This morning we buried my beloved mother with a mass, and in a beautiful old cemetery near her much loved parents. The (weather and the) outpouring of kindness and love was spectacular. Thank you for all your support and prayers!
Thanks be to God
Category: Uncategorized
Notre-Dame-de-la-Carole / Our Lady of la Carole, Paris (1418) and Memorials of the Saints – 3 July
Notre-Dame-de-la-Carole / Our Lady of la Carole, Paris (1418) – 3 July:
Roadside Shrines can still be seen in places all over Europe, though it is nothing like it used to be in the Middle Ages when these Shrines were extremely prevalent. They were public reminders of God and His Saints and were meant for the good of the general public, who would come upon the Shrine and pause for a moment to pray. They could be simple or somewhat elaborate, ranging from unadorned crosses to free standing towers or even small Chapels.
On 3 July in the year 1418, a Swiss soldier committed a sacrilege upon a Statue of the Blessed Virgin known as Our Lady of la Carole, or Our Lady of Carole. It was located at the corner of the Rue aux Ours, which was built in the 13th century and terminated at the hospital of Saint John, which is no longer in existence. The Rue aux Ours is now a short street that begins at Rue Saint-Martin and ends at the Boulevard Sebastopol in Paris, France.
The soldier of the Duke of Burgandy’s troops, said to be a Swiss soldier, came upon the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin after having left a tavern where he had gambled away his money. He was probably intoxicated when he drew his sword and repeatedly struck the Statue of the Blessed Virgin with the weapon. The Statue of Our Lady of Carole then began to bleed profusely, as if made of flesh and blood and WAS wounded by the blows.
The citizens who had observed the sacrilege were outraged and followed the soldier as he fled from the scene of his crime. The man was eventually caught and apprehended and then brought before the Chancellor where he was sentenced to death for the outrage.
In remembrance of this incident and in expiation for the crime, there was a popular feast that took place on the Rue aux Ours every year. There were fireworks and a wax figure representing the sacrilegious wretch who had struck the image of the Blessed Virgin was set ablaze. This festival continued until the French Revolution brought an end to the traditional observance.
St Anatolius of Alexandria (Died 283) Bishop, Scholar, Scientiest, Philosoper, Conputist, Mathematian, Writer .
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/03/saint-of-the-day-3-july-st-anatolius-of-alexandria-died-283-bishop/
St Anatolius of Constantinople (Diedc 458) Bishop
Bl Andreas Ebersbach
Bl Barbara Jeong Sun-mae
St Bladus
St Byblig
St Cillene
St Dathus of Ravenna
St Eusebius of Laodicea
St Firminus
St Firmus
Bl Gelduin
St Giuse Nguyen Ðình Uyen
St Gunthiern
St Guthagon
St Heliodorus of Altinum
St Hyacinth of Caesarea
St Ioannes Baptista Zhao Mingxi
St Irenaeus of Chiusi
St Pope Leo II (611–683) Bishop of Rome from 17 August 682 to 28 June 683, the day of his death. He is one of the Popes of the Byzantine Papacy.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/03/saint-of-the-day-3-july-st-pope-leo-ii-611-683/
St Maelmuire O’Gorman
St Mark of Mesia
St Mennone the Centurian
St Mucian of Mesia
St Paul of Mesia
St Petrus Zhao Mingzhen
St Philiphê Phan Van Minh
St Raymond of Toulouse (Died 1118) Layman
—
Martyrs of Alexandria – 13 saints: Thirteen Christian companions marytred together. No details about them have survived but the names – Apricus, Cyrion (2 of), Eulogius, Hemerion, Julian, Julius, Justus, Menelaus, Orestes, Porfyrios and Tryphon (2 of). They martyred in Alexandria, Egypt, date unknown.
Martyrs of Constantinople – 24 saints: A group of 24 Christians martyred in the persecutions of Arian emperor Valens. We know little more than their names – Acacios, Amedinos, Ammonius, Ammus, Cerealis, Cionia, Cionius, Cyrianus, Demetrius, Eulogius (2), Euphemia, Heliodoros, Heraclios, Horestes, Jocundus, Julian, Martyrios, Menelaeus, Sestratus, Strategos, Thomas, Timotheos and Tryphon. They were martyred in c367 in Constantinople.
Theodotus and Companions – 6 saints: Six Christians who were imprisoned, tortured and martyred together in the persecutions of Trajan. Saint Hyacinth ministered to them in prison. We know nothing else about them but their names – Asclepiodotus, Diomedes, Eulampius, Golinduchus, Theodota and Theodotus. They were beheaded in c110, location unknown.
Saint of the Day – 2 July – St Martinian of Rome
Saint of the Day – 2 July – St Martinian of Rome
Saint Martinian of Rome was a member of the Praetorian Guard, the soldiers tasked with guarding the emperor. Assigned as the warden of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the Mamertine Prison, the apostles converted him after a spring flowed miraculously in the prison. Peter then baptized him in these miraculous waters, which then led to Martinian’s own imprisonment within that very prison.
During his imprisonment, Martinian experienced visions and spiritual encounters that strengthened his resolve. Saint John the Baptist appeared to him, encouraging him in his suffering and reaffirming his faith. This spiritual encounter bolstered Martinian’s courage and determination to face martyrdom rather than renounce Christianity.
By order of the emperor Nero, Martinian was then tortured and beheaded. After his martyrdom with Paul, Lucina, a sympathizer, buried him in her own cemetery along the Aurelian Way. Pope Paschal I (817–824) translated the bones of the martyr to a chapel in the old Basilica of St. Peter. They still rest under the altar dedicated to him (and his fellow martyr, Processus) in the south transept of the present St. Peter’s Basilica.
Our Morning Offering – 2 July – O God, Be With Us
Our Morning Offering – 2 July – “Month of the Precious Blood”
O God, Be With Us
By St Benedict (c 480-547)
O God,
from Whom to be turned,
is to fall,
to Whom to be turned,
is to rise
and in Whom to stand,
is to abide forever,
grant us in all our duties,
Your help,
in all our perplexities,
Your guidance,
in all our dangers,
Your protection,
and in all our sorrows,
Your peace,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
One Minute Reflection – 2 July – Always be merciful …
One Minute Reflection – 2 July – “Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Readings: Genesis 23: 1-4, 19; 24: 1-8, 62-67, Psalms 106: 1b-2, 3-4a, 4b-5, Matthew 9: 9-13
“It is not the healthy who are in need of the physician but those who are sick” – Matthew 9:12
REFLECTION – “And by this I wish to know if you love the Lord God and me, His servant and yours – if you have acted in this manner – that is, there should not be any brother in the world, however much he may have possibly sinned, who, after he has looked into your eyes, would go away without having received your mercy, if he is looking for mercy. And if he were not to seek mercy, you should ask him if he wants mercy. And if he should sin thereafter, a thousand times, before your very eyes, love him more than me, so that you may draw him back to the Lord. Always be merciful to such as these …
If anyone of the brothers, at the instigation of the enemy, should sin mortally, he is bound by obedience to have recourse to his guardian. And all the brothers who might know that he has sinned are not to bring shame upon him or speak ill of him but let them show great mercy toward him and keep most secret, the sin of their brother; “because it is not the healthy who are in need of the physician, but those who are sick” (Mt 9:12) … And let the Custodian mercifully take care of him, as he would like to be taken care of, if he were in a similar position.
