Our Morning Offering – 29 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mother of God” –
Most Holy Mary
By St John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Doctor of the Church
Most holy Mary,
Virgin of virgins,
Shrine of the most Holy Trinity,
joy of the Angels,
sure Refuge of sinners,
take pity on our sorrows,
mercifully accept our sighs
and appease the wrath
of your most holy Son.
Amen.
Saint of the Day – 29 May – Saint Gerard of Mâcon (Died 926) Bishop of Mâcon, France for 40 years, ruling from 886 until his death in 926. Uncertainty surrounds his place and date of birth, some indicate it in Belgium, others in Flanders but we do know that he died in a hermitage at Brou near Bourg-en-Bresse in France. Patronages – of Bourg-en-Bresse, Brou and several other French Towns. Also known as – Gerardo, Gérard, Gérald, Girard or Gérard, Gerard of Brou,
Whilst biographical information on Saint Gerard is conflicting. The oldest sources, such as the Episcopal records and catalogues of Mâcon, place our Saint in the 9th Century, other scholars hypothesise an earlier era. However, less debated is his monastic training at the Abbey of Ainay, a renowned centre of culture and religious piety. The experience within the monastic community undoubtedly shaped his spirit and prepared him for his future Episcopal role.
Around the year 886, Gerard was Consecrated Bishop of Mâcon, a Diocese located in the turbulent region of Burgundy. His Episcopate, which lasted for forty years, coincided with a complex historical period, marked by feudal struggles and Norman incursions. In this stormy context, Gerard stood out as a tenacious and wise leader, capable of defending the rights of the Church and its people.
His participation in the Council of Chalon-sur-Saône in 886 testifies to his commitment to re-establishing ecclesiastical order and discipline, countering the interference of lay people in religious matters.
Despite his dedication to his flock, Gerard was not immune to hardship and disillusionment. Tired of the constant battles with the local lords and wanting a more contemplative life, he decided to retire to Brou, a Town near Bourg-en-Bresse. Here he founded a Monastery and a Church, dedicating himself to prayer and meditation. The hermit choice did not mean an abandonment of his pastoral commitment, for Gerard continued to receive visitors and dispense spiritual advice. His reputation for sanctity spread rapidly, attracting numerous pilgrims to Brou.
Saint Gerard died in 926. His remains were initially buried in the Church he had founded in Brou. Subsequently, after 958, they were transferred to the Church of Saint-Pierre in Mâcon, where they are still venerated today. His memory is still celebrated today on 29 May. Saint Gerard is considered the Patron Saint of Bourg-en-Bresse, Brou and several other French Towns.
Notre-Dame des Ardents / Our Lady of Ardents, Arras, France (1095) – 29 May:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/29/sunday-within-the-octave-of-ascension-notre-dame-des-ardents-our-lady-of-ardents-arras-france-1095-and-memorials-of-the-saints-29-may/
St Maria Magdalena de’ Pazzi O.Carm (1566-1607) Carmelite Nun and Mystic, Ecstatic, she bi-located and was the intercessor of many miracles, Stigmatist. She was Beatified in 1626 by Pope Urban VIII. At her Canonisation in 1668, her body was declared miraculously incorrupt. Her Feast day is today 29 May but was moved in 1969 to 25 May.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/25/saint-of-the-day-25-may-saint-maria-magdalena-de-pazzi-o-carm-1566-1607/
St Bona of Pisa OSA (1156-1207) Virgin, Augustinian Tertiary, Pilgrim, Mystic.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Pisa, Saint Bona, virgin, who made frequent pilgrimages with devotion to the Holy Land, to Rome and to Compostela.”
The Life of St Bona:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/05/29/saint-of-the-day-29-may-st-bona-of-pisa-osa-c1156-1207-virgin/
St Conon the Elder
St Conon the Younger
St Daganus
St Eleutherius of Rocca d’Arce
St Felix of Atares
St Gerard of Mâcon (Died 926) Bishop of Mâcon, France
Bl Gerardesca of Pisa
Bl Giles Dalmasia
St Hesychius of Antioch
St John de Atarés
St Maximinus of Trier (Died c 346) the Sixth Bishop of Trier and Confessor, Defender of the True Faith, Miracle-worker.
About St Maximinus:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/29/saint-of-the-day-29-may-st-maximinus-of-trier-died-c-346-confessor-defender-of-the-true-faith/
St Maximus of Verona
St Restitutus of Rome
Bl Richard Thirkeld
St Theodosia of Caesarea and Companions
St Votus of Atares
Martyrs of Toulouse: A group of eleven Dominicans, Franciscans, Benedictines, clergy and lay brothers who worked with the Inquisition in southern France to oppose the Albigensian heresy. Basing their operations in a farmhouse outside Avignonet, France, he and his brother missioners worked against heresy. Murdered by Albigensian heretics while singing the Te Deum on the eve of Ascension. They were beaten to death on the night of 28 to 29 May 1242 in the church of Avignonet, Toulouse, France and Beatified on 1 September 1866 by Pope Pius IX (cultus confirmation). They are:
Adhemar
Bernard of Roquefort
Bernard of Toulouse
Fortanerio
Garcia d’Aure
Pietro d’Arnaud
Raymond Carbonius
Raymond di Cortisan
Stephen Saint-Thibery
William Arnaud
The Prior of Avignonet whose name unfortunately has not come down to us.
The Church in which they died was placed under interdict as punishment to the locals for the offence. Shortly after the interdict was finally lifted, a large statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary was found on the doorstep. Neither the sculptor nor the patron was ever discovered, nor who delivered it or how. The people took it as a sign that they were forgiven but that they should never forget and should renew their devotion to Our Lady. They referred to the image as “Our Lady of Miracles.”
There is a ceremony in the Church on the night of the 28th May, the Anniversary of the Martyrdom. Called “The Ceremony of the Vow” Parishioners would gather in the Church, kneel with lit candles and process across the Church on their knees, all the while praying for the souls of the heretics who had murdered the Martyrs.
