Posted in DOMINICAN OP, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Within the All Saints Octave, Onze Liewe Vrou van Scherpenheuvel / Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel Belgium (17th Century) and Memorials of the Saints – 7 November

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Within the All Saints Octave

Onze Liewe Vrou van Scherpenheuvel / Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel
Scherpenheuvel-Zichem, Belgium (17th Century) – Commemorated on the First Sunday after the Feast of All Saints
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/07/twenty-fourth-sunday-after-pentecost-the-feast-of-all-saints-of-the-order-of-preachers-onze-liewe-vrou-van-scherpenheuvel-our-lady-of-scherpenheuvel-scherpenheuvel-zichem-belgium-17th-century/

The Feast of All Saints of the Order of Preachers:
“Fountain of all holiness, You stirred up in our holy brothers and sisters an extraordinary love of truth, conformity to Christ Crucified and a thirst for the salvation of souls: may we imitate them in offering You thanksgiving on account of the way of life they gave us.” — From the Intercessions at Lauds for the Feast of All Saints of the Order of Preachers.
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/11/07/thought-for-the-day-7-november-feast-of-all-dominican-saints/

St Achillas (Died 313) Bishop of Alexandria, Egypt.
St Amarand
St Amaranthus

Blessed Anthony Baldinucci SJ (1665-1717) Priest of the Society of Jesus, Preacher, Writer and Missionary. Fr Baldinucci was Beatified by Pope Leo XIII on 25 March 1893.
Biography here:
tps://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/11/07/saint-of-the-day-blessed-anthony-baldinucci-s-j-1665-1717/

St Athenodorus of Neo-Caesarea
St Auctus of Amphipolis
St Baud of Tours
St Blinlivet
St Congar

St Engelbert of Cologne (c1185-1225) Archbishop Martyr, Count, Guardian and Chancellor of the Empire on behalf of the young King, protector of the Monasteries and religious Orders, Apostle of the poor.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/07/saint-of-the-day-7-november-saint-engelbert-of-cologne-c-1185-1225/

St Ernest of Mecca

St Florentius of Strasburg (Died 693) ) the 13th Bishop of Strasburg from 618–624, Missionary, Miracle-worker, founder of Monasteries and Churches, Hermit. Born in Ireland and died in 693 in Strasburg, Germany.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/07/saint-of-the-day-7-november-st-florentius-of-strasburg-died-693-t/

St Gebetrude of Remiremont
St Herculanus of Perugia
St Hesychius of Mytilene
St Hieron of Mytilene
Bl Hyacinth Castañeda Puchasons
St Lazarus the Stylite
Bl Lucia of Settefonti
St Nicander of Mytilene
Bl Peter Ou
St Prosdocimus of Padua
St Prosdocimus of Rieti
St Raverranus of Séez
St Rufus of Metz
St Taurion of Amphipolis
St Thessalonica of Amphipolis
St Tremorus of Brittany

St Willibrord (c658 – 739) “Apostle to the Frisians,” Bishop, Missionary.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/07/saint-of-the-day-7-november-st-willibrord-c-658-739-apostle-to-the-frisians/

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, NOVEMBER - Month of the SOULS in PURGATORY, PURGATORY, QUOTES on HELL, QUOTES on MORTAL SIN, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, The COMMUNION of SAINTS, The HOLY SOULS

Thought for the Day – 6 November – The Communion of Saints and the Souls in Purgatory

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 6 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Communion of Saints
and the Souls in Purgatory

“Let us remember, however, that this will be impossible if we fall into mortal sin and so extinguish, in ourselves, the Divine life which comes to us through the Mystical Body of Christ.
In such an unhappy event, we shall have become branches separated from the vine, lifeless and rotting.
We shall no longer be able to claim brotherhood with the blessed in Heaven, or with the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
We shall be nothing but dry wood, destined to feed the everlasting flames of Hell!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/06/thought-for-the-day-6-november-the-communion-of-saints-and-the-souls-in-purgatory/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/06/thought-for-the-day-5-november/

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on TRUTH, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HEART, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 6 November – Ardent Travellers …

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 6 November – Within the All Saints Octave – Apocalypse 7:2-12; Matthew 5:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward
will be great in Heaven.”

Matthew 5:12

“ Blessed are they who have not seen
and have believed.”

John 20:29

“… A tree is known by its fruit.
So those who profess to belong to Christ
will be known, by what they do.
For the work we are about,
is not a matter of words, here and now
but depends on the power of faith
and on being found faithful, to the end!”

St Ignatius of Antioch (c35–c107)
Bishop, Martyr, Apostolic Father

“Stand erect and raise your heads
because your redemption is at hand.”

Luke 21:28
“Truth is exhorting His elect by saying:
“When the disasters of the world
become more frequent… let your hearts exult!
While the world, which is not your friend,
is coming to an end,
the redemption you have sought ,is coming near!”
Those who love God are ordered to rejoice
and be merry at the world’s end.
They will soon find Him Whom they love,
while what they have not loved is passing away.
It should be far from the hearts of all the faithful
who long to see God, to grieve over the disasters
of a world, for they know, these very disasters,
are soon to end. It is written that:
“Whoever wishes to be a friend of this world,
makes himself an enemy of God” (Jas 4:4).”

St Gregory the Great (540-604)
Pope, Confessor, Father and Doctor
“Father of the Fathers”

“May Christ be heard in our language,
may Christ be seen in our life,
may He be perceived in our hearts”

St Peter Damian (1007-1072)
Doctor of the Church

Posted in CATECHESIS, FATHERS of the Church, ON the SAINTS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 6 November – ‘ … Rejoice, ardent travellers! …’

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One Minute Reflection – 6 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – Within the All Saints Octave – Apocalypse 7:2-12; Matthew 5:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in Heaven.” – Matthew 5:12

REFLECTION – “Rejoice in the Lord without ceasing (cf. Phil 4:4), my dear children. I beg you rejoice, citizens of Heaven but exiles on earth, inhabitants of the Jerusalem on high (cf. Gal 4:26) but banished from affairs here below, inheritors of the Kingdom of Heaven but disinherited from taking any part at all, in earthly pleasures!  Rejoice, ardent travellers, at undergoing exile and maltreatment in a foreign land in the name of the commandment of God! Rejoice, you who are last in this world but lords of blessings that exceed our understanding (cf. Phil 4:7).
Rejoice, noble company, brought together by God, assembly united in heart and soul, who give life to filial and fraternal love, a replica on earth of the host of Angels! … Rejoice, God’s workers, apostolic men. … Rejoice, you who set your joy in each other, each making his own the reputation of his brother, you in whom is found neither jealousy, rivalry nor envy but, in their place, peace and charity and life in common. In truth, I do not say that we are not attacked – indeed, who is crowned if not the one who struggles and fights, who exchanges thrusts and wounds with his assailants? – but I say that we should not let ourselves be brought down by the machinations of Satan.

Yes, my children, assembly of God, nourish yourselves with the food of the Spirit and drink the water given by the Lord: whoever comes to possess this water will never thirst again but it will become, in Him, a spring of living water welling up to eternal life (cf. Jn 4:14). …  Yet, a little while and we shall have vanquished. And blessed shall we be, blessed also, it shall be said, are the places, family and countries that have borne you (cf Lk 11:27-28).” – St Theodore the Studite (759-826) – Catechesis 47 (The Great Catecheses)

PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, Who granted us to honour the merits of all Thy Saints in a single solemn festival, bestow on us, we beseech Thee, through their manifold intercession that abundance of Thy mercy for which we yearn. 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 DOCTORS of the Church, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, The HOLY GHOST

Our Morning Offering – 6 November – Come O Holy Spirit! By St Alphonsus

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Our Morning Offering – 6 November – Monday is the day in which we begin the work week with extra devotion to the Holy Ghost, the Third Person of the Trinity to Whom we pray for enlightenment, for wisdom, for the light of inspiration.
We ask the Holy Ghost to work through us over the course of the day and the week.
To remind us we are instruments and help us to seek only the Will of God.