And if this brother falls into some venial sin, let him confess this to a brother who is a Priest. And if there is no Priest at hand, let him confess to his brother, until he has contact with a Priest who will absolve him canonically. And the brothers should have no power to enjoin any other penance, except this: “Go and sin no more!” (Jn 8:11). – St Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) Founder of the Friars Minor – Letter to a Minister of the Franciscan Order.
PRAYER – Lord Jesus Christ You showed Your great mercy to Matthew the tax-gatherer, by calling him to become Your Apostle. Supported by the intercession of the Your Mother and oursby and the prayers and example of Your Saints, may we always answer Your call, obey Your commandments, fulfil Your Will and thus live in close union with You. We make our prayer, in union with God our Father and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
Quote/s of the Day – 2 July – I am a sinner
Quote/s of the Day – 2 July – “Month of the Most Precious Blood” – Readings: Genesis 23: 1-4, 19; 24: 1-8, 62-67, Psalms 106: 1b-2, 3-4a, 4b-5, Matthew 9: 9-13
“It is not the healthy
who are in need of the physician
but those who are sick”
Matthew 9:12
“… Veiled in a human body,
He was able to communicate with humans.
He who wanted to assist the guilty
hides the fact that He is a Judge.
He who did not deny dignity to faithful servants,
conceals his Lordship.
He who desired the weak
to be embraced by a parent’s love,
covers His Majesty.”
St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450)
“Doctor of Homilies”
Father and Doctor of the Church
” Indeed, the instant you say:
“I have sinned against the Lord”,
the response is given you:
“Your sins are forgiven” (Mt 9:2).
… Only do not keep away, or distance yourself,
from He who has chosen you to sing
and pray but all your life long,
remain close to Him,
either through pure confidence,
or by a holy audacity and courageous confession.”
John of Karpathos (7th Century) Bishop
“My beloved Redeemer,
how much did it cost You to raise me from the ruin,
which I brought on myself through my sins?
What can I do without Your grace?
I can do nothing but pray
that You will help me
but even this prayer comes
from the merits of Your suffering and death!
O my Jesus, help me!”
St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most zealous Doctor
“Lord Jesus Christ,Son of God,
Have Mercy on me, a sinner.”
(Cf Luke 18:13)
Saint of the Day – 1 July – St Nicasius of Jerusalem
Saint Nicasius of Jerusalem, was born around 1135 in Sicily, Italy. The son of Roberto de Burgio and his wife Aldegonda, Nicasius descended from the Saracens on his father’s side and from the Normans on the mother’s. He joined the Knights Hospitaller with his brother, Ferrandino, and in 1185 they answered the call of Roger de Moulins and travelled to the Holy Land.
The Order of Saint John of Jerusalem (now known as the Order of Malta) was a monastic community founded to care for the sick and pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. With the creation of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, the Order added a military side to its religious character, because it now had to defend pilgrims and the sick, together with the Holy Places and all of Christianity, as well as care for them. Care for the sick and pilgrims, commitment to Christian solidarity, justice and peace according to evangelical teaching, and the defense of the Christian faith were the basis of the Order. Nicasio and his brother took the three monastic vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience.
As a captain, Nicasius fought in the defense of Acre, and during the battle he was captured by the Saracens. They demanded that he renounce his Christian faith and convert to Islam. But he remained steadfast and refused to renounce Christianity, choosing martyrdom over apostasy. He was decapitated in the presence of Saladin himself.
Saint Nicasius is particularly venerated in Caccamo, Italy. Numerous miracles were obtained there through the intercession of this glorious martyr, amongst them deliverances from the plague in 1575 and 1624. Saint Nicasius is invoked to free supplicants from terror, from infectious diseases, from maladies of the throat, neck, and lymph glands, and for the healing of scrofula.
JULY – THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD
1 July
The Feast and the Month
of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Epistle to the Hebrews 9,11-15
11 But Christ, being come an high Priest of the good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hand, that is, not of this creation: 12 Neither by the blood of goats or of calves, but by his own blood, entered once into the Holies, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and of oxen, and the ashes of an heifer, being sprinkled, sanctify such as are defiled, to the cleansing of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who by the Holy Ghost offered himself unspotted unto God, cleanse our conscience from dead works, to serve the living God? 15 And therefore he is the mediator of the new testament: that by means of his death for the redemption of those transgressions which were under the former testament, they that are called may receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
Holy Gospel according to Saint John 19,30-35
30 Jesus therefore, when he had taken the vinegar, said: It is consummated. And bowing his head, he gave up the ghost. 31 Then the Jews (because it was the parasceve), that the bodies might not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day (for that was a great sabbath day), besought Pilate that their legs might be broken: and that they might be taken away. 32 The soldiers therefore came: and they broke the legs of the first, and of the other that was crucified with him. 33 But after they were come to Jesus, when they saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers with a spear opened his side: and immediately there came out blood and water. 35 And he that saw it hath given testimony: and his testimony is true. And he knoweth that he saith true: that you also may believe.
Saint Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Franciscan, Doctor of the Church
The Mystical Vine
They have not only pierced his hands and his feet but his side as well, and have opened up the inmost part of his most holy heart, already wounded by the lance of love. Oh how good and how pleasant it is to dwell in this heart! O my good Jesus, your heart is a true treasure, a pearl of great price which we found when we dug in the field of your body (cf Mt 13,44-45). Would anyone toss it aside? Rather will I give all I have in exchange, I will give up all my thoughts and desires to buy it, tossing all my preoccupations into the heart of my Lord Jesus and, undoubtedly, that heart will sustain me.
In his book, The Precious Blood, Father Frederick William Faber CO (1814-1863), calls St Paul ,the Doctor of the Precious Blood owing to his evident fondness of preaching on Ithis subject in his Epistles (Romans 3:25; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:12 et al).
He recounts that the lives of the Saints are replete with devotion to the Precious Blood making special mention of St John Chrysostom, St Augustine, St Gertrude and St Catherine of Siena, the last whom he considered the Prophetess of the Precious Blood for putting emphasis on It as the solution to the ills of her times.
Constant Prayer
to the Precious Blood of Jesus
By St Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)
Precious Blood,
Ocean of Divine Mercy,
Flow upon us!
Precious Blood,
Most Pure Offering,
Procure us every grace!
Precious Blood,
Hope and Refuge of sinners,
Atone for us!
Precious Blood,
Delight of holy souls,
Draw us!
Amen
Father Faber also remarks that the Precious Blood makes us appreciate more, Christ’s redemption of mankind, His sacrifice and Passion. It makes us comprehend too, the beautiful doctrine and the august realities of the Blessed Sacrament, as we kneel in front of the Tabernacle, in humble adoration.
Over time, the Church gave Her blessing to the devotion by approving societies like the Missionaries of the Precious Blood; enriching confraternities like that of St Nicholas in Carcere, in Rome and that of the London Oratory; attaching Indulgences to prayers and Scapulars in honour of the Precious Blood and instituting commemorative Feasts of the Precious Blood, Friday after the fourth Sunday in Lent and, since Pius IX, the first Sunday of July. St Pius X assigned the date of 1 July to this Feast.