Martyrs of Trentino: Three missionaries to the Tyrol region of Austria, sent by Saint Ambrose and welcomed by Saint Vigilius of Trent. All were Martyred – Alexander, Martyrius and Sisinius. They were born in Cappadocia and died in 397 in Austria.
Thought for the Day – 28 May – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) SJ
Every Christian as such, is under an obligation to follow in the sacred footsteps of Jesus Christ and, to make His Life, the model of his own. In the life of the Son of God on earth, the most wonderful feature is its humility. That the omnipotent God should so humble Himself as to take the form of the lowest of the rational creatures He has made, is an almost incredible marvel.
The condescension, the lowering of Himself which is involved in it, altogether passes our power of comprehension. He could not have stooped so low unless He had been God. Thus, His humility
becomes the characteristic feature of the Incarnation and, in proportion, as we lower ourselves, we imitate Jesus upon earth.
Our Lord is not satisfied with teaching us by His example; He also gives a positive command.
“Learn of Me for I am meek and humble of heart.”
Out of all the virtues, He came to teach us, He selects His humility as that, to the practice of which, He binds us, by which we are to become
like unto Him. How indifferent, how disobedient I have shown myself to our Lord’s command!
Can I say that I have learned the lesson of meekness and humbleness of heart?
We are also bound to practice humility as children of the Catholic Church. Humility and submission is the very essence of her teaching — subjection to God, subjection to all lawful authority, subjection of will and intellect to the Dogmas of Faith. He who is not content with
subjection, cannot be a really good Catholic and no-one can love subjection without humility.
Examine your own heart, to find whether you rejoice in being subject, for Christ’s sake.
Quote/s of the Day – 28 May – St Augustine of Canterbury (Died c605) He is consideredthe Founder of the English Church and “The Apostle to the English.” He is the first Archbishop of Canterbury, Confessor, Missionary, Father of the Church.
“God, in His promises to hear our prayers,
is desirous to bestow Himself upon us;
if you find anything better than Him, ask it
but if you ask anything beneath Him,
you put an affront upon Him
and hurt yourself, by preferring to Him,
a creature which He created!”
“Pray in the spirit and sentiment of love,
in which the royal Prophet said to Him,
‘Thou, O Lord, art my portion.’
Let others choose to themselves,
portions among creatures,
for my part, Thou art my portion,
Thou alone I have chosen
for my whole inheritance.”
“Take care of your body,
as if you were going to live forever
and take care of your soul,
as if you were going to die tomorrow.”
One Minute Reflection – 28 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Augustine of Canterbury (Died c 605) He is consideredthe Founder of the English Church and “The Apostle to the English.” He is the first Archbishop of Canterbury, Confessor, Missionary, Father of the Church. – 1 Thessalonians 2:2-9; Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Into whatever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house.
And, if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him but if not, it shall return to you.” – Luke 10:5-7
REFLECTION – “As you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house,‘” (Lk 10:5) so that the Lord Himself might enter and remain there, as with Mary. … This greeting is the Mystery of Faith which shines forth in the world. Through it, enmity is stifled, war is ended and people acknowledge one another. The effect of that greeting was hidden by a veil in spite of the fact that it prefigures the Mystery of the Resurrection … when the light rises and dawn chases night away. From the moment Christ sent out His disciples, people began to give and receive this greeting, a source of healing and blessing. …
This greeting with its hidden power … is amply sufficient for us all. That is why Our Lord sent it out, together with His disciples, as forerunner, so that it might bring about peace and, carried by the voice of the Apostles whom He sent, prepare the way before them. It was sown in every dwelling … it entered into all who heard it, so as to separate and set apart, the children it recognised as its own. It remained in them but it denounced those who were alien to it, for they did not welcome it.
This greeting of peace did not dry up; it began in the Apostles and then sprang up in their brethren, revealing the Lord’s inexhaustible treasures. … Present in those who offered greetings in this way and in those who welcomed the greeting, this announcement of peace was neither diminished nor divided. It announced that the Father is near and is in everyone; it revealed that the Son’s mission is bound up with all, even if its object is to be with His Father. It will not cease to proclaim that images are now brought to completion and Truth will cast all shadows away at last.” – St Ephrem (306-373) Father and Doctor of the Church (Diatessaron 8: 3-4).
PRAYER – O God, Who graciously enlightened the English peoples with the light of the True Faith by the preaching and miracles of the blessed Augustine, Thy Confessor and Bishop, grant, through his intercession that the hearts of those who have strayed, may return to the unity of the True Faith and that, we may be in harmony with Thine Will. 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).
Our Morning Offering – 28 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – As we face the last few days of the special month of our Queen and Mother, we kneel at her feet in love, veneration and supplication and implore her unfailing protection and refuge. I cannot imagine how anyone may reach our goal of eternal life and weave their way through this vale of tears, without our Most Blessed Mother!
I’ll Sing a Hymn to Mary
By Father John Wyse (1825-1898)
Irish Priest and Hymn writer
I’ll sing a hymn to Mary,
The Mother of my God,
The Virgin of all virgins,
Of David’s royal blood.
O teach me, Holy Mary,
A loving song to frame,
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
To love and bless thy name.
O Lily of the Valley,
O Mystic Rose, what tree,
Or flower, e’en the fairest,
Is half so fair as thee?
O let me, tho’ so lowly
Recite my Mother’s fame.
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
I’ll love and bless thy name.
O noble Tower of David,
Of gold and ivory.
The ark of God’s own promise,
The gate of Heav’n to me.
To live and not to love thee
Would fill my soul with shame.
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
I’ll love and bless thy name.
When troubles dark afflict me
In sorrow and in care,
Thy light doth ever guide me
O beauteous Morning Star.
Lo, I’ll be ever ready
Thy goodly help to claim,
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
To love and bless thy name.
The saints are high in glory,
With golden crowns so bright;
But brighter far is Mary,
Upon her throne of light.
