Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 17 December – Saint Begga of Ardenne (c613-693) Widow,

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 17 December – Saint Begga of Ardenne (c613-693) Widow, Mother of 3 children, Founder of Churches and a Monastery of which she became the first Abbess. Patronages – Ardenne, against stuttering and of stutterers. Also known as – Begue, Bège, Beghe, Begge.

The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Ardenne, at the Seven Churches, St Begga Widow, sister of St Gertrude of Nivelles.”

Artwork of St Begga as Abbess and protector of her Monastery by Jan Verhoeven 1642-1676

Begga was a daughter of the nobles St Pepin of Landen (Died 639) and Saint Iduberga (Died 652). Her sister is the famous Saint Gertrude of Nivelles (Died 659; Feast 17 March). She married Ansegisus, who was the son of Saint Arnold of Metz (Died 641). Their son, Pepin of Herstal (Died 714), would become the ancestor of the Carolingians; he, in turn, was the father of Charles Martel (Died 741), the grandfather of Charlemagne.

Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) St Ansegisus and his wife St Begga

After the death of her husband, Begga decided to put her life and her possessions at the service of God. She then made a pilgrimage to Rome. to pray at the Shrines, mostly especially visiting the Seven Pilgrim Churches and after her return, she built seven Churches in the Town of Andenne aan de Maas, in imitation of them. In 691, Begga founded a Monastery at one of these Churches. She led it as Abbess until her death.

Begga is the Patron Saint of the Town of Ardenne and she is also the Patron Saint of stutterers and against stuttering (because her name resembles the French word ‘bègues = stutterers’).

In art she is depicted as a Queen (sometimes with three crowns); as Abbess, often holding seven Churches or a Church with seven towers.

The Collegiate Church of Andenne later grew from the seven Churches (or Chapels). Not far from there flowed a spring – it is called ‘Fountain of Sinte Begga’ after her. Its water is miraculously hot in winter and cold in summer.

Fountain of Sinte Begga

Special Note: There are two Saints named Gertrude, one called “the Great” and the other from Nivelles.
They are often confused, especially since they were both Nuns and appeared quite alike.
However, they lived more than 600 years apart – St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302) born in Germany not too far from the Belgium of St Gertrude of Nivelles (626-659). The latter often has a special symbol in artworks, that of the mouse on her staff.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, NOVENAS, SAINT of the DAY

Gaudete Sunday – The Third Sunday of Advent, The Second Day of the Christmas Novenas / Our Lady of the Earthquake, Basilicata, Italy (1857)and Memorials of the Saints – 17 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus
By St Alphonsus – The Second Day:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/17/christmas-novena-to-the-divine-infant-jesus-by-st-alphonsus-the-secvond-day-17-december/

The Monthly Novena to the Infant of Prague
The Second Day

Gaudete Sunday – The Third Sunday of Advent

Madonna del Terremoto (Madonna del Carmine) / Our Lady of the Earthquake, Paterno, Potenza, Basilicata, Italy (1857) – 17 December. (As Patron-Our Lady of Carmel – 26 July):
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/17/christmas-novena-ember-day-madonna-del-terremoto-madonna-del-carmine-our-lady-of-the-earthquake-paterno-potenza-basilicata-italy-1857-and-memorials-of-the-saints-17-december/

St Lazarus of Bethany (1st Century) Friend amd Disciple of Jesus, raised to life by Jesus after having been in his tomb for 4 days, brother of Sts Martha and Mary of Bethany, Bishop of Marseilles, France, , Martyr, Missionary. Died by being beheaded in the 1st century in a cave near Marseilles, France.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-saint-lazarus-of-bethany-1st-century-friend-amd-disciple-of-jesus/
https://youtu.be/2lKQxnddtc0?list=PL5_ax08Z6UX_mLioFoTdw7kxsvLEwe9s5

St Begga of Ardenne (c613-693) Widow
St Briarch of Bourbriac
St Judicaël
St Maxentiolus
St Modestus of Jerusalem

St Olympias of Constantinople (c 361-365 – 408) Childless Widow, Deaconess, friend of St John Chrysostom, Apostle of charity and Founder of a Convent, hospital and an orphanage, Defender of the true faith.
About St Olympias:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-st-olympias-of-constantinople-c-361-365-408/

Bl Peter of Spain

St Sturmi of Fulda OSB (c 705-779) Priest, Monk, Missionary, disciple of Saint Boniface and Founder and first Abbot of the Benedictine Monastery and Abbey of Fulda. Known as “The Apostle of the Saxons,” “The Apostle of Germany.”
About St Sturmi:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-saint-sturmi-of-fulda-c-705-779/

St Tydecho

St Wivina (1103-c 1170) Virgin, Abbess
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/17/saint-of-the-day-17-december-saint-wivina-1103-c-1170-virgin-abbess/

St Yolanda

Martyrs of Eleutheropolis – (60+ Martyrs-Beati): Approximately 60 Christian soldiers in the imperial Roman army of emperor Heraclius; they were murdered as a group for their faith by invading Saracen Muslims. We know the names of two of them – Calaoicus and Florian. 638 in Eleutheropolis (Beit Jibrin), Palestine.

Posted in ADVENT PRAYERS, NOVENAS, The DIVINE INFANT

The Monthly Novena to the Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague – The First Day – 16 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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.”

So many graces have been received by those who invoke the Divine Child before the original Statue that it has been called “The Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague.” We read the following in an old book printed in Kempt in Canada: “All who approach the miraculous Statue and pray there with confidence, receive assistance in danger, consolation in sorrows, aid in poverty, comfort in anxiety, light in spiritual darkness, streams of grace in dryness of soul, health in sickness and hope in despair.”

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.

THE NOVENA PRAYERS

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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)

More about the Infant:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/02/saint-of-the-day-2-january-feast-of-the-infant-jesus-of-prague/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HUMILITY, The NATIVITY of JESUS

Thought for the Day – 16 December – A Christmas Novena – The Cave of Bethlehem

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Thought for the Day – 16 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

A Christmas Novena
The Cave of Bethlehem

“The main resolution which we should make, at the foot of the manger, is one of humility.
We should be humble in mind because we should remember that we are nothing without God and that, everything which we have, comes from Him.
In fact, we are less than nothing, for our physical and spiritual gifts have been given to us by God, whereas our sins belong entirely to ourselves!

We should also be humble of heart.
We should be innocent and simple, like children, as the Gospel commands, trusting and loving, so that we may be worthy of God’s favours and consolations.

