Quote/s of the Day – 24 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feast of St Raphael the Archangel – Tobit 12:7-15, John 5:1-4 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“For it is good to hide the secret of a king but honourable to reveal and confess, the works of God.
Prayer is good with fasting and alms, more than to lay up treasures of gold.
For alms delivereth from death and the same is that which purges away sins and maketh to find mercy and life everlasting.
But they that commit sin and iniquity, are enemies to their own soul.”
Tobit 12:7-10
“I am the Angel Raphael, one of the seven, who stand before the Lord.”
One Minute Reflection – 24 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feast of St Raphael the Archangel – Tobias 12:7-15, John 5:1-4 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“In these lay a great multitude of sick, of blind, of lame, of withered, waiting for the moving of the water (by the Angel). ” – John 5:3
REFLECTION – “The cripple beside the pool of Bethsaida was waiting for someone (to help him into the pool). For whom was he waiting, if not for the Lord Jesus, born of a Virgin? When He came, it was no longer only a matter of some mere prefiguration which was healing people but Truth itself, was healing them all. And so it was, He, Whose descent was awaited, He of Whom God the Father spoke to John the Baptist: “On Whomever you see the Spirit descend and remain, He is the One Who will Baptise with the Holy Spirit” (Jn 1:33) … But why did the Spirit come down like a Dove, if not so that you might see and acknowledge that the Dove which righteous Noah sent out from the ark, was the image of that Dove and, might recognise in it, a prefiguring of the Sacrament of Baptism. ..?
Can you still waver, when the Father is unquestionably proclaiming to you in the Gospel: “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Mt 3:17); when the Son, over Whom the Holy Spirit was manifested, in the form of a Dove, is proclaiming it too; when the Holy Spirit, Who descended in the form of a Dove, is also proclaiming it; when David proclaims: “The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over vast waters” (Ps 28:3)? Scripture also affirms that Fire came down from Heaven at Gideon’s prayers and again, that Fire was sent to consecrate the sacrifice at the prayer of Elijah. (Jgs 6:21; 1Kgs 18:38).
Do not attend to a Priest’s personal worth but to his office … Believe that our Lord Jesus is present, when invoked at the prayer of the Priest, He Who said: “Where two or three are gathered together, there Am I in the midst of them” (Mt 18:0). How much more, then, does He deign to grant us His presence where the Church is, where the Mysteries are celebrated. And so, you have gone down to the Baptistery. Remember what you have said – that you believe in the Father, you believe in the Son, you believe in the Holy Ghost … With similar words of commitment. you asserted your belief in the Son, as you believe in the Father, your belief in the Holy Spirit as you believe in the Son, with this sole difference – that you profess the need to believe in the Cross of our only Lord Jesus.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church (On the Mysteries 24).
PRAYER – O God, Who gave blessed Raphael the Archangel as a traveling companion to Your servant Tobias, grant us, Your servants, ever to be protected by his guardianship and by his help.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 October – Saint Maglorius of Wales (Died 575) Bishop of Dol and Solitaire in France, Confessor, Monk, Missionary, Abbot, Miracle-worker, “Apostle to Guernsey and Sark” (Sark, French “Sercq” one of the Channel Islands, a dependency of Guernsey, located in the English Channel, south of England’s coast. Sark lies 11 km east of Guernsey and about 40 km west of the Cherbourg Peninsula of France). Maglorius was born in southern Wales and died in 575 at the Monastery he had founded on the Island of Sark. Patronage – of Sark. Also known as – Maglorious,, Maglorius of Dol, Maglorius of Maelor, Maghorus… Magloire… Maelor… Maglorio…
The Roman Martyrology states: “In Bretagne, the departure from this life of St Maglorious, Bishop, whose body rests in Paris.”
St Maglorius – oil painting by Eugène Goyet (1798–1846), Church Saint-Maglorius-du-Haut-Pas in Paris where his Relics are enshrined.
Saint Maglorius was born inWales at the end of the 5th Century. He was first cousin of Saint Samson (c490–565). They were both placed under the guidance of Abbot Iltut, disciple of Saint Germanus of Auxerre, who took particular care to train them in science and piety. When they were old enough to decide on the choice of a state of life, Samson retired to a Monastery. Maglorius returned to his parents and continued to practice all Christian virtues at home.
Amon, Samson’s father, was attacked by a dangerous illness some time later. He sent for his son and humbled himself before God, from whom he implored mercy. When his health was restored, he renounced his possessions to devote himself solely to the Lord, with his entire family.
St Maglorius and his family entreat St Samson to receive them into the Monastery
This example had very happy consequences for Maglorius for, he was so touched that he came to Samson with Umbrafel his own father, Afrèle his mother and his two brothers. They all resolved to leave the world and immediately distributed their goods to the poor and to the Churches. Maglorius and his father became particularly attached to Samson, adopting the position of disciples and they obtained permission from him, to take the monastic Habit in the same house. Umbrafel was subsequently sent to Ireland and charged with the government of the Monasteries of that country.
When St Samson was consecrated regional Bishop, he associated himself with Maglorius , who had been elevated to the Diaconate. He took him with him to Armorica, to help him in his Apostolic work and to contribute with his zeal, to the propagation of the Gospel. King Childebert supported the holy missionaries, who were soon able to found Monasteries. Samson made his residence in that of Dol and gave the leadership of that of Kerfunt, or Kerfuntée, to Maglorius, whom he Ordained Priest, so that he could succeed him in the exercise of Episcopal functions.
