Quote/s of the Day – 18 September – “Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Methodius of Olympus (Died c311) Confessor, Bishop, Martyr, Father
“Thou Thyself, O Christ, art my all. For Thou I keep myself chaste and holding aloft my shining lamp, I run to meet Thee, my Spouse.”
Hail to Thee, Forever Virgin, Mother of God, By St Methodius of Olympus (Died c311)
Hail to thee forever-Virgin Mother of God, our unceasing joy! for unto thee do I again return. . . . Hail, thou fount of the Son’s love for man. . . . Wherefore, we pray thee, the most excellent among women, who boast in the confidence of thy maternal honours that thou wouldst, unceasingly, keep us in remembrance. O holy Mother of God, remember us, I say, who make our boast in thee and who, in august hymns celebrate thy memory which will ever live and never fade away. Amen.
One Minute Reflection – 18 September – “Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – St Joseph of Cupertino OFM Conv. (1603-1663) Confessor – 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, Matthew 22:1-14 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Kingdom of Heaven is likened to a King, who ordered a marriage feast for his son.” – Matthew 22:2
REFLECTION – “According to His mysterious design, the Father prepared a Bride for His Only Son and made her known under prophetic images … In his book, Moses wrote that: “a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife and the two of them become one body” (Gen 2:24). The Prophet Moses, spoke about the man and woman, in this way, to foreshadow Christ and His Church.
With the Prophet’s piercing eye, he beheld Christ becoming One with the Church, thanks to the Mystery of the water – he envisioned Christ drawing the Church to Himself, from the virginal womb and the Church drawing Christ to herself, in the waters of Baptism. Thus, were the Bridegroom and Bride wholly united, in a mystical way. That is why Moses, with veiled face, (Ex 34:33) beheld – Christ and the Church – one he called “man” and the other “woman” so as to avoid revealing the reality to the Hebrew people, in all its clarity …. For a time, the veil would conceal this Mystery – none would know the meaning of this great image and would be ignorant of what it represented.
But, when their espousals had been celebrated, Paul came. He saw the veil laid across their splendour and raised it to reveal Christ and His Bride to the world. He showed how they were indeed what Moses had described in his prophetic vision. Rejoicing with holy joy, the Apostle declared: “This is a great Mystery” (Eph 5:32). He made known what this veiled image that the Prophet referred to as man and woman really meant – “I know,” he said, “that it is Christ and His Church, Who are no longer two but one body” (cf Eph 5:31).” – St Jacob of Sarug (c451-521) Bishop, Father (Sermon on Moses’ veil).
PRAYER – O God, Who willed that all things be drawn unto Thy Son, when He was raised above the earth, mercifully grant, by the merits and example of Thy seraphic Confessor Joseph that, having been raised above all earthly desires, we may be found worthy to come unto Him. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus! By Pope Benedict XV (1854-1922)
O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus! O Fount of every good! I adore Thee, I love Thee and sincerely repenting of my sins, I present to Thee my poor heart. Give it back to me humble, patient, pure and in everything, conformed to Thy wishes. Make me, O good Jesus, live in Thee and for Thee. Protect me in dangers, comfort me in afflictions, grant me health of body, succour in my temporal needs, Thy blessing in all my works and the grace of a holy death. Amen
Indulgence – 100 days Once a day Pope Benedict XV 4 December 1916
Saint of the Day – 18 September – Saint Methodius of Olympus (Died c311) Confessor, Bishop of Olympus in Lycia in Asia Minor, Martyr, Ecclesiastical Scholar and Author, renowned Theologian. After Olympus it seems that he was appointed as the Bishop of Tyre, Lebanon, or possibly Patara, in the same country. Date of birth unknown, Methodius died a Martyr, probably in 311 in Chalcis, in modern Greece. His works include the “Treatise “On the Resurrection” and “Symposium on Virginity.”
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “The same da, [as St Joseph of Cupertino] the birthday of St Methodius, Bishop of Olympus in Lycia and afterwards of Tyre. Most renowned for his eloquence and learning. St Jerome says that he won the Crown of Martyrdom at Chalcis in Greece at the end of the last persecution there.”
The Martyrdom of St Methodius
We are indebted to St Jerome for the earliest accounts of Methodius. According to him, Methodius suffered Martyrdom at Chalcis at the end of the newest persecution, i.e., under Diocletian, Galerius or Maximinus.
Papyrus fragment of the Symposium, Oratio 8, dated 5th or 6th Century, the earliest known Manuscript of a work by St Methodiu.
Methodius had a very comprehensive philosophical education and was an important Theologian and a prolific and polished Author. Chronologically, his works can only be assigned, in a general way, to the end of the 3rd and beginning of the 4th Century. He became of special importance in the history of theological literature, in that he successfully combated various erroneous views of the great Alexandrian, Origen.
He particularly attacked his doctrine that man’s body, at the resurrection, is not the same body as he had in lif. Another area of Methodius’ opposition was Origen’s idea of the world’s eternity and the erroneous notions it involved. Nevertheless, he recognised Origen’s great services to the Church in Ecclesiastical Theology. Like Origen, Methodius is strongly influenced by Plato’s philosophy and uses, to a great extent, the allegorical style of explanation especially of Scripture.
Of his numerous works only one has come down to us in a complete state in a Greek text, –Th Symposium on Virginity. However, we do have Slavonian versions or portions thereof, of all his other works. He also wrote commentaries on Genesis and on the Song of Songs, many other areas of Sacred Scripture and other holy subjects, for example on the Martyrs, on marriage, on the food laws of the Jews, etc.