Come O Holy Spirit!
By St Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

You made Mary full of grace
and inflamed the hearts of the Apostles
with a holy zeal,
enflame our hearts with Your love.
You are the Spirit of goodness,
give us the courage to confront evil.
You are Fire,
set us ablaze with Your Love.
You are Light,
enlighten our minds,
that we may see what is truly igood and true.
You are the Dove,
give us gentleness.
You are a Soothing Breeze,
bring calm to the storms which rage within us.
You are the Tongue,
may our lips ever sing God’s praises
You are the Cloud,
shelter us under the shadow of Your protection.
O Holy Spirit, melt the frozen,
warm the chilled
and enkindle in us,
an earnest desire to please You.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 6 November – Saint Melaine of Rennes (Died c535) Bishop, Confessor

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Saint of the Day – 6 November – Saint Melaine of Rennes (Died c535) Bishop of Rennes in Brittany, France, Confessor, previously a Monk and Abbot, Royal Advisor, Miracle-worker. Born in Placet, Brittany and died in c535 of natural causes. Also known as – “Apostle of France” • Melan, Melanie, Melanio, Melanius, Melen, Mellion, Mullion. Additional Memorials – 6 January and 11 October – both dates seeming to be in regard to the translation of his Relics. Patronages – Mullion, Cornwall and Saint Mellyan, Cornwall, England.

The Roman Martyrology reds: “At Rennes, in France, St Melanius, Bishop and Confessor, who displayed innumerable virtues and with his thoughts ever fixed on Heaven, passed from the world in glory.”

Melaine grew up at Plaz in Brain, near Redon in Brittany, northwest modern France. He was a pious child, often being punished for spending too long at his prayers. He became a Monk and then Abbot. He was nominated the successor to Bishop St Amand of Rennes. Traditions state that on the death of Amand, he was compelled, by the local population, to become the next Bishop, accepting the role with great reluctance.

It is also recorded that Melaine performed many miracles and put an end to heathen practices in his Diocese. During his rule, King Clovis I began his reign and Melaine became his trusted advisor. He opposed immigration from Britain and attended the First Council of Orléans in 511.

Melaine died at Rennes in c535 and was buried in the Abbey Church of Notre-Dame-en-Saint-Melaine, see below, which was built around his tomb.

In Wales, his Feast is celebrated locally on 10 October rather than 11 October at St Mellons, in modern-day Cardiff, although there is serious doubt over whether Melaine is the same Saint ‘Mellonius’ said to have been born there.

In Cornwall, he is the patron of the villages of St Mellion and Mullion, where there is a tradition of his visit.

The Abbey of St Melaine and the back of the Church
Posted in MARIAN TITLES, MYSTICS, NOVENA -Guardian, PURGATORY, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY SOULS

Within the All Saints Octave, Notre-Dame de Valfleury / Our Lady of Valfleury, France (800), Nostra Signora del Suffragio / Our Lady of Suffrage (For the Souls in Purgatory) and Memorials of the Saints for 6 November

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Within the All Saints Octave

Notre-Dame de Valfleury / Our Lady of Valfleury, France (800) – 6 November:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/06/notre-dame-de-valfleury-our-lady-of-valfleury-france-800-and-memorial-of-the-saints-6-november/

Nostra Signora del Suffragio / Our Lady of Suffrage (For the Souls in Purgatory)
The Archconfraternity of Death and Prayer (mortis et orationis), founded in Rome, 1538, to provide for the burial of the poor and abandoned, still exists.
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/06/nostra-signora-del-suffragio-our-lady-of-suffrage-for-the-souls-in-purgatory-6-november/

St Atticus
St Barlaam of Novgorod
Bl Beatrice of Olive

Blessed Christina of Stommeln (1242-1312) Virgin, Mystic, Stigmatist, Beguine Nun.
https://anastpaul.com/2019/11/06/saint-of-the-day-blessed-christina-of-stommeln-1242-1312/

St Demetrian of Cyprus
St Edwen of Northumbria
St Efflam of Brittany
St Emilian of Faenza
St Erlafrid of Hirschau
St Felix of Fondi
St Felix of Genoa
St Felix of Thynissa
St Illtyd
St Israel of Limoges

St Leonard of Noblac (c496-559) Monk, Hermit, Abbot, Miracle-worker.
About St Leonard:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/11/06/saint-of-the-day-st-leonard-of-noblac-c496-559/

St Leonard of Reresby
Bl Leonianus of Autun
St Melaine of Rennes (Died c535) Bishop Confessor
St Paul of Constantinople
St Pinnock
St Protasius of Lausanne
St Severus of Barcelona
Bl Simon of Aulne
St Stephen of Apt
St Theobald of Dorat
St Valentine of Genoa

St Winnoc of Wormhoult (Died 716/717) Abbot, Miracle-worker
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/06/saint-of-the-day-6-november-saint-winnoc-of-wormhoult-died-716-717/

Martyrs of Antioch – 10 Saints: Ten Christians murdered together by Arabs after their seizure of Antioch, Syria. No names or other details about them have come down to us. 637 in Antioch, Syria.

Martyrs of Gaza – 9 Saints: A group of Christian soldiers who were captured by Saracens invading the area of Gaza in Palestine. When the men continued to profess their Christianity, they were executed. We know the names of some of the Martyrs – Himerius, John (2 of them), Kallinikos (Callinoco), Paul, Peter, Stephen and Theodore (2 of them). They were beheaded in Gaza, Palestine.

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, NOVEMBER - Month of the SOULS in PURGATORY, PURGATORY, The HOLY SOULS

Thought for the Day – 5 November – The Consolations of the Suffering Souls in Purgatory

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Thought for the Day – 5 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Consolations of the
Suffering Souls in Purgatory

“That is the way it is in Purgatory.
The suffering souls endure dreadful torments but, they are resigned to the will of God and are happy to suffer, indefinitely, in order to become holy.
Nevertheless, we can and should pray that their sufferings may be minimised and their joy increased while they are awaiting the moment of their liberation and of their entry into eternal glory.
The prayers, penances and good works which we offer on their behalf are a great consolation to them and draw God’s blessings upon ourselves.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/05/thought-for-the-day-5-november-the-consolations-of-the-suffering-souls-in-purgatory/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/05/thought-for-the-day-5-november-the-consolations-of-the-suffering-souls-in-purgatory-2/

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, DOCTORS of the Church, JESUIT SJ, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR

Quote/s of the Day – 5 November – St Ignatius Loyola and Friends

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Quote/s of the Day – 5 November – All Saints and Blesseds of the Society of Jesus (SJ)

“True humility consists in persuading
and convincing oneself
that without God, we are insignificant
and despicable
and, in accepting to be treated as such!”

St Ignatius Loyola SJ (1491-1556)

“He who desires to consecrate
himself to God must, in the first place,
trample under his feet,
all regard for what others will say of him.
O my God, why do we not ask
what Jesus Christ or His holy Mother,
will think of our conduct?”