Maglorius, following the example of his predecessor, preached the Gospel to the Breton,s who lived on the coasts. These peoples were Christians, at least for the most part but the misfortune of wars and the scourges which followed, had weakened the knowledge of Jesus Christ in them and had almost entirely erased it in many. The Saint continued to live with his Monks, as in the past. Under his clothing, he wore a hair shirt. He only ate barley bread and vegetables and a little fish on Sundays and holidays. His zeal and his charity left him almost no moment of rest and he was sometimes without being able to stop to eat for an entire day.
After three years of Episcopate, he formed the plan of going to live in solitude. This project was inspired by the divisions which reigned between the Counts of Brittany. He also believed that God desired of him, this complete separation from the world. After having obtained the consent of the people but without having consulted the neighbouring Bishops. Maglorius, was replaced by Bishop Budoc, whose zeal, enlightenment and virtues were well known by Maglorius. But the Bishops of France disapproved of such conduct and the Second Council of Tours forbade the Bretons from following it in the future.
Maglorius redoubled his austerities and burning with the desire to be united with God in the most intimate way, he avoided, as much as possible, conversing with men. But the reputation of holiness which he enjoyed soon led to the discovery of the place of his retirement. People went there from all sides to find relief from the needs of the soul and the body. If he found himself obliged to accept a few small gifts, it was to distribute them to the poor. Finally, no longer able to bear this influx of people who came to visit him, he resolved to retire into some solitude, where he could be entirely unknown to the world. But Bishop Budoc, whom he consulted, reassured him by making him understand that the good works he was carrying out, should make him sacrifice his particular taste for retirement. He, therefore, remained in the state in which he was and his miracles made his name more famous day-by-day.
The Count of Loiescon, whom he had cured of leprosy, having given him land on the Island of Geurnsey, he built a Church there and founded a Monastery where he gathered more than sixty Monks. During the famine which followed the death of King Chilperic, the monastery provided for countless people who were in need. Although the Monastery’s provisions were exhausted, Maglorius did not reduce the number of his Monks, as was advised. He placed his trust in God and he soon reaped the fruits – a ship loaded with provisions landed on the Island and broughtall the relief needed by all!
It was on Easter night, of the following year that the Maglorius was warned by Heaven, of the proximity of the day of his death. He no longer left the Church, unless he was forced to do so by necessity or by the utility of his neighbour. He often repeated these words of the Psalmist: “I ask only one thing of the Lord and that is, to dwell in His house all the days of my life.”
He died six months later, on 24 October 575. He was around eighty years old. During the Norman wars, his Relics and those of several other Saints, were brought to Paris for safety and deposited in the Church of Saint- Barthélemy, then in the Chapel of Saint-Georges, located outside the City walls. They were then transferred to the Church of Saint-Jacques, since called Saint-Maglorius. In the same place, also rested the Relics of Saints Samson and Louthiern, Bishops and of Saints Guinganthon and Escuiphle, Abbots.
The Church of St Maglorius in Paris which contains his Relics and those of St Samson and others
One of the most well-known and detailed Miracles of St Maglorius concerns his rescue of a group of children. The children were playing in an abandoned wreck on the beach below the Monastery in Sark, when a sudden violent storm swept them out to sea. Maglorius swam out to sea when he heard their cries and saved them and the wreched boat, steering it to the safety of the shore, before vanishing.
Other miracles include – the destruction of a dragon on the Island of Jersey; the resurrected a drowned fisherman of Sark and that the putting to flight a fleet of Vikings.
Posthumous miracles of St. Maglorius are also included in the surviving texts. After his death, Sark was attacked again by Vikings, who sacked the Monastery and killed the Monks. When seven of the Vikings attempted to open St Magllorius’ tomb, they were blinded and many of the others turned and began to kill each other!
Saint Raphael the Archangel The Feast day of Saint Raphael was included for the first time in the General Roman Calendar in 1921, for celebration on 24 October. With the 1969 revision of the General Roman Calendar, the Feast was transferred to 29 September for celebration together with Archangels Saints Michael and Gabriel. St Raphael: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/24/saint-of-the-day-24-october-st-raphael-the-archangel/
Bl Amado García Sánchez St Audactus of Thibiuca St Cadfarch St Ciriacus of Hierapolis St Claudian of Hierapolis St Ebregislus of Cologne St Felix of Thibiuca St Fortunatus of Thibiuca St Fromundus of Coutances St Maglorius of Wales (Died 575) Bishop
St Marcius of Monte Cassino St Mark of Campania Hermit
St Senoch St Senócus of Tours St Septimus of Thibiuca
Martyrs of Ephesus – 3 Saints: Three Christians Martyred together. All we know about them are the names Mark, Sotericus and Valentina. They were stoned to death near Ephesus, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey). Their relics are enshrined on the island of Tasos.
Thought for the Day – 23 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” “Forgive Us Our Debts”
“Finally, we owe God a great deal on account of our sins. Unfortunately, our only return for God’s continual favours, has been negligence, ingratitude and sin! How many failings we have been guilty of throughout our lives? Since it is an offence against God, Who is infinitely good and amiable, even venial sin cannot properly be atoned for by the merits of all the Angels and of all the Saints of Heaven. Therefore, it was necessary for the Son of God, made Man, to offer Himself as a Victim of Expiation, on our behalf.
Remembering His infinite merits, we should humbly ask God – ‘forgive us our debts.‘ that is, our many sins and failings and, whatever punishment is owing to us, for every sin demands some expiation, either in this life or in the next!
