Quote/s of the Day – 20 October – St John Cantius (1390-1473) Confessor
“Fight all false opinions
but let your weapons be –
patience, sweetness and love.
Harshness is bad for your own soul
and spoils the best cause. ”
MORE;
https://anastpaul.com/2024/10/20/quote-s-of-the-day-20-octoberber-st-john-cantius/
One Minute Reflection – 20 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – St John Cantius (1390-1473) Confessor – The Feast of Mater Admirabilis / Mother Most Admirable – James 2:12-17 – Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.” – Luke 12:35-36
REFLECTION – “God, the Word, stirs up the lazy and arouses the sleeper. For indeed, someone who comes knocking at the door is always wanting to come in. But it depends on us, if He does not always enter or always remain. … May your door be open to Him who comes; open your soul, enlarge your spiritual capacities, that you may discover the riches of simplicity, the treasures of peace and sweetness of grace. Expand your heart; run to meet the Sun of that Eternal Light which “enlightens everyone” (Jn 1:9). It is certain, that this true Light shines for all but, if anyone shuts their windows, then they themselves, shut themselves off from this Eternal Light.
So even Christ remains outside, if you shut the door of your soul. It is true, He could enter but He does not wish to use force, He does not put those who refuse under pressure. Descended from the Virgin, born from her womb, He shines throughout the universe to give Light to all. Those who long to receive the Light, Who shines with an everlasting brightness, open up to Him. No night comes to intervene . Indeed, the sun we see each day, gives way to night’s darkness but the Sun of Justice (Mal 3:20) knows no setting, for Wisdom is not overcome by evil.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan and Father and Doctor of the Church (12th Sermon on Psalm 118).
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that by following the example of blessed John, Thy Confessor, we may advance in a knowledge of holiness and, by showing pity for others, obtain Thou forgiveness through 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 – 20 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feast of Mater Admirabilis / Mother Most Admirable
O Purest of Creatures,
Sweet Mother, Sweet Maid
By Fr Frederick W Faber C.Orat. (1814-1863)
O Purest of creatures, sweet Mother, sweet maid,
The one spotless womb wherein Jesus was laid!
Dark night hath come down on us, Mother! and we
Look out for thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!
Deep night hath come down on this rough-spoken world,
And the banners of darkness are boldly unfurled;
And the tempest-tossed Church,—
all her eyes are on thee;
They look to thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!
He gazed on thy soul, it was spotless and fair,
For the empire of sin—it had never been there;
None ever had owned thee, dear Mother but He.
And He blest thy clear shining, sweet Star of the Sea!
Earth gave Him one lodging; t’was deep in thy breast,
And God found a home where the sinner finds rest;
His home and His hiding-place, both were in thee,
He was won by thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!
Saint of the Day – 20 October – Saint Caprasius (Died c303) Martyr of Agen. Born in France and died there by being beheaded in c303. Born in France he is known as St Capraise. Some sources consider him to have been the 1st Bishop of Agen but there are no records to substantiate this claim. However, St Caprasius is most often depicted as a Bishop.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Agen in France, St Caprasius, Martyr. As he was hiding himself in a cavern, to avoid the violence of the persecution, the report of the blessed virgin Faith’s courage in suffering for Christ, animated him to endure torments and he prayed to God that, if he were deemed worthy of the glory of Martyrdom, clear water might flow from the rock of his cavern. God, having granted his prayer, he went with confidence to the scene of combat and, after a valiant struggle, merited the Palm of Martyrdom under Maximian.”
On 20 October, in the additions to the Martyrology of St Jerome, Caprasius is commemorated, to whom, as St Gregory of Tours recalls, a Church was dedicated which later, after various vicissitudes and following the Concordat of 1801, became the Cathedral of Agen.
Unfortunately, information regarding Caprasius has been transmitted through hagiographic legends no earlier than the 9th Century, in which it is difficult to distinguish truth from embellishment. In a 10th Century codice, there is a Passion of Caprasius which, however, is a pure and simple reproduction of that of St Symphorian of Autun; in general, however, all the other codici narrate the events of Caprasius together with those of St Faith, also a Martyr in Agen.
According to these texts, therefore, Caprasius, to escape Diocletian’s persecution, had retreated to a cave. Upon learning of Faith’s Martyrdom, he desired to share it and, encouraged by a miracle, presented himself to the Judge Dacianus, who, flattering him, initially tried to persuade him to apostatise but then, seeing his steadfastness, handed him over to the executioners.
While the Martyr was being tortured, two brothers, Primus and Felicianus, converted and, along with Faith and Caprasius, were beheaded on 6 October. The bodies of the four, displayed in a square, were stolen by Christians and buried honourably. They were later transferred by Bishop Dulcitius, to the Church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
After the discovery of the body (5th Century), the cult of St Caprasius flourished, so much so that, in the 14th Century, he was considered the 1st Bishop of Agen.
Mater Admirabilis / Mother Most Admirable (1844) – 20 October:
Mater Admirabilis is a fresco depicting the Virgin Mary, in the Monastery of the Trinità dei Monti, in Rome. It was painted by a young French artist, Pauline Perdrau and has been associated with several miracles.
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/20/dedication-of-the-abbey-of-our-lady-pontigny-france-1114-feast-of-mater-admirabilis-mother-most-admirable-1844-and-memorials-of-the-saints-20-october/
Dedication of the Abbey of Our Lady, Pontigny, France (1114) – 20 October:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/20/dedication-of-the-abbey-of-our-lady-pontigny-france-1114-and-memorials-of-the-saints-20-october/
St John Cantius (1390-1473) Confessor, Priest, Theologian, Scholastic Philosopher, Physicist, Teacher, Confessor, Philosopher, Apostle of Charity – Patron of Poland and Lithuania.