Saint of the Day – 30 June – Blessed Philip Powell OSB (1594 – 1646) Priest, Martyr, Benedictine Monk
Saint of the Day – 30 June – Blessed Philip Powell OSB (1594 – 1646) Priest, Martyr, Benedictine Monk – born on 2 February 1594 in Tralon, Brecknockshire, England and died by being hang, drawn and quartered on 30 June 1646 at Tyburn, London, England. He is also remembered on 4 May with the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. Also known as – Philip Morgan, Philip Powel, Philip Prosser.
Philip Powell was the son of Roger and Catherine Powell (nee Morgan) and was brought up to the law by David Baker, afterwards Dom Augustine Baker OSB. At the age of sixteen he became a student in the Temple, London but went to Douai three or four years later to study for the Priesthood.
He was Ordained a Priest in 1618 and was professed a Monk on 15 August 1619, having studied under Dom Leander Jones OSB. He was next made Cellarer of St Gregory’s Monastery, Douai and then was sent on the English mission on 7 March 1622. He lived with Dom Baker OSB for sixteen months in Gray’s Inn Lane, London. For the following twenty years he was Chaplain to various families in Devon and Somerset until the Civil War broke out.
After serving as a Chaplain to Royalist troops, he tried to make his way to Monmouthshire in 1646. He was arrested off the Mumbles on 22 February 1646 by Capt Crowther, who kept him confined in his ship for two months in Penarth Roads and then sent him by sea to London. There he was confined in St Catherine’s Gaol, Southwark, where the harsh treatment he received brought on a severe attack of pleurisy.
His trial, which had been fixed for 30 May, did not take place till 9 June, at Westminster Hall. He was found guilty of being a Catholic Priest and was hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn.
It is recorded that when informed of his death sentence, Powell exclaimed “Oh what am I, that God thus honours me and will have me to die for His sake?” and called for a glass of sack (or sherry).
At the instance of the Common Council of London, his head and quarters were not exposed but were buried in the old churchyard at Moorfields.
The Martyr’s Crucifix, which had formerly belonged to Feckenham, last Abbot of Westminster, is preserved at Downside, with some of his hair and a cloth stained with his blood.
He was Beatified by Pope Pius XI on 15 December 1929.
Our Morning Offering – 30 June – Consecration to the Sacred Heart By Pope Leo XIII
Our Morning Offering – 30 June – “The Last day of the Month of the Sacred Heart” – Tuesday of the Thirteenth week in Ordinary Time
Consecration to the Sacred Heart
By Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903)
Pope from 1878-1903
Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race,
look down upon us humbly prostrate before Thine altar.
We are Thine and Thine we wish to be but, to be more surely united with Thee, behold each one of us, freely consecrates himself today to Thy most Sacred Heart.
Many indeed have never known Thee,
many too, despising Thy precepts, have rejected Thee.
Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus and draw them to Thy Sacred Heart. Be Thou King, O Lord, not only of the faithful, who have never forsaken Thee but also of the prodigal children, who have abandoned Thee,
grant that they may quickly return to Thy Father’s house lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.
Be Thou King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof and call them back to the harbour of truth and unity of faith, so that there may be but one flock and one Shepherd.
Be Thou, King of all those who are still involved in the darkness of idolatry or of Islamism and refuse not to draw them into the light and kingdom of God.
Turn Thine eyes of mercy towards the children of the race, once Thy chosen people – of old they called down upon themselves the Blood of the Saviour;
may it now descend upon them, a laver of redemption and of life.
Grant, O Lord, to Thy Church, assurance of freedom and immunity from harm;
give peace and order to all nations and make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: “Praise be to the divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to It be glory and honour forever.”
Amen
The above prayer, composed by Pope Leo XIII was included in the 1899 encyclical Annum Sacrum issued by Leo XIII as he Consecrated the entire world to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The consecration was influenced by two letters written to the Holy Father by Blessed Sister Mary of the Divine Heart, who stated that in visions of Jesus Christ, she had been told to request the Consecration.
One Minute Reflection – 30 June – “Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?”
One Minute Reflection – 30 June – “The Last day of the Month of the Sacred Heart”
He said to them, “Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea and there was great calm. … Matthew 8:26
REFLECTION – “God is not at all displeased when, on occasion, you quietly complain to him. Don’t be afraid of saying to him: “Lord, why do you stand afar off? (cf. Ps 9:22 LXX) You know well that I love You and only long for Your love. Graciously come to my aid and do not abandon me.”
If your desolation continues and your anguish is unbearable, unite your voice to that Jesus, Jesus dying in affliction on the cross – say, as you beg the divine pity: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Mt 27:46) But profit from this trial, firstly, so as to humble yourself even more, while reminding yourself, that we are not worthy of any consolations when we have offended God and then, so as to revive your confidence even more by reminding yourself that, whatever He may do or permit, God only has your well-being in mind and that, in this way, “all things work together for the good” (cf. Rm 8:28) of your soul. The more that trouble and discouragement besiege you, the more you should arm yourself with courage and cry out: “The Lord is my light and my help, who should I fear?” (Ps 26:1). Yes, Lord, it is You who enlighten me, You who will save me, in You I entrust myself, “in you I place my hope, I shall never be confounded” (Ps 30:2 LXX).
In this way, stand firm in peace, certain that “no-one has hoped in the Lord and been confounded” (Sir 2:11 Vg.), none have been lost after having placed their trust in God.” … St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) – Bishop and Doctor of the Church – What should we talk about with God? (from: ‘How to Converse Continually and Familiarly with God’).
PRAYER – Lord, You are the beginning and the end of all that we do, all that we are and all that we say. Lead us by the light of Your grace in complete trust and confidence and complete us with Your all-powerful help. Let Your light penetrate the hidden fears of our hearts and may our trust be complete. And may we always understand that our Mother, loves us and cares for us in all our needs. We worship You in Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever, amen.
Quote/s of the Day – 30 June – ‘I put all my trust in Thee …’
Quote/s of the Day – 30 June – “The Last day of the Month of the Sacred Heart”
And they went and woke him, saying,
“Save us, Lord, we are perishing.”
Matthew 8:25
“It is I, be not afraid”
John 6:20
“Let not your hearts be troubled,
neither let them be afraid.”
John 14:27
“The waters have risen
and severe storms are upon us
but we do not fear drowning,
for we stand firmly upon a rock.
Let the sea rage, it cannot break the rock.
Let the waves rise,
they cannot sink the boat of Jesus.”
“Let the world be in upheaval.
I hold to His promise and read His message,
that is my protecting wall and garrison.
What message?
‘Know that I am with you always,
until the end of the world!’”
St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father and Doctor of the Church
“It is not a calm sky, beloved
but the storm which tests a pilot’s skill.
When the breeze is mild,
even the poorest sailor,
can manage the ship.
But in the crosswinds of a tempest,
we want the best pilot with all His skill.”
St Peter Chrysologus (c 406 – c 450)
Father and Doctor of the Church
“Whoever has become a servant of the Lord,
fears only his Master.
But whoever is without the fear of God,
is often afraid of his own shadow.
Fearfulness is the daughter of unbelief.
