Thought for the Day – 29 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” “Mary, Our Hope”
“These expressions of confidence in Mary’s powerful intercession, should not lead us astray, however. They hold good with absolute certainty, only for those who have true devotion to Mary. Even if they are sinners, such clients of Mary, must have at least the good intention of changing their lives and never offending God again. Sin and sincere devotion to Our Lady, cannot co-exist! “Relinquish every intention of sinning.” St Gregory VII wrote to the Princess Matilde, “and you will find Mary more eager to help you than any earthly mother” (Lib 1, Ep 47).
We should ask, furthermore, for spiritual favours first of all. Later we can ask for temporal favours, if they are to our spiritual advantage.
Finally, if we are to have a true devotion to Mary, we must love and imitate her. as well as pray to her. Anyone who sincerely tries to do all this, is certain of salvation!”
Quote/s of the Day – 29 October – Christ the King – Colossians 1:12-20. John 18:33-37
“Wake up then, believer and note what is stated here: “In my Name.” That [Name] is Christ Jesus. Christ signifies King, Jesus signifies Saviour. Therefore, whatever we ask for that would hinder our salvation, we do not ask in our Saviour’s Name and yet, He is our Saviour, not only when He does what we ask but also, when He does not. When He sees us ask anything to the disadvantage of our salvation, He shows Himself our Saviour by not doing it. The physician knows whether what the sick person asks for, is to the advantage or disadvantage of his health. And [the physician] does not allow what would be harmful to him, although the sick person himself, desires it. But the physician looks to his final cure.”
St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace of the Church
“The Kingdom of Heaven, says the Gospel, is like a mustard seed … Christ is the Kingdom of Heaven! Sown like a mustard seed in the garden of the Virgin’s womb, He grew up into the Tree of the Cross, whose branches, stretch across the world … Christ is the Kingdom because all the glory of His Kingdom, is within Him. Christ is a Man because all humanity is restored in Him. Christ is a Mustard Seed because the infinitude of Divine greatness, is accommodated to the littleness of flesh and blood!”
St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450) “Golden Words” Father & Doctor of the Church
Jesus is Our King By Estelle White (1925-2011) Convert, Musician, Hymnist.
Crown Him, the Virgin’s Son, The God Incarnate born, Whose arm those crimson trophies won Which now His brow adorn. Awake, my soul, and sing Of Him Who died for thee; And hail Him as thy glorious King Through all Eternity.
Crown Him, the Lord of Love; Behold His bands and side,– Rich wounds, still visible above In beauty glorified: No Angel in the sky Can fully bear that sight, But downward bends His burning eye At mysteries so bright.
Crown Him, the Lord of Peace, Whose power a sceptre sways From pole to pole, that wars may cease, Absorbed in prayer and praise: His reign shall know no end, And round His pierced feet Fair flowers of Paradise extend Their fragrance ever sweet.
One Minute Reflection – 29 October – Christ the King – Colossians 1:12-20. John 18:33-37 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, My servants would certainly strive that I should not be delivered to the Jews …” – John 18:36
REFLECTION – “ Listen everyone, Jews and Gentiles… Listen all the kingdoms of the earth! I am not preventing you from ruling over this world, “My Kingdom is not of this world.” (Jn 18:36) So do not be afraid with that senseless fear which seized Herod when My birth was announced to him… “No,” the Savior says, “My Kingdom is not of this world.” May you not be made cruel by fear. It is true that the Son of God, speaking of the Father, says in a prophecy: “Through Him, I was established as King on Zion, His holy mountain.” (Ps 2:6) But that Zion and that mountain, are not of this world.
And what is His Kingdom? It is they who believe in Him, those to whom He says: “You are not of the world, just as I Am not of the world.” But He, nevertheless, wants them to be in the world; He prays to His Father: “I am not asking Thee to take them out of the world but, to protect them from the evil one.” (Jn 17:15) For He did not say: “My Kingdom is not in this world,” but rather: “It is not OF this world.If My Kingdom were OF this world, My followers would be fighting to keep Me from being handed over.”
For His Kingdom really is here on earth until the end of the world, until the harvest of weeds mingled with the good seed (Mt 13:24.)… ButHis Kingdom is not from here, for He is like a traveller in this world. To those over whom He reigns, He says: “You do not belong to the world but I have chosen you out of the world.” (Jn 15:19) So they did belong to this world when they were not yet His Kingdom and they belonged to the prince of this world (Jn 12:3)… All who are born of Adam’s sinful race belong to this world; all who were reborn in Jesus Christ belong to His Kingdom and no longer belong to this world.For “God has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His beloved Son.” (Col 1:13).” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace(Tractate 115 on the Gospel of John ) [Translated from the French].
PRAYER – Almighty and eternal God, Who willed to restore all things in Thy beloved Son, the King of the Universe, graciously grant that the peoples of the earth torn asunder by the wound of sin, may submit to His most gentle rule. Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 29 October – Christ the King
Alone With None but Thee, My God Attri. St Columban (543-615)
Alone with none but Thee, my God I journey on my way, what need I fear when Thou art near, O King of night and day? More safe am I within Thy hand than if a host should round me stand.
My destined time is known to Thee, and death will keep his hour; did warriors strong around me throng, they could not stay his power. No walls of stone can man defend when Thou Thy messenger dost send.
