Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN Saturdays, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, THE FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTION

Our Morning Offering – 2 March – Most Holy Virgin, My Consolation

Our Morning Offering – 2 March – “The Month ofSt Joseph” – Saturday of the Second Week in Lent and the First of the Month

Most Holy Virgin, My Consolation
By St Germanus of Paris (c490-576)

Most Holy Virgin!
Who art the greatest consolation
which I receive from God,
thou, who art the heavenly dew
which assuages all my pains,
thou, who art the light of my soul
when it is enveloped in darkness,
thou, who art my guide
in unknown paths,
the support of my weakness,
my treasure, in poverty,
my remedy, in sickness,
my consolation, in trouble,
my refuge, in misery,
and the hope of my salvation,
hear my supplications,
have pity on me,
as becomes the Mother
of so good a God
and obtain for me
a favourable reception
of all my petitions
at the throne of mercy.
Amen

St Germanus of Paris (c490-576) “Father of the Poor” 
HIS LIFE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/28/saint-of-the-day-28-may-st-germanus-of-paris-c-496-576-father-of-the-poor/

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 2 March – Saint Joavan of Brittany (Died c576) Bishop.

Saint of the Day – 2 March – Saint Joavan of Brittany (Died c576) Bishop. Born in Britain, probably in Wales and died at Plougen, in Brittany, France of natural causes. Patronages against cancer, Plouvien, France. Also known as – … of Leon, Jaoua, Joevin, Joévin, Jouva, Jaouen, Yaouen, Joavan, Joavan Aurelian.

Joavan followed his uncle to Brittany to become his disciple and spiritual student. St Paul Aurelian of Léon (Died c575) (known in Breton as Paol Aorelian or Saint Pol de Léon) the first Bishop of the See of Léon and one of the seven Founder Saints of Brittany.

That great Saint chose Joavan to be his assistant in his Bishopric, when he retired a little before his death. Saint Joavan survived him only a short time, perhaps just a year.

Joavan is the titular Saint of two Parish Churches in the Diocess of Léon.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

First Saturday, Saturday of the Second Week in Lent, Nuestra Señora de las Apariciones / Our Lady of Apparitions, Madrid, Spain (1449) and the Saints for 2 March

First Saturday of the Month

St Absolon of Caesarea

St Basileus the Martyr

St Cynibild of Laestingaeu
St Felix of Treves
St Fergna the White
St Girolamo Carmelo di Savoia
St Gistilian
St Joavan of Brittany (Died c576) Bishop
St Jovinus the Martyr
St Lorgius of Caesarea
St Lucius of Caesarea

St Slebhene
St Troas

Posted in CARPENTERS, WOODWORKERS, JOINERS, CABINETMMAKERS, CHEFS and/or BAKERS, CONFECTIONERS, CHILDREN / YOUTH, GOLDSMITHS, SILVERSMITHS, GILDERS, MINERS, JEWELLERS, CLOCK/WATCH-MAKERS, METAL CRAFTSMEN, MARCH the month of ST JOSEPH, Of a Holy DEATH & AGAINST A SUDDEN DEATH, of the DYING, FINAL PERSEVERANCE, DEATH of CHILDREN, DEATH of PARENTS, Of FATHERS, GRANDfathers, GRANDparents, Of LAWYERS & CANON Lawyers, Attorneys, Solicitors, Barristers, Notaries, Para-Legals, Of PARENTS & FAMILIES of LARGE Families, Of TRAVELLERS / MOTORISTS, Of UNDERTAKERS, Morticians, Catholic Cemetaries, PALLBEARERS, PARTIAL Indulgence, PATRONAGE - HOUSE HUNTERS, HOUSE SELLERS, PATRONAGE - of MOTHERS, MOTHERHOOD, PATRONAGE - ORPHANS,ABANDONED CHILDREN, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, PREGNANCY, St JOSEPH, TEACHERS, LECTURERS, INSTRUCTORS, WORKERS

1 March – The Month of the St Joseph and a Daily Indulgenced Prayer

Devotion for March
St Joseph

The beloved Foster-Father and Guardian of Jesus and Protector of the Holy Family, is celebrated for this whole month and his Feast Day falls on 19 March .

Quamquam Pluries
On the Devotion to St Joseph
Pope Leo XIII

“On 10 March, [11 MARCH THIS YEAR], we begin the Novena to St Joseph, entrusting so many of our woes and cares to his holy and fatherly care and intercession.
His Patronages are numerous, as we know, one of them will fit our needs perfectly and if not, then we should all ask him to intercede on our behalf for our families and for a Happy and Holy Death.
On the 19th FEAST  we pray the Consecration to St Joseph.”

Patronages in Alphabetical Order:

  • of Accountants • Bursars • Cabinetmakers • Carpenters • Catholic Church • Cemetery Workers • Children • Civil Engineers • against Communism • Confectioners • Craftsmen • against Doubt and Hesitation • the Dying • Emigrants • Exiles • Expectant Mothers • Families • Fathers • Furniture Makers • Grave diggers • Happy Death • Holy Death • House Hunters • House Sellers • Immigrants • Joiners • Labourers • all the Legal Profession • Married Couples • Oblates of Saint Joseph • Orphans • Pioneers • Social Justice • Teachers • Travellers • the Unborn • Wheelwrights • Workers • Americas • Austria • Belgium • Bohemia • Canada • China • Croatian people • Korea • Mexico • New France • New World • Peru • Philippines • Vatican City • VietNam • Canadian Armed Forces • Papal States • 46 Diocese • 26 Cities,States and Regions.
Posted in GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, QUOTES on The SOUL, QUOTES on WILL (Reasonable or Superior), QUOTES on Will (Sensual or Inferior), QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY, SELF-DISTRUST, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 1 March– The Soldier of Christ Must Avoid All which May Disturb His Peace of Mind (Part Three)

Thought for the Day – 1 March– The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXV: … The Soldier of Christ Must Avoid All
which May Disturb His Peace of Mind
(Part Three)

And, as anxiety at the approach of adverse events, springs up even more frequently in our hearts, you have two things to do in order to ward off this assault.

+++ The FIRST is, carefully to search out and discover to what these events are adverse, whether to the soul, or to self-love and self-will.
For, if they be adverse to your own will and to self-love, your chief and greatest enemy, they are not to be called adverse but, to be esteemed as special favours and aids from the Most High God, to be received with a joyful heart and with thanksgiving!
And, although they should be adverse to the soul, you ought not. on this account, to lose your peace of mind, as I will show you in the following chapter.

