Posted in MARIAN NOVENAS, THE ASSUMPTION

Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, the Ninth Day – 14 August – Mary in Heaven, the Help of Christians on Earth

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, DAY NINE :
Mary in Heaven,
the Help of Christians on Earth

Preparatory Prayer
by St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

O Mary, Virgin most Blessed
and Mother of Our Lord
and Redeemer Jesus Christ,
through thy mercy I beseech thee,
to come to my aid
and to inspire me
with such confidence in thy power
that I may have recourse to thee,
pray to thee
and implore thy aid,
in all needs of soul and body.
Amen

Meditation:
Mary’s succour as Mother of mercy is not confined to individuals.
She is the protectress and helper of the whole Church.
All over the earth, wherever we cast our glance, in the records of the history of times, long past and those of recent occurrence, we find testimony of the graces and benefits, obtained through her intercession.
The feasts celebrated by the Church, throughout the year, what are they but evidences of gratitude, offered to the Queen of Heaven for the oftentimes, miraculous delivery from war, pestilence and other great afflictions?
Hence she is rightly invoked as the “Help of Christians.”

Practice: In our days, too, storms and dangers threaten the Church.
Let us, therefore, by calling on Mary for help, do our part toward shortening the days of visitation and trial.
Let us not confine our petitions, to her, within the narrow limits, of our own personal needs but let us join in the cry for assistance ascending to the Mother of mercy, throughout all Christendom.
Let us daily, for Holy Church, send up our petition to Mary’s heavenly throne: “Help of Christians, pray for us!”

Prayer of the Church: We beseech Thee, O Lord, pardon the shortcomings of Thy servants that we who, by our own works, are not able to please Thee, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Novena Prayer: Day Nine

Glorious Virgin and Mother of God,
Mary, Queen of Heaven!
Forget us not!
Thou art the help of Christians;
lighten our tribulations
and help us with motherly intercession
at the throne of thy Divine Son.
With Holy Church,
I join in the petition to thee:
“Holy Mary, aid the miserable,
assist the desponding,
strengthen the weak,
pray for thy people,
plead for the clergy,
intercede for the devout mothers,
woman and consecrated woman.
Let all who have recourse to thee
experience the efficacy of thy succour!”
And my holy Mother and Queen,
forget not, my special petition …………….

Hail Mary …….

Ejaculation: Sweet heart of Mary be my salvation!

Indulgence. (1) 100 days, every time. (2) A Plenary Indulgence, once a month, on any day, to all who shall have said it everyday for a month, under the usual conditions.

Posted in GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, The BEATITUDES, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The WILL of GOD

Thought for the Day – 14 August – Christian Joy

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Thought for the Day – 14 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Christian Joy

“If we live good lives, hoping for a Heavenly reward and guided by the action of the Holy Spirit, dwelling within us, we shall possess this spiritual joy.
Once we possess it, it will be erased, neither by temptation, nor by suffering, nor by persecution, as long as our faith remains firm and steadfast.
The sincere Christian accepts pleasure and pain with equal readiness because he places everything in God’s hands.

This explains what Jesus had in mind when He said: “Blessed are you poor … Blessed are you who hunger …. Blessed are you who weep …. Blessed shall you be when men hate you and when they shut you out and reproach you …. ” (Lk 6:20-22).
The Saints were happy in spite of suffering and persecution.

We must try, at least, to achieve that spirit of complete resignation to God’s will which is always rewarded by peace of soul!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/24/thought-for-the-day-24-august-christian-joy/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/14/thought-for-the-day-14-august-christian-joy/

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HOLY CROSS, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 14 August – ‘ If you seek an example of humility,… If you seek an example of obedience …’,

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Quote/s of the Day – 14 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Vigil of the Assumption – Ecclesiasticus 24:23-31, Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Rather, blessed are they
who hear the Word of God
and keep it.”

Luke 11:28

“A person who wishes
to become the Lord’s disciple
must repudiate a human obligation,
however honourable it may appear,
if it slows us, ever so slightly,
in giving the wholehearted obedience
we owe to God.”

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

“To arrive at the knowledge of the Truth,
there are many paths – the first is humility,
the second is humility
and the third is humility.”

“Humility is a very strange entity.
The moment we think we have it,
we have already lost it!”

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

“If you seek an example of humility,
look upon Him Who is Crucified,
although He was God, He chose to be judged
by Pontius Pilate and put to death. …
If you seek an example of obedience,
imitate Him Who was obedient to the Father
“even to death” (Phil 2:8).
“For just as through the disobedience
of one person, Adam,
the many were made sinners,
so through the obedience of One,
the many will be made righteous” (Rom 5:19). .
If you seek an example of contempt
for earthly things,
imitate Him Who is “King of kings
and Lord of lords” (1 Tm 6:15),
“in whom are hidden
all the treasures of wisdom
and knowledge” (Col 2:3).
On the Cross He was stripped naked,
ridiculed, spat upon, bruised,
crowned with thorns,
given to drink of vinegar and gall.”

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Angelic Doctor of the Church

“To find the Saviour outside obedience,
is to lose Him altogether.”

“When God puts inspirations into a heart,
the first He gives is obedience.”

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

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SILENCE, QUOTES on VANITY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 August – “Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak”

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One Minute Reflection – 14 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Vigil of the Assumption – Ecclesiasticus 24:23-31, Luke 11:27-28 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“Rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.” – Luke 11:28

REFLECTION – “Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak” (Jas 1;19). Yes, brethren, I tell you frankly… I, who frequently address you at your own request, it is undiluted joy for me, when I take my place in the audience; my happiness is unalloyed, when I listen, rather than speak. Then, it is that I savour the Word in all confidence; my satisfaction is unthreatened by vainglory. When you sit on the solid rock of Truth, how can you fear the precipice of pride? “I will give ear,” says the psalmist, “and you will fill me with joy and gladness” (cf Ps 50:10). So, I am never more delighted, than when I am listening – our position as hearers, is that which keeps us in an attitude of humility.