His Feast was moved after Vatican II to 23 December.
His hOLY Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-st-john-of-kanty-cantius-1390-1473/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/20/saint-of-the-day-20-october-st-john-cantius-1390-1473-confessor/
St Acca (c660-742) Bishop, Abbot, Missionary, Theologian, Musician.
About St Acca:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/10/20/saint-of-the-day-20-october-saint-acca-c-660-742/
St Adelina
St Aderald
St Aidan of Mayo
St Artemius Megalomartyr
St Barsabias
St Bernard of Bagnorea
St Bradan
St Caprasius (Died c303) Martyr of Agen
St Cornelius the Centurion (1st Century) traditionally believed to have become th First Bishop of Caesarea
About St Cornelius:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/20/saint-of-the-day-20-october-saint-cornelius-the-centurion-1st-century/
Bl Gundisalvus of Silos
St Irene
Blessed James Strepar OFM (c1340-1409) Archbishop of Halicz, Poland from 1392 until his death Religious Priest of the Order of Friars Minor, Missionary. St Pius X proclaimed Blessed James, along with St Anthony of Padua, the Patrons of the Conventual Franciscan Order of Krakow Province. He was given the title of “Protector of the Kingdom, Defender and Guardian of the Homeland,” for his exceptional merits, including civil ones. Such was he considered by all. He was Canonised by by Pope Pius VI on 11 September 1791. His body is incorrupt.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/20/saint-of-the-day-20-october-blessed-james-strepar-ofm-c-1340-1409/
St Leopardo of Osimo
St Lucas Alonso Gorda
St Martha of Cologne + Virgin Martyr
St Maximus of Aquila (c228-c250) Deacon Martyr.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Aveia, near Aquila in Abruzzo, Italy, the birthday of blessed Maximus, Deacon and Martyr, who, through the desire of suffering, presented himself to the persecutors who sought him. After answering with great constancy, he was racked and tortured, then beaten with rods and finally, he died by being precipitated from an elevated place.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/20/saint-of-the-day-20-october-saint-maximus-of-aquila-c228-c250-deacon-martyr/
St Orora
St Saula of Cologne + Virgin Martyr
St Sindulphus of Rheims
St Usthazanes
St Vitalis of Salzburg (Died c730) Bishop
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Thought for the Day – 18 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“The Month of the Holy Rosary”
The “Our Father”
“Our Lord exhorted His disciples on many occasions to pray often and with confidence, if they wished to be heard.
Everything which they asked His heavenly Father, in His name, He said, they would obtain.
Ask, He said and it shall be given you; seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you.
Finally, He insisted that we ought to pray and never to give up.
In other words, life can be a continuous prayer if we offer to God all our thoughts, words and actions.
The ideal Christian prayer is to do the Will of God at all times from the motive of pure love.
The Apostles, however, who had not made that much progress in the spiritual life, asked Jesus to teach them how to pray (Lk 11:1).
It was then that Our Lord composed the most beautiful of prayer, the “Our Father” (Mt 6:9-13).
When we recite it, we speak to God, in the words of Jesus Christ Himself and unite our weak voices, with the powerful Voice of the Son of God.
We address the Eternal God, moreover, by the name of Father.
Even in the Old Testament, God is often referred to in this way.
Then, however, He figured as the Father of the chosen people, whereas now, He is the Father of all.
He is our Father, the Father of all mankind and of all races, whom He has willed to redeem from the slavery of sin.
The term “Our Father” has taken on a new and fuller meaning.
Our weak prayer becomes united to that of Jesus, our first-born Brother and to the prayers of the Apostles, Martyrs, Virgins and Confessors, who form and have formed, throughout the centuries, the Mystical Body of Christ, which is the Church.
We need no longer feel that we are on our own, for through the Communion of Saints, our entreaties are joined to those of the entire Church Militant, Suffering and Triumphant.
We can be confident, therefore, that our prayer will be heard!”
Antonio Cardinal Bacci
Quote/s of the Day – 19 October – St Peter of Alcantara OFM (1499-1562) Confessor
“Keep guard too, over the heart,
banishing every kind of vain and idle thought,
all alien emotions of love,
all passionate and tempestuous movements.
Clearly enough, these all impede devotion.
Like the violin, if we would play on it,
so also the heart, if we would pray and meditate,
must be kept well tuned!”
“Keep watch too, over the senses,
especially the eyes, the ears and the tongue,
for through the lips, the heart is scattered
and by eyes and ears, is it filled,
with varied imaginings and with much
which disturbs the pea,ce and repose of the soul.
Hence has it been truly said,
the contemplative soul should be
as one deaf, blind and dumb,
for the less he dissipates his energies abroad,
the more will he be recollected within himself.”
“For the same reason, incline toward a solitary life,
for it remove from the senses,
not merely occasions of distraction
and from the heart, occasions of sin
but, it also invites a man to enter more into himself
and to occupy himself with God alone,
for to this, one is indeeh drawn
by circumstances of place,
when no alien company finds admittance.”