Unless we acquire the innocence and humility of spiritual children, we cannot be pleasing to God!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/16/thought-for-the-day-16-december-the-cave-of-bethlehem-2/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/16/thought-for-the-day-16-december-the-cave-of-bethlehem-3/

Posted in "Follow Me", CARMELITES, CHRIST the LIGHT, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, OUR Cross, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HOLY CROSS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 16 December – Seeking St John of the Cross

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Quote/s of the Day – 16 December – 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; Matthew 16:24-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

Seeking St John of the Cross

“For he who will save his life, will lose it
and he who will lose his life
for My sake, will find it. ”

Matthew 16:25

“The one who walks in the love of God
seeks neither gain nor reward
but seeks only, with the will,
to lose self and all things, for God
and this loss, the lover judges to be a gain! ”

“O you souls who wish to go on
with so much safety and consolation,
if you knew how pleasing to God, is suffering
and how much it helps,
in acquiring other good things,
you would never seek consolation in anything;
but. you would rather look upon it,
as a great happiness, to bear the Cross of the Lord.”

“The endurance of darkness
is the preparation for great light!”

“Strive to preserve your heart in peace;
let no event of this world, disturb it.”

“Happiness is not a destination,
it is a method of travel.”

St John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Doctor of the Church

Posted in "Follow Me", CARMELITES, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, OUR Cross, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 16 December – “I lost myself and was found”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 16 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – St Eusebius of Vercelli (c283-371) Bishop, Confessor – 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; Matthew 16:24-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For he who will save his life, will lose it and he who will lose his life, for My sake, will find it. ” – Matthew 16:25

REFLECTION – “I lost myself and was found”

“The one who walks in the love of God seeks neither gain nor reward but seeks only, with the will, to lose self and all things, for God and this loss, the lover judges to be a gain! Thus it is, as St Paul asserts: “For me death is gain” [Phil 1:21], that is, my death to all things and to myself, for Christ, is my spiritual gain. Consequently, the soul declares: “I was found.” The soul who does not know how to lose himself, does not find himself but rather, loses himself, as Our Lord teaches in the Gospel: “For he that will save his life, shall lose it and he that will lose his life for my sake, will find it. ” (Mt 16:25).

Should we desire to interpret this verse more spiritually and in accord with what we are discussing here, it ought to be known that when a soul treading the spiritual road, has reached such a point that he has lost all roads and natural methods, in his communion with God and no longer seeks Him by reflections or forms or feelings or by any other way of creatures and the senses but, has advanced beyond them all and beyond all modes and manners and enjoys communion with God in faith and love, then it is said that God is his gain, because he has certainly lost all that is not God and has truly lost himself.” – St John of the Cross (1542-1591) Carmelite, Doctor of the Church (Spiritual Canticle 29:11).

PRAYER – O God, Who gladden us with the annual festival of blessed Eusebius, Thy Martyr and Bishop, mercifully grant that, as we venerate the anniversary of his Martyrdom, we may also rejoice in his protection.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 CARMELITES, DOCTORS of the Church, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on PURITY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Our Morning Offering – 16 December – Most Holy Mary By St John of the Cross

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 16 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” – Saturday of the Second Week of Advent and a day to honour our Holy Mother

Most Holy Mary
By St John of the Cross (1542-1591)
Doctor of the Church

Most holy Mary,
Virgin of virgins,
Shrine of the most Holy Trinity,
joy of the Angels,
sure Refuge of sinners,
take pity on our sorrows,
mercifully accept our sighs
and appease the wrath
of your most holy Son.
Amen.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 16 December – Saint Albina of Caesarea (Died c250) Virgin Martyr

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 16 December – Saint Albina of Caesarea (Died c250) Virgin Martyr.  Born in Caesarea, Palestine and died by beheading in c250, during the reign of the Emperor Decius, at Formia, Gaeta, Campagna, Italy. Also known as – Ulbina.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Mola-di-Gaeta, in Campagna, St Albina, Virgin and Martyr, under the Emperor Decius.”

St Albina, painting by Antonio Sicurezza.

Albina was a young Christian girl who lived in the middle of the 2nd Century in Caesarea in Palestine. Because she would not give up her Christian faith, she was beheaded in c250 during the persecutions of Emperor Decius (249-251).

Legend has it that her body was placed on a boat which floated ashore near Formia at Gaeta in Campagna in southern Italy and that she was then transported to nearby Gaeta and buried there, next to Saint Erasmus. Albina’s Relics are venerated in Gaeta in the Cathedral

The learned Church Historian, Oratorian and Cardinal, the Venerable Cesare Baronius (1538-1607), included the story of her suffering in the Martyrologium Romanum when he revised it at the end of the 16th Century, based on “ancient documents of the Church of Gaeta.”

Posted in ADVENT PRAYERS, CARMELITES, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, NOVENAS, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, SAINT of the DAY, The DIVINE INFANT

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus and the Monthly Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague, Begin Today, Memorial of St Eusebius of Vercelli and all the Saints for 16 December

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
THE FIRST DAY:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/16/christmas-novena-to-the-divine-infant-jesus-16-december-the-first-day/

The Monthly Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague
BEGINS today

St Eusebius of Vercelli (c283-371) Bishop, Confessor, Founder of monasticism in his region
His Feast Day is celebrated today but was moved after Vatican II to 2 August (General Roman Calendar 1729–1969).
St Eusebius Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/02/saint-of-the-day-2-august-saint-eusebius-of-vercelli-c-283-371/

St Adelaide of Burgundy (c931-999) Holy Roman Empress, Widow, Foundress of monasteries and Apostle of Charity. St Adelaid was Canonised in 1097 by Pope Urban II.
About St Adelaide:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/16/saint-of-the-day-16-december-st-adelaide-of-italy-burgundy-c-931-999/

St Adelard of Cysoing

St Ado of Vienne (Died 875) Archbishop of Vienne from 850 until his death, Writer, Reformer.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/12/16/saint-of-the-day-16-december-saint-ado-of-vienne-died-875/

Bl Adolphus of Tunis
Bl Arnaldo of Tunis
St Albina of Caesarea (Died c250) Virgin Martyr
St Ananias
St Azarias

St Beanus (Died c1012) the first Bishop of Murlach, Scotland this area being the forerunner of the Diocese of Aberdeen.
About St Beano:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/16/saint-of-the-day-16-december-saint-beanus-died-c-1012-bishop/

St Beoc
St Dominic Dosso
Bl Elizabeth of Saint Francis

St Everard of Friuli (c815-867) Duke, Count, Soldier, Founder of Churches and a Monastery. In contrast to his soldiering life, St Everard was a peacemaker, a humble and loving Master with a social conscience, striving always to free serfs, wherever possible or at least to free them from their burdens and assisting the poor and needy in all their deprivations.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/16/saint-of-the-day-16-december-saint-everard-of-friuli-c-815-867/

Haggai the Prophet
St Irenion
Bl James of Tunis
St Jean Wauthier
St Macarius of Collesano

Blessed Mary of the Angels Fontanella OCD (1661-1717) “The Fragrant Rose of Turin,” Discalced Carmelite, Mystic, Stigmatist, Marian devotee and client of St Joseph, Prioress, Spiritual director. At the instigation of King Vittorio, the holy nun’s Cause for Canonisation was started just a few years after the death of Sr Maria. Pope Pius IX declared her a Blessed on 25 April 1865
Blessed Mary’s life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/16/saint-of-the-day-16-december-blessed-mary-of-the-angels-fontanella-ocd-1661-1717-the-fragrant-rose-of-turin/

St Misael
St Nicholas Chrysoberges
Bl Raynald de Bar

Blessed Sebastian Maggi OP (1414–1496) Priest of the Order of Preachers, Confessor. He was Beatified on 15 April 1760 by Pope Clement XIII. His body is incorrupt.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/16/saint-of-the-day-16-december-blessed-sebastian-maggi-op-1414-1496/

Martyred Women of North-West Africa: A large group of women Martyred in the persecutions of Hunneric, Arian King of the Vandals. 482 in North-West Africa.