St Joseph of Cupertino OFM Conv. (1603-1663) Confessor, Religious Priest of the First Order of St Francis and Friar, Mystic, Miracle-worker. If ever a tiny child began life with nothing in his favour it was Joseph of Cupertino; he had only one hopeful and saving quality—that he knew it. … – Read on and be ashamed, for this is a Saint before the Throne of God! All about the this holy Flying Saint here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/09/18/saint-of-the-day-18-september-st-joseph-of-cupertino-o-f-m-conv-1603-1663/
St Ariadne St Eumenius Thaumaturgus
St Eustorgius of Milan (Died c 349) The Ninth Bishop of Milan, Confessor, Defender of the Faith. Both St Athanasius and St Ambrose remember Eustorgius of Milan as one of the most steadfast and illustrious opponents of the Arian heresy. The Roman Martyrology says of him: “At Milan, St Eustorgius, Bishop of that City, highly recommended by blessed Ambrose.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/18/saint-of-the-day-18-september-saint-eustorgius-of-milan-died-c-349/
St Ferreolus the Tribune St Ferreolus of Limoges St Hygbald St Irene of Egypt
Thought for the Day – 17 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Commandments and the Desires of Jesus Christ
“O my Saviour, I adore Thee, with the perfect submission which Thou displayed to the will of Thy Father. I ask pardon for all the obstacles which I have placed in the way of Thy holy will. In union with the perfect submission which Thou, Thy Mother and all Thy Saints displayed in regard to the will of God, I profess that neither in life, nor in death, do I desire anything other, than Thine adorable will. Amen [St John Eudes (1601-1680)]”
Quote/s of the Day – 17 September – Ephesians 3:13-21, Luke 14:1-11 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“For everyone who exalts himself, will be humbled and he who humbles himself, will be exalted.”
Luke 14:11
“I tell you, this man went back to his home justified, rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled but he who humbles himself, will be exalted” Luke 18:14
“Be on your guard, therefore and bear in mind, this example of severe loss, sustained through arrogance. … Never place yourself above anyone, not even great sinners. Humility often saves a sinner, who has committed many terrible transgressions!”
“No Christian should think of himself as his own master but each should rather so think and act, as though given by God, to be slave to his fellow brothers and sisters.”
St Basil the Great (329-379) Father and Doctor of the Church
“What evil can your enemy do to you which would be comparable to that, which you do to yourself? … If you let yourself go, in indignation and anger, you will be wounded, not because of the injury your enemy inflicted upon you but, from the resentment you feel because of it. So do not say: “He insulted me, he slandered me, he did a great number of wretched things to me.” The more you say he did evil things to you, the more you show that he did you good, since he gave you an opportunity to purify yourself of your sins. Thus, the more he offends you, the more he places you in a state of obtaining the forgiveness of your faults from God. For if we want, no-one can damage us; even our enemies are thus doing us a great service… So consider how many advantages you draw from an injury that is suffered humbly and gently!”
St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father and Doctor of the Church
“We must erect the mystical ladder of Jacob, where Angels, ascending and descending, appeared to him. Ascent and descent means, that we go downward when we exalt ourselves and rise, when we are humbled. The ladder represents our life in this world, which our Lord erects to Heaven, when our heart is humbled. The sides of the ladder represent our soul and body, sides between which, God has placed several rungs of humility and, discipline, whereby we are to ascend if we would answer His call.”
One Minute Reflection – 17 September – Solemnity of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary – The 16th Sunday after Pentecost – The Commutation of the Stigmata of St Francis of Assisi – Ephesians 3:13-21, Luke 14:1-11 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“For everyone who exalts himself, shall be humbled and he who humbles himself, shall be exalted.” – Luke 14:11
REFLECTION – “Humility is not just about self-mistrust but about the entrusting of ourselves to God. Distrusting ourselves and our own strength, produces trust in God and, from that trust, generosity of soul is born.The most holy Virgin, Our Lady, gave us an outstanding example of this, when she spoke these words: “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to thy word” (Lk 1:38). When she said she was the handmaid of the Lord, she was performing, the greatest act of humility, it is possible to do and, all the more so, in that, she was contradicting the praise given her by the Angel – that she would be mother of God, that the child to be born from her womb would be called Son of the Most High, a greater dignity than any we might imagine – I say, she opposed her lowliness and unworthines,to all these praises and greatness, by saying that she was the handmaid of the Lord. Yet, note how, no sooner had she rendered her duty to humility, than she practised outstanding generosity, by saying: “May it be to me according to thy word.”
What she wanted to say was – “It is true, I am in no way capable of this grace, if one is to consider ,what I am, of myself but, insofar as what is good in me, comes from God and what thou say to me, is His own most holy will, I believe it can happen and will happen.” And so, without the least hesitation, she said: “Let it be done to me according to thou word.” – St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva, Doctor Caritatis (Conversations 5).
PRAYER – O Lord, Jesus Christ, Who, to inflame our hearts with the fire of Thy love, when the world was becoming cold in spirit, renewed in the flesh of most blessed Francis, the sacred marks of Thine own Passion, graciously grant that by his merits and prayers, we may steadfastly carry our cross and bring forth worthy fruits of penance. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 17 September – The 16th Sunday after Pentecost
Almighty God, Open Thou My Heart A Prayer for Guidance By St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Father and Doctor of the Church
ALMIGHTY God, open Thou my heart and enlighten me with the grace of the Holy Spirit, to see those things which are well-pleasing to Thy will. Direct my thoughts and understanding to those things which it is proper to meditate upon and to take in hand; in such fashion, as by fitting character and deeds, I might be found worthy of the eternal joy of heavenly life. Direct my acts to Thy commandments, that I might, by labour so unbrokenly, study to bring them to fulfilment, as to attain to an everlasting reward. Amen
Saint of the Day – 17 September – St Satyrus of Milan (c335-c378) Confessor, Layman. Older brother of St Aurelius Ambrose (340-397) Father and Doctor and St Marcellina (c330-c398) Consecrated Virgin. Born as Uranio Satiro, probably in Trier, Germany and died in 378 in Milan of natural causes. Patronages – of Sacristans of the Archdiocese of Milan.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Milan, the departure from this world of St Satyrus, Confessor, whose distinguished merits are mentioned by his brother, St Ambrose.”
Our only sources for Satyrus’ life are two orations delivered by his brother, one on the day of his death and the other, a week later. We know that he was the second of their parents’ three children, born after their sister, Marcellina; this puts his birth somewhere around 335, before his brother’s in 340, at either Trier, where their father reigned as Governor of a Roman Province, or at Rome. Being of the Senatorial Aristocracy, both brothers followed in the path of their father’s career and served as Governors of Roman Provinces but that assigned to Satyrus is unknown.
In 374, when St Ambrose was appointed as the Bishop of Milan, his brother left public office in order to help him with the administration of the Diocese, as well as to care for their sister and the family patrimony. St Ambrose praises him for his chastity in terms that clearly indicate that he was not married.