Oh that which God did give thee,
Let mortal ne’er disclaim;
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
I’ll love and bless thy name.
But in the crown of Mary,
There lies a wonderous gem,
As Queen of all the Angels,
Which Mary shares with them;
No sin hath e’er defiled thee,
So doth our faith proclaim;
When wicked men blaspheme thee,
I’ll love and bless thy name.
And now O Virgin Mary
My mother and my Queen,
I’ve sung thy praise so bless me,
And keep my heart from sin.
When others jeer and mock thee,
I’ll often think how I
To shield my Mother, Mary,
Would lay me down and die.
Verses 4, 5 and 6 omitted on image.
Saint of the Day – 28 May – Saint Caraunus of Chartres (5th Century) Deacon Martyr, Missionary, Miracle-worker. Also known as – Caran, Carauno, Ceraunus, Cheron. Additional Memorial – 18 October (translation of Relics).
Although the precise date of the birth of Saint Caraunus is uncertain, hagiographic sources agree that it occurred in Rome in the 5th Century to a noble patrician family. His youth is shrouded in mystery, but it is assumed that he received an excellent education, typical of the Roman elite of the time.
A crucial event in his life was his conversion to Christianity. Embracing faith, Caraunus renounced the privileges and comforts of his aristocratic life to dedicate himself to spreading the Gospel.
Being Ordained as a Deacon, Carauno felt called to bring the Word of God to distant lands. He undertook a journey to Gaul, a region of modern-day France, where he preached Christianity with zeal and passion. His preaching touched several Cities, including Marseille, Lyon and Chartres.
News of his preaching reached the ears of some criminals who, blinded by greed, decided to ambush him. In a location not far from Chartres, where the village of Saint-Chéron stands today, Caraunus was attacked and barbarously killed.
The tomb of San Caraunus soon became a destination for pilgrimages. The faithful, attracted by the fame of his sanctity and by the miracles which occurred through his intercession, went to the place of Martyrdom to pray and ask for graces.
A Chapel was built over the tomb which became the nucleus of a flourishing Monastery, documented as early as the 9th Century. The monastic community prospered for centuries, preserving the memory and devotion to the holy Martyr. However, during the French Revolution, the Monastery was suppressed and the Monks dispersed.
The Relics of our Saint, saved during the revolutionary desecrations, were, in 1849, placed in the new Church dedicated to him. Even today, the memory of St Caraunus is venerated in the Diocese of Chartres and in some others, including that of Paris. His Liturgical Feast is celebrated today 28 May.
The devotion to St Caraunus is intertwined with a rich hagiographic tradition, narrated in a legendary Vita of the 9th Century. In it, historical elements are mixed with legendary ideas which also reflect the influence of other Saints’ lives. A fascinating 13th Century stained glass window, located in Chartres Cathedral, illustrates some scenes from the Saint’s legend, offering an artistic testimony to his veneration.
St Augustine of Canterbury (Died c 605) He is consideredthe Founder of the English Church and “The Apostle to the English.” He is the first Archbishop of Canterbury, Confessor, Missionary, Father of the Church.
For the life of St Augustine here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/05/27/saint-of-the-day-27-may-st-augustine-of-canterbury/
St Accidia
Bl Albert of Csanád
St Caraunus of Chartres (5th Century) Deacon Martyr
St Caraunus the Deacon
St Crescens of Rome
St Dioscorides of Rome
St Eoghan the Sage
St Gemiliano of Cagliari
St Germanus of Paris (c 490-576) Bishop, Monk, Teacher, Reformer, Writer, “Father of the Poor.”
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/28/saint-of-the-day-28-may-st-germanus-of-paris-c-496-576-father-of-the-poor/
Bl Heliconis of Thessalonica
St Helladius of Rome
St Herculaneum of Piegaro
Bl John Shert
St Justus of Urgell
Blessed Lanfranc OSB (c 1005-1089) Archbishop of Canterbury, Benedictine Abbot, celebrated Jurist, Scholar, Professor, Spiritual Writer, Reformer, Negotiator.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/28/saint-of-the-day-28-may-2020-blessed-lanfranc-of-canterbury-osb-c-1005-1089/
St Luciano of Cagliari
Blessed Margaret Plantagenet Pole (1473-1541) Martyr, Laywoman, Countess. Margaret was declared Blessed, with many of the rest of the English Martyrs, by Pope Leo XIII, on 29 December,1886.
Her Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/28/saint-of-the-day-28-may-blessed-margaret-pole-1473-1541-martyr/
Blessed Maria Bartolomea Bagnesi OP (1514-1577) Virgin, Third Order Dominican, Mystic, Ecstatic, with the gift of levitation. Her body is incorrupt.
Her Life Story:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/05/28/saint-of-the-day-28-may-blessed-maria-bartholomew-bagnesi-t-o-s-d/
Bl Mary of the Nativity
St Moel-Odhran of Iona
St Paulus of Rome
St Podius of Florence
Bl Robert Johnson
St Senator of Milan
Bl Thomas Ford
St Ubaldesca Taccini
St William of Gellone (755-812) Monk, Knight and cousin of Charlemagne, Count of Toulouse, Duke of Aquitaine, Founder of a Monastery, where he retired and finally died.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/05/28/saint-of-the-day-28-may-saint-william-of-gellone-755-812-monk/
Martyrs of Palestine: A group of early 5th Century Monks in Palestine who were Martyred by invading Arabs.
Martyrs of Sardinia – 6 Saints: A group of early Christians for whom a Church on Sardinia is dedicated; they were probably Martyrs but no information about them has survived except the names Aemilian, Aemilius, Emilius, Felix, Lucian and Priamus. Patrons of the Diocese of Alghero-Bosa, Italy.
Thought for the Day – 27 May – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) SJ
The following pages are based, in great measure, on the beautiful little treatise issued by Our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIII on the subject of Humility. They can be read and utilised at any time but, if used from the beginning of Lent, these Meditations will leave the reader free to turn, during Passion Week and Holy Week, to the Sacred Passion of Jesus Christ.