+++ The SECOND is, to lift up the heart to God, accepting all things blindly from the Hand of His Divine Providence, ever full of manifold blessings, beyond your power to comprehend and, seeking to know nothing further!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/28/thought-for-the-day-28-february-the-soldier-of-christ-must-avoid-all-which-may-disturb-his-peace-of-mind-part-one/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/29/thought-for-the-day-29-february-the-soldier-of-christ-must-avoid-all-which-may-disturb-his-peace-of-mind-part-two/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, St Francis de Sales

Quote/s of the Day – 1 March – ‘… a HATRED for nothing but SIN…’

Quote/s of the Day – 1 March – Friday of the Second Week in Lent and the Feast of the Holy Shroud – – Genesis 37:6-22; Matthew 21:33-46.– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

He will bring those evil men
to an evil end

Matthew 21:41

Little children follow and obey their father.
They love their mother.
They know nothing of covetousness,
ill-will, bad temper, arrogance and lying.
This state of mind opens the road to Heaven.
To imitate our Lord’s own humility,
we must return to the simplicity
of God’s little ones.

St Hilary (315-368)
Father and Doctor of the Church

I see clearly with the interior eye,
that the sweet God loves, with a pure love,
the creature that He has created
and has a HATRED for nothing but SIN,
which is more opposed to Him,
than can be thought or imagined.

St Catherine of Genoa (1447-1510)

Let us then depart, let us depart from Egypt,
let us approach Our Lord,
let us make provision of good works;
let the feet of our affections be bare,
let us clothe ourselves with innocence,
let us not be satisfied with crying for mercy,
let us go forth from Egypt, let us delay no longer.
The hour is come to arise from sleep,
since we know that He receives sinners;
the Angels await our repentance,
the Saints pray for it
!”

St Francis de Sales 91567-1622)
Doctor of the Church

There is a golden rule which we should always remember
as it will be helpful to us in fighting temptation
and in resisting discouragement.
It is simply this:
As long as we implore God’s grace
and do all we can and ought, in order to withstand
the onslaught of temptation, God will do the rest!
If God, nevertheless, allows us to fall,
this will be in order to humble us
and to make us understand,
more clearly that we can do nothing without Him.

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CONFESSION/PENANCE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LENT 2024, LENTEN THOUGHTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on the CHURCH, The WORD

Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 1 March – Faith, Love, Obedience, Penance …

Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 1 March – Friday of the Second Week in Lent and the Feast of the Holy Shroud – – Genesis 37:6-22; Matthew 21:33-46.– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

St Bernard O.Cist. (1090-1153)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Brethren, if we understand the Lord’s Vineyard to be the Church … it seems to me that we here encounter a significant prerogative.
Note,, in a special way, how the Church extended her boundaries all over the world …

By this I understand that company of believers, who were described as “of one heart and soul.” (Acts 4:32) …
For during the persecution it had not been so uprooted that it could not be elsewhere replanted and leased “to other tenants, who will deliver the produce … when the season arrives.”
No indeed, it did not perish, it changed in a new location; it even increased and spread further afield under the blessing of the Lord.
So, brethren, lift up your eyes round about and see if “the mountains were not covered with its shade, the cedars of God with its branches; if its tendrils did not extend to the sea and its offshoots all the way to the river” (Ps 79:11-12).

No wonder this, for it is God’s building, God’s farm (1 Cor 3:9).
He waters it, he propagates it, prunes and cleanses it that it may bear even more fruit.

When did He ever deprive, of His care and labour that which His right Hand planted? (Ps 79:15).
There can be no question of neglect, where the Apostles are the branches, the Lord is the Vine and His Father is the Vinedresser (Jn 15:1-5).
Planted in faith, its roots are grounded in love, dug in with the hoe of discipline, fertilised with penitential tears, watered with the words of preachers and so, it abounds with the wine which inspires joy, rather than debauchery, wine full of the pleasure which is never licentious. This is the wine which gladdens the heart (Ps 103:15) …

Be consoled, daughter of Sion!
Yours is to wonder at the Mystery, rather than bewail the harm — let your heart be expanded to gather together, the fullness of the pagans!” — (Extract from Sermon 30 on the Song of Songs)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, LENT, LENTEN THOUGHTS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SACRED HEART QUOTES, SACRED HEART REFLECTIONS, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION, The RESURRECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 1 March – “They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.”- Matthew 21:39

One Minute Reflection – 1 March – Friday of the Second Week in Lent and the Feast of the Holy Shroud – Genesis 37:6-22; Matthew 21:33-46 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.”– Matthew 21:39

REFLECTION – “I am the true vine,” Jesus says (Jn 15:1)… People dig trenches around this Vine, that is to say, cunningly dig traps. When they plot to make someone fall into a snare, it is as if they dug a pit in front of him. That is why He mourns about it, saying: “They have dug a pit before Me” (Ps 56:7)… Here is one example of these snares: “They brought a woman who had been caught in adultery” to our Lord Jesus, “saying: ‘Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?’ ” (Jn 8:3f)… And here is another: “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to the Emperor or not?” (cf. Mt 22:17)…

However, they discovered that these traps caused no harm to the Vine. To the contrary, in digging these pits, they themselves fell into them (Ps 56:7) … Then they kept on digging, not just His Hands and His Feet (Ps 21:17) but they pierced His Side with a lance (Jn 19:34) and uncovered the interior of that Sacred Heart, which had already been wounded by the spear of love. The Bridegroom says in the song of His love that: “You have wounded My heart, My sister, My spouse” (Sg 4:9). O Lord Jesus, Your Heart has been wounded with love by Your spouse, Your friend, Your sister. Why, then, was it necessary for Your enemies to wound You again? O you enemies, what are you doing?… Do you not know that this Heart of Our Lord Jesus, already pierced, is already dead, already open and cannot be touched by any other suffering? The Heart of the Bridegroom, Our Lord Jesus, has already received the wound of love, the death of love. What other death could touch Him?… The Martyrs also laugh when they are threatened, rejoice when they are struck, triumph when they are killed. Why? Because they have already died through love in their hearts, “dead to sin” (Rm 6:2) and to the world…

Thus Jesus’ Heart has been wounded and put to death for our sake… Physical death triumphed for a moment but only to be conquered forever. It was blotted out when Christ rose from the dead because “death has no power over Him anymore” (Rm 6:9). – St Bonaventure (1221-1274), Franciscan, Doctor of the Church (The Mystical Vine, ch. 3, § 5-10)

PRAYER – O God, Who hast left us a Relic of Thy passion in the Holy Shroud in which Thy body, taken down from the Cross, was wrapped by Joseph [of Arimathea], grant, we beseech Thee that through Thy Death and Burial, we may be brought to the glory of resurrection. Thou who livest and reignests with The Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, GOOD FRIDAY, Holy Name PRAYERS, HOLY WEEK, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, JESUIT SJ, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY NAME, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION, The SEVEN PASSION Feasts

Our Morning Offering – 1 March – Glory, Honour and Praise, To Our Lord Jesus Christ!