More than once, these duties required Satyrus to travel to Africa. Like many men of his class and period, whose public responsibilities were difficult to reconcile with the discipline of a Christian life, he long remained a Catechumen. (St Ambrose himself was a Catechumen at the time of his election as Bishop by popular acclamation. The Ambrosian Rite adds a commemoration of his Baptism to the Mass of St Andrew the Apostle on 30 November and keeps his principal Feast only a week later, on the day of his Episcopal Ordination). Ambrose, however, notes the following episode, in proof of his strong faith.
The Shipwreck of St Satyrus, by Giambattista Tiepolo, 1737′ It is kept in the Chapel dedicated to him, where his Relics were formerly kept, also within the Basilica of St Ambrose.
On Satyrus’ return from the last of his African journeys, his ship was wrecked on shoals, just off the coast of either Sicily or Sardinia. Before jumping off the boat, one of his fellow passengers gave him, at his request, a small piece of the Blessed Sacrament, which he then wrapped up in a small cloth and fastened around his neck. St Ambrose attributes his safe deliverance from the sea, to this, noting that Satyrus’ faith in God was so strong that he did not even bother to grab onto one of the planks of the broken vessel. After safely reaching land, he decided to be Baptised. He had, however, evidently already contracted the unknown disease which would take his life shortly thereafter. Having returned to Milan, he died in either 378 or 379 in the arms of his two siblings.
Devotion to St Satyrus is first attested in the 9th Century, when Anspert, Archbishop of Milan, built a small Church dedicated to him, his brother and St Silvester. This was later absorbed into a Church constructed by the Architect Donatello Bramante in 1476-1482 which is still, to this day, known as “St Mary near St Satyrus.” His name first appears in Liturgical books of the Ambrosian Rite in the 10th Century. In view of his role as his brother’s assistant in the administration of the Diocese, he is traditionally honoured in Milan as the Patron Saint of Sacristans.
The original location of St Satyrus’ burial within the Chapel of St Victor.
An inscription which notes the site as the place of his burial, alongside several early Martyrs of the Church of Milan.
The story told above about the shipwreck, forms a large part of the Ambrosian Preface for the Mass of St Satyrus:
“Truly it is worthy… eternal God, unceasingly praising Thy glory and proclaiming Thy greatness in Thy Saints. Who didst grant Thy blessed Confessor, Satyrus, such an abundance of virtues that he, having become, in many affairs, the colleague of his brother, the glorious Bishop Ambrose, the foremost Doctor and teacher of the Churches, was, for his diligence, deemed a most faithful and excellent champion of Christ, Thy Son. For while yet in the first service of the Faith, he so distinguished himself that, amid the waves of the sea, when he would have perished miserably by the wreck of his ship, although he was not yet washed by holy Baptism, he still did not lack for trust in Thy help. Therefore, he placed the Sacrament of the Lord’s Body, enclosed in a cloth, around his neck and did not hesitate, to entrust himself, to the frothing sea, supported by such an oar. And Thy, most mighty Right Hand which in the waves lifted up Peter, the Prince of the Apostles, lest he drown, with like power also brought this man safe and unharmed to the shore. This, O Lord, is the working of the fullness of Thy might. Through the same Christ our Lord. Through Whom the Angels praise Thy majesty…” (GREGORY DIPIPPO)
Right side Nave of St Ambrose Basilica. Saint Bartholomew and Saint Satyrus baroque-style Chapel. It preserves the Relics of Satyrus.
St Rodingus St Satyrus of Milan (c335-c378) Confessor, Older brother of St Ambrose (340-397) Father and Doctor and St Marcellina (c330-c398) Consecrated Virgin St Socrates St Stephen St Theodora St Uni of Bremen
Thought for the Day – 16 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Christ’s Work in Us
“It is not enough that Jesus live in us – He must increase and act in us continually. The Spiritual life is like natural life. It cannot stop, for to halt would mean death! If Jesus is our life, He should live in us with ever-increasing intensity. Life is like a stairway, we are either going up or coming down.
If we continue to climb energetically towards Jesus, we shall be coming nearer to Christian perfection. If, on the other hand, we halt, the supernatural life of Jesus in us, will begin to weaken. Tepedity will replace fervour and sin will succeed tepidity. It is difficult to remain unchanged because, life involves movement. ‘Jesus Christ,” writes St Augustine, “was born a baby but, He did not remain one. He grew to boyhood, to adolescence and then, to maturity.”
It is necessary for us to grow also. More precisely, it is necessary that Jesus grow continuously in us through faith, charity and good works. “Court the good,” admonishes St Paul, “from a good motive always … until Christ is formed in you” (Gal 4:18-19).
It is not enough that Christ be born in us, it is necessary that He increase to the fullness of perfection (Cf Eph 4:13-16). “Jesus increases daily,” writes Origen, “in the soul of the holy and just man, which mirror His grace, His wisdom and His sanctity. In the soul of the unfortunate sinner, however, Christ decreases and dies.”
What kind of life has Jesus in my soul? If I am in the state of grace, He lives in my soul but, how does He live? In some, those of us who are tepid, worldly and dissipated, Jesus is hidden and languid. In those who are lazy, mediocre and indifferent, He seems to sleep, as He slept in the boat during the storm on the lake of Galilee. In those souls which have given in to temptation and surrendered themselves to sin, He is Crucified and dying.
Finally, there are souls in which He reigns supreme and which are resplendent with the magnificence of His gifts and graces. If we find ourselves in the last category, let us humbly thank God. But, if we are forced to count ourselves among the tepid or the lazy or the sinful, let us rouse ourselves at once and pray fervently to God, to help us to save our souls!”
Quote/s of the Day – 16 September – Saints Cornelius and Cyprian – Wisdom 3:1-8, Luke 21:9-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And you shall be hated by all men, for My Name’s sake. But, not a hair of your head shall perish.”
Luke 21:17-18
“So, my brothers, let us pray as God our master has taught us. To ask the Father in words His Son has given us, to let Him hear the prayer of Christ ringing in His ears, is to make our prayer one of friendship, a family prayer. Let the Father recognise the words of His Son. Let the Son who lives in our hearts, be also on our lips. We have Him as an Advocate for sinners, before the Father, when we ask for forgiveness for ours sins, let us use the words given by our Advocate. He tells us – Whatever you ask the Father in my name, He will give you. What more effective prayer could we then make, in the name of Christ, than in the words of His own prayer?”