(From 9 Aids for Securing Devotion)
MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/10/19/quote-s-of-the-day-19-october-st-peter-of-alcantara-3/
One Minute Reflection – 19 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – St Peter of Alcantara OFM (1499-1562) Confessor – Ephesians 4:23-28 – Matthew 22:1-14 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?” – Matthew 22:12
REFLECTION – “But you, my friends, since you have already come into the house of the marriage feast, our holy Church, as a result of God’s generosity, be careful lest, when the King enters, He finds fault with some aspect of your heart’s clothing!
What do we think is meant by the wedding garment, dearly beloved? For if we say it is Baptism or faith, is there anyone who has entered this marriage feast without them? A person is outside because he has not yet come to believe. What then must we understand by the wedding garment but love? That person enters the marriage feast but without wearing a wedding garment, who is present in the Holy Church. He may have faith but he does not have love. We are correct when we say that love is the wedding garment because this, is what our Creator Himself possessed, when He came to the marriage feast, to join the Church to Himself. Only God’s Love brought it about, that His Only-Begotten Son, united the hearts of His chosen, to Himself. John says “God so Loved the world that He gave His Only-Begotten Son for us.” – St Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) Father and Doctor of the Church – (Sermons on the Gospel No 38).
PRAYER – O God, Who graciously made blessed Peter, Thy Confessor, glorious by the gift of remarkable penance and sublime contemplation, grant, we beseech Thee, that, by the merit of his prayers, we may the more easily understand the things of Heaven by curbing our passions. 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 – 19 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – St Peter of Alcantara OFM (1499-1562) Confessor
Hear Me, O Lord
By St Peter of Alcantara (1499-1562)
Hear me, O Lord,
my soul’s delight,
joy of my heart,
not because of my merits
but because of Thy boundless goodness.
Teach me, enlighten me, direct me,
help me in all things
that I may never say
or do anything
but that which I know
to be pleasing in Thou sight.
Guide me, O God,
my Love, my Light and my Life!
Amen
Saint of the Day – 19 October – Saint Veranus (Died 589) Bishop of Cavaillon, France, Hermit, a protector of monastic life and Monasteries, apostle of the poor and ill, Miracle-worker. Born in Vaucluse in France and died in Arles, France in 589 of the Plague. Patronage – Cavaillon and Saint-Veran and Saont-Verain, in France; Abbadia Alpina and Peccioli, 2 Citiess in Italy. Also known as – Uranus, Verain, Veranus, Verà del Gavalda, Vrain of Cavaillon, Wrain of Cavaillon.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In the Diocese of Orleans, the departure from this world of St Veranus, Bishop.”
The little information known about his life are sufficient to provide a portrait. A contemporary of St Gregory of Tours, Veranus was Ordained a Priest in 540. Having retired to his hermitage in Vaucluse, he undertook a pilgrimage to Rome passing through Embrun , Briançon Ravenna, Milan and, on his return, through Albenga and Cassis, of which City he is now the Patron.
In 568, Sigebert I , who had created the chose him as the Bishop of Cavaillon, as we learn from the ‘Orléans Manuscript.’
The following year, 569, Fredegonda, having had Praetextatus, the Archbishop of Rouen assassinated during a Sunday Office, Veranus reproach him for the murder. This earned him the position of Godfather of the future Merovingian King Theodoric II, son of Childebert II. In 577, the Baptism took place, in Orléans.
St Gregory of Tours writes of miracles performed by Veranus, including the expulsion of a dragon. He is also remembered as a leader in charitable works and as a patron of local Monasteries, not only in France but also in Italy, particulaly in the City of Albenga, where he was instrumental in the conversion of the people to Christianity.
In the early 11th Century, some of his Relics were transferred from his place of burial to Orléans. In the 13th Century, most were transferred again, to Cavaillon Cathedral which is dedicated to him but some were sent to Albenga Cathedral in Liguria, where they are still preserved in a Shrine dedicated to him as the Patron of that City.
The French Villages of Saint-Véran and Saint-Verain are named after him. In Fontaine de Vaucluse, there is a Church dedicated to our Saint. It was the place of his birth and in the small Church there is a Tomb reputed to be his.
PENTECOST XIX
Virgen del Camino / Our Lady of the Way, Valverde de la Virgen, León, Castile and León, Spain (1505) – 19 October:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/19/virgen-del-camino-our-lady-of-the-way-leon-spain-1505-and-memorials-of-the-saints-19-october/
St Peter of Alcantara OFM (1499-1562) Confessor, Franciscan Friar and Priest, Mystic, Ecstatic, Writer, Preacher, Reformer, Hermit, Apostle of Prayer, the Blessed Sacrament, the Passion and Charity, Miracle-worker. He was a friend and a Confessor of St Teresa of Jesus of Avila.
Wonderful St Peter:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/10/19/saint-of-the-day-19-october-st-peter-of-alcantara-ofm-1499-1562/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/19/saint-of-the-day-19-october-st-peter-of-alcantara-ofm-1499-1562-confessor/
St Altinus
St Aquilinus of Evreux
St Asterius of Ostia
St Beronicus of Antioch
St Columban — Priest in Tours, France. Listed in the Martyrology of St Jerome. No other details have survived.
St Desiderius of Longoret
St Ednoth
St Ethbin
St Eusterius of Salerno
St Frideswide (c665-735) Virgin, Abbess, Founder of the St Mary’s Convent, Miracle-worker The Convent is now Christ Church College, University of Oxford and the Convent Church became Oxford Cathedral. Patronage – of the City of Oxford, England and of the University of Oxford.