Our Morning Offering – 1 March – Friday of the Second Week in Lent and the Feast of the Holy Shroud

Glory, Honour and Praise,
To Our Lord Jesus Christ!
A devout Prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ,
to be said both Morning and Evening

By St Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621)

Doctor of the Church
(From His “A Brief Christian Doctrine”)

GLory, Honour and Praise Be,
May all the world adore Thee,
blessed be Thy Holy Name,
Who for us sinners,
vouchsafest to be born of a humble Virgin
and blessed be Thine Infinite Goodness,
Who died upon the Cross for our Redemption.
O Jesu, Son of God
and Saviour of mankind,
have mercy upon us
and so dispose our lives here,
by Thy Grace
that we may, hereafter,
rejoice with Thee forever
in Thy Heavenly Kingdom,
Amen.

Posted in The PASSION, The SEVEN PASSION Feasts

The Feast of the Holy Shroud of Jesus Celebrated on Friday after the Second Sunday of Lent – 1 March

Saint of the Day – 1 March – The Feast of the Holy Shroud of Jesus
Celebrated on Friday after the Second Sunday of Lent

Comparison between the image on the Shroud of Turin and Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi

The Shroud of Turin has been subjected to a variety of scientific examinations to confirm its authenticity using scientific methods, despite, the rather obvious conclusion, that the intricacy and detail on the Shroud, could not have been merely created by antiquated Medieval technology.

Holy Mass celebrated beneath the Holy Shroud in Turin

In fact, the Turin Centre of Colorado, has demonstrated that the fold marks found on the Shroud indicate it once resided in Constantinople in the 10th-11th centuries, in contrast to those who claim that the Shroud was a 14th Century forgery. Such a claim corroborates historians who maintain that the Lord’s Burial Cloth was in the possession of Byzantine Emperors before the Sack of Constantinople in 1204.

Using Modern technology to create an image of Christ

The Holy See remained silent on the Shroud until the middle of the 20th Century when, in 1940, Sister Maria Pierina De Micheli, obtained authorisation from the Archdiocese of Milan to produce the Holy Face Medal with the image of the Holy Shroud. And, in 1958, Pope Pius XII subsequently approved the image in connection with devotion to the Holy Face and the Feast of the Holy Face which he instituted to be said on Shrove Tuesday of each year in reparation for the offences of “Mardi Gras.”

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol 15, 1913 states:
“In 1206, one of the Winding Sheets used at the burial of Christ was brought to Besançon by Otto de La Roche and the festival of its arrival (Susceptio) was ordered to be kept on 11 July. At present, it is a double of the first class in the Cathedral and of the second class in the Diocese. The Office is very beautiful.
Another Feast originated ain around 1495 at Chambéry, in Savoy, to honour the Sudario of Christ which came there in 1432 from Lirey in Burgundy and which, since 1578, is venerated in the Royal Chapel of the Cathedral of Turin.
This Feast is celebrated on 4 May, the day after the Discovery of the Cross and was approved in 1506 by Pope Julius II.
It is now kept in Savoy, Piedmont and Sardinia, as the Patronal Feast of the Royal House of Savoy (4 May, double of the first class, with octave). A third Feast, the Fourth Sunday in Lent (translation to a new Shrine in 1092), was kept during the Middle Ages at Compiègne in France, in honour of a Winding Sheet brought there from Aachen in 877.

Today’s Feast which, since 1831, is contained in the appendix of the Breviary, on the Friday after the Second Sunday in Lent, is independent of any particular Relic but, before 1831 it was rarely found on the Diocesan Calendars.
It has not yet found its way into the Baltimore Ordo.
The Office is taken from the Proprium of Turin.”

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, LENT, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The SEVEN PASSION Feasts

The First Friday of month, March Devotion, Friday of the Second Week in Lent – FAST and ABSTINENCE, The Feast of the Holy Shroud of Jesus, Madonna Della Croce, “Holy Mary of the Cross,” Italy (1490), St David and all the Saints for 1 March

March Devotion – The Month of St Joseph

The First Friday of March

St Abdalong of Marseilles
St Adrian of Numidia
St Agapios of Vatopedi
St Agnes Cao Guiying

St Albinus of Vercelli
St Amandus of Boixe
St Antonina of Bithynia
Bl Aurelia of Wirberg
Bl Bonavita of Lugo
St Bono of Cagliari
Bl Christopher of Milan
Bl Claudius Gabriel Faber
St Domnina of Syria
St Domnina of Syria
St Donatus of Carthage
St Eudocia of Heliopolis
St Felix III, Pope
Bl George Biandrate
Bl Giovanna Maria Bonomo
Bl Gonzalo de Ubeda
St Hermes of Numidia
St Jared the Patriarch
St Leo of Rouen

St Lupercus
St Marnock
St Monan
Bl Pietro Ernandez
Bl Roger Lefort
St Rudesind
St Seth the Patriarch
St Simplicius of Bourges
St Siviard
St Swithbert
St Venerius of Eichstätt

Posted in "Follow Me", OPEN HOUSE...Conversations with..., QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, SELF-DISTRUST, The HEART

Thought for the Day – 29 February – The Soldier of Christ Must Avoid All which May Disturb His Peace of Mind (Part Two)

Thought for the Day – 29 February – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXV: … The Soldier of Christ Must Avoid All
which May Disturb His Peace of Mind
(Part Two)

“Besides, when the heart is unquiet, it is always exposed to manifold assaults of the enemy and, moreover, in such a state, we are incapable of understanding and discovering the correct path and the sure way of holiness.

Our enemy, who, above all things, hates this peace because, the Spirit of God, dwells therein and inspires marvellous works, the devil often seeks, in a friendly disguise, to rob us of such God-given peace, by instilling into our hearts, sundry desires which have a semblance of good.
But ,their deceitful nature maybe detected by this test, among others, that is – they rob us of our peace of mind!