St Francis Borgia SJ (1510-1572)

“For the sake of obtaining that eternal life,
no works of piety,
ought to seem too difficult to a true believer,
no toil too heavy,
no pain too bitter,
no time spent in labour and suffering,
too long or too wearisome.
For, if nothing is sweeter, or more desirable,
than this present life which is so full of calamities,
how much more desirable,
must that other life be deemed
which is so far removed from all sense of evil,
or fear of it, which will, in every conceivable way,
always abound in the unspeakable
and unending joys, delight and happiness of Heaven.”

St Peter Canisius SJ (1521-1597)
Confessor, Doctor of the Church

“All evangelical perfection is attained,
by the continual exercise of prayer.”

“He who is not a man of prayer
will never attain to a great act of holiness,
nor will he ever triumph over himself!”

St Aloysius Gonzaga SJ (1568-1591)

“I must dedicate myself
to the service of God until death,
on the understanding
that I am like a slave.”

St Peter Claver SJ (1581-1654)

“No life, except the life of Christ,
has moved me so deeply,
as that of Peter Claver.”

St Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903)
on the occasion of St Peter Claver’s Canonisation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer for Unbelievers
By St Francis Xavier (1506-1552)

O God, the Everlasting Creator of all things,
remember that the souls of unbelievers
were made by Thee
and formed in Thine own image and likeness.
Remember that Jesus, Thy Son,
endured a most bitter Death for their salvation.
Permit not, I beseech Thee, O Lord
that Thy Son should be any longer despised by unbelievers
but do Thou graciously accept the prayers
of holy men and of the Church,
the Spouse of Thy Most Holy Son
and be mindful of Thy mercy.
Forget their idolatry and unbelief
and grant that they too,
may someday know Him,
Whom Thou hast sent…the Lord Jesus Christ,
Who is our Salvation, our Life and Resurrection,
by Whom we have been [redeemed] and delivered,
to Whom be glory for endless ages.
Amen.

St Francis Xavier (1506-1552)

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/05/quote-s-of-the-day-5-november-jesuits/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, The RESURRECTION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 5 November – “… The girl is not dead but sleepeth.” – Matthew 9:24

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 5 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – Within the Octave of All Saints and the Feast of the Holy Relics – Philippians 3:17-21; 4:1-3; Matthew 9:18-26 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… The girl is not dead but sleepeth.” – Matthew 9:24

REFLECTION – “Let us consider, dear friends, how the Master is continually proving to us that there is to be a resurrection, of which He made the Lord Jesus Christ the First Fruits, when He raised Him from the dead. Let us observe, dear friends, the resurrection that is regularly taking place. Day and night show us a resurrection – night falls asleep, day arises; day departs, night arrives. Let us take the crops – how and in what way, does the sowing take place? The sower goes out and sows each seed in the ground. They fall into the ground, dry and bare and decay, then from their decay, the greatness of the Master’s Providence raises them up and, from a single grain, many spring up and bear fruit! … Do we, then, regard it as a great and marvellous thing. for the Creator of all things. to bring about the resurrection of those. who have served Him with holiness, in the assurance of a good faith?…

With this hope, then, let our souls be bound to Him Who is faithful to His promises and upright in His judgements. He, Who has commanded us not to lie, will much more not lie Himself. For nothing is impossible to God, except lying (Jer 32:17; Lk 1:37 Heb 6:18). So, let faith in Him be rekindled in us and let us understand that all things are possible to Him.

With His majestic Word, He constituted all things and with a Word, He can overturn them … When He pleases and as He pleases, He will do everything and none of the things He has decreed, will pass away. All things are in His sight and nothing has escaped His Providence.” – St Clement of Rome (c35-c101) Pope from c88 to c101, Father of the Church (Letter to the Corinthians 24-28).

PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, Who granted us to honour the merits of all Thy Saints in a single solemn festival, bestow on us, we beseech Thee, through their manifold intercession, that abundance of Thy mercy for which we yearn.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 BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), GOD the FATHER, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 5 November – Prayer of Blessed Severinus Boethius

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 5 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – The 23rd Sunday after Pentecost

Prayer of Blessed Severinus Boethius
(c 475-524) Martyr

O Father, enable our minds,
to rise to Thy ineffable dwelling place.
Let us find the light
and direct the eyes of our soul to Thee.
Dispel the mists and the opaqueness
of the earthly mass
and shine out with Thy splendour.
Thou art the serene and tranquil abode
of those who persevere
in their goal of seeing Thee.
Thou art, at the same time,
the Beginning, the Vehicle,
the Guide, the Way and the Goal.
Amen.

Posted in CHILDREN / YOUTH, EYES - Diseases, of the BLIND, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 5 November – Saint Gerald of Béziers OSA (1070–1123) Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 5 November – Saint Gerald of Béziers OSA (1070–1123) Bishop of Béziers from 1121 until the day of his death, Canon Regular of St Augustine and the 2nd Prior of the community at Cassan Abbey, Apostle of the poor and sick, Gerald built a Hospital and restored and extended the Abbey, Miracle-worker. Born around 1070 in Puissalicon and died on 5 November 1123 in Béziers in France of natural causes. Patronages – Puissalicon and the town of Saint-Guiraud and of children suffering from eye diseases. Also known as – Gerald of Puissalicon, Guiraud, Geraud, Geraldo.

Gerald was born in Puissalicon in 1070. Several acts and charters bear the signature “Guiraud of Puissalicon.” This proves that he was from the noble family of thePuissalicons. Tradition reports that his mother carried him for only 7 months and then, when he was Baptised, the Baptismal’s water began to boil as if some red-hot iron had been planted within it. This miracle was considered as forerunner of the holiness of the child.

Before 1085, being only around 15 years old, he joined the Canons Regular of St Augustine, where , in around 1094, he was Ordained a Deacon. Seven years later, in 1101, aged 31, Gerald was Ordained to the Priesthood.

Between 4 May 1105 and 6 August 1106, he was elected Prior of the Monastery in Cassan near Roujan , which, as Prior, he restored to its former glory. He built many new buildings, including a Hospital. On 5 October 1115, a new Church outside the Cassan Monastery was Consecrated.

Gerald was known for his piety, sincerity and simplicity, He devoted much of his time to the poor and sick and in 1121 he accepted the Bishopric of the Diocese of Béziers. He held this office for only around 2 years before Gerald died at the age of approximately 53 as a result of illness.

He was buried, as requested, next to Saint. Aphrodisius, first bishop of Béziers. His Relics were transferred on 11 November 1259 to the no longer existing Monastery of the Poor Clares . This building was a place of worship until the French Revolution, during which the Relics of our Saint were destroyed. His miraculous Silver Amethyst Ring was stored in Reujan and was stolen in 1980 by unknown perpetrators. The ring had great supernatural powers, especially for children with eye diseases.

The French Town of Saint-Guiraud is named after him .

Béziers’ Cathedral
Posted in JESUIT SJ, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

The 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Within the Octave of All Saints, Feast of the Holy Relics, Nossa Senhora da Medalha Milagrosa / Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Brazil (1939), All Saints and Blesseds of the Society of Jesus and all the Saints for 5 November

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The 23rd Sunday after Pentecost
Within the Octave of All Saints

Feast of the Holy Relics:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/05/feast-of-the-holy-relics-5-november-2/
AND:
About: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/11/05/feast-of-the-holy-relics-5-november/
Protestantism pretends to regard the veneration which the Church pays to the Relics of the Saints, as a sin and contends that this pious practice is a remnant of paganism.
The Council of Trent, on the contrary, has decided that the bodies of the Martyrs and other Saints, who were living members of Jesus Christ and temples of the Holy Ghost, are to be honoured by the faithful.
This decision was based upon the established usage of the earliest days of the Church and upon the teaching of the Fathers and of the Councils.
The Council orders, however, that all abuse of this devotion is to be careffully avoided and forbids any Relics to be exposed which have not been approved by the Bishops and, these Prelates are recommended, to instruct the people faithfully, in the teaching of the Church on this subject.
While we regret, then, the errors of the impious and of heretics, let us profit by the advantages which we gain, by hearkening to the voice of the Church!