Her Holy and Zealous Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/10/19/saint-of-the-day-19-october-saint-frideswide-c665-c735-virgin/
St Laura of Cordoba
St Lucius of Rome
St Lupus of Soissons
St Pelagia of Antioch
St Philip Howard (1557–1595) Martyr, Married, Layman
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/19/saint-of-the-day-19-october-saint-philip-howard-1557-1595-martyr/
St Potenzianus of Sens
St Ptolemy of Rome
St Sabiniano of Sens
St Theofrid
Blessed Thomas Hélye (c1180-1257) Priest, Penitent, Teacher, Missionary and renowned Preacher.
An Unusual Tale:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/19/saint-of-the-day-19-october-blessed-thomas-helye-c-1180-1257/
St Varus and 6 Companions (Died c307) Martyrs, Soldier. Died in c307 by being tortured and then hanged from a tree on 19 October 307 in Kemet, Upper Egypt.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Egypt, St Varus, Solder under the Emperor Maximinus. He used to visit and comfort seven saintly Monks, detained in prison, when one of them happening to die, he wished to take his place and having suffered cruel afflictions, with them, he obtained the Palm of Martyrdom.”
Their Lives and Deaths:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/19/saint-of-the-day-19-october-saint-varus-and-six-companions-died-c307-martyrs/
St Veranus (Died 589) Bishop of Cavaillon
Thought for the Day – 18 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Mary is also styled, ‘Queen of the Patriarchs‘ because, it was through her, that they came to possess the object of their desires, the divine Redeemer, Who released them from Limbo and brought them to Heaven.
She is ‘Queen of the Prophets‘ because, their prophecies were realised through her.
She is ‘Queen of the Apostles‘ whom she assisted and encouraged after the departure of her divine Son.
She is the ‘Queen of Martyrs‘ because, her maternal heart was pierced by a sword of sorrow.
She is ‘Queen of the Confessors‘ because, nobody else was capable of so deep and lively a profession of the Faith.
She is ‘Queen of Virgins‘ because, her virginal purity was crowned by the supreme dignity of Mother of God.
She is ‘Queen, moreover, of all the Saints‘, for no other human creature could ever surpass, or even dream of the summit of holiness, to which she attained.
Above all, however, she is our Mother and our most powerful Queen.
She loves us because, we have been redeemed by the Blood of her Son, Jesus Christ and she desires to obtain God’s favours for us and to take us under her maternal protection.
We, the children of Eve, in exile in the vale of tears, should turn to Mary with confidence and trust in her power to save us.”
Quote/s of the Day – 18 October – The Feast of St Luke, the Evangelist
“Luke, the beloved physician,
sends greetings … ”
“St Luke, the historian
of the meekness of Christ.”
“It was this Evangelist who related
the mystery of Gabriel,
the messenger sent to the Virgin
to announce joy to the whole world.
It was he, who told in full,
the birth of Christ,
showing us the newborn Child lying in a manger
and describing shepherds and Angels shouting for joy.”
“The harvest indeed is great
but the labourers are few.
Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest
that He send labourers into His harvest.”
Luke 10:2
“But in Luke, grace does not stop there.
His speech is not limited to serving the Gospel alone.
At the end of Christ’s miracles
he also relates the Acts of the Apostles. …
Luke was not just a spectator of all those things
but really participated in them.
And that is why he put so much care
into teaching us about them.”
One Minute Reflection – 18 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – The Feast of St Luke, the Evangelist – 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 – Luke 10:1-9 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And He sent them two-by- two before His Face, into every city and place, whither He Himself was to come.” – Luke 10:1
REFLECTION – “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed which a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.’ (Mt 13:31). This small seed for us, is the symbol of Jesus Christ, Who, sowed into the garden where He was buried, rose from it shortly after, through His Resurrection, as a big tree.
One could say that when He Died He was like a small seed, a small seed because of the humiliation of His Flesh but, a big tree because of the glorification of His Majesty. He was like a small seed when He appeared completely disfigured before our eyes but, like a large tree when He rose again like “the most handsome of men” (Ps 44:3).
The branches of this mysterious tree are the holy preachers of the Gospel, of whom the Psalmist indicates the reach: “Their report goes forth through all the earth, their message, to the ends of the world” (Ps 19:5; cf Rom 10:18). The birds rest on these branches while the souls of the just, who have been raised above earth’s attractions on the wings of holiness, find, in the words of these preachers of the Gospel, the consolation they need in the sorrows and difficulties of this life.” – St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father & Doctor of the Church (Sermons on Matthew, Ch 13).
PRAYER – O Lord, we beseech Thee, that Luke, Thy holy Evangelist, who for the honour of Thy Name bore continuously in his body the suffering of the Cross, may intercede on our behalf. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 18 October – The Feast of St Luke, the Evangelist
Holy and Learned, Great Saint Luke
Prayer/Hymn in Honour of St Luke
“Plausibus Luca Canimus”
Trans the Benedictines of
Saint Cecilia’s Abbey, Ryde, UK
Holy and learned, great Saint Luke,
we praise you,
Closely you followed in the steps of Jesus,
As supreme witness to His life and teaching
Shedding your life-blood.
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
You left in writing, for all time to study
Stories unrivalled for their depth and beauty,
Christ’s love revealing.
Yours are the records
which we read with pleasure
Of the beginning of the Church so fervent,
Under the impulse of the true and living
Spirit of Jesus.
Paul’s earnest helper, sharer in his travels,
Zealous as he was, with a heart as loving,
Make our souls also steadfast and devoted
To the Lord Jesus.