Meanwhile, we should accept, with resignation, all the sufferings which God sends us in reparation for our sins and, we should promise never to offend Him again.”
Quote/s of the Day – 23 October – St Anthony Mary Claret CMF (1807-1870) Archbishop and Founder of the Claretians
“Christian perfection consists in three things: praying heroically, working heroically and suffering heroically.”
“I shall be kind to everyone, particularly to those whom I find troublesome.”
“Although the sinner does not believe in Hell, he will, nevertheless, go there, if he has the misfortune to die in mortal sin.”
I Wish to Love Thee, My God By St Anthony Mary Claret (1807-1870)
I wish to love Thee, my God, with all my heart, with all my being, with all my strength. I consecrate to Thee, my thoughts, desires, words and actions, whatever I have and whatever I can be. Let me use what I have for Thy greater honour and glory, according to Thy will. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 23 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Ferial Day – Ephesians 6:10-17, Matthew 18:21-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Should you not have had compassion on your fellow servant, as I had compassion on you?” …Matthew 18:33
REFLECTION – “What is human mercy like? It makes you concerned for the hardship of the poor. What is divine mercy like? It forgives sinners… In this world God is cold and hungry in all the poor, as He Himself said (Mt 25:40)… What sort of people are we? When God gives, we want to receive, when He asks, we refuse to give? When a poor man is hungry, Christ is in need, as He said Himself: “I was hungry and you gave me no food” (v. 42). Take care not to despise the hardship of the poor, if you would hope, without fear, to have your sins forgiven… What He receives on earth He returns in heaven.
I put you this question, dearly beloved – what is it you want, what is it you are looking for, when you come to Church? What indeed if not mercy? Show mercy on earth and you will receive mercy in Heaven. A poor man is begging from you and you are begging from God, he asks for a scrap, you ask for eternal life! … And so, when you come to Church, give whatever alms you can to the poor, in accordance with your means.” – St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) (Sermon 25).
PRAYER – O Lord, we beseech Thee, graciously grant Thou faithful, forgiveness and peace that they may be cleansed of all sin and serve Thee with minds free from care. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 23 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Monday: a day of veneration of the Holy Angels
Angel of God, My Guardian Dear
Angel of God, my Guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day (or night) be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
O Angel of God!
O Angel of God, whom God hath appointed to be my Guardian, enlighten and protect, direct and govern me. Amen.
(Indulgence of one hundred days each time. Plenary once a month if said daily)
Saint of the Day – 23 October – Saint Severinus of Cologne (c330-c400) the third Bishop of Cologne, Confessor, Defender of the Faith against heretics, Miracle-worker. He heard about the death of St Martin of Tours by the message of Angels’ voices. He founded a Monastery in honour of the Martyrs, Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, which is nowadays the Basilica of St. Severinus. Born in Bordeaux, France and died in c400 of natural causes. Patronages – of Cologne, of weavers, for rain, against natural misfortunes and drought.Also known as – Severin, Severino.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Bordeaux, St Severinus, Bishop of Cologne and Confessor.”
Severinus was taking a walk in a field while still a Priest when he heard a voice tell him he would one day be appointed as the Bishop of Cologne. When he asked when that would happen, he was told when his staff produced buds and flowers. Immediately, he ‘planted’ his staff into the ground, it budded and he was called to Cologne.
The arrival of St Severinus
There are only two written sources which provide clues about Severinus’ life and tenure – ‘The Cologne Bishops’ Lists,‘ which have been created in the early Middle Ages, list him as the third incumbent after St Maternus and St Euphrates.
Furthermore, Saint Severinus is remembered as a great opponent of the spread of the heretical Christological doctrine developed by the Monk and theologian, Arius, commonly called Arianism and condemned in 325 by the Council of Nicaea.
Around 580, Bishop St Gregory of Tours (Episcopate 573-594). also describes the life of his predecessor, St Martin, who died in 396 or 397. It mentions Martin’s death and his soul’s ascension into Heaven, which the Cologne Bishop Severinus experienced in a vision, when he visited the holy sites of his Episcopal City of Cologne with Clerics. From this miraculous record, it can be concluded that Severinus was the Bishop in Cologne at the time of St Martin of Tours’ death. The image below shows one of the many miracles of St Severinus – raising a man from the dead, although we have no account of this great prodigy.
A miracle of St Severinus – the resurrection of a man from the dead
From his death, St Severinus was highly venerated in Cologne. The shrine of St Severinus, built in 1819, is raised in the rear area of the High Choir. In it are the bones of the Saint. Furthermore, a Crucifixsbelonging to our Saint, is preserved in the Church..
In 1999, a reconnaissance of his remains was carried out, during which a document was confirmed which asserts the transfer of the bones of Saint Severino by Bishop Wigfried of Cologne (924-953).