Humility is not only important to the welfare of our souls, it is also absolutely necessary to obtain grace from Almighty God. He resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble. Pride is an insuperable bar to the entrance of grace into the soul and, as we can do nothing good in the sight of God, without the assistance of His grace, we must have at least some degree of humility before we can do anything pleasing to Him. In proportion to our humility, will be the grace given us and the supernatural virtue to which we shall attain. The first thing I must do if I wish to please God more, is to humble myself more.
Humility is not only necessary to the obtaining of grace but, without it, we are the enemies of God. He resists the proud that is, they have God fighting against them and regarding them as His enemies! How awful a thing to have God for our adversary. It was this which rendered the devils forever accursed!
In one moment, the humility of their subjection of themselves in their love of God confirmed the Holy Angels in perfect happiness to all eternity. If I wish God to fight for me, not against me, the first condition is humility.
Humility is a necessary condition of entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. “Unless you become as little children,” says our Divine Lord, “you cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.” He loves the humble and no-one, who has, in his heart, the spirit of humility, need have any fear of death and judgement.
O my God, am I really humble? Is there not still in me, alas, a spirit of pride hateful to Thee?
Drive out from me all pride and fill me with true humility that I may be fit for Thee and fit for Heaven.
Quote/s of the Day – 27 May – St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church
St Bede became known as “Venerable Bede or Bede the Venerable” (Latin: Beda Venerabilis) by the 9th Century because of his great devotion and holiness but this was not linked to consideration for sainthood. According to a legend, the epithet was miraculously supplied by Angels. It was first utilised in connection with St Bede, where he was grouped with others, who were called “venerable,” at two Ecclesiastical Councils, held at Aachen in 816 and 836. Paul the Deacon (c 720-c 796) Italian Monk, Writer, Historian, then referred to him as Venerable consistently. By the 11th and 12th Centuries, the title had become commonplace and it is rarely omitted today.
“The soul glorifies the Lord,
when it consecrates all its inner powers
on praising and serving God
and when, by its submission
to the Divine commands,
it proves that it never loses sight
of His Power and Majesty.
The spirit rejoices in God, its Saviour,
when it places all its joy
in the remembrance of its Creator,
from Whom it hopes for eternal salvation.”
“I was no longer the centre of my life
and, therefore, I could see God in everything!”
“Unfurl the sails
and let God steer us
where He will.”
“Purgatorial fire will be more intolerable
than all the torments which can be felt
or conceived in this life.”
“Be Thou our Joy and Strong Defence,
Who art our future Recompense.
Alleluia, alleluia.
So shall the Light that springs from Thee
Be ours through all eternity.
Alleluia, Alleluia.”
MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/05/27/quote-s-of-the-day-27-may-st-bede-the-venerable-2/
One Minute Reflection – 27 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church – Timothy 4:1-8; Matthew 5:3-19. – – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel but upon a candlestick that it may shine to all who are in the house.” – Matthew 5:15
REFLECTION – “Nothing is more cold than a Christian who is not dedicated to saving others. In this respect there can be no pretence of poverty – the widow who gave her two tiny coins would rise up and call you to account (Lk 21:2). Peter too, who said: “Silver and gold have I none” (Acts 3:6). And Paul, who was so poor that he often went hungry and lacked the necessary means to live on (1 Cor 4:11). Neither can you protest your humble birth – they too were of modest degree. Ignorance will noy give you any better excuse – they were uneducated too … It is no good claiming sickness – Timothy was subject to frequent illnesses (1 Tm 5:23) … Anybody at all can be of service to his neighbour if he would do what he can …
Do not say that it is impossible for you to draw others because, if you are a Christian, it is impossible that you should not! Every tree bears its own fruit (Mt 17:17) and, since there is no contradiction in nature, what we are saying is likewise true, since it follows from the very nature of a Christian … It is easier for light to be darkness than that the Christian should not shine!” – St John Chrysostom (345-407) Bishop of Constantinople, Father and Doctor of the Church (Homilies on the Acts of the Apostles, 20:3-4 ).
PRAYER – O God, Who enlightened Your Church with the learning of blessed Bede, Your Confessor and Doctor, graciously grant that Your servants may ever be enlightened by his wisdom and helped by his merits. 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).
Our Morning Offering – 27 May – St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Confessor, Priest, Monk, Linguist, Translator, Historian, Father and Doctor of the Church (Added by Pope Leo XIII in 1899)
Grant us Thy Light, O Lord
By St Bede the Venerable (673-735)
Father and Doctor of the Church
Grant us Thy Light, O Lord,
so that the darkness of our hearts,
may wholly pass away
and we may come at last,
to the Light of Christ.
For Christ is that Morning Star,
Who, when the night
of this world has passed,
brings to His Saints,
the promised Light of Life
and opens to them,
everlasting day.
Amen.
Saint of the Day – 27 May – Saint Eutropius of Orange (Died c475) Bishop of Orange in France, from 463 until his death. It is believed that he was the successor to St Justus. Born in Marseilles, France and died in c475 at his See. Also known as – Eutrope, Eutropio.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Orange in France, St Eutropius the Bishop, illustrious for virtues and miracles.”
Eutropius was born to the nobility, in Marseille, where he spent a wild dissipated and wasted youth. According to tradition, he was converted by his wife and, after her death, was Ordained a Deacon by the Bishop of Tours, Eustochius.
His conversion proved to be permanent and fruitful. He succeeded Saint Justus at the latest in 463, as Bishop of the old Diocese of Orange (Vaucluse), around 25 kilometers north of Avignon and became Bishop Eutropius II of Orange (c464-c475).
This appointment occurred at a time when the Bishopric had been laid waste by the Visigoths and Eutropius was greatly tempted to give up his difficult task because of the material and moral breakdown. At first, he was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the work he would have to do and fled. A man of God named Aper convinced him to return and devote himself to tending his flock. He became a man of intense piety and pastoral zeal and was regarded as worthy of imitation by all in surrounding regions, among other things, for his extreme devotion.