Tender physician, use your gift of healing,
Comfort our weakness with a faith unswerving,
So that rejoicing, we may praise forever
God the Almighty.
Amen
Saint of the Day – 18 October – St Tryphonia (3rd Century) Widow of Rome. Some sources believe she might have been a Martyr. Also known as – Tryfonia, Tryphona.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St Tryphonia, at once time the wife of the Caesar Decius. She was buried in a crypt near St Hippolytus.”
Tradition states that she may have been the widow of the Christian enemy, Emperor Trajanus Decius or the widow of his son. It is unclear whether she was Martyred.
The Feast of St Luke the Evangelist, Physician, Disciple of St Paul, Evangelist, Author of the Gospel according to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Tradition says he was an Artist too. Dante calls St Luke the “historian of the meekness of Christ.”
St Luke here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/10/18/saint-of-the-day-st-luke-the-evangelist-18-october/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/10/18/saint-of-the-day-18-october-st-luke-the-evangelist/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/18/saint-of-the-day-st-luke-the-evangelist-18-october-2/
Notre-Dame de Reims / Our Lady of Rheims – Dedication of the Church of Our Lady of Rheims (405) built by St Nicasius – 18 October:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/18/feast-of-st-luke-the-evangelist-notre-dame-de-reims-our-lady-of-rheims-and-memorials-of-the-saints-18-october/
St Acutius of Pozzuoli
St Amabilis (c397- c475) Priest, Confessor, Miracle-worker of Auvergne . Tradition tells that snakes and demons fled from his voice, often the images and medals depicting him bear the words “The demons flee as well as snakes and fire.”
His Venerable Life of Service:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/18/saint-of-the-day-18-october-st-amabilis-of-auvergne-c-397-c-475/
St Asclepiades of Antioch
St Athenodorus (Died c269) Bishop Martyr the brother of St Gregory Thaumaturgus.
St Brothen
Bl Burchard I
St Cadwaladr of Brittany
Bl Domenico of Perpignano
St Eutychius of Pozzuoli
St Gwen
St Gwen (463-c492) Widow, mother, founder of a Church in Talgarth.
St Gwen’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/18/saint-of-the-day-18-october-saint-gwen-of-talgarth-463-c492/
St Gwendoline No information has survived.
St Julian Sabas the Hermit (4th Century) Hermit, Confessor and Miracle-worker.
His Life of Grace:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/18/saint-of-the-day-18-october-saint-julian-sabas-the-hermit-4th-century/
St Justus of Beauvais (c278—c 287) Martyr, Child of nine years of age. He is a Cephalophores.
The Life and Death of St Justus:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/10/18/saint-of-the-day-18-october-st-justus-of-beauvais-c-278-c-287-martyr/
Bl Margherita Tornielli
St Monon of Nassogne
St Proculus of Pozzuoli
Blessed Theobald of Narbonne OdeM (Died 1253) Martyr, Friar of the Mercedarians.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/10/18/saint-of-the-day-18-october-blessed-theobald-of-narbonne-odem-died-1253-martyr/
St Tryphonia (3rd Century) Widow of Rome
Martyrs of Africa – 9 Saints: A group of Christians Martryed together in Africa. The only details that have survived are the names – Beresus, Dasius, Faustinus, Leucius, Lucius, Martialis, Victoricus, Victrix and Viktor. They were Martyred in c300 in Africa.
Thought for the Day – 17 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“The fourth Book of Kings tells us, that the Prophet Elias was brought up into Heaven in a fiery chariot without having first endured the pains and humiliations of death (Cf 4 Kings 2:11).
Why did God not do likewise in the case of the Blessed Virgin, commanding His Angels to bear her to Heaven before death struck her innocent body?
As St Paul says, it was sin which caused death to enter the world.
From the moment of her conception, Mary was free from the slightest taint of sin, for she was immaculate and full of grace.
Nevertheless, according to the most widely held tradition, Mary chose to die, even as her divine Son had willed to die.
Jesus “was offered because it was his own will” (Isa 53:7).
The same is true in Mary’s case, with only this difference.
Jesus died a cruel death after the most hideous tortures in the midst of a blaspheming and hate-ridden mob.
Nothing like this happened to Mary, although she is called the Queen of Martyrs because of the sword which pierced her soul at the sight of her divine Son, dying in such agony.
Jesus willed, however, that the immaculate body of His Mother would remain intact.
It was only her great love and intense desire of being reunited with her Son, which gradually consumed her mortal life.
Her ever-increasing love for God, broke the bonds of her mortal frame until she went to sleep at last, in the Lord.
If only our death could be the same!”
Quote/s of the Day – 17 October – St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690) Virgin
“Keep your heart in peace
and let nothing trouble you,
not even your faults.
You must humble yourself
and amend them peacefully,
without being discouraged or cast down,
for God’s dwelling, is in peace.”
“You will be consoled
according to the greatness
of your sorrow and affliction;
the greater the suffering,
the greater will be the reward.”
“I think He intends to try you
like gold in the crucible,
so as to number you
amongst His most faithful servants.
Therefore, you must lovingly embrace
all occasions of suffering,
considering them
as precious tokens of His love.
To suffer in silence
and without complaint,
is what He asks of you.”
“The most efficacious means
to foster devotion
to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
is through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”
In Thy Divine Heart
By St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)
Visionary of the Sacred Heart
Lord Jesus,
let my heart never rest
until it finds Thee,
Who are its Source,
its love and its happiness.
By the wound in Thy Heart
pardon the sins I have committed,
whether out of weakness,
or out of evil desires.
