Thought for the Day – 5 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” The Third Joyful Mystery The Birth of Jesus
“Like the simple shepherds, let us prostrate ourselves with faith and with love before the Manger. Let us offer, as our gifts, our good resolutions; let us offer our hearts and ask God to change them and make them entirely His forever.
Quite suddenly, the darkness of the night and the wretchedness of the cave was illuminated by a bright light from Heaven. While men were unaware of, or indifferent to, the miraculous event which had taken place, bands of Angels descended from Heaven and sang: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace among men of goodwill” (Lk 2:13-14). Joseph bent over the Divine Infant and silently adored Him, while the Blessed Virgin knelt at His Feet in loving contemplation.
Let us too, learn to adore and love Him, as His Mother and Foster-Father did.”
Quote/s of the Day – 5 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Hebrews 10:32-38, Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more they can do. … be afraid of him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell. ”
Luke 12:4-5
“Take courage: It is I, do not be afraid. And He got into the boat with them and the wind fell”
Mark 6:50-51
“Do not, therefore, lose your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of patience that, doing the will of God, you may receive the promise. For yet a very little while and He Who is to come, will come and will not delay.”
Hebrews 10:35-37
“Go forward bravely. Fear nothing. Trust in God – all will be well.”
St Joan of Arc (1412-1431)
“ 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 …”
“The good Angels are around you, like a company of Sentinels on guard!”
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor Caritatis
“We think not enough of this Truth – that God is present with us that He sees our thoughts, even long before we have them. That He knows what we think and shall think, better than we ourselves that He sees the folds and recesses, of our heart and of this other Truth – that NOTHING HAPPENS to us but by the order of Providence. We should all be Saints, if we well apprehended these Truths. And truly, it is a great consolation, to know that God sees the bottom of our heart.”
St Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641) Disciple and Collaborator with St Francis de Sales in Founding the Sisters of the Visitation
One Minute Reflection – 5 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Hebrews 10:32-38, Luke 12:1-8 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more that they can do. … be afraid of him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into hell. ” – Luke 12:4-5
REFLECTION – “The Gospel is life. Impiety and infidelity are the death of the soul. So then, if the soul can die, how then is it yet immortal? Because, there is always a dimension of life in the soul which can never be extinguished. And how does it die? Not in ceasing to be life but by losing its proper life. For the soul is both life to something else and it has it own proper life. Consider the order of the creatures. The soul is the life of the body. God is the life of the soul. As the life that is the soul, is present with the body that the body may not die, so the life of the soul (God), ought to be with the soul that it may not die.
How does the body die? By the departure of the soul. I say, by the departure of the soul, the body dies and it lies there as a mere carcass, what was a little before, a lively, not a contemptible object. There are in it still, its several members, the eyes and ears. But these are merely the windows of the house – its inhabitant is gone. Those who bewail the dead, cry in vain at the windows of the house. There is no-one there within it to hear. Why is the body dead? Because the soul, its life, is gone. But at what point is the soul itself dead? When God, its life, has forsaken it. This then we can know and hold for certain – the body is dead without the soul and the soul is dead without God. Everyone without God has a dead soul. You who bewail the dead rather, should bewail sin! Bewail ungodliness! Bewail disbelief! – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop of Hippo, Father and Doctor of the Church (Sermon 65).
PRAYER – Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto all Thy servants, that they may remain continually in the enjoyment of soundness, both of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, always a Virgin, maybe delivered from present sadness and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
I Will Love Thee, Lord By St Thomas of Villanova (1488-1555)
I will love Thee, Lord, in every way and without setting limits to my love. Thou set no limits to what Thou hast done for me; Thou hast not measured Thy gifts. I will not measure my love. I will love Thee, Lord, with all my strength, with all my powers, as much as I am able. Amen
Saint of the Day – 5 October – Blessed Felicia Meda OSC (1378-1444) Virgin, Nun of the Second Order of St Francis – the Poor Clares, Born in 1378, Milan, Lombardy, Italy and died in 1444, aged 66, at Pisaro, Italy of natural causes. Especially known for founding a Reformed community of Poor Clares under the guidance of St Bernardine of Siena. Felicia’s younger sister became a Poor Clare Nun too and her younger brother became a Franciscan Friar!
Felicia was a descendant of the very distinguished and wealthy family of the Meda. She was born at Milan in Lombardy in 1378. She had good and pious parents who reared the pious and gifted child in the fear of God and left nothing undone which could be of advantage in her spiritual development. In a very short time, she acquired a remarkable command of the Latin language.