To the contrary, if we speak … we need to have a certain restraint. Even if I do not give in to pride, I am always afraid I might still do so! If I listen, on the other hand, no-one can take my joy away from me, (Jn 16:22) since no-one witnesses it. This is truly the joy of the Bridegroom, of Whom Saint John says: “He stands and listens” (Jn 3:29). He stands because he listens. The first man, too, was standing because he was listening to God, as soon as he listened to the serpent, he fell. The friend of the bridegroom, then, is “overcome with joy at the Bridegroom’s Voice.” What makes him joyful is not his own voice, as preacher and prophet but the Voice of the Bridegroom Himself.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace [Attri] (Cf Discourse on Ps 139:15 – Treatises on St John’s Gospel No 57)

PRAYER – O God, Who chose for Thy dwelling the virginal womb of the blessed Mary, grant, we beseech Thee that, with the help of her protection, we may with joy, take part in her festival.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 DOCTORS of the Church, IMMACULATE HEART PRAYERS, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR

Our Morning Offering – 14 August – Look down, O Mother Mary!

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Our Morning Offering – 14 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary”

Look Down, O Mother Mary!
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor
Transl, Fr Edmund Vaughan, CSSR in 1863

Look down, O Mother Mary!
From thy bright throne above;
Cast down upon thy children
One only glance of love.

And if a heart so tender
With pity flows not o’er,
Then turn away, O Mother!
And look on us no more.

See how, ungrateful sinners,
We stand before thy Son;
His loving heart upbraids us
The evil we have done.

But if thou wilt appease Him,
Speak for us—but one word;
Thou only canst obtain as
The pardon of our Lord.

O Mary, dearest Mother!
If thou wouldst have us live,
Say that we are thy children,
And Jesus will forgive.

Our sins make us unworthy
That title still to bear
But thou art still our Mother,
Then show a Mother’s care.

Open to us thy mantle,
There stay we without fear,
What evil can befall us
If, Mother, thou art near?

O sweetest, dearest Mother!
Thy sinful children save;
Look down on us with pity,
Who thy protection crave.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 14 August – St Eberhard of Einsiedeln (c890-958) Priest, Abbot

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Saint of the Day – 14 August – St Eberhard of Einsiedeln (c890-958) Priest, Abbot, Co-founder of the renowned Einsiedeln Abbey in Switzerland. with St Benno, an ex-Bishop of Metz in France and Eberhard’s relative. Eberhard of Einsiedeln was a Priest, Benedictine Monk and the first Abbot of Einsiedeln Abbey in Switzerland. He was born in Swabia, Germany in c890 and died at Einsiedeln in 958 of natural causes.

Born around the year 890 in Alsace, of the family of the Duke of Swabia, Fr Eberhard was named Provost of the Strasbourg Cathedral in France as a young man.

In 934, he left that position to join his kinsman Benno, who was living as a religious recluse at the former hermitage of St Meinrad, on Mount Etzel in the Swiss Alps, near Lake Zurich. There, Eberhard and Benno built a Monastery which he named Our Lady of Einsiedeln, or Our Lady of the Hermit, in honour of St Meinrad and the miraculous Statue of Holy Mother Mary, a black Madonna, which was kept there.

The Monastery was approved in 940,and Eberhard was named first Abbot in 947. The Abbey Church was completed in 948. Abbot Eberhard died at Einsiedeln on 14 August in the year 958, his feast day. He was interred in the Lady Chapel of the Abbey alongside his confrere St Benno. St Eberhard’s and St Benno’s Relics have been moved several times over the Centuries to protect them from wars and rebellions and are believed to now be back where they began, in the Abbey Church of Einsiedeln.

St Meinrad of Einsiedeln (Einsiedler means “Hermit” in German and the Abbey in Einsiedeln was built to honour St Meinrad, a Hermit who lived there) – his life here:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/21/saint-of-the-day-21-january-saint-meinrad-of-einsiedeln-osb-c-797-861-martyr/
St Benno’s Life here:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/08/03/saint-of-the-day-3-august-st-benno-of-einsiedeln-died-940-bishop/

Posted in SAINT of the DAY, THE ASSUMPTION

The Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Eusebius (Died 357) Confessor and Memorials of the Saints – 14 August

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The Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/14/the-vigil-of-the-assumption-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary-and-memorials-of-the-saints-14-august/

St Eusebius of Rome (Died 357) Priest, Confessor. “At Rome, the birthday of the blessed Priest Eusebius, who for the defence of the Catholic Faith, was shut up in a room of his own house by the Arian Emperor, Constantius, where constantly persevering in prayer for seven months, he rested in peace. His body was removed by the Priests, Gregory and Orosius and buried in the cemetery of Cllistus on the Appian Way.” – Roman Martyrology.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/14/saint-of-the-day-14-august-saint-eusebius-of-rome-died-357-priest-confessor/

Bl Aimo Taparelli

St Athanasia of Timia
St Callistus of Todi
St Demetrius of Africa
St Eberhard of Einsiedeln (c890-958) Priest, Abbot
St Eusebius of Palestine
St Fachanan of Ross

Blessed Giuliana Puricelli (1427-1504) Nun, Co-Foundress, Abbess. She was the first companion of the Blessed Caterina da Pallnza, and is regarded as the Co-Founder of the Ambrosian hermitages of the Sacro Monte di Varese.
Her Holy Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/14/saint-of-the-day-14-august-blessed-giuliana-puricelli-1427-1504/

St Marcellus of Apamea
Bl Sanctes Brancasino
St Ursicius of Nicomedia

St Werenfridus OSB (Died c 780) Priest, Confessor, Monk, Missionary
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/14/saint-of-the-day-14-august-saint-werenfridus-osb-died-c-780/

Bl William of Parma

Posted in MARIAN NOVENAS, THE ASSUMPTION

Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, the Eighth Day – 13 August – Mary, the Queen of Mercy

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Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, DAY EIGHT:
Mary, the Queen of Mercy

Preparatory Prayer
by St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

O Mary, Virgin most Blessed
and Mother of Our Lord
and Redeemer Jesus Christ,
through thy mercy I beseech thee,
to come to my aid
and to inspire me
with such confidence in thy power
that I may have recourse to thee,
pray to thee
and implore thy aid,
in all needs of soul and body.
Amen

Meditation:
Mary is, then, a Queen and what a consolation to know it!–
a Queen always mild and gentle, always willing to confer benefits upon us.
Hence the Church teaches us, to call her the Mother of mercy.
The pious and learned Poet and Writer, Jean Charlier de Gerson (1363-1429) says:
“God’s dominion comprises Justice and mMrcy. He divided it, retaining the administration of Justice for Himself and relinquishing, in a certain sense, the dispensation of mercy to Mary, by conferring through her hands, all graces He grants to mankind.”
H,ow consoling, then, the assurance that our merciful Mother is so mighty and so loving a queen!

