Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on DEATH, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The HOLY VIATICUM

Thought for the Day – 24 August – Holy Viaticum

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Thought for the Day – 24 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Holy Viaticum

“Although the Holy Eucharist sustains us through life’s journey, we need it most of all, when we are nearing the end and are at last, in sight of our heavenly home.

Men can do no more for us in these final moments.
Our friends, if we have any left, will have nothing to give us except their affection.
The doctors will have abandoned us once we have passed the stage where medical aid is of any use to us.
Life will have become an elusive memory, a sad memory if it recalls a long succession of sins but, a consoling one, if it reminds us of good deeds and acts of mortification.

As a general rule, a dying man experiences a longing for some kind of assistance.
Our yearning will be satisfied if it is our privilege to receive, in our final moments, the Divine Healer, Who is also our Saviour and Redeemer.
Since death can seize us unawares, however, we cannot depend too much on this last consolation.
Whenever we receive Holy Communion, we should ask Jesus not to deprive us of Holy Viaticum at the hour of death.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/24/thought-for-the-day-24-august-holy-viaticum-part-one/

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Quote/s of the Day – 24 August – St Bartholomew

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Quote/s of the Day – 24 August – St Bartholomew the Apostle and Martyr – 1 Corinthians 12:27-31, Luke 6:12-19

“Yes, the Apostle chosen
to be His co-worker,
merited to share,
the same Name as Christ.
They built the same Building together –
Peter does the planting,
the Lord gives the increase
and it is the Lord, too,
Who sends those,
who will do the watering (cf 1 Cor 3:6f).”

St Augustine (354-430)
Father & Doctor of the Church

“And when day broke,
He summoned His disciples
and from these He chose twelve –
whom He also named Apostles.”
Luke 6:13

“Bartholomew, whose Feast Day is today,
means in Aramaic,
nothing less than:
‘son of a water-bearer.‘
He is Son of the God,
Who raises the minds of His preachers,
to the contemplation of Truths from on high,
in such a way, that they can spread the rain of God’s Word
in our hearts, efficaciously and abundantly .
This is how they drink water at its source,
so that they can cause us to drink in our turn.”

St Peter Damian (1007-1072)
Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church

(Sermon 42 the second for Saint Bartholomew).

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on WATCHING, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 August – ‘Not all those who pray, climb the mountain…’ St Ambrose

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One Minute Reflection – 24 August – St Bartholomew the Apostle and Martyr – 1 Corinthians 12:27-31, Luke 6:12-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“At that time, Jesus departed to the mountain to pray and continued all night in prayer to God.” -Luke 6:12

REFLECTION – “At that time, Jesus departed to the mountain to pray and He spent the night in prayer to God.” Not all those who pray, climb the mountain… but, those who pray well, who rise up above the goods of earth to higher goods, climb onto the summit of watchfulness and love, from on high. Those who worry about worldly riches or honours, do not climb the mountain; no-one who covets another’s lands, climbs the mountain. Those who seek God, go up it and those who go up, beg the Lord’s aid for their journey. All great and noble souls climb the mountain, for it is not to the first comer alone that the prophet says: “Go up onto a high mountain, thou who announce glad tidings to Sion. Cry out at the top of thy voice, thou who bring good news to Jerusalem,” (Is 40:9). Not by physical exploits but by high-minded actions, will you scale this mountain. Follow Christ… search the Gospel – you will find that only His disciples climbed up the mountain with the Lord.” – St Ambrose (340-397) Archbishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church (On the Gospel of Saint Luke 5,41).

PRAYER – Almighty, eternal God, Who bestowed on us the devout and holy joy of this day to celebrate the Feast of Thy blessed Apostle Bartholomew, grant unto Thy Church, we beseech Thee, both to love what he believed and to preach what he taught. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in BREVIARY Prayers, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

Our Morning Offering – 24 August – Behold the Messengers of Christ – Feast of St Bartholomew

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Our Morning Offering – 24 August – St Bartholomew the Apostle and Martyr

Behold the Messengers of Christ
By Fr Jean-Baptiste Santeul (1630-1697)
Priest, Monk, Hymnist, Poet, Writer

Behold the Messengers of Christ,
Who sow in every place,
The unveiled Mysteries of God,
The Gospel of His Grace.

The things through mists and shadows dim
By holy prophets seen,
In the full Light of Day, they saw
With not a cloud between.

What Christ, true Man, Divinely wrought,
What God in Manhood bore,
They wrote, as God inspired, in words
Which live forevermore.

Although in space and time apart,
One Spirit ruled them all
And in their Sacred pages still
We hear that Spirit’s Call.

To God, the blessèd Three in One,
Be glory, praise and might,
Who called us from the shades of death
To His Own glorious Light.
Amen.

Trans. Compilers of Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1861.
This Hymn was used for Vespers I & II and Nocturns on the Feasts of St Mark and St Luke in the Paris Breviary (1736). Cardinal Newman’s Hymni Ecclesiae has it listed for the same hours, as the Common of Evangelists in the Paris Breviary (presumably a later edition). Tune: “Tiverton“ J Grigg, c1791.

Posted in Against STORMS, EARTHQUAKES, THUNDER & LIGHTENING, FIRES, DROUGHT / NATURAL DISASTERS, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 24 August – Saint Eptadius of Autun (c490-525) Abbot

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Saint of the Day – 24 August – Saint Eptadius of Autun (c490-525) Priest, Hermit, Abbot and Founder of the Abbey of Saint-Eptade de Cervon. Born in c490 near Autun, France and died on 25 August 525 in Montelon, France of natural causes. Patronage – of Blacksmiths, against storms and lightening. Also known as – Eptadius of Cervon, Aptas, Eptade, Eptare, Heptade.

He was a serious boy at 12, a learned scholar at 15, receiving a holy and pious education and a handsome young man who was about to be a bridegroom at 20. Shortly before his marriage, he was seized by a stubborn and severe fever. After a visit by three holy women, his faith and religion were ignited and he prayed to God for recovery and dedicating the rest of his life to Him alone.

Eptadius immediately recovered and then led a life of austerity and penance. Impressed by his virtue, King Clovis tried to persuade him to accept the charge of the Episcopate of Auxerre, as did Saint Flavien (Died 614), the Bishop of Autun but Eptadius not wanting honours and went into exile in the forest at a place called Cervon. However before leaving Eptadius accepted the desire of Bishop Flavian and was Ordained to the Priesthood.