Martyrs of Ravenna – 4 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together. Four names and no other information has survived – Agricola, Concordius, Navalis and Valentine. c 305 at Ravenna, Italy.

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTRINE, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on MOTHERHOOD, Quotes on SALVATION, The INCARNATION

Thought for the Day – 15 November– The Power of Mary

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 15 December– Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Power of Mary

“Virgin most powerful, pray for us.”
This is one of the invocations to Our Lady in her Litany.
Mary’s power derives from her Divine Motherhood.
The Eternal Word was made man in her most chaste womb.
By assuming our human nature in the Hypostatic Union, He became her Son.
In the same way as a mother can give instructions to her son, Mary can pray to Jesus with full confidence that she will be answered.
Not only has she the power of love, over Him but, also the power of a mother.
Her prayers have the force of a command and it is impossible for them to go unheeded.
When Mary seeks a favour from her Divine Son for us, who are her adopted sons, says St Peter Damian, she commands rather than prays, she is more like the mistress than the handmaid of the Lord (Serm 41 de Nativitate).
Some Ecclesiastical writers go as far as describing Mary as being omnipotent in grace and in intercession, even as God is omnipotent by reason of His nature.
“O Mother of God,” writes St Gregory of Nicomedia, “you have such invincible power, that the multitude of our sins can never exhaust your mercy.   Nothing can resist your power, for your Creator regards your glory as His own” (Orat de Exitu B Virg).
This doctrine should console even the most hopeless sinners.
It is enough to have loving recourse to Mary and we shall be sure of salvation.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Hail MARY!, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, MOTHER of GOD, ORIGINAL SIN, QUOTES on PURITY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Quote/s of the Day – 15 December – Octave of the Immaculate Conception

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 15 December – Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God – Proverbs 8:22-35, Luke 1:26-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Hail, full of grace!”
Luke 1:28

“Thou alone and Thy Mother,
are in all things fair,
there is no flaw in Thee
and no stain in Thy Mother.”

St Ephrem (306-373)
Father and Doctor of the Church

O Pure and Immaculate Blessed Virgin
By St Ephrem (306-373)
Father and Doctor of the Church

O Pure and Immaculate
and likewise Blessed Virgin,
who art the sinless Mother of thy Son,
the mighty Lord of the universe,
thou who art inviolate and altogether holy,
the hope of the hopeless and sinful,
we sing thy praises.
We bless thee, as full of every grace,
thou who didst bear the God-Man:
we bow low before thee;
we invoke thee and implore thine aid.
Rescue us, O holy and inviolate Virgin,
from every necessity that presses upon us
and from all the temptations of the devil.
Be our intercessor and advocate
at the hour of death and judgement,
deliver us from the fire
that is not extinguished
and from the outer darkness;
make us worthy of the glory of thy Son,
O dearest and most clement Virgin Mother.
Thou indeed art our only hope most sure
and sacred in God’s sight,
to Whom be honour and glory
and majesty and dominion
forever and ever,
world without end.
Amen

St Ephrem of Syria (306-373)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“The very fact
that God has elected her,
proves, that none was ever
holier than Mary;
if any stain had disfigured her soul,
if any other virgin
had been purer and holier,
God would have selected her
and rejected Mary.”

St Jacob of Sarug (c 451-521)
Bishop, Theologian, Poet, Writer

“He Who is Infinite, Limitless,
came to dwell in your womb;
God, the Child Jesus,
was nourished by your milk.
You are the ever virginal
Doorway of God;
your hands hold your God;
your lap is a throne raised up above the Cherubim…
You are the wedding chamber of the Spirit,
the “city of the living God,
gladdened by the runlets of the stream”
that is to say, the waves of the Spirit’s gifts.
You are “all fair, the Beloved” of God.”

St John Damascene (675-749)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Free from the concupiscence which has disturbed
our human nature, she was like a snow-white lily,
sparkling in the sunlight.
Her mortal life was a continuous ascent
towards the highest peak of holiness.
… her daily correspondence with God’s gifts
was as remarkable as her dignity.
… The most chaste Virgin Mary,
is a model for our imitation.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, Hail MARY!, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, ORIGINAL SIN, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, Quotes on SALVATION, The ANNUNCIATION, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The INCARNATION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection –15 December – ‘ … So Mary, by the word of an Angel …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection –15 December – Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God – Proverbs 8:22-35, Luke 1:26-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Hail, full of grace!” – Luke 1:28

REFLECTION – “So the Lord now manifestly came to His own. Born by His own created order that He Himself bears, He by His obedience on the tree, renewed and reversed what was done by disobedience, in connection with a tree.

The power of that seduction, by which the virgin Eve, already betrothed to a man, had been wickedly seduced, was broken when the Angel in truth brought good tidings to the Virgin Mary, who already, by her betrothal belonged to a man. For as Eve was seduced by the word of an Angel to flee from God, having rebelled against His Word, so Mary, by the word of an Angel, received the glad tidings that she would bear God, by obeying His Word.

The former was seduced to disobey God and so fell but the latter, was persuaded to obey God, so that the Virgin Mary might become the advocate of Eve.

As the human race was subjected to death through the act of a Virgin, so was it saved by a Virgin, was precisely balanced by the obedience of Another. Then indeed, the sin of the first formed man was amended by the chastisement of the First Begotten, the wisdom of the serpent was conquered by the simplicity of the Dove and the chains were broken, by which we were in bondage to death.” – St Irenaeus (130-202) Bishop of Lyons, Martyr, Father of the Church (Against Heresies, 5)

PRAYER – O God, Who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin, prepared a worthy dwelling for Thy Son, and Who, by Thy Son’s death, foreseen by You, preserved her from all taint, grant, we beseech Thee through her intercession that we too may come to Thee unstained by sin. 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).