A proud soul is the slave of fear,
hoping in itself,
it comes to such a state,
that it is startled by a small noise
and is afraid of the dark.”
St John Climacus (579-649)
Father of the Church
“O Heart of love,
I put all my trust in Thee,
for I fear all things,
from my own weakness,
but I hope for all things,
from Thy Goodness.”
St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)
“…Therefore, never allow yourself to start brooding again
but always be brave and trust.
Serve your good Master with an open heart full of joy.
The right way is to see all events and all obstacles
in the spirit of faith as being in the hands of Our Lord
and to hear Him say to you, on every occasion,
as He did to the disciples
‘It is I. Do not fear. Have faith.’”
St Michael Garicoïts (1797-1863)
Thought for the Day – 30 June – “Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is as old as Christianity”
Thought for the Day – 30 June – “The Last Day of Month of the Sacred Heart” – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Devotion to the Sacred Heart
“When we consider it under it’s fundamental aspect as the cult of the love of God, rather than of the Incarnate Word, devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is as old as Christianity, even though it is only in recent centuries, that it has assumed it’s present symbolism.
“He who does not love, does not know God,” says St John, “for God is love” (1 Jn 4:8).
“And we have come to know,” he continues “and have believed, the love that God has in our behalf. God is love and he who abides in love, abides in God and God in him” (1 Jn 4:16).
This cult of the love of God, particularly of the love of God made man, vibrates throughout the pages of the Gospel and of the writings of the Apostles, especially of St John and of St Paul.
In the works of the Fathers, there are references to the Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance, from which flowed all the infinite graces of the Church for our redemption.
We are reminded of this in the Encylical, Haurietis Aquas, published by Pope Pius XII in the year 1956.
But the specific cult of the love of God, as symbolised by the Heart of Jesus, was explicitly approved by the Church after Jesus Himself appeared in the year 1674 to St Margaret Mary Alacoque and showed her His Heart on fire with love for men.”
Antonio Cardinal Bacci
Our Morning Offering – 29 June – Decora Luce Aeternitatis, What Fairer Light
Our Morning Offering – 29 June – Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Decora Luce Aeternitatis
What Fairer Light
Attrib. to H Elphis (Died 493) Wife of Boethius c 477– 524)
Trans. Msgr Ronald Knox (1888–1957)
What fairer light is this
than time itself doth own,
The golden day with beams
more radiant brightening?
The Princes of God’s Church
this Feast day doth enthrone,
To sinners heavenward bound
their burden lightening.
One taught mankind its creed,
one guards the Heavenly Gate,
Founders of Rome,
they bind the world in loyalty;
One by the sword achieved,
one by the cross his fate;
With laurelled brows
they hold eternal royalty.
Rejoice, O Rome, this day;
thy walls they once did sign
With princely blood,
who now their glory share with thee.
What city’s vesture glows
with crimson deep as thine?
What beauty else has earth
that may compare with thee?
To God the Three in One eternal homage be,
All honour, all renown, all songs victorious,
Who rules both heaven and earth
by one divine decree,
To everlasting years
in empire glorious.
Amen
5th century Latin Hymn “Aurea Luce” attributed to H Elphis (Died 493), first wife of the Roman philosopher-poet Boethius (c475–c525). He would eventually be Martyred for his defence of the Faith against the Arian ruler: Theodoric.
Msgr Knox, a convert from Anglicanism, was a noted Scholar, Author, Hymnist and Translator, becoming the Secretary to St Pius X.
Under direction of his religious superiors, he re-translated the Latin Vulgate Bible into English from Hebrew and Greek sources.
What Fairer Light is set to the tune, Decora Lux by the English Catholic Composer, Samuel Webbe (1740–1816).
In 1632, in accord with changes called for by the Council of Trent, Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644) revised the original text of Aurea Luce and divided it into two new Hymns for Lauds and Vespers: Decora Lux and Beate Pastor Petre. In the Liturgy of the Hours, What Fairer Light is used on 29 June, the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul, Apostles. The above is the Older version.
Thought for the Day – 29 June – St Peter, Prince of the Apostles / St Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles
Thought for the Day – 29 June – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
St Peter, Prince of the Apostles
St Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles
“It is good to admire the fidelity of St Peter and the designs of Divine Providence in making him the visible Head of the Church but, it is far better, to follow his example. His love for Jesus, led him to leave his family and his fisherman’s trade, in order to follow Our Lord.
It led him to undertake long voyages, to endure imprisonment and to face martyrdom.
What can we do for the love of Jesus?
Remember that, if love is to be sincere, it must be generous and effective.
Secondly let us meditate on and imitate, the ardent and fearless faith of St Peter. He was not afraid to preach the teaching of Christ before the Sanhedrin. He was not afraid of Herod, who cast him into prison.
He was not afraid of the Roman Emperor, who caused him to be crucified.
Our faith should be steadfast and lively, like his!
Finally, let us imitate Peter in his repentance. Although he loved Jesus very much and had such great faith in Him, in a moment of weakness and of imprudence, he denied Him three times. All his life, however, be wept bitterly for this sin. Whenever he heard a cock crowing, it was as if an arrow had pierced his heart.
He was not satisfied, until he was hanging upon the cross like his Divine Master and could prove his love for Jesus by a Martyr’s death.”
St Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles
We can learn many other virtues from St Paul, besides his zealous love for God and for his fellowmen.
We can also learn from him, the virtues of humility and of apostolic fervour.
The Apostle of the Gentiles reached such heights of sanctity, as to feel himself transformed into Christ Himself and to deserve to be taken up into the third Heaven, where he enjoyed a foretaste of eternal happiness.
Nevertheless, he considered himself unworthy to be called an Apostle and he realised, that all his gifts came to him from God.
“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to think anything as from ourselves but our sufficiency, is from God” (2 Cor 3:5).
Whenever we succeed in any project, we should think on the same lines because, it is only when we are humble and depend on the grace of God, that the success of our actions will redound to the glory of our Creator. If the cancer of ambition or of self-love, should corrupt our purity of intention, our work would not be blessed by God and would not make us worthy of everlasting life.
Let us repeat often: “All for You, with You and in You, my God.”
Antonio Cardinal Bacci
One Minute Reflection – 29 June –Whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth … Matthew 16:19
One Minute Reflection – 29 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles – Acts 12:1-11, Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in Heaven and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in Heaven.” – Matthew 16:19
REFLECTION – “Bridegroom and Bride, that is Christ and the Church, are as one, be it in receiving confession or in bestowing absolution. All this makes clear why Christ had to tell each of us: “Go, show yourself to the priest” (Mt 8,4)… It follows that apart from Christ, the Church cannot grant forgiveness and that Christ has no will to forgive, apart from the Church. The Church’s authority to forgive extends only to the repentant, to those, that is, whom Christ has already touched; Christ, on His part, has no intention of regarding as forgiven, one who despises the Church.
Doubtless, Christ need accept no restraints to His power of Baptising, Consecrating the Eucharist, Ordaining Priests, forgiving sins and the like but, the humble and faithful Bridegroom, prefers to confer such blessings, with the co-operation of His Bride. “What God,” then, “has joined, let no man put asunder” (Mt 19,6). “I say this is a great mystery and refers to Christ and the Church” (Eph 5,32)… To remove the Head from the Body (Col 1,18) were to ruin the whole Christ, irreparably. Christ, apart from the Church, is no more the whole Christ, than the Church is complete, if separated from Christ. Head and Body go to make the whole and entire Christ.” – Bl Isaac of Stella (c 1100 – c 1170) Cistercian Monk, Abbot, Theologian, Philosopher (Sermon 11, §11-814).
