attention to those closest to us.mary - our model inordinary life - st josemaria - 7 may 2018

PRAYER – Almighty, ever-living God, You inspired the Blessed Virgin Mary, when she was carrying Your Son, to visit her cousin, St Elizabeth.   Grant that, always docile to the voice of the Spirit, we may, together with our Lady, glorify Your name and serve our neighbour.   Mary, you who are kindness and mercy, help us to fulfil our duties with love and please pray for us.   We make our prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord, in union with You, holy Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever, amen.holy mary mother of god - pray for us - 7 may 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, EASTER, FATHERS of the Church, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on LOVE, SPEAKING of ....., The WORD, Thomas a Kempis

Quote/s of the Day – 4 May – Friday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide: Today’s Gospel John 15:12-17

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 4 May – Friday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide: Today’s Gospel John 15:12-17

Speaking of:  LOVE

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you…

John 15:12this is my commandment - john 15 12

“What is the mark of love for your neighbour?
Not to seek what is for your own benefit
but what is for the benefit of the one loved,
both in body and in soul.”

St Basil the Great (329-379) Father & Doctor of the Churchwhat is the mark of love for your neighbour - st basil the great - 4 may 2018 - speaking of love

“Love is watchful.
Sleeping, it does not slumber.
Wearied, it is not tired.
Pressed, it is not straitened.
Alarmed, it is not confused
but like a living flame,
a burning torch,
it forces its way upward
and passes unharmed
through every obstacle.”

love is watchful - st thomas a kempis - 6 april 2018

“Nothing is sweeter than love,
nothing stronger or higher or wider;
nothing is more pleasant, nothing fuller
and nothing better in heaven or on earth,
for love is born of God
and cannot rest except in God,
Who is above all created things.”

Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471) – Imitation of Christnothing is sweeter than love - thomas a kempis - 6 april 2018

“Love knows no limit
to its endurance,
no end to its trust,
no fading of its hope,
it can outlast anything.
Love still stands,
when all else has fallen.”

Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)love knows no limits - blaise pascal - 6 april 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The WORD

One Minute Marian Reflection – 4 May Mary’s Month! – Friday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Marian Reflection – 4 May Mary’s Month! – Friday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord…Luke 1:38luke 1 38 - mary said, behold i am the heandmaid of the lord - 4 may 2018

REFLECTION – “MARY ‘S FAMILY:  THE TRINITY ON EARTH   It is only natural that the Church rejoice as one contemplates the modest home of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.   We read in the hymn from Matins on the feast of the Holy Family:  ‘It is pleasing to recall the humble house of Nazareth and its slender resources.   It is pleasing to tell again in song Jesus’ hidden life.
Jesus grows up in hidden seclusion, to be trained in Joseph’s unpretentious trade.   The loving mother sits beside her dear Son, the good wife by her husband, content if her loving attention can ease and comfort them in their weariness.’ “…St Josemaria Escriva (1902-1975) – “Marriage: a Christian Vocation,” Christ is Passing By, 22
Let us offer to our Mother today:
A loving review of her life with Jesus,
as we recite the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.the loving mother - st josemaria - 4 may 2018.jpg

PRAYER – Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.   Blessed are thy among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus.   Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, amen.holy mary mother of god pray for us sinners - 4 may 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Marian Reflection – 3 May – Mary’s Month! – Thursday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide and the Feast of Sts Philip and James Apostles and Martyrs

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Marian Reflection – 3 May – Mary’s Month! – Thursday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide and the Feast of Sts Philip and James Apostles and Martyrs

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High…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 1:30-32,35the holy spirit will come upon you - luke 1 32,35

REFLECTION – “MARY AND THE BLESSED TRINITY:  Through the Incarnation of our Lord in her immaculate womb, Mary, the Daughter of God the Father, is also the Spouse of God the Holy Spirit and the Mother of God the Son.”…Let us offer to our Mother today:
A “Hail Mary” each time the clock strikes another hour…St Josemaria Escriva (1902-1975) – “Mother of God and Our Mother,” Friends of God, 274.through the incarnation of our lord - st josemaria - 3 may 2018

PRAYER – Lord God, You bestowed the Holy Spirit on Your Apostles while they were at prayer with Mary, the Mother of Jesus.   Fill us too with the gift of Your grace in the Holy Spirit and grant that by Mary’s prayer, we may give You faithful service and spread abroad the glory of Your name by word and example.   We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, Your divine Son, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever, amen.hail mary full of grace, pray for us - 3 may 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The WORD

