Quote/s of the Day – 25 December – The Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Day!
“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him, was made nothing which was made. In Him was Life and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shines in darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it.”
John 1:1-5
V. The Word was made flesh. R. And dwelt among us. V. Christ hath manifested Himself to us. R. Come let us adore Him!
“Let all your desires then, be directed toward Him, the Infinite One, the Giver of all Good.”
Bl Jacopone da Todi (1230-1306)
Nativity Song By Blessed Jacopone da Todi OFM (1230-1306) (Today is the Feast Day of Blessed Jacopone)
The beautiful Mother is bending Low where her Baby lies Helpless and frail, for her tending But she knows the glorious eyes.
The Mother smiles and rejoices, While the Baby laughs in the hay, She listens to heavenly voices: “This Child shall be King some day.”
O dear little Child in the manger, Let me make merry with Thee, O King, in my hour of danger, Wilt Thou be strong for me?
One Minute Reflection – 25 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Day! – Titus 2:11-15; Luke 2:1-14 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we saw His glory, the glory, as it were, of the Only-Begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.”- Luke 2:14
REFLECTION – “This is the day our Saviour was born – what a joy for us, my beloved! This is no season for sadness, this, the birthday of Life – the Life which annihilates the fear of death and engenders joy, promising, as it does, immortality! Nobody is an outsider to this happiness. The same cause for joy is common to all, for our Lord . . . came with redemption for all. Let the saint rejoice, for he hastens to his crown; let the sinner be filled with joy, for pardon is offered him; let the Gentile be emboldened, for he is called to life. When the designated time had come, which God, in His deep and impenetrable plan, had fixed upon, God’s Son took the nature of man upon Himself, in order to reconcile man to his Creator . . .
The Word, Who is God, the Son of God “Who was in the beginning with God; through Whom all things came to be and without Whom, nothing came to be” has become Man to deliver man from eternal death. He humbled Himself to assume our mortal condition, yet without diminishing His greatness. Remaining what He was and assuming what He was not, He united our condition of a slave, to His condition of equality with God the Father . . . Greatness was clothed with humility, strength with weakness, eternity with mortality – True God and True Man, in the unity of a single Lord, “the One Mediator between God and the human race” (1Tim 2,5). . .
My beloved, let us offer thanksgiving to God the Father, through His Son, in the Holy Ghost. In the great mercy with which He loved us, He had pity on us and “in giving life to Christ, gave life to us too, when we were dead through sin,” so that, in Him, we might be a new creation, a new work of His Hands (Eph 2:4-5; 2 Cor 5:17) . . . O Christian, be aware of your nobility!” – St Leo the Great (400-461) Pope , Father and Doctor of the Church (1st sermon for the Nativity of the Lord)
PRAYER – O God, Who have brightened this most holy night with the splendour of the true Light, grant, we beseech Thee that we may know in Heaven the joy of that light which we have known mystically on earth. 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 – 25 December – The Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Day!
Adeste Fidelis O Come, All Ye Faithful! By John Francis Wade (c1711-1786) Composer, Hymnist, Professor of Music at the Douay Seminary
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem! Come and behold Him, born the King of Angels! Refrain: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!
God of God, Light of Light, Lo, He abhors not the virgin’s womb; Very God, begotten, not created. [Refrain]
Sing, Choirs of Angels; sing in exultation; sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest! [Refrain]
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n! Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! [Refrain]
John Francis Wade (1711 or 1712-1786) is now generally recognised as both Author and Composer of the hymn “Adeste fideles,” originally written in Latin in four stanzas. The earliest manuscript signed by Wade is dated about 1743. By the early 19th Century, however, four additional stanzas had been added by other writers. A Roman Catholic, Wade apparently moved to France because of discrimination against Roman Catholics in 18th Century England—especially so. after the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745. He taught music at an English college in Douay and hand copied and sold Chant music for use in the Chapels of wealthy families. Wade’s copied manuscripts were published as Cantus Diversi pro Dominicis et Festis per annum (1751)
The Translator is Father Frederick Oakeley (1802-1880), ex Anglican minister, in 1845, he became a Catholic and a Priest and Canon of the Diocese of Westminister. His publications are numerous, and some of them have considerable value.
Saint of the Day – 25 December – Saintt Fulk of Toulouse (c1155-1231) Bishop, a fierce and untiring Defender of the Faith against heresies, Musician, Composer and Lyricist, Poet, Born in c1155 at Genoa, Italy and died in 1231 in Toulouse of natural causes. Also known as – Folquet, Folquet de Marseille, Folquet de Marselha, Foulques de Toulouse, Coots of Toulouse, the Minstrel Bishop.
St Fulk depicted in an ancient Manuscript
Fulk was born into a Genoese merchant family but, in about 1180, he left his life as a merchant to become a singing and playing Minstrel Poet. He was widely respected and successful throughout Provence and Aragon. His works, which include love lyrics (often dedicated to his patron’s wife), crusading songs and religious poems and hymns, demonstrate a classical education and careful metrical forms.
Painting from Teruel Cathedral of musician Clergy, probably our St Fulk of Toulouse.
In 1195, Fulk’s life and career abruptly changed, when he experienced a profound religious conversion and decided to renounce his former life. He joined the strict Cistercian Order, entering the Monastery of Thoronet (Var, France) and appears to have placed his wife and two sons in monastic institutions as well. He soon rose in prominence and was elected Abbot of Thoronet which allowed him to help found the sister house of Géménos to house women, quite possibly including his wife.