It was in this solitude that Eptadius lived his desire to unite himself to God in prayer, fasting and penance and to redeem the captives of warring Lords in the neighbouring towns. The reputation of his virtues and austerities spread throughout the region and attracted a growing number of disciples, which led him to build a Monastery. The King made him responsible for his good works and entrusted his Monastery with great wealth to be used by our Saint, as the first Abbot, for the glory of God.

Eptadius returned to his hometown of Autun every year for the Feast of Saint-Symphorien a local Martyr who died in c179 and whose Feast day is 22 August.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

St Bartholomew the Apostle and Martyr and all the rest of the Saints for 24 August

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St Bartholomew the Apostle and Martyr
Patronages – Armenia; bookbinders/publishers; butchers; Florentine cheese and salt merchants; Gambatesa, Italy; Catbalogan, Samar; Għargħur, Malta; leather workers; neurological diseases; plasterers/construction workers; shoemakers; tanners; trappers; skin diseases/rashes, against involuntary shaking disorders; Los Cerricos (Spain), 16 further cities all over the world.
St Bartholomew:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/08/24/saint-of-the-day-24-august-st-bartholomew-apostle-of-chris
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/24/saint-of-the-day-24-august-st-bartholomew-the-apostle-and-martyr/

St Abban
St Abyce
St Agofridus of Lacroix
Bl Antonio de Blanes

St Audoin/Ouen of Rouen (c 605-684) Bishop, Confessor, Evangeliser and Missionary, French Official and Adviser, Writer, Peace-makers and Diplomat. Audoin was both Lord Chancellor of France and Officer of the Palace or Administrator.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/24/saint-of-the-day-24-august-saint-audoin-ouen-of-rouen-c-605-684-bishop/

St Emilie de Vialar (1797–1856) Religious Sister and Founder of tbe Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition, Apostle of Charity .Her sanctity was officially recognised by the Church when she was Canonised on 24 June 1951 by Pope Pius XII.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/08/24/saint-of-the-day-24-august-st-emilie-de-vialar-1797-1856/

St Eutychius of Troas
St George Limniotes
St Irchard

St Jeanne-Antide Thouret (1765-1826) French Religious and the Founder of the Thouret Sisters – renamed the Sisters of Divine Charity., Apostle of Charity and the Poor and helpless, Teacher. Thouret’s life was one of service to children and the ill across France in schools and hospitals – some of which her order established. This active apostolate did not cease when the French Revolution forced her into exile. She continued her work in both Switzerland and the Kingdom of Prussia. St Jeanne-Antide was Canonised on 14 January 1934 by Pope Pius XI.
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/24/saint-of-the-day-24-august-saint-jeanne-antide-thouret-1765-1826/

St Patrick the Elder
St Ptolemy of Nepi
St Romanus of Nepi
St Sandratus
St Taziano of Claudiopolis

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on TIME, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST

Thought for the Day – 23 August – Those Who Will to be Damned

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Thought for the Day – 23 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Those Who Will to be Damned

“We cannot claim that we are too weak to fight our temptations.
“God is faithful and will not permit you to be tempted beyond your strength” (1 Cor 10:13).
Neither can we complain that we have not enough time to think about such matters, for when God gave us time, He intended us to devote it principally to the solution of the most important problem in our lives, which is, our salvation!
It is futile to insist that the devil is too strong for us, for, to quote St Augustine, he is like a chained mastiff which can bark at us with all his might but, cannot bite us, unless we approach too close to him.

We have been given every weapon – there is no excuse!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/27/thought-for-the-day-27-august-those-who-will-to-be-damned/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/14/thought-for-the-day-14-january-those-who-will-to-be-damned/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HOLY GHOST, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The LORD'S PRAYER, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 23 August – The Kingdom of Heaven

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Quote/s of the Day – 23 August – 1 Corinthians. 4:9-14, Luke 12:32-34 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Fear not, little flock,
for it hath pleased thy Father
to give thee a Kingdom. ”

Luke 12:32

“Whoever does not accept
the Kingdom of God,
like a little child,
shall not enter it.”

Mark 10:15

“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

“Why then do we pray
for the Kingdom of Heaven to come,
if this earthly bondage pleases us?
WHAT IS THE POINT of praying so often
for its early arrival,
if we would rather serve the devil here
than reign with Christ!?”

St Cyprian of Carthage (200-258)
Bishop of Carthage, Martyr,
Father of the Church

“Through the Holy Spirit
comes our restoration to paradise,
our ascension into the Kingdom of Heaven,
our return to the adoption of sons,
our liberty to call God, Our Father,
our being made partakers of the grace of Christ,
our being called children of Light,
our sharing in eternal glory
and, in a word, our being brought
into a state of all “fulness of blessing,”
both in this world and in the world to come,
of all the good gifts that are in store for us,
by promise hereof, through faith,
beholding the reflection of their grace,
as though they were already present,
we await the full enjoyment.”

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

“This life is short and it is only given us
to gain the other.”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Posted in CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on Lukewarmness, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on MERIT, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PURITY of INTENTION, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VIRTUE, The BEATITUDES, The HEART, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN

One Minute Reflection – 23 August – “Fear not, little flock, for it hath pleased thy Father to give thee a Kingdom. ” – Luke 12:32

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One Minute Reflection – 23 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Philip Benizi OSM (1233-1285) Confessor – 1 Corinthians. 4:9-14, Luke 12:32-34 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Fear not, little flock, for it hath pleased thy Father to give thee a Kingdom. ” – Luke 12:32

REFLECTION – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven”. The beginning of the New Testament is altogether joyful and full of fresh grace. It even nudges the unbeliever and sluggish to pay heed and, more to the point, to act, by promising happiness to the unfortunate and the Kingdom of Heaven to those in exile, those in any kind of distress. The beginning of the new Law is pleasant to hear and starts off under happy auspices, since the Legislator follows on from this beginning ,by giving so many assurances of beatitude. In this way those who have been attracted by them will go from one virtue to the next, climbing the eight steps that this Gospel has set up and placed within our hearts… For, it is clear that what it is all about, is the ascent of the heart and of the progress of merit, through eight steps of virtue, leading men gradually from the lowest to the highest levels of evangelical perfection. In this way they will at last enter and see the God of gods in Zion (Ps 83: 8), in His Temple, of which the Prophet has said: “It had a stairway of eight steps,” (Ez 40:37).