The new Bishop proved exemplary under difficult circumstances. At the same time, he continued to work with his hands. His biographer and successor as Bishop, Verus (475-494), praises his piety and his acts of love. According to tradition, his prayers also performed several miracles. He exchanged letters with the holy Pope Hilarius (461-468). He was a friend of Saint Faustus of Riez. Letters from contemporaries speak highly of his learning and piety. St Sidonius Apollinaris (c432-c482), Bishop of Clermont, who had experienced similar difficulties in his own Diocese, shows great respect for Eutropius’ learning and piety. Sidonius, an eloquent but wordy writer, has been considered the last representative of classical culture.
During his Episcopate, which lasted about twelve years, he did not hesitate to devote himself to many manual tasks, sometimes in a field where he himself worked with a plough, sometimes at a building site where he carried stones even when the other workers were having their meals.
He took part in the Councils of Arles in 463 and 475. According to tradition, Eutropius died on 27 May 475 in Orange and an Epitaph describes him as flawless. His memorial day in the Martyrologium Romanum is the day of his death on 27 May. His Relics are in the Altar of St Mary Magdalene’s Chapel in the London Oratory.
Around the year 500, his successor, Verus wrote his Vita which describes various miracles – the deliverance of a possessed person, the healing of someone struck by lightning; stopping a fire through prayer.
St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Confessor, Priest, Monk, Linguist, Translator, Historian, Father and Doctor of the Church (Added by Pope Leo XIII in 1899) – St Bede is the only native of Britain to achieve this designation; St Anselm of Canterbury, also a Doctor of the Church, was born in Italy.
Bede was moreover a skilled linguist and translator, and his work made the Latin and Greek writings of the early Church Fathers much more accessible to his fellow English, which contributed significantly to English Christianity.
His Life here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/05/25/saint-of-the-day-25-may-st-bede-the-venerable-o-s-b/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/27/saint-of-the-day-27-may-saint-bede-the-venerable-673-735-father-and-doctor-the-holy-death-of-the-servant-of-god/
St Acculus of Alexandria
St Antanansio Bazzekuketta
St Barbara Kim
St Barbara Yi
St Bruno of Würzburg (c 1005-1045) Bishop Prince, Imperial Chancellor of Italy from 1027 to 1034. Bruno rebuilt the existing Cathedral, constructed many new Churches and improved education, to which purpose he composed a well-known exegesis on the Psalms to which he appended an analysis of ten Biblical hymns, consisting of extracts from the writings of the Church Fathers. Under his direction the Cathedral school flourished.
About St Bruno:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/27/saint-of-the-day-27-may-st-bruno-of-wurzburg-c-1005-1045-bishop-prince/
Bl Dionysius of Semur
St Eutropius of Orange (Died c475) Bishop
St Evangelius of Alexandria
St Frederick of Liège
Bl Gausberto of Montsalvy
St Gonzaga Gonza
St James of Nocera
St John I (Died 526) Pope and Martyr. Bishop of Rome from 13 August 523-his death on 18 May 526.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “The birthday of St John, Pope and Martyr, who was called to Ravenna by the Arian King if Italy, Theodoric and after languishing a long time in prison for the True Faith, terminated his life.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/05/27/saint-of-the-day-27-may-st-john-i-died-526-pope-and-martyr/
St Julius the Veteran and Companions
St Liberius of Ancona
St Matiya Mulumba
Bl Matthias of Nagasaki
St Melangell
St Ranulphus of Arras
St Restituta of Sora and Companions
St Secundus of Troia
Thought for the Day – 26 May – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) SJ
Quote/s of the Day – 26 May – St Philip Neri (1515-1595) Confessor
“ We must not be
behind time in doing good;
for death will not be
behind his time!”
“ It is well to choose
some one good devotion
and to stick to it
and never to abandon it.”
“Spiritual persons ought to be equally ready
to experience sweetness and consolation
in the things of God,
or to suffer and keep their ground
in drynesses of spirit and devotion,
and, for as long as God pleases,
without their making any complaint about it.”
“The Name of Jesus,
pronounced with reverence and affection,
has a kind of power to soften the heart.”
“Obedience is a short cut to perfection.”
Immaculate Virgin
By St Philip Neri (1515-1595)
Immaculate Virgin,
thou hast to save me.
Grant that I may always remember thee
and thou, do thou never forget me.
The happy day, when I shall go
to behold thy beauty in paradise,
seems a thousand years off.
So much do I long to praise and love thee
more than I can now do,
my Mother, my Queen,
my beloved, most beautiful,
most sweet, most pure,
Immaculate Mary.
Amen
MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/05/26/quote-s-of-the-day-26-may-st-philip-neri/
One Minute Reflection – 26 May – Trinity Sunday – St Philip Neri (1515-1595) Confessor – Romans 11:33-36, Matthew 28:18-20 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“ … Baptising them, in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” – Matthew 28:19
REFLECTION – “This is the order of our faith, the foundation of the edifice and the support of our conduct – God, the Father, uncreated, uncontainable, invisible, One God, the Creator of all – this is the first article of our faith. And the second article – the Word of God, the Son of God, Christ Jesus our Lord, Who was revealed by the Prophets according to the character of their prophecy and according to the nature of the economies of the Father, by Whom all things were made and Who, in the last times, to recapitulate all things,’ became a Man amongst men, visible and palpable, in order to abolish death, to demonstrate life and to effect communion between God and man. And the third article – the Holy Ghost, through Whom the Prophets prophesied and the Patriarchs learnt the things of God and the righteous, were led in the path of righteousness and Who, in the last times, was poured out in a new fashion upon the human race, renewing man, throughout the world, to God.