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUEENSHIP of MARY, QUOTES on CHASTITY, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PURITY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Our Morning Offering – 15 December – Deign, O Immaculate Virgin

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Our Morning Offering – 15 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” and the Octave Day of the Feast

Deign, O Immaculate Virgin
By St Paschasius Radbertus (785–865)

Deign, O Immaculate Virgin,
Mother most pure,
to accept the loving cry of praise
which we send up to you
from the depths of our hearts.
Though they can but add little to your glory,
O Queen of Angels,
you do not despise, in your love,
the praises of the humble
and the poor.
Cast down upon us a glance of mercy,
O most glorious Queen,
graciously receive our petitions.
Through your immaculate purity
of body and mind,
which rendered you so pleasing to God,
inspire us with a love of innocence and purity.
Teach us to guard carefully the gifts of grace,
striving ever after sanctity, so that,
being made like the image of your beauty,
we may be worthy to become the sharers
of your eternal happiness.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 15 December – Saint Valerian of Abbenza (c377-c457) Confessor, Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 15 December – Saint Valerian of Abbenza (c377-c457) Confessor, the 2nd Bishop of Abbenza in North Africa.  Born in c377 and died in c457 of exposure in the region of his Diocese. Additional Memorial – 28 November as one of the Martyrs of North Africa.

The Roman Martyrology this day states: “In Africa, the holy Bishop Valerian, who, being upwards of eighty years old, in the persecution of the Vandals, under the Arian King Genseric, was asked to deliver the Sacred vessels of the Church and, as he constantly refused, an order was issued to drive him, all alone, out of the City and all were forbidden to allow him to stay, either in their houses or on their land. For a long time, he remained lying on the public roads in the open air and thus, in the confession and defence of the Catholic verity, closed his blessed life.”

Valerian was a Roman Bishop of Abbenza, an ancient Episcopal Seat of the Roman Province of Proconsular Africa, identifiable today with the ruins of Bordj-Hamdouna, in the Archdiocese of Carthage, in northern Africa, who lived in the 5th Century.

In the list of Bishops of this Diocese, he is second on the list after Fortunatus.

He is remembered for having refused to obey Genseric, the King of the Vandals, who arrived with his troops in the City, to hand over all the Sacred vessels and furnishings of the Church to him.

Valerian protested against the violence of the soldiers and was driven out and exiled from his City together with eight other Bishops of North Africa – although they were not sent into exile together.

The order was given forbidding anyone to offer him hospitality of any kind. He had to live and sleep outdoors, on the public roads, until his death.

Valerian, remembered as a Confessor, remained faithful to his faith until his death. The name of Saint Valerian was included in the Roman Martyrology on his Feast Day, 15 December.

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, MARIAN TITLES, NOTES to Followers, NOVENAS, SAINT of the DAY, The DIVINE INFANT

Octave Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora de Monguí / Our Lady of Mongui, Colombia (16th Century), Memorials of the Saints for 15 December and Novena Reminders

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Octave Day of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Christmas Novena to the Divine Infant Jesus by St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori – BEGINS on 16 December:
This Novena is translated from the Italian of Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori and was first published in 1758.
Although this Novena is intended, primarily as a preparation for the Feast of our Lord’s Nativity, it can be used with spiritual profit at any time of the year, as a devotion in honour of the Infant Jesus.
This translation by the Redemptorists of the UK.

AND/OR:
December, naturally being the Month of the Divine Infant, is a wonderful time to begin this Monthly practice:
The Monthly Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague
From 16 to 24 December (and of every Month on the same dates).

Nuestra Señora de Monguí / Our Lady of Mongui, Monguí, Boyacá, Colombia (16th Century) – 15 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/15/nuestra-senora-de-mongui-our-lady-of-mongui-mongui-boyaca-colombia-16th-century-memorials-of-the-saints-and-an-ember-day-15-december/

St Adalbero of Metz
St Bacchus the Younger
St Christiana the Slave
St Florentius of Bangor

St Margaret of Fontana
Bl Maria della Pace

Blessed Maria Vittoria De Fornari Strata (1562–1617) Widow, Nun, Foundress of the Order of the Annunciation – or Blue Nuns, of which she is the Patron.
Her Lifestory:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/15/saint-of-the-day-15-december-blessed-maria-vittoria-de-fornari-1562-1617/

Blessed Marino of Cava OSB (1146-1170) Monk, the Seventh Abbot of the famous Abbey of The Holy Trinity of Cava (La Trinità della Cava). He was also appointed as a Royal and secular Governor, through the efforts of his diplomatic peace negotiations.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/15/saint-of-the-day-15-december-blessed-marino-of-cava-osb-died-1170/

St Mary Crocifissa di Rosa (1813–1855) Religious, Foundress of the Handmaids of Charity/Sisters of Charity. She was Beatified in 1940 by Pope Pius XXI and Canonised in 1954 by the same Pontiff.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2016/12/15/saint-of-the-day-15-december/

St Maximinus of Micy
St Offa of Essex
St Paul of Latros
St Silvia of Constantinople
St Urbicus
St Valerian of Abbenza (c377-c457) Confessor, Bishop
Blessed Victoria Strata (1562-1617) Widow,

Martyrs of North Africa – 7 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith in North Africa. The only details about them that survive are their names – Caelian, Candidus, Faustinus, Fortunatus, Januarius, Lucius and Mark.

Martyrs of Rome – 22 Saints: A group of 22 Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Valerian. The only details we have are five of their names – Antonius, Irenaeus, Saturnin, Theodorus and Victor. c 258 in Rome, Italy.

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on The SOUL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VANITY, The HEART

Thought for the Day – 14 December – Consolation from God

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Thought for the Day – 14 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Consolation from God

“Even men and other creatures, have some power to comfort and console us.
The comfort which we receive from them, however, cannot completely satisfy our hearts which were made for God alone.
Such consolations, as they can give are short-lived and vanish like snow beneath the sun.

What can men or other worldly creatures give us?
They can give us material wealth but this often turns out to be troublesome and vexatious and is too much inferior to the greatness of the human soul, to be able to satisfy it.
Worldly honour can intoxicate our pride and self-conceit for a little while but this state of inebriation cannot last very long.
We know too well that we are what we are in the sight of God and nothing more.
The praise and flattery of other men adds nothing to our statue and only serves as an incentive to idle vanity.
Then, there are worldly pleasures, some of which are healthy and commendable but how long do thy last?
They are like flowers which open there petals to the morning air and fold them again in the evening.
There are unhealthy pleasures too; not only are these passing and perishable like all created things but, they leave behind a sense of nausea and remorse!

Let us seek, before all other joys, the consolation of God.
These do not decrease as life goes on but, last forever and are completed in the next life.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, FATHERS of the Church, GOOD FRIDAY, HOLY WEEK, HYMNS, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN QUOTES, MOTHER of GOD, POETRY, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The ANNUNCIATION, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY CROSS, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 14 December – St Venantius Fortunatus

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Quote/s of the Day – 14 December – Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary – The Feast of St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609) Bishop, Poet, Hymnist, Writer. Another “Golden Words.”

“O Mother blest!
And chosen Shrine
wherein the Architect Divine,
Whose Hand contains the earth and sky
vouchsafed in hidden guise to lie;
Blest in the message Gabriel brought;
blest in the work, the Spirit wrought;
Most blest, to bring to human birth,
the long desired of all the earth!”