My life I yield to Thy decree and bow to Thy control in peaceful calm, for from Thine arm no power can wrest my soul, could earthly omens e’er appal a man that heeds the heavenly call?
The child of God can fear no ill, His chosen, dread no foe; we leave our fate with Thee and wait Thy bidding when to go, ’tis not from chance our comfort springs, Thou art our Trust, O King of kings.
Saint of the Day – 29 October – Saint Theodore of Vienne (Died c575) Priest, Monk, Founder Abbot of the Monastery of Saint Laurence , Recluse, Miracle-worker. Spiritual student of Saint Caesarius of Arles (470-542). Born in Arcisse, near Saint-Chef, Dauphiné, France and died in c575 in the Church of Saint Lawrence, in Vienne, France of natural causes. Also known as – Chef, Theudère, Theudar, Teuderio, Teodario, Theuderius, Theodorius.
The Roman Martyrology states: “At Vienne, the departure from this world of blessed Theodore, Abbot.”
Theodore, a young man of one of the best families of the City of Vienne, by the interior call of the Holy Ghost, forsook the world and. having long exercised himself in the most perfect practices of a monastic life. under the direction of Saint Cæsarius at Arles, returned to his own country and, being joined by several disciples, built for them first cells and afterwards a Monastery near the City of Vienne in Dauphine.
It was a custom in the most regular Monasteries that the Hebdomadarian Priest who celebrated the community Mass, spent the week in which he discharged that function, in the closest retirement in his cell and in holy contemplation and austere penance, both that he might be better prepared to offer daily, the tremendous Sacrifice, and that he might more faithfully, acquit himself of his mediatorship, between God and his people.
It was also a peculiar custom in the sixth Century at Vienne that a Monk was chosen, of whose sanctity the people entertained a high opinion, who should voluntarily lead the life of a recluse, being walled up in a cell and spending his whole time in fasting, praying and weeping, to implore the Divine mercy in favour of himself and his country. This practice would have been an abuse and superstition, if any person, relying on the prayers of others, were themselves more remiss in prayer or penance. Saint Theodore was chosen for this penitential state, which obligation he willingly took upon himself and discharged with so much fervour as to seem desirous to set no bounds to his tears and mortifications. An extraordinary gift of miracles made his name famous in the whole country.
Theodore died about the year 575 and was buried in the Monastery of Saint Laurence which he had founded. His Relics were translated to a collegiate Church of which he is the Titular Patron and which gives the name of Saint Chef to the Village where it stands, eight leagues from Vienne. This Saint is named in the Roman Martyrology.
Entrance to the Church of St Theodore
Saint Theodore is celebrated in the Diocese of Grenoble-Vienne on 29 October. The Village of Sainte-Chef was originally called Sainte-Theudère but the Village may be called Sainte-Chef today because of a tradition that the head (The French word ‘chef’ comes from Latin ‘caput’ [head]) of the Saint was kept there.
Christ the King: “Therefore, by our Apostolic authority, we appoint the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King, annually, on the last Lord’s day in the Month of October, that is to say, on the Sunday which immediately precedes the Feast of All Saints, to be observed everywhere in the world. Likewise we enjoin, that the dedication of the human race to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus be annually renewed upon that selfsame day.”
St Abraham of Rostov St Anne of Mount Olympus St Colman of Kilmacduagh St Dodone of Wallers-en-Fagne St Donatus of Corfu St Ermelinda of Meldaert St Eusebia of Bergamo St Felician of Carthage St Honoratus of Vercelli St John of Autun St Kennera St Mary of Edessa St Narcissus of Gerona
St Sigolinus of Stavelot St Stephen of Cajazzo St Terence of Metz St Theodore of Vienne (Died c575) Abbot St Zenobius of Sidon
Martyrs of Douai – 160 Saints and Beati: 160 Priests, Laymen and Religious who studied at the English College in Douai, France, then returned to minister to covert Catholics in England during a period of government persecution of the Church and were murdered for their work.
Martyrs of Lucania – 4 Saints: A group of Christians executed together for their faith. Only their names have survived – Felician, Hyacinth, Lucius and Quintus. Their Martyrdom occurred in Lucania, southern Italy.
Thought for the Day – 28 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” “The Refuge of Sinners”
“Mary is called, the Star of Sea because, as St Thomas Aquinas says, “even as sailors are guided into port, by means of a star, so Christians are guided towards Heaven, by means of Mary, .” (Opuse, 7). This absolute guarantee of the protection of our heavenly Mother, should increase our trust in her and lead us to turn towards her in every difficulty and temptation. It should not, however, result in an unhealthy attitude of spiritual inactivity, a passive dependence on Mary’s favours, without any co-operation on our part. Such behaviour would be the height of filial ingratitude. Mary will certainly save repentant sinners who have recourse to her but she cannot pay any attention to hardened sinners, who pray to her with their lips, while their hearts remain steeped in sin. We must have complete confidence in her but, we must also have a sincere intention of raising ourselves under her protection, from the slavery of sin, to the friendship of God.”
Quote/s of the Day – 28 October – The Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles
“… It was their vocation to call sinners to repentance, to heal those who were sick, whether in body or spirit, to seek in all their dealing, never to do their own will but the will of Him who sent them and, as far as possible, to save the world by their teaching.”