Therefore, to avert so great an evil, when the sentinel gives notice of the approach of some new desire, on no account give it entrance into your heart, until, with a free and unbiased will, you have first presented it to God and, confessing your ignorance and blindness, have earnestly prayed to Him for light to discern whether it comes from Him or from the enemy.

Have recourse also, if possible, to the judgement of your spiritual father.
And, even if the desire should be from God, do not begin to carry it into execution until you have mortified your own eagerness; for a work preceded by such mortication, will be far more acceptable to Him, than if performed with all the impetuosity of nature.
Nay, sometimes it maybe that the mortication will please Him better than the work itself.

Thus, casting from you all evil desires,and not venturing to carry even good desires into effect, until you have first repressed your natural impulses, you shall keep the fortress of your heart in security and peace.

And, in order to preserve it in perfect peace, you must also guard and defend it from certain inward self-reproaches and remorseful feelings which are sometimes from the devil, although, as they accuse you of some failing, they seem to come from God.
By their fruits shall you know whence they proceed!
If they humble you, if they make you diligent in well-doing, if they do not take from you, your trust in God, then receive them with all thankfulness as coming from Him.

But, if they discourage you, if they make you fearful, distrustful, slack and feeble in good deeds, then, be assured, they come from the enemy!
Give no ear to them but continue your exercise.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2024/02/28/thought-for-the-day-28-february-the-soldier-of-christ-must-avoid-all-which-may-disturb-his-peace-of-mind-part-one/

Posted in "Follow Me", GOD ALONE!, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on HYPOCRISY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 29 February – ‘ …We ourselves are only hypocrites , if we …’

Quote/s of the Day – 29 February – Thursday in the Second Week of Lent – Jeremias 17:5-10, Luke 16:19-31 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

The poor man died and was carried
by the Angels to Abraham’s bosom.
The rich man also died and was buried
and in Hades, being in torment,
he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham, far off
and Lazarus in his bosom.
…”

Luke 16:22-23

… So then, you rich who have wisdom,
apply yourselves to this business…
Why let yourselves be transfixed
by diamonds and emeralds,
by houses that fire devours,
time destroys,
or earthquakes throw down?
Aspire for nothing other
than to dwell in the heavens
and reign with God.
A mere man,
a beggar will gain you this Kingdom!

St Clement of Alexandria (150- 215)
Father of the Church

All of our religion is but a false religion
and all our virtues are mere illusions
and we ourselves are only hypocrites
in the sight of God,
if we have not that universal charity for everyone,
for the good and for the bad,
for the poor people, as well as for the rich,
for all those who do us harm,
as much as for those, who do us good.

St John Vianney (1786-1859)

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LENT 2024, LENTEN THOUGHTS, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on POVERTY, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, The WORD

Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 29 February – True Wealth, True Poverty

Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 29 February – Thursday in the Second Week of Lent – Jeremias 17:5-10, Luke 16:19-31 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

St Augustine (354-430)
Father & Doctor of the Church

“When I say that God does not incline His ear to the rich man, do not go so far as to think, my friends that God fails to answer those who have gold and silver, servants and lands.
If they were born in that state and occupy that class of society, let them call to mind the saying of the Apostle Paul:
“Tell the rich in the present world, not to yield to pride” (1Tm 6:17).
People who do not yield to pride are poor before God, Who inclines His ear to the poor and needy (Ps 85:1).
Indeed, they know their hope does not lie in gold or silver, or in those things, of which they have an abundance, for a time.
It suffices that possessions are not causing their loss and that, if they do nothing for their salvation, at least they are not an obstacle to it … Therefore, when someone despises those things that feed one’s pride, he is one of God’s poor and God inclines His ear towards him, for He knows the troubles of his heart.

It is true, my brethren that the poor man Lazarus, covered with sores, who lay at the rich man’s door, was carried by Angels into the bosom of Abraham.
This is what we read and believe.
Whereas ,the rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and feasted splendidly everyday, was thrown down to the torments of hell.

But was it really the merit of his destitution which won for the poor man, his being carried away by Angels?
And was the rich man delivered up to torment because of his lavish lifestyle?
We need to acknowledge that it was humility which was honoured in that poor man and pride which was punished in the rich man!”
– (Discourses on the Psalms 85,3).

Posted in BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, DOCTORS of the Church, LENTEN PRAYERS & NOVENAS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS on the CROSS of CHRIST, St Francis de Sales, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION

Our Morning Offering – 29 February – Daily Morning Prayer Of St Francis de Sales

Our Morning Offering – 29 February –“The Month of the Most Holy and Blessed Trinity” – Thursday of the Second Week in Lent

Daily Morning Prayer
Of St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Lord, I lay before Thee my weak heart,
which Thou fills with good desires.
Thou knows that I am unable
to bring the same to good effect,
unless Thou bless and prosper them
and, therefore, O Loving Father,
I entreat Thee to help me
by the merits and Passion of Thy dear Son,
to Whose honour I would devote this day
and my whole life.
Amen

Posted in franciscan OFM, INCORRUPTIBLES, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 29 February – Blessed Antonia of Florence OSC (1401-1472) Widow

Saint of the Day – 29 February – Blessed Antonia of Florence OSC (1401-1472) Widow, Abbess of the Monastery of Corpus Christi in L’Aquila. Born in 1401 in Florence, Italy and died on 29 February 1472 in her Convent at Aquila, Italy of natural causes, her Feast Day is, therefore, celebrated on 28 February in non-Leap years. Her body is incorrupt. Antonia was Beatified in 1847 by Pope Pius IX.

Blessed Antonia of Florence was born of a noble family in Florence, Italy, in 1401. She entered the married state at a very early age, in compliance with the wish of her parents. She and her husband had one child, a son. When her husband died in 1428, she allowed nothing to induce her to contract a second marriage but resolved to withdraw from the world and live only for God and the salvation of her soul.

These were the years in which Saint Bernardino of Siena, with some companions, spread the Observance movement and the return of an original “Franciscanism” in many Italian cities. Most of the sermons were given in the square, the churches were unable to contain the crowds that punctually flocked. Brother Bernardino preached in Santa Croce in Florence from 8 March to 3 May 1425. Antonia, listening to him, responded yes, without conditions, to God’s call. She had known the experience of married life, she was a mother, but the Lord gave a turning point to her life. Four years later, once family matters were settled, she entered

In 1429, after ensuring the comfort and care of her son, she entered the Convent of Tertiaries which Blessed Angelina had ounded at Florence. Here she so distinguished herself by virtue and wisdom that after a few years, the Superiors called her to Foligno to preside as Superior of the Convent there.