“See the destined day arise!
See a willing Sacrifice!
Jesus, to redeem our loss,
hangs upon the shameful Cross;
Jesus, Who but Thee could bear
wrath so great and justice fair?
Every pang and bitter throe,
finishing Thine life of woe?”

“Hail, O Altar, Hail, O Victim,
For the glory of Thy Passion,
By which Life endured death
And by death, restored life!”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/14/quote-s-of-the-day-14-december-st-venantius-fortunatus/

St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609)

Posted in CHRIST the KING, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, FATHERS of the Church, Hail MARY!, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on GRACE, The ANNUNCIATION, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 December – “Hail, full of grace …” – Luke 1:28

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One Minute Reflection – 14 December –The Second Week of Advent, Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Proverbs 8:22-35; Luke 1:26-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Hail, full of grace …” – Luke 1:28

REFLECTION – “How can I speak? What praises could I possibly make of the holy and glorious Virgin? She surpasses all other beings except for God Himself. She is by nature more beautiful than the Cherubim and Seraphim and the whole Angelic Host. No language, whether of Heaven or earth, or even of the Angels, is enough to praise her. Blessed Virgin, spotless dove, heavenly bride… temple and throne of the Godhead! Christ, the Sun Who shines resplendently in Heaven and on earth, belongs to thee. Thou art the luminous cloud which brought Christ down to earth, He Who is the bright streak of lightening, Who shines across the world.

Rejoice, full of grace, gate of Heaven! It was of thee, the author of the Song of Songs speaks… when he cries aloud: “A garden enclosed is my sister, my bride; an enclosed garden, a fountain sealed” (4:12)… Holy Mother of God, spotless ewe – thou gave birth to Christ, the Lamb, the Word made flesh in thee … How amazing a wonder in the heavens – a woman clothed with the sun (Apoc 12:1), carrying the Light in her arms! … How amazing a wonder in the heavens – the Lord of Angels becomes the Virgin’s Child. Angels judged Eve; now they fill Mary with glory, since it was she who raised Eve from her fall and brought Adam, expelled from Paradise, into Heaven.

Vast is the grace given to this Holy Virgin. Hence Gabriel, first addresses her with this greeting: “Hail, full of grace” resplendent as the Heaven. “Hail, full of grace” Virgin adorned with countless virtues… “Hail, full of grace” thou quench our thirst at the sweetness of the everlasting stream. Hail, holy and Immaculate Mother, thou conceived the Christ Who existed before thee. Hail, royal purple, thou clothed the King of Heaven and earth. Hail, O sealed book, thou enabled the world to read the Word, the Father’s Son!” – St Epiphanius of Salamis (c315-403) Bishop of Salamis,  known as the Oracle of Palestine and Father of the Church (Sermon No 5)

PRAYER – Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the ways of Thy only-begotten Son, so that through His coming we may be able to serve Thee with purified minds. Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, FATHERS of the Church, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MOTHER of GOD, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Our Morning Offering – 14 December – O Gloriosa Virginum By St Venantius Fortunatus

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Our Morning Offering – 14 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary” and Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception – Today is also the Feast day of dear St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609) Bishop, Poet, Hymnist, Writer. Another “Golden Words”:

O Gloriosa Virginum
By St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609)

O Glorious Virgin, ever blest,
Sublime above the starry sky,
Who nurture from thy spotless breast
To thy Creator didst supply.

What we had lost through hapless Eve,
The Blossom sprung from these restores,
And, granting bliss to souls that grieve,
Unbars the everlasting doors.

O Gate, through which hath passed the King.
O Hall, whence Light shone through the gloom;
The ransomed nations, praise and sing
Life given from the Virgin womb.

All honour, laud and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-born, to Thee;
All glory, as is ever meet,
To Father and to Paraclete.
Amen

O Gloriosa Domina is the second half of the Hymn: Quem Terra, Pontus, Aethera. It was composed by St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609) the Bishop of Poitiers.
In 1632, in accordance with revisions made to the Hymns of the Divine Office by Pope Urban VIII (1568-1644), it was altered and changed to O Gloriósa Vírginum.
It is sung in the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Roman Breviary.
It is said that St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) was always singing this Hymn. His mother sang it to him as a baby,and even on his death bed after receiving Extreme Unction, he intoned the Hymn.

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, NAPLES, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 14 December – Saint Agnellus of Naples OSA (535-596)

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Saint of the Day – 14 December – Saint Agnellus of Naples OSA (535-596) Hermit, Priest, Abbot, Defender and Protector of the City of Naples, Miracle-worker. Agnellus was initially a Basilian Monk and later became a Friar of the Hermits of St Augustine. Born in 535 in Naples, Italy and died of natural causes on 14 December 596 in his birth-town at the age of 61. Patronages – against invaders or invasion, of the City of Guarcino, one of the 50+ Co-Patrons of Naples (See Note below). Also known as – Agnello, Aniello the Abbot. Additional Memorial – 18 May in his Patronage Town of Guarcino.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Naples, in Campaniaa, St Agnellus, Abbot. Illustrious by the gift of miracles, he was often seen with the standard of the Cross, delivering the City besieged by enemies.”

At the beginning of the 10th Century, Peter, a Sub-Deacon of the Neapolitan Church who had been freed from a serious illness through the intercession of Agnellus, composed a “Libellus Miraculorum,” in which, in addition to his own miraculous cure, he recounts twenty-two further miracles performed through the intercession of our Saint.

Agnellus was born in 535 in Naples into a rich family of Syracusan origin, possibly related to Saint Lucy. His father was Federico and his mother Giovanna. He spent his youth as a Hermit in a cave near a Chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary and then, in the Church of Santa Maria Intercede which later became Sant’Agnello Maggiore.

Statue of the saint in the Town named after him.

He received a rich and extensive inheritance on his parents’ death and used it on works of mercy, such as founding a hospital for the poor.

Agnellus became increasingly popular among the inhabitants of Naples, so much so that they called upon him to save the City during the Lombard invasion of 581. Accepting the challenge, he appeared carrying a Banner of the Cross to defend the City.

He finally left the City to escape his popularity, moving to Monte Sant’Angelo, then the village of Guarcino, where he remained for seven years and where there is a Shrine dedicated to him.

Agnellus later returned to Naples to become an Augustinian Monk and then a Priest at the Monastery of Gaudiosus of Naples, where he finally became Abbot and where he died aged 61.

The 17th Century Reliquary bust containing the jaw and throat attributed to Agnellus, is kept in the Cathedral of Naples, inside the Chapel of San Gennaro. He is Co-Patron of the City of Naples where, according to tradition, he was buried in the Church of Sant’Agnello Maggiore in Caponapoli.

Since the 15th Century, Agnellus was counted among the Patrons of Naples and is also the Patron of Guarcino, a City in Lazio in the Province of Frosinone. He also enjoys particular veneration in Lucca, where, since the 12th Century, an Altar was dedicated to him. This City disputed with Naples regarding the authenticity of its Relics and celebrates the Feast on 18 May.