Place my weak heart
in Thy own Divine Heart,
continually under Thy
protection and guidance,
so that I may persevere in doing good
and in fleeing evil,
until my last breath.
Amen
Prayer in Adoration of the Sacred Heart
in the Blessed Sacrament
By St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)
Visionary and Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Jesus Christ, my Lord and my God,
Whom I believe to be really present
in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar,
receive this most profound Act of Adoration
to supply for the desire I have,
to adore Thee unceasingly
and in thanksgiving,
for the sentiments of love
which Thy Sacred Heart
has for me in this Sacrament.
I cannot better acknowledge them,
than by offering Thee,
all the Acts of Adoration,
resignation, patience and love
which this same Heart has made
during its mortal life
and which it makes still
and which it shall make eternally in Heaven,
in order that through it,
I may love Thee, praise Thee
and adore Thee worthily,
as much as it is possible for me.
I unite myself to this Divine Offering
which Thou dost make to Thy Divine Father
and I consecrate to Thee,
my whole being,
praying Thee, to destroy in me,
all sin and not to permit
that I should be separated from Thee,
in time and eternally.
Amen.
MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/10/17/quote-s-of-the-day-17-octoberber-st-margaret-mary-alacoque/
One Minute Reflection – 17 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690) Virgin – Ephesians 3:8-9, 14-19, Matthew 11:25-30 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to the little ones.” – Matthew 11:25
REFLECTION – “When more obscure Mysteries are presented to your timid nature by your faith Christian soul, take courage and say [like Mary], “How shall this be done …? ” (Lk 1:34), not in a controversial spirit but with the love of a disciple. Let your questioning be your prayer, your love, your piety, your humble desire – not seeking to plumb the depths of God’s majesty but looking for salvation, in the healing acts of the God, Who saves us. …
No-one “knows a man’s thoughts, except the spirit of the man which is in him; so also, no-one comprehends the thoughts of God, except the Spirit of God” (1 Cor 2:11). Hasten then to be a sharer in the Holy Spirit. He is present when He is called upon; nor could He be called upon, if He were not present. When, on being called upon, He comes, it is with the abundance of the blessings of God. He is the flowing of “the river which gives joy to God’s city” (Ps 45:5). And if, when He comes, He finds you humble and still and respecting the Words of God, He will rest upon you (Lk 1:35) and He will reveal to you, what God the Father withdraws from the wise and prudent of this world and those things, will begin to dawn upon you which Wisdom (1 Cor 1:24) could say to the disciples when on this earth but which they were unable to bear, until the Spirit of Truth came, Who was to teach them all Truth (Jn 16:12-13).” – William of Saint-Thierry O.Cist. (c1075-c1148) Cistercian Monk, Mystic, Theologian, Writer (The Mirror of Faith 6).
PRAYER – O Lord Jesus Christ, Who wondrously revealed the unsearchable riches of Thy Heart to blessed Margaret Mary, the Virgin, grant us, by her merits and through imitating her, to love Thee, in all things and above all things, so that we may be found worthy to possess a lasting dwelling place in Thou Heart itself. 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 – 17 October – St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690) Virgin
Be My Strength, O Sacred Heart!
By St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)
Visionary of the Sacred Heart
O Sacred Heart of Jesus,
I fly to Thee,
I unite myself to Thee,
I enclose myself in Thee!
Receive my call for help, O my Saviour,
as a sign of my horror, of all within me
contrary to Thy holy love.
Let me die rather a thousand times,
than consent to sin against Thee!
Be my strength, O God –
defend me,
protect me.
I am Thine and desire forever to be Thine!
Amen
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.
Könnyezo Szuz Mária / Our Lady of Tears or the Weeping Madonna (Sajópálfala, Miskolci, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, Hungary) (1717) – Third Sunday of October, 16 February:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/17/twenty-first-sunday-after-pentecost-konnyezo-szuz-maria-our-lady-of-tears-or-the-weeping-madonna-hungary-and-memorials-of-the-saints-17-october/
St Margaret Mary Alacoque VHM (1647-1690) Virgin, Nun of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, Mystic, Visionary and Saint and Apostle of the Sacred Heart. Her feast day was moved to after Vatican II and prior to that was 17 October the date of her death. Beatified on 18 September 1864 by Pope Blessed Pius IX and
Canonised on 13 May 1920 by Pope Benedict XV.
Biography here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/10/16/saint-of-the-day-16-october-st-margaret-mary-alacoque-1647-1690-v-h-m/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/17/aint-of-the-day-17-october-st-margaret-mary-alacoque-1647-1690-virgin/
St Andrew of Crete (c660-c740) Bishop of Gorvina, Constantinople, Father of the Church, Monk at Mar Sabas, Noted and eloquent Preacher, Poet.
His Feast was moved after 1969 to 4 July.
This Wondrous Father:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/07/04/saint-of-the-day-4-july-saint-andrew-of-crete-c660-c740-bishop/
St Anstrudis of Laon
Blessed Balthassar OFM (1420–1492) Priest of the Order of Friars Minor of the strict observance, Confessor, renowned Preacher, Professor of Theology, Superior General of the Order.
His Devout LifeLastpaul.com/2020/10/17/saint-of-the-day-17-october-blessed-balthassar-of-chiavari-ofm-1420-1492/
Bl Battista de Bonafede
St Berarius I of Le Mans
St Catervus
St Colman of Kilroot
Blessed Contardo Ferrini TOSF (1859-1902) Layman, Third Order Franciscan, Profesor, Civil and Canon Lawyer, Apostle of the poor, writer. He was Beatified by Pope Pius XII on 13 April 1947.