In 1205 Fulk was elected Bishop of Toulouse and immediately he took a very active role in combatting heresy. Throughout his Episcopal career, he sought to create and encourage outlets for religious enthusiasm which were Catholic, in an effort to woo believers away from preachers of heresy (primarily Cathar and Waldensian). In 1206 he created what would become the Convent of Prouille, to offer women a religious community which would rival (and, where necessary, replace) those of the Cathars. He participated in the initial preaching mission of Saint Dominic which was led by Dominic’s superior, Bishop Alphonsus Didacus of Osma. He continued to support this new form of preaching after Bishop Alphonsus Didacus’ death by assisting St Dominic and his followers, eventually allotting to the nascent Dominicans, property and a portion of the tithes of Toulouse, to ensure their continued success. In July 1215 Fulk issued a Diocesan letter instituting St Dominic’s Order of Preachers. In November 1215 he and Dominic, with Guy of Montfort, were in Rome at the Fourth Lateran Council.
The Convent of Prouille, now a Museum
Bishop Fulk had tumultuous relations with his Diocese, primarily on account of his support of the Albigensian Crusade which was popularly perceived as a war of aggression against the region. Hated by many Toulousains and by Count Raymond VI of Toulouse. he left Toulouse on 2 April 1211, after the crusaders laid siege to the City. Our Saint requested a release from his See but the Pope refused. Fulk spent much of the following decade outside his Diocese, assisting the crusading army and the Church’s attempts to bring order to the region. He was at the Council of Sens in 1223.
In 1229, after the Peace of Paris finally ended the crusade, Fulk returned to Toulouse and began to construct the institutions that were designed to combat heresy in the region. He helped to create the University of Toulouse and administered the newly created Episcopal Inquisition.
Fulk died in 1231 and was buried, beside the tomb of William VII of Montpellier, at the Abbey of Grandselves, near Toulouse, where his sons, Ildefonsus and Petrus had been Abbots.
St Fulk of Toulouse in a 13th Century Manuscript, depicted in his Episcopal robes.
The Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Day! Celebration of the Anniversary of the Birth of Our Lord. In the earliest days of the Church there was no such Feast, the Saviour’s Birth was commemorated with the Epiphany by the Greek and other Eastern Churches. First mention of the Feast, then kept on 20 May, was made by Clement of Alexandria c 200. The Latin Church began in c 300 to observe it on 25 December, though there is no certainty that Our Lord was born on that day. Today, Priests have the privilege of saying three Masses, at midnight, daybreak and morning. This was originally reserved to the Holy Father alone – beginning about the 4th century he celebrated a midnight Mass in the Lateran Basilica (in which according to tradition, the manger of Bethlehem is preserved), a second in the Church of Saint Anastasia, whose Feast comes on 25 December and a third at the Vatican Basilica. Many peculiar customs of the day are the outcome of the pagan celebrations of the January calendar. The Christmas tree, of which the first known mention was made in 1605 at Strasbourg, was introduced into France and England in 1840. The Feast is a Holy Day of Obligation, preceded by the preparatory season of Advent and by a special Vigil – should it fall on a Friday it abrogates the law of abstinence. Of course, Christmas attracts an Octave, when this wonderful Mystery and Miracle is celebrated for eight days. https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/25/the-solemnity-of-the-nativity-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-25-december-2/ AND: https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/25/the-solemnity-of-the-nativity-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-25-december/ AND: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/25/25-december-the-solemnity-of-the-birth-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-2/
St Adalsindis of Hamay St Alburga of Wilton St Anastasia of Sirmium
The Monthly Novena to the Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague
There are two standard Novenas to the Infant Jesus of Prague – the one we will use below and the other for the Feast on 2 January. The Monthly Novena attracts Indulgences (see Note below).
“The more you honour Me, the more I will bless you.”
Infant Jesus, Physician of the Sick: In the month of July, 1639, Countess Elizabeth Kolowrat, nee Baroness von Lobkowitz, fell dangerously ill at Prague. Her sufferings became daily more intense and finally she entirely lost her hearing and speech. Physicians declared her case hopeless and death seemed imminent. But her husband, a devout worshiper of the Divine Infant, begged Father Cyrillus to bring the blessed Statue to the bedside of his dying wife. The Priest held the Statue before the agonising woman, who, unable to utter a word, kissed it rever-ently and, in her heart promised to show her gratitude publicly if she would obtain relief. After blessing the sick woman Father Cyrlllus returned to the Monastery, leaving the Statue at her bedside. A few moments after his departure the Countess suddenly revived, her speech and hearing were restored, and in a few days her health had been completely regained. The happy and grateful lady was not unmindful of her promise to the Divine Infant. She presented Him with a golden crown, which, even to this present day, adorns the statue. Her husband, on his part, became a generous benefactor of the Carmelites throughout his life, and after his death left to the merciful Deliverer of his wife a silver lamp and a valuable shrine. Soon after her recovery the Countess wished to accompany her husband to his country seat but the horses would not move from the spot. Finally she recalled that the Statue of the Holy Infant was still in her house. Only after she had sent the image back to the Monastery, could they proceed.
The Infant’s Patronage is especially sought for: vocations, good health, financial issues, a holy family life, schools, the welfare of children, freedom and peace, the missions and safety in travel.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory, for my own salvation and that of the whole world, the Mystery of the Birth of our Divine Saviour. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the sufferings of the most holy Virgin and of St Joseph, in that long and weary journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. I offer Thee the sorrow of their hearts when they found no place wherein to shelter themselves, when the Saviour of the world was born. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the sufferings of Jesus in the stable where He was born, the cold He endured, the swaddling clothes which bound Him, the tears He shed and His tender Infant cries. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the pain which the Holy Child Jesus felt in His tender body, when He submitted to circumcision. I offer Thee that Precious Blood which then, for the first time He shed for the salvation of the whole humanrace. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the humility, mortification, patience, charity, all the virtues of the Child Jesus and I thank Thee and I love Thee and I bless Thee without end, for the ineffable Mystery of the Incarnation of the Divine Word. Glory be to the Father, etc.