There are many Churches dedicated to St Agnellus in the region.

*NOTE: The City of Naples has more than 50 official Patron Saints, although its principal Patron is Saint Januarius (Died c305). St Januarius is a Martyr of the Great Persecution which ended with Diocletian’s retirement in 305.
The second in terms of importance, is St Aspren (Died in the 2nd Century) – the first Bishop of Naples. St Aspren’s Episcopate is stated as lasting twenty-three years.

St Agnellus in Glory – Gloria di Sant’Agnello, Santuario di Sant’Agnello Abate – Roccarainola
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception, Madonna del Patrocinio / Our Lady of Defence -Romagna, Italy) (1685) and Memorials of the Saints – 14 December

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Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God

Madonna del Patrocinio / Our Lady of Defence – also known as Santa Maria del Calcare (Faenza, Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy) (1685) – 14 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/14/madonna-del-patrocinio-our-lady-of-defence-faenza-ravenna-emilia-romagna-italy-1685-and-memorials-of-the-saints-14-december/

St Venantius Fortunatus (c530 – c609) Bishop, Poet, Hymnist, Writer.
Another “Golden Words”:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/14/saint-of-the-day-14-december-saint-venantius-fortunatus-c-530-c-609/

St Abundius of Spain
St Agnellus of Naples (535-596) Abbot

St Berthold of Regensburg OFM (c 1220-1272) Friar of the Order of the Friars Minor, Renowned Preacher for which reason he was known as “Sweet Brother Berthold,” “The Beloved of God and man,” “A Second Elias,”,”The Teacher of the Nations.”
Celebrating St Berthold:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/14/saint-of-the-day-14-december-saint-berthold-of-regensburg-ofm-c-1220-1272/

Bl Buenaventura Bonaccorsi
St Folcuino of Therouanne
Bl Joan Lambertini
St John Pan y Agua (Bread-and-Water)
Bl John Discalceat
St Justus of Spain
St Matronianus of Milan
St Pompeius of Pavia

St Viator of Bergamo
Bl William de Rovira

Martyrs of Alexandria – 4 Saints: A group of Egyptian Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Decius – Arsenius, Dioscurus, Heron and Isidore. They were burned to death in 250 at Alexandria, Egypt.

Martyrs of Apollonia – 7 Saints: Martyred in the persecutions of Decius. The only surviving details are three names – Callinicus, Leucio and Tirso. The Martyrdom took place at Apollonia, Bithynia (in modern Turkey).

Martyrs of Ashkelon – 3 Saints: Several pilgrims from Egypt to Cilicia (in modern Turkey) who planned to minister to fellow Christians suffering in the persecutions of Emperor Maximinus. They were arrested, torture, mutilated and then imprisoned in Ashkelon. Some were ordered to forced labour in the mines but we have the names of three who were Martyred by order of Governor Firmilian – Ares, Elijah and Promo. They were burned at the stake or beheaded at the gates of Ashkelon c 308.

Martyrs of Hayle – 2+ Saints: Several Christians, including a brother and sister, who were Martyred together by pagans. The only other information to survive are the names of the two siblings – Fingar and Phiala. 5th Century at Hayle, Cornwall, England.

Martyrs of Syria – 3 Saints: Three Christians who were Martyred together. Known to Saint John Chrysostom who preached on their Feast Day and left us the only details we have – their names – Drusus, Theodore and Zosimus. The date and precise location of their Martyrdom is unknown but it was in Syria, possibly in Antioch.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on SANCTITY

Thought for the Day – 13 December – The Desire for Perfection

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Thought for the Day – 13 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Desire for Perfection

“Make and keep yourselves holy,” God commands us, “because, I Am Holy.” (Lev 11:44; 19:2).
“You are to be perfect,” adds Jesus Christs, “even as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48).

We are obliged, therefore, to make every possible effort, to advance in holiness.
Sad experience teaches us, however, that it is very dfifficult to reach the level of sanctity to which we are called by God and, that it is impossible to achieve the absolute perfection which God alone possesses.
Why then, does God place before us such an inacessible goal?
Simply because, although He knows that we cannot attain the perfect holiness which is to be found in our heavenly Father, He wants us to desire it with all our hearts and to do our best to approach as near to it as we can.

This desire for sanctity should dominate all our actions.
It may be impossible for us to achieve Christian perfection completely but, we should always strive towards it.
All our actions and affections should form a ladder which will enable us to climb nearer to this ideal.
If the desire for perfection dominates our entire lives, it will one day dominate and brighten the supreme moment of death.
If we lack this desire, we shall fall into a state of tepidity and of indifference to spiritual realities which will inevitably end in sin.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in ACT of CONTRITION, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHASTITY, QUOTES on CREATION, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PURITY, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The HEART

Quote/s of the Day – 13 December – ‘Where your treasure is,there also will your heart be.’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 13 December – Feast of St Lucy, Virgin Martyr – 2 Corinthians 10:17-18, 11:1-2; Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Kingdom of Heaven
is like a treasure
hidden in a field.”

Matthew 13:44

“For the man who loves God,
it is sufficient to please the One he loves
and, there is no greater recompense to be sought,
than the loving itself.
For love is from God, by the very fact
that God Himself is love.
The good and chaste soul
is so happy to be filled with Him
that it desires to take delight in nothing else.
For what the Lord says is very true:
‘Where your treasure is,
there also will your heart be.’”

St Pope Leo the Great (400-461)
ather and Doctor of the Church

I Will Love Thee, Lord
By St Thomas of Villanova (1488-1555)

I will love Thee, Lord,
in every way
and without setting limits
to my love.
Thou set no limits to what Thou
hast done for me;
Thou hast not measured Thy gifts.
I will not measure my love.
I will love Thee, Lord,
with all my strength,
with all my powers,
as much as I am able.
Amen

“Amongst all loves,
God’s is so to be preferred
that we must always stand prepared in mind
to forsake them all
for that alone. ”

(Treatise on the Love of God,
Book 10, Chapter 7)

“The love of God is the end,
the perfection and the excellence,
of the universe. ”

(Treatise on the Love of God,
Book 10, Chapter 1)

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of the Church

​In Thy Divine Heart
By St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)
Visionary of the Sacred Heart

Lord Jesus,
let my heart never rest
until it finds Thee,
Who are its source,
its love and its happiness.
By the wound in Thy Heart
pardon the sins I have committed,
whether out of weakness,
or out of evil desires.
Place my weak heart
in Thy own Divine Heart,
continually under Thy protection and guidance,
so that I may persevere in doing good
and in fleeing evil,
until my last breath.
Amen

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GREED, WEALTH, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HEART, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 December – Our Treasure …

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 13 December – Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent, Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God – Feast of St Lucy, Virgin Martyr – 2 Corinthians 10:17-18, 11:1-2; Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field.” – Matthew 13:44

REFLECTION – “For the man who loves God, it is sufficient to please the One he loves and, there is no greater recompense to be sought, than the loving itself. For love is from God, by the very fact, that God Himself is love. The good and chaste soul is so happy to be filled with Him that it desires to take delight in nothing else. For what the Lord says is very true: – ‘Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.’