A Life to Imitate:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/17/saint-of-the-day-17-october-blessed-contardo-ferrini-tosf-1859-1902/
St Ethelbert of Eastry
St Ethelred of Eastry
St Florentinus (Died c526) Bishop of Orange in in Vaucluse, France now in the Diocese of Avignon, between c527-524, Miracle-worker.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Orange, in France, St Florentinus, Bishop, who died leaving a reputation for many virtues.”
His Virtuous Earthly Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/17/saint-of-the-day-17-october-saint-florentinus-of-orange-died-c526-bishop/
Bl Gilbert the Theologian
St Heron of Antioch
Bl Jacques Burin
St John the Short/Dwarf
St Louthiern
St Mamelta of Persia
St Nothhelm (Died 739) Archbishop of Canterbury
St Richard Gwyn
St Rudolph of Gubbio
St Rufus of Rome
St Solina of Chartres
St Victor of Capua (Died 554) Bishop, Spiritual Writer.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Capua, St Victor, the Bishop, distinguished for erudition and sanctity.”
The Little we Know:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/10/17/saint-of-the-day-17-october-saint-victor-of-capua-died-554-bishop/
St Zosimus of Rome
Martyrs of Nicomedia – 3 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian. The only details about them that have survived are their names – Alexander, Marianus and Victor. 303 in Nicomedia (in modern Turkey).
Martyrs of Valenciennes -5 Beati: A group of Ursuline nuns Martyred in the persecutions of the French Revolution.
Hyacinthe-Augustine-Gabrielle Bourla
Jeanne-Reine Prin
Louise-Joseph Vanot
Marie-Geneviève-Joseph Ducrez
Marie-Madeleine-Joseph Déjardins
Martyrs of Volitani: A group of Martyrs who were praised by Saint Augustine of Hippo. In Volitani, proconsular Africa (in modern Tunisia).
Thought for the Day – 16 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“The Apostles were completely transformed after the feast of Pentecost.
They had ben ignorant rustics, timid and vacillating.
They had hardly understood at all, the lofty teachings of Christ, for they were hoping still for an earthly kingdom in which they would occupy the highest posts.
When they received the Holy Ghost, however, their minds were flooded with supernatural light and they became heroic in their resolution.
Ignorant, though they had been, they became masters of Truth, far superior to the sages of Athens or the philosophers of Rome.
They were no longer timid and hesitating but, fearlessly encountered the power of the Sanhedrin, the whips of the soldiery, the dangers of long voyages and, Martyrdom itself.
We too have received the illumination and favours of the Holy Spirit.
Many times, when we have invoked Him, He has inspired and consoled us.
But we may not have responded with the same fervour and self-denial as the Apostles.
Let us remember that, to neglect God’s gifts, is to risk our eternal salvation!”
Quote/s of the Day – 16 October – St Gerard Majella CSsR (1726-1755) Religious Lay Brother of the Redemptorists
“The chance to become a Saint
is offered me only once.
If I do not profit by it, it is gone forever.
Since I can have only once ,
the good fortune to become a Saint,
what shall hinder me
from laboring for that end?
I have every opportunity to sanctify myself.
Yes, I will be a Saint!”
“ In God, in God alone do I confide, do I hope!
I have placed my whole life in His Hands
that He may do with me as he pleases.
And although I live, yet I am without life,
since my life is God.
In Him alone I rest.
From Him alone I expect the aid necessary
to carry out my resolutions.”
“And thou, Immaculate Virgin Mary,
my only joy, be thou my protectress
and my consoler!
Be ever my advocate with God
that I may put into practice,
my good resolutions.”
MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/10/16/quote-s-of-the-day-16-october-st-gerard-majella/
One Minute Reflection – 16 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – The Feast of the Purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – St Hedwig (1174-1243) Widow – Proverbs 31:10-31 – Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“He sells all he has and buys that field.” – Matthew 13:44
REFLECTION – “ Our Lord Jesus Christ frequently and insistently, repeated “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me” (Mt 16:24) … and elsewhere – “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor,” after which he adds: “then come, follow me” (Mt 19:21).
For someone who understands it, the parable of the merchant is saying the same thing – “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure buried in a field which a person finds and hides again and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” Undoubtedly, the precious pearls here refer to the Kingdom of Heaven and our Lord shows us that it is impossible to gain it unless we give up all we possess: wealth, esteem, high birth, and those things which others greedily seek after.
Our Lord has also declared that it is impossible to be properly busied about one’s tasks when the mind is distracted by all sorts of things – “No-one can serve two masters,” He said (Mt 6:24). That is why the “treasure in Heaven” is the only one we should choose to fix our heart on – for “where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” (Mt 6:21) … To summarise, it is a matter of our raising our hearts to the life of Heaven in such a way that we would be able to say – “Our citizenship is in Heaven” (Phil 3:20). Above all, it is to begin to be like Christ, Who “although He was rich, made Himself poor for our sake” (2 Cor 8:9).” – St Basil the Great (330-379) Bishop, Father & Doctor of the Church (Greater monastic Rules, 8).
PRAYER – O God, Who taught blessed Hedwig to forsake worldly vanities that she might, humbly follow Thy Cross, with her whole heart, grant through her merits and example, we may learn to renounce the perishable delights of the world and, by embracing Thy Cross, overcome all things opposed to our salvation. 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 – 16 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feast of the Purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Praeclara Custos Virginum!