She lost both father and mother at a very early age andthereafterunited herself still more intimately with God. When she was twelve years old, she made a vow of perpetual chastity and then entered the Convent of the Poor Clares at St Ursula in Milan.
The devil endeavoured to make Convent life miserable for her by subjecting her to severe temptations and frightful apparitions. But Felicia did not permit herself to be overcome. By fervent prayer and the words of the Psalmist: “O God, come to my assistance! O Lord, make hast to help me!” she put the spirits of darkness to flight and persevered steadfastly in her vocation.
When the Abbess of the Convent died in 1425, the community unanimously chose Felicia as her successor. In this position, she did her utmost, by word, deed and example, to promote the true religious spirit in her community. In this way, its good name spread far and wide, even reaching the ears of Pope Eugene IV. This, in turn, induced the Pope and the Vicar General of the Observant Franciscans, St Bernardine of Siena, to entrust her with the extablishment of a new Convent of Poor Clares at Pesaro.
Despite her advanced age, Felicia and seven companions made the journey from Milan to Pesaro on foot. When the Foundress of the Convent, the Princess of Montefeltro, offered her the carriage in which she had come out to meet the new community, Felicia humbly declined the offer and entered the Town on foot with the rest of her companions.
Felicia spent four years in this new foundation, received a great number of new members and reared and strengthened them in the spirit of their holy Father, St Francis of Assisi. Blessed Seraphina Sforza (1434-1478) remembered on 8 September, later entered this community, and pious legend has it that they have both appeared on the walls of Pisaro to assure their spiritual protection of that City.
Blessed Felicia Meda died in the odour of sanctity in 1444 and many miracles were wrought by God in testimony of the holiness of His servant. Her body was laid to rest in the Convent she had founded. Four hundred years later it was transferred to the Cathedral of Pesaro.
Pope Pius IX solemnly enrolled Blessed Felicia Meda among the Blessed.
St Placidus and Companions OSB (Martyrs of Messina) – 30 Saints: A group of about 30 Benedictine Monks and Nuns, some blood relatives, who were sent in the early days of the Order to establish Monasteries in the vicinity of Messina, Sicily, Italy and who were Martyred. We know the names, and a few details, about seven of them – Donatus, Eutychius, Faustu, Firmatus, Flavia, Placidus, Victorinus. 6th Century Messina, Sicily, Italy.
St Alexander of Trier St Anna Schaeffer St Apollinaris of Valence St Attilanus of Zamora St Aymard of Cluny St Boniface of Trier St Charitina of Amasa St Eliano of Cagliari
Blessed Felicia Meda OSC (1378-1444) Virgin
St Firmatus of Auxerre St Flaviana of Auxerre Bl Flora of Beaulieu St Gallo of Aosta St Jerome of Nevers Bl John Hewett St Magdalveus of Verdun St Mamlacha St Marcellinus of Ravenna
Blessed Pietro of Imola (c1250-1320) Knight of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and Grand Prior , Lawyer, Jurist, Mediator, Peace-maker. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Florence, blessed Pietro da Imola, who, a Knight of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, took care of the sick with pious charity.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/05/saint-of-the-day-5-october-blessed-pietro-of-imola-c1250-1320/
Blessed Raymond of Capua OP (c 1330-1399) Priest, “The Second Founder” of the Dominican Order of Preachers, Reformer, Spiritual Director, he worked with St Agnes of Montepulciano and St Catherine of Siena, Hagiographer, Teacher. The important Mystic, Reformer, Doctor of the Church, St Catherine of Siena, accepted him as her spiritual director because of his burning passion for the Church and for the revival of religious life, most especially in their own Order. In 1899 Pope Leo XIII Beatified him, on the 500th anniversary of his death. About Blessed Raymond: https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/05/saint-of-the-day-5-october-blessed-raymond-of-capua-op-c-1330-1399/
Bl Robert Sutton Bl Sante of Cori St Thraseas of Eumenia Bl William Hartley
Oh Immaculate Heart of Mary, Refuge of Sinners, to whom else will we turn in our sorrow for sin, if not to thee. From whom shall we find comfort and consolation, in the shame of our sins, except from thee? Lead us back, dear Mother of Love, to the path of righteousness which leads to the Sacred Heart of thy Divine Son. We have sinned often, oh dear Mother and the remembrances of the errors of our ways troubles us. It shall be no more. We know that thy protecting care, will find peace and hope for us and the remission of our sins. We know too that as with Mary Magdalene of old, thy Son shall welcome us with a loving smile because, you have always pleaded for us. Amen.
Our Lady of Fatima, Refuge of sinners, inflame our hearts with the love of Sorrow, Repentance, Penance and Reparation.