St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Bishop, Father & Doctor of the Church
Prayer to Sts Simon and Jude From the Liturgical Year, 1903
Great evils surround us! is there any hope left to the world? The confidence of thy devout clients proclaims thee, O Jude, the Patron of desperate cases and for thee, O Simon, this is surely the time to prove thyself Zelotes, full of zeal. Deign, thou both, to hear the Church’s prayers and aid her, with all thy Apostolic might, to re-animate faith, to rekindle charity and to save the world! Amen
One Minute Reflection – 28 October – Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles – Ephesians 4:7-13, John 15:17-25 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The servant is not greater than his Master. … If they kept My Word, they will also keep yours. ” – John 15:20
REFLECTION – “Just as those, who have been trained in agriculture cut up the land with the plough and then, bury the seed in the furrow and do not rely any further on their own skill but rather, leave the rest to the power and favour of God — I mean the germination of the seed which is buried in the earth and nourishing it, up to perfect fruit, — so too, I think, the interpreter of the noblest truths ought only to sow the Word and leave the rest to God.
The Saviour, therefore, gives His advice in this matter to His disciples as a medicine, for lack of spirit and a cure for listlessness. For, He says, do not ever choose to shy away from continuing to teach, even if some of those, who have once been admonished, should nullify the teaching that has been given to them. Rather, finding that even My Words are often not received by many, do not strive to surpass My reputation. Instead, follow in My footsteps and do not become discouraged!” – St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church – (Commentary on the Gospel of John, 10)
PRAYER – O God, Who has given us a way of coming to know Thy Name through Thy blessed Apostles Simon and Jude, grant us to honour their everlasting glory, by becoming more holy and to become more holy by honouring it. 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 – 28 October – Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles
Exsultet Orbis! Let the World Rejoice! Unknown Author
Now let the earth with joy resound, And Heaven the chant re-echo round; Nor Heaven nor earth too high can raise The great Apostles’ glorious praise.
O ye who, throned in glory dread, Shall judge the living and the dead, Lights of the world forever more! To you the suppliant prayer we pour.
Ye close the Sacred Gates on high. At your command apart they fly. O loose for us the guilty chain We strive to break and strive in vain.
Sickness and health your voice obey, At your command they go or stay. From sin’s disease our souls restore; In good confirm us more and more.
So when the world is at its end. And Christ to Judgment shall descend, May we be called, those joys to see Prepared from all eternity.
Praise to the Father, with the Son, And Holy Spirit, Three in One; As ever was in ages past And so shall be while ages last. Amen
(Roman Breviary for the Common of Apostles) An Office Hymn that was traditionally prescribed for Vespers and Lauds on the Feasts of Apostles and Evangelists outside Easter time. The Hymn is found as early as the tenth century in a hymnal of Moissac Abbey.
Saint of the Day – 28 October – Saint Gaudiosus of Naples (Died c453) Bishop of Abitinae in North Africa, Monk and founder of a Monastery where he introduced the Rule of St Augustine. Born Septimius Celius Gaudiosus in Tunisia, North Africa and died in exile in c455 at Naples in Italy of natural causes. Also known as – Gaudiosus of Abitinae, Gaudiosus the African.The image often used for our Saint is actually St Guadiosus of Brescia. I have found no image of today’s Saint.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Naples, St Gaudiosus, an African Bishop, who came to Campania because of the persecution of the Vandals and closed his holy career peacefully in a Monastery near that City.”
Tomb of St Gaudiosus
Gaudiosus, fled North Africa during the persecutions of Genseric, King of the Vandals, in a ship without sails or oars but which miraculously arrived safely in Naples carrying the precious cargo of other exiled Clergy, including the Bishop of Carthage, St Quodvultdeus and arriving in Naples in around 439,
Gaudiosus settled on the hill of Capodimonte, where he built a Monastery named the Caponapoli Monastery where he introduced the Rule of St Augustine. He is accredited with bringing to his new home, part of the Relics of St Restituta, the Virgin Martyr of Tunisia which are now kept in the early Basilica dedicated to her and which has been incorporated into the Naples Cathedral.
When Gaudiosus died between 451 and 45, he was buried in the Cemetery outside the City walls of Naples. His tomb soon began to arouse devotion. From that time onwards, the early Christian underground Cemetery expanded and gradually became the Catacombs of St Gaudiosus.
The Catacombs of San Gaudiosus are the second largest in Naples and includes both early Christian and 17th Century elements. The entrance to the underground burial site is inside the Basilica St Maria della Sanità, beneath the High Altar.
Main crypt below the High Altar of Santa Maria della Sanità.
On one side of the Catacombs there is the intensity of the early Christian elements, such as the Tombs of St Gaudiosus and Quodvultdeus. The walls are decorated with valuable frescoes and mosaics of the 5th and 6th Centuries which feature widely used Symbols in the early Christian era, such as the fish, the lamb and grapes with branches. On the other side are the special graves reserved for nobles, dating to the 17th Century, when the Catacombs resumed the function of a burial site.