The Word was made Flesh, And dwelt among us.
LET US PRAY O God, Whose Only-begotten Son was made manifest to us in the substance of our flesh, grant, we beseech Thee, that through Him, Whom we acknowledge to be like unto ourselves, our souls may be inwardly renewed. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee forever and ever. Amen.
7 years Indulgence each day, if the above prayers are recited on the 9 days preceding the 25th of any month. Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions, when the Novena is completed. (125)
Thought for the Day – 24 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
A Christmas Novena IX The Holy Family – Joseph
“The third member of the Holy Family is St Joseph, the most just of men, faithful to his vocation as the foster-father of the Child Jesus and chaste spouse o the Blessed Virgin Mary. Let us imitate his purity, his utter dedication to the service of God and his burning love for Jesus, Whom he was privileged to clasp to his breast before any other man. Let us ask him to obtain for us the grace to be able to imitate him in his life so that we may also imitate him in his holy death. May he, who died with Jesus and Mary by his side, obtain peace for us in our final agony, so that we may expire with the names of Jesus and Mary on our lips and in our hearts.”
Quote/s of the Day – 24 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
“Awake, mankind! For your sake God has become man. Awake, you who sleep, rise up from the dead and Christ will enlighten you. I tell you again, for your sake, God became man.”
St Augustine 354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church
“Sadness should have no place on the birthday of Life! The fear of death has been swallowed up; Life brings us joy, with the promise of eternal happiness. No-one is shut out from this joy; all share the same reason for rejoicing. Our Lord, Victor over sin and death, finding no man free from sin, came to free us all!”
St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father and Doctor of the Church
“O Father, in Thy Truth (that is to say, in Thy Son, humbled, needy and homeless) Thou haste humbled me. He was humbled in the womb of the Virgin, needy in the manger of the sheep and homeless on the wood of the Cross. Nothing so humbles the proud sinner as the humility of Jesus Christ’s humanity!”
St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Doctor of the Church
“Let us consider the Eternal Father’s goodness. Had He so desired, He could have created His Son’s humanity as He did that of our first parents, or even given Him an angelic nature, for it was in His power to do so. Had He willed to do so, Our Lord would not have been of our nature. We would not then have had any alliance with Him. But His goodness was such, that He made Himself our brother, in order that He might, both give us an example [Rom 8:29; Heb 2:11-17] and render us sharers in His glory. It was for this reason that He willed to be of Abraham’s seed, for the most holy Virgin was indeed, of Abraham’s race, for it is said of her: Abraham and his seed. [Lk 1:55; Rom 1:3; Gal 3:16].”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 24 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ – Romans 1:1-6, Matthew 1:18-21 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Behold, the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep …” – Matthew 1:20
REFLECTION – “How faithful in humility was the great Saint we are celebrating! That cannot be said in all its perfection for, in spite of what he was, in what poverty and lowliness he lived, all the days of his life – a poverty and lowliness beneath which. he kept hidden and concealed, his great virtues and dignity! … Truly, I am free of doubt that the Angels came, beside themselves with admiration, rank upon rank, to behold and wonder at his humility, while he sheltered that dearest Child in the poor workshop where he worked at his employment, so as to feed the little Boy and the mother entrusted to him.
There is no doubt at all that St Joseph was braver than David and wiser that Solomon [who were his ancestors]. Nevertheless, seeing him reduced to the exercise of carpentry, who could have discerned this, unless they were enlightened by a heavenly light, so hidden did he keep the remarkable gifts with which God had favoured him? And what wisdom did he not have? For God gave him his most glorious Son to care for … the universal Prince of Heaven and earth … Nevertheless, you can see how low and humbled he was brought, more than can be said or imagined … he went to his own Country and Town of Bethlehem and none but he was turned away from all those inns … Notice how the Angel turns him about with both hands. He tells him he has to go to Egypt and he goes; he orders him to return and he returns. God wants him to be always poor … and he submits to it with love and, not only for a while, for he was poor his whole life long!” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church (Conferences No 20)
PRAYER – O God, Thou Who gladden us, year after year, with the expectation of our redemption, grant that we, who now welcome with joy Thy Only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, may also gaze upon Him without fear when He comes as our Judge, our Lord Jesus Christ. 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).
Saint of the Day – 24 December – Saint Delphinus of Bordeaux (Died 403) the 2nd Bishop of Bordeaux, Defender of the True Faith, friend of St Ambrose and St Venerius of Milan. He was also instrumental in the conversion of the great St Paulinus of Nola, becoming his spiritual father and teacher. Also known as – Delfinus, Delphin.
We know little about his origins and early career but in 380 he became the 2nd Bishop of Bordeaux (380-403) after Orientalis, who attended the Council of Arles in 314.
The first we hear of Delphinus is when he attended the Synod of Saragossa in 380, where the Priscillianists and other heretics were condemned. This heresy argued that the renunciation of marriage and the acceptance of asceticism were prerequisites for following Christ.
Delphinus later assembled a Council at Bordeaux, his Episcopal City, whose assembly also condemned the same errors. Such was the force and zealous preaching of the Bishop of Bordeaux, against those who propagated this heresy in his territory that it undermined their influence entirely and they soon abandoned the region for Italy.