One Minute Marian Reflection – 2 May “Mary’s Month!” – Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Marian Reflection – 2 May “Mary’s Month!” – Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”…Luke 1:29hail full of grace, the Lord is with you - luke 1 29

REFLECTION – “MARY:  THE MOST PERFECT CREATURE:  “She who is full of grace, the object of God’s pleasure, exalted above all the angels and the saints, lived an ordinary life.   Mary is as much a creature as we are, with a heart like ours, made for joy and mirth as well as suffering and tears.   Before Gab­riel communicates to her God’s plan, our Lady does not know that she has been chosen from all eternity to be the mother of the Messiah.   She sees herself as a lowly creature.  That is why she can acknowledge, with full humility, that ‘he who is mighty has done great things for her.”
Let us offer to our Mother today:
Many glances of affection and many words of love,
when we see her image or picture in our home, in the church, or anywhere.”…… St Josemaría Escrivá (1902-1975) – “Cause of our Joy” – Christ is Passing By 172mary is as much a creature - st josemaria - 2 may 2018

PRAYER – Let us praise God the Father, who chose Mary as the Mother of His Son and wanted all generations to hail her, O full of grace!   With all confidence we pray, may our Holy Mother, the Blessed Virgin intercede for us today and every day of our lives.   We make our prayer through her son, our divine Saviour, Jesus Christ, in unity with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever, amen.holy mary mothr of god pray for us

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Marian Reflection – 1 May – Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide, the Memorial of St Joseph the Worker and the 1st day of the Month of Mary

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 1 May – Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide, the Memorial of St Joseph the Worker and the 1st day of the Month of Mary

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David and the virgin’s name was Mary...Luke 1:26-27in the sixth month the angel Gabriel - luke 1 26-27 - 1 may 2018

REFLECTION – “MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD:  “When the Blessed Virgin said yes, freely, to the plans revealed to her by the Creator, the divine Word assumed a human nature — a rational soul and a body – which was formed in the most pure womb of Mary. The divine nature and the human were united in a single Person:  Jesus Christ, true God and, thenceforth, true man;  the only begotten and eternal son of the Father and from that mo­ment on, as man, the true son of Mary.   This is why our Lady is the mother of the Incarnate Word, of the second person of the Blessed Trinity, who has united our human nature to Himself for ever, without any confusion of the two natures.   The greatest praise we can give to the Blessed Virgin is to address her loudly and clearly by the name that expresses her very highest dignity: ‘Mother of God’.”
Let us offer to our Mother today:
Brief but frequent prayers of love, such as – “Mother of God, your petitions are most powerful.”… St Josemaría Escrivá (1902-1975) – “Mother of God and Our Mother,” – Friends of God 274when the blessed virgin said yes, freely, - st josemaria - 1 may 2018

PRAYER – Almighty God and Father, Your ways are not our ways, teach us to willingly agree to them, for You know which way we should go.   Help us to say “yes” always to Your plan and to render ourselves as a sacrament of Your divine love to all we meet.   Fill us with the grace to be your tools to bring glory to Your kingdom.   Our Father, who art in heaven, may Your Will be done on earth as it is in heaven.   Mary Mother of God, pray for us!   Through our Our Lord Jesus Christ with You, in the union of the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.holy mary-mother of god - pray-for-us.- 1 may 2017 and 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 30 April – Monday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Joseph Benedict Cottolengo (1786-1842) – known as “The Labourer of Divine Providence”.

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 30 April – Monday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Joseph Benedict Cottolengo (1786-1842) – known as “The Labourer of Divine Providence”

Speaking of: Trusting in God’s Providence

A letter from Mother Luisita OCDS

“For greater things you were born.

God will provide for all of our needs.   Let us trust that we will receive all from Him who loves us so much and is always watching over us!

As you try to see all things as coming from the hand of God, adore His designs.   I would like to see you have more trust in Divine Providence.   Otherwise, you will be suffering many disappointments and your projects will meet with failure.   Trust, my child, only in God.   Everything human is changeable and the one who is for you today will be against you tomorrow.   You see how good our God is!   We should have more confidence in Him every day and have recourse to prayer, not permitting anything to discourage us or make us sad.   He has given me so much confidence in His Divine Will that I leave everything in His hands and I am at peace.