Lord of Miracles/Señor de los Milagros de Nazarenas – A mid-17th-century painting of the Crucifixion that is venerated in Lima, Peru and its celebration involves one of the largest processions in the world. It was painted by an unnamed African taken to Peru as a slave from what is now Angola. Above the Cross is the Holy Spirit and God the Father. Below and to the right of Jesus, is His mother, the Virgin Mary with her heart pierced by a sword of sorrow. Kneeling and weeping at the foot of the cross is St Mary Magdalene. The name originated on 13 November 1655 when everything around it was destroyed in an earthquake that left the painting standing and undamaged. Christ is shown enduring the pain of Crucifixion. Every year in October, hundreds of thousands of devotees from all races and economic backgrounds participate in a procession honouring the image through the streets of Lima. Boulevards are decorated in purple on 18,19 and the final Feast 28 October to celebrate the Lord of Miracles.
St Abdias of Babylon St Abraham of Ephesus St Alberic of Stavelot St Anastasia the Elder St Anglinus of Stavelot St Cyril of Rome St Cyrilla of Rome St Diomedes the Younger St Dorbhene of Iona
St Ferrutius St Gaudiosus of Naples (Died c453) Bishop St Genesius of Thiers Bl Germain of Talloires St Godwin of Stavelot St Maria Ascuncion St Remigius of Lyons St Rodrigo Aguilar Aleman St Salvius of Amiens
Martyrs of Avila – 3 Saints: Two sisters and a brother who, during a period of persecution, fled Talavera de la Reina, Spain, were caught and executed. Martyrs: Christeta, Sabina and Vincent. 303 in Avila, Spain.
Thought for the Day – 27 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” “Hail Mary … Holy Mary”
“The Angel’s greeting was later completed by the salavation of St Elizabeth. As soon as Elizabeth saw the Blessed Virgin coming to visit her, she cried out in humble veneratin: “Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb!” (Lk 1:42).
In the first part of the Hail Mary, then, we pay her the words of the Gospel, the highest tributes ever accorded to any human creature, proclaiming her to be full of grace, blessed among women and Mother of the Redeemer. The second part, which was later added by the Church, (composed and proposed by St Peter Canisius 1521-1597) Doctor of the Church), is a heartfelt supplication addressed to Mary as the Mother of God and our Mother. “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, amen.” It would be hard to find a more touching plea. We ask our heavenly Mother to intercede for us now – because we have such great need of her assistance in this vale of tears and temptations. May she be always by our side, to shelter us beneath her mantle!”
Quote/s of the Day – 27 October – Vigil of Saints Simon and Jude – 1 Corinthians 4:9-14, John 15:1-7 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abide in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”
John 15:4
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind.”
Matthew 22:37
“Be strengthened in Almighty God and in the power of His might, for with His help, nothing is difficult. Throw off the heavy load of your own will, cast aside the burden of sin and gird yourselves as valiant warriors! Forget what you are leaving behind; strain forward to the great things before you. I tell you that every place where you set foot, shall be yours. For the Spirit, Who goes before your face is Christ the Lord. He will carry you to the topmost peak in the arms of His Love.”
St Francis of Assisi (c1181-1226)
“If, because of your preaching, men lay aside enmities, forgive injuries, avoid occasions of sin and scandals and reform their conduct, you may say that the seed has fallen on good ground. But to God alone, give all the glory and acknowledge yourselves, ever unprofitable servants.”
St Louis Bertrand (1526-1581)
“Amongst all loves, God’s is so to be preferred that we must always stand prepared in mind, to forsake them all for that alone!”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church
(Treatise on the Love of God, Book 10, Chapter 7)
“[Jesus] is our only Master, Who must teach us; our only Lord, on Whom we must depend; our only Head, to Whom alone we should belong; our only Model, Whom we should imitate; our only Physician, Who must heal us; our only Shepherd, Who must feed us; our only Way, Who must lead us; our only Truth, Whom we must believe; our only Life, Who must be our life and our sole sufficiency in all things that, in Him, we may have all in All. Except the Name of Jesus, there is no other name given under Heaven, whereby we must be saved and apart from Jesus Christ, God has given us no other foundation of our salvation, our perfection and our glory! ”
One Minute Reflection – 27 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Vigil of Saints Simon and Jude – 1 Corinthians 4:9-14, John 15:1-7 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Abide in Me and I in you.” – John 15:4
REFLECTION – “[Jesus] is our only Master, Who must teach us; our only Lord, on Whom we must depend; our only Head, to Whom alone we should belong; our only Model, Whom we should imitate; our only Physician, Who must heal us; our only Shepherd, Who must feed us; our only Way, Who must lead us; our only Truth, Whom we must believe; our only Life, Who must be our life and our sole sufficiency in all things that, in Him, we may have all in All. Except the Name of Jesus, there is no other name given under Heaven, whereby we must be saved and apart from Jesus Christ, God has given us no other foundation of our salvation, our perfection and our glory: “for other foundations, no man can lay but that which is laid which is Christ Jesus” (1 Cor 3:11). Every house which is not built upon this firm Rock, is founded on the shifting sands and will inevitably fall, sooner or later. Every soul who is not united with Christ, as a branch to the stem of the vine, will fall off, wither and become fit only for the fire. If we are in Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ in us, we need not fear damnation; neither Angels in Heaven, nor men on earth, neither demons in hell, nor any other creature, can harm us because they cannot separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (cf. Rm 8:38-39).” – St Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716) Priest, Renowned Preacher, Founder of Religious Communities [Treatise on the true devotion to the Blessed Virgin (Article one; First Truth)]
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants, that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, maybe delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. 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 – 27 October – Friday: Day of the Passion of Christ
Hail, Sweet Jesus! Prayer to Christ in His Passion and Death By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church
Hail, sweet Jesus! Praise, honour and glory be to Thee, O Christ, Who, of Thou own accord, embraced death, and recommending Thyself to Thy heavenly Father, bowing down Thy venerable Head, did yield up Thy Spirit. Truly thus, giving up Thy life, for Thy sheep, Thou hast shown Thyself, to be the Good Shepherd. Thou died, O Only-begotten Son of God. Thou died, O my beloved Saviour, that I might live forever. O how great hope, how great confidence have I reposed in Thy Death and Thy Blood! I glorify and praise Thy Holy Name, acknowledging my infinite obligations to Thee. O good Jesus, by Thy bitter Death and Passion, give me grace and pardon. Give unto the faithful departed, rest and life everlasting. Amen.