Practice: So great is the tenderness of Mary’s maternal heart: “that never was it known that anyone who fled to her protection, implored her help and sought her intercession, was left unaided. How many prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, ascend daily to the throne of this our exalted and merciful protectress!
There is not a cry of an afflicted, struggling and suffering soul that she does not graciously hear. Join, therefore, confidently in the prayer of Holy Church, “Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy.” Approach her with filial trust.
Neglect not to honour her yourself and do all in your power, to lead others to do her honour.

Prayer of the Church: We beseech Thee, O Lord, pardon the shortcomings of Thy servants that we who, by our own works, are not able to please Thee, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Novena Prayer: Day Eight

Glorious Virgin and Mother of God, Mary!
Holy Church teaches me
that despite the glory to which thou wast exalted,
thou didst not forget thy miserable clients
and that, in Heaven,
thy mercy is still greater
than it was during thy life on earth.
Therefore, I come to thee
and trustingly lay at thy feet,
all my needs, miseries and petitions.
My Queen, my Mother,
turn not thy gracious eyes from me.
Remember me to thy Divine Son;
cease not to pray for me
and take me under thy protection,
so that I may finally have
the happiness to see and praise thee
in thy glory forever and ever.
And once more, at thy feet,
I beg thee to hear and grant,
my special petition …………………….

Hail Mary …….

Ejaculation: Sweet heart of Mary be my salvation!

Indulgence. (1) 100 days, every time. (2) A Plenary Indulgence, once a month, on any day, to all who shall have said it everyday for a month, under the usual conditions.

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SIN

Thought for the Day – 13 August – Lapsing into Sin

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Thought for the Day – 13 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Lapsing into Sin

“Away then, with all thoughts of discouragement!
Let us ask humbly for forgiveness every time we fall, for God understands our weakness.
Then let us begin again with confidence in God’s grace!

But why, we may ask, does God permit us to fall, time and time again, without giving us the grace to resist?
In such a case, we must accept the mystery of God’s dealings with us.
God often allows us to fall in order to humble us and to make us realise that we are powerless without Him.
Pride is often the cause of our sins and our pride must be curbed.
“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble” (Cf Is 4:6).

Instead of giving into discouragement, therefore, we should acknowledge our own weakness and pray again to God to help us!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/16/thought-for-the-day-16-august-lapsing-into-sin/

Posted in SAINT of the DAY, The WILL of GOD

Quote of the Day – 14 August – St Benildus Romançon

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Quote of the Day – 14 August – The Memorial of St Benildus Romançon FSC (1805-1862)

“I will be happy if I can die
fulfilling the Divine will.”

St Benildus Romançon FSC (1805-1862)

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the PHYSICIAN, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 August – He who had made you never to become sick, if you would keep His precepts, will He not heal you?

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One Minute Reflection – 14 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Pentecost XI – 1 Corinthians 15:1-10, Mark 7:31-37 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears and, after spitting. touched his tongue.” – Mark 7:33

REFLECTION – “The Lord heals all your ills” (Ps 102:3). Never fear, all your ills will healed. You say they are big ones but the Doctor is even greater. For an all-powerful Doctor there is no such thing as an incurable sickness. Simply let yourself be cared for, do not push away His hand, He knows what to do. Do not be happy only when He acts with gentleness but bear with it, too, when He prunes. Accept the unpleasantness of the cure, by thinking of the healing it will bring you.
Notice all those things, brethren, that people put up with in their physical ills, so as to prolong their lives a few days… You, at least, are not suffering for an uncertain result – He, who has promised you, your health, cannot be mistaken. Why is it that doctors are sometimes mistaken? Because they have not created the body they are treating. But God has made your body, God has made your soul. He knows how to re-create what He has created;, He knows how to re-fashion what He has formed. You have only to abandon yourself into His Doctor’s hands… Endure His hands, then, O soul that “blesses him and forgets not all his benefits – he heals all your ills” (P2 102[103]:2-3).
He who had made you never to become sick, if you would keep His precepts, will He not heal you? He who made the Angels and, in re-creating you, will make you equal to the Angels – will He not heal you? He who made Heaven and earth, will He not heal you, after having made you, in His image? (Gn 1:26) He will heal you but you must consent to be healed. He heals every sickness, perfectly but He does not heal it, in spite of Himself… Your health is Christ!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of the Church – Sermon on the Psalms, Ps 102[103]: 5-6; PL 37, 1319

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, may be 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).