PRAYER – O God, Who made this day holy by the Martyrdom of Thy Apostles Peter and Paul, grant Thy Church to follow in all things the teaching of those from whom she first received the faith. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
ALL PRAISE, honour and glory to the Divine Heart of JESUS. Indulgenced– 50 Days, once a day. 168 Pope Leo XIII, 14 June 1901.
29 June – Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
“There are the gates of our true country,
the two lights of the immense world.
There Paul’s voice is heard like thunder;
there Peter withholds or hurls the bolt .
The former opens the hearts of men,
the latter opens Heaven.
Peter is the Foundation-stone,
Paul the Architect of the temple
where stands the Altar
by which God is propitiated.
Both together form a single Fountain,
which pours out its healing
and refreshing waters.”
St Venantius Fortunatus (c 530 – c 609)
“The Troubadour of Christ”
“Yes, the Apostle chosen
to be His co-worker,
merited to share,
the same Name as Christ.
They built the same Building together –
Peter does the planting,
the Lord gives the increase
and it is the Lord, too,
Who sends those,
who will do the watering (cf 1 Cor 3:6f).”
St Augustine (354-430)
Father & Doctor of the Church
“These falls were both very great
but there was this difference.
One acknowledged his guilt; the other despaired.
Yet, our Saviour had inspired in the heart of both,
the same Peccavi [admission of guilt] (“I have sinned”)
… From this time on, St Peter never ceased weeping,
principally when he heard the cock crow
at night and morning, for he remembered
this crowing as the signal for his conversion.
… Why then was Judas not converted?
… Alas, did not this unhappy man know
that Our Lord alone could give it to him,
that He was the Saviour and held Redemption in His hands?
… Certainly, he knew it but he did not wish,
nor dare to ask pardon. ”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritas
“He grieved for his three sins,
not only on that sad night but throughout his life.
St Clement (c35-c101 the third succeeding Pope
after St Peter) writes that he wept so often
that his tears wore two deep furrows in his cheeks
and that, whenever he heard the cock crowing,
the cry pierced his heart.
He loved Jesus sincerely and passionately.
If we really love Jesus as Peter did
and are prepared to face death for His sake,
as Peter was, then we may be sure
that we shall never offend God again.”
Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“I have appeared to you for this purpose,
to appoint you as a servant and witness,
of what you have seen
and what you will be shown.
I shall deliver you from this people
and from the Gentiles, to whom I send you,
to open their eyes, that they may turn
from darkness to light
and from the power of Satan to God,
so that they may obtain forgiveness of sins
and an inheritance among those,
who have been consecrated by faith in Me.”
Acts 26:16-18
“Yet I live, no longer I
but Christ lives in me;
insofar as I now live in the flesh,
I live by faith in the Son of God,
Who has loved me
and given himself up for me.”
Galatians 2:20
Sincerest Thanks and Moving Forward
Dear faithful readers and friends of Anastpaul,
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Ann Stenvert. She died yesterday, fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church and wearing the Brown Scapular of Our Lady. And we know that the Blessed Virgin Mary is faithful to her promises!
Please also pray for Ann’s grieving family and friends who are coping with her sudden loss. But the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ transforms suffering and sorrow into many profound opportunities for Grace and salvation, if only we allow God to do so on His Holy Terms.
Eternal Rest grant unto her, O Lord. And let Perpetual Light shine upon her. May her soul and all of the souls of the faithfully departed, through the Mercy of God, Rest in Peace. Amen.
I was greatly blessed to be Ann’s pastor this past year. She bore the Light of Christ to countless souls that she touched through her prayers and steadfastness in the Truth of Christ and His One True Catholic Church, without any compromise with the popular errors against the Faith taught by so many wolves in shepherds’ clothing who are deceiving and leading so many souls into doctrinal and moral corruption. Lord have Mercy! But let us continue making sacrifices and praying for the conversion of heretics and sinners so that the Truth will set them free. The love of God and seeking the salvation of souls is what drove Ann on in the battle as a soldier for Christ. And so, let us always continue heeding the pleadings of Our Lady and her little devoted daughter and servant Ann, by praying the Rosary every single day.
Funeral arrangements for Ann are still pending. And if anyone would like to donate to help cover the costs for the Funeral and other bills that have taken the financially struggling Stenvert family by surprise, I encourage you to donate by contacting the Stenverts directly via a new PayPal account:
https://www.paypal.me/MattStenvert
Every donation large or small will be most appreciated, including every big or little prayer.
And I have personally pledged to offer Masses for the repose of Ann’s soul. And I also pledge to remember all donors to the Stenverts in my private intentions at Mass. And I will offer a monthly Mass for all who donate monthly to the Stenverts, who promise to continue Ann’s holy work on the website.
+May God bless and reward you all.
In JMJ,
Fr David
+
Brethren, stand fast; and hold the traditions which you have learned, whether by word, or by our epistle.
-2 Thess. 2:14
Teach nothing new, but implant in the hearts of everyone those things which the Fathers of venerable memory taught with a uniform preaching. Whence, we preach nothing except what we have received from our forefathers. In all things, therefore, both in the rule of Faith and in the observance of discipline, let the pattern of antiquity be observed.
-Pope St Leo the Great
Please pray
Hi guys, this is Ana’s daughter here. I know my mom promised to be back on the site yesterday, but while we were getting her computer set up, she had a stroke, suspected multiple strokes, and is now in the hospital. It’s looking bad, please pray for her, especially to the Blessed Virgin and St Paul. Thank you. I will keep you updated.
Saint of the Day – 12 May – Saint Cyril and 6 Companions (3rd Century) Martyrs of Rumania.
Saint of the Day – 12 May – Saint Cyril and 6 Companions (3rd Century) Martyrs of Rumania. Little is known of these Saints besides their staunch and holy sanctity never ceasing to declare Christ under immense torture and finally beheading. Grant us too the Grace we beseech Thee, Beloved Lord, never to cease defending Thee!
Information regarding Saint Cyril and his 6 companions, Martyred in Moesia (modern-day Rumania), is unfortunately fragmentary. Their liturgical feast is set today but the date of their Martyrdom remains uncertain, presumably in the 3rd Century.
The main sources mentioning these Saints are:
- The Roman Martyrology: it places their commemoration on May 12th with the following entry: “At Galatz in Moesia, in modern Rumania, Saint Cyril, who was Martyred together with six companions.”
- Apocryphal Acts
- Ancient local traditions: passed down orally and then collected in manuscripts.
From the available sources, it is clear that Cyril was a fervent Christian who lived in Moesia. During a period of persecution, he and 6 companions were arrested and brought before the Roman Governor. They refused to renounce their faith and were subjected to various tortures. Finally, they were condemned to death and beheaded.
Saint of the Day – 4 May – Saint Venerius (Died 408) Bishop of Milan
Saint of the Day – 4 May – Saint Venerius (Died 408) Bishop of Milan, Italy from c400 until his death in 408.