“He [Christ], protects their faith and gives strength to believers, in proportion to the TRUST, that each man, who receives that strength, is willing to place in Him.”
“ How grave is the case of a Christian, if he, a servant, is unwilling to suffer when his Master first suffered! … The Son of God suffered that He might make us sons of God and the son of man will not suffer that he may continue to be a son of God!? … The Maker and Lord of the world also warns us, saying: “If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me before you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own but because you are not of the world but I have chosen you out of the world ” … remember the word that I said to you: “The servant is not greater than his Lord” (Jn 15:18-20).”
“I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilise it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not, you may cut it down.” Luke 13:8-9
“… This kind Master closes His Church to no-one. He not only receives and pardons those adversaries, those blasphemers, those persistent enemies of His Name, provided they do penance for their offence and acknowledge the crime committed but, He admits them to the reward of the Kingdom of Heaven. What can be called more patient, what more kind? Even he, who shed the Blood of Christ, is given life, by the Blood of Christ.”
May We Confess Your Name to the End By St Cyprian of Carthage (200-258)
Good God, may we confess Your Name to the end. May we emerge unmarked and glorious from the traps and darkness of this world. As You have bound us together by charity and peace and as together we have persevered under persecution, so may we also rejoice together in Your heavenly kingdom. Amen
St Cyprian of Carthage (c 200-258) Martyr, Bishop of Carthage, Father of the Church
One Minute Reflection – 16 September – “Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Saints Cornelius and Cyprian – Wisdom 3:1-8, Luke 21:9-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Resolve, therefore, in your hearts, not to meditate beforehand, how you are to make your defence. For I Myself, will give you utterance and wisdom …” – Luke 21:14-15
REFLECTION – “O strong love of God! I really think, nothing seems impossible, to one who loves. O happy soul which has obtained this peace, from its God! For it has become mistress over all the trials and perils of the world. If only it can serve its good Spouse and Lord, it fears none of them – and, with good reason… Think of something which occurs to me now and which, is applicable to those who are naturally pusillanimous and have little courage… Although, in actual fact, their soul has been raised up to this state, the weakness of their nature makes them afraid. We must be on the watch, or this natural weakness, will deprive us of a great crown. When you find yourselves as pusillanimous as this, my daughters, have recourse to faith and humility and do not fail to go forward with faith, for nothing is impossible to God (Lk 1:37). He has thus been able to give many holy Saints, the courage to endure all the cruel tortures which they had resolved to suffer for His sake!
It is of this resolution and this free-will that the soul wishes to make Him Master, though He has no need of our efforts. Indeed, His Majesty is pleased that His works should shine forth in those who are weak, since in these, there is more scope for His power and, for the fulfilment of His desire, to grant us favours…
Pay no heed to the arguments adduced by your mind and your own weakness – this weakness will only grow, if you begin to imagine, what will and what will not happen…This is no time to think about your sins, leave them alone, humility is out of place now, it comes at the wrong time… Be assured that the Lord never forsakes those who love Him and risk everything for His sake!” – St Teresa of Jesus of Avila (1515-1582) Carmelite, Doctor of the Church (Conceptions of the Love of God Ch 3:4-6).
PRAYER – May the feast of the blessed Martyrs and Bishops, Cornelius and Cyprian, protect us, O Lord, we beseech Thee and may their holy prayer recommend us to 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).
Our Morning Offering – 16 September – “Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross”
Hail Mary, Full of Sorrows! A Short Prayer to the Most Holy Virgin in her Desolation By Pope Pius IX (1792-1878) Papal Reign 1846-1878 (+102 Raccolta)
His Holiness Pope Pius IX, by a Decree of the Sacred Congregation of Indulgences, of 23 December 1847, deigned to grant:
An Indulgence of 100 days to all the faithful, everytime they say, with contrite heart, the following prayer in honour of the most Holy Virgin in her desolation.
HAIL MARY, full of sorrows! the Crucified is with thee; tearful art thou amongst women and tearful is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of the Crucified, grant tears to us crucifiers of thy Son, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
LATIN
Ave Maria, doloribus plena, Crucifixus tecum; lacrymabilis te in mulieribus et lacrymabilis Fructus ventris tui, Jesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Crucifixi, lacrymas impertire nobis crucifixoribus Filii tui, nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.
Saint of the Day – 16 September – Saint Edith of Wilton (961-984) Virgin, Nun, Princess, Founder of a Church and a Hospital for the poor. Born in 961 at Kensing, Kent, England and died on 15 September 984 aged just 23 years, a date foretold by Saint Dunstan of Canterbury, of natural causes. Edith also had a gift for communicating with wild animals as so many Saints have had. Edith is one of the most venerated female Saints of England. Her extensive legacy continues to this day – there is a Pilgrimage route, “St Edith’s Way” and annual devotions take place on her Feast day. Also known as – Edith of Barking, Eadgyth…. Eadgith…. Editha…. Ediva…. Patronage – against blindness and eye diseases, of sailors, against storms at sea, Wilton Abbey.
Edith was the only daughter of King Edgar the Peaceful (959-975) and St Wulfthryth, who later became Abbess of Wilton Abbey. Edith is an interesting Saint because she seemed to be able to combine her Royal status and its concerns, with the asceticism of a Benedictine Monastery. There seems to be some doubt about the relationship of her parents. Apparently Edgar took the noblewoman Wulfthryth, from the Convent at Wilton and either kept her as a concubine or else married her. However, the union was dissolved and Wulfthryth returned to her Convent with Edith. Edgar, nonetheless, continued to take an interest in his daughter, arranging her education with two foreign Chaplains, Fr Radbod of Rheims and Fr Benno of Trier.