We pray our Daily Rosary now with the same Intention: “Forgiveness of Sin”
Thought for the Day – 4 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” The Second Joyful Mystery Mary’s Visit to St Elizabeth
“But are we as grateful to God as we ought to be! Do we correspond with His graces? Are we prepared to make any sacrifice in order to share with others the gifts with which He has enriched us?
Let us remember that gratitude is a virtue which is very pleasing to God and draws down on us other graces and gifts.
In his panegyric on Trajan, the younger Pliny observes that the best means of soliciting new favours, is to show gratitude for those which we have already received. On the other hand, as St Bernard points out, ingratitude is like a scorching wind, which dries up the dew of Divine Mercy (Sermon 5 in Cant). Let us be grateful to God, therefore and do our best to share with others the gifts which we have received. “Because He Who is mighty has done great things for me and Holy is His Name!” (Lk 1:46-55).”
Quote/s of the Day – 4 October – St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226) Confessor, Founder
“All I want to know is Christ and the power flowing from His Resurrection!”
“Jesus is happy to come with us, as Truth is happy to be spoken, as Life to be lived, as Light to be lit, as Love is to be loved, as Joy to be given, as Peace to be spread.”
“Be strengthened in Almighty God and in the power of His might, for with His help, nothing is difficult. Throw off the heavy load of your own will, cast aside the burden of sin and gird yourselves as valiant warriors! Forget what you are leaving behind; strain forward to the great things before you. I tell you that every place where you set foot, shall be yours. For the Spirit Who goes before your face is Christ the Lord. He will carry you to the topmost peak in the arms of His Love.”
“Keep a clear eye toward life’s end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God’s creature. What you are in His sight, is what you are and nothing more. Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing that you have received… but only what you have given – a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage.”
Great and Glorious God By St Francis of Assisi (c1181-1226)
Great and glorious God, my Lord Jesus Christ! I implore Thee to enlighten me and to disperse the darkness of my soul. Give me true faith, firm hope and perfect charity. Grant me, O Lord, to know Thee so well that in all things I may act by Thy Light and in accordance with Thy holy Will. Amen
Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace. “The Peace Prayer” By St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned and it is in dying, that we are born to eternal life. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 4 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Francis of Assisi OFM (c1181–1226) Confessor, Founder – Galatians 6:14-18, Matthew 11:25-30 Scripture Search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“For My yoke is sweet and My burden light.” – Matthew 11:30
REFLECTION – “People who complain about the roughness of the Lord’s yoke have possibly not completely rejected, the heavy load of the lusts of the world, or, if they did reject them, they have enslaved themselves to them again, to their greater shame! Outwardly, they carry the yoke of the Lord but inwardly, they submit their shoulders to the burden of the world’s cares. They set on the balance of the Lord’s yoke, the hardships and difficulties which they inflict on themselves… As for the yoke of the Lord – it is “sweet and its burden light”.
Indeed, what is sweeter, what more glorious, than to see oneself lifted up above the world by the scorn one shows it and, seated at the summit of a conscience at peace, to have the whole world at one’s feet? Then, one sees nothing to desire, nothing to fear, nothing to envy, nothing of one’s own which might be taken away, no evil which might be caused one, by another. The eyes of the heart turn towards “an inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled and unfading which is kept for us in Heaven” (1 Pt 1:4). With a sort of greatness of soul, one gives little importance to this world’s goods – they pass away; to the pleasures of the flesh – they are contaminated; to the world’s pomp – it fades and, in one’s joy, one repeats the words of the Prophet: “All mankind is grass and all its glory like the flower of the field; the grass withers, the flower fades but the Word of the Lord remains forever” (Is 40:6-8)… In charity – and nowhere but in charity – dwells true tranquillity and true sweetness, for, it is the yoke of the Lord!” – St Aelred of Rievaulx (1110-1167) Cistercian Monk (The Mirror of charity I:30-31).
PRAYER – O God, Who by the good works of blessed Francis enriched Thy Church by establishing a new religious family, grant us to imitate him by emulation of him, by looking upon the things of earth as nought and ever to rejoice in sharing Thy heavenly gifts. 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 – 4 October – St Francis of Assisi OFM (c1181–1226) Confessor, Deacon, Founder, Mystic, Stigmatist.