My beloved child, let us praise God in everything because all that happens is for our own good.   Try to fulfil your duties the best you can and for God alone and always remain happy and serene in all the tribulations of life.   As for me, I have placed all in the hands of God and I have been successful.   We have to learn to detach ourselves a little, trust in God alone and do God’s holy will with joy.

How beautiful it is to be in the Hands of God, searching His Divine Gaze in readiness to do whatever He wishes.”

“Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You have trust in God, trust also in me.”
John 14:1john 14 1 - do not let your hearts be troubled - 30 april 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – – 30 April – Monday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Joseph Benedict Cottolengo (1786-1842) – known as “The Labourer of Divine Providence”.

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 30 April – Monday of the Fifth Week of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Joseph Benedict Cottolengo (1786-1842) – known as “The Labourer of Divine Providence”.

He who gives heed to the word will prosper and happy is he who trusts in the LORD...Proverbs 16:20

REFLECTION – “I am a good for nothing and I don’t even know what to make of myself. But Divine Providence certainly knows what it wants.   It is only up to me to support it. Let us go ahead in Domino“….St Joseph Benedict Cottolengoi am a good for nothing - st joseph benedict cottolengo - 30 april 2018

PRAYER – Lord, by Your grace, we are made one in mind and heart.   Give us a love for what You command and a longing for what You promise, so that, amid this world’s changes, our hearts may be set on the world of lasting joy.   We make our prayer, through our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God with You, forever and ever, amen.st joseph benedict cottolengo - pray for us no 2 - 30 april 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, MYSTICS, ON the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 29 April – Fifth Sunday of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) Doctor of the Church

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 29 April – Fifth Sunday of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) Doctor of the Church

Catherine of Siena is one of the most remarkable figures of the fourteenth century and had an influence far beyond her holiness of life.   She took part in the politics of both Church and State and was a beacon of light in a very difficult time.

The mystical experiences that were to last throughout her whole life and an intimacy with her Saviour that transformed her whole existence began when she was but six years old.   She grew up, known for cheerfulness and merriment, with no indication of the astonishing role she was to play in the work of the Church.

In 1364, she became a member of the Third Order of St Dominic and from this time her influence began to grow in Siena as she gathered around her a circle of followers.   She began dictating letters to this circle and to take part in public affairs.   (She had never learnt to write, which was not uncommon for women in that era).   In 1374, she began to interest herself in furthering a crusade against the Turks and in the return of the Pope from Avignon to Rome.   In 1376, she went to Avignon to urge Pope Gregory XI to return to Rome.   With her encouragement, he did but died shortly thereafter. In 1375, whilst on a trip to Pisa, she received the Stigmata.

Pope Gregory’s successor, Urban VI, so alienated the Cardinals who elected him, that they decided to elect another pope.   This was the beginning of the Great Western Schism in which two and later three, popes, divided the allegiance of Christendom.   Catherine was shattered by this division in the Church and went to Rome to work for the reunification of the Church.

Burdened with sorrow and offering herself for the unity of the Church, Catherine died in Rome on 29 April 1380.   She left a huge collection of letters as well as her chief work, The Dialogues.

By the sheer force of her personality, St Catherine converted thousands and the mere sight of her would convert hardened sinners.   We may not have her personality but we can reach into the lives of others and influence them for good.   We cannot have warmth ourselves, without giving it to others.    “Then they said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?’...Luke 24:32

St Catherine of Siena, Pray for us!st catherine of siena pray for us - 29 april 2018

 

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL ENCYLICALS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on SANCTITY, SUNDAY REFLECTIONS, The WORD

Sunday Reflection -– 29 April – Fifth Sunday of Eastertide: Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15:1-8.

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Sunday Reflection -– 29 April – Fifth Sunday of Eastertide:  Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15:1-8.john 15 5 - 29 april 2018

“Without Me you can do nothing”  John 15:5

“In Christ it hath well pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell.” (Col 1:19)   He is gifted with those supernatural powers that accompany the hypostatic union, since the Holy Spirit dwells in Him with a fullness of grace than which no greater can be imagined. To Him has been given “power over all flesh”; (Jn 17:2)… . From Him streams into the body of the Church all the light with which those who believe are divinely illumined, and all the grace by which they are made holy as He is holy…

It is He who imparts the light of faith to believers;  it is He who enriches pastors and teachers and above all His Vicar on earth with the supernatural gifts of knowledge, understanding and wisdom, so that they may loyally preserve the treasury of faith, defend it vigorously and explain it and confirm it with reverence and devotion.   Finally, it is He who, though unseen, presides at the Councils of the Church and guides them…

Holiness begins from Christ and Christ is its cause.   For no act conducive to salvation can be performed unless it proceeds from Him as from its supernatural source.   “Without me,” He says, “you can do nothing.”(Jn 15:5)   If we grieve and do penance for our sins if, with filial fear and hope, we turn again to God, it is because He is leading us.   Grace and glory flow from His inexhaustible fullness…

When the Sacraments of the Church are administered by external rite, it is He who produces their effect in souls.   He nourishes the redeemed with His own flesh and blood and thus calms the turbulent passions of the soul;  He gives increase of grace and prepares future glory for souls and bodies.