For this reason the Baptism of our regeneration takes place through these three articles, granting us regeneration unto God the Father through His Son by the Holy Spirit – for those who bear the Spirit of God are led to the Word, that is to the Son, while the Son presents them to the Father and the Father furnishes incorruptibility. Thus, without the Spirit it is not possible to see the Word of God and without the Son, one is not able to approach the Father; for the knowledge of the Father is the Son and knowledge of the Son of God, is through the Holy Ghost, while the Spirit, according to the good-pleasure of the Father, the Son administers, to whom the Father wills and as He wills.” – St Irenaeus (130-202) Bishop of Lyons, Theologian and Martyr, Father of the Church (Demonstration of the apostolic preaching 6-7).
PRAYER – O God, Who raised blessed Philip, Thy Confessor, to the glory of Thy Saints, graciously grant that we, who rejoice in his Feast, may profit by the example of his virtues.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 26 May – Trinity Sunday
O SANCTISSIMA~
O MOST HOLY!
Indulgenced Prayer
to the Most Holy Trinity
O Most Holy Trinity,
I adore Thee,
Who art dwelling,
by Thy grace,
within my soul.
O Most Holy Trinity,
Who art dwelling,
by Thy grace,
within my soul,
make me love Thee,
more and more.
O Most Holy Trinity,
Who art dwelling,
by Thy grace,
within my soul,
sanctify me more and more.
Abide with me,
O Lord, be Thou my true joy.
Amen
Saint of the Day – 26 May – Blessed Andrea Franchi OP (1335-1401) known as “The Father of the Poor”Bishop, Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, renowned Preacher and missionary evangelist, Professor of Prior, Reformer, Miracle-worker. Born in 1335 in Pistoia, Italy and died on 26 May 1401 in Pistoia, Italy of natural causes.
Andrea Franchi was born in Pistoia in 1335 as the third of four children which included – Francesco Franchi, as well as Bartolomeo – an Advisor tp Pope Urban VI and Pope Boniface IX – and Luca (who joined Andreas in the Dominican Order).
He studied at the Dominican Convent of Santa Maria Novella in Pistoia and, in 1359, at the very young age of 14 years, entered the Dominicans. He was later Ordained to the Priesthood and became a noted Preacher and internal missionmary evangelist. He also served as a teacher in Rome of both philosophical and theological studies.
From 1369 until 1381, Andrea served as the Prior of the Dominican houses in his home Town of Pistoia, and also of the districts of Lucca and Orvieto.
In 1382, he was appointed aas the Bishop of Pistoia, by Pope Urban VI. The new Bishop received his Episcopal Consecration sometime in 1382. He administered to the poor and to the ill and gained the moniker of the “The Father of the Poor.” After 18 years servoce, ill health forced him, on 29 May 1400 – to relinquish his Episcopal See and he returned to his Pistoia Convent where he remained for the final months of his life.
Andrea died in 1401. He was interred in theChurch of San Domenico in Pistoia and his remains were found to be incorrupt after their exhumation in 1613 – a sweet odour emanated from his remains.
This holy and zealous Dominican received formal Beatification by Pope Benedict XV on 21 November 1921 after the Pontiff confirmed the late Bishop’s cultus.
TRINITY SUNDAY:
Feast of the Most Holy Trinity
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/12/feast-of-the-most-holy-trinity-12-june/
Nostra Signora di Caravaggio / Our Lady of Caravaggio, Lombardy, Italy (1432) – 26 May:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/26/the-ascension-of-our-lord-holy-day-nostra-signora-di-caravaggio-our-lady-of-caravaggio-lombardy-italy-1432-and-memorials-of-the-saints-26-may/
St Philip Neri C. Orat (1515-1595) Priest and Founder of the Congregation of the Oratory, Mystic, Missionary of Charity, “The Third Apostle of Rome,” after Saints Peter and Paul. Philip was a mystic of the highest order, a man of ecstasies and visions, whose greatest happiness was to be alone with God. Yet, at the call of charity he gave up the delight of prayer and, instead, sought God by helping his neighbour. His whole life is that of the contemplative in action.
The Beloved St Philip:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/05/26/saint-of-the-day-26-may-s-philip-neri-cong-orat/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/26/saint-of-the-day-26-may-st-philip-neri-1515-1595-the-third-apostle-of-rome/
St Alphaeus
St Anderea Kaggwa
Blessed Andrea Franchi OP (1335-1401) Bishop
St Becan of Cork
Bl Berengar of Saint-Papoul
St Damian the Missionary
St Desiderius of Vienne
St Eleuterus Pope and Martyr
St Felicissimus of Todi
Blessed Francis Patrizi of Siena OSM (1266-1328) Priest of the Order of the Servites “the Servants of Mary.” Known as a Peacemaker and Mediator. Patronage – of Reconciliation. His body is incorrupt.
His Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/05/26/saint-of-the-day-26-may-blessed-francis-patrizi-of-siena-osm-1266-1328-priest/
St Fugatius the Missionary
St Gioan Ðoàn Trinh Hoan
St Guinizo of Monte Cassino
St Heraclius of Todi
Bl Lambert Péloguin of Vence
St Mariana de Jesus de Paredes OFS (1618-1645) “The Lily of Quito” – The first Canonised Saint of Ecuador. Third Order Franciscan, Hermit, Penitent, Mystic, Ecstatic, Miracle-worker. St Mariana was Beatified on 10 November 1853, Rome by Pope Pius IX and
was Canonised on 9 July 1950 Rome, by Pope Pius XII. Her body is incorrupt.
HER LIFE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/26/saint-of-the-day-26-may-saint-mariana-de-jesus-de-paredes-ofs-1618-1645-the-lily-of-quito/
St Odulvald of Melrose
St Paulinus of Todi
St Peter Sanz
St Ponsiano Ngondwe
St Priscus of Auxerre and Companions
St Quadratus of Africa
St Quadratus the Apologist
St Regintrudis of Nonnberg
St Simitrius of Rome and Companions
St Zachary of Vienne
Thought for the Day – 25 May – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) SJ
Quote/s of the Day – 25 May – Pentecost Saturday
“He who abides in Me and I in Him,
the same bears much fruit”
John 5:5
“We are preserved in being, if we grow onto Him
and cling fast to the holy commandment,
which has been handed down to us
and, if we are eager to keep the blessing of nobility,
that is to say, if we never consent, in any way,
to “grieve the Holy Spirit” (Eph 4:30),
Who has come to dwell in us and, through Whom,
we believe, God has made His home in us. …
For just as the vine-stock supplies and distributes,
the virtue of its own inherent natural quality to the shoots,
so, too, the Only-Begotten Word of God,
implants, in His people, a sort of affinity
with His own nature and that of the Father.