St Venerius had been a Deacon under St Ambrose. He followed St Simplician in the office of Bishop. He conducted his pastoral ministry with the greatest diligence and tireless zeal.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Milan, St Venerius, Bishop, whose virtues are attested by St John Chrysostom in the epistke which he wrote to St Venerius.”
Almost nothing is known about the life of St Venerius prior to his election as the Bishop of Milan. A late tradition, associates him with the noble Milanese family of the Oldrati. According to the 5th Century Historian and Biographer of St Ambrose, Paulinus, whose work is the only Life of St Ambrose based on a contemporary account and was written at the request of St Augustine. St Venerius was the Deacon assisting St Ambrose and he was present at the death of his beloved master in 397.
St Venerius was elected Bishop after the death of St Simplician in the winter between 400 and 401. He was already the Bishop of Milan when he received a request by a Council held on 18 June 401 at Carthage, to send Clerics from Milan to North Africa. One of the Clerics who was sent was actually our Paulinus mentioned above.
St Venerius is also known from a letter written to him by Pope Anastasius I concerning the condemnation of the heresy of the Origenists. Again, he is mentioned in a letter of the same Pope to St John II, Bishop of Jerusalem.
In 404 St Venerius, along with Pope Innocent I and St Chromatius, the Bishop of Aquileia, protested in support of St John Chrysostom who has been unjustly banned from Constantinople, writing in his favour to Honorius, the Western Emperor, who sent this letter to his brother, Arcadius, the Eastern Emperor. This intercession, however, availed nothing.
St Venerius died on 4 May 408 and was buried in the Church of Saints Nazarius and Celsus in Milan.
Nostra Signora delle Vittorie / Our Lady of Victories in the Church of St Mark, Vienna (1683), St Benedict Joseph Labre and the Saints for 16 April
FERIAL DAY
Nostra Signora delle Vittorie / Our Lady of Victories in the Church of St Mark, Vienna (1683) – 16 April:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/16/nostra-signora-delle-vittorie-our-lady-of-victories-in-the-church-of-st-mark-vienna-1683-and-memorials-of-the-saints-16-april/
St Benedict Joseph Labre TOSF (1748-1783) – Known as the Beggar of Perpetual Adoration (1748-1783) Lay Penitent and Pilgrim – he “abandoned his country, his parents and whatever is flattering in the world, to lead a new sort of life, a life most painful, most penitential, not in a wilderness, nor in a cloister but in the midst of the world, devoutly visiting as a pilgrim the famous places of Christian devotion.” Canonised by Pope Leo XIII on 8 December 1881.
Dearest St Benedict Joseph:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/04/16/saint-of-the-day-16-april-st-benedict-joseph-labre/
Blessed Arcangelo Canetoli (1460-1513) Priest and Canon of the Canons Regular of the Congregation of the Most Holy Saviour at Bologna, Mystic gifted with the charism of prophecy and of many visions of the Blessed Virgin, Born in 1460 in Bologna, Italy and died on 16 April 1513 (aged 53) in Gubbio, Italy of natural causes. His body is incorrupt. Arcangelo was Beatified on 2 October 1748 by Pope Benedict XIV.
Holy Arcangelo:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/16/saint-of-the-day-16-april-blessed-arcangelo-canetoli-crssb-1460-1513-priest/
St Drogo (1105–1186) Lay Penitent Pilgram, Apostle of prayer and the Holy Eucharist, Anchorite.
His life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/16/saint-of-the-day-16-april-saint-drogo-1105-1186/
St Elias
St Fructuosus (Died 665) Archbishop of Braga, Spain, Hermit, Confessor, Monk, Abbot, a great Founder of Monasteries.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/16/saint-of-the-day-16-april-saint-fructuosus-of-braga-died-665/
St Herveus of Tours
Blessed Joachim Piccolomini OSM (1258–1305) Tertiary Servite Lay Friar, Apostle of charity of the sick, devotee of the Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin.
Blessed Joachim’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/16/saint-of-the-day-16-april-blessed-joachim-piccolomini-of-siena-osm-1258-1305/
St Lambert of Saragossa
St Magnus of Orkney (c1075-1115) Layman Martyr, Magnus was the Earl .of Orkney in Scotland and related to the Royal House of Norway, which exercised sovereignty over the Orkney Islands at that time. The story of St Magnus’ life and Martyrdom are well attested.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/16/saint-of-the-day-16-april-saint-magnus-of-orkney-c-1075-1115/
St Turibius (c402-c460) Bishop of Astorga in Spain, Hermit, Monk, Defender of the Faith against heresy, in particular, the heresy of Priscilian., Miracle-worker. Born in Astorga, Spain in c402 and died there in c460 of natural causes. Patronages – Diocese of Palencia, Diocese of Santander, Diocese of Astorga, all in Spain.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Palencia, St Turibius, the Bishop of Astorga, Spain, who with the aid of Pope St Leo the Great, drove the heresy of Priscilian entirely out of Spain and, went to rest in the Lord with a great renown for miracles.”
Zealous and Miraculous St Turibius:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/16/saint-of-the-day-16-april-saint-turibius-of-astorga-c402-c460-bishop/
St Vaise
Blessed William Gnoffi (1256-1317) Hermit
Martyrs of Corinth – 9 Saints: A group of nine Christians who were tortured and Martyred together in the persecutions of Decius. We know little more than three of their names – Callistus, Charisius and Leonide. They were thrown into the sea at Corinth, Greece c250.
Martyrs of Saragossa: Group of 18 Martyrs murdered in 304 in Saragossa, Spain in the persecutions of Diocletian and the prefect Dacean. We know little more than the names – Apodemus, Caecilian, Caius, Crementius, Engratia, Eventius, Felix, Fronto, Gaius, Julia, Lambert, Lupercus, Martial, Optatus, Primitivus, Publius, Quintilian, Saturnius (4 men of this name), Succesus and Urban. Their graves re-discovered in 1389 in the crypt under the Church of San Encrazia in Saragossa.
Saint of the Day – 4 April – St Hildebert (Died c752) Abbot and Martyr
Saint of the Day – 4 April – St Hildebert (Died c752) Abbot and Martyr of the Monastery of St Peter in Ghent, modern Belgium, Martyred for his uncompromising defence of Sacred Images. Also known as – Emebert.
St Hildebert dedicated his life to the service of God. He embraced the monastic life and joined Monks at the Monastery of St Peter in Ghen. Below is a beautiful example of Sacred Images the Ghent Altarpiece by Jan van Eyck (1432). The Adoration of the Lamb at the end of the post is the lower section of the Altarpiece.
He was elected as the Abbot and unfailingly went to the defence of Sacred Images which had become a contentious issue. St Hildebert unwavering defence eventually led to his Martyrdom.
His death is not well documented but it is believed that he was killed due to the opposition he faced gy those destroying Sacred Images.
To this day, St Hildebert of Ghent is remembered and venerated, most particularly in Ghent.
Saint of the Day – 15 March – Saint Matrona (5th-6th Century) Virgin of Capua.
Saint of the Day – 15 March – Saint Matrona (5th-6th Century) Virgin of Capua. Matrona was a Roman noblewoman , famous for having found the body of the first Bishop of Capua, Saint Priscus. Patronages – against intestinal epidemics and cholera.