There is a indecision over whether Edith was actually a Nun or a lay member of the community – whether she took Vows or not. Her main biographer, writing about a hundred years after her death, was a Flemish Benedictine Monk, who came to England and wrote lives of the Saints. He relates that her father, Edgar, came to the Convent and placed before her the finest clothes and jewels, while her mother placed religious objects before her eyes. Edith, opted for the religious life, although she always wore fine clothes – the Bishop of Winchester admonished her for this but she replied: “My father, the mind maybe modest and God-fearing under fine clothes, as under a serge habit. The God I love looks to the heart and not to the dress.” According to legend, she was vindicated when a chest caught fire as a candle was accidentally dropped on it – the clothes remained untouched inside! The chest was preserved in the Convent. She also maintained the custom, suited to a Princess but not expected of a Nun in a cloistered community, of heating her bath water with a special metal casket.
In spite of her fine clothes, she observed strict fasting and abstinence and wore a hair shirt under those clothes – a lesson in not juding a book by its cover, I would think. She had a care for the poor and sick and asked that a hospital be built to care for the poor and destitute patients. It was said of her that at night she would wash the stockings of her fellow sisters.
Her education was one that befitted a Royal lady. She seems to have been a talented needlewoman and designed and embroidered a sumptuous Alb and other Ecclesiastical Vestments. She was versed in literary languages and the arts. She had a fine singing voice, painted, wrote and composed. She had a library and wrote out a book of prayers. She was also very well read. Edith also seemed to have been free to indulge her interest in animals, as she kept a menagerie of native and exotic creatures.
Although she had chosen a Convent life, she seems to have had influence at her father’s Court and that of her half-brothers Edward the Martyr and Ethelred. She was highly regarded by the nobility of England; foreign Kings and Ambassadors sought her favour through letters and gifts and high-ranking Clergy, her intercession. Her father tried to make her Abbess of three Convents but she refused the honour. When Edward the Martyr was murdered, she was offered the throne,but again declined.
St Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury, predicted her death and that the thumb on her right hand – which made the Sign of the Cross in an unusual way – would remain incorrupt. Edith died three weeks after his prediction, on 16 September 984. Dunstan presided when her body was removed to the Chapel of St Denys, which our Saint had built and the thumb had not decomposed.
Edith’s cult seemed to have developed slowly. The Abbess, Aelfgifu was cured of an eye disease during a dream vision. There are stories of her intervention, when either her surroundings or Relics were interfered with. King Canute did not believe she was a Saint and demanded that her Tomb be opened so he could decide for himself. The body of Edith rose up and struck him! He got the message and generously endowed the Convent. He claimed also that later, Edith had rescued him from a storm at sea.
She was Canonised thirteen years after her death through the offices of her half-brother King Ethelred II and with the support of St Dunstan and other Ecclesiastics. Her body was removed to the Church of St Denys, which she had founded.
She became a very popular Saint in medieval Britain with the help of Royal patronage. The Convent at Wilton became a place where Royal and noble ladies could receive a good education. The Abbey continued to function until the Reformation when it was dissolved. St Edith, however, has not been forgotten. She is venerated at her birth-place in Kemsing. The Holy Well in the centre of the Village bears her name and, it is said, to have healing properties. Well dressing has been revived recently. There is also a Pilgrimage entitled “St Edith’s Way.”
St Abundantius of Rome St Abundius of Rome St Andrew Kim Taegon St Cunibert of Maroilles St Curcodomus St Dulcissima of Sutri St Edith of Wilton (961-984) Virgin, Nun, Princess St Eugenia of Hohenburg
Blessed Luigi Ludovico Allemandi (c 1390-1450) Bishop and Cardinal, called “The Cardinal of Arles.” Blessed Luigi was a Priest driven by immense love for the Holy Mother of God and for the Church. His involvement in various Councils and Papal dissentions, were the result of his great desire to maintain the purity of the Chair of Peter. He was Beatified in 1527 by Pope Clement VII. His Life; https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/16/saint-of-the-day-blessed-luigi-ludovico-allemandi-c-1390-1450/
St Lucia and St Geminianus of Rome + St Ludmila St Marcian the Senator Bl Martin of Huerta Bl Michael Himonaya
Bl Paul Fimonaya St Priscus of Nocera St Rogellus of Cordoba St Sebastiana St Servus Dei St Stephen of Perugia
Martyrs of the Via Nomentana: Four Saints: Christian men Martyred together, date unknown – Alexander, Felix, Papias and Victor. They were Martyred on the Via Nomentana outside Rome, Italy.
Thought for the Day – 15 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
A Holocaust for our Redemption
“Scourged, crowned with thorns and derided, Jesus is finally condemned to death. Burdened with the Cross, He sets out for the place of execution in the midst of a crowd of enemies, blasphemers and idle speculators. Among them , there is only a tiny group which sympathises with Jesus, namely, Mary His Mother, the devout women and the beloved Apostle, St John.
The divine Redeemer goes forward labouriously beneath the heavy weight of the Cross. He has already lost a large quantity of blood in Gethsemane and during the scourging and crowning with thorns. His strength seems to be failing but love sustains Him. Looking feebly around Him, He sees the mocking Jews, the indifferent and disrespectful Roman soldiers and a throng of curious spectators looking for something to amuse them. Is there nobody else? Where are those whom He cured miraculously and those whom He comforted and forgave? Has nobody any pity for Him? Suddenly the crowd falls silent. A woman, pale and tearful, is approaching Him, supported by her friends. She defies the commands of soldiers and the scowls of the executions and comes close to Him.
Here and there, a murmur is heard – It must be His Mother, poor woman! Jesus and Mary gaze at one another. It would be impossible for us to guess at the immense depths of love contained in that loving exchange of glances. Neither utters a word, for no words could express their anguish, nor manifest their love. They look and understand one another, offering themselves as a holocaust for the redemption of wayward humanity.
Nevertheless, in this silent meeting, there was great consolation for the Heart of Jesus, for He had found someone who loved and understood Him, amongst those malicious throngs. Why do we not sympathise with Him too and love Him with all our hearts?”
Quote/s of the Day – 15 September – “Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” and The Feast of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin – Our Lady of Sorrows – Judith 13:22; 13:25, John 19:25-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Woman, behold thy son. … Behold thy mother”
John 19:26-27
“Whoever you are, who love the Mother of God, take note and reflect with all your innermost feelings, upon her, who wept for the Only-Begotten as He died… The grief she felt in the Passion of her Son, goes beyond all understanding.”