I Beg Thee, Lord By St Francis of Assisi (c1181–1226)
I beg Thee, Lord, let the fiery, gentle power of Thy love take possession of my soul and snatch it away, from everything under Heaven, that I may die, for love of Thy love, as Thou saw fit, to die for love of mine! Amen
Saint of the Day – 4 October – Saint Aurea of Paris (Died 666) Virgin, Abbess of Saint Martial Convent in Paris during the reigns of King Dagobert I and King Clovis II which Aurea ruled for 33 years, known as a Miracle-worker both before and after her death. Also known as – Aure. On some calendars, particularly in the Proper of Paris, St Aurea is venerated on 5 October owing to the conflict with St Francis’ Feast today.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Paris, still in France, Saint Aurea, Abbess, whom Saint Eligius placed at the head of a Monastery which he himself founded in this City under the rule of Saint Columba, in which he had gathered three hundred virgins.”
St Aurea in a 17th Century mural carrying a miniature Crucifix. At the Church in Tohogne, Belgium.
Daughter of Maurino and Quiria. St Aurea appears in works by two writers, St Wudoin and St Jonas of Bobbio (the renowned Abbot and disciple of St Columba and later Author of the Life of St Columba), in their Hagiographies of St Eligius and St Eustace. Both writers state that she was an immigrant to Paris from Syria.
In 633, Aurea was placed, by Saint Eligius (c588-660), at the head of a female Monastery, which he founded in Paris donating his own property for the founding of the first female Monastery in the region.
Aurea was in office from 633 to 666, the year in which she died on 3 (or 4) October, victim of a furious plague which caused the death of one hundred and sixty of her Nuns.
Her remains, were initially placed in the Church of St Paul, where the Nuns were then buried and were then taken to the Oratory of St Marziale. They were again transferred to St Paul’s and finally, in 1421, brought back to St Marziale but in 1792, during the Revolution, they were removed and distroyed, except for a portion of her Relics which were transferred to safety in Normandy. These might be those that are still safely held and venerated at the Church of St Eligius in Paris. In the same Church, there is also a mural of her receiving the veil from the hands of St Eloigius.
Many miracles were recorded through St Aurea’s prayers and intercession. She brought a woman back to life, in order to release a key from her dead hands. Aurea swept red-hot ashes out of an empty oven, causing perfectly baked loaves to appear and, long after her death, St Aurea cured and restored the sight of a blind woman with the touch of her cut-off (and freshly bleeding) arm.
St Aurea of Paris (Died 666) Virgin, Abbess St Berenice St Caius of Corinth St Callisthene of Ephesus St Crispus of Corinth St Damaris of Athens St Diogenes of Milan St Domnina St Hierotheus Bl Julian Majali St Lucius of Alexandria St Peter of Damascus
Martyrs of Alexandria: A group of Christians, men and women, young and old, murdered together for their faith.The only names that have come down to us are the brothers Mark and Marcian.
Oh Immaculate Heart of Mary, Virgin most pure, have compassion on those who are prone to the allurements of impurity. Give us, we beseech thee, strength to overcome our weaknesses and courage in the struggle against sin. We know it is thy ardent wish that we renew our pledge of holy purity. Oh, Immaculate Heart of Mary, we consecrate to thee here and now, without reserve, our eyes, ears, tongues, hearts– our whole beings. We promise that, with thy help, we shall be steady in our purpose to serve thee, with undefiled chastity. Give us the courage to resist all temptations and to avoid all things which may be the occasion of sin. Amen.
Our Lady of Fatima, Virgin most pure, enflame our hearts with the love of Purity and Reparation for sin.
We pray our Daily Rosary now with the same Intention: “Purity of Body and Soul”
Thought for the Day – 3 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
“Month of the Holy Rosary” The First Joyful Mystery The Annunciation
“The Rosary is both a vocal and a mental prayer. When reciting the first five decades, we should meditate on the principal joyful mysteries of our faith, beginning with the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin. In other words, during the first decade, we should visualise the scene described in the Gospel.
“The Angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David and the Virgin’s name was Mary. And, when the Angel had come to her, he said “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women” (Lk 1:26-28).
Note the manner in which the Angel greets Mary. He proclaims that she is full of grace, pleasing and acceptable to God. He bows before her and says that she is blessed among women. On previous occasions Angels had appeared to Patriarchs, Kings and Prophets but always, as superior beings bearing a command from Almighty God. Why, then, does an Angel bow before this maiden and salute her with such reverence? The reason is twofold. Mary is the purest of creatures, immaculate from the moment of her conception; she is also destined to become the Mother of God, a destiny of quasi-infinite dignity. Let we, poor sinners, bow before her also and beg her to obtain for us from God, the graces of forgiveness and of sanctification. It is in this spirit, of loving humility that we should recite the First Decade of the Holy Rosary.”
Quote/s of the Day – 3 October – St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873–1897)
“A soul, in a state of grace, has nothing to fear from demons – who are cowards.”