Saint of the Day – 27 October – Saint Namatius of Clermont (Died c462) Bishop, the Eighth or Ninth Bishop of Clermont (then called Arvernis) from 446 until his death in 462 and founded Clermont’s first Cathedral, bringing the Relics of Saints Vitalis and Agricola from Bologna, Italy, to enshrined therein.dedicating the Cathedral to them. Also known as – Namace, Namazio.
Namatius was a wise and good man, happily married. He lived in France (New Aquitaine), in the 5th Century. Despite having married, Namatius was elected Bishop of Clermont. In fact, in those days, the Bishop was chosen from among the City’s men who demonstrated that they had many virtues and qualities to put to good use for the entire community and, that they were capable of the sacrifices necessary in order to become the shepherd of the flock of Christ.
Even the Bishop’s wife had to demonstrate that she possessed great virtues, like Namatius’ wife, a woman with a truly golden heart, as well as being very cultured. Namatius and his wife joyfully accepted the new role. From that moment on, they no longer lived together as before – each one lived separately at the service of the Lord.
A stained glass window (see right) in the Saint-Eutrope Church in Clermont shows the Saint carrying the first Cathedral of Clermont.
Of this construction project, St Gregory of Tours in his Historia Francorum writes:
“He undertook the task of building the older Church which is still standing and is contained within the walls of the City, one hundred and fifty feet in length, sixty in width,-that is, the nave, fifty in height to the vault, with a round apse in front and on each side aisles finely built, the whole building is laid out in the form of a cross; it has forty-two windows, seventy columns, eight doors. The fear of God is in it and a great brightness is seen and, in the spring, a very pleasant fragrance, as if of spices, is perceived there by the devout. It has, near the Altar, walls of variegated work, adorned with many kinds of marble. The blessed Bishop on finishing the building in the twelfth year, sent Priests to Bologna in Italy, to procure Relics of Saints Agricola and Vitalis, who we know, very certainly, were crucified in the name of Christ our God.”
Dedication of the Basilica of Auxilium Christianorum / Our Lady Help of Christians, Turin, Italy, built by St John Bosco (1868) – 27 October: HERE: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/27/88503/
Thought for the Day – 26 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” “Deliver Us From Evil”
“When we ask God to deliver us from evil, we should think chiefly of the real evil, which is spiritual. All other evils are insignificant in comparison with sin, which is an offence committed against God, our only good. Sin robs us of His grace, which is the supernatural life of the soul, deprives us of His friendship and is an act of ingratitude towards our supreme Benefactor.
When we pray to God to deliver us from evil, we should renew our determination to avoid sin by every means in our power. Prayer is futile, unless it is accompanied by the resolution never to offend God again. Our prayers and good resolutions will draw God’s favour and will strengthen our bond of intimacy with Him.”
Quote/s of the Day – 26 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11, Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee but My Father Who is in Heaven.”
Matthew 16:17
“But the God of all grace, Who hath called us into His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will Himself perfect you and confirm you and establish you. To Him be glory and empire forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 5:10-11
“He who abides in Me and I in Him, the same bears much fruit” John 5:5
“We are preserved in being, if we grow onto Him and cling fast to the holy commandment, which has been handed down to us and, if we are eager to keep the blessing of nobility, that is to say, if we never consent, in any way, to “grieve the Holy Spirit” (Eph 4:30), Who has come to dwell in us and, through Whom, we believe, God has made His home in us. … For just as the vine-stock supplies and distributes, the virtue of its own inherent natural quality to the shoots, so, too, the Only-Begotten Word of God, implants, in His people, a sort of affinity with His own nature and that of the Father. By the gift of the Spirit, they are united with Him by every kind of holiness. He nourishes them, so that they become devout and He moves them to knowledge of all virtue and good works.”
St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Father & Doctor of the Church
“Hide me then in the day of evil, O Lord, in the secret place of Thy tabernacle, in the hidden recesses of Thy Face, “far from the strife of tongues” (Ps 26:5; 30:21), for Thy yoke is easy and the burden Thou hast laid on me is light (Mt 11:30). And when Thou show me the difference between Thy service and the service of the world, gently and tenderly Thou asks me if it is not better to serve Thee, the living God, than to serve strange gods (Cf 2 Chron 12:8). And I, for my part, adore the hand that lays the load, I kiss the yoke and I embrace the burden and it is very sweet to me to sweat beneath its weight. For masters other than Thee, have long possessed me… I acknowledge Thy yoke and Thy light burden which lifts me up and does not crush me down. …”
William of St Thierry O.Cist (c1075 – c1148)
“Let us always belong to God, unreservedly and without interruption. May He ever live and reign in our hearts.”