St Amadeus of Lausanne (1108-1159)
“ Now it is that we are to show an invincible courage towards our Saviour, serving Him purely for the love of His will, not only without pleasure but amid this deluge of sorrows, horrors, distresses and assaults, as did his glorious Mother and St John, upon the day of His Passion. Amongst so many blasphemies, sorrows and deadly distresses, they remained constant in love …”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor Caritatis
“Holy Simeon foretold, that the sword of sorrow would pierce her heart. In fact, her life was altogether interwoven with hardship, want and suffering until, eventually, she knelt at the foot of the Cross on which Jesus was dying for the love of mankind and offered the divine Victim for our salvation. At the last moment, however, torn with sorrow though she was, she did not depart in the slightest from her spirit of perfect acceptance of God’s will. Consequently, her peace of soul was never diminished or extinguished. Let us learn from her, to accept everything from God’s hands, both the tiny pleasures which brighten our lives, from time to time and the humiliations, sufferings and death, which it pleases God to keep in store for us.”
Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
When Mary Weeps By Father Frederick M Lynk (1881-unknown)
When Mary weeps, her mother’s heart Is full to overflowing. When Mary weeps, pain’s piercing dart Stabs Him beyond all knowing, Who is by sinners Crucified, Blasphemed, forsaken and denied.
When Mary weeps, God’s holy wrath Is kindling cruel fires. When Mary weeps, poor mankind’s path Leads through war’s blood-soaked mires And makes all human mothers moan In love and pity for their own.
When Mary weeps, it’s time to pray To have our sins forgiven. When Mary weeps, each night and day By sorrow must be riven, Until His and her children will Once more seek peace on Calvary’s hill. When Mary weeps, we all must try To dry her tears of sorrow. When Mary weeps, we too must cry To glimpse a brighter morrow, When her Son’s name is recognised And all, in love adore the Christ. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 15 September – “Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” and The Feast of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin – Our Lady of Sorrows – Judith 13:22; 13:25, John 19:25-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own.” – John 19:27
REFLECTION – “When Jesus was going round towns and villages preaching the Gospel, Mary was His inseparable companion, clinging to His footsteps and hanging upon His words, as He taught, so much so, that neither the storm of persecution, nor dread of punishment, could deter her from following her Son and Master.
“By the Lord’s Cross there stood Mary, His Mother.” Truly a Mother, who did not abandon her Son, even in the face of death! How could she be frightened of death, when “her love was as strong as death,” (Sg 8:6) or rather, stronger than death? Truly she stood by Jesus’ Cross, when, at the same time, the pain of the Cross crucified her mind and, as manifold a sword, pierced her own soul, (Lk 2:35) as she beheld the body of her Son, pierced with wounds. Rightly, therefore, was she recognised as His Mother there and by His care, entrusted to a suitable protector, in which both the mother’s unalloyed love for her Son and the Son’s kindness toward His Mother, were proved to the utmost …
Loving her as He did, Jesus “Loved her to the end” (Jn 13:1), so as not only to bring His life to an end, for her but also, to speak almost His last words for her benefit. As His last will and testament, He committed, to His beloved heir, the care of His Mother… The Church fell to Peter, Mary to John. This bequest belonged to John, not only by right of kinship but too, because of the privilege, love had bestowed and the witness, his chastity bore… It was fitting that none other than the beloved of her Son, should minister to the Mother of the Lord… Providence too arranged, very conveniently that he who was to write a Gospel, should have intimate conferences with her, who knew about them all, for she had taken note from the beginning, of everything that happened to her Son and “treasured all the words concerning Him, pondering them in her heart” (Lk 2:19).” – Blessed Guerric of Igny (c1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot (4th Sermon for the Assumption).
PRAYER – O God, in Whose Passion the sword, according to the prophecy of blessed Simeon, pierced through the soul of Mary, the glorious Virgin and Mother, mercifully grant that we, who reverently commemorate her piercing through and her suffering, may, by the interceding glorious merits of all the Saints faithfully standing by the Cross, obtain the abundant fruit of Thine Passion. Who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 15 September – “Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” and The Feast of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin – Our Lady of Sorrows
O Quot Undis Lacrimarum What A Sea Of Tears And Sorrow Breviary Hymn for the Feast of the Seven Sorrow Attrib. Bishop Callisto Palumbella OSM (1687-1749) Trans. Fr Edward Caswell COrat (1814–1878)
What a sea of tears and sorrow Did the soul of Mary toss To and fro upon its billows, While she wept her bitter loss; In her arms her Jesus holding, Torn so newly from the Cross.
Oh, that mournful Virgin-Mother! See her tears how fast they flow Down upon His mangled body, Wounded side, and thorny brow; While His hands and feet she kisses— Picture of immortal woe.
Oft and oft, His arms and bosom Fondly straining to her own; Oft her pallid lips imprinting On each wound of her dear Son; Till at last, in swoons of anguish, Sense and consciousness are gone.
Gentle Mother, we beseech thee By thy tears and troubles sore; By the death of thy dear Offspring, By the bloody wounds He bore; Touch our hearts with that true sorrow Which afflicted thee of yore.
To the Father everlasting, And the Son Who reigns on high, With the Co-eternal Spirit, Trinity in Unity, Be salvation, honour, blessing Now and through eternity. Amen
Attrib. to the Servite Bishop Callisto Maria Vincenzo Antonio Palumbella OSM (1687-1749), who also composed the Office for the Feast inserted in the Breviary in 1720. He was the Bishop of Terracina, Priverno e Sezze, Italy. This Translation by Fr Edward Caswell COrat (1814–1878)
Saint of the Day – 15 September – St Nicomedes (Died c71) Priest and Martyr. Died in Rome by being beaten to death wiuth clubs.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Rome, on the Nomentan Way, the birthday of the blessed Nicomedes, Priest and Martyr. As he said to those who would compel him to sacrifice: “I sacrifice only to the Omnipotent God, who reigns in Heaven.” He was scourged, for a very long time with leaded whips and thus, went to our Lord.”
Stained glass depiction of scene common in the days of the early Christian Martyrs and the time of St Nicomedes. Stained glass window in St Catherine’s Church in Honfleur, France.
Little is known of the early life of this heroic Christian Martyr. What we do know for sure, is derived from the historical texts of Holy Mother Church He is spoken of in the legendary ‘Passio’ of the Saints Nereus and Achilleus composed in the 5th-6th Century, whose Author states that Nicomedes was a Priest.