“Trust and trust alone, should lead us to love.”
“Love alone, have I ever given to the good God; with love, He will repay me.”
“Then, overcome by joy, I cried: ‘Jesus, my love.’ At last I have found my vocation. My vocation is love. In the heart of the Church, my mother, I will be love and then I will be all things!”
“The splendour of the rose and the whiteness of the lily, do not rob the little violet of its scent, nor the daisy of its simple charm. If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness.”
One Minute Reflection – 3 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873–1897) – Isaias 66:12-14, Matthew 18:1-4 Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself, as this little child, he is the greater in the Kingdom of heaven.”- Matthew 18:4
REFLECTION – “The Lord said to His Apostles, who were already adult and mature: “Unless you turn and become like this little child, you shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 18:3&4)… He urges them to rediscover their childhood… in order that they might be born again to innocence of heart: “No-one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and spirit” (Jn 3:5).
“Unless you turn and become like this little child” – He does not say “these children” but “this child”- He only chooses one, only suggests one. And Who is this Child Whom He puts forward as an example to His disciples? I do not think it was a child of one of the people, one of the crowd, who offers an example of holiness to the Apostles, on behalf of the whole world. No, I do not think this Child comes from the people but from Heaven. This is a question of that Child from Heaven of Whom the Prophet Isaiah speaks: “A Child is born to us, a Son is given us” (9:5). This is the innocent Child, incapable of meeting insult with insult, or blows with blows and Who – better still – prays for His enemies even during His agony: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk 23:34)., The Lord overflows in this way, in His unfathomable grace, out of the innocence of heart which nature gives to children. He is that Child Who asks little ones to imitate and follow Him!” – St Maximus of Turin (Died c420) Bisho, Father (Homily 58).
PRAYER – O Lord, Who said: Unless you become as little children, you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, grant us, we beseech Thee, so to follow the footsteps of blessed Thérèse the Virgin, in humility and simplicity of heart that we may obtain everlasting rewards.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 – 3 October – St Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face (1873 – 1897)
Let Me Sing the Song of Love By St Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face (1873 – 1897)
Deepen Thy love in me, O Lord that I may learn, in my inmost heart how sweet it is to love, to be dissolved and to plunge myself into Thy love. Let Thy love possess and raise me above myself, with a fervour and wonder beyond imagination. Let me sing the song of love. Let me follow Thee into the heights. Let my soul spend itself in Thy praise, rejoicing for love. Let me love Thee more than myself and myself, only for Thy sake. Let me love others, as Thy law commands. Amen
Saint of the Day – 3 October – Saint Adalgott of Chur O.Cist. (Died 1160) Bishop, Monk in Citeaux, then disciple of Saint Bernard at Clairvaux,, Abbot at Disentis in Switzerland and then Bishop of Chur, Reformer of monastic life and of the Clergy, Apostle of the sick and founder of a Hospital in his Diocese. Date and place of birth unknown – died on 3 October 1160 at Chur of natural causes. Also known as – Adalgott of Discentis, Adalgotto, Algott, Adelgorio.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Chur in Switzerland, blessed Adalgotto, Bishop, who, disciple of Saint Bernard in Clairvaux, was a great lover of monastic discipline.”
St Adalgott in his Cistercian Habit
In 1150, Adalgott was requested to become the Bishop of Chur by the faithful and Clergy of the Diocese. Some believe that this request was engendered because he was probably originally from that area. He was consecrated there in 1151 by the Archbishop of Mainz.
Adalgott gave his private life and his Episcopate an imprint of austerity – he reformed the Clergy, returned the Monasteries under his jurisdiction to a more rigid observance of the Rule, monitored the good morals of the population.
He was in political relations with Pope Stephen III and Emperor Frederick I but never compromised on anything concerning the rights of the Church. He restored Churches and Monasteries, including Cazis, Schännis, Munster, Müstail. Adalgott particularly supported the Premonstratensian Monastery of St Lucius in Chur which was founded in 1140/42 by the Cistercian Pope Eugene III.
Marienberg Monastery near Mals in South Tyrol
Adalgott was known throughout his life for his concern for and ministry to the sick and his use of position and title to assist them however possible. When Adalgott was named Bishop of Chur, he conducted an apostolate for the suffering of the region and, in the same year, he founded a Hospital at Chur specifically to attend to needs of the poor.
On 11 June 1160 Adalgott Consecrated the Marianberg Crypt, as evidenced by an inscription and it was probably he who promoted the construction of the beautiful Cathedral of Chur which is now dedicated to him.