Matrona, a Roman noblewoman of Portuguese origin, was miraculously cured by Saint Prisco. Tradition tells us that the young lady suffering from a stomach disorder and went to the Campanian City of Capua and was cured whilst praying at the Tomb of the first Capuan Bishop which she had discovered.
Matrona remained there for the rest of her life, later honoured as a Saint and invoked against intestinal epidemics and cholera,
The small Chapel of St Matrona is a Shrine perhaps annexed to the primitive early Basilica dedicated to St Prisco. In the apse there is a marble oval Sarcophagus which acts as an Altar and which contained the remains of our Saint.
Saint of the Day – 9 March – St Antony (10th Century) Hermit
Saint of the Day – 9 March – St Antony (10th Century) Hermit of Froidemont in France. Probably born in France and died there at his Hermitage in Froidemont.Also known as – Anthony of Liaroles, Anthony of Luxeuil.
We have little knowledge of St Antony.d life. We know that he became a Monk at at the Luxeuil Abbey. Later seeking a closer union with God in a life of solitude, he became a Hermit at Froidemont in Franche-Comté, France.
He became widely renowned for his sanctity and life of prayer and asceticism.
THURSDAY of the SECOND WEEK of LENT, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours / Our Lady of Good Help, Montreal(1657) and the Saints for 5 March
THURSDAY of the SECOND WEEK of LENT
FERIAL DAY
Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours/Our Lady of Good Help, Montreal, Canada (1657) – 5 March:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/05/notre-dame-de-bon-secours-our-lady-of-good-help-montreal-canada-1657-and-memorials-of-the-saints-5-march/
St Adrian of Caesarea
St Caron
St Carthach the Elder
Bl Christopher Macassoli of Vigevano
St Clement (Died c800) Abbot of Santa Lucia Monastery in Syracuse, Sicily.
St Colman of Armagh
St Conon of Pamphylia
Bl Conrad Scheuber
St Dietmar (Died 1206) Bishop of Minden in Germany from c1185 until his death.
A Shepherd’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2025/03/05/saint-of-the-day-5-march-saint-dietmar-died-1206-bishop-of-minden-in-germany/
St Elouan (5th Century) Hermit
St Eusebius of Cremona
St Eusebius the Martyr
St Gerasimus of Palestine (Died c475) Monk, Hermit
Bl Giovanna Irrizaldi
St John Joseph of the Cross OFM (1654-1734) – Italian Priest, Friar of the Order of the Friars Minor, Mystic, Ascetic, gifted with prophecy and miracles.
Beloved Saint:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/03/05/saint-of-the-day-5-march-st-john-joseph-of-the-cross-ofm-1654-1734/
St Kieran (Died c530) Bishop, one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/05/saint-of-the-day-5-march-saint-kieran-died-c-530/
St Oliva of Brescia
St Phocas of Antioch
St Piran (Died 480) Abbot, Hermit, Missionary, miracle-worker.
St Piran’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/05/saint-of-the-day-5-march-saint-piran-died-480/
Bl Roger
Bl Romeo of Limoges
St Theophilus (Died c217) Bishop of Caesarea , Theologian, Writer , Apologist and Defender of the Faith. Born in Caesarea, Palestine and died c195 of natural causes.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Caesarea, in Palestine, in the time of the Emperor, Severus, St Theophilus, Bishop, who was conspicuous for his wisdom and the purity of his life.”
Wise St Theophilus:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/05/saint-of-the-day-5-march-saint-theophilus-of-caesarea-died-c217-bishop/
St Virgilius of Arles (Died c618) Archbishop, Abbot, Papal Vicar in Gaul.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/05/saint-of-the-day-5-march-st-virgilius-of-arles-died-c618-bishop/
Martyrs of Africa – A group of 304 Christians Martyred together for their faith. We know nothing else about them but five of their names Eusebius, Evolus, Hadrian, Julian and Octavian. They Died in 254 in Africa, exact location and date unknown.
Saint of the Day – 20 February – Blessed Amata (c1200-c1254) OSC Virgin, Nun of Assisi,
Saint of the Day – 20 February – Blessed Amata (c1200-c1254) OSC Virgin, Nun of Assisi, a Poor Clare Nuna and one of Saint Clare of Assisi’s original followers and her niece Born in Assisi as Amata di Caran. Her name means “beloved” in Latin and is now a common religious name among the Poor Clares.
Amata was born into a noble family in Assisi, Italy; her father was Martino di Carano and her mother Donna Penenda, Clare’s oldest sister.
Amata was destined to marry a nobleman from her hometown and being proud of her beauty, she led a frivolous life. Visiting her aunt, she was enlightened by the humble and serene poverty of the Nuns. She repented, renouncing her previous worldly ideals, refused marriage and in 1213 entered the Monastery of San Damiano.
The Franciscan Martyrology remembers her with this eulogy:
“Destined to marry a nobleman from her hometown, proud of her beauty, she led a frivolous life. Visiting her aunt, she was enlightened by the humble and serene poverty of the Damianites later known as the Poor Clares. She repented and changed her worldly ideals, renounced marriage and in 1213 entered the Monastery of San Damiano.
The Franciscan Martyrology remembers her with this eulogy:
“What a purified and innocent life fervent in Christ’s will, love excelled.”
Due to her harsh penances, she fell ill for thirteen months she suffered from a violent cough and was finally cured by her holy aunt with a simple Sign of the Cross.
Amata was present at St Clare’s death, she was addressed by her St Clare, as Celano recounts, with these words:
“Did you, daughter, see the Kingdom of glory to which I aspire?”
Amata herself died around 1254. When, in 1260, the Damianites abandoned the old Monastery to enter the City, Amata’s remains were brought to the convent of San Giorgio. In 1602, Crescenzio, the Bishop of Assisi, transferred her Relics, those of Blessed Agnes (sister of St Clare) and those of Blessed Benedetta (the first Abbess after St Clare), to a stone urn under an Altar in the Church.
St John the Apostle and Evangelist, the Beloved, Nossa Senhora do Rosário / Our Lady of the Rosary (Brazil) (1817) and Feasts of the Saints –
St John the Apostle and Evangelist, the Beloved
St John the Beloved:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/27/saint-of-the-day-27-december-st-john-the-apostle-and-evangelist/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/27/saint-of-the-day-27-december-the-disciple-whom-jesus-loved-the-eagle-by-dom-prosper-gueranger/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/27/saint-of-the-day-27-december-st-john-the-apostle-and-evangelist-2/
Nossa Senhora do Rosário / Our Lady of the Rosary (Atibaia, São Paulo, Brazil) (1817) – 27 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/27/feast-of-st-john-the-apostle-and-evangelist-nossa-senhora-do-rosario-our-lady-of-the-rosar-atibaia-sao-paulo-brazil-1817-and-memorials-of-the-saints-27-december/
Bl Adelheidis of Tennenbach
Bl Christina Ebner
St Fabiola (Died 399) Physician, Foundress of the first known hospital and hospice, disciple of St Jerome, benefactress of the Church.