A holy “line up” including: St Dominic, St Nicomèdes, Our Lady and Baby Jesus, St Claude and St Fiacre. These sculptures are found in the interior of the Chapelle de Kermaria-an-Isquit in France.
He was discovered while burying the body of the Martyr Felicola and arrested by a certain Flaccus, Since he refused to sacrifice to the gods, he was subjected to a cruel flagellation, during which he died.
His body was thrown into the Tiber but one of his fellow-clerics ,named Giusto, recovered it and buried it in a small garden along the Via Nomentan.
The Author of the ‘Passio’ does not mention the day of his death but from the context, it can be deduced that he died, at the time of the Emperor Domitian (51-96. Subsequent studies and research have hypothesised 15 September as the day of his death, while another ‘Passio’ of the 7th Century places his death on 1 June under Maximian (240-310).
In any case, the existence and cult of this Martyr Nicomedes are attested by documents worthy of faith, although the biographical information is uncertain. Moreover, he is mentioned in at least eight historical ‘Martyrologies.’ In the ‘Roman’ one, his feast day remained on 15 September.
Already in the 7th Century, it is known that pilgrims venerated the tomb of the Martyr on the Via Nomentan, on which Pope Boniface V (619-625) had a Basilica built which was later restored by Pope Hadrian I (†795).
St Aichardus St Albinus of Lyon St Aprus of Toul St Bond of Sens St Emilas of Cordoba St Eutropa of Auvergne St Hernan St Jeremias of Cordoba St Joseph Abibos St Mamillian of Palermo St Melitina St Mirin of Bangor St Nicetas the Goth
St Nicomedes (Died c71) Priest and Martyr
St Porphyrius the Martyr St Ribert St Ritbert of Varennes Bl Rolando de Medici Bl Tommasuccio of Foligno St Valerian of Châlon-sur-Saône St Valerian of Noviodunum St Vitus of Bergamo
Martyrs of Adrianopolis – 3 Saints: Three Christian men Martyred together in the persecutions of Maximian – Asclepiodotus, Maximus and Theodore. They were martyred in 310 at Adrianopolis (Adrianople), a location in modern Bulgaria.
Martyrs of Noviodunum – 4 Saints: Three Christian men martyred together, date unknown – Gordian, Macrinus, Stratone and Valerian. They were martyred in Noviodunum, Lower Moesia (near modern Isaccea, Romania).
Mercedarian Martyrs of Morocco – 6 Beati: A group of six Mercedarians who were captured by Moors near Valencia, Spain and taken to Morocco. Though enslaved, they refused to stop preaching Christianity. Martyrs. – Dionisio, Francis, Ildefonso, James, John and Sancho. They were crucified in 1437 in Morocco.
Thought for the Day – 14 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Redemption
“In conclusion, let us say this prayer of St Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787): “My soul, look at this Crucified Man … see how the arms extend to embrace you, how the head bows forward to give you the kiss of peace. See how His side is open to receive you. What have you to say? Such a good and loving God deserves to be loved. O my Jesus! Adorable Jesus! O Love of my soul! How can I ever forget Thee? How can I ever love anything apart from Thee! O suffering Jesus, may the memory of Thee ever remain in my heart!”
Quote/s of the Day – 14 September – “Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Exaltation of the Holy Cross –Philippians 2:5-11, John 12:31-36 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me and where I am, there also shall My servant be.”
John 12:25-26
“The wood of the Cross bears Him Who made the universe. Undergoing death for my life, He Who bears the universe is fastened to the tree, as one dead. He Who breathes Life into the dead, gives up the spirit on the tree. The Cross brings no shame to Him at all but, like a trophy, confirms His complete victory. Like a just Judge, He is seated on the Throne of the Cross. The Crown of Thorns. He wears on His brow, confirms His victory “Take courage, I have conquered the world and the prince of this world, by taking away the sin of this world” (Jn 16:33; 1:29).”
St Germanus of Constantinople (c640-733) Bishop, Father of the Church
Hail, Most Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord!
Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered and let those, who hate Him, flee from His Presence. As smoke vanishes, let them vanish and as wax melts by the presence of fire, so let the demons perish by the presence of those who love God and who sign themselves with the Sign of the Cross and say in gladness: Hail, Most Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, for Thou drives away the demons by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ Crucified on thee, Who went down to hell and trampled on the power of the devil and gave us thee, His venerable Cross, for driving away all enemies. O Most Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, help me with our holy Lady, the Virgin Mother of God and with all the Saints throughout the ages. Amen.
St John Damascene (675-749) Father and Doctor of the Church
(Part of the Night Prayers by St John Damascene)
“If you cannot soar up as high as Christ sitting on His Throne, behold Him hanging on His Cross. Rest in Christ’s Passion and live willingly in His Holy Wounds. You will gain marvellous strength and comfort in adversities. You will not care that men despise you!”
Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)
“Ah ! what is all that I do and suffer, compared with what my Jesus did and suffered for my sake? O, that I might, for His honour, be torn with scourges and pierced with nails and expire on the Cross for Him!”
St Andrew Avellino (1521–1608)
“He mounted the Cross through obedience and died on it through obedience. All those who are willing to be saved through the Cross, will find salvation there. But those, who desire to be saved without it, will perish miserably. There is no salvation, except in this Cross.”
“Jesus Nazarenus, Rex Judeaorum – Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews.” John 19:19
“HE DIED, THEN But although He died for us and was lifted up on the Cross, those who refuse to look upon Him, will surely die, for there is no other redemption but in this Cross.
O God, how spiritually beneficial and profitable is a consideration of Thy Cross and Passion! Can we contemplate our Saviour’s humility on the Cross, without becoming humble and, having some affection for humiliations? Can we see His obedience, without being obedient? Certainly not! No-one has ever looked upon Our Lord Crucified and remained dead or sick. On the other hand, all who have died, have done so because. they were unwilling to gaze upon Him, just as the Israelites died. who were unwilling to gaze upon the serpent which Moses had raised upon the pole.”