A fresco of Blessed Antonia – c1500

Although, in her humility, she found it difficult to accept the advancement, she was happy to carry out the appointment under the guidance of Blessed Angelina, who, as Superior General of the several Convents she had founded, dwelt at Foligno. Antonia so availed herself of the opportunity to profit by the holy example and the good counsel of the Foundress that she could be honoured as an example of how a Superior. should conduct herself and her responsibilities.

In consequence, after a few years, Blessed Antonia of Florence was sent to establish a Convent in Aquila. There, under her maternal direction, a veritable sanctuary of holiness budded forth, the fame of which brought joy to that City and the entire vicinity.

Although the religious community zealously served God according to the rule of the Third Order, it did not satisfy Blessed Antonia in her yearning for personal perfection. She felt strongly drawn to a stricter life, to more perfect poverty and to more complete renunciation of the world, as practiced in the Order of St Clare.

At a visitation she communicated her desire to her spiritual Coinfessor, St John of Capistrano OFM (1386-1456). He approved it and, at his suggestion and with the sanction of the Holy Father, in 1447, a new Convent of the Poor Clares was founded at Aquila which ,Antonia with twelve consecrated virgins, entered. She was appointed Superior and Abbess but, while she occupied the highest place, she always strove to find the last. The lowliest tasks, worn clothes, the most disagreeable occupations she assigned to herself, while she shunned all honour and distinction. In all she did and said, there shone forth the most sincere humility.

Just as pronounced was the patience with which she bore the burdens of her position, the weakness of all her subjects, the many importunities of her relatives and finally, the sufferings of a lingering illness.

While she was extraordinarily severe with herself, she possessed truly motherly concern for her Sisters. They, in turn, clung to her with filial love and, when after seven years of administration, she was relieved of the burden, she was still considered, by the sisters, as their mother and model.

God distinguished His faithful servant with special graces. Her prayer amounted to perfect contemplation of heavenly things, the ardour of her devotion sometimes causing her to be raised aloft bodily. Once a glowing sphere was seen suspended over her head.

Blessed Antonia of Florence reached the age of seventy-one years and died on 29 February 1472, addressing words of comfort and holy exhortation to her sorrowing fellow Sister, who were gathered around her.

Numerous miracles occurred at her tomb and her body is a constant miracle, for, up to the present time, it is preserved wholly incorrupt and is of an extraordinary freshness and beauty which is emphasised by the open eyes. The uninterrupted veneration which began with the day of her death received the sanction of Pope Pius IX.

Posted in INCORRUPTIBLES, SAINT of the DAY

Thursday of the Second Week in Lent and a few Leap Year Feast Days – 29 February

29 February – A Leap Year
The Saints below would be celebrated on 28 February if not a Leap Year:

Blessed Antonia of Florence OSC (1401-1472) Widow, Abbess, Mystic. Her body is Incorrupt,

Posted in QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 28 February – The Soldier of Christ Must Avoid All which May Disturb His Peace of Mind (Part One)

Thought for the Day – 28 February – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXV: … The Soldier of Christ Must Avoid All
which May Disturb His Peace of Mind
(Part One)

Antonio de Pereda y Salgado – The Liberation of St Peter by an Angel

When we have lost our peace of mind, we should do our utmost to recover it; neither, is there any accident of life which should reasonably have power to deprive us of that peace, or even to trouble it.
Over our own sins, we have indeed cause to mourn deeply but, our sorrow, as I have shown more than once, should be calm and in like manner, without any disquiet but with a holy feeling of charity, should we compassionate other sinners and weep, at least inwardly, over their offenses.

As to other sad and trying events, such as sickness, wounds, or loss of dearest friends, pestilence, fire, war, or suchlike evils – although these being painful to nature, are, for the most part, shunned by the men of this world, yet may we, by Divine grace, not only desire but, even love them, as just chastisements upon the wicked and occasions of virtue to the just.
For, therefore, does our Lord God take pleasure in sending them and thus borne forward by His will, we shall pass, with a calm and quiet spirit, through all the bitterness and contradictions of this life.
And be assured that all disquietude, on our part, is displeasing in His sight for, of whatever kind it be, it is never free from imperfection and always springs from some evil root of self-love.

Keep, therefore, a sentinel always on the watch, who, as soon as he shall discern the approach of anything likely to disquiet or disturb you, may give you a signal, to take up your weapons of defence!

And consider that, all these evils,and many others of a like kind, although outwardly they appear to be such, are not indeed real evils, nor can they rob us of any real good but are all ordered, or permitted by God, for the righteous ends of which we have spoken, or for others, most wise and holy, although beyond our power to discern and understand.

So, may the most untoward accident work for us much good, if we do but keep our souls in peace and tranquillity, otherwise, all our exercises will produce little, or no fruit!”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in QUOTES on PRIESTS, the PRIESTHOOD and CONSECRATED LIFE, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 28 February – St Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin/Gabriel Possenti CP (1838-1862)

Quote/s of the Day – 28 February – Wednesday of the Second Week in Lent – St Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin/Gabriel Possenti CP (1838-1862)

His companion in the Novitiate, exckaimed:

“Tears come to my eyes and I am filled with shame
for having been so far from the virtues
which he attained, in such a short time.

Blessed Bernard Mary of Jesus (1831-1911)
speaking on the great holiness
of St Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother (1838-1862)

Oh, be assured, he whom God
calls to the religious life
receives a very great favour,
a favour which is impossible to estimate
at its real value.

Everything must be examined,
in the sight of God,
with the greatest care …

(From a letter to his Father, 21 September 1856)

My sole merit lies in Thy Wounds

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/02/27/quote-s-of-the-day-27-february-st-gabriel-of-our-lady-of-sorrows/

St Gabriel Francis Possenti
of the Sorrowful Virgin (1838-1862)

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, LENT 2024, LENTEN THOUGHTS, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on WATCHING, SELF-DISTRUST, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 28 February – ‘…Let Us Hate Our Sins and Love Him Who, Will Exact Punishment for Them …’

Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 28 February – St Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin/Gabriel Possenti CP (1838-1862) Confessor, – 1 John 2:14-17; Mark 10:13-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

What then should the Christian do?
He ought to use the world, not become its slave.
And what does this mean?
It means having, as though not having.