Posted in Our MORNING Offering, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Our Morning Offering – 13 August – O Heart of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament

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Our Morning Offering – 14 August – The 11th Sunday after Pentecost

O Heart of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
By The League of the Sacred Heart
1929 (Ireland)

O Heart of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament,
overflowing with gentleness,
tenderness and charity,
I bury in the abyss of Thy Mercy,
all my iniquities and all my negligence.
I offer Thee
my labours and my sufferings,
my sorrows and my miseries,
I recommend to Thee
my life and my death.
Solace my doubts, Sweet Jesus,
calm my fears
and grant, that day by day,
I may become more united to Thy Sacred Heart,
learning Thy love and Thy holiness.
Amen

Posted in Of MUSICIANS, Choristors, SAINT of the DAY, TEACHERS, LECTURERS, INSTRUCTORS

Saint of the Day – 13 August – St Benildus Romançon FSC (1805-1862) Confessor

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Saint of the Day – 13 August – St Benildus Romançon FSC (1805-1862) Confessor, Teacher, Principal and Brother of the Christian Schools, or the De La Salle Schools – Born on 14 June 1805 at Thuret, Auvergne. Central France as Pierre Romancon and died on 13 August 1862 at Saugues, France of natural causes, aged 57. Patronage – of Teachers, Accordionist and Concertina musicians (when working with the children’s groups, he would often lead songs by playing a Concertina) and of many Schools and Colleges dedicated to him. He is the first Brother of the Institute to be Canonised and the second Saint after St Jean Baptiste de La Salle Canonised in 1900 by Pope Leo XIII. Also known as – Benilde, Peter Romancon, Pierre Romancon, Benildo Romancon. Additional Memorial – 29 January for the De La Salle Brothers. St John Baptiste’s life here: https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/15/saint-of-the-day-15-may-st-john-baptiste-de-la-salle-1651-1719-confessor-known-as-the-father-of-modern-education/

Benildus was born Pierre Romançon on 14 June 1805, in the town of Thuret, Puy-de-Dôme, in France to a farming family. A small and frail-looking boy, he was not physically created to be a farmer but his enrolment in a Christian Brothers School at Riom, also in Auvergne led him to his vocation as a teacher. He was so far ahead of his classmates in Elementary School that, when he was only 14 years old, the Brothers often assigned him as a Substitute Teacher.

He joined the Brothers in 1820, just before turning 16 and served at several Brothers’ Schools in south-central France. In 1841 he was appointed Director of a School in Saugues, an isolated village on a barren plateau in southern France. For the next twenty years he worked quietly and effectively as Teacher and Principal to educate the boys in the village and some from the neighbouring farms, many of whom were in their teens and had never been to School before.

Short of stature as he was, he was known as a strict but fair disciplinarian. He also looked after his pupils by preparing meals in the Brothers’ kitchen for hungry childrens, converting old Brothers’ robes into coats or trousers for them and spending hours tutoring children who learned more slowly than others. He referred to all pupils, regardless of age or background, as “Monsieur – Mister.”

He always put particular effort into teaching the Catechism – in this matter, he did not allow any pupil to remain ignorant. He, therefore, took the those ones needing extra attention apart and persisted with them, until they had properly learned the teachings and their meaning. In fact, he is represented in this typical attitude on the Altar dedicated to him in the Chapel of the General House in Rome, by a beautiful marble group created by the Sculptor ,Ciocchetti; while a canvas by the Painter, Mariani depicts him in the act of consecrating the pupils to St Joseph, for whom he always showed great veneration and devotion.

In time, the little School became the centre of the social and intellectual life of the village, with evening classes for the adults and tutoring for the less gifted children. Brother Benildus’ extraordinary religious piety and love, was evident to everyone – at Mass with the children in the Parish Church, teaching Catechism, preparing boys for First Holy Communion, visiting and praying with the sick and amazing recounts of miraculous cures. He was especially effective in attracting religious vocations.

At his death, on 13 August 1862, more than 200 Brothers and an impressive number of Priests, had been his pupils at Saugues!

Benildus had such an ability to penetrate the souls of young people as a Teacher and, even more, as a spiritual guide that many sought special heavenly gifts, obtained by assiduous prayers and penance, under his guidance. Among the people of Saugues, he always enjoyed a true reputation for holiness. A Crucifix which belonged to him, is still carried today to the sick of the Town, who piously kiss it, invoking the intercession of the blessed, to whom a Chapel of the Parish Church is consecrated and where he is buried.

Benildus was Beatified on 4 April 1948 by Pope Pius XII, who mentioned that his sanctification was attained by enduring “the terrible daily grind” and by “doing common things in an uncommon way.”

Posted in JESUIT SJ, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

The 11th Sunday after Pentecost, Our Lady, Refuge of Sinners / Refugium Peccatorum, St John Berchmans SJ (1599-1621) and many more Saints for 13 August

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Penmtecost XI

Our Lady, Refuge of Sinners / Refugium Peccatorum – St John Damascene calls Mary a City of Refuge to all who flee to Her.
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/13/our-lady-refuge-of-sinners-refugium-peccatorum-and-memorials-of-the-saints-13-august/

St Hippolytus (Bishop Martyr

St Cassian (of Imola) Martyr

St John Berchmans SJ (1599-1621) Jesuit Novice – born Jan Berchmans on 13 March 1599 at Driest, Brabant, Belgium and died on 13 August 1621 at Rome, Italy of natural causes. Patronages – Altar Servers, Jesuit novices and students. He had a special devotion to God’s Mother and to him is owed the Little Rosary of the Immaculate Conception.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/13/saint-of-the-day-13-august-saint-john-berchmans-sj-1599-1621/

St Anastasius the Monk
St Anastasius the Priest
St Benildus Romançon FSC (1805-1862) Teacher of the Brothers of Christian Schools
St Cassian of Todi
St Concordia
Bl Gertrude of Altenberg
St Helen of Burgos
St Herulph of Langres
Bl John of Alvernia
St Junian of Mairé
St Ludolph

St Maximus the Confessor (c 580-662) Father of the Church, Monk, Abbot, Theologian, Confessor, Scholar, Writer. Also known as St Maximus of Constantinople and St Maximus the Theologian. St Maximus, a man of fearless courage in witnessing to – “confessing” – even while suffering, the integrity of his faith in Jesus Christ, true God and true man, Saviour of the world and of His Holy Catholic Church.
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/13/saint-of-the-day-13-august-saint-maximus-the-confessor-c-580-662-father-of-the-church/

St Nerses Glaietsi

St Radegunde (c 518-587) Queen, Nun, Abbess, Ascetic, Founder of a female Convent of enclosed Nuns,named and dedicated to the Holy Cross of which a relic was enshrined, Sainte-Croixwho also cared for the sick within their Convent.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/13/saint-of-the-day-13-august-saint-radegunde-c-518-587/