Delfinus seems in his time to have had a very great prestige which went beyond the boundaries of his own Diocese. He was a close friend of the old Bishop Febadius of Agen and had a regular correspondence with St Ambrose of Milan, who valued highly his correspondence with Delphinus. He was also a friend of Saint Venerius of Milan and Ordained Saint Amandus , who was to succeed him as Bishop of Bordeaux (404-410; 420-c431).
Delphinus had a great influence on Pontius Meropius Anicius Paulinus, who became the wonderful St Paulinus of Nola . Paulinus’ conversion was due in a large part to his wife and Bishop Delphinus, who baptised him in 388 and inspired in him, the desire to live a life of perfection. In several letters, St Paulinus speaks of St Delphinus as his father and his master. Five of Paulinus’ letters, to his spiritual father, were preserved for many years and testify to the great opinion and respect he had for Delphinus. The correspondence has now disappeared.
The Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Midnight Mass is the first liturgy of Christmastide which is celebrated on the night of Christmas Eve, traditionally beginning at midnight when Christmas Eve gives way to Christmas Day. This popular Christmas custom is a jubilant celebration of the Mass in honour of the Nativity of Jesus Christ.
Saint Thomas Aquinas wrote a commentary on these words and explained in his Summa Theologiae, “And from this ,the Mass derives its name … the deacon on festival days ‘dismisses’ the people at the end of the Mass, by saying: ‘Ite, missa est,’ that is, the Victim [Jesus] has been sent to God through the Angel, so that it may be accepted by God.”
St Adam the Patriarch St Adela of Pfalzel Bl Alberic of Gladbach Bl Brocard of Strasbourg St Bruno of Ottobeuren St Caran of Scotland St Delphinus of Bordeaux (Died 403) Bishop
St Euthymius of Nicomedia St Eve the Matriarch Bl Francesco dei Maleficii St Gregory of Spoleto
St Irmina of Oehren (Died c716) Virgin Princess, Nun, Abbess, Founder and Co-founder of 2 Monasteries, benefactress of St Willibrord, the great Missionary Saint of Germany. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Trier in Austrasia, in Germany, Saint Irmina, Abbess of the Monastery of Öhren, who, a virgin consecrated to God, gave Saint Willibrord a small Monastery she founded in her villa in Echternach and was a generous giver of her goods.” Her Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/24/saint-of-the-day-24-december-saint-irmina-of-oehren-died-c-716/
St Mochua of Timahoe Bl Peter de Solanes
St Trasilla (Sixth Century) Virgin, Aunt of Saint Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, the birthday of the holy Virgin, Trasilla, Aunt of St Gregory, Pope, who writs of her that at the hour of her death, she saw Jesus coming to her.” St Trasilla’s Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/24/saint-of-the-day-24-december-st-trasilla-sixth-century-virgin/ Bl Venerandus of Clermont
Blessed Mercedarian Brother: Blessed Dionysius Roneo Blessed Philip Claro Blessed Giulio Pons Blessed Peter of Valladolid
Blessed Mercedarian Sisters: Blessed Anna Maria Prieto Blessed Anna de Arrano Blessed Orsola de Larisgoizia Blessed Maguna Mary Blessed Margaret Blessed Mary of the Assumption Sarria
Martyred Maidens of Antioch – 40 Saints: A group of forty Virgins Martyred in the persecutions of Decius. None of their names have come down to us. They were martyred in 250 in Antioch, Syria.
Martyrs of Tripoli – 6 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together, date unknown. The only details that have survived are six of the names – Drusus, Lucian, Metrobius, Paul, Theotimus and Zenobius. They were martyred in Tripoli, Libya.
The Monthly Novena to the Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague
There are two standard Novenas to the Infant Jesus of Prague – the one we will use below and the other for the Feast on 2 January. The Monthly Novena attracts Indulgences (see Note below).
“The more you honour Me, the more I will bless you.”
Meanwhile, new afflictions visited the community. A pestilence broke out in the City. The prior, too, became dangerously ill. When his attention was called to the Divine Infant, he vowed to say Holy Mass before the image for nine successive days. He at once felt relief and in a few days was completely restored to health. He fulfilled the vow, assigned a separate cell to the Statue and from that time forward became a fervent promoter of veneration of the Miraculous Infant.
The Infant’s Patronage is especially sought for: vocations, good health, financial issues, a holy family life, schools, the welfare of children, freedom and peace, the missions and safety in travel.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory, for my own salvation and that of the whole world, the Mystery of the Birth of our Divine Saviour. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the sufferings of the most holy Virgin and of St Joseph, in that long and weary journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. I offer Thee the sorrow of their hearts when they found no place wherein to shelter themselves, when the Saviour of the world was born. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the sufferings of Jesus in the stable where He was born, the cold He endured, the swaddling clothes which bound Him, the tears He shed and His tender Infant cries. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the pain which the Holy Child Jesus felt in His tender body, when He submitted to circumcision. I offer Thee that Precious Blood which then, for the first time He shed for the salvation of the whole humanrace. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the humility, mortification, patience, charity, all the virtues of the Child Jesus and I thank Thee and I love Thee and I bless Thee without end, for the ineffable Mystery of the Incarnation of the Divine Word. Glory be to the Father, etc.
The Word was made Flesh, And dwelt among us.
LET US PRAY O God, Whose Only-begotten Son was made manifest to us in the substance of our flesh, grant, we beseech Thee, that through Him, Whom we acknowledge to be like unto ourselves, our souls may be inwardly renewed. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee forever and ever. Amen.