Nossa Senhora da Medalha Milagrosa / Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Monte Sião, Brazil (1939) – 5 November now moved to 27 November:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/05/feast-of-the-holy-relics-nossa-senhora-da-medalha-milagrosa-our-lady-of-the-miraculous-medal-monte-siao-brazil-1939-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

All Saints and Blesseds of the Society of Jesus:
The Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits, was Founded in 1534 by Saint Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) at Montmartre, Paris, France. A body of clerics regular organised for Apostolic work, following a religious rule and relying on alms for their support. It was the chief instrument of the Catholic Reformation. Pope Paul III approved the new rule in 1540 and Ignatius was elected the first general of the order in 1541. The constitutions, drafted by him and based on his Spiritual Exercises were adopted in 1558. It was the first order which enjoined by its constitutions devotion to the cause of education. The ministry of the Society consists chiefly in preaching. teaching catechism. administering the sacraments. conducting missions in parishes, taking care of parishes. organising pious confraternities, teaching in schools of every grade, writing books, pamphlets, periodical articles, going on foreign missions and special missions when ordered by the current Holy Father, to whom they take a vow of total obedience. Our current Holy Father, Pope Francis is a Jesuit and has jokingly wondered aloud who is boss of whom in his Order. The general resides at Rome, Italy and has a council of assistants. The motto of the Society is Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (For the greater glory of God).
All Jesuit Saints and Blesseds:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/05/feast-of-all-the-saints-and-blesseds-of-the-society-of-jesus/

St Augustine of Terracina
Bl Bernhard Lichtenberg

St Bertille (c629-c703) Virgin, Abbess, spiritual student of St Ouen (also known as St Audoin).
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/05/saint-of-the-day-5-november-saint-bertille-c-629-c-703/

St Canonica
St Comasia
St Dominator of Brescia
St Elizabeth
St Domninus the Physician
St Epistemis
St Eusebius of Terracina
St Felix of Terracina
St Fibitius
St Galation
St Gerald of Béziers OSA (1070–1123) Bishop
Bl Gomidas Keumurjian
Bl Gregory Lakota
St Guetnoco
St Hermenegild
St Idda
St Juan Antoni Burró Mas
St Juan Duarte Martín
St Kanten
St Kea
St Laetus of Orleans
St Magnus of Milan
St Mamete
St Marco of Troia
St Spinulus of Moyen-Moûtier
St Sylvanus of Syria
St Zachary

Martyrs of Caesarea Maritima – 4 Saints: Four young Christian men who were Martyred together is the persecutions of Maximian – Aussenzius, Philotheus, Timothy and Theotimus. They were martyred in the arena at Caesarea Maritima, Palestine.

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, NOVEMBER - Month of the SOULS in PURGATORY, PURGATORY, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on MERCY, The HOLY SOULS

Thought for the Day – 4 November – More About the Sufferings of Purgatory

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Thought for the Day – 4 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

More About the Sufferings of Purgatory

“If I were to die now, in which region of Purgatory should I be likely to be confined?
I have no way of knowing this but, there is something which I do know with certainty.
I know that I should avoid the slightest offence against God that I should expiate my past sins by prayer and penance and, that I should pray for the suffering souls in Purgatory, for this is a Work of Mercy which is most pleasing to God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/04/thought-for-the-day-4-november-more-about-the-sufferings-of-purgatory/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/04/thought-for-the-day-4-november-more-about-the-sufferings-of-purgatory-2/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MARIAN PRAYERS, MISSIONS, MISSIONARIES, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, PRAYERS for PRIESTS, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRIESTS, all CLERGY, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on PRIESTS, the PRIESTHOOD and CONSECRATED LIFE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on VIRTUE, ROSARY QUOTES, ROSARY REFLECTIONS and QUOTES, The HEART

Quote/s of the Day – 4 November – St Charles Borromeo

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Quote/s of the Day – 4 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – Saint Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) He is known as the “Father of the Clergy” – Some of his Patronages – Bishops, Priests, Seminarians • Catechists • Catechumens • Spiritual Director s • Spiritual leaders.

“Prayer is the beginning,
the progress and the complement
of all virtues.”

“Souls are won with the knees.”

“The Rosary is the most divine of devotions.”

“Just as Christ came into this world only once,
clothed in our flesh, He is also ready
to come again, at any moment,
to dwell spiritually in our hearts
with the profusion of His graces,
as long as we do not resist Him!”

“We are all weak, I confess
but the Lord God has given us means with which,
if we wish, we can be strengthened with ease.”

O Holy Mother of God
A Prayer for our Priests
to the Most Blessed Virgin
By St Charles Borromeo (1538-1584)

O Holy Mother of God,
pray for the Priests
thy Son has chosen to serve His Church.
Help them by thy intercession,
to be holy,
zealous and chaste.
Make them models of virtue,
in the service of God’s people.
Help them to be prayerful in meditations,
effective in preaching
and enthusiastic in the daily offering
of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Help them to administer
the Sacraments with joy,
O Holy Mother of God.
Amen.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/04/quote-s-of-the-day-4-november-st-charles-borromeo-2/

St Charles Borromeo (1538-1584)

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 4 November – ‘There is no question but that this Householder is Christ. …’ St Jerome

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One Minute Reflection – 4 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – Saint Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) He is known as the “Father of the Clergy” – Some of his Patronages: Bishops, Priests, Seminarians • Catechists • Catechumens • Spiritual Directors • Spiritual leaders. – Sirach 44:16-27; 45:3-20, Matthew 25:14-23 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“A man going abroad, called his servants and handed over his goods to them.” – Matthew 25:14

REFLECTION – “There is no question but that this Householder is Christ. After His Resurrection, when He was about to return triumphantly to the Father, He called His Apostles and entrusted them with the Gospel teaching, giving more to one, less to the other, never too much or too little but according to the abilities of those who received it. In the same way, the Apostle Paul said that he had fed with milk those unable to take solid food (1 Cor 3:2)…

Five, two, one talent: let us take these to be the different graces granted to each, whether the five senses for the first; understanding of faith and works for the second; the reasons for distinguishing us from other creatures, for the third. “The one who received five talents went away and traded with them and made another five.” That is to say, besides the physical and material senses he had received, he added knowledge of heavenly things. His knowledge was raised from the creatures to the Creator, from the corporal to the incorporeal, from the visible to the invisible, from the transient to the eternal. “The one who received two made another two.” This one likewise, according to his ability, doubled in the school of the Gospel what he had learned in the school of the Law. Or perhaps we could say, that he understood that knowledge of faith and the works of this present life, lead to future happiness. “But the man who received one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.” In the grip of works here below and of worldly pleasures, the wicked servant neglected God’s commands.  However, let us note that, according to another evangelist, he wrapped it in a linen cloth – by this we could understand that he took away the force of his Master’s teaching, by a life of softness and pleasure…

The Master welcomed the first two servants… with the same words of praise. “Come,” He said, “share in your master’s joy and receive what eye has not seen and ear has not heard and what has not entered the human heart” (1 Cor 2:9). What greater reward could be bestowed on a faithful servant?” – St Jerome (343-420) Translator of Sacred Scripture (the Vulgate), Father and One of the Original Four Doctors of the Latin Church .