Christ our Lord wills the Church to live His own supernatural life and by His divine power permeates His whole Body and nourishes and sustains each of the members according to the place which they occupy in the body, in the same way as the vine nourishes and makes fruitful the branches which are joined to it. (cf. Jn 15:4-6).

Venerable Pius XII (1976-1958)  Pope from 1939 to 1958
Encyclical “Mystici Corporis”holiness begins from christ - pope pius XII - 29 april 2018 - 5th sun of easter

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 29 April – Fifth Sunday of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) Doctor of the Church

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 29 April – Fifth Sunday of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) Doctor of the Church

And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’….Matthew 25:40

REFLECTION – “Charity is the sweet and holy bond which links the soul with its Creator: it binds God with man and man with God.”…. St Catherine of Sienacharity is the sweet and holy bond - st catherine siena - 29 april 2018

PRAYER – Almighty God, You made St Catherine of Siena, a contemplative lover of the Lord’s sufferings and an ardent servant of her neighbour and the Church. Grant that through her prayer, Your people may be united to Christ in His Mystery and true lovers of His sheep. May we live the commands He gave us and see His face in our neighbour. Through Jesus, our Lord, one God with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, amen.st catherine of siena - pray for us - 29 april 2018

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, EASTER, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on PRAYER, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 April – Saturday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Gianna Beretta Molla (1922-1962)

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 28 April – Saturday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide and the Memorial of St Gianna Beretta Molla (1922-1962) Today’s Gospel: John 14:7–14

Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it...John 14:13-14

REFLECTION – “The stillness of prayer is the most essential condition for fruitful action. Before all else, the disciple kneels down.”…St Gianna Beretta Mollathe stillness of prayer - st gianna molla - 28 april 2018

PRAYER – Since it is from You God, our Father, that redemption comes to us, Your adopted children, look with favour on the family You love, give us true freedom and to all who believe in Christ and bring us all alike to our eternal heritage.   Grant we pray, that by the prayers of Your holy one, St Gianna, we may run this race always in prayer, trusting in Your divine Son’s intercession, to attain the Glory of Your Kingdom and the Light of Your Face.   Through Jesus Christ, in the union of the Holy Spirit, one God with You, forever and ever, amen.st gianna molla - pray for us us - 28 april 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, MORNING Prayers, PAPAL PRAYERS, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 April – Friday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide and the Feast of Our Lady of Montserrat

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 27 April – Friday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide and the Feast of Our Lady of Montserrat – Gospel today John 14:1-6

“Let not your hearts be troubled;  believe in God, believe also in me.“…John 14:1john 14 1

REFLECTION – “I will not mistrust Him, Meg, although I shall feel myself weakening and on the verge of being overcome with fear.   I shall remember how St Peter at a blast of wind, began to sink, because of his lack of faith and I shall do as he did:  call upon Christ and pray to Him for help.   And then I trust He shall place His holy hand on me and in the stormy seas hold me up from drowning.”…St Thomas More (1478-1535)i will not distrust him Meg - st thomas more - 11 jan 2018

PRAYER – “[Lord God] I believe in You, increase my faith.   All my hopes are in You, secure my trust.   I love You, teach me to love You more each day… I adore You as my first beginning, I long for You as my final end.   I praise You as my constant helper and call on You as my loving protector.   Guide me by Your Wisdom, correct me with Your Justice, comfort me with Your Mercy, protect me by Your Power… Lord, enlighten my understanding, enflame my will, purify my heart, sanctify my soul.   Help me to repent of my past sins and to rise above my human weaknesses and to grow stronger as a Christian…”(from the Universal Prayer by Pope Clement XI (1649-1721))

lord god I believe - from the universal prayer - pope clement XI - 27 april 2018

Posted in CATECHESIS, EASTER, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, ON the SAINTS, PAPAL MESSAGES, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES - J R R Tolkien and MORE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on the CHURCH, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Thought for the Day – 25 April – Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter and the Feast of St Mark the Evangelist