Cologne Cathedral Image by Matt Stenvert August 2023
Feast of the Most Holy Redeemer – The Feast of the Most Holy Redeemer is a Catholic Liturgical Feast. It is celebrated in Venice as the Festa del Redentore. It is also celebrated by the Redemptorists and was celebrated in the City of Rome. The Feast is found only in the special calendar of some Diocese and religious Orders and is celebrated with proper Mass and Office either on the third Sunday of July or on 23 October. https://anastpaul.com/2019/10/23/the-feast-of-the-most-holy-redeemer-23-october/
St Anthony Mary Claret CMF (1807-1870) Known as “The Spiritual Father of Cuba.” In the first years, records show, that he Confirmed 100,000 people and performed 9,000 Sacramental Marriages.Archbishop of Cuba, one of the Fathers of the First Vatican Council,Confessor to the Queen of Spain, Missionary, Founder of the Congregation of Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, commonly called the Claretians, Confessor, Mystic, Social Reformer, Spiritual Director, Writer, Publisher, Preacher, Apostle of Charity. He was declared venerable by Pope Leo XIII in 1899. He was Beatified in 1934 and in 1950, Canonised by Pope Pius XII. His heart is incorrupt. The 1969 revision of the calendar moved St Anthony Feast to the day of his death, 24 October (from the 23rd) but the 24th is and had been the Feast of Saint Raphael the Archangel since 1921. About St Anthony Mary here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/10/24/saint-of-the-day-24-october-st-anthony-mary-claret-1807-1870-cmf/
St Amo of Toul St Arethas of Negran St Benedict of Sebaste St Clether St Domitius St Elfleda St Ethelfleda Sts Germanus and Servandus of Cadiz St Gratien of Amiens Bl Henry of Cologne OP (Died 1225) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, one of the first Disciples of St Dominic St Ignatius of Constantinople
St Severinus of Cologne (c330-c400)Bishop Confessor
St Syra of Faremoutiers St Theodoret of Antioch Blessed Thomas Thwing Priest Martyr Beatified on 15 December 1929 by Pope Pius XI St Verus of Salerno
Martyrs of Nicaea – 3 Saints Euerotas Socrates Theodota
Martyrs of Valenciennes – 6 Beati: A group of Urusuline and Briggittine nuns murdered together in the anti-Christian excesses of the French Revolution. They were guillotined on 23 October 1794 in Valenciennes, Nord, France and Beatified on 13 June 1920 by Pope Benedict XV. Anne-Joseph Leroux Clotilde-Joseph Paillot •Jeanne-Louise Barré Marie-Augustine Erraux Marie-Liévine Lacroix Marie-Marguerite-Joseph Leroux
Thought for the Day – 22 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” The Our Father Our Daily Bread
“In the Pater Noster, Jesus instructs us to ask for our daily bread – that is, for sufficient bread for today, not for tomorrow. In this way, He warns us not to be too preoccupied with the future but, to trust in Providence and accept, from God’s hands, from day to day, whatever is necessary for us. God is our Father and loves us as His children. Knowing this, why should we worry about the future?
We are in the hands of God, Who looks after all His children. Let us entrust ourselves completely to His care. This does not mean that we should indulge in any kind of fatalism, expecting everything from God and doing nothing ourselves. We cannot and should not expect unnecessary miracles. We are under an obligation to work because work, is the result of and the punishment for, sin. It enable us to co-operate with God in His work of creation and has ben ennobled and sanctified by Jesus Christ, Who chose to be “the carpenter’s son,” (Mt 13:55) and a carpenter Himself (Cf Mk 6:3). We should work, therefore but, should not worry!
When we have done everything of which we ae capable, we should leave the rest to Divine Providence.”
Quote/s of the Day – 22 October – The 21st Sunday after Pentecost – Ephesians 6:10-17, Matthew 18:23-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“‘Thou wicked servant! I forgave thee all thy debt because thou entreated Me. Should not thou then have had compassion also on thy fellow-servant, even as I had compassion on thee?’ ”
Matthew 18:32-33
“… Every man is both debtor and creditor… A beggar asks you for alms but you, too, are God’s beggar, for when we pray we are all beggars of God. We stand – or rather, prostrate ourselves – at our Father’s door (cf Lk 11:5); we beseech Him with groans, anxious to receive a grace from Him and this grace is God Himself! What does the beggar ask of you? Bread. And what is it that you are asking of God but Christ, Who said: “I am the Living Bread come down from Heaven” (Jn 6:51).”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
“If you wish God to know that you are hungry, know that another is hungry. If you hope for mercy, show mercy. If you look for kindness, show kindness. If you wish to receive, … give. If you ask for yourself, that which you deny to others, your asking is a mockery!”
St Peter Chrysologus (400-450) Father & Doctor of the Church
“You must be reconciled to your enemies, speak to them, as if they had never done you anything but good, all your life, keeping nothing in your heart but the charity, which the good Christian should have, for everyone, so that we may all appear with confidence, before the tribunal of God.”
One Minute Reflection – 22 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – The 21st Sunday after Pentecost – Ephesians 6:10-17, Matthew 18:23-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“‘Thou wicked servant! I forgave thee all thy debt because thou entreated Me. Should not thou then, have had compassion also on thy fellow-servant, even as I had compassion on thee?’ ” – Matthew 18:32-33
REFLECTION – “Every man is God’s debtor and each has his brother in debt to him. Indeed, who could be without debt towards God, if not Him, in Whom is found no sin? And who could not have a debtor in his brother, if not he, whom no-one has ever offended? Thus every man is both debtor and creditor… A beggar asks you for alms but you, too, are God’s beggar, for when we pray we are all beggars of God. We stand – or rather, prostrate ourselves – at our Father’s door (cf Lk 11:5); we beseech Him with groans, anxious to receive a grace from Him and this grace is God Himself. What does the beggar ask of you? Bread. And what is it that you are asking of God but Christ, Who said: “I am the Living Bread come down from Heaven” (Jn 6:51). Do you want to receive pardon? Then, show pardon. “Forgive and you will be forgiven.” Do you want to receive? “Give and gifts will be given to you” (Lk 6:37-38) …
Thus, we ought to be ready to forgive all the wrongs done to us, if we wish God to forgive us too. Truly, if we consider our sins and think over the offences we have committed, I do not know how we can sleep, without feeling the burden of our debt weighing down upon us! And this is why we make our requests to God each day. Each day our prayers strike His ears; each day we prostrate ourselves, saying: “Forgive us our debts, as we ourselves forgive those who are in debt to us.” Which of your debts would you like to have remitted? All of them or only some? You are going to reply – All! So do the same for your debtor then!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 83).