7 years Indulgence each day, if the above prayers are recited on the 9 days preceding the 25th of any month. Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions, when the Novena is completed. (125)
Thought for the Day – 23 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
A Christmas Novena VIII What Jesus Wants From Us
“There is one last thing which the Infant Jesus requires of each of us. No-one else can know what it is but we know well what He wants. There is bound to be some resolution which we have formed many times in the past but, have never properly fulfilled because it cost us too much. Let us not refuse Jesus this sacrifice, for He has loved us so much that he has sacrificed Himself entirely for us. As a result of this meditation, let us, at last, put this resolution into effect, with generosity and firmness.”
Quote/s of the Day – 23 December – Ember Saturday of Advent – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Luke 3:1-6 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Prepare the way of the Lord” Luke 3:4
“I speak out in order to lead Him into your hearts but He does not choose to come where I lead Him, unless you prepare the way for Him.”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church
“He came from Him, from Whom He did not depart, going forth from Him, with Whom He stayed, so that without intermission, He was wholly in eternity, wholly in time, wholly was He found in the Father when wholly in the Virgin, wholly in His own Majesty and in His Father’s, at the time when He was wholly in our humanity. ”
St Amadeus of Lausanne (1110-1159)
O God, We Love Thee Prayer inspired by St Louis’ Last Instructions to his Eldest Son, Philip (Perhaps Philip prayed thus)
O God, we love Thee. We wish to do nothing to displease Thee. If we have troubles, let us thank Thee. If we do not, we also humbly thank Thee. Let us pray diligently and be compassionate and generous to the poor. May we hold fast all that is good and all that is bad, discard. We thank Thee for friends, who help us bear our burdens and help us grow in holiness. Let us turn away from calumniators and slanderers and lend a willing ear to those who speak of God. Let us always do what is right and just for those we serve and promote peace among our neighbours. Let us be quick to defend our Faith. O Holy Lord, all Thy holy Saints, defend us from all evils. Grant us Thy grace to fulfil always, Thy Holy Will, so that Thou may be glorified and honoured and so we may be with Thee forever. Amen
St Louis IX (1214-1270) Confessor, King of France
“For the sake of obtaining that eternal life, no works of piety, ought to seem too difficult to a true believer, no toil too heavy, no pain too bitter, no time spent in labour and suffering, too long or too wearisome. For, if nothing is sweeter, or more desirable, than this present life which is so full of calamities, how much more desirable, must that other life be deemed which is so far removed from all sense of evil, or fear of it, which will, in every conceivable way, always abound in the unspeakable and unending joys, delight and happiness of Heaven.”
St Peter Canisius SJ (1521-1597) Confessor, Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 23 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Ember Saturday of Advent – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Luke 3:1-6 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The voice of one crying in the desert, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, make straight His paths.‘” – Luke 3:4
REFLECTION – “Brethren, we prepare the way of the Lord, as we are bidden to do, by walking along it and, we can walk along it only, by preparing it. However far you journey along it, the way is always waiting to be prepared, so that you must start afresh, from the place you have reached and advance along what lies ahead. You are led to do so because, at every stage, you meet the Lord for Whose Coming you are preparing the way and, each time you see Him in a completely new manner and as a much greater figure than you have met before. The just man has the right prayer when he says: “Set your way which justifies as a law for me, Lord and I will always seek after it.” (Ps 118:33).It is, therefore, eternal life which is probably meant because, although a man can study his route, with foresight and determine just how far he can go, from the very nature of goodness, there is no limit to the way along which you travel. And so, when the wise and indefatigable traveller has reached his goal, he will begin again, forgetting, that is, what lies behind him, so that each day he can say to himself: “Now I begin!” (Phil 3:13; Ps 76:11) …
But, if only we, who speak of the course of this way, could understand, even the beginning of it. As far as I can see, a man who has begun, has already gone far, provided he begins properly and “finds the way to the inhabitable city” (Ps 106:4). “How few there are,” Truth says, “who find it” (Mt 7:14). And how many “go astray in the wilderness!” …
O Lord, Thou have laid down guide-lines for us, if only we would walk properly according to them. Thou have laid down a law for us, the way of Thy statutes, through Him Whom Thou have given as the Legislator of this holy way of life. “This is the way,” Thou says, “walk along it, swerving neither to the right, nor to the left” (Is 30:21). Clearly this is the way the Prophet had promised: “A straight way for us, so that no fool can wander from it” (Is 35:8). I was young once, I am now old (Ps 36:25) and if I remember rightly, I have not seen a foolish man go astray because of it, though I have hardly seen any wise man, able to keep straight along it.” – Blessed Guerric of Igny (c1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot (5th sermon for Advent).
PRAYER – O God, Who, by the message of an Angel, willed to take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant that we, Thy suppliants, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with Thee. Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Saint of the Day – 23 December – Saint Besa of Egypt (5th Century) Abbot, a wise, compassionate and effective administrator, shepherd of the surrounding peoples Besa was the Senior Abbot of more than one double Monastery in the desert region of Thebes. Also known as – Wissa, Bêsa.
Besa became a Monk in the double Monastery of Dair al-Abiad in the Thebes region, later known as “The White Monastery” under the great Abbot St Sinuthius, who is said to have led the Monastery for 83 years before he died around the year 450 or possibly as late as around 466. He was then, according to tradition, 118 years old. Besa took over as Abbot and he immediately wrote St Sinuthius’ Vita.