PRAYER – Safeguard Thy Church, O Lord, under the continual protection of St Charles, Thy Confessor and Bishop, so that just as his concern for his flock made him glorious, so his intercession may make us ever fervent in loving Thee. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN Saturdays, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PURGATORY, QUOTES on DEATH, The HOLY SOULS

Our Morning Offering – 4 November – O Thou, Most Holy Virgin Mary

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Our Morning Offering – 4 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory”– Saturday of our Most Holy Mother

O Thou, Most Holy Virgin Mary
(Pray for Me in All My Necessities,
at the hour of my death and for my soul in Purgatory)
By St John Vianney (1786-1859)

O thou, Most Holy Virgin Mary,
who dost evermore stand
before the Most Holy Trinity
and to whom it is granted, at all times
to pray for us to thy Most Beloved Son;
pray for me in all my necessities;
help me, combat for me
and obtain for me,
the pardon of all my sins.
Help me especially at my last hour
and when I can no longer give
any sign of the use of reason,
then do thou encourage me,
make the Sign of the Cross for me
and fight for me against the enemy.
Make in my name, a profession of faith;
favour me with a testimony of my salvation
and never let me despair of the mercy of God.
Help me to overthrow the wicked enemy.
When I can no longer say:
“Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
I place my soul in your hands,”
do thou say it for me;
when I can no longer hear
human words of consolation,
do thou comfort me.
Leave me not before I have been judged
and if I have to expiate my sins in Purgatory,
Oh! pray for me earnestly
and admonish my friends,
to procure for me a speedy enjoyment
of the Blessed Sight of God.
Lessen my sufferings,
deliver me speedily and lead my soul
into Heaven with thee
that, united with all the elect,
I may there bless and praise my God
and thee, for all eternity.
Amen.

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 4 November – St Pierius (Died c309) Priest, Confessor

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Saint of the Day – 4 November – St Pierius (Died c309) Priest, Confessor, Co-Director with Achilas of the Catechetical School of Alexandria in Egypt,Scholar, renowned Preacher and Exegetical Writer.. He died in Rome in c309 of natural causes which St Jerome assures us of. Also known as – Pierio, “The Younger Origen”

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “The birthday of St Pierius, Priest of Alexandria, who, being deeply versed in the Sacred Scriptures, leading a very pure life and freed from all impediments in order to apply to Christian philosophy, taught the people with great renown and published various treatise, under the Emperors Carus and Diocletian, when St Theonas governed the Church of Alexandria. After the persecutions, he spent the remainder of his life at Rome, where he rested in peace in the Lord.”

Pierius was Ordained a Priest in the late 3rd Century by St Theonas, the Bishop of Alexandria. Thereafter, Pierius served as the Director of the Catechetical School of Alexandria.

He was a gifted preacher and excelled in the fields of Scripture studies and philosophy. Pierius lived austerely and temperately, practising the Evangelical Counsel of poverty.

His known published Works are – one on the Gospel of St Luke, an Easter Sermon on Osee (Hosea); a Treatise on the Mother of God; a few other Easter Sermons and an Eulogy on St Pamphilus, who had been one of his disciples.
Only fragments of these writings are extant all the rest have been lost to us. Below is an image of this fragment.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

First Saturday, Santa Maria alla Porta Luigi / Our Lady of Port Louis, Milan, Italy, St Charles Borromeo, Sts Vitalis and Agricola, Martyrs and the Saints for 4 November

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First Saturday

Santa Maria alla Porta Luigi / Our Lady of Port Louis, Milan, Italy – 4 November:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/04/89085/

St Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) Confessor Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal, Doctor of Theology, Civil and Canon Law, Reformer, Founder of Seminaries. He is known as the “Father of the Clergy” Born Count Carlo Borromeo .
About St Charles:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/11/04/saint-of-the-day-st-charles-borromeo-1538-1584/

St Vitalis (Died c 304) Martyr and St Agricola (Died c 304) Latmen Martyrs. Martyrs, Laymen. They died in c 304 in Bologna, Italy in the persecution of Diocletian. Patronage – Bologna.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Bologna, Saints Vitalis and Agricola, Martyrs, of whom, according to what Saint Ambrose recounts, the first was first a slave to the other, then a companion in Martyrdom: Vitalis, in fact, suffered such torments that there was no longer any part of his body without wound. Agricola, not at all terrified by the torture of his slave, imitated him in Martyrdom by undergoing crucifixion.”
Their Lives and Deaths:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/04/saints-of-the-day-4-november-st-vitalis-died-c-304-and-st-agricola-died-c-304-martyrs/

St Amandus of Avignon
St Amandus of Rodez
St Birstan
St Clarus the Hermit
St Clether

St Emeric of Hungary (c 1007-1031) Confessor, Prince and heir to the Hungarian Throne, Son of St Stephen, King of Hungary.
His Short Life of Chastity and Devotion:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/04/saint-of-the-day-4-november-saint-emeric-of-hungary-c-1007-1031/

Bl Frances d’Amboise
St Gerard de Bazonches
St Gregory of Burtscheid
Bl Helen Enselmini
Bl Henry of Zweifalten
St Hermas of Myra
St Joannicus of Mount Olympus
St John Zedazneli
St Modesta of Trier
St Nicander of Lycia
St Patrobas
St Perpète
St Philologus
St Pierius (Died c309) Priest, Director of the Catechetical School of Alexandria

St Proculus of Autun

Posted in DOCTRINE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, NOVENA -Guardian, PURGATORY, QUOTES on SIN, The HOLY SOULS

Thought for the Day – 3 November – The Pains of Purgatory

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Thought for the Day – 3 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Pains of Purgatory

“When we have considered the Doctrine of the Church on this particular question, we should react in two ways.
On the one hand, we should have a great horror of sin, even of venial sin because, it offends the good God and earns, for us, such fearful punishments.
On the other hand, we should offer our sufferings ,on behalf o the Holy Souls, who are now enduring these torments and who will enjoy, one day, the everlasting happiness of Heaven.

We shall be able to trust in the power of their intercession for us, with Almight y God, the enjoyment of Whose Beatific Vision, we shall have helped them to achieve.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/03/thought-for-the-day-2-november-the-pain-of-purgatory/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/03/thought-for-the-day-3-november-the-pain-of-purgatory/

Posted in CONFESSION/PENANCE, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on MORTIFICATION, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on THE WORLD, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, The BEATITUDES, The WILL of GOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 3 November – “Blessed are the clean of heart,for they will see God.”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 3 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – Within the Octave of All Saints – Apocalypse 7:2-12, Matthew 5:1-12 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.”

Matthew 5:8

“Let listening to worldly news
be BITTER FOOD for you
and let the words of
Saintly men
be as combs
filled with honey.”

St Basil the Great (329-379)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“Remember, that you will derive strength
by reflecting, that the Saints yearn
for you to join their ranks;
desire to see you fight bravely
and, that you behave like true knights
in your encounters with the same adversities
which they had to conquer.
That breath-taking joy is theirs
and your eternal reward
for having endured a few years of temporal pain.
Every drop of earthly bitterness
will be changed into an ocean
of heavenly sweetness!”

Blessed Henry Suso (1295-1366)

“We should honour God in His Saints
and beseech Him to make us partakers
of the graces He poured, so abundantly, upon them.”