PRAYER – Grant us, Thou servants, O Lord God, we beseech Thee, to enjoy lasting health of mind and body and, by the intercession of glorious and blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may we be delivered from present sorrow and partake to the full of eternal happiness. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 22 October – The 21st Sunday after Pentecost
O Jesus, Sweetest Love, Come Thou to Me (1940) By Fr Francis Xavier Lasance (1860–1946)
O JESUS, sweetest Love, come Thou to me. Come down in all Thy beauty unto me. Thou Who didst die for longing of me And never, never more depart from me. Free me, O beauteous God, from all but Thee; Sever the chain that holds me back from Thee; Call me, O tender Love, I cry to Thee; Thou art my all! O bind me close to Thee. O suffering Love, Who hast so loved me; O patient Love, Who wearies not of me. Thou alone O Love! Thou weary not of me! Ah! Weary not till I am lost in Thee, Nay, weary not, till I am found in Thee. Amen
Saint of the Day – 22 October – Saint Valerius of Langres (Died c411) Archdeacon Martyr. Valerius worked under the saintly Bishop Desiderius of Langres (c307-c356). Died by being beheaded on 22 October c411 near Besancon, France. Also known as – Valière, Valier, Vallier, Valerio. Celebrated on 23 October in the Town named after him, Saint-Vallier
There are different opinions regarding the timescale of the Martyrdom of our Saint . Some believed that it was during the invasion uner Emperor Gallienus (253-68), when the Germanic King Crocus (c260-306) invaded Gaul. Crocus is described as the King of the Vandals. In 260 he led a revolt against the Roman Empire and advanced to Clermont, possibly as far as Ravenna.
The Church historian Louis de Tillemont (1637-1698) believes that St Desiderius was killed on 23 May 411 and his Deacon, St Valerius a few months later, at a time when the country was subject to violence and plundering by invading forces.
After the death of Bishop St Desiderius, Valerius hurriedly gathered the remnants of the Christian congregation and fled by night to the banks of the river Saône. After several months of wandering through the forests, he arrived at Port-Abucin or Port-sur-Saône. This trading Town had made a fortune because it was the last port when going up the Saône.
As soon as the barbarians crossed the Rhine, the Roman road from the Rhine to Langres via Belfort, Luxeuil and Purgerot enabled them to reach Langres and thence to the heart of Gaul in less than four days. The Vandals under Crocus occupied this place, after the conquest of Langres and there they seized Archdeacon Valerius. He was beaten with sticks, pierced with iron nails and finally beheaded on 22 October 411.
The Christians nearby buried his body in the place where he had suffered Martyrdom. His cult spread rapidly in the region. St Desiderius’ successor, as the Bishop of Langres, heard of all the miraculous events which occurred at Valerius’ intercession and immediately proceeded to build a Church on the site of his Martyrdom at Port-sur-Saône.
Saint-Vallier
The Church was remarkable for its size and beneath it lay a crypt which became famous throughout the Country because of all the miracles which happened there. This old Basilica from the 5th Century disappeared and was first replaced by a modest Chapel and in 1836 the current three-nave Basilica was built in the village now called Saint-Vallier. Every year his Feast is celebrated with a great festival on 23 October.
Many Parishes in the Diocese of Chaumont and Langres chose Valerius as their Patron Saint – in Franche-Comté there are three of them, in Doubs and eight in Haute-Saône, among them Barges, Semmadon and Saint-Vallier near Beaujeu.
St Abericus Marcellus St Alodia of Huesca St Apollo of Bawit St Benedict of Macerac St Bertharius of Monte Cassino St Cordula
St Donatus of Fiesole (Died 874) Bishop of Fiesole, Confessor, Irish Nobleman, Monk, Priest, Poet, Writer, Scholar, Professor, Adviser to Emperors Louis the Pious and Lothair I, Founder of San Martino a Mensola Abbey and leader of two military expeditions against the Saracens. His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/22/saint-of-the-day-22-october-st-donatus-of-fiesole-died-874/
Bl Esclaramunda of Majorca St Hermes of Adrianople St Ingbert St Leothade of Auch
St Moderan of Rennes St Nepotian of Clermont St Nunctus of Mérida St Nunilo of Huesca St Philip of Adrianople St Philip of Fermo St Rufus of Egypt St Symmachus of Capua St Valerius of Langres (Died c411) Archdeacon Martyr St Verecundus of Verona
Martyrs of Heraclea – 4 Saints: A group of four clerics in Heraclea (modern Marmara Ereglisi, Turkey) who were arrested in the persecutions of Diocletian. They were imprisoned, abused and ordered to turn over all the Scriptures they had hidden from authorities; they refused and were executed together. Martyrs. – Eusebius, Hermes, Philip and Severus. They were burned at the stake in 304 in Adrianople (modern Edirne, Turkey).
Martyrs of Adianople: Blessed Alexander Blessed Anna Blessed Elisabeth Blessed Glyceria Blessed Heraclius Blessed Theodota
Thought for the Day – 21 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” “Give Us this Day Our Daily Bread”
“Note that each one of us prays for “Our Daily Bread” not for “MY Daily Bread.” We should not ask only for our own requirements but, for those of all our fellowmen, as well.