(Letter to Madame de Chantal)
“He who most loves, will be most loved.”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 26 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Evaristus – (c44–c107) Martyr, Pope Evaristus is the fifth Bishop of Rome, holding office from c99 until his death in c108. – 1 Peter 5:1-4; 5:10-11, Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in Heaven and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in Heaven.” – Matthew 16:19
REFLECTION – “Bridegroom and Bride, that is Christ and the Church, are as one, be it in receiving confession or in bestowing absolution. All this makes clear why Christ had to tell each of us: “Go, show yourself to the priest” (Mt 8,4)… It follows that apart from Christ, the Church cannot grant forgiveness and that Christ has no will to forgive, apart from the Church. The Church’s authority to forgive extends only to the repentant, to those, that is, whom Christ has already touched; Christ, on His part, has no intention of regarding as forgiven, one who despises the Church.
Doubtless, Christ need accept no restraints to His power of Baptising, Consecrating the Eucharist, Ordaining Priests, forgiving sins and the like but, the humble and faithful Bridegroom, prefers to confer such blessings, with the co-operation of His Bride. “What God,” then, “has joined, let no man put asunder” (Mt 19,6). “I say this is a great mystery and refers to Christ and the Church” (Eph 5,32)… To remove the Head from the Body (Col 1,18) were to ruin the whole Christ, irreparably. Christ, apart from the Church, is no more the whole Christ, than the Church is complete, if separated from Christ. Head and Body go to make the whole and entire Christ.” – Bl Isaac of Stella (c 1100 – c 1170) Cistercian Monk, Abbot, Theologian, Philosopher (Sermon 11, §11-814).
PRAYER – Look forgivingly on Thy flock, Eternal Shepherd and keep it in Thy constant protection, by the intercession of blessed Evaristus Thy Martyr and Sovereign Pontiff, whom Thou didst constitute Shepherd of the whole Church. 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 – 26 October – Catholic Time : On Thursdays we particularly venerate the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. Our Lord instituted the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on a Thursday, therefore, it is fitting that we remember this greatest of Sacraments on this day. The Eucharist is the greatest gift of God to mankind, as it is nothing less than Jesus Himself. What gift could be greater?
Act of Spiritual Communion By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
I desire, good Jesus, to receive Thee in Holy Communion and since I cannot now receive Thee in the Blessed Sacrament, I beseech Thee to come to me spiritually and to refresh my soul with Thy sweetness. Come, my Lord, my God and my All! Come to me and never let me ever again be separated from Thee by sin. Teach me Thy blessed ways, help me with Thy grace to imitate Thy example, to practise meekness, humility, charity and all the virtues of Thy Sacred Heart. My divine Master, my one desire is to do Thy will and to love Thee, more and more. Help me, that I may be faithful to the end, in Thy service. Bless me in life and in death, that I may praise Thee, forever in heaven, Amen
Saint of the Day – 26 October – Saint Fulk of Pavia (1164-1229) Bishop, Confessor, Peacemaker, Protector of the poor and educator of their children, Religious Reformer and Social Reformer, Defender of the Church and its rights. Born 1164 in Piacenza, Italy and died on 16 December 1229 of natural causes in Pavia, Italy aged 65. Co-Patron of Pavia. Fulk’s forefathers originally came from Ireland, hence the family name Scotti or Scotus but by the time of his arrival into the world, his family name had become one of the richest and most influential in the region. Scotia was originally the Latin name for Ireland (also called Hibernia by the Romans). Our Saint is known too as – Fulk of Piacenza, Folco Scotti, Foulques… Additional Memorial 21 May in Pavia and 16 December on some calendars.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Pavia, Saint Fulk, Bishop, man of peace, full of zeal and charity”
Nothing is known of Fulk’s birth or childhood, except that his parents were members of a greatly influential and immensely wealthy family, originally the descendants of Irish emigrants. In 1186, aged 22, he entered the Regular Canons of the Parish of St Eufemia, and later (1491) Fulk joined the Renana Congregation of the Most Holy Saviour..
Fulk was so talented that he was sent to Paris to complete his studies in theology. In 1194, at the age of 30, he had to return to Piacenza as he had been appointed Prior of St Eufemia. Bishop Grimerius (1199-1210) depended to a large extent on Fulk’s assistance and, in 1207, he gave him the responsibility of delivering the opening speech at the Synod. The following year, Fulk was appointed Canon at the Cathedral and Archpriest. He was also appointed Lecturer in theology at the Seminary in Piacenza.
When, in 1210, Bishop Grimerius died, Fulk was elected his successor as Bishop of Piacenza. This election was not confirmed by Pope Innocent III (1198-1216) but, nevertheless, he administered the Diocese for six years before being officially Consecrated in 1216, by Pope Honorius III (1216-1227).
In the same year,1216, the electors of Pavia Diocese elected Fulk as the City’s 49th Bishop and he held the office of Bishop of Pavia for thirteen years.
At that time, there was strong enmity between the Cities of Pavia and Piacenza, which was not unusual for neighbouring Cities. Even today, the rivalry between the two Cities lives on in colourful traditions and competitions. But, in the Middle Ages, the rivalry was not colourful folklore but violent and bloody and entailed great sorrow and ruin. Bishop Fulk, who was from Piacenza and was the Bishop of Pavia, became the foremost peacemaker between the two Cities. He first worked for internal peace in the Cities which were also characterised by violent factional battles. He then worked for peace between them.