What is a man’s treasure but the heaping up of profits and the fruit of his toil? For whatever a man sows, this too will he reap and each man’s gain, matches his toil and where delight and enjoyment are found, there the heart’s desire is attached. Now there are many kinds of wealth and a variety of grounds for rejoicing – every man’s treasure is that which he desires. If it is based on earthly ambitions, its acquisition makes men not blessed but wretched!

But those who enjoy the things that are above and eternal, rather than earthly and perishable, possess an incorruptible, hidden store, of which the Prophet speaks: ‘Our treasure and salvation have come, wisdom and instruction and piety, from the Lord: these are the treasures of justice.’ Through these, with the help of God’s grace, even earthly possessions are transformed into heavenly blessings. It is a fact that many people use the wealth, which is either rightfully left to them or otherwise acquired, as a tool of devotion. By distributing what might be superfluous to support the poor, they are amassing imperishable riches, so that what they have discreetly given, cannot be subject to loss. They have properly placed those riches, where their heart is, – it is a most blessed thing, to work to increase such riches, rather than to fear that they may pass away.” – St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Bishop of Rome and Great Western Father and Doctor of the Church (An excerpt from Sermon 92).

PRAYER – Hear us, O God our Saviour, that, as we rejoice on the feast of blessed Lucy, YThy Virgin and Martyr, so we may grow in love and devotion. 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).

Posted in DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Our Morning Offering – 13 December – O Purest of Creatures, Sweet Mother, Sweet Maid

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Our Morning Offering – 13 December – “The Month of the Divine Infancy and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

O Purest of Creatures,
Sweet Mother, Sweet Maid
By Fr Frederick W Faber C.Orat. (1814-1863)

O Purest of creatures, sweet Mother, sweet maid,
The one spotless womb wherein Jesus was laid!
Dark night hath come down on us, Mother! and we
Look out for thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!

Deep night hath come down on this rough-spoken world,
And the banners of darkness are boldly unfurled;
And the tempest-tossed Church,—
all her eyes are on thee;
They look to thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!

He gazed on thy soul, it was spotless and fair,
For the empire of sin—it had never been there;
None ever had owned thee, dear Mother but He.
And He blest thy clear shining, sweet Star of the Sea!

Earth gave Him one lodging; t’was deep in thy breast,
And God found a home where the sinner finds rest;
His home and His hiding-place, both were in thee,
He was won by thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 13 December – Saint Ursicinus of Cahors (Died c595) Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 13 December – Saint Ursicinus of Cahors (Died c595) Bishop, Monk, Royal Court Official and Adviser. Died in c595, og natural causes, after around 15 years as the Bishop of Cahors. Also known as – Urci, Urcisse, Urcsicinus, Ursicin, Ursicino.

Ursicinus was the Chancellor of Queen Ultragotha, the wife of Childebert I, King of Paris. He was chosen by Maurilius, then-Bishop of Cahors, to be his successor, making him the ninth Bishop of Cahors.

Cahors surrounding its Cathedral

The little information which has come to us about this Saint is reported by Saint Gregory of Tours in his “Historia Eccl. Francorum”, where he states that around the year 580, Maurilius, among the many Ecclesiastics who aspired to succeed him, chose Ursicinus, who was already a Secular and Spiritual Adviser to Queen Ultrogota, widow of King Childebert I.

Around 584, Innocent, Bishop of Rodez, accused Ursicinus of having usurped many Churches in his Diocese, so much so that the Bishop of Cahors had to defend himself in a Council meeting in Clermont, presided over by Bishop Sulpicius I, of Bouges. In that assembly, the accusations were judged false and Ursicinus was able to recover those Parishes usurped by the Bishop of Rodez and which had never belonged to his Diocese but had always been part of the Cahors See..

But then, Ursicinus was sentenced to a three-year penance at another Council. In fact, in the Autumn of 585, on the indication of King Gontranno, a Council was convened in Macon, where those Bishops who had welcomed the rebel Gondowald, a conspirator against the Merovingian dynasty, were discussed. Ursicinus publicly confessed to having committed this “crime” and the Bishop’s sentence of condemnation was explicit – he had to do penance for three years, abstaining from shaving his hair or beard, abstaining from wine and meat, not celebrating Mass, not ordaining Priests, nor consecrating Churches and not proceeding with any blessings.

Following this condemnation, the traces of Bishop Ursicinus are lost, but we do find him present at the Fourth Council of Auvergne in 590. After this citation we only know that his successor, Eusebius, was present at the Council of Paris in 614.

With regards to the cult of the sanctity of our Ursicinus – in a 14th Century Psalter, we find the first evidence of his cult and his feast which was celebrated on 13 December appears.

Many Churches in the Diocese were dedicated to him. Among these, one in Cahors, one in Tréjouls and one in Cantal. There are also two villages named after him, one in the canton of Puymirol and the other in that of Salvagnac. In the Diocese of Cahors the feast and remembrance of Saint Ursicinus, Bishop, is still celebrated today.

St Ursicinus Church in Cahors which was built in around the 7th Century
Posted in EYES - Diseases, of the BLIND, MARIAN TITLES, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY

Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception, La Reina del Rosario de Banos de Agua Santa / Queen of the Holy Rosary, Ecuador (1570), St Lucy and a Prayer for her intercession and Memorials of the Saints – 13 December

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Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent

Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God

La Reina del Rosario de Banos de Agua Santa / Queen of the Holy Rosary, also known as the Virgin of the Holy Waters, Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador (1570) 13 December:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/13/la-reina-del-rosario-de-banos-de-agua-santa-queen-of-the-holy-rosary-also-known-as-the-virgin-of-the-holy-waters-banos-de-agua-santa-ecuador-1570-and-memorials-of-the-saints-13-december/

St Lucy (of Syracuse) – St Lucy/Lucia of Syracuse (c283-304) Virgin and Martyr
Patron of the blind, eye disorders, martyrs, Perugia, Italy, Malta; epidemics; salesmen, Syracuse, Italy, throat infections, writers, against fire, against poverty, against spiritual blindness, peasants, penitent prostitutes, poor people, sick children, authors, cutlers, farmers, glass blowers, glass makers, glaziers, labourers, lawyer, maid servants, notaries, ophthalmologists, opticians, porters, printers, saddler, sailors, salesmen, seamstresses, stained glass workers, tailors, upholsterers, weavers and 10 further towns and cities.
St Lucy’s Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/12/13/saint-of-the-day-13-december-st-lucy-c-283-304/

Prayer to St Lucy

O St Lucy, you preferred to let your eyes be torn out
instead of denying the faith
and defiling your soul
and God, through an extraordinary miracle,
replaced them with another pair of sound and perfect eyes
to reward your virtue and faith,
appointing you as the protector against eye diseases.
I come to you for you to protect my eyesight
and to heal the illness in my eyes.