So says the Apostle: “My brethren, the appointed time is short — from now on, let those who have wives, live as though they had none and those who mourn, as though they were not mourning and those who rejoice, as though they were not rejoicing and those who buy, as though they had no goods and those who deal with this world, as though they had no dealings with it.

For the form of this world is passing away.
But I wish you to be without anxiety.
He who is without anxiety waits without fear until his Lord comes.
For what sort of love of Christ is it to fear His coming?
Brothers, do we not have to blush for shame?
We love Him, yet we fear His coming!
Are we really certain that we love Him?
Or do we love our sins more?
Therefore, let us hate our sins and love Him Who, will exact punishment for them.
He will come whether we wish it or not.

Do not think that because He is not coming just now, He will not come at all. He will come, you know not when and provided He finds you prepared, your ignorance of the time of His coming, will not be held against you.” (A Discourse on Psalm 95)

Posted in "Follow Me", CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the POOR, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VICE, QUOTES on VIRTUE, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, The BEATITUDES, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 28 February – ‘One thing is lacking to thee … ‘

One Minute Reflection – 28 February – “The Month of the Most Holy and Blessed Trinity”– St Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin/Gabriel Possenti CP (1838-1862) Confessor, – 1 John 2:14-17; Mark 10:13-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

One thing is lacking to thee; go, sell whatever thou has and give to the poor and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven and come, follow Me.” – Mark 10:21

REFLECTION – “Blessed is the poor man who cried and whom the Lord heard. Blessed is the man poor in offence. Blessed is the man poor in vices. Blessed is the poor man, in whom the prince of this world finds nothing. Blessed is the poor man who, is like that Poor Man Who, although He was rich, became poor for our sake. Matthew fully revealed this when he said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” One poor in spirit is not puffed up, is not exalted in the mind of his own flesh. This Beatitude is first, when I have laid aside every sin and I have taken off all malice and I am content with simplicity, destitute of evils. All that remains is that I regulate my conduct. For what good does it do me to lack worldly goods, unless I am meek and gentle?

Although there are many charms of delights in riches, yet there are more incentives to practice virtues. Although virtue does not require assistance and the contribution of the poor person, is more commended, than the generosity of the rich, yet with the authority of the heavenly saying, He condemns, not those who have riches but those who do not know how to use them. The pauper is more praiseworthy who gives with eager compassion and is not restrained, by the bolts of looming scarcity. He thinks that he who has enough for nature, does not lack. So the rich person is the more guilty, who does not give thanks to God, for what he has received but vainly hides wealth given for the common use and conceals it, in buried treasures. Then the offence consists, not in the wealth but in the attitude.

Purify yourself with your tears. Wash yourselves with mourning. If you weep for yourself, another will not weep for you…. One who is a sinner weeps for himself and rebukes himself, that he may become righteous, for just people accuse themselves of sin. Let us pursue order because, it is written, “Set in order love in me.” I have laid down sin. I have tempered my conduct. I have wept for my transgressions. I begin to hunger. I hunger for righteousness. The sick, when he is seriously ill, does not hunger because, the pain of the illness excludes hunger. What is the hunger for righteousness? What is the bread of which it is said, “I have been young and am old and I have not seen the righteous man forsaken, nor his seed begging bread?” Surely, one who is hungry, seeks increase of strength. What greater increase of virtue is there, than the rule of righteousness?” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church( Exposition on the Gospel of Luke, 5).

PRAYER – O God, Who taught blessed Gabriel to meditate continually on the sorrows of Thy most sweet Mother and Who, through her, exalted him by the glory of a holy life and miracles; grant us, we beseech Thee, through his intercession and example so to share in the sorrows of Thy Mother that her motherly protection may save us. 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).

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS

Our Morning Offering – 28 February – O Mother of Sorrows, Stand by Me in My Last Agony

Our Morning Offering – 28 February – St Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows/Gabriel Possenti CP (1838-1862) Confessor

O Mother of Sorrows,
Stand by Me in My Last Agony
By St Gabriel Francis Possenti
of Our Lady of Sorrows (1838-1862)

O Mother of Sorrows,
by the anguish and love
with which thou did stand at the Cross of Jesus,
stand by me in my last agony.
To thy maternal heart
I commend the last three hours of my life.
Offer these hours to the Eternal Father
in union with the agony of our dearest Lord,
in atonement for my sins.
Offer to the Eternal Father
the most precious blood of Jesus,
mingled with your tears on Calvary,
that I may obtain the grace of receiving Holy Communion
with the most perfect love and contrition
before my death
and that I may breathe forth my soul
in the adorable presence of Jesus.
Dearest Mother,
when the moment of my death has at last come,
present me as your child to Jesus.
Ask Him to forgive me for having offended Him,
for I knew not what I did.
Beg Him to receive me into His kingdom of glory
to be united with Him forever.
Amen

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 28 February – Blessed Villana de’Botti OP (1332-1361) Widow

Saint of the Day – 28 February – Blessed Villana de’Botti OP (1332-1361) Widow, Mother, Penitent, Mystic, Lay Religious of the Order of Preachers. She was gifted with visions of Our Lady and of the Saints and was granted the gift of prophecy. Born in 1332 in Florence, Italy and died on 29 January 1361 of natural causes. Patronage – of Florence.

Villana de’Botti was born in 1332 in Florence in the Tuscany region of central Italy. She was the daughter of the rich Florentine merchant Andrea di Lapo de’Botti. As a child she was exceptionally pious and, at the age of thirteen, she ran away from home to enter a Convent. But her father objected to this and had her brought back. Not long after, in July 1351 he had her married to Rosso di Piero Benintendi.

After she married, she seemed completely transformed. She indulged herself completely in worldliness and vanity and even debauchery. But it is said that one day she was going out dressed in a beautiful dress adorned with pearls and precious stones. She looked in the mirror, but instead of her own reflection, she saw a demon (another version says she saw her stained soul). The same image appeared in a second and a third mirror. Immediately Villana repented of her sins, her vices and evil habits. She tore off her dress and put on the simplest outfit she could find. She then went to the Dominican Church of Santa Maria Novella and made a general Confession. Not long after, she joined the Dominican Tertiaries.