St Wigbert of Fritzlar (c 675-c 746) Born in England, a learned Scholar and Abbot, Missionary, Miracle-worker, gifted with a penetrating understanding of Sacred Scripture as well as the gift of prophecy, companion of St Boniface, the Apostle of Germany. Wigbert was known as a quiet and gentle man and a great teacher. Both St Alcuin and St Bede knew and mentioned him in their historical writings of the times and of the Church. St Bede admired his contempt of this world and his learning.
A fascinating and much-admired Saint:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/13/saint-of-the-day-13-august-st-wigbert-of-fritzlar-c-675-c-746/

Bl William Freeman

Posted in MARIAN NOVENAS, THE ASSUMPTION

Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, the Seventh Day – 12 August – Mary’s Joy in Heaven

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Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, DAY SEVEN:
Mary’s Joy in Heaven

Preparatory Prayer
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

O Mary, Virgin most Blessed
and Mother of Our Lord
and Redeemer Jesus Christ,
through thy mercy I beseech thee,
to come to my aid
and to inspire me
with such confidence in thy power
that I may have recourse to thee,
pray to thee
and implore thy aid,
in all needs of soul and body.
Amen

Meditation:
According to Holy Scripture and the Doctrine of the Church, there are, in Heaven, various grades of glory and joy, according to the rank and merit of the Saints.
They attain this higher grade of glory and joy, by the increase of their ability to enjoy the happiness of Heaven.
Their intellect is enabled to contemplate, more profoundly, the incomprehensible Essence of God.
Their power of perception, is augmented so that they may more readily recognise and admire, the splendour of the Angels, Saints and heavenly mansions.
Their will is enabled to be united, in a higher degree with God. From this we may conclude that Mary’s joy in Heaven transcends all human conception.
Her heavenly glory and reward consists in the perfect adaptation of her whole being, to the enjoyment of God and of eternal happiness

Practice: Look up, Christian soul, to this great and brilliant Queen of Heaven.
She is your gentle Mother and assures you of her help and the diadem she wears upon her brow is a proof that she has the power to help you.
Do not, therefore, refuse the hand of this mighty ally in Heaven, for she will lift you from the depths of your misery, from the dangers of temptation and lead you strong and victorious, into the Presence of her Divine Son.
Thus, you will enter into a new and supernatural life in Christ, to share in the grace-laden Mysteries of His Light, Passion and Triumph.

Prayer of the Church: We beseech Thee, O Lord, pardon the shortcomings of Thy servants that we who, by our own works, are not able to please Thee, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Novena Prayer: Day Seven

O Great and glorious Queen of Heaven, Mary!
I beseech thee, by that exalted throne
upon which God has raised thee,
above all Angels and Daints;
let me one day, appear amongst them,
to join them in their praise of thee.
Obtain for me the grace
of never ceasing to honour thee,
as thou dost deserve to be honoured,
and thereby, to become worthy
of thy mighty protection in life and death.
I beseech thee too, O holy Mother,
for the granting of this, my special petition:
…………………………………

Hail Mary …….

Ejaculation: Sweet heart of Mary be my salvation!

Indulgence: (1) 100 days, every time. (2) A Plenary Indulgence, once a month, on any day, to all who shall have said it everyday for a month, under the usual conditions.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the KING, GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on INDIFFERENCE, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on SELF-DENIAL, QUOTES on THE WORLD, QUOTES on VANITY

Thought for the Day – 12 August – Renouncing All Things

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Thought for the Day – 12 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Renouncing All Things

“Self-renunciation involves too, the surrender of other attachments, such as the love of worldly honours, ambitions, the desire for success and many other affections which would binder us from living the life of Gof.

When we have arrived at a state of indifference to illness or health, wealth ot powers, life or death, we shall be able to say that we have completely renounced self because God alone will reign within us.

When we have stripped ourselves of all alien affections, God will be our absolute Sovereign and we shall be really immensely rich!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/16/thought-for-the-day-16-august-renouncing-all-things/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/12/thought-for-the-day-12-august-renouncing-all-things/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, franciscan OFM, GOD ALONE!, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONSOLATION, QUOTES on GOOD WORKS, QUOTES on LOVE, SAINT of the DAY, The HEART, The PASSION

Quote/s of the Day – 12 August – St Clare

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Quote/s of the Day – 12 August – St Clare of Assisi (1194-1253) Virgin

“God will be your helper
and best consoler. …”

“Because the way and path is difficult
and the gate through which one passes
and enters into life, is narrow,
there are both few who walk it
and who enter through it.”

“May the love you have in your hearts
be shown outwardly in your deeds.”

Excerpt from the Prayer
to the Five Wounds of Jesus
By St Clare of Assisi (1194-1253)

I pray Thee, O most gentle Jesus,
that having redeemed me
by Baptism from original sin,
so now, by Thy Precious Blood,
which is offered and received,
throughout the world,
deliver me from all evils,
past, present and to come.
And by Thy most bitter Death,
give me a lively faith,
a firm hope
and perfect charity,
so that I may love Thee
with all my heart and all my soul
and all my strength.
Make me firm and steadfast in good works
and grant me perseverance in Thy service,
so that I may be able to please Thee always.
Amen.

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/12/quote-s-of-the-day-12-august-st-clare/

St Clare of Assisi (1194-1253)

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the BRIDEGROOM, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, QUOTES on CONSCIENCE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The HEART, The LAST THINGS, The SECOND COMING, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 August – “Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.” – Matthew 25:7

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One Minute Reflection – 12 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – St Clare of Assisi (1194-1253) Virgin – 2 Cor inthians 10:17-18; 11:1-2 , Matthew 25:1-13

“Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.” – Matthew 25:7

REFLECTION – “There has come a shout at midnight. What can this shout be, if not what the Apostle speaks of – ‘in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.’ For the trumpet will sound and the dead will rise up, imperishable and as for us, we shall be changed (1 Cor 15:52). Once the shout has been raised at midnight, what happens next? They all arose. What is the meaning of “They all arose?” The hour is coming, says the Lord Himself, when all who are in the tombs will hear His Voice and come forth (Jn 5:28-29).