Monks praying
In the 4th Century, Monasticism in Egypt was threatened by rebellious Monks and the peasant population received no religious education. But Besa preserved the legacy of a harmonious communal life among both Monks and Nuns. As an Abbot, he has been underestimated and has been overshadowed by the great St Sinuthius. But when one studies his character, his writings and exhortations and his administration – both of the White Monastery and the world outside (that is, neighbouring villages, Deacons and Clergy), one will see the same Besa – a light on top of the mountain of Monasticism.
He was powerful in character and had a deep sense of duty. His love of Sacred Scripture, shows the great emphasis he placed on moral thinking and spiritual reproof. For example, Besa did not hesitate to write a reprimanding letter to the Nun Aftonia (Aphthonia), who was the daughter of Count Alexandros. He must have been not only strong in character but also wise, for he dealt with such problems as theft, the reluctance of Monks and Nuns to renounce property and the reluctance to separate from the world (such things as receiving material gifts and leaving the Monastery without permission). In addition, many of his brothers did not agree with his open penal system. Despite this disagreement, he did not change his mind and he quoted the Scriptures to support his view, especially 1 Tim 5:20: “Those who sin, you must rebuke in the presence of everyone for the fear and warning of others.” His firm attitude in favour of the Gospel, kept the Monasteries alive in such trying times.
Image is a depiction of St Anthony Abbot
His writings also show his forceful character. His exhortations were passionate, especially when addressing a specific problem. His writings overflow with Scriptural quotations, sometime,s to such an extent that his own words became difficult to distinguish. Besa also shows, through his writings, the compassion and love he had for his Monks and Nuns. A pattern in his letters to those who had broken the rules of the Monastery, is that he never ceased to encourage his “sons and daughters” with hope and love at the end of each letter.
Besa was not only firm in character and compassionate in his heart, he was also a wise administrator. He wrote to neighbouring villages which shows that he had pastoral responsibility for them. He also opened the Monastery’s gates and resources, when a famine struck Egypt and forced 6,000 refugees to seek shelter. It is possible that he was the same “Apa Besa” who had a conversation with the Emperor Zeno (474-491), according to a fragment in the British Museum. The monastic community continued to play a central role in the outside world thanks to Besa.
With 4,000 Monks and Nuns under his care (2,200 Monks and 1,800 Nuns – in a few different locations) he cannot have been a weak figure. Many people of different financial and social status took monastic vows. With his wisdom and the experience he had gained from serving under St Sinuthius, Besa handled all the problems and needs which arose among his sons and daughters. His continuous exhortations helped those Monks who were weak to stand firm in their faith. St Sinuthius would not have left his life’s work to a man who was incapable of the many traits needed by an Abbot of such a huge community.
Besa wrote his biography of his predecessor St Sinuthius shortly after his death. It was written in Sahidic Coptic but only the Bohairic translation survived intact in a 9th Century manuscript. Some Sahidic fragments have been identified and published. There is also an extended version preserved in Arabic and a version similar to the Bohairic, is preserved in Ethiopic.
St Ivo of Chartres (c1040-1115) Bishop of Chartres, France from 1090 until his death, Confessor, Reformer, Defender of the Faith, Lawyer, Canon Lawyer, Teacher and Theologian, Writer. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Chartres in France, Saint Ivo, Bishop, who re-established the Order of the Canons and did much work and wrote to promote harmony between the clergy and the civil powers and for the good of the Church.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-saint-ivo-of-chartres-c-1040-1115/
St John Cirita St John Stone St Mardonius of Rome St Mazota of Abernethy St Migdonius of Rome
St Servulus (Died c 590) Layman, Beggar, paralysed by Palsy from birth. Saint Servulus was a perfect model of submission to the divine Will; it would be difficult to offer a more consoling example to persons afflicted by poverty, illnesses and the other miseries of life. It is Saint Gregory the Great who narrates for us his edifying story. St Servulus’ Life of devotion: https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/23/saint-of-the-day-23-december-saint-servulus-died-c-590/
Martyrs of Crete – 10 Saints: A group of ten Christians who died in the persecutions of Decius. They were – Agathopus • Basilides • Cleomenes • Eunician • Euporus • Evaristus • Gelasius • Saturninus • Theodulus • Zeticus They were martyred in 250 on the island of Crete.
The Monthly Novena to the Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague
There are two standard Novenas to the Infant Jesus of Prague – the one we will use below and the other for the Feast on 2 January. The Monthly Novena attracts Indulgences (see Note below).
“The more you honour Me, the more I will bless you.”
Disturbances in Bohemia due to the Thirty Years’ War brought an end to the special devotions and on 15 November 1631 the army of King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden took possession of Bohemia’s Capital City. The Carmelite Friary was plundered and the image of the Infant of Prague was thrown into a pile of rubbish behind the Altar. Here it lay forgotten for seven years, its hands broken off, until in 1637, it was found again by Father Cyrillus and placed in the Church’s oratory. One day, while praying before the Statue, Cyrillus heard a voice say,
“Have pity on Me and I will have pity on you. Give Me my hands and I will give you peace. The more you honour Me, the more I will bless you.”
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory, for my own salvation and that of the whole world, the Mystery of the Birth of our Divine Saviour. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the sufferings of the most holy Virgin and of St Joseph, in that long and weary journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. I offer Thee the sorrow of their hearts when they found no place wherein to shelter themselves, when the Saviour of the world was born. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the sufferings of Jesus in the stable where He was born, the cold He endured, the swaddling clothes which bound Him, the tears He shed and His tender Infant cries. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the pain which the Holy Child Jesus felt in His tender body, when He submitted to circumcision. I offer Thee that Precious Blood which then, for the first time He shed for the salvation of the whole humanrace. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the humility, mortification, patience, charity, all the virtues of the Child Jesus and I thank Thee and I love Thee and I bless Thee without end, for the ineffable Mystery of the Incarnation of the Divine Word. Glory be to the Father, etc.