The first virtue for the beginner, is to renounce the world, through which we become poor in spirit; the second is gentleness, by which we submit ourselves and become accustomed to obedience; then, the grief with which we lament our sins or with weeping beg for the virtues. These we certainly enjoy, wherever we have the greatest hunger and thirst for justice, as much for ourselves as for others and begin to be stirred by zeal against sinners. Yet, lest immoderate fervour turn into fault, the mercy by which it is tempered follows after. Through putting this into practice and training ourselves, when we have learnt how to be just and how to be merciful, then we may, perhaps, be capable of entering into contemplation and giving oursees to the purification of our hearts, so as to see God!” – Blessed Guerric of Igny (c1080-1157) Cistercian Abbot (Sermon for All Saints).

PRAYER – O God, Who through St. Philip, Thy Confessor, gave us an outstanding example of humility, grant that Thy household may follow his example by scorning worldly prosperity and, ever seek the things of Heaven. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in AUGUST - The Immaculate Heart of Mary, IMMACULATE HEART PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS

Our Morning Offering – 23 August – St Gertrude’s O Immaculate Heart of Mary

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Our Morning Offering – 23 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary”

O Immaculate Heart of Mary
By St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)

O Immaculate Heart of Mary,
I have nothing in myself to offer thee
which is worthy of thee
but what thankgiving I ought I to pay thee,
for all the favours
which thou hast obtained for me
from the Heart of Jesus!
What reparation ought I to make thee
for all my tepidity in thy service!
I desire to return thee love for love,
the only good which I possess,
is the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
which thou, thyself hast given me.
I offer thee this Treasure of Infinite Price,
I cannot do more
and thou dost not deserve less, at my hand
but, receiving from me,
this Gift most Precious in thy sight,
be pleased, I beseech thee,
to accept too, my poor heart
which I here offer to thee
and I shall be forever blessed!
Amen.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 23 August – St Marcian of Saignon, Abbot

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Saint of the Day – 23 August – St Marcian of Saignon, France Priest, Founder and the first Abbot of the Benedictine Abbaye Saint Eusebe, the Abbey of St Eusebius. Unfortunately we do not even know the year of his birth or of his death but we do know the day of death was 23 August. Also known as – Marcian of Apt, Marciano, Marcianus, Martian, Martianus, Martien. Additional Memorial – 25 August on some calenders.

He is remembered as a Priest and the first Abbot of the Monastery of St Eusebius in Saignon which was founded by him.

Although we know little about the timescale of the Abbey, an ancient tradition traces its foundation to the early Middle Ages, making our Saint of the same Century. The Abbey founded, perhaps in the 8th Century, was attested from 1004 through the first surviving document (the deed of foundation or the restoration of the Abbey). We know too that the Monastery becamerenowned, very powerful and prosperous.

The Abbey in an old picture
An ancient image of the Abbey of St Eusebius

The only certainty of our Saint is the day of his death which took place on 23 August in an unknown year.

It is said that Marcian died lying on a rock due to a sudden illness. After his death, the rock on which he died became a place of miracles, veneration and pilgrimage to obtain cures or graces.

Although several Chapels were built on this site, the current Church dedicated to St Marcian dates to 1650.

The cult for St Marcian is maintained locally, in the Cathedral of St Anna, of the Diocese of Apt, where his body is preserved, a place that is still today a destination for pilgrimages.

The Saint is also remembered in Avignon as it is assumed he was born in Saignon in that Diocese. The celebration of his Feast and veneration of his Relics is remembered on 23 August.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Vigil of St Bartholomew, St Philip Benizi OSM (1233-1285) Confessor, Notre-Dame de la Victoire de Valois / Our Lady of Victory of Valois, France (1328) and Memorials of the Saints – 23 August

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Vigil of St Bartholomew

St Philip Benizi OSM (1233-1285) Confessor, Co-Founder (one of the Seven Holy Founders of the Order of Servants of Mary) OSM, Servite Priest Genera\Superior, Reformer, Preacher, Medical Doctor. St Philip was Beatified on 8 October 1645 by Pope Innocent X and Canonised on 12 April 1671 by Pope Clement X – he was the first Servite to be Canonised.
Born on15 August (Feast of the Assumption and the day that the Blessed Virgin appeared to the first of the Founders of the Servite Order) 1233 at district of Oltrarno, Florence, Italy -and died on 22 August (Octave of the Assumption i.e. the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) 1285 at Todi, Italy).
This Amazing Life:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/08/23/saint-of-the-day-23-august-st-philip-benezi/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/23/saint-of-the-day-23-august-st-philip-benizi-osm-1233-1285-confessor/

Notre-Dame de la Victoire de Valois / Our Lady of Victory of Valois, France (1328) – 23 August: The Feast of Our Lady of Victory of Valois concerns Our Lady’s intercession in the Battle of Cassel, which was fought between the French, under Philip of Valois and the Flemish near Mount Cassel on 23 August in the year 1328. Philip of Valois, or King Philip VI, “Philip the Fortunate,” was the King of France beginning that year until his death in 1350.
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/23/vigil-of-st-bartholomew-notre-dame-de-la-victoire-de-valois-our-lady-of-victory-of-valois-france-1328-and-memorials-of-the-saints-23-august/

St Abbondius of Rome
St Altigianus
St Apollinaris of Rheims
St Archelaus of Ostia
St Asterius of Aegea
St Claudius of Aegea
St Domnina of Aegea
St Eleazar of Lyons
St Eonagh
St Flavian of Autun
Bl Giacomo Bianconi of Mevania
St Hilarinus
St Ireneus of Rome
St Lupo of Novi
St Luppus
St Marcian of Saignon, France – Priest, Abbot
St Maximus of Ostia
St Minervius of Lyons
St Neon of Aegea
St Quiriacus of Ostia
St Theonilla of Aegea
St Timothy of Rheims

St Tydfil (Died c 480) Martyr of Wales, Confessor, Princess, Apostle of Mercy to the sick and the needy.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/23/saint-of-the-day-23-august-saint-tydfil-died-c-480-martyr-of-wales/

St Victor of Vita
St Zaccheus of Jerusalem

Martyrs of Agea – 4 Saints: A group of Christian brothers, Asterius, Claudius and Neon, denounced by their step-mother who were then tortured and Martyred in the persecutions of Pro-consul Lysias. They were crucified in 285 outside the walls of Aegea, Cilicia (in Asia Minor) and their bodies left for scavengers.