There are many poverty-stricken people for whom bread is very scarce. We should pray especially for them and should be prepared to share our bread with those who have none. Both charity and justice demand this of us. Let us ask, moreover, only for our necessary requirements, not for wealth and luxury. Anything superfluous which we possess does not belong to us but, to the poor. “Give that which remains,” the Gospel commands, “as alms” (Lk 11:41). Let us remember that, whether we are rich or poor, we are all one great family. Our love for one another should not be merely theoretical but practical, otherwise we are not sincere Christians!”
Quote/s of the Day – 21 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels”
“The greatest method of praying is to pray the Rosary.”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
“Never will anyone who says his Rosary everyday, be led astray. This is a statement that I would gladly sign with my blood.”
St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)
“The Rosary is a powerful weapon to put the demons to flight and to keep oneself from sin… If you desire peace in your hearts, in your homes and in your country, assemble each evening to recite the Rosary. Let not even one day pass without saying it, no matter how burdened you may be with many cares and labours.”
Pope Pius XI (1857-1939)
Whenever I Say Hail Mary Blessed Alain de la Roche (1428-1475)
Whenever I say Hail Mary, The Court of Heaven rejoices And the earth is lost in wonderment And I despise the world And my heart is brim full Of the love of God.
When I say Hail Mary, All my fears wilt and die And my passions are quelled.
If I say Hail Mary, Devotion grows within me And sorrow for sin awakens.
When I say Hail Mary, Hope is made strong in my breast And the dew of consolation Falls on my soul more and more, Because I say Hail Mary. And my spirit rejoices, And sorrow fades away When I say … Hail Mary!
One Minute Reflection – 21 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Saint Ursula and Companions (Died c 238) Virgin Martyrs – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6, Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.” – Luke 11:28
REFLECTION – “Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak” (Jas 1;19). Yes, brethren, I tell you frankly… I, who frequently address you at your own request, it is undiluted joy for me, when I take my place in the audience; my happiness is unalloyed, when I listen, rather than speak. Then, it is that I savour the Word in all confidence; my satisfaction is unthreatened by vainglory. When you sit on the solid rock of Truth, how can you fear the precipice of pride? “I will give ear,” says the psalmist, “and you will fill me with joy and gladness” (cf Ps 50:10). So, I am never more delighted, than when I am listening – our position as hearers, is that which keeps us in an attitude of humility.
To the contrary, if we speak … we need to have a certain restraint. Even if I do not give in to pride, I am always afraid I might still do so! If I listen, on the other hand, no-one can take my joy away from me, (Jn 16:22) since no-one witnesses it. This is truly the joy of the Bridegroom, of Whom Saint John says: “He stands and listens” (Jn 3:29). He stands because he listens. The first man, too, was standing because he was listening to God, as soon as he listened to the serpent, he fell. The friend of the bridegroom, then, is “overcome with joy at the Bridegroom’s Voice.” What makes him joyful is not his own voice, as preacher and prophet but the Voice of the Bridegroom Himself.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace [Attri] (Cf Discourse on Ps 139:15 – Treatises on St John’s Gospel No 57)
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord our God that we may never cease devoutly, to venerate the triumphs of Thy holy Virgins and Martyrs, Ursula and her companions that, as we cannot worthily shew forth their praises, yet we may continually honour them, with lowly service. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 21 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Saturday of the Blessed Virgin, Sanctæ Mariæ Sabbato
Through Thee, to Us, Our Saviour Came Sweet Lady of the Rosary By St Amadeus of Lausanne O.Cist (1108-1159)
Through thee, to us, our Saviour came, Through thee, to Him, we fain would go. Our lives are marred by wrong and shame, Yet, confidence in thee we know. The friendship thou dost give to all Who love thy name, shall ever be Assurance thou wilt hear our call, Sweet Lady of the Rosary!
Thou art our Strength upon the way, Our Morning Star, to cheer and guide; Our Beacon Light to show the day, And lead us to the Saviour’s Side; A Comforter in ev’ry pain We find, O Mother blest, in thee, And seek we, never, thee in vain, Fair Lady of the Rosary!
Thy praises, Mary, we would sing, And all our faculties employ, That unto thee our hearts might bring A glory-crown of love and joy. Bless thou each humble effort made In thy regard and grant that we, May by thy influence be swayed, Our Lady of the Rosary!
Saint of the Day – 21 October – Saint Berthold of Parma OSB (c1072-c1106) Lay Brother or “Regular Oblate” Sacristan, Sexton, Guardian of the Relics. Berthold died in c1106 in his early thirties, of natural causes. Also known as – Bertold, Bertoldo. Our Saint’s name from an ancient Germanic source means “famous, illustrious, shining” – is not the only one with this name in the Calendars – lived in Parma.Italy and died in c1106.
Altarpiece of St Berthold, by Alessandro Tiarini in 1628, in the Church of Sant’Alessandro in Parma
Berthold, was descended from a foreign family – his father, Abbondius, was English, his mother, Berta, was a Briton. They had arrived in Italy, very poor artisans, fleeing the Norman invasion of England in 1066 and initially settled in Milan, where Abbondius practiced the shoemaker’s trade but with little or no success.