The Word was made Flesh, And dwelt among us.
LET US PRAY O God, Whose Only-begotten Son was made manifest to us in the substance of our flesh, grant, we beseech Thee, that through Him, Whom we acknowledge to be like unto ourselves, our souls may be inwardly renewed. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee forever and ever. Amen.
7 years Indulgence each day, if the above prayers are recited on the 9 days preceding the 25th of any month. Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions, when the Novena is completed. (125)
Thought for the Day – 22 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
A Christmas Novena VII Prayer and Dedication
“As we kneel before the Infant Jesus, let us beseech Him to enable us to grasp the truth of these reflections. Let us take more care of our soul than we do, as of our external talents and possessions. May God occupy the foremost place in our minds and may He be the principal object of our thoughts, desires and affections.
Let us imitate the humble recollection and ardent love for God, of the Holy Infant. Like Him, let us offer ourselves entirely to God. Let us ask Him to make us like Himself, in complete acceptance of the Divine Will, especially when we are in trouble or in pain, for in this way, we shall be able to show God how sincerely we love Him.”
One Minute Reflection – 22 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Friday of Ember Week in Advent – Isaias 11:1-5; Luke 1:39-47 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.”- Luke 1:46-47
REFLECTION – “When a man devotes all his thoughts to the praise and service of the Lord, he proclaims God’s greatness. His observance of God’s commands, moreover, shows that he has God’s power and greatness always at heart. His spirit rejoices in God his Saviour and delights in the mere recollection of his Creator Who gives him hope for eternal salvation.
These words are offered for all God’s creations but especially for the Mother of God. She alone was chosen and she burned with spiritual love for the Son she so joyously conceived. Above all other Saints, she alone could truly rejoice in Jesus, her Saviour, for she knew that He, Who was the source of eternal salvation, would be born, in time, in her body, in one person both her own Son and her Lord.
Therefore, it is an excellent and fruitful custom of holy Church that we should sing Mary’s hymn at the time of evening prayer. By meditating upon the Incarnation, our devotion is kindled and, by remembering the example of God’s Mother, we are encouraged to lead a life of virtue. Such virtues are best achieved in the evening. We are weary after the day’s work and worn out by our distractions. The time for rest is near and our minds are ready for contemplation.” – St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Father & Doctor of the Church
PRAYER – O God, Who, by the message of an Angel, willed to take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant that we, Thy suppliants, who believe her to be truly the Mother of God, maybe helped by her intercession with Thee.TThrough 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 – 22 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – The Third Week of Advent
Hark, a Herald Voice Is Sounding Vox Clare Unknown Author – 5th or 6th Century Trans: Fr Edward Caswall C.Orat. (1814-1878)
Hark! A herald voice is sounding! “Christ is near,” we hear it say. Cast away the works of darkness, all you children of the day!”
2 See, the Lamb, so long expected, comes with pardon down from Heav’n. Let us haste, with tears of sorrow, one and all, to be forgiv’n.
3 So, when next He comes in glory and the world is wrapped in fear, He will shield us with His mercy and with words of love draw near.
4 Honour, glory, might, dominion to the Father and the Son with the everlasting Spirit while eternal ages run! Amen
Saint of the Day – 22 December – Saint Zeno of Nicomedia (Died 303) Martyr, Roman Commander. In the persecutions of Diocletian, Zeno died, after many tortures, by beheading in Nicomedia, Bithynia (modern Izmit, Turkey). Also known as – Zenon, Zinon. Additional Memorial – 28 December as one of the 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Nicomedia, St Zeno, soldier, who derided Diocletian for sacrificing to Ceres, wherefore, he had his jawbone fractured, his teeth plucked out and his head struck off.”
Zeno was a Roman soldier who lived in Nicomedia in Bithynia in Asia Minor (today Izmit in Turkey). In this City the Roman Emperors had one of their favourite residences. The Emperor, at that time, was Diocletian (284-305), who goes down in history as the most bloodthirsty of the Christian persecutors. The last great persecution which Diocletian launched in February 303, was particularly virulent in this part of the Empire.
The renowned Bishop and Church historian, St Eusebius of Caesarea (c260-340) tells in his Church History (Historia Ecclesiastica), how the persecutions began. Emperor Diocletian issued an Edict on 24 February 303 ordering the destruction of all Churches and holy books. Shortly after the promulgation of the Edict, a fire broke out in the Imperial Palace in Nicomedia, for which the local Christians were blamed. The cause of the fire was undoubtedly a poorly extinguished light or a spark from the kitchen. But it was an eargerly awaited pretext to accuse the Christians leading the Emperor to order a fierce persecution. {Eusebius, Historia Ecclesiastica VIII 6, 13}
St Eusebius writes that a zealous Christian tore down the Imperial Edict, and from then on the Christian Priests were ordered to offer incense to the pagan gods, whenever they appeared in public. In 303, the City’s holy Bishop, Anthimos refused to sacrifice and was beheaded. A great many Christians were executed on the Emperor’s orders when the persecutions were extended tothe laity. Many who dcould not escape were burned alive, while some were thrown into the sea, some were beheaded and some were buried alive. 20,000 Christians were burned alive inside a Church on Christmas Day 303.
Zeno was the Commander of a Regiment and bravely condemned the conduct of the Emperor Diocletian in full public view and, he laughed, in the Name of God, when the Emperor sacrificed to the Roman god Ceres. He was oimmediately arrested on the Emperor’s order and had his teeth knocked out and his jaw crushed with stones, before he was beheaded.