By the gift of the Spirit, they are united with Him
by every kind of holiness.
He nourishes them, so that they become devout
and He moves them to knowledge of all virtue
and good works.”
One Minute Reflection – 25 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin, Mother of God” – Pentecost Saturday – Joel 2:23-24; 26-27; Luke 5:17-26 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them in reply, “What are you thinking in your hearts?” – Luke 5:22
REFLECTION – “Thanks to the faith of others the cripple’s soul would be cured before his body. “Seeing their faith,” the Gospel says. Note here, my brethren, that God is not interested in what foolish people want and does noy expect to find faith among the ignorant … among those who conduct themselves badly. On the other hand he does not refuse to come to the help of others’ faith. Such faith is a gift of grace, at one with God’s will … In His divine goodness, Christ the Physician, strives to draw to salvation, even in spite of themselves, those affected by sickness of soul, those whom the burden of their sins and offences overwhelms, even to delirium. Yet they do not want to submit.
O my brethren, if only we wanted to, if only we all wanted to perceive our soul’s paralysis in all its depth! Then we would see that it is lying on a stretcher of sins, deprived of strength. Christ’s action within us, would be a source of light and we would understand that each day He sees our lack of faith, harmful as it is, that He draws us towards healing remedies and sharply presses our rebellious wills. “My son” He says, “your sins are forgiven you.” – St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 50 ; PL 52, 339).
PRAYER – Grant to Thy Church, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that, united by the Holy Ghost, she may in no way be harmed by any assault of the enemy. 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).
Our Morning Offering – 25 May – Pentecost Saturday
Come O Holy Ghost!
By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor
Thou made Mary full of grace
and inflamed the hearts of the Apostles
with a holy zeal,
enflame our hearts with Thy Love.
Thou art the Spirit of Goodness,
give us the courage to confront evil.
Thou art Fire,
set us ablaze with Thy Love.
Thou art Light,
enlighten our minds,
that we may see what is truly good and true.
Thou art the Dove,
give us gentleness.
Thou art a Soothing Breeze,
bring calm to the storms which rage within us.
Thou art the Tongue,
may our lips ever sing God’s praises
Thou art the Cloud,
shelter us under the shadow of Thy Protection.
O Holy Ghost, melt the frozen,
warm the chilled
and enkindle in us,
an earnest desire to please Thee.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Saint of the Day – 25 May – Blessed Bartolomeus Magi di Amghiari OFM (1460-1510) Confessor, Friar of the Order of Friar’s Minor. Born in 1460 in Anghiari, Italy and died in 1510 in Empoli, Italy of natural causes. Also known as – Bartholomeo, Bartholomew. Additional Memorial – 29 August (Enshrinment of Relics)
In the Franciscan Obituary our Bartholomeus is remembers today as follows: “Near Empoli, in Tuscany, the Blessed Bartholomaeus Magi, from Anglario, a Confessor who, adorned with chastity, humility,and patience, led an almost angelic life. ”
I can find little personal detail of our Saints life but the cult and memory of Bartolomeus Magi of Anghiari, as well as within the Franciscan Order, has been a constant love over the centuries, espeically in the devotion of the Parish of Anghiari, indeed the Church of Santa Croce, with the adjoining Convent, remains a monument in honour of the Blessed.
He, by his holy advice, organised the construction of this Church which, according to his intention, was to commemorate the miracle of the of the Stigmata of Saint Francis which occurred in 1224, when he passed near the Castle and raised a Cross there.
The Church of Santa Croce in Anghiari was built and Consecrated on 15 October 1566. The faithful of Anghiari wanted to house the mortal remains of the blessed Bartolomeus Magi. But this grace was obtained only in 1603. It was on 19 August when, in the City of Empoli, Father Valerio Martelli delivered the Relics of the head of the Blessed to Mr. Maurizio di Girolamo Magi, to place them in the Church of Santa Croce in Anghiari which was officiated at the time by the Zoccolanti Fathers.
Public veneration of the Blessed Bartolomeo Magi was paid in the Church of Santa Croce by the Decree of the Bishop of Sansepolcro Fra Zanobio de Medici OP, issued on 19 June 1635. This privilege was granted at the request of the Municipal Administration of Anghiari of those times, who erected a beautiful Monument to Blessed Bartolomeo. In the Hall of the City Council of Anghiari, the marble bust of the Blessed still dominates today, as does the picture painted by Proposto Tuti in the Sacristy of the Church.
Coming to more recent times, we remember that public veneration of the Blessed Bartolomeus Magi was recognised in any Church, Oratory, or Chapel by the Bishop of Sansepolcro ,Annibale Tommasi on 2 May 1830, after having completed the recognition of the illustrious Relic. In 1907 Giovanni Volpi, Bishop of Arezzo, made his first pastoral visit to Anghiari and with the Decree of 9 June of the same year, he repeated what Monsignor Tommasi had established and was allowed to transfer the Relic from the Church of Santa Croce to that of Propositura, in order to encourage the rememberance and veneration of the faithful.
In August 1910 the IV Centenary of the death of the Blessed was celebrated in the Propositura of Anghiari and in 1922 the Association of Male Catholic Youth had the Blessed Bartolomeus Magi as its protector. In 1950, the Catholic Action Associations of the Parish, built a new Altar in the Propositura under Sogliani’s painting to give a more decorous arrangement to the Relic of the Head of the Blessed Magi, placed in a precious Reliquary.
The Feast of the Blessed is celebrated at this Altar on 29 August of each year.