… What is the meaning of “They did not take oil in their flasks?” In their hearts … I mean, look at these foolish virgins who did not carry oil with them; by their self-denial which earns them the name of virgins and by their good works, represented by the lamps they bring, they are intent on pleasing other people. And, if they are intent on pleasing others and that is why they do these admirable things, they are not carrying oil with them. So you, then, mind you carry it with you, carry it inside, where God can see; carry the testimony of your conscience there. … So if you refrain from unlawful things and perform good works, in order to be admired by other people, there is no oil inside you! …

Before those virgins went to sleep, it does not say that their lamps were going out. The wise ones’ lamps were burning, from the oil inside them, from the assurance of their consciences, from their inner boast, from their deepest charity. But those of the foolish ones, were also burning. Why were they burning then? Because there was no dearth of admiration from other people. But after they had risen, that is to say, in the resurrection from the dead, they began to trim their lamps that is, to prepare to give God an account of their works. And because there is no-one then expressing admiration … they were asking for what they had always been used to, that is to say, to shine with someone else’s oil, to live in dependence on others’ admiration. Give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out!” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 93).

PRAYER – Hear us, O God, our Saviour that as we are gladdened by the festival of blessed Clare Thy virgin, so we may learn from it piety and devotion. 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 DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR

Our Morning Offering – 12 August – O Mother Blest

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Our Morning Offering – 12 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” and Mary’s Day

O Mother Blest
By St Alphonsus Maira Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church
Trans. Fr Edmund Vaughn C.SS.R. (1827 – 1908 )

O Mother blest, whom God bestows
On sinners and on just,
What joy, what hope thou givest those
Who in thy mercy trust.
Thou are clement, thou are chaste,
Mary thou art fair,
Of all mothers, sweetest best,
none with thee compare.

O heavenly Mother, mistress sweet!
it never yet was told
that suppliant sinner left thy feet,
unpitied, unconsoloed.
Thou are clement, thou are chaste, …

O Mother, pitiful and mild,
Cease not to pray for me;
For I do love thee as a child,
And sigh for love of thee.
Thou art clement, thou art chaste, …

Most powerful Mother, all men know
Thy Son denies thee nought;
Thou askest, wishest it, and lo!
His power thy will hath wrought.
Thou art clement, thou art chaste, …

O Mother blest, for me obtain,
Ungrateful though I be,
To love that God who first could deign
To show such love for me.
Thou art clement, thou art chaste,
Mary, thou art fair.
Of all mothers, sweetest, best,
None with thee compare.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 12 August – St Eusebius of Milan (Died 462) Bishop

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Saint of the Day – 12 August – St Eusebius of Milan (Died 462) Archbishop of Milan – Born in Greece (although some sources regard him as Milanese) and died on 12 August 462. He was the Archbishop from 449 until his death.

The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Milan, Saint Eusebius, Bishop, who worked diligently for the True Faith and rebuilt the Cathedral destroyed by the Huns.”

18th Century painting of Saint Eusebius

Eusebius succeeded Lazarus in the Episcopal chair of Milan shortly before 449. He participated in the Council convened in Rome in October 449 by Pope Leo the Great, to examine and condemn, the Terror of Eutyches regarding the Mystery of the Incarnation. The condemnation of Eutyches’ errors was communicated to the Imperial Court of Constantinople by a Papal embassy, ​​which also included two Ecclesiastics from the Ecclesiastical Province of Milan, namely Bishop Abbondio of Como and the Priest Senator of Milan.

Advised by the Pope of the happy outcome of the embassy to the Imperial Court in Constantinople, Eusebius convened a Provincial Council of Bishops in Milan, who, through him, in the autumn of 451, sent the Pope a formula of Catholic Faith.

Eusebius’ great charity shone in a painful circumstance for Milan. In 452 Attila and the Huns descended on Italy, thirsty for revenge and blood – having destroyed many Cities in the Veneto (a northeastern Italian region stretching from the Dolomite Mountains to the Adriatic Sea. Venice, is its regional Capital). Attila took possession of Milan where his barbarian hordes indulged in violence and looting of all kinds. The City was destroyed, the Cathedral set on fire. Once the storm had passed, Eusebius set about repairing the ruins of the City and rescuing the starving citizens. He rebuilt the Cathedral and it is said that he instituted, in perpetual memory of the fact, the Feast of the Dedication, to be celebrated on the third Sunday of October. This Feast is still celebrated today but few remember the original intention – it is now celebrated as a reminder of the Dedication of the Cathedral by Saint Charles Borromeo. On that occasion, a Bishop, whose name has not survived, gave an official speech.

Milan Cathedral

In the Ambrosian Breviary we read that Eusebius, while still a Deacon, broke the glass Chalice used in the Mas, however, having resorted to the intercession of Saint Lawrence, the Chalice miraculously reassembled.

Eusebius’ death seems to have occurred in August 462. The Saint was buried in the Milanese Basilica of St Lawrence. The oldest catalogues of the Bishops of Milan mention St Eusebius’ death on 8 August, the most recent on 9 August. The Liber Notitiae Sanctorum Mediolani, of the beginning of the 14th Century, commemorates St Eusebius on 12 August, a date later passed into the Ambrosian calendar and into the Roman Martyrology.