St Abban of New Ross Bl Adam of Saxony St Amaswinthus of Málaga St Athernaise of Fife St Bertheid of Münster St Chaeremon of Nilopolis
St Flavian of Acquapendente (Died 363) Martyr Layman, Prefect of Imperial Rome, Husband of Saint Dafrosa, Father of Saint Bibiana and Saint Demetria. The Roman Martyrology states: “At Rome, ex-Prefect, who, under Julian the Apostate, was condemned to be branded for Christ and banished to Aquae Taurinae, where he gave up his soul to God in prayer.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-saint-flavian-of-acquapendente-died-363-martyr/
Blessed Thomas Holland SJ (1600-1642) Priest of the Society of Jesus and Martyr. of England and Wales. With eyes closed in prayer, Fr Holland looked at a Priest secretly in the crowd and received absolution. After he was hanged, his body was beheaded and quartered and exposed on London Bridge. Fr Holland was only forty-two years of age and a Jesuit for eighteen years. Pope Pius XI Beatified him on 15 December 1929. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/22/saint-of-the-day-22-december-blessed-thomas-holland-sj-1600-1642-priest-and-martyr-his-faith-was-his-crime/
St Zeno of Nicomedia (Died c303) Martyr, Roman Commander
Martyrs of Ostia – 3 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together. The only details about them to survive are three names – Demetrius, Florus and Honoratus. They were martyred at Ostia, Italy.
Martyrs of Rhaitu – 43 Saints: 43 Monks Martyred by Blemmyes, in Raíthu, Egypt, date unknown.
Martyrs of Via Lavicana – 30 Saints: A group of 30 Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. Died in c 303 in Rome, Italy and were buried between two bay trees on the Via Lavicana outside Rome.
The Monthly Novena to the Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague
There are two standard Novenas to the Infant Jesus of Prague – the one we will use below and the other for the Feast on 2 January. The Monthly Novena attracts Indulgences (see Note below).
“The more you honour Me, the more I will bless you.”
Devotion of the Saints to the Holy Infant: St Therese of the Child Jesus, as her very name proclaims, cherished a tender devotion to the Divine Infant and loved to imagine herself as His plaything, to be treated as He willed.
This Statue became a source of great blessing to the poor Franciscan Nuns and the devotion to the Infant has been zealously fostered by them to this day.
The Infant’s Patronage is especially sought for: vocations, good health, financial issues, a holy family life, schools, the welfare of children, freedom and peace, the missions and safety in travel.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory, for my own salvation and that of the whole world, the Mystery of the Birth of our Divine Saviour. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the sufferings of the most holy Virgin and of St Joseph, in that long and weary journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. I offer Thee the sorrow of their hearts when they found no place wherein to shelter themselves, when the Saviour of the world was born. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the sufferings of Jesus in the stable where He was born, the cold He endured, the swaddling clothes which bound Him, the tears He shed and His tender Infant cries. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the pain which the Holy Child Jesus felt in His tender body, when He submitted to circumcision. I offer Thee that Precious Blood which then, for the first time He shed for the salvation of the whole humanrace. Glory be to the Father, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer to Thy honour and glory and for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the humility, mortification, patience, charity, all the virtues of the Child Jesus and I thank Thee and I love Thee and I bless Thee without end, for the ineffable Mystery of the Incarnation of the Divine Word. Glory be to the Father, etc.
The Word was made Flesh, And dwelt among us.
LET US PRAY O God, Whose Only-begotten Son was made manifest to us in the substance of our flesh, grant, we beseech Thee, that through Him, Whom we acknowledge to be like unto ourselves, our souls may be inwardly renewed. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee forever and ever. Amen.
7 years Indulgence each day, if the above prayers are recited on the 9 days preceding the 25th of any month. Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions, when the Novena is completed. (125)
Thought for the Day – 21 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
A Christmas Novena VI The Silence of the Divine Infant
“Let us kneel in spirit before the Holy Infant. He is silent but His heart beats with love for His heavenly Father and for the afflicted human race which He has come to redeem. Let us adore God in the Mystery of His silence and let us ask Him to favour us with His inspirations and graces. Let us ask Him to teach us to be like Him, so that our Hearts may be closed to the vain attractions of the world and open to the influence of the supernatural. Let us ask Him to help us to employ the gifts of speech, in order to adore, praise and thank God and to draw down His blessings upon ourselves and oupon our fellowmen.
May the words which we utter exercise a prayerful and fruitful apostolate, for it was chiefly for this purpose that God endowed us with the gift of speech.”
Quote/s of the Day – 21 December – Feast of St Thomas, Apostle of Christ – Ephesians 2:19-22; John 20:24-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Blessed are they who have not seen and yet, have believed.”
John 20:29
“Who is he who overcomes the world? but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”
St Ignatius of Antioch (c35–c107) Bishop, Martyr, Apostolic Father
“Let us detach ourselves in spirit from all that we see and cling to that which we believe. This is the Cross which we must imprint on all our daily actions and behaviour.”
St Peter Damian (1007-1072) Doctor of the Church
“If we wish to make any progress in the service of God, we must begin everyday of our life, with new eagerness. We must keep ourselves, in the presence of God, as much as possible and have no other view or end, in all our actions but the Divine honour.”
St Charles Borromeo (1538-1584)
“The very prince of the universe, is man; the crowning point of man, is his heart; of the heart, is love and the perfection of love, is charity. That is why the love of God is the goal, the crowning point, the be-all and end-all of the universe.”
AnaStpaul 
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