Her conversion was complete but she remained faithful to her marital duties. However, she spent all her free time in prayer and reading spiritual literature, studying — especially the biographies of Saints and St Paul ‘s letters and, she made great progress in the spiritual life. She tried to beg for the poor in the streets but was prevented from doing so by her horrified family. She appears to have had visions and ecstasies, and despite opposition in certain camps, she was locally venerated as a saint even before she died. After she became a widow, she had to endure slander from some of her companions.

She died on 29 January 1361 in Florence while the words from the Passion of Christ: “He bowed his head and gave up His spirit” were read to her at her request. (The painting below depicts Bl Villana and companions mourning the Death of our Saviour). Her body was carried to the Church of Santa Maria Novella, where it was besieged for a month by large crowds who fought to get hold of pieces of her clothing and made it impossible for any burial to take place.

Mastro dell’Annunciazione di Fiesole, compianto della Beata Villana

She is buried there in a marble tomb made by Bernardo Rossellino. She was Beatified on 27 March 1824 when her cult was confirmed by Pope Leo XII (1823-1829). Her Feast Day is 28 February.

Bl Villana’s Tomb
Posted in DOMINICAN OP, franciscan OFM, MYSTICS, SAINT of the DAY

Wednesday of the Second Week in Lent, St Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin and the Saints for 28 February

St Abercius

Blessed Antonia of Florence OSC (1400-1472) Widow, Abbess (Feast Day 29 February in a Leap Year)

St Caerealis
St Caerealis of Alexandria
St Cyra of Beroea
St Ermine
St Gaius of Alexandria

St Justus the Potter
St Llibio
St Macarius the Potter
St Maidoc
St Marana of Beroea

St Proterius of Alexandria
St Pupulus of Alexandria

St Ruellinus of Treguier
St Rufinus the Potter
St Serapion of Alexandria
St Sillan of Bangor
St Theophilus the Potter
Blessed Villana de’Botti OP (1332-1361) Widow, Mother, Penitent, Mystic.

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, QUOTES on BAD CONVERSATION, QUOTES on PRESUMPTION, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on VANITY, SELF-DISTRUST, THE SPIRITUAL COMBAT - Fr Lorenzo Scupoli

Thought for the Day – 27 February – Of the Ways to Rule the Tongue

Thought for the Day – 27 February – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)

None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5

XXIV: … Of the Ways to Rule the Tongue

It is very necessary that the tongue be well bridled and regulated, as we are all much inclined, to let it run wildly on, upon those things which are most pleasing to the senses.

MUCH SPEAKING springs, ordinarily, from pride.
We persuade ourselves that we know a great deal; we take delight in our own conceits and endeavour, by needless repetitions, to impress them upon the minds of other, that we may exercise a mastery over them, as though they needed instruction from us.
It is not possible, in a few words, to express, the many evils which arise from overmuch speaking.
TALKATIVENESS is the mother of sloth, the sign of ignorance and folly, the door of slander ,the minister of falsehood, the destroyer of fervent devotion.
A multitude of words adds strength to evil passions, by which, again, the tongue is the more easily led to indiscreet speech.
Do not indulge in long conversations with those who are unwilling to hear you, lest you weary them; nor with those who love to listen to you, lest you exceed the bounds of modesty.

AVOID LOUD and assertive speaking, which is not only odious in itself but, is also a sign of presumption and vanity.

NEVER SPEAK OF YOURSELF or your doings, nor of your kindred, except in case of absolute necessity and then, with all possible brevity and reserve.
If others seem to speak overmuch of themselves, try to put a favourable construction upon their conduct but, do not imitate it, even though, their words seem to tend to self-humiliation and self-accusation.

SPEAK AS LITTLE as maybe possible, of your neighbour, or of anything concerning him, unless an occasion occurs to say something in his praise.

SPEAK WILLINGLY OF GOD and especially, of His Love and Goodness but with fear and caution, lest even here, you fall into error.
Rather, take pleasure in listening, while others speak of Him, treasuring their words in the depth of your heart.

LET THE SOUND of men’s voices strike only upon your ear – meanwhile, you should lift up your heart to God and, if you must, listen to their discourse, in order to understand and reply to it, yet neglect not to cast your eye in thought to Heaven, where God dwells and, contemplate His loftiness, as He ever beholds your vileness.

CONSIDER WELL the things your heart suggests to you, before they pass onto your tongue – for you will perceive that many of them would be better suppressed altogether and never reach the ears of anyone!
Nay, I can still further assure you that not a few, even of those which you will then think it expedient to pronounce aloud, would be far better buried in silence and so, you will perceive, upon reflection, when the opportunity for speaking is past.

SILENCE IS A STRONG FORTRESS, in the spiritual combat and a sure pledge of victory.

SILENCE IS THE FRIEND, of him who distrusts himself and trusts in
God; it is the guard of holy prayer and a wonderful aid in the practice of virtue.
In order to acquire the practice of silence, consider frequently
the great benefits which arise therefrom and, the evils and dangers of verbosity

Love this virtue and in order to acquire the habit of it, keep silence occasionally, even at times when you might lawfully speak, provided this be not to your own prejudice, or to that of others.
And you will be greatly helped to achieve this virtue, by withdrawing from the society of men; for, in the place of this, you will have the society of Angels, Saints and of God Himself!

Lastly, remember the combat which you have in hand that, seeing you have so much to do, you may the more willingly refrain from all superfluous words.”

Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, BREVIARY Prayers, CONFESSION/PENANCE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, GUARDIAN ANGELS - Prayers etc, HYMNS, JESUIT SJ, LENT 2024, LENTEN THOUGHTS, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL

Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 27 February– “ … Come to Our Help, Watchful Ward of Our Lives”

Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 27 February– Tuesday of the Second Week in Lent – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Custodes Hominum Psallimus Angelos
Praise We the Guardian Angels of Men
By St Robert Bellarmine SJ (1542-1621)
Archbishop of Capua, Theologian
Doctor of the Church

Angel-guardians of men,
spirits and powers we sing,
Whom our Father hath sent,
aids to our weakly frame,
Heavenly friends and guides,
help from on high to bring,
Lest we fail through the foeman’s wile.

He, the spoiler of souls,
Angel-traitor of old,
Cast in merited wrath
out of his honoured place,
Burns with envy and hate,
seeking their souls to gain
Whom God’s mercy invites to Heaven.

Therefore, come to our help,
watchful ward of our lives:
Turn aside from the land,
God to thy care confides
Sickness and woe of soul,
yea and what else of ill
Peace of heart to its folk denies.