Blest Guardian of All Virgin Souls!
By Anonymous Latin, 18th Century
Trans. Fr Edward Caswall C.Orat. (1814–1878)
Blest Guardian of all virgin souls!
Portal of bliss to man forgiven!
Pure Mother of Almighty God!
Thou hope of earth and joy of Heaven!
Fair Lily, found amid the thorns!
Most beauteous Dove with wings of gold!
Rod from whose tender root there sprang
That healing Flow’r long since foretold!
Thou Tow’r, against the dragon proof!
Thou Star, to storm-toss’d voyagers dear!
Our course lies o’er a treacherous deep;
Thine be the light by which we steer.
Scatter the mists that round us hang;
Keep far the fatal shoals away
And while through darkling waves we sweep,
Open a path to life and day.
O Jesu, born of Virgin bright!
Immortal glory be to Thee!
Praise to the Father infinite
And Holy Ghost eternally.
Amen
This Hymn originated as the Hymn for Vespers in the Office of the Purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is used for Matins on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Tune: “From High Heaven” Leipzig melody, 1539.
Saint of the Day – 16 October – Saint Florentinus (Died 4th Century) Bishop of Trèves. Also known as – Florentinus of Trèves, Florentius of…
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Trèves, St Florentinus, Bishop,”
Upon being Consecrated as the Bishop of Cahors, in France, Florentins received a congratulatory letter from his friend, Saint Paulinus of Nola, who was later to become a Bishop himself.
Paulinus praises Florentinus as a man of great humility and meekness of heart, with the gentleness and the innocence of a lamb and imbued with “the sweetness of the Lord.”
In reference to Florentinus’ Episcopal vocation, Paulinus observes that God had chosen him for “the role of his apostles” to “become a fisher of men,” who would “with the net of the saving Word, draw from the bitter, deep waves of this world a haul which God can invest with life rather than destruction.”
The Feast of the Purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/16/feast-of-the-purity-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary-16-october/
Dedication of the Church of Our Lady of Milan (1417) by Pope Martin V – 16 October:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/16/dedication-of-the-church-of-our-lady-of-milan-1417-by-pope-martin-v-and-memorials-of-the-saints-16-october/
St Hedwig of Andechs (1174-1243) Mother, Widow, High Duchess of Poland, Apostles of orphans, the poor, the sick, founder with her husband of Monasteries, schools and Churches, Administrator, Peace-maker,
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/16/saint-of-the-day-16-october-st-hedwig-of-andechs-1174-1243/
St Gerard Majella CSsR (1726-1755) Religious Lay Brother of the Congregation of the Holy Redeemer, better known as the Redemptorists (of St Alphonsus de Liguori), Apostle of the Holy Eucharist, Apostle of Charity, known as a Miracle-worker.
St Gerard’s Story:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/10/16/saint-of-the-day-16-october-st-gerard-majella-c-ss-r-1726-1755/
St Amandus of Limoges
St Ambrose of Cahors
St Balderic
St Bertrand of Comminges (c1050-1123) Bishop of Comminges, in the Archdiocese of Toulouse, France, Reformer – both religious and civil, Peace-maker, Miracle-worker.
St Bertrand’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/16/saint-of-the-day-16-october-saint-bertrand-of-comminges-c1050-1123-bishop/
St Bolonia
St Conogon of Quimper
St Dulcidius of Agen
St Eliphius (Died 362) Martyr, Bishop (?) or Deacon (?) Irish Missionary.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Cologne, St Eliphiuis, Martyr, under Julian the Apostate.”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/10/16/saint-of-the-day-16-october-st-eliphius-died-362-martyr/
St Eremberta of Wierre
St Florentinus (Died 4th Century) Bishop of Trèves
St Gall (c550–c646) “Apostle of Switzerland,” Monk, Missionary, Hermit – he was a disciple and one of the traditional twelve companions of Saint Columbanus on his mission from Ireland to the continent.
About St Gall:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/16/saint-of-the-day-16-october-saint-gall-c-550-c-646/
St Gerald of Clairvaux O.Cist (Died 1177) Abbot regarded as the first Cistercian Martyr
St Junian
St Lull
St Magnobodus of Angers
St Martinian of Mauretania
St Mummolinus
St Saturian of Mauretania
St Silvanus of Ahun
St Victor of Cologne
St Vitalis of Noirmoutier
Martyrs in Africa – 220 Saints: A group of 220 Christians Martyrs about whom we know nothing but that they died for their faith.
Martyrs of North Africa – 365 Saints: A group of 365 Christians who were Martyred together in the persecutions of the Vandal king Genseric. The only details that have survived are the names of two of the Martyrs – Nereus and Saturninus. 450 in North Africa.
Thought for the Day – 15 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“In the course of our ascent, we must never stop and decide that we have gone far enough!
To stop would inevitably mean going backward.
Jesus and Mary are inviting and encouraging us to go higher and higher.
Have we been purified of sin, the defiler of the soul and the destroyer of human dignity?
Have we an intense horror, even of venial sin, which separates us from God and kills the life of grace?
It is still not enough – we must go higher.
Are we generous and unselfish in the fight to achieve holiness, guarding ourselves against the evil suggestions of the world, the flesh and the devil?
It is still not enough – we must continue to advance.
Do we carry the daily cross which God has entrusted to us and accept the burden with perfect resignation to His Holy Will?
Very good but even this is not enough!”
AnaStpaul 
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