They then crossed the Po River, settling in Parma, where their only son, Berthold, was born around 1072. At seven years old, the boy was already working in his father’s shop, helping in the difficult trade. But, at twelve, Berthold abandoned his awl and his blade, to serve the Lord with equal zeal and unchanged humility.
He had to overcome the resistance of his parents, especially his father, who perhaps wished for that only son, the ambition of everything that had been denied to himself in his life. But Berthold’s vocation, despite its simplicity, was stronger than his father’s ambitions and the boy was thus able to change the shoemaker’s shop for the Parma Church of St Alexander, near which there was a Monastery of Benedictine Nuns. Bishop Bernard of Parma commissioned him to serve as a Sexton and Guard the Relics of St Alexander in the Church of the Benedictine Nuns.
A more comprehensive image of the Church of St Alexander in Parma, showing the Bell Tower and the Convent at the back and side
In the history of religious Orders, Berthold is thus considered a precursor of those Lay Brothers, called Regular Oblates, who later became a normal occurrence – and still are – in Benedictine Abbeys and Monasteries. His duties, in the Church of St Alexander, were those of a Sacristan – a Sacristan who was part of the community and lived its Rule with great zeal.
He lived at the base of the Bell Tower and was awake before dawn, to pray in front of the Altar, after having prepared everything for the first Masses. He wore sackcloth and every Friday he flagellated himself. Always obedient, humble and serene, the Nuns even pointed him out as a model, to the young Novices.
St Alexander’s Church in Parma
With the permission of the Superior, he undertook a pilgrimage to Rome and then to France, where he visited the tomb of St Anthony Abbot, where miracles were attributed to our Saint. And humble, touching miracles were also attributed to him after his return to Parma, where he died still young, while praying, greeted by an insistent flock of bells.
Dear beloved Berthold was buried at his Convent Church of St Alexander, where his Relics still now reside.
Saint Ursula and Companions: (Died c238) Virgin Martyrs This Amazing Story: https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/21/saint-of-the-day-21-october-saint-ursula-and-companions-died-c-238-virgin-martyr/ There are other Saints closely associated with Ursula and her story – travelling companions who were Martyred with her. They are: Antonia of Cologne Cesarius of Cologne Cyriacus of Cologne Daria Fiolanus of Lucca Ignatius of Cologne James of Antioch Mauritius of Cologne Pontius of Cologne Sulpitius of Ravenna Vincent of Cologne Travelling companion, but escaped the massacre: Cunera Led by a dove to the lost tomb of St Ursula: Cunibert of Cologne.
St Agatho the Hermit St Asterius of Périgord St Asterius of Rome St Berthold of Parma OSB (c1072-c1106) Lay Brother or “Regular Oblate” St Celina of Meaux St Cilinia St Condedus St Domnolus of Pouilly St Finian Munnu St Gebizo St Hilarion of Moglena St Hugh of Ambronay St Letizia St Maurontus of Marseilles St Malchus of Syria
Thought for the Day – 20 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” The First Part of the “Our Father”
“Our second aspiration is: “Thy kingdom come.” It is true, that God reigns over Heaven, earth and the infernal regions. Everything is subject to His Will – the sun, the stars, the birds of the air, the fishes of the sea and the tiniest insects carry out His commands. Even the demons of Hell, who He has condemned to eternal punishment, are obedient to His Will. But what about the human race?
Man possesses the precious but dangerous privilege of free will which he has power to abuse by rebelling against God. We should pray that the sovereignty of God may be triumphant in all hearts, beginning with our own and, that all men may willingly subject themselves to His commandments and to His grace. This is the only way in which they can find peace. “Take my yoke upon you and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:29).
We should pray, moreover, for the Church, which is the Kingdom of God upon earth. We should pray for her peaceful victory over her enemies, who persecute her and impede her work for the salvation of souls. We should love the Church even as we love Jesus Christ, for the Church is His handiwork and the fruit of His Precious Blood.”
Quote/s of the Day – 20 October – St John Cantius (1390-1473) Confessor
“Pray that we shalll persevere with good humour, patience, kindness and love, in times of trouble and conflict.”
“What kind of work can be more noble, than to cultivate the minds of young people, guarding it carefully, so that the knowledge and love of God and His holy precepts, go hand-in-hand with learning? To form young Christians and citizens, is not this the most beautiful and noble minded way to make use of life, of all one’s talents and energy?”
One Minute Reflection – 20 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St John Cantius (1390-1473) Confessor – James 2:12-17, Luke 12:35-40 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” – Luke 12:40
REFLECTION – “The Lord was looking to our days when He said, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” (Lk 18:8) We see that what He foretold has come to pass. There is no faith in the fear of God, in the law of righteousness, in love, in good works …. That which our conscience would fear if it believed, it does not fear because it does not believe at all. If it believed, it would also take heed and if it took heed, it would be saved.
Therefore ,beloved brothers, let us arouse ourselves as much as we can and break the slumber of our listlessness. Let us be watchful to observe and to do the Lord’s precepts. Let us be like He Himself, has bidden us to be, saying, “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately, when He comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants, whom the Master finds vigilant on His arrival“.
Let us always wait with solicitude and caution for the sudden coming of the Lord, so that when he knocks, our faith maybe on the watch and receive from the Lord, the reward of our vigilance. If these commands be observed, if these warnings and precepts be kept, we will not be overtaken in slumber, by the deceit of the devil. But we shall reign with Christ in His Kingdom, as servants on the watch.” – St Cyprian (c 200-258) Bishop of Carthage and Martyr, Father of the Church (Treatise on the unity of the Church, 26-27).