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 25 April – Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter and the Feast of St Mark the Evangelist

Today we celebrate St Mark, the Evangelist, the first Gospel writer and the friend of Sts Peter and Paul, the cousin of St Barnabas and our Father in faith – our friend too, a chosen member of the Catholic Church who has gone before to show us the way.   Mark knew there would be difficulties for believers in every age, for the persecution of the early Church was the beginning “of the labour pains” (13:8), since “the Gospel must first be preached to all nations” (13:10).   He has given us a moving story of how God works in mysterious ways and shown us in the actions of Jesus how to be patient in our faith even in the most troubling circumstances, for “he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him as he told you” (16:7).   This narrative could only have been created by someone who himself knew suffering, the pain of unfulfilled hopes and the sorrow of untimely death.   His faith made him write about it.   His hope makes it so convincing!   Let us listen to Pope Benedict on being a Catholic today, now, in the world we live in!

Chosen:   I think it is worth reflecting on this word.   We are chosen.   God has always known us, even before our birth, before our conception, God wanted me as a Christian, as a Catholic, He wanted me as a priest.   God thought of me, He sought me among millions, among a great many, He saw me and He chose me.   It was not for my merits, which were non-existent but out of His goodness;  He wanted me to be a messenger of His choice, which is also always a mission, above all a mission and a responsibility for others.   Chosen: we must be grateful and joyful for this event.   God thought of me, he chose me as a Catholic, me, as a messenger of His Gospel, as a priest.   In my opinion it is worth reflecting several times on this and coming back to this fact of His choice;  He chose me, He wanted me, now I am responding.

Perhaps today we are tempted to say:  we do not want to rejoice at having been chosen, for this would be triumphalism.   It would be triumphalism to think that God had chosen me because I was so important.   This would really be erroneous triumphalism. However, being glad because God wanted me is not triumphalism.   Rather, it is gratitude and I think we should relearn this joy:  God wanted me to be born in this way, into a Catholic family, he wanted me to know Jesus from the first.   What a gift to be wanted by God so that I could know His face, so that I could know Jesus Christ, the human face of God, the human history of God in this world!   Being joyful because He has chosen me to be a Catholic, to be in this Church of His, where subsistit Ecclesia unica;  we should rejoice because God has given me this grace, this beauty of knowing the fullness of God’s truth, the joy of his love.

Chosen:  a word of privilege and at the same time of humility.   However “chosen” — as I said — is accompanied by the word “parepidemois”, exiles, foreigners.   As Christians we are dispersed and we are foreigners:  we see that Christians are the most persecuted group in the world today, because it does not conform, because it is a stimulus, because it opposes the tendencies to selfishness, to materialism and to all these things.

Christians are certainly not only foreigners; we are also Christian nations, we are proud of having contributed to the formation of culture, there is a healthy patriotism, a healthy joy of belonging to a nation that has a great history of culture and of faith.   Yet, as Christians, we are always also foreigners — the destiny of Abraham, described in the Letter to the Hebrews.   As Christians we are, even today, also always foreigners. In the work place Christians are a minority, they find themselves in an extraneous situation;  it is surprising that a person today can still believe and live like this.   This is also part of our life:  it is a form of being with the Crucified Christ, this being foreigners, not living in the way that everyone else lives, but living — or at least seeking to live — in accordance with His Word, very differently from what everyone says.   And it is precisely this that is characteristic of Christians.   They all say:  “But everyone does this, why don’t I?”   No, I don’t, because I want to live in accordance with God.   St Augustine once said:  “Christians are those who do not have their roots below, like tree, but have their roots above and they do not live this gravity in the natural downwards gravitation”.   Let us pray the Lord that he help us to accept this mission of living as exiles, as a minority, in a certain sense, of living as foreigners and yet being responsible for others and, in this way, reinforcing the goodness in our world.

This is faith:  touching Christ with the hand of faith, with our heart and thus entering into the power of His life, into the healing power of the Lord.   And let us pray the Lord, that we may touch Him more and more, so as to be healed.   Let us pray that He will not let us fall, that He too may take us by the hand and thus preserve us for true life….

LECTIO DIVINA” OF THE HOLY FATHER BENEDICT XVI

Chapel of the Seminary
Friday, 8 February 2013

St Mark, Pray for us!st-mark-pray-for-us-25 april 2017