“Perfection consists in one thing alone,
which is doing the will of God.
For, according to Our Lord’s words,
it suffices for perfection to deny self,
to take up the cross and to follow Him.
Now who denies himself
and takes up his cross
and follows Christ better,
than he who seeks not to do his own will
but always that of God?
Behold, now, how little is needed
to become as Saint?
Nothing more than to acquire the habit of willing,
on every occasion,
what God wills.”

St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)

“Let us read the lives of the Saints;
let us consider the penances
which they performed
and blush to be so effeminate
and so fearful of mortifying our flesh.”

St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

Posted in "Follow Me", AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, ON the SAINTS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION, The BEATITUDES, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 3 November – “They shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 3 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – Within the Octave of All Saints – Apocalypse 7:2-12, Matthew 5:1-12– Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“They shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8

REFLECTION – “We want to see God, we seek to see Him, we ardently desire to see Him. Who does not desire this? But note what the Gospel says: “Blest are the pure of heart, they shall see God.” Do what is necessary in order to see Him! To compare it with something from material reality, how can you want to contemplate the rising sun if your eyes are sick? If your eyes are healthy that light will be a pleasure for you; if they are sick, it will be torture for you. You will surely not be allowed to see, with an impure heart, that which one can only see with a pure heart. You will be moved away, put at a distance, you will not see!

How often did the Lord proclaim people to be ‘blest‘? What reasons for eternal happiness did He cite, what good works, what gifts, what merits and what rewards? No other! the beatitude says, “They shall see God.” This is what the others say: “How blest are the poor in spirit, the reign of God is theirs. Blest are the lowly; they shall inherit the land. Blest are the sorrowing; they shall be consoled. Blest are they who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall have their fill. Blest are they who show mercy; mercy shall be theirs.” So none other asserts, “They shall see God.”

The vision of God is promised ONLY to those with a pure heart. This is not without a reason, since the eyes which allow us to see God are in the heart. Those are the eyes the Apostle Paul was speaking of when he said: “May He enlighten your innermost vision” (Eph 1:18). So, at the present time because of their weakness, those eyes are enlightened by faith; later, because of their strength, they will be enlightened by vision… “Now we see indistinctly, as in a mirror; then we shall see face-to-face.” (1 Cor 13:12).” (1 Cor 13:12).” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 53).

PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, Who granted us to honour the merits of all Thy Saints in a single solemn festival, bestow on us, we beseech Thee, through their manifold intercession, that abundance of Thy mercy for which we yearn. 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 CATHOLIC TIME, GOOD FRIDAY, HOLY SATURDAY, HOLY WEEK, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, The LAMB of GOD, The PASSION

Our Morning Offering – 3 November – Man of Sorrows—Wrapt in Grief

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Our Morning Offering – 3 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – First Friday and a Friday of the Passion

Man of Sorrows—Wrapt in Grief
From an old French Hymn
Author Unknown

Man of Sorrows—wrapt in grief,
Bow Thine ear to our relief;
Thou for us the path hast trod
Of the dreadful wrath of God.
Thou the cup of fire hast drain’d
Till its light alone remain’d:
Lamb of Love!—we look to Thee,
Hear our mournful litany!

By the garden—fraught with woe,
Whither Thou full oft wouldst go:
By Thine Agony of prayer
In the desolation there!
By the chains of sleep, which bound
Watchers in their trance profound;
Lord!—behold our bended knee,—
Listen to our litany!

By the conflict foul and fell
With the loosen’d fiends of hell,
By the darkness of the hour
Shadow’d with the tempter’s power,
By the dire and deep distress
Of that mystery fathomless;—
Lord! our tears in mercy see
Mingling with our litany!

By the vision then, which stole
Looming o’er Thy spotless soul,
Of the pride and guilt of man,
Since his fall from grace began,—
Seas of sin, with billowy waves,
Yawning into countless graves;—
Lord! ourselves from shipwreck free,
Hear our solemn litany!

By the Chalice, when it came
Pregnant with a hell of flame:
By those Lips—which fain would pray
That it might but pass away:
By the Heart, which drank it dry,
Lest a rebel race should die;—
Let Thy Pity be our plea,
Hear our solemn litany!

Man of Sorrows! —let Thy grief
Purchase for us our relief—
Lord of Mercy—bow Thine ear,
Slow to anger—swift to hear:
Let the garden Thou hast trod
Draw us to the throne of God;
So Gethsemane shall be
Sweet in every litany!

This translation by Matthew Bridges (1800-1894)
(The Passion of Jesus 1852) Hymnist, Poet, Writer
Converted to Catholicism in 1848, by the influence of
John Henry Newman (1801-1890)
Tune: “Anima Christi (English)” traditional English melody.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 3 November – Saint Rumwold of Buckingham (c650-650) Infant Saint

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 3 November – Saint Rumwold of Buckingham (c650-650) Infant Saint, born with miraculous adult abilities and mystical gifts. Born in c650 at King Sutton, Northants, England and died three days later in the same place. Also known as – Rumwold of Brackley, Rumbald of…. Rumbold of…. Rumwald of….

Tucked away in an almost-forgotten 11th Century manuscript is the extraordinary tale of St Rumwold, an infant saint who lived on this earthly plane for only three days. But in that short time, he not only spoke with the eloquence of a grown and educated man but he declared himself a Christian and gave a sermon to those who had gathered for his birth. The Author of that manscript, was Bishop St Wulfstan of Worcester (c 1008–1095),1070s,

Rumwold was born in the District of King’s Sutton sometime in the 7th Century, the son of the King of Northumberland (also known as Northumbria, in northern England) and his wife, who was a daughter of Penda of Mercia. The hagiography of his short life states that his parents were en-route to visit Penda for the birth of their first child, the infant Rumwold.

Before they could reach their destination, the party was forced to make camp by the roadside in a meadow, as the Princess of Mercia had entered labour. Rumwold was born in the meadow, near to the place that would become known as Sutton and then later as King’s Sutton. Sadly the infant lived only for a short time and died on the third day after his birth. Rumwold was buried in Sutton.

Not an unusual story so far, but it is the events following Rumwold’s birth which begin to move into the realm of miracles. St Wulfstan tells of how Rumwold’s birth was “desired by many and sanctified by God” and that upon being born, the infant proclaimed three times “I am a Christian!” The child then asked the two Priests who attended the royal party, Widerin and Edwold, to Baptise him and grant him the grace of receiving Holy Communion. Seeing as there was no Baptismal Font nearby, he directed the Priests to a nearby bowl-shaped stone. The men were miraculously able to lift it and carry it to the meadow to use for the Baptism. The sBaptismal Font can still be seen in King’s Sutton Church.

St Rumwold’s original stone Baptismal Font

Following the ceremony, Rumwold proceeded to give a lengthy sermon about the need for virtuous living to all those present. He finished by decreeing that after his death, his body should lay for one year at the place which would be called Sutton, for two years at a place to be named Brackley, before coming to his final resting place which would be known as Buckingham. None of these place-names existed at the time of Rumwold’s birth. Rumwold died, as he prophesied, on the third day of his life, the 3rd of November.

Accounts of Rumwold’s miraculous life were widely circulated in the Middle Ages and his Tomb and Shrine in the old Church of Buckingham became an important focus for pilgrims. Many came to take the curative waters of St Rumbold’s Well close to the Town. The earliest Inns of Buckingham were reputedly founded and flourished on the pilgrims’ trade.

Unfortunately Pilgrimages to Buckingham ceased after the Reformation and St Rumwold’s Shrine and Tomb seem to have been demolished when the old Buckingham Church decayed and collapsed in 1776. Regrettably nothing was transferred to the present-day Church. However, there is a recently-erected Memorial in the old Churchyard which reads:

“Near this spot within the old Church of Buckingham, was the Tomb and Shrine of the Infant Saint Rumbold, who lived and died in c650.”