He died at an advanced age on 3 October 1160. His Relics which soon became an object of veneration and the prayers at his tomb resulted in many miracles. In 1492, Adalgott’s name was included in the Catalogue of Cistercian Saints and Blesseds, compiled by the Abbot of Citeaux, John of Cirey, where some variants of his name are also recorded: Algott, Adelgorio.
On 4 May 1881 the Congregation of Rites approved Adalgott’s cult ab immemorial. The Cistercian Congregations of Mehrerau and San Bernardo in Italy remember him on 3 October.
Statue of St Adalgott in the Monastery Church of Eschenbach in Lucerne
St Adalgott of Chur O.Cist. (Died 1160) Bishop Bl Agostina of the Assumption St Candidus the Martyr St Cyprian of Toulon Bl Damian de Portu St Dionysius the Aeropagite Bl Dominic Spadafora Bl Edmund of Scotland St Ewald the Black St Ewald the Fair St Froilan
Martyrs of Alexandria – 9 Saints: A number of Christian Martyrs remembered together. We know the names Caius, Cheremone, Dionysius, Eusebio, Fausto, Lucio, Maximus, Paul, Peter and that there were at least two more whose names have not come down to us, and that’s about all we know.
Oh Immaculate Heart of Mary, Virgin most powerful, we know that the vision of the terrible fires of hell which thou showed to the three little shepherd children at Fatima, was really meant for us. We beseech thee, Oh Mother Mary, to spare us the fate of a judgement which ordains such a punishment! Grant unto us, a faith so strong that we may ever realise that the evil of sin will be justly repaid with eternal punishment. I believe in the Infinite Justice of the One True God and the Infinite Love of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. We pray and beseech thee that through thy intercession, we may be given the grace to live so worthy a life on earth, as to enjoy the reward of eternal happiness in the Kingdom of thy Divine Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Our Lady of Fatima, Virgin most powerful, inflame our hearts with the love of Reparation for the Salvation of Souls.
We pray our Daily Rosary now with the same Intention: Reparation for the Salvation of Souls.
Thought for the Day – 2 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Our Guardian Angels
“The realisation that our Guardian Angel is always close at hand, should be a warning to us. It should prevent us from doing anything displeasing to God. Would we venture to do anything unbecoming in the presence of our Father or Mother, or of anyone for whom we have any regard? Definitely not and still less, should we dare to perform an evil action in the presence of our Angel, to whom we owe such gratitude and in the presence of God, our Creator, Lord and Redeemer, Who could, at any moment, snap the thread which binds us to life and plunge us into eternity.
Furthermore, when pride convinces us that we are of some importance, let us turn to our Angel and pray for the virtue of humility. When we begin to seethe with anger and long to utter words which are harsh and injurious, let us ask our Angel to pray on our behalf, for the gift of Christian gentleness. When the devil fills our minds with impure images and thoughts, let us ask our Angel to beseech God to give us the Christian fortitude to resist temptation and to imitate his angelic purity.
Finally, when tepidity is sapping the vigour of our interior life, let us pray to our Guardian Angel in the hope of obtaining a share in his intimate union with God.
Let us pray the Guardian Angel prayer or at least say: “My Guardian Angel enlighten me. My Guardian Angel help me. My Guardian Angel, protect me.” Amen.”
Quote/s of the Day – 2 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” and the Feast of the Guardian Angels
“. . . You should know that there is present with you, the Angel whom God has appointed for each man. . . This Angel, who is sleepless and cannot be deceived, is always present with you; he sees all things and is not hindered by darkness. You should know, too, that with him, is God!”
St Anthony Abbot (251-356)
“Nevertheless, small though we be and long and dangerous though the road may be which remains for us to travel, what do we have to fear under so good a guardian?… The Angels are faithful, wise and powerful – what have we to fear? Let us only follow them and hold fast to them and we shall abide under the protection of the God of Heaven!”
St Bernard (1090-1153) Father and Doctor of Light
“Recommend yourself to your Angel Guardian three times a day – in the morning. by the prayer “Angele Dei” in the evening, by the same prayer and during the day, when you visit the Altars in Churches. Remember that you are to be guided by your Angel, like a blind man who cannot see the dangers of the streets and trusts entirely. to the person who leads him.”