O St Lucy, preserve the light of my eyes
so that I may see the beauties of creation,
the glow of the sun,
the colour of the flowers
and the smile of children.

Preserve also the eyes of my soul,
the faith, through which I can know my God,
understand His teachings,
recognise His love for me
and never miss the road that leads me
to where you, St Lucy,
can be found in the company of the angels and saints.
St Lucy, protect my eyes and preserve my faith.

St Lucy, “Bringer of Light” Pray for those with eye ailments,
Pray for us all!

St Odilia of Alsace (c660-720) Virgin Abbess, born blind, but was miraculously granted her sight, miracle-worker.
The Life of St Odilia, another Patron against eye diseases and partial sightedness, also ear ailments.
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/13/saint-of-the-day-13-december-saint-odilia-of-alsace-c-660-720/

St Antiochus of Sulci

Blessed Antonio Grassi Cong. Orat. (1592 – 1671) Priest of the Oratorians of St Philip Neri, Confessor, Tertiary of the Order of St Francis, Spiritual advisor, Counsellor, Mediator, Miracle Worker, Apostle of the poor and the sick. He was Beatified on 30 September 1900 by Pope Leo XIII.
Blessed Antonio’s biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/13/saint-of-the-day-13-december-blessed-antonio-grassi-cong-orat-1592-1671/

St Aristone
St Arsenius of Latro
St Aubert of Arras
Bl Bartholomew of Tuscany
St Edburgh of Lyminge
St Einhildis of Hohenburg
Bl Elizabeth Rose
St Jodocus

Blessed Giovanni Marinoni CR (1490-1562) Priest of the Theatines of St Cajetan (1480-1547) (The Congregation of the Clerics Regular of the Divine Providence), renowned Preacher and spiritual director. Patron of Preachers. He was Beatified on 5 December 1764, by a Bull of Pope Clement XIII, who also granted an Office in his honour, to his Order, to be celebrated on 13 December.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/12/13/saint-of-the-day-blessed-giovanni-marinoni-cr-1490-1562/

St Martino de Pomar
St Roswinda
St Tassio of Bavaria
St Ursicinus of Cahors (Died c595) Bishop
St Wifred

Blessed Mercedarian Knights – 7 Beati: A group of Mercedarian Knights who fought the enemies of the Catholic faith in the first Century of the Order.
Blessed Bernardo de Podio
Blessed Giacomo de Copons
Blessed Giovanni de Bruquera
Blessed Guglielmo de Sa
Blessed Pietro Boguer
Blessed Pietro Ricart
Blessed Raimondo de Frexa

Martyrs of Sebaste – 5 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little more than their names – Auxentius, Eustratius, Eugene, Mardarius and Orestes. They were martyred in c 302 at Sebaste, Armenia (in modern Turkey) and their relics are enshrined at the church of Saint Apollinaris in Rome, Italy.

Posted in "Follow Me", GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MERIT

Thought for the Day – 12 December – Merit and the Love of God

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Thought for the Day – 12 December – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Merit and the Love of God

“It is necessary, therefore, to love God and to do everything for the love of Him and for His glory alone.
If we are to love God, however, we must know Him.
If only we knew God perfectly, not only should we love Him but, we should come near to expiring from excessive love!
We love God too little because, we know Him too little!
Let us endeavour, therefore, to know Him by meditating on His infinite goodness, beauty and perfection.
Any other goodness, beauty or perfection is a faint reflection of that of God, Who is the Source of all true goodness.
We should not allow ourselves to be distracted or disturbed by these fleeting and perishable reflections.

God alone is enough for us.
Let us learn to know Him and, in consequence, to love Him in the splendour of created things which reflect His beauty and power.
The stars and the flowers, the waves of the sea and the trees of the forest, all speak to us of God.
Let us come to know and to love Him, until we lament with St Augustine:
“Too late have I loved Thee!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/12/15/thought-for-the-day-15-december-merit-and-the-love-of-god/

Posted in MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Quote/s of the Day – 12 December – Our Lady of Guadalupe

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Quote/s of the Day – 12 December – The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

“Know, know for sure,
my dearest, littlest
and youngest son
that I am the perfect
and ever Virgin Holy Mary,
Mother of the God of Truth,
through Whom everything lives,
the Lord of all things near us,
the Lord of Heaven and earth.”

“I want, very much, to have a little house
built here for me, in which I will show Him,
I will exalt Him and make Him manifest.
I will give Him to the people
in all my personal love,
in my compassion,
in my help, in my protection
because, I am truly your merciful Mother,
yours and all the people who live
united in this land and of all the other people
of different ancestries, my lovers,
who love me, those who seek me,
those who trust in me.”

“Let not your heart be disturbed.
Do not fear that sickness,
nor any other sickness or anguish.
Am I not here, who is your Mother?
Are you not under my protection?
Am I not your health?
Are you not happily within my fold?
What else do you wish?
Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything!”

Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego
1531

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the HIGH PRIEST, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MARIAN TITLES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on PURITY, The ANNUNCIATION, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 December – ‘… Mary is the new tree of life …’

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One Minute Reflection – 12 December – Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent, Within the Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Proverbs 8:22-35; Luke 1:26-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women” – Luke 1:28

REFLECTION – “Son of God, grant me your own admirable Gift that I may celebrate the wondrous beauty of Thy beloved Mother! The Virgin gave birth to a Son while preserving her virginity; she suckled Him Who gives nourishment to the peoples; in her immaculate breast, she bore Him Who carries the whole world in His Hands. She is Virgin and Mother, what will she not be hereafter? Holy in body, all beautiful in soul, pure of mind, upright in intelligence, perfect in feeling, chaste and faithful, pure of heart and filled with virtue.

May the hearts of virgins rejoice in Mary, since of her was born the One Who set humankind free from dreadful slavery. May the old Adam, wounded by the serpent, rejoice in Mary; it is Mary who gives Adam a posterity which allows Him to crush the accursed serpent and Who cures him of his mortal wound (Gen 3:15). Let Priests rejoice in the blessed Virgin; she has brought the High Priest into the world, Who gave Himself as a victim, putting an end to the sacrifices of the Old Covenant. … Let the Prophets rejoice in Mary, since in her were fulfilled their visions, in her were realised their prophecies, in her were confirmed their oracles. Let all the Patriarchs rejoice in Mary, since she received the blessing promised to them, she, who, in her Son, has brought them to completion. …

Mary is the new tree of life who, instead of the bitter fruit picked by Eve, gives to mankind that sweet fruit on which the whole world is fed!” – St Ephrem (306-373) Deacon in Syria, Father and Doctor of the Church (Marian Hymn).

PRAYER – O God, Who by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin, prepared a worthy dwelling for Thy Son and Who, by Thy Son’s death, foreseen by Thee, preserved her from all taint, grant, we beseech Thee, through her intercession that we too may come to Thee unstained by sin.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).