Bishop Fulk founded a number of social institutions which, among other things, provided food for the poor and free education for their children. He also reformed religious houses, including the Monastery of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro, and he defended the freedom of the Church against the Civil authorities.
Fulk died on 16 December 1229 and was buried in the Cathedral. He was succeeded by Saint Rodobald II de’ Cipolla. His memorial day is 26 October. In the Cathedral of Pavia he is celebrated on 21 May. He was Canonised by Pope Gregory IX.
Our Saint Fulk goes down in history as an extraordinary peacemaker. Supported by his unshakable faith and the teachings of Jesus, the Bishop often managed to restore peace, so much so that he is loved by both the people of his own birthplace, Piacenza and the people of his beloved See, Pavia.
St Adalgott of Einsiedeln St Alanus of Quimper St Albinus of Buraburg
St Alfred the Great (849-899) King of Wessex, Confessor, Scholar, Writer and Translator, negotiator. He administered justice with insight and fairness, protected the poor, and encouraged art and the crafts. He tried in all that he did, to rule as a model Christian King. For all this, he alone among the rulers of England is called “the Great.” This Great Saint’s Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/26/saint-of-the-day-26-october-saint-alfred-the-great-849-899/
St Alorus of Quimper St Amandus of Strasburg St Amandus of Worms St Aneurin St Aptonius of Angouleme St Arnold of Queralt St Bean of Mortlach St Bernard de Figuerols
St Felicissimus of Carthage St Florius Martyr of Nicomedia and Companions St Fulk of Pavia (1164-1229) Bishop St Gaudiosus of Salerno St Gibitrudis St Gwinoc St Humbert St Lucian Martyr of Nicomedia and Companions St Marcian St Quadragesimus of Policastro St Quodvultdeus St Rogatian of Carthage St Rusticus of Narbonne St Sigibald of Metz
Thought for the Day – 25 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” “Lead Us Not Into Temptation”
“Life is a prolonged trial. St Paul compares it to a stadium in which everyone must fight to win. If anyone lays down his arms, he will be unable to conquer his passions or to achieve the palm of victory. “One who enters a contest, is not crowned, unless he has competed according to the rules ” (2 Tim 2:5).
With the exception of the Blessed Virgin, every human being is obliged to battle against the temptations of the flesh. Sometimes, these can be quite terrifying. St Paul himself confessed that he felt another law in his members, warning against the law of his mind. “Unhappy man that I am!” he exdclaimed in supplication to God to come to his assistance. “Who will deliver me from the body of this death?” (Rom 7:24).
The false enchantment and the wickedness of the world, also threatens to ensnare us. “We know that we are of God and the whole world is in the power of the evil one” (1 Jn 5:19). It is easy to become absorbed in worldly affairs and to forget the all-important spiritual realities.
Finally, there is the devil, whom St Peter describes as wandering about “seeking someone to devour.” Resist him, he urges us, “steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same suffering befalls your brethren all over the world ” (Cf 1 Peter 5:9).
Faced as we are, with these three foes, we should implore God to help us by His grace. Lead us not into temptation, O God but help us to conquer these enemies. Without You, we can do nothing but with Your aid, all is possible. Lead us not into temptation!”
Quote/s of the Day – 25 October – Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace.
The Lord’s Prayer Jesus Matthew 6:9-13
Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our trespasses As we forgive those who trespass against us And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen
“If your brother sins, rebuke him and if he repents, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him.”
Luke 17:3-4
“If a man finds it very difficult to forgive injuries, let him look at a Crucifix and think that Christ shed all His Blood for him and not only forgave His enemies but, even prayed His Heavenly Father, to forgive them too. Let him remember, that when he says the Pater Noster, everyday, instead of asking pardon for his sins, he is calling down VENGEANCE UPON HIMSELF!”
St Philip Neri (1515-1595)
“But as a general thing, what is the state of your heart with regard to your neighbour? Do you love him from your heart and for the love of God? In order to prove this, you must call to mind certain disagreeable, troublesome individuals, for with such, it is that we practice the love of God towards our neighbour and still more, towards those who do us any injury, either in word or deed. Consider whether your heart is clear with regard to such and whether you have to force it to love them? Are you slow to speak evil of your neighbour, especially of those whom you do not like?” Do you never injure him, either directly or indirectly?”
(Introduction to the Devout Life).
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor Caritatis
Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace. “The Peace Prayer” By St Francis of Assisi (c 1181–1226
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned and it is in dying, that we are born to eternal life. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 25 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Saints Chrysanthus and Daria (Died c 282) Martyrs, Married Couple – Wisdom 3:1-8, Luke 11:47-51 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“I will send to them prophets and apostles and some of them they will kill and persecute. ” – Luke 11:49
REFLECTION – “You know what we are going to say in prayer to God before coming to Communion: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Interiorly prepare yourself to forgive because you are about to meet with these words in prayer. How are you going to say them? Are you perhaps not going to say them? In the end that is very much the question – will you say these words, yes or no? You hate your brother and will you utter the words: “Forgive us,as we forgive?” Are you going to say that you avoid these words? But in that case, are you praying? Pay close attention, my brethren. In a moment you are going to pray – forgive from the heart!