St Fabiola’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/27/saint-of-the-day-27-december-st-fabiola-died-399/
Bl Hesso of Beinwil
St Maximus of Alexandria
St Nicarete of Constantinople
Blessed Roger of Verdun O.Praem. (Died 1138) Abbot, Priest or Regular Canon, Friar.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/27/saint-of-the-day-27-december-blessed-roger-of-verdun-o-praem-died-1138-priest/
St Theodore of Apamea (c775-c831) Confessor, Martyr, Monk, Brother of Saint Theophanes of Nicaea.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/27/saint-of-the-day-27-december-st-theodore-of-apamea-c-775-c-831-confessor/
St Theophanes of Nicaea
Bl Walto of Wessobrünn
“Gaudete” Sunday, The Third Sunday of Advent, Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception, Madonna del Patrocinio / Our Lady of Defence -Romagna, Italy) (1685) and Memorials of the Saints – 14 December
“Gaudete” Sunday, The Third Sunday of Advent
Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God
Madonna del Patrocinio / Our Lady of Defence – also known as Santa Maria del Calcare (Faenza, Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy) (1685) – 14 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/14/madonna-del-patrocinio-our-lady-of-defence-faenza-ravenna-emilia-romagna-italy-1685-and-memorials-of-the-saints-14-december/
St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609) Bishop, Poet, Hymnist, Writer.
Another “Golden Words”:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/14/saint-of-the-day-14-december-saint-venantius-fortunatus-c-530-c-609/
St Abundius of Spain – Martyr. No other information has survived
St Agnellus (535-596) Abbot, Priest, Hermit, Defender and Protector of the City of Naples, Miracle-worker.
St Agnellus is one of the 50+ Co-Patrons of the City of Naples
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Naples, in Campaniaa, St Agnellus, Abbot. Illustrious by the gift of miracles, he was often seen with the standard of the Cross, delivering the City besieged by enemies.”
A Mighty and Powerful Saint:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/12/14/saint-of-the-day-14-december-saint-agnellus-of-naples-osa-535-596/
St Berthold OFM (c 1220-1272) Friar of the Order of the Friars Minor of Regensburg, Renowned Preacher for which reason he was known as “Sweet Brother Berthold,” “The Beloved of God and man,” “A Second Elias,”,”The Teacher of the Nations.”
Celebrating St Berthold:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/14/saint-of-the-day-14-december-saint-berthold-of-regensburg-ofm-c-1220-1272/
Bl Buenaventura Bonaccorsi
St Folcuino of Therouanne
St John Pan y Agua (Bread-and-Water)
St Justus of Spain – Martyr. No other information has survived
St Matronianus of Milan
St Pompey (4th Century) Bishop of Pavia
St Viator (Died c370) Bishop and Confessor of Bergamo, the 2nd Bishop of Bergamo, Italy.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Bergamo, St Viator, Bishop and Confessor.”
His Life of Grace:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/12/14/saint-of-the-day-14-december-saint-viator-of-bergamo-died-c378-bishop-and-confessor/
Bl William de Rovira
Martyrs of Alexandria – 4 Saints: A group of Egyptian Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Decius – Arsenius, Dioscurus, Heron and Isidore. They were burned to death in 250 at Alexandria, Egypt.
Martyrs of Apollonia – 7 Saints: Martyred in the persecutions of Decius. The only surviving details are three names – Callinicus, Leucio and Tirso. The Martyrdom took place at Apollonia, Bithynia (in modern Turkey).
Martyrs of Ashkelon – 3 Saints: Several pilgrims from Egypt to Cilicia (in modern Turkey) who planned to minister to fellow Christians suffering in the persecutions of Emperor Maximinus. They were arrested, torture, mutilated and then imprisoned in Ashkelon. Some were ordered to forced labour in the mines but we have the names of three who were Martyred by order of Governor Firmilian – Ares, Elijah and Promo. They were burned at the stake or beheaded at the gates of Ashkelon c 308.
Martyrs of Hayle – 2+ Saints: Several Christians, including a brother and sister, who were Martyred together by pagans. The only other information to survive are the names of the two siblings – Fingar and Phiala. 5th Century at Hayle, Cornwall, England.
Martyrs of Syria – 3 Saints: Three Christians who were Martyred together. Known to Saint John Chrysostom who preached on their Feast Day and left us the only details we have – their names – Drusus, Theodore and Zosimus. The date and precise location of their Martyrdom is unknown but it was in Syria, possibly in Antioch.
Saint of the Day – 17 October – Saint Nothhelm (Died 739) Archbishop of Canterbury
Saint of the Day – 17 October – Saint Nothhelm (Died 739) Archbishop of Canterbury, spiritual writer, a friend and correspondent of both the Venerable Saint Bede and the great Missionary Martyr, Saint Boniface, it was Nothhelm who gathered materials from Canterbury for St Bede’s historical works. After his appointment to the Episcopate of Canterbury in 735, Nothhelm attended to Ecclesiastical matters, including holding Church Councils. Nothhelm was the author of a number of works, although these were later disputed. Of English birth (unknown place and date) and died on 17 October 739 in Canterbury where he is buried. Also known as – Nothelm.
Nothhelm, being aSt Bede’s friend and colleague, was happy to obtain information the later required for his historical works from the Papal Library whilst in Rome on a pilgrimage. He also researched, for St Bede, the history of Kent and the surrounding region. Before his appointment As the Archbishop of Canterbury, he whad been the Archpriest of the Saxon-built St Paul’s Cathedral, in London
Named to the See of Canterbury in 735, Nothhelm was Consecrated the same year. Pope Gregory III sent him a Pallium in 736. He may have been appointed by Æthelbald, King of Mercia, to whom Nothhelm had acted as a Counsellor. Nothhelm was one of a number of Mercians who became Archbishop of Canterbury, during a time of expanding Mercian influence.
Nothhelm held a Synod in 736 or 737 which drew nine Bishops; the meeting adjudicated a dispute over the ownership of a Monastery located at Withington. A significant feature of this Synod was that no King attended, but yet, the Synod still rendered judgement in the ownership even without secular involvement which was most unusual at that time in that country.
As the Archbishop of Canterbury, Nothhelm oversaw the reorganisation of the Mercian Dioceses which took place in 737. The Archbishop Consecrated Witta as the Bishop of Lichfield and Totta as the Bishop of Leicester. The Diocese of Leicester was firmly established by this action, although earlier unsuccessful ttempts had been made to establish a Diocese there. In 738, Nothhelm was a witness on the Charter of Eadberht I, the King of Kent.
St Bede addressed his work “In Regum Librum XXX Quaestiones“ to Nothhelm, who had asked the thirty questins on the Scriptural Bok of Kings which St Bede answered. Bede’s work “De VIII Quaestionibus” may have been written for Nothhelmtoo.
While Nothhelm was Archbishop, St Boniface wrote to him requesting a copy of the Libellus Responsionum of St Pope Gregory the Great, for use in Boniface’s missionary efforts. St Boniface also asked for information on the historical records of the English Gregorian mission to England.
Nothhelm died on 17 October 739 and was buried in Canterbury Cathedral. The antiquaries and writers John Leland, John Bale, and Thomas Tanner all felt that Nothhelm was the author of various works but later sources dispute these historians. A verse eulogy for Nothhelm, of uncertain date, survives in a 16th Century manuscript now at the Lambeth Palace Library.
AnaStpaul 
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