Posted in "Follow Me", MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MERIT, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on VIRTUE

Thought for the Day – 22 August – Patience

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Thought for the Day – 22 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Patience

“If we are patient from the motive of the love of God, we can gain merit in His sight.

There are three grades of perfection in the virtue.
(2) The first is the acceptance, with Christian resignation, of every kind of misfortune, offering it in expiation of our sins.
(2) The second consists in a cheerful and willing acceptance of these misfortunes because they come from God.
(3) The third stage is reached, when we actually desire them out of our love for Jesus Christ.

Which grade have we attained?
If we wish to please God, it is essential that we should have made the first grade at least.
“A patient man is better than a warrior and he, who rules his temper, than he who takes a city (Prov 26:22).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/31/thought-for-the-day-31-august-patience/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/23/thought-for-the-day-23-august-patience/

Posted in "Follow Me", CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on BLASPHEMY, QUOTES on the CHURCH, QUOTES on THE MYSTICAL BODY, ROSARY QUOTES, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, THE FIVE FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTION

Quote/s of the Day – 22 August – “ … Am I not here, who is your Mother? … ”

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Quote/s of the Day – 22 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” and the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Octave Day of the Assumption – Ecclesiasticus 24:23-31, John 19:25-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Woman, behold thy son. …
Behold thy mother.”

John 19:26-27

“Gracious Lady,
you are a Mother and Virgin,
you are the Mother
of the body and soul
of our Head and Redeemer,
you are also truly Mother
of all the members of Christ’s Mystical Body.
For through your love,
you have co-operated
in the begetting of the faithful in the Church.
Unique among women,
you are Mother and Virgin,
Mother of Christ and Virgin of Christ.
You are the beauty and charm of earth, O Virgin.
You are, forever, the image of the holy Church.
Through a woman came death,
through a woman came life,
yes, through you, O Mother of God.“

St Augustine (354-430)
Father and Doctor of Grace

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

Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego
9 December 1531

“My child, behold my Heart
all pierced with thorns,
which the blasphemies
and ingratitude of men
drive deeper at every moment . . .
make known to men that:

I promise to assist.
at the hour of death.
with the graces necessary for salvation,
all those who, on the first Saturdays
of five consecutive months,
go to Confession,
receive Holy Communion,
say the Rosary
and spend a quarter of an hour with me,
in meditation on the fifteen
Mysteries of the Rosary,
with the object of making reparation to me.”

Our Lady of Fatima
1917

Make Me Like Yourself, Mary My Mother
By St Louis-Marie de Montfort (1673-1716)

My powerful Queen,
you are all mine, through your mercy
and I am all yours.
Take away from me, all that may displease God
and cultivate in me, all that is pleasing to Him.
May the light of your faith,
dispel the darkness of my mind,
your deep humility,
take the place of my pride,
your continual sight of God,
fill my memory, with His Presence.
May the love of your heart
inflame the lukewarmness, of mine.
May your virtues, take the place of my sins.
May your merits, be my enrichment
and make up for all which is wanting in me, before God.
My beloved Mother,
grant that I may have, no other spirit but your spirit,
to know Jesus Christ and His Divine Will
and to praise and glorify the Lord,
that I may love God, with burning love like yours.
Amen

“Be our Mother, O Mary,
for you have borne us spiritually on Mount Calvary,
at the foot of the Cross.
Deign to obtain for us, through your intercession
that we may love Jesus as you loved Him
and follow Him faithfully, as you followed Him,
unto Death.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in AUGUST - The Immaculate Heart of Mary, FATHERS of the Church, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, STATIONS of the CROSS, The HOLY CROSS, The PASSION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 22 August – “Behold, thy mother” – John 19:27

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 22 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” and the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Octave Day of the Assumption – Ecclesiasticus 24:23-31, John 19:25-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Behold, thy mother” – John 19:27

REFLECTION – “Woman, this is your son. This is your mother.” By what right is the disciple whom Jesus loved, the son of the Lord’s Mother? By what right is she his mother? By the fact that, without pain, she brought into the world the salvation of us all, when she gave birth, in the flesh, to the God-man. But now she is in labour with great pain as she stands at the foot of the Cross.

At the hour of His Passion, the Lord Himself rightly compared the Apostles to a woman in childbirth, when He said: “When a woman is in labour she is in anguish because a child is born into the world” (cf Jn 16:21). How much more, then, might such a Son compare such a Mother, the Mother standing at the foot of His Cross, to a woman in labour? What am I saying? “Compare?” She is indeed truly a woman and truly a mother and, at this hour, she is truly experiencing the pains of childbirth. When her Son was born, she did not experience the anguish of giving birth in pain as other women do; it is now that she is suffering, that she is crucified, that she experiences sorrow like a woman in labour because her hour has come ( Jn 16:21; cf 13:1; 17:1). …

When this hour has passed, when the sword of sorrow has completely pierced her soul in labour (Lk 2:35), then, no more shall she “remember the pain because a child has been born into the world” – the new Man who renews the entire human race and reigns forever over the whole world, truly born, beyond all suffering, immortal, the firstborn from the dead. If the Virgin has thus brought the salvation of us all into the world, in her Son’s Passion, then she is indeed the Mother of us all!” – Rupert of Deutz (c 1075-1130) Benedictine Monk, Theologian, Exegete and Writer – Commentary on Saint Johns Gospel, 13 ; PL 169, 789.

PRAYER – Almighty, everlasting God, Who in the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, prepared a dwelling place worthy of the Holy Spirit, graciously grant, that we, who are devoutly keeping the Feast of her Immaculate Heart, may be able to live according to Thy Heart. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, The HEART

Our Morning Offering – 22 August – Daily, Daily, Sing to Mary

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Our Morning Offering – 22 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” and the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of our Most Blessed and Loved Mother Mary

Daily, Daily, Sing to Mary
By Bernard of Cluny (12th Century) Monk
Trans. Fr Henry Bittleshon C.Orat. (1818-1886)

Daily, daily sing to Mary,
Sing, my soul, her praises due.
All her glorious actions cherish,
With the heart’s devotion true.
Lost in wond’ring contemplation,
Be her majesty confessed!
Call her Mother, call her Virgin,
Happy Mother, Virgin blest!