EMBER SATURDAY – Fast & Partial Abstinence: https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/16/today-is-an-ember-day-did-you-remember/
Our Lady the Nea/New Church of the Virgin Mary or New Church of St Mary, Mother of God, built by the Emperor Justinian the Good, Jerusalem (530) – 25 May:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/25/vigil-of-the-ascension-our-lady-the-nea-new-church-of-the-virgin-mary-or-new-church-of-st-mary-mother-of-god-built-by-the-emperor-justinian-the-good-jerusalem-530-and-memorials-of-the-saints/
St Pope Gregory VII (1015-1085) Confessor, Bishop of Rome 22 April 1073 to his death in 1085, Monk, Priest, Reformer, Administrator, Adviser. Pope Gregory “was probably the most energetic and determined man ever to occupy the See of Peter and was driven by an almost mystically exalted vision of the awesome responsibility and dignity of the papal office” (Eamonn Duffy, Saints and Sinners: A History of the Popes).
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/25/saint-of-the-day-25-may-st-pope-gregory-vii-c-1015-1085/
St Aldhelm of Sherborne (640-709) Confessor, Abbot of Malmesbury and Bishop of Sherborne, Englasnd, Latin Scholar and Poet and Ecclesiastical writer.
A Very Busy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/05/25/saint-of-the-day-25-may-st-aldhelm-of-sherborne-640-709-confessor-abbot-bishop/
Bl Antonio Caixal
Blessed Bartolomeus Magi di Amghiari OFM (1460-1510) Confessor, Friar of the Order of Friar’s Minor
St Canio
St Denis Ssebuggwawo
St Dionysius of Milan
St Dunchadh of Iona
St Egilhard of Cornelimünster
Bl Gerardo Mecatti
St Gerbald
St Injuriosus of Auvergne
St Iosephus Chang Song-Jib
Bl James Bertoni
Bl Juan of Granada
St Leo of Troyes
St Madeleine Sophie Barat RSCJ (1779-1865) Virgin, Religious, Foundress of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Institute of Teachers. Patronage – Teachers. Her body is incorupt. Saint Madeleine Sophie died in Paris on 25 May, 1865. Ascension Day. She was buried in the cemetery at Conflans. In 1904, when the French Sisters were expelled by the Combes laws, her body was transferred to the Sacred Heart at Jette, Brussels. Since her Beatification in 1908 by St Pius X, her well-preserved body has been exposed in a Shrine. She was Canonised n 24 May 1908 by Pope Pius XI
Her Life of Love:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/25/saint-of-the-day-25-may-st-madeleine-sophie-barat-rscj-1779-1865-v/
St Matthêô Nguyen Van Ðac Phuong
St Maximus of Evreux
Bl Nicholas Tsehelsky
St Pasicrates of Dorostorum
Bl Pedro Malasanch
St Pherô Ðoàn Van Vân
St Scholastica of Auvergne
St Senzio of Bieda
St Urban I, Pope
St Valentio of Dorostorum
St Victorinus of Acquiney
St Winebald of Saint Bertin
St Worad of Saint Bertin
St Zenobius of Florence
Thought for the Day – 24 May – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Quote/s of the Day – 24 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” and the Feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians/Auxilium Christianorum and the Feast Day of Saint Vincent of Lérins (Died c445) Confessor
QUOTES by Saint Vincent of Lérins (Died c445) Confessor, Monk, Writer, the Author of the ‘Commonitorium.’
https://anastpaul.com/2023/05/24/quote-s-of-the-day-24-may-st-vincent-of-lerins/
Most Holy Virgin Mary,
Help of Christians
By St John Bosco (1815-1888)
Most Holy Virgin Mary,
Help of Christians,
how sweet it is to come to thy feet
imploring thy perpetual help.
If earthly mothers cease not
to remember their children,
how can thou,
the most loving of all mothers, forget me?
Grant then to me, I implore thee
thy perpetual help in all my necessities,
in every sorrow and especially in all my temptations.
I ask for thy unceasing help
for all who are now suffering.
Help the weak,
cure the sick,
convert sinners.
Grant through thy intercession,
many vocations to the religious life.
Obtain for us, O Mary, Help of Christians,
that having invoked thee on earth
we may love and eternally thank thee in Heaven.
Amen
One Minute Reflection – 24 May – Pentecost Thursday – Joel 2:23-24; 26-27; Luke 5:17-26 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“We have seen wonderful things to-day.” – Luke 5:26
REFLECTION – “Light is sweet and it is good to see the sun, with these eyes of flesh … that is why Moses said: “And God saw the light and he said that it was good” (Gn 1:4) …
But how good it is for us to reflect on the great, the true and unchanging Light “that enlightens everyone coming into the world”(Jn 1:9), namely Christ, the world’s Saviour and Redeemer. Having disclosed Himself before the eyes of the Prophets, He became Man and entered into the lowest depths of human existence. It is of Him that the Prophet David spoke: “Chant praise to God’s Name. Prepare a way for Him Who rises towards the west, Whose Name is the Lord; exult in His presence” (cf. Ps 67:5). And Isaiah, too, cried out: “People who sit in darkness, behold this light. For yo who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, a light will shine ” (cf.9:1) …
And so, the light of the sun that is seen by these eyes of flesh makes known the spiritual Sun of Righteousness (Ml 3:20), the sweetest of all to rise on those who have the happiness of being taught by Him and seeing Him with their fleshly eyes when He dwelt among us like any ordinary man. Nevertheless, He was not just an ordinary man in that He was born true God, able to give back sight to the blind, cause the lame to walk, enable the deaf to hear, cleanse lepers and restore the dead to life by His Word (Lk 7:22).” – St Gregory of Agrigente (559-594) Bishop, Father of the Church, Friend of St Gregory the Great (On Ecclesiastes, Book 10, 2).
PRAYER – Grant to Thy Church, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that, united by the Holy Ghost, she may in no way be harmed by any assault of the enemy. 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).
AnaStpaul 
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