One Minute Reflection – 14 September – “Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” – Exaltation of the Holy Cross –Philippians 2:5-11, John 12:31-36 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“He who loves his life, loses it and he who hates his life in this world, keeps it unto life everlasting. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me and where I Am ,there also shall My servant be.” – John 12:25-26
REFLECTION – “… We are being towed along by a world which passes away, forgetting the world to come. We are greedy for present things but, do not take into account, the coming judgement. We will not run to meet the Lord as He comes!…
Let us turn back, brethren, let us turn back… By the very fact of His delay, of His still waiting, our Lord proves His desire to see us come back to Him, His desire that we should not perish. In His great goodness, He continues addressing these words to us: “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked but, would rather, he would change his ways and live ”(Ez 33:11). So let us turn back to Him, brethren, not fearing that time is running short. The time that belongs to time’s Author cannot be shortened. The proof of it lies in the criminal in the Gospel, who, at the moment of dying on the cross, got away with his pardon, grabbed hold of life and, breaking into paradise like a burglar, managed to make his way into the Kingdom (cf. Lk 23,43)!” – St Peter Chrysologus (c 400-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and “Doctor of Sermons” of the Church (Excerpt from Sermon 167).
PRAYER – O God, Who gladden us this day by the annual feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, grant, we beseech Thee, that we, who know on earth, the mysteries of Christ, may be found worthy to obtain, in heaven, the rewards of His Redemption. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 14 September – “Month of The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary and The Holy Cross” and the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
This is My Joy, To Follow My Saviour A Prayer to Seek the Consolation of the Cross By St Alphonsus Rodriguez SJ (1532-1617)
Jesus, love of my soul, centre of my heart! Why am I not more eager to endure pains and tribulations for love of Thee, when Thou, my God, have suffered so many for me? Come, then, every sort of trial in the world, for this is my delight, to suffer for Jesus. This is my joy, to follow my Saviour and to find my consolation with my Consoler on the Cross. This is my happiness, this my pleasure – to live with Jesus, to walk with Jesus, to converse with Jesus, to suffer with and for Him, this is my treasure! Amen
Saint of the Day – 14 September – Saint Cormac of Cashel (c836-908) Bishop, King of Munster, Ireland, a great Scholar and Writer. Born as Cormac MacCquilenan was the son of Cuillenan and descended from King Aengus who Saint Patrick Baptised. Cormac was probably the first Bishop of Cashel and the compiler of the “Psalter of Cashel” an Irish history. Irish writers have celebrated him for his learning, piety, charity and valour. He was killed in a battle against King Flan of Meath.
Coprmac, in his early years received a good education in one of the Irish Monastery schools. He was Ordained Priest and afterwards appointed Bishop of Cashel.
In the year 900 he became, on account of his descent, King of Cashel and thus were combined in his person, the two offices of spiritual and temporal ruler of Leth Moga, as the southern portion of Ireland was called.
In 906, The Ardri (ard-ri, High King) Flann, assisted by the King of Leinster, led his forces into the Southern Province and was met by the Munstermen under Cormac. The Ardri suffered a signal defeat. However in 908, Flann, assisted by Ceorbhall, King of Leinster and Cathal, King of Connaught, returned to the attack, apparently because Cormac, instigated by Flaherty, Abbot of Inniscathay, had claimed tribute from Leinster and had even signified his intention of assuming the position of High King there. The battle was fought, the Munstermen suffered a complete defeat and Cormac was killed in the battle.
An Irish Glossary called “Sanas Chormai,” containing etymologies and explanations of over 1400 unusual Irish words which has come down to us. Although, etymologically, the work is of little value, yet on account of the light it throws upon many ancient Irish customs and institutions, it is of great importance to the historian. The “Glossary of Cormac” is said to be only a part of the “Psalter of Cashel” also attributed to Cormac, but which has been lost. The lost Psalter of Cashel and the “Lebor na Cert—the Book of Rights”—is also linked to Cormac.
Cormac was regarded as a Saint after his death and his Shrine at Castledermot, County Kildare, is the site of miracles and pilgrimages.
St Caerealis Bl Claude Laplace St Cormac of Cashel (c836-908) Bishop, King St Crescentian of Carthage St Crescentius of Rome St Generalis of Carthage St Giulia Crostarosa St Jean Gabriel Taurin du Fresse
St Maternus of Cologne (Died c 325) Bishop, the first Bishop of Cologne and Founder of the Diocese of Tongeren, Germany. In Cologne and in his hometown of Trier, the faithful began to venerate him as a Saint. A popular cult of which the splendid 13th century stained glass windows in the Cathedral Chapel dedicated to his name, also testify. He was buried in the Cathedral of Cologne but the Cathedral of St Peter in Trier boasts a large Reliquary, which became and remains, a pilgrimage site. Biography; https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/14/saint-of-the-day-14-september-saint-maternus-of-cologne-died-c-325/
St Peter of Tarentaise O.Cist (1102-1174) Cistercian Monk, Archbishop of Tarentaise from 1141 until his death, Abbot, Apostle of Charity, Miracle-worker. There are two Saints named Saint Peter of Tarentaise who lived one Century apart. The Saint we honour today, is the younger Peter, born in France in the early part of the 12th Century. The other Saint Peter if Tarentaise, became Pope Innocent V. His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2019/09/14/saint-of-the-day-14-september-saint-peter-of-tarentaise-o-cist-1102-1174/
Bl Pedro Bruch Cotacáns St Rosula of Carthage St Sallustia St Victor of Carthage
Thought for the Day – 13 September – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Filial and Servile Fear
“It is true that the fear of God is recommended many times in Sacred Scripture but, it is filial fear which is intended, not servile fear.
Servile fear keeps us apart from God. But filial fear is akin to love and brings us closer to Him. We should desire never to offend God because we love Him, not because we fear Him. When one loves another with all one’s heart, iot is nearly impossible to offend him. In this sense “the fear of Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov 1:7) and, therefore, of sanctity. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit which produces, in us, a complete and loving submission to God, our Father and keeps us far from sin because, it is displeasing to Him.
The filial fear is pleasing to God, for “he fulfils the desire of those who fear Him, He hears their cry and saves them” (Ps 144:19).
“Love, therefore,” writes St Paul, “is the fulfilment of the law” (Rom 13:10). We should certainly fear God but above all, we should love Him. If we love Him, we shall be glad to keep His commanments and we shall have great spiritual peace, contentment and growth in sanctity, all given by the grace of God.”
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