She is mighty to deliver,
Call her, trust her lovingly.
When the tempest rages round thee,
She will calm the troubled sea.
Gifts of Heaven she has given,
Noble Lady, to our race;
She, the Queen, who clothes her subjects,
With the Light of God’s own grace.

Sing, my tongue, the Virgin’s honours,
Who for us, her Maker bore,
For the curse of old inflicted,
Peace and blessings to restore.
Sing in songs of praise unending,
Sing the world’s majestic Queen;
Weary not nor faint in telling,
All the gifts that earth has seen.

All my senses, heart, affections,
Strive to sound her glory forth.
Spread abroad the sweet memorials
Of the Virgin’s priceless worth.
Where the voice of music thrilling,
Where the tongues of eloquence,
That can utter hymns befitting
All her matchless excellence?

All our joys do flow from Mary,
All then join her praise to sing.
Trembling, sing the Virgin Mother,
Mother of our Lord and King.
While we sing her awesome glory,
Far above our fancy’s reach,
Let our hearts be quick to offer
Love the heart alone can reach.

St Casimir (1458-1484) Confessor – his Feast Day is 4 March, called the Blessed Virgin his dear mother and he loved her as a child. In her honour he sang frequently a touching Hymn which is in use even at the present day. It begins thus: “Daily, Daily Sing to Mary.”
He repeated this many times everyday and asked to have it placed in the grave with him.
When his grave was opened after 120 years, both his body and this written Hymn, were untainted by any sign of corruption.

Bernard of Morlaix, or of Cluny, for he is equally well known by both titles, was an Englishman by extraction, both his parents being natives of that country. He was, however, born in France very early in the 12th Century, at Morlaix, Bretagne. Little or nothing is known of his life, beyond the fact that he entered the Abbey of Cluny, of which at that time, Peter the Venerable, was the Abbot, who filled the post from 1122 to 1156. There, as far as we know, he spent his whole life and there he probably died, although the exact dates of his death,and of his birth, are unrecorded.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 22 August – St Andrew of Fiesole (Died c880) Archdeacon

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Saint of the Day – 22 August – St Andrew of Fiesole (Died c880) Archdeacon, Monk, Missionary, Miracle-worker. Andrew was the Irish-born disciple and assistant of St Donatus (Died c874). He served as Archdeacon of Fiesole, Italy under Bishop Donatus – about St Donatus here: https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/22/saint-of-the-day-22-october-st-donatus-of-fiesole-died-874/

Andrew is commended for his austerity of life and boundless charity to the poor. He is also known as –Andrew of Ireland, Andrew of Tuscany, Andrew the Scot, Andrea… (He was known as “the Scot”, common at that time when speaking of someone from Ireland, as the country was sometimes called ‘Scotia’). His body is incorrupt.

Andrew was born in Ireland near the beginning of the 9th Century to a noble family. He was the brother of St Brigid the younger. Both Andrew and his sister studied under St Donatus. In 816 Andrew accompanied Donatus on his pilgrimage to Italy to visit the Tombs of Saints Peter and Paul and to visit the Holy Father.

When Donatus and Andrew arrived at Fiesol in Tuscany, the people were assembled to elect a new Bishop. Donatus was chosen and, after being Consecrated to that office, made Andrew his Archdeacon.

There is a miracle reported of Andrew curing the daughter of a nobleman. The girl had been paralysed and the doctors were unable to help her. Her father asked Andrew to come and pray for her. Kneeling by her side, he fervently prayed and then told her to stand up for Jesus had healed her. Many other miracles were performed by him over the course of his life in Fiesole- he cast out demons, cured the blind and the ill.

During the forty-seven years of Donatus’ Episcopate, Andrew served him and his flock faithfully. The Bishop encouraged Andrew to restore the Church of St Martino di Mensola and to found a Monastery there.

St Andrew’s Body lies under the Altar

He died a few years after St Donatus around 880. His sister, it is believed, miraculously arrived from Ireland in time to assist at his deathbed.
His body is buried at St Martin’s, the Church he had restored.

When at a later date his remains were exhumed, his body was found still completely perfect and preserved in an incorrupt state. His relics continue to be venerated in that Church today.

The Sarcophagus containing the Body of St Andrew
St Martino di Mensola
Posted in AUGUST - The Immaculate Heart of Mary, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Octave Day of the Assumption) and Memorials of the Saints – 22 August

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Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Octave Day of the Assumption) – Pope Pius XII instituted the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1944 to be celebrated on 22 August, coinciding with the traditional Octave Day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin.
(In 1969, after Vatican II, the Feast was moved to the Saturday, immediately after the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.).
https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/24/the-feast-of-the-immaculate-heart-of-mary-24-june-2017-the-saturday-following-the-feast-of-the-sacred-heart/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/09/feast-of-the-immaculate-heart-of-mary-8-june/

St Timothy and Companions – Martyrs

St Andrew of Fiesole (Died c880) Archdeacon, his body is incorrupt.
St Anthusa of Seleucia
St Antoninus of Rome
St Arnulf of Eynesbury
St Athanasius of Tarsus
Bl Bernard Perani
St Dalmau Llebaría Torné
St Epictetus of Ostia
St Ethelgitha of Northumbria
St Fabrician of Toledo
St Felix of Ostia

Blessed Giacomo/James Bianconi OP (1220–1301) Confessor, Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, Spiritual Advisor, founder and restorer of Convents and Churches. Pope Urban VIII Beatified the Blessed Giacomo in 1641.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/22/saint-of-the-day-22-august-blessed-giacomo-bianconi-op-1220-1301/

St Gunifort
St Joan Farriol Sabaté

St John Kemble (1599 – 1679) Martyr, Priest. Ordained in 1625, he returned to Monmouthshire and served more than 50 years as an itinerant Priest, winning admirers even among Protestants. After being dragged on a hurdle to Widemarsh Common, Kemble declared on the scaffold that he died for the religion that had made this country Christian and that he forgave all his enemies. He was then obliged to encourage the executioner, who had no stomach for his task.
Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/08/22/saint-of-the-day-22-august-st-john-kemble-1599-1679-martyr/