The Basilica of St Lawrence where St Eusebius is buried
Posted in franciscan OFM, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna del Bosco / Our Lady of the Woods, Italy (13th Century), St Clare of Assisi (1194-1253) Virgin and the rest of the Saints for 12 August

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St Clare of Assisi (1194-1253) Virgin, Religious, Founder, Mystic, Friend and Follower of St Francis, Miracle-Worker.
The story of St Clare:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/12/saint-of-the-day-12-august-st-clare-of-assisi-1194-1253-virgin/
AND:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/08/11/saint-of-the-day-11-august-st-clare-of-assisi/

Madonna del Bosco / Our Lady of the Woods, Montemilone, Potenza, Basilicata, Italy (13th Century) – 12 August:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/12/madonna-del-bosco-our-lady-of-the-woods-montemilone-potenza-basilicata-italy-13th-century-and-memorials-of-the-saints-12-august/

St Anicetus of Marmora
St Discolio of Vercelli

St Euplus of Catania (Died 304) Deacon Martyr
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/12/saint-of-the-day-12-august-saint-euplus-of-catania-died-304-deacon-martyr/

St Eusebius of Milan (Died 462) Bishop
St Felicissima the Blind
St Gracilian
St Herculanus of Brescia
St Jambert of Canterbury
St Julian of Syria

St Macarius of Syria
St Merewenna
St Micae Nguyen Huy My
St Murtagh of Killala
St Photinus of Marmora

St Pedro del Barco (1088-1155) Hermit, Penitent, Canon, Apostle of the needy, he is regarded as the father of the agricultural industry in Avila, Spain.
His life:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/12/saint-of-the-day-12-august-st-pedro-del-barco-1088-1155/

St Porcarius of Lerins
St Simplicio of Vercelli
St Ust

Martyrs of Augsburg – 4 Saints: The mother, Hilaria,and three friends of of Saint Afra ofAugsburg. While visiting the tomb of Saint Afra who were seized by the authorities and Martyred when they visited Afra’s tomb – Digna, Eunomia, Euprepia and Hilaria. They were burned alive c 304.

Martyrs of Rome – 5 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little more than their names – Crescentian, Juliana, Largio, Nimmia and Quiriacus. They died in c304 in Rome, Italy and were buried on the Ostian Way outside Rome.

Posted in MARIAN NOVENAS, QUEENSHIP of MARY, THE ASSUMPTION

Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, the Sixth Day – 11 August – Mary Crowned in Heaven

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Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, Day Six:
Mary Crowned in Heaven

Preparatory Prayer
by St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

O Mary, Virgin most Blessed
and Mother of Our Lord
and Redeemer Jesus Christ,
through thy mercy I beseech thee,
to come to my aid
and to inspire me
with such confidence in thy power
that I may have recourse to thee,
pray to thee
and implore thy aid,
in all needs of soul and body.
Amen

Meditation:
Mary’s glory received its culmination by her coronation as Queen of Heaven and earth.
It was meet that in her, should be fulfilled, the words of Holy Scripture: “Come from Libanus, my Spouse, come, thou shalt be crowned” (Cant. 4:81) and, that her own prophetic words, “He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble” (Luke 1:52) should be exemplified in her.
For it was reasonable and becoming that she, who once with Jesus, wore the crown of shame and contempt, should now share with Him, the crown of immortal glory.
It was but fair and just that, the immaculate being, who was chosen above all inhabitants of heaven and earth, to be the true and worthy Mother of God, should now be solemnly installed over all creatures in Heaven and on earth, as the Queen of Angels and men and that, to her, should be offered homage, praise and honour, by the blessed spirits and by the souls of the Saints.
But the crown which she received,is not one made of gold and precious stones, it is composed of the virtues with which Mary, in faithful co-operation with Divine grace, embellished herself.
It consists, too, of all the homage and glory, which she receives, as Queen of Heaven.
The most precious gem, in this crown, is the filial love and gratitude, Jesus shows toward His Mother in Heaven.

Practice: Indeed, “eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man,” what the heavenly Father has prepared in the mansions of eternal bliss, for His beloved Daughter, the Son for His Blessed Mother, and the Holy Ghost, for His chosen Spouse.
She is now Queen of Heaven and earth – of Heaven, for she is the Queen of all Angels and Saints; of earth, for as Mother of God, she is the Mother of all mankind, the mediatrix between the Redeemer and the redeemed.
You, too, may contribute a gem toward the crown of your heavenly Mother, by paying her filial homage, imitating her virtues and preserving, for the love of her, your innocence and purity of heart and body.

Prayer of the Church: We beseech Thee, O Lord, pardon the shortcomings of Thy servants that we who, by our own works, are not able to please Thee, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Novena Prayer: Day Six

Glorious Virgin and Mother of God, Mary!
I beseech thee, through the everlasting
crown of glory with which God
has crowned thee, Queen of Heaven and earth;
obtain for me, through thy mighty intercession,
the grace to persevere in virtue to the end,
so that finally,
I may attain the crown of bliss
prepared by God.
for those that love Him.
I beseech thee too, glorious Queen and Mother,
for this my special petition ………………

Hail Mary …….

Ejaculation: Sweet heart of Mary be my salvation!

Indulgence. (1) 100 days, every time. (2) A Plenary Indulgence, once a month, on any day, to all who shall have said it everyday for a month, under the usual conditions.

Posted in DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DIVINE PROVIDENCE, QUOTES on MORALS, The BEATITUDES

Thought for the Day – 11 August – Divine Providence

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Thought for the Day – 11 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Divine Providence

“How foolish it is for the sinner to exult and to sink into complacency.
For all he knows, he may already be abandoned by God because the measure of God’s mercy to him has been exhausted!

Those who are leading good lives may have to endure a great deal but, “blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted”and, “blessed are they who suffer persecution, for justrice’s sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Cf Mt 5:10).

Even in the moral order, Divine Providence stands out quite clearly, being infinitely good to the just and merciful to sinners but, severely condemning all sinfulness.
Let us meditate on the wonders of Providence and regulate our lives in accordance with its designs.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/19/thought-for-the-day-19-august-divine-providence/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/11/thought-for-the-day-august-duvine-providence/

Posted in GOD ALONE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on HAPPINESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, St Francis de Sales, St PAUL!, The BEATITUDES, The HOLY NAME

Quote/s of the Day – 11 August – And you shall be hated … for My Name’s sake.