One Minute Reflection – 2 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels” – Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels – Exodus 23:20-23; Matthew 18:1-10 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“See, I am sending My Angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you, to the place I have prepared.” – Exodus 23:20
REFLECTION – “To His Angels He has given command about you that they guard you in all your ways” (Ps 90:11). What respect these words should arouse in you, to what fervour they should give birth, what trust they should inspire! Respect on account of their presence, fervour on account of their watchfulness, trust on account of their vigilance… They are there at your side, then, not just with you but for you. They stand beside you to protect and help you. What return will you make to the Lord for all the good He has done for you? (Ps 115:31). It is to Him, alone, we should give thanks and honour for their aid; it is He, Who has commanded them. “Every perfect gift,” (Jas 1:17) comes from Him alone. But we are, on no account, to fail in thanksgiving regarding the Angels, in view of the great charity, with which they obey Him and the great need we have of their assistance!
So let us be full of respect and thanksgiving for such vigilance on their part; let us love them in return and honour them as best we are able, as much as we ought… In God, let us love the Angels, knowing that one day we shall be sharers in the inheritance and that between then and now, the Father allows and arranges that they may be our guides and instructors. For “we are God’s children now” even though it has not yet been clearly revealed, (1 Jn 3:2) since we are still children subject to stewards and tutors and, for the present, we seem no different from servants.
Nevertheless, small though we be and long and dangerous though the road may be which remains for us to travel, what do we have to fear under so good a guardian?… The Angels are faithful, wise and powerful – what have we to fear? Let us only follow them and hold fast to them and we shall abide under the protection of the God of Heaven!” – St Bernard (1090-1153) Cistercian Abbot, called the Last Father and the Doctor of Light of the Church (12th sermon on Psalm 90).
PRAYER – O God, Who in Thy wondrous providence graciously send Thy Angels to watch over us, grant that we, who pray to Thee maybe ever under their protection and may rejoice in their unending companionship. 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 – 2 October – “The Month of the Most Holy Rosary and of the Angels”
Custodes Hominum Psallimus Angelos Praise We the Guardian Angels of Men By St Robert Bellarmine SJ (1542-1621) Archbishop of Capua, Theologian Doctor of the Church
Angel-guardians of men, spirits and powers we sing, Whom our Father hath sent, aids to our weakly frame, Heavenly friends and guides, help from on high to bring, Lest we fail through the foeman’s wile.
He, the spoiler of souls, Angel-traitor of old, Cast in merited wrath out of his honoured place, Burns with envy and hate, seeking their souls to gain Whom God’s mercy invites to Heaven.
Therefore, come to our help, watchful ward of our lives: Turn aside from the land, God to thy care confides Sickness and woe of soul, yea and what else of ill Peace of heart to its folk denies.
Now to the Holy Three praise evermore resound: Under Whose Hand Divine resteth the triple world Governed in wondrous wise, glory be Theirs and Might While the ages unending run. Amen
This Hymn by St Robert Bellarmine,was added to the Roman Breviary in 1608, by command of Pope Paul V. It is for Vespers in the Office for “the Holy Guardian Angels. Double of the second class, 2 October.”
Saint of the Day – 2 October – Saint Ursicinus II (Died 760) Bishop of Chur in Switzerland, Monk, Abbot, Hermit, Restorer of the Monastery of Disentis and Architect and builder of 3 Churches in the Diocese. Unknown date and place of birth but died on 2 October in 769 in Disentis, Switzerland of natural causes. Also known as – Ursicinus di Coira, Ursicinus of Chur, Ursicino… Additional Memorial – 3 October in the Diocese of Chur together with the Blessed Bishop Algarotto II. The Image of the Statue of a Bishop is NOT our Saint but an unknown Bishop.
The Roman Martyrology states: “In the territory of today’s Switzerland, Saint Ursicinus, Bishop of Chur and first Abbot of the Monastery of Disentis which he founded.”
Unknown Bishop
We do not know when and where he was born, although his name has Latin/Italian roots and means “bear” but there is little certain data about him.
We do know that Ursicinus was educated in the Monastery of Saint Lucius of Chur, in Switzerland and, after that period, in 721 he entered the Benedictines of the Monastery of Disentis, whose first monastic nucleus was, according to tradition, erected around the year 700, by St Sigisbert.
The Disentis Monastery
Ursicinus was elected Abbot of the Abbey of Disentis in 730. Nine years later, around 739, thanks to the help of the Bishops, Victor II and Vigilius, he managed to rebuild the Monastery and became the Architect and builder of the erection of the Churches of St Maria, St Martin and St Peter.
In 754, against his will, Ursicinus was elected Bishop of Chur which he ruled for only four years. He does not appear in the chrontaxes of the Bishops of the Diocese, whose list in that period, shows many gaps
The Cathedral of Chur
In 758, Ursicinus, now elderly, renounced his role and retired as a simple Monk to the Monastery of Disentis, where. according to some, he died on 2 October 760.