St John Wall
St Josep Roselló Sans
St Julio Melgar Salgado
St Maprilis of Ostia
St Martial of Ostia
St Maurus of Rheims
St Philibert of Toledo
Bl Richard Kirkman
St Saturninus of Ostia
Bl Simeon Lukach
St Sigfrid of Wearmouth
St Symphorian of Autun

Blessed Timoteo da Monticchio OFM (1444-1503) Priest of the Order of the Friars Minor, he ws endowed with mystical gifts, especially of the Blessed Virgin and of St Francis of Assisi. On 10 March 1870, his Beatification was confirmed by Pope Pius IX. His body is incorrupt.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/22/saint-of-the-day-22-august-blessed-timoteo-da-monticchio-ofm-1444-1503/

St Thomas Percy
Bl William Lacey

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on PRAYER, SOLDIERS/ARMOUR of CHRIST

Thought for the Day – 21 August – Perseverance

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Thought for the Day – 21 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Perseverance

“The grace of God is the principal weapon upon which we must depend in order to gain our victory.
We should pray for it humbly and perseveringly.
There will be victors and losers in the battle for Heaven as there are in earthly contests.
We must ensure that we are on the winning side!
For this purpose, we should combine fervent and constant prayer with generous co-operation with the grace of God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/30/thought-for-the-day-30-august-perseverance/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/30/thought-for-the-day-30-august-perseverance-2/

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, GOD the FATHER, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PATIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 21 August – St Jane Frances de Chantal

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Quote/s of the Day – 21 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Jane Frances de Chantal VHM (1572-1641) Widow

“Delight in prayer is no measure of our love of God.
But if we bear difficulties patiently,
resist the urgings of self-love resolutely
and fulfil our duties in life willingly,
if we live trusting in Providence
and desiring to be known – only by God! –
then we will show that we truly love God!
Such deeds are unmistakable signs of love.
Let us always be faithful in doing God’s will
because all else is unworthy of the name of love!”

“May we love and serve the Lord reverently.
with a loving, filial fear of offending our heavenly Father
and of displeasing Jesus, our Divine Beloved.
As long as we are in this life,
we would do well to follow
the well-travelled ways to holiness.
Fear of God is the first step on this path.
We cannot maintain a truly productive desire
of serving God, unless we have a holy fear
of displeasing Our Saviour
and of being negligent
in responding to grace and inspirations.”

“To be faithful, we must live simply.
Then, being free from attachments,
we are possessed by nothing.
We live in such absolute openness to Divine Love
that whatever pleases God,
becomes our heart’s desire.”

Prayer of Abandonment
By St Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641)

O sovereign goodness
of the sovereign Providence of my God!
I abandon myself forever to Thy arms.
Whether gentle or severe,
lead me henceforth whither Thou will.
I will not regard the way
through which Thou will have me pass
but keep my eyes fixed upon Thee,
my God, who guides me.
My soul finds no rest without the arms
and the bosom of this heavenly Providence,
my true Mother, my strength and my rampart.
Therefore I resolve with Thy Divine assistance,
0 my Saviour,
to follow Thy desires and Thy ordinances,
without regarding or examining
why Thou does this rather than that
but I will blindly follow Thee,
according to Thy Divine will,
without seeking my own inclinations.
Hence I am determined to leave all to Thee,
taking no part therein,
save by keeping myself in peace in Thy arms,
desiring nothing, except as Thou incites me to desire,
to will, to wish.
I offer Thee this desire, 0 my God,
beseeching Thee to bless it.
I undertake all it includes,
relying on Thy goodness,
liberality and mercy,
with entire confidence in Thee,
distrust of myself,
and knowledge of my infinite misery and infirmity.
Amen.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/21/quote-s-of-the-day-21-august-st-jane-frances-de-chantal/

St Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641)

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, GOD is LOVE, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on WEALTH/RICHES, The KINGDOM of GOD / HEAVEN, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 21 August – Our Treasure …

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One Minute Reflection – 21 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Jane Frances de Chantal VHM (1572-1641) Widow – Proverbs 31:10-31, Matthew 13:44-52 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

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

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

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

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

PRAYER – Almighty and merciful God, Who endowed St Jane Frances, burning with love of Thee, with a wondrous strength of spirit through all the paths of life, in the way of perfection and willed through her, to ennoble Thy Church, by a new religious family, grant by her merits and prayers, that we who are aware of our weakness, may trust firmly in Thy power and, by the assistance of divine grace, overcome all obstacles in our way. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 21 August – Saint Avitus I of Clermont (c525-c600) Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 21 August – Saint Avitus I of Clermont (c525-c600) Bishop of Clermont, France, Miracle-worker. Avitus was the Bishop of the Diocese of Clermont in France in the 6th Century. Also known as – Avit, Avitius, Avito.

Avitus was born around the year 525. He was a scion of the noble Roman Avitii family which was connected to Emperor Avitus who had been the Bishop of Piacenza, Italy.

In 571, Bishop Cautinus of Clermont died from the plague. Avitus was chosen as the new Bishop and in 580, he began the building of the Basilica of Notre-Dame du Port in Clermont.

In 576, an event occurred between Avitus and the Jewish community in Clermont which was recorded by his contemporary St Gregory of Tours, who Avitus had himself Ordained, firstly as Deacon, then Priest. According to St Gregory, Avitus had been praying and calling on the Jews in Clermont to convert to Christ. One of the Jews listened to the Bishop and accepted Baptism at Easter. This convert also joined in the Easter procession through the City.

Another Jew then poured stinking oil on this convert’s head from a window above during the procession. The Christians were excessively enraged and wishedto stone this Jew, however, Avitus, of course, forbade such a violent un-Christian action..

Later, on the Feast of the Ascension, when Avitus was leading another procession through the City, a mob of Christians attacked the Jewish Synagogue in Clermont and burned it to the ground. Avitus sent a messenge to the Jews in Clermont, which (according to Gregory’s account) said:
“I do not compel you by force to confess the Son of God but, nevertheless, I preach Him and I offer to your hearts, the salt of wisdom.
I am the shepherd put in charge of the Lord’s sheep and as regards you, the true Shepherd Who suffered for us, said that He had other sheep which are not in His sheepfold but which should be brought in, so that there may be one flock and one Shepherd.
And, therefore, if you are willing to believe as I, be one flock with me as your guardian but if not, depart from this place, for your own safety.”