Look at Christ suspended on the Cross, listen to Him praying: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk 23:34). Doubtless, you will say: He was able to do it but I cannot. I am a man but He is God. You cannot imitate Christ? Why then did the Apostle Peter write: “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in His steps” (1Pt 2:21)? Why does the Apostle Paul write: “Be imitators of God as beloved children” (Eph 5:1)? Why did the Lord Himself say: “Learn from Me, for I am meek and humble of heart” (Mt 11:29)? We turn aside, we look for excuses, when we claim to be impossible that which we do not want to do … My brethren, do not blame Christ for having given us commandments which are too difficult, impossible to fulfil. Rather, let us say to Him humbly, together with the psalmist: “ Thou art just, O Lord and Thy judgement is right” (Ps 118:137).” – St Caesarius of Arles (470-543) Bishop and Monk (Sermon 35).
PRAYER – May the prayer of Your blessed Martyrs, Chrysanthus and Daria, defend us, O Lord, that we may ever enjoy the loving help of those whom we honour by this celebration. ThroughJesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Have Mercy, Lord By St Peter Damian (1007-1072) Father & Doctor of the Church
Have mercy, Lord, on all my friends and relatives, on all my benefactors, on all who pray to Thee for me and on all who have asked me to pray to Thee, for them. Give them the spirit of fruitful penance, mortify them in all vices and make them flower in all Thy virtues. Amen
Saint of the Day – 25 October – Saint Fronto of Périgueux (1st-2nd Centuries) Bishop consecrated by St Peter Apostle, Confessor, Missionary, Miracle-worker. Born at an unknown date in Lycaonia, Asia Minor and died in Périgueux, France of natural causes. Also known as – Fron, Frontón, Frontone, Front. Name means: the clever one (Old High German).
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Périgueux in France, St Fronto, who, being made Bishop by the blessed Apostle Peter, with a Priest named George, converted to Christ a large number of the people of that place and renowned for miracles, rested in peace.”
Fronto actually lived but at an unknown time. According to tradition, he first lived as a Hermit and then became the first Bishop of Périgueux .
Together with his assistant, the Priest named George, Fronto is believed to have been sent to Gaul by St Peter and Ordained as the first Bishop of Périgueux . George died on the way to France and Fronto returned to Rome. But St Peter gave him a rod, saying: “When you place this rod of mine, on the body of this assistant, say, Arise in Christ’s Name! and carry out the commission which you have received from the Apostle.” So it happened, together they converted the Citizens of Périgueux.
When Fronto fell asleep in his chair one day after the Epistle, Christ appeared to him and caused him to go with Him to Tarascon, to hold the funeral service for St Martha of Bethany, who died there and to help Him to lay her in the grave. In the meantime, when the singing was over in Périgueux and the Deacon was waiting for the Bishop’s blessing, to read the Gospel and woke him, the Bishop sent him away to fetch the ring and gloves which he had left at Martha’s graveside. And thus the Deacon was a witness to the miracle of his bilocation and dual presence.
Fragments of Fronto’s tomb are exhibited in the Museum in Périgueux . The tomb supposedly consisted of a pyramid-shaped roof and many figures dating to antiquity. The first mention of a veneration of Fronto can be found incidentally in the life story of St Gaugericus the Bishop of Cambrai, from the middle of the 7th Century, who prayed at the grave of the Confessor Fronto. It tells of Fronto as a student of St Peter and in the 9th Century, Fronto was included in the Martyrology of Lyon and that of St Rabanus Maurus . In the 10th and 11th Centuries, his life story was revised several times and elements from the legends of Martialis of Limoges and Martha of Bethany were incorporated.
Authentications of his Relics took place in 1261 and 1463. These were largely destroyed by Protestants in 1575. When Périgueux was liberated in 1581, St Fronto’s Cathedral was badly damaged and Saint-Fronto’s was left untouched and in a state of disrepair for decades.
Listen to the chiming of the bells of St Fronto Cathedral, it’s as if you were there!
In 1852 the Architect Paul Abadie, undertook major restoration work to the Cathedral to save it from ruin. He brought it back to life, stone by stone, a colossal project lasting some fifty years. Abadie managed to retain the original plan and volumes of the Cathedral as well as re-designing certain aspects to harmonise the architecture. He used the same architectural model for Saint-Fronto’s as he later used for the Sacré Coeur BaSILICA in Paris.
St Cyrinus of Rome St Dulcardus St Fronto of Périgueux (1st-2nd Centuries) Bishop consecrated by St Peter Apostle St Fructus of Segovia
St Gaudentius of Brescia (Died 410) Bishop, renowned Preacher, Theologian, Diplomatic Mediator, The Roman Martyrology states today: “In Brescia, Saint Gaudentius, Bishop, who, Ordained by Saint Ambrose, shone among the prelates of his time for doctrine and virtue, instructed his people with words and writings and founded a Basilica which he called the ‘Council of Saints.‘” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/25/saint-of-the-day-25-october-st-gaudentius-of-brescia-died-410/
St George of Périgueux (1st-2nd Centuries) Priest, assistant to St Fronto St Goeznoveus of Leon St Guesnoveus Bl Henry of Segusio St Hilary of Javols St Hilary of Mende St Hildemarca of Fecamp St Januarius of Sassari St Lucius of Rome St Lupus of Bayeux St Mark of Rome
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