Now to the Holy Three
praise evermore resound:
Under Whose Hand Divine
resteth the triple world
Governed in wondrous wise,
glory be Theirs and Might
While the ages unending run.
Amen

This Hymn/Prayer/Reflection by St Robert Bellarmine,was added to the Roman Breviary in 1608, by command of Pope Paul V. It is for Vespers in the Office for “the Holy Guardian Angels. Double of the second class, 2 October.

Posted in QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SELF-DISTRUST, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST, St Francis de Sales

Quote/s of the Day – 27 February – Humility

Quote/s of the Day – 27 February – Tuesday in the Second Week of Lent – Feruial Day – 3 Kings 17:8-16; Matthew 23:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled
and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Matthew 23:12

The one sole thing, in myself,
in which I glory,
is that I see in myself,
nothing, in which I can glory.

St Catherine of Genoa (1447-1510)

Humility is not just about self-mistrust
but about the entrusting of ourselves to God.
Distrusting ourselves and our own strength
produces trust in God
and from that trust,
generosity of soul is born.

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of Charity

“The most powerful weapon
to conquer the devil is humility.
For, as he does not know at all,
how to employ it,
neither does he know
how to defend himself from it.”

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, FATHERS of the Church, ON the SAINTS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on VIRTUE, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 February – ‘… Embrace the breast of Jesus ‘ – Matthew 23:1-12

One Minute Reflection – 27 February – Tuesday in the Second Week of Lent – Ferial Day – 3 Kings 17:8-16; Matthew 23:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” … Matthew 23:12

REFLECTION – “Humility is a secret power the saints receive when they bring all their life’s ascetical practices to a successful conclusion. For indeed, this power is only bestowed on those who attain to the perfection of virtue, through the strength of grace … It is the same power the blessed Apostles received in the form of fire. Our Saviour commanded them, in fact, not to leave Jerusalem until they had received the power from on high (Acts 2:3; 1:4). Here Jerusalem stands for virtue — the power is humility and the power from on high, is the Paraclete, in other words the Consoler Spirit.

Now this is exactly what Sacred Scripture had said – these Mysteries are revealed to the humble (Lk 10:21). To the humble it is given to receive, within themselves, that Spirit of revelation which uncovers mysteries. That is why certain saints have said that humility is that which brings the soul to fulfilment, in divine contemplation. So let no-one start thinking they have attained complete humility because, at some moment, a thought of compunction came to them or because they shed a few tears …. But if someone has overcome every contrary spirit …, if he has overturned and subjected all the strongholds of the enemy and, if he then feels that he has received that grace in which “the Spirit bears witness to our spirit” (Rom 8:16) in the Apostle Paul’s words, then there is the perfection of humility. Blessed are they who possess it. For they continually embrace the breast of Jesus (cf Jn 13:25).” … St Isaac the Syrian of Nineveh (c 613-c 700) Bishop of Nineveh, Monk at Mosul – Ascetical discourses, 1st series, no 20

PRAYER – From all perils of soul and body defend us, O Lord, we beseech Thee and by the intercession of the blessed and glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of blessed Joseph, of Thy blessed Apostles Peter and Paul and of all the Saints, graciously grant us safety and peace that all adversities and errors being overcome, Thine Church may serve Thee in security and freedom. Through t 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).

Posted in BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, BREVIARY Prayers, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, GOD ALONE!, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, The WILL of GOD

Our Morning Offering – 27 February – Most Holy Trinity, Godhead IndIvisible,

Our Morning Offering – 27 February – “The Month of the Most Holy and Blessed Trinity”

Morning Prayer
To Be Conformed to the Divine Will
Unknown Author
Breviary Prayer

Most Holy Trinity, Godhead IndIvisible,
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
our first beginning and our last end,
Thou hast made us in accord
with Thine Own Image and likeness.

Grant that all the thoughts of our minds,
all the words of our tongues,
all the affections of our hearts
and all the actions of our being
may always be conformed to Thine Holy Will.

So may we, having seen Thee veiled
in appearance here below,
by means of faith,
come at last to contemplate
Thee face-to-face,
in the perfect possession of Thee,
forever in Heaven.
Amen

Posted in GOLDSMITHS, SILVERSMITHS, GILDERS, MINERS, JEWELLERS, CLOCK/WATCH-MAKERS, METAL CRAFTSMEN, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 27 February – Saint Baldomerus of Saint Just (Died c650) SubDeacon

Saint of the Day – 27 February – Saint Baldomerus of Saint Just (Died c650) SubDeacon, Lay Brother, Blacksmith. Born in Ouvacou Auditiac, near Lyon in France and died in Lyon in c650. Patronages – of Blacksmiths, Lyon, France and Nuremberg, Germany. Also known as – Baldomerus of Lyons, Baldimerus… Baldomer… Baldomero… Baudemer… Galmier…Garmier… Germier… Gaumier… Geaumier… Waldimer… Waldimerus…

Baldomerus was born in the village of Ouvacou Auditiac, near Lugdunum , now Lyon which was then part of the County of Forez . Already as a young man he practiced the trade of a Blacksmith.

He lived poorly himself, nevertheless, his care and attention was always concerned with the poor, whom he continually assisted as much as he could. In the absence of anything else, sometimes he even gave them his work tools.

He was devoted to prayer, meditation and reading the Holy Scriptures and his favourite phrase was: “Always thanks be to God.” He had a very cheerful and lively character. One day he met the Abbot Viventius (who later became the Bishop of Lyon), who, in fact, had visited the village particularly to meet our Saint as he had been attracted by the fame of sanctity that had already spread around Baldomerus. The Abbot wanted him to become a Monk in his Monastery of Saint Just in Lyon. Baldomerus immediately left his forge and followed him.

Bishop Gaudry (Ganderic) consecrated him as SubDeacon, overriding Baldomerus’ objections based on his feeling of unworthiness. He wanted to remain a lowly Lay Brother but he was able to continue to practice his craft – a much-needed art, even today but especially in the days of horses and wagons.

Statue in the Church of Montanay near Lyon

After a life of prayers, fasting and sacrifices, he died around the middle of the 7th Century, between 642 and 660

He was buried by the Bishop of Lyon, Viventius II in the Church of the Monastery of Saint-Just. His Relics were immediately the object of great veneration by the people, until the 16th Century, when they were dispersed and burned by the Huguenots. Of them, only one arm was saved which had previously been detached from the body and taken to the Church of Saint-Galmier (Baldomerus), a Town in the Loire which bears his name and is famous for its Badoit table water. ..