St Gregory reports that three days after this message was sent, 500 Jews accepted Baptism.

Around 590, Avitus probably called and headed a Council of Eclestics in Clermont. Avitus once visited Menat in central France, where he visted sick children. While he was there, a Spring of water burst forth (the existing Fontaine Saint-Avit) which was able to miraculously cure the sick children and still today is renowned for miraculous cures.

He died around the year 600.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, THE ASSUMPTION

Our Morning Offering – 21 August – Fly, My Soul, with Mary Fly!

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Our Morning Offering – 21 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Within the Octave of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin into Heaven

Fly, My Soul, with Mary Fly!
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor
(From “The Glories of Mary”)
Trans. Redemptoris Fathers, 1931)

Fly, my soul, with Mary fly!
Soar beyond the golden sky,
Mount to Mary’s throne on high.

Bright the queenly crown she won,
Sweet the reign she has begun,
As she stands beside her Son.
Fly, my soul, with Mary fly.

How endure this long delay?
Living here, how can I stay
From such beauty far away?
Fly, my soul, with Mary fly.

Sad my lot is here below;
Who can hope or life bestow?
Who will help or pity show?
Fly, my soul, with Mary fly.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Within the Octave of the Assumption, Our Lady of Knock, St Jane Frances de Chantal and the rest of the Saints for 21 August

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Within the Octave of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin into Heaven

Our Lady of Knock, Ireland (1879) – 21 August:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/21/the-11th-sunday-after-pentecost-our-lady-of-knock-ireland-1879-and-memorials-of-the-saints-21-august/

St Jane Frances de Chantal VHM (1572-1641) – Mother, Widow, Foundress of the Congregation of the Visitation. Close friend of St Francis de Sales and St Vincent de Paul, both of whom guided and assisted her and her foundation, spiritually.
Beatified on 21 November 1751 by Pope Benedict XIV and Canonised on 16 July 1767 by Pope Clement XIII.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/08/12/saint-of-the-day-12-august-st-jane-frances-de-chantal/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/21/saint-of-the-day-21-august-st-jane-frances-de-chantal-1572-1641-widow/

St Abraham of Smolensk (Died c 1222) Monk, Abbot, Priest, apostle of the poor, Preacher, Biblical scholar and spiritual adviser
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/21/saint-of-the-day-21-august-saint-abraham-of-smolensk-died-c-1222/

St Agapius of Edessa
St Agathonicus of Constantinople
St Anastasius Cornicularius
St Aria of Rome
St Avitus I of Clermont (c525-c600) Bishop
St Bassa of Edessa
Bl Beatrice de Roelas
St Bernhard of Lérida
St Bernard de Alziva
St Bonosus
St Camerinus of Sardinia
St Cameron
St Cisellus of Sardinia
St Cyriaca
St Euprepius of Verona
St Fidelis of Edessa
St Theogonius of Edessa
St Gracia of Lérida
St Hardulph
St Joseph Nien Vien
St Leontius the Elder
St Luxorius of Sardinia
St Maria of Lérida
St Maximianus the Soldier
St Maximilian of Antioch
St Natale of Casale Monferrato
St Paternus of Fondi
St Privatus of Mende
St Quadratus of Utica

St Sidonius Apollinaris (c430 – 489) Bishop, Copnfessor, Poet, Diplomat, Writer, Scholar, Apostle of the poor and of exiles.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/21/saint-of-the-day-21-august-saint-sidonius-apollinaris-c-430-489/

St Theogonius of Edessa

Posted in CONTEMPLATIVE Prayer, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on STRENGTH, QUOTES on THE VOICE OF GOD, The HEART

Thought for the Day – 20 August – The Interior Life

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Thought for the Day – 20 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Interior Life

“Let us go to Jesus when we are worn out by conflict and have no strength left.
Let us go to Him when we feel that we can walk no further along the stony path to perfection.
He will help us and restore our courage; He will grant us an increase of grace which is the source of the spiritual life.

It is essential, however, that we should have a spirit of recollection.
If we are dissipated, we shall be unable to hear the Voice of God.
We must speak with God and open our hearts to Him; we must tell Him that we love Him and wish to learn to love Him more and to comform more completely to His designs for us.
Then, we shall find peace and contentment in the interior life, such as the world can neither know, nor communicate.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/29/thought-for-the-day-29-august-the-interior-life/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/22/thought-for-the-day-22-august-the-interior-life/

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MARIAN PRAYERS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY NAME

Quote/s of the Day – 20 August – St Bernard

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Quote/s of the Day – 20 August – St Bernard (1090-1153) Confessor

“Rest is in Him alone.
Man knows no peace in the world
but he has no disturbance
when he is with God.”

“In every lodging, at every corner,
have reverence for thy Angel.
Do not dare to do in his presence
what you would not dare to do, if I were there.
Or do you doubt that he is present
whom you do not behold?
What if you should hear him?
What if you should touch him?
What if you should scent him?
Remember, that the presence of something
is not proved only by the sight of things.”

“Just as Mary surpassed in grace
all others on earth,
so also, in Heaven, is her glory unique.
If eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
nor the human heart conceived
what God has prepared
for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9),
who can express, what He has prepared,
for the woman who gave Him birth
and who loved Him,
as everyone knows,
more than anyone else?”

To Thee We Cry,
O Queen of Mercy!
By St Bernard (1090-1153)
Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

To thee we cry,
O Queen of Mercy!
Return, that we may behold thee,
dispensing favours,
bestowing remedies,
giving strength.
Ah, tender Mother!
Tell thy All-powerful Son
that we have no more wine.
We are thirsty after the wine of His Love,
of that marvellous wine,
which fills souls with a holy inebriation,
inflames them
and gives them the strength
to despise the things of this world
and to seek, with ardour,
Heavenly goods!
Amen.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/20/quote-s-of-the-day-20-august-st-bernard-2/

St Bernard (1090-1153)
Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on the POOR, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 20 August – ‘ … Nothing gives as much honour to God, as mercy, for nothing is more like Him. …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 20 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Bernard (1090-1153) Confessor – 2 Cor. 3:4-9, Luke 10:23-37 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came upon him and seeing him, was moved with compassion.” – Luke 10:33

REFLECTION – “The first and the greatest of the commandments,that on which the Law and the prophets are based, (Mt 22:40) is love which, it seems to me, brings its greatest proof, in love of the poor, in tenderness and compassion for one’s neighbour. Nothing gives as much honour to God, as mercy, for nothing is more like Him. “Mercy and Truth go before Him,” (Ps 88:15) and He prefers mercy to judgement (Hos 6:6). Nothing attracts the kindness of the Friend of humankind, as much as kindness towards humankind, (Wis 1:6) His reward is just, He weighs and measures mercy.