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that by following the example of blessed John, Thy Confessor, we may advance in a knowledge of holiness and, by showing pity for others, obtain Thou forgiveness through his merits. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 20 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feast of Mater Admirabilis / Mother Most Admirable
O Purest of Creatures, Sweet Mother, Sweet Maid By Fr Frederick W Faber C.Orat. (1814-1863)
O Purest of creatures, sweet Mother, sweet maid, The one spotless womb wherein Jesus was laid! Dark night hath come down on us, Mother! and we Look out for thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!
Deep night hath come down on this rough-spoken world, And the banners of darkness are boldly unfurled; And the tempest-tossed Church,— all her eyes are on thee; They look to thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!
He gazed on thy soul, it was spotless and fair, For the empire of sin—it had never been there; None ever had owned thee, dear Mother but He. And He blest thy clear shining, sweet Star of the Sea!
Earth gave Him one lodging; t’was deep in thy breast, And God found a home where the sinner finds rest; His home and His hiding-place, both were in thee, He was won by thy shining, sweet Star of the Sea!
Saint of the Day – 20 October – Saint Maximus of Aquila (c228-c250) Deacon Martyr. Born in c228 in Aveia, Italy and died by being cast off a cliff in Aveia, Italy in c250. Also known as – Maximus of Aveia, Maximus of Naples, Massimo… Additional Memorial – 10 June on which date he is celebrated by a Festival in Aquila (translation of Relics). Maximus is the Main Patron of both the City and Archdiocese of Aquila, L’Aquila and of Penne – Italy.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Aveia, near Aquila in Abruzzo, Italy, the birthday of blessed Maximus, Deacon and Martyr, who, through the desire of suffering, presented himself to the persecutors who sought him. After answering with great constancy, he was racked and tortured, then beaten with rods and finally, he died by being precipitated from an elevated place.”
Giulio Cesare Bedeschini, San Massimo, before 1613, from the Archbishopric of L’Aquila.
Maximus was born in the ancient City of Aveia (surrounding L’Aquila) in the first half of the 3rd Century (c228). It seems that he was born into a Christian family as demonstrated by his status as an aspirant to the Priesthood, the Relics of his father, also Maximus and his deposition before the Prefect of Aveia.
During the persecution of Decius which lasted from October 249 to November 251, he was Martyred. From a ‘Passio,’ we know that after various questions from the Governor of the City and the answers of loyalty to Jesus Christ, he was stretched out on the rack and tortured for a long time. The long torture was of no use, however. To dissuade him, the Governor even promised him his daughter, Cesaria, as a bride. The exasperated persecutor ordered Maximus to be thrown from the highest peak, which was called Temple Circle and Tower. Perhaps it was due to this Martyrdom that the City of Aveia (today Fossa) became a Bishopric.
Statue of St Maximus of the Cathedral in L’Aquila (1153)
Upon the destruction of Aveia, during an invasion, Maximus’ Relics were taken to a nearby City “City of St Maximus” and, it was here that on 10 June 956, Emperor Otto I the Great and Pope John XII came to venerate the Relics of our Saint. In 1256 the See and the Relics were moved to the newly built City of L’Aquila and were placed in the new Cathedral there which was also dedicated to him.
Note from the local Daily News of L’Auila on some of the Festival Celebrations: Saturday 10 June, at 11am, Holy Chapter Mass at the Church of the Anime Sante, presided over by Canon Sergio Maggioni , Archdeacon of the L’Aquila Chapter, while in the evening, at 9.45pm, the musical event “Galileo Queen Tribute band & DJ set Lorenzo Baglioni” in Piazza San Basilio, with a food and drink area from 7pm organised by Anbra brewery and Bivacco.
This is the St Maximus’ Processional Cross, in silver, enamel and copper. by Nicola Gallucci da Guardiagrele (1385-1462).
Blessed James Strepar OFM (c 1340-1409) Archbishop of Halicz, Poland from 1392 until his death Religious Priest of the Order of Friars Minor, Missionary. St Pius X proclaimed Blessed James, along with St Anthony of Padua, the Patrons of the Conventual Franciscan Order of Krakow Province. He was given the title of “Protector of the Kingdom, Defender and Guardian of the Homeland,” for his exceptional merits, including civil ones. Such was he considered by all. He was Canonised by by Pope Pius VI on 11 September 1791. His body is incorrupt. His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/20/saint-of-the-day-20-october-blessed-james-strepar-ofm-c-1340-1409/
St Leopardo of Osimo St Lucas Alonso Gorda St Martha of Cologne + Virgin Martyr St Maximus of Aquila (c228-c250) Deacon Martyr St Orora St Saula of Cologne + Virgin Martyr St Sindulphus of Rheims St Usthazanes St Vitalis of Salzburg
Thought for the Day – 19 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” The “Our Father”
“Our Father, Who art in heaven.” Heaven is God Himself, Who reveals Himself to the souls of the blessed. If a man lives in God, his mind and heart are already in Heaven, even though he is still an exile upon this earth. It is a wonderful experience to lead a bodily existence upon earth, while our minds are with God in Heaven, for, as St Paul says, “our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil 3:20). As we are aware, God is everywhere, in Heaven and on earth. When we invoke our Father, Who is in Heaven, however, we manifest our faith in Him and in His generosity, whereby, He reveals Himself in all His glory to the blessed and shows His mercy to us poor exiles, when we come to Him. In the first words of the Pater Noster, we express, not only our faith but, also our hope of being happy with God for all eternity.”
AnaStpaul 
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