St Rumwold’s Well has been protected and its site still remains.

St Rumwold’s Well
Posted in DOMINICAN OP, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Within the Octave, First Friday, Notre-Dame des Miracles et Vertus / Our Lady of Miracles and Virtues, Rennes, France (14th Century), Memorial of St Martin de Porres and the Saints for 3 November

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Within the Octave

First Friday

Notre-Dame des Miracles et Vertus / Our Lady of Miracles and Virtues, Rennes, France (14th Century) – 3 November:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/03/notre-dame-des-miracles-et-vertus-our-lady-of-miracles-and-virtues-rennes-france-14th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints/

St Martin de Porres OP (1579-1639) “Saint of the Broom,” Dominican lay Brother, Miracle-worker, Apostle of Charity, Mystic.
Full biography here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/11/03/saint-of-the-day-3-november-st-martin-de-porres-o-p-saint-of-the-broom/

St Acepsimas
St Acheric of Vosges
Bl Alphais of Cudot
Bl Berardo dei Marsi
Bl Berchtold of Engelberg
St Caesarius
St Cecilio Manrique Arnáiz
St Clydog
St Cristiolus
St Domnus of Vienne
St Elerius
St Englatius
St Florus of Lodeve
St Gaudiosus of Tarazona
St Germanus
St Guenhael
St Hermengaudius of Urgell
St Hilary of Viterbo

St Hubert of Liege (c 656-727) Bishop, the “Apostle of the Ardennes”
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/03/saint-of-the-day-3-november-saint-hubert-of-liege-c-656-727-the-apostle-of-the-ardennes/

Bl Ida of Toggenburg
St Libertine of Agrigento

St Malachy O’More of Armagh (1094 – 1148) Bishop, Abbot, Confessor, Reformer, Miracle-Worker, Primate of Ireland, gifted with the charism of Propjecy.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/11/03/saint-of-the-day-3-november-st-malachy-of-armagh-1094-1148/

St Papulus
St Pirmin
St Quartus
St Rumwold of Buckingham (c650-650) Infant Saint

Blessed Simon Ballachi OP (c 1210-1319) Lay Brother of the Order of Preachers, Mystic. He was Beatified by Pope Pius VII on 14 March 1817.
His Life Story:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/03/saint-of-the-day-3-november-blessed-simon-ballachi-op-c-1210-1319/

St Sylvia Mother of St Gregory the Great, Pope
St Theophilus
St Valentine of Viterbo
St Valentinian
St Vitalis
St William of Vosges
St Winifred of Wales
St Wulganus

Innumerable Martyrs of Saragossa: A large group of Christians martyred in Zaragoza, Spain by Dacian during the persecutions of Diocletian. Dacian ordered all Christians of the city into exile under pain of death; when they were assembled to leave, Dacian ordered imperial soldiers to massacre the lot of them. They were Martyred in 304.

Posted in CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CONFESSION/PENANCE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PURGATORY, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, The HOLY SOULS, The LAST THINGS

Thought for the Day – 2 November – “Purgatory”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 2 November – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“Purgatory”

“Purgatory is the masterpiece of God’s justice and mercy.
St John tells us in the Apocalypse, that nothing defiled can enter into the Heavenly Jerusalem (Apoc 21:27).

There are very few, however, who are privileged to arrive at the supreme moment of death, still wearing their Baptismal robe of innocence.
Even the just man falls very often as the Holy Spirit warns us (Prov 24:16).
We all possess many failings and have been guilty of many sins, either mortal or venial.
It is true, that we can obtain forgiveness by penance and by receiving the Sacraments but, there still remains the temporal punishment due to our sins.
Neither the small penances imposed by the confessor, nor our own tiny acts of voluntary mortification, are sufficient to satisfy our debt.
We cannot be certain, moreover, that we shall be able, at the hour of our death, to cleanse ourselves of all our sins, by means of one good Confession.
Even if we appear before the judgement seat of God without any grave faults, there will still, unfortunately, be many debts to be paid and many imperfections to be purified.

What then will happen to us?
The justice of God cannot admit us, imperfect and defiled as we are, into the everlasting happiness of the Beatific Vision.
Will He reject us, therefore, even as He rejects those who die in mortal sin and are condemned to eternal punishment?
This is unthinkable, for the mercy of God is as infinite as His justice.
And so, there is Purgatory, where the souls of those who have died in the state of grace but, still scarred with imperfections and burdened with debts to be paid, can find a way of purifying themselves and, of making themselves worthy of an everlasting reward.

Let us thank God for this gift, the last link in the chain of His mercies, which enables us to prepare ourselves for our entry into the Beatific Vision.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, EXTREME UNCTION, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, NOVEMBER - Month of the SOULS in PURGATORY, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, PURGATORY, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, The HOLY SOULS, The LAST THINGS, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 2 November – ‘We must live a dying life …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 2 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – All Souls Day

“Then, let us run with Him as He presses on to His Passion.
Let us imitate those who have gone out to meet Him,
not scattering olive branches
or garments or palms in His path
but spreading ourselves before Him as best we can,
with humility of soul and upright purpose.
So may we welcome the Word as He comes (Jn 1:9);
so may God, Who cannot be contained within any bounds,
be contained within us.
For He is pleased to have shown us this gentleness,
He, Who is gentle and who “rides upon the setting sun”
(Ps 56:12) which refers to our extreme lowliness.
He is pleased to come and live with us
and to raise us up or bring us back to Himself.”

St Andrew of Crete (660-740)
Bishop, Father of the Church

“We must live a dying life
and we must die a living death
in the life of our Lord.”

(The Spirit of St. François de Sales, XV 6 )

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

A Prayer to the Holy Martyrs
to Obtain Their Protection in Life and at Death
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)

O thou blessed Princes of the heavenly Kingdom!
Thou who sacrificed to the Almighty God,
the honours, the riches
received, in return, the unfading glory
and never-ending joys of Heaven!
Thou who art secure in the everlasting possession
of the brilliant Crown of glory
which thy sufferings have obtained!
Look with compassionate regard upon
our wretched state in this vale of tears,
where we groan in the uncertainty
of what maybe our eternal destiny.
And from that Divine Saviour,
for Whom, thou suffered so many torments
and Who now repays thee with such unspeakable glory,
obtain for us that we may love Him,
with all our heart and receive in return,
the grace of perfect resignation,
under the trials of this life,
fortitude, under the temptations of the enemy
and perseverance, to the end.
May thy powerful intercession
obtain for us that we may one day,
in thy blessed company,
sing the praises of the Eternal God
and even as thou now do,
face-to-face, enjoy the Beatitude of His Vision!
Amen

“How pleasing to Him it will be,
if you sometimes forget yourself
and speak to Him of His own glory;
of the miseries of others,
especially those who mourn in sorrow;
of the souls in purgatory,
His spouses, who long to behold Him in Heaven
and, of poor sinners,
who live deprived of His grace.”

St Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

“… Let us pray that before we have lost consciousness,
Extreme Unction may heal our spiritual scars,
make us worthy to see God and assist us,
to pass peacefully, from this vale of tears
into everlasting happiness.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/11/02/quote-s-of-the-day-2-november-this-death/

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, CHRIST the KING Prayers, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, NOVEMBER - Month of the SOULS in PURGATORY, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The HOLY SOULS, The RESURRECTION, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 2 November – The hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs shall hear the Voice of the Son of God. John 5:28-29

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 2 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory” – All Souls Day – 1 Corinthian 15:51-57, John 5:25-29 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Do not wonder at this, for the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs shall hear the Voice of the Son of God. And they who have done good, shall come forth unto the resurrection of Life but they who have done evil, until the resurrection of judgement.” – John 5:28-29

REFLECTION – “Devout, wise and good people are not afraid of death, in view of the great hope they have in what lies before them. Everyday they think of death as of a departure and of the last day, as when the offspring of Adam will be born! The Apostle Paul says: “Death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin, as has happened with all the children of Adam” (Rm 5:14.12) … It has happened, too, in all Moses’ descendants, to the end of the world. However, Moses declared that its rule would be destroyed; death thought to hold everyone captive and rule over them forever. .., but when the Holy One called to Moses, from the heart of the bush, he said to him: “I am the God of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob” (Ex 3:6). When it heard these words, death was terrified, it trembled with fear, understanding that … God is Lord over the dead and the living and would come one day when men would escape from its darkness. Now Jesus our Saviour has repeated these words to the Sadducees and said: “He is not God of the dead, for all are alive for Him” (Lk 20:38) …

For Jesus has come, the One Who has put death to death!
He put on a body of Adam’s race, has been nailed to the Cross and tasted death. It has understood that He would be descending to its abode. Anxiously, death fastened its gates but He has broken down its gates, entered in and started to seize those it was holding there. The dead, seeing Light in the darkness, raised their heads from their prisonhouse and saw the glory of the Messiah King! … And death, seeing how the darkness began to disperse and the righteous to rise, knew that at the end of time, He would release every prisoner from its power!” – St Aphrahat (c280-c345) Bishop near Mosul, Father (Expositions No 22).

PRAYER – O God, Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy servants and handmaids, the remission of all their sins, that they may obtain, by our loving prayer,s the forgiveness which they have always desired. Who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, NOVENA -Guardian, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for the SOULS, PURGATORY

Our Morning Offering – 2 November – O Turn To Jesus, Mother! Turn

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 2 November – “The Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory”

O Turn To Jesus, Mother! Turn
To Our Blessed Lady for the Souls in Purgatory (1940)
By Fr Frederick W Faber C.Orat (1814-1863)

O turn to Jesus, Mother! turn,
And call Him by His tenderest Names;
Pray for the Holy Souls that burn
This hour amid the cleansing flames.

Ah! they have fought a gallant fight;
In death’s cold arms they persevered
And after life’s uncheery night,
The harbour of their rest is neared.

In pains beyond all earthly pains,
Favourites of Jesus! there they lie,
Letting the fire wear out their stains
And worshipping God’s purity.

Spouses of Christ they are, for He
Was wedded to them by His blood
And Angels o’er their destiny
In wondering adoration brood.

They are the children of thy tears;
Then hasten, Mother! to their aid;
In pity think, each hour appears,
An age while glory is delayed.

See, how they bound amid their fires,
While pain and love their spirits fill;
Then with self-crucified desires,
Utter sweet murmurs and lie still.

Ah me! the love of Jesus yearns
O’er that abyss of sacred pain,
And as He looks, His Bosom burns
With Calvary’s dear thirst again.

O Mary! let thy Son no more
His lingering Spouses thus expect,
God’s children to their God restore
And to the Spirit His elect.

Pray then, as thou hast ever prayed;
Angels and Souls, all look to thee;
God waits thy prayers, for He hath made
Those prayers, His law of charity! Amen

(Verses 3 and 4 not on image)

Posted in DYING / LAST WORDS, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 2 November – Blessed John Bodey (1549-1583) Layman, Martyr,

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 2 November – Blessed John Bodey (1549-1583) Layman, Martyr, Husband and Schoolmaster. Born in 1549 at Wells, Somerset, England and died on 2 November 1583 at Andover, England by being hanged, drawn and quartered for the crime of being a Catholic and refusing to accept Elizabeth I, Queen of England, as the Head of the Church. Blessed John was Beatified on 15 December 1929 together with Blessed John Slade (feast day 30 October), by Pope Pius XI. Additional Memorial – 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai, 1 December as one of the Martyrs of Oxford University

John was born in Wells, England, the son of a wealthy merchant and former Mayor. He studied at Winchester and then at Oxford and became an Oxford Fellow of New College, in 1568 at the age of 19. In 1576, John, along with seven others, was deprived of his fellowship for being a Roman Catholic by the Anglican Bishop of Winchester.

Bl John Bodey left and St Swithun Wells, right at Winchester Catholic Cathedral

In 1577, John travelled to Douay College to study Civil Law but returned to England in February, 1578 when he discovered that his studies could reap no benefits in England as Catholics were forbidden to practice the Legal Profession in any way or under any circumstances.

In 1580, John, by this time married and a schoolmaster, was arrested for continuing to practice the Catholic Faith and rejecting England’s newly-established heretical Church of England or the Anglican Church under the supreme power of the Royal leader.

He was kept in iron shackles in the prison as a “dangerous” prisoner, at Winchester, for three years, which he called his “school of patience.” In 1583 he was tried for treason, both for being a faithful Roman Catholic and for repudiating King Henry VIII’s claim of Royal supremacy of the Church in England, over and above that of the Holy Father in Rome. He was condemned to death in April, 1583, together with John Slade, a fellow layman. There was, apparently, a protest that this Sentence was unjust and illegal, leading to a retriel. But, the two holy men were condemned again—at Andover, Hampshire, in August 1583. Their bravery and perseverance in suffering so impressed their fellow inmates and even the guards that more than one conversion was made – by both Johns, by their virtue and charity!

After the Second Trial – Blessed John Bodey wrote, on behalf of Blessed John Slade and himself:

“We consider that iron for this cause, borne on earth, shall surmount gold and precious stones in Heaven. This is our mark this is our desire. In the mean season we are threatened daily and do look still, when the hurdle shall be brought to the door. I beseech you, for God’s sake that we want not the good prayers of you all for our strength, our joy and our perseverance unto the end. … From our school of patience the 16th September 1583.”

John Bodey was hanged, drawn and quartered at Andover on 2 November 1583. At his Martyrdom, Bodey kissed the halter, saying, “O blessed chain, the sweetest chain and richest that ever came about any man’s neck” and when told he died for treason, exclaimed:

“Indeed, I have been sufficiently censured, for I have been condemned twice; if you may make the hearing of a Blessed Mass – treason, or the saying of an Ave Maria – treason, you may make what you please – treason! … but, I have committed no treason, although, indeed, I suffer the punishment due to treason.”

He then exhorted the people to obey Queen Elizabeth as their worldly ruler:
“I acknowledge her as my Lawful Queen in all temporal causes and none other … Ye shall understand, good people all, I suffer death, not for not granting her Majestie to be supreme head of Christ’s Church in England which I may not and will not grant; I pray God long to preserve her Majestie in tranquility over you, even Queen Elizabeth, your Queen and mine; I desire you to obey none other.”

He died saying:

“Jesu, Jesu, esto mihi, Jesu!”
“Jesus, Jesus, be for me, Jesus!”

His mother arranged a great feast upon the occasion of her son’s happy death, to which she invited her neighbours, rejoicing at his death as at his marriage, by which his soul was happily and eternally espoused to the Lamb!

Blessed John’s brother Gilbert, was arrested with Alexander Briant on 28 April 1581. He was scourged at Bridewell and afterwards confined in prison. He was released on bail and when not called to appear, escaped to Rheims.