We must open our hearts to all who are poor and unhappy, whatever their suffering might be. That is the meaning of the commandment which requires us to “rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Rom 12:15) Since we are also human, is it not right and proper for us to be kind towards those who are like us?” – St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390) Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church (On Love of the Poor, 4-6).

PRAYER – O God, Who gave to Thy people, blessed Bernard, as a minister of salvation, grant, we beseech Thee, that we, who cherished him on earth as a teacher of life, may be found worthy to have him as an intercessor in Heaven. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, Holy Name PRAYERS, HYMNS, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on HEAVEN, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, The HOLY FACE, The HOLY NAME

Our Morning Offering – 20 August – Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee!

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Our Morning Offering – 20 August – Pentecost XII – Within the Octave of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin into Heaven

Jesu Dulcis Memoria
Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee!
By St Bernard (1090-1153)
Father and the Mellifluous Doctor of the Church

Jesus, the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills the breast!
Yet sweeter far Thy face to see
And in Thy presence rest.

No voice can sing, no heart can frame,
Nor can the memory find,
A sweeter sound than Jesus’ Name,
The Saviour of mankind.

O hope of every contrite heart!
O joy of all the meek!
To those who fall, how kind Thou art!
How good to those who seek!

But what to those who find?
Ah! this nor tongue, nor pen, can show
The love of Jesus, what it is,
None but His loved ones know.

Jesus! our only hope be Thou,
As Thou our prize shall be;
In Thee be all our glory now
And through eternity.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 20 August – St Ronald of Orkney (c1100-1158) Martyr, Confessor,

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 20 August – St Ronald of Orkney (c1100-1158) Martyr, Confessor, Earl of Orkney and Shetland, Norwegian nobleman, renowned Skaldic poet, Founder of Kirkwall’s St. Magnus Cathedral, Also known as – Rögnvald Kali Kolsson, Ragnvald Kale Kollsson.

Ronald’s noble parents were Lendmann Kolr Kalisson and Gunnhildr Erlendsdottir, the sister of Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney. It was, therefore, through his mother, Gunnhildr, that Röonald had a claim on the Orkney Earldom.

We are unsure of the exact location of the birthplace of Ronald in Norway but the King’s estate at Lista is believed to be the possible location of both his birth and his childhood home. Ronald’s family owned several farms in Agder, in southern Norway where the boy might also have spent his childhood.

In 1129, King Sigurd I of Norway appointed Ronald as theEarl of Orkney and Shetland. Ronald should have had one half of Orkney as his uncle Magnus had but his second cousin, Paul Haakonsson, had just made himself sole ruler of the Islands and would not cede any of them. Ronald remained in Norway as one of the leading assistants of King Harald Gille.

In 1137, Ronald initiated the building of St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, Scotland. He also served as a guardian to Harald Maddadsson, the five-year-old nephew of Paul Haakonsson. In 1138 Ronald appointed Harald Maddadsson as Earl along with himself. Harald had inherited Caithness, Scotland,and thus was Ronald’s master over this area.

In 1151, Earl Ronald set out on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. In August 1158, Ronald was attacked and murdered, by a group rebelling against him, his rule and his religion.

Ronald’s body was taken to Kirkwall and buried in the Cathedral he had built – St Magnus Cathedral. Many miracles occured at his grave as well as on the stone where he died. Ronald was Canonised in 1192 by Pope Celestine III.

Statue at St Magnus Cathedral
Posted in SAINT of the DAY

The 12th Sunday after Pentecost, Within the Octave, St Bernard O.Cist. (1090-1153) and the Saints for 20 August

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The 12th Sunday after Pentecost

Within the Octave of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin into Heaven

St Bernard O.Cist. (1090-1153) Abbot of the Order of Citeaux (the Cistercians), Confessor, “Doctor Mellifluus” of the Church and the Last Father of the Church,“The Bard of Mary”- Theologian, Reformer, Writer, Mystic, Preacher, Mariologist, Advisor, Mediator, Poet. St Bernard, the Founding Abbot of Clairvaux Abbey in Burgundy, France, was one of the most commanding Church leaders in the first half of the twelfth century, as well as, one of the greatest spiritual masters of all time and the most powerful propagator of the Cistercian reform. He was Canonised in 1170, only 17 years after his death, by Pope Alexander III.
Beautiful Bernard’s Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/08/20/saint-of-the-day-20-august-st-bernard-of-clairvaux-abbot-confessor-doctor-of-the-church-doctor-mellifluus-and-the-last-father-of-the-church/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/20/saint-of-the-day-20-august-st-bernard-1090-1153/

St Amadour the Hermit
St Bernard of Valdeiglesius

St Bernardo Tolomei (1272 – 1348) Founder, Theologian, Mystic, Hermit, Lawyer, Soldier, Politician.
Biography here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/08/21/saint-of-the-day-21-august-st-bernardo-tolomei-1272-1348/
Apologies for the date mix-up. His Memorial in the universal Church is actually today 20 August.

St Brogan
St Burchard of Worms
St Christopher of Cordoba
St Cristòfol Baqués Almirall
St Gobert of Apremont
St Haduin of Le Mans
St Heliodorus of Persia
St Herbert Hoscam
St Leovigild of Cordoba
St Lucius of Cyprus
St Maximus of Chinon

St Oswine of Deira (Died 651) King, Martyr, King of Deira in northern England.
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/20/saint-of-the-day-20-august-saint-oswine-of-deira-died-651-king-martyr/

St Philibert of Jumièges (c 608–684) Abbot and Monastic Founder, particularly of Jumièges Abbey.
About St Philibert:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/20/saint-of-the-day-20-august-saint-philibert-of-jumieges-c-608-684/

St Porphyrius of Palestrina
St Ronald of Orkney (c1100-1158) Martyr, Earl of Orkney and Shetland
St Samuel the Patriarch
St Zacchaeus (Died 1st Century) Disciple of Jesus “Salvation has come to this house”