Furthermore, we do not know if and in what period he became a Monk of the important Abbey of Reichenau on Lake Constance, given that his name appears in their “Liber confraternitatum” at the head of all the Monks with the words “Ursicinus Episcopus.”
Reichenau Abbey on Lake Constance
Throughout the region, Ursicinus II enjoyed a great reputation for sanctity. In the Diocese of Chur, he is remembered by being celebrated together with Blessed Adalgotto II on 3 October. Saint Ursicino II Bishop, is remembered and celebrated in the Reichenau Obituary, in the Disentis Proper of 1690 and, in the Roman Martyrology on 2 October.
St Leudomer St Modesto of Sardinia St Saturius of Soria St Theophilus of Bulgaria
St Thomas de Cantilupe of Hereford (c1218-1282) Bishop of Hereford, Confessor, learned Scholar, known for his care of the poor and his protection of them against feudal landlords, Miracle-worker, Chancellor of Oxford University, Lord Chancellor of England. Thomas de Cantilupe was the last Englishman Canonised before the Reformation. An amazing Life and in death, a wondrous Miracle-worker: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/02/saint-of-the-day-2-october-saint-thomas-de-cantilupe-of-hereford-c-1218-1282/
St Ursicinus II (Died 760) Bishop
Martyred in Nagasaki, Japan: A husband, wife and two sons, who were all martyred together in the persecutions in Japan. They were beheaded on 2 October 1622 in Nagasaki, Japan and Beatified by Pope Pius IX on 7 May 1867. Blessed Andreas Yakichi Blessed Franciscus Yakichi Blessed Lucia Yakichi Blessed Ludovicus Yakichi
Devotion for October, The Month of the Most Holy Rosary
The practice of dedicating the entire Month of October to the Holy Rosary developed toward the end of the 19th Century. Pope Leo XIII (Papacy: 1878-1903) strongly promoted the increase of devotion to the Blessed Mother and her Divine Son, by encouraging the constant use of the Rosary.
Beginning on 1 September 1883, with Supremo Apostolatus Officio, Pope Leo XIII wrote a total of eleven Encyclicals on the Rosary, ending with Diuturni Temporis in 1898. In 1885, Pope Leo XIII ordered the Rosary to be recited everyday during the month of October in every Parish Church and Cathedral, throughout the world. Those of the faithful who could not be present at this recital he exhorted to say it with their families or in private.
An Indulgence of 7 years is granted to all the faithful who devoutly recite the Rosary during the Month of October–granted by Pope Leo XIII, in the same Encyclical, Supremo Apostolatus Officio.
Please remember to offer Rosaries for the Poor Souls in Purgatory.
“Whoever observes this practice, [the Daily Rosary], is beyond the reach of adversity!”
St Vincent Ferrer (1350-1419)
“You must know that when you ‘hail’ Mary, she immediately greets you! Do not think that she is one of those rude women of whom there are so many, on the contrary, she is utterly courteous and pleasant. If you greet her, she will answer you right away and converse with you!”
Oh Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother most merciful, to thee do we plead the cause of the poor suffering souls in Purgatory, e specially those most abandoned. In obedience to thy request at Fatima, we beg for their relief. Oh Mother most merciful, we ask thee to lessen their toll of expiation. Deign to accept our humble prayers and sacrifice in reparation and payment for the punishment that is due from them. We pray that through the treasures of thy Divine Son, thou own special merits and sorrows and those of the Saints that God may be mindful of our prayers on behalf of the suffering souls in Purgatory and bring them into His Kingdom, to love and serve Him forever. Amen.
Our Lady of Fatima, Mother most merciful, inflame our hearts with the love and repartion for the Souls in Purgatory.
We pray our Daily Rosary now with the same Intention: “Relief for the Souls in Purgatory”
Thought for the Day – 1 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Month of the Holy Rosary
“We should say the Rosary devoutly everyday. This beautiful prayer is very pleasing to Our Lady and, the Church, is particularly anxious that we should recite it during the month of October. Families which say the Holy Rosary together can hope for a special blessing from God and for the maternal protection of Mary.
If possible, every family should gather together in the evening and recite the Rosary before an image of our Blessed Mother. If the parents set an example, their child will join them. It is consoling to come together after the toil and trouble of the day, in order to confide our cares and hopes to Mary.
Do you say the Rosary everyday? If you have neglected this pious practice, begin today! Do not plead lack of time. There is time for so many other things, so surely, there is time to pray and to entrust ourselves, in a special way, to the protection of our heavenly Mother!? The practice of reciting the Holy Rosary, will win for you, the blessing of God and the patronage of the Blessed Virgin.”
AnaStpaul 
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