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Quote/s of the Day – 11 August – Tiburtius (Died c286) Martyr, Layman, St Susanna of Rome (Died c 295) Virgin Martyr, St Philomena (Died 304) Virgin Martyr – Hebrews 11:33-39, Luke 21:9-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“And you shall be hated by all men,
for My Name’s sake.”

Luke 21:17

“But others were racked,
not accepting deliverance
that they might find
a better resurrection.”

Hebrews 11:35

“So everyone who acknowledges me before men,
I also will acknowledge before my Father,
who is in Heaven…”

Matthew 10:32

“Rejoice and be happy!
Persevere to the end
and prefer to die
rather than abandon the post,
to which God has called you!”

St Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)
Doctor of the Church

“Give me grace,
to amend my life
and to have an eye to mine end,
without grudge of death,
which, to them,
who die in You,
good Lord,
is the gate of a wealthy life.”

St Thomas More (1478-1535)
Martyr

“You must choose – is it better
that there should be thorns in your garden,
in order to have roses,
or that there should be no roses
in your garden,
in order to have no thorns?”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

“We must love God so much,
that we are prepared
to endure everything willingly,
for love of Him.
Those who suffer are blessed, therefore,
only on one condition,
namely, on condition
that they suffer for love of God.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, I BELIEVE!, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on MARTYRDOM, QUOTES on PERSECUTION, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HOLY NAME, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 11 August – ‘I must give thanks to my God continuously. He has helped me to keep my faith, through difficult times …’

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One Minute Reflection – 11 August – St Tiburtius (Died c286) Martyr, Layman, St Susanna of Rome (Died c 295) Virgin Martyr, St Philomena (Died 304) Virgin Martyr – Hebrews 11:33-39, Luke 21:9-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But you will be delivered up by your parents and brothers and relatives and friends and some of you, they will put to death. And you will be hated by all, for My Name’s sake …” – Luke 21:16-17

REFLECTION – “I must give thanks to my God continuously. He has helped me to keep my faith, through difficult times, so that I can fearlessly offer myself as a kind of living sacrifice to Christ. The Lord has rescued me from so many dangers that sometimes I just have to ask: “God, who am I?… “From where did I get such wisdom?” It certainly wasn’t from inside myself. “I didn not know my future” and I had no great knowledge of God. And later on, Who was it, Who gave me such a wonderful and life-giving gift, the gift to know and love God? But to receive such things, I had to leave behind my home and family… I came to Ireland to preach the good news and to suffer abuse from unbelievers and… to have my mission shamefully criticised. I have had many hard times, even to the point of being enslaved again but I traded in my free birth for the good of others.

If I am worthy, I am even ready to lay down my life willingly and without hesitation for His Name. Here, in Ireland, is where I wish to live out my final days, if God will permit me. I owe so much to God, Who allowed so many people to find a new life in Him through me. I confirmed them in our Faith and Ordained Clergy for them everywhere, for a people just coming to a belief in God. The Master chose them from the ends of the earth, just as He said He would through the prophets: “The gentiles will come to you from the ends of the earth” and… “I will place you like a lamp among the nations so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” – St Patrick (c 380-461) Bishop. Missionary Monk (Confession, 34-38).

PRAYER – May the constant protection of Thy holy Martyrs, Tiburtius and Susanna and Philomena support us, O Lord, for Thou never fails to look mercifully upon those whom Thou, hast given the help, of such intercession. 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 Hail MARY!, MARIAN PRAYERS, MOTHER of GOD, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Our Morning Offering – 11August – Blessed are You, O Mary!

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Our Morning Offering – 11August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary”

Blessed are You, O Mary!
By St Jacob of Sarug (c 451-521)
Syrian Bishop and Monk

Blessed are you, O Mary
and blessed is your holy soul,
for your beatitude surpasses
that of all the Blessed.
Blessed are you who have borne,
embraced and caressed as a Baby,
the One Who upholds the ages with His secret word.
Blessed are you,
from whom the Saviour appeared on this exile earth,
subjugating the seducer and bringing peace to the world.
Blessed are you,
whose pure mouth touched the lips
of the One, Whom the Seraphim
look upon in His splendour.
Blessed are you,
who have nourished, with your pure milk
the source, from whom the living obtain life and light.
Blessed are you,
because the whole universe resounds with your memory
and the Angels and human beings, celebrate your feast.
Daughter of the poor,
you became the Mother of the King of kings.
You gave to the poor world the riches that can make it live.
You are the bark, laden with the goodness
and the treasures of the Father,
Who sent His riches once again,
into our empty home.
Blessed are you, O Mary!
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 11 August – Saint Tiburtius (Died c286) Martyr

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 11 August – Saint Tiburtius (Died c286) Martyr, Layman, the son of Saint Chromatius the Prefect of Rome, also a Martyr. St Damasus (c305-384), the Pope, wrote about Tiburtius. He died by being beheaded in c286 in Rome, Italy and his remains are entombed in the Ad Duas Lauros Cemetery at the three mile marker on the Via Lavicana in Rome. Also known as – Tiburcio, Tiburzio.

The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, between the two laurels situate about three miles from the City, the birthday of St Tiburtius, Martyr, under the Judge Fabian, in the persecution of Diocletian. After he had walked barefoot on burning coals and confessed Christ with increased constancy. he was put to the sword.”

St Tiburtius walking barefoot on burning coals

St Tiburtius, Martyr
By Father Francis Xavier Weninger SJ (1805-1888)

Tiburtius, a son of the noble Roman Prefect, Chromatius, received holy Baptism at the same time as his father and, not only endeavoured to lead a Christian life but also, to bring others to the knowledge of the True Faith.

One day, while he was walking through the street, a boy fell from the roof of a house to the pavement. He was so injured that it was thought that every moment would be his last. Tiburtius going towards him, made the Sign of the Cross over him and commanded him, in the Name of Jesus Christ, to rise and to abandon heathenism. The boy immediately arose, became a Christian and persuaded many, who had witnessed the miracle, to do likewise.

At another time, Tiburtius went to a youth named Torquatus, who, although Baptised and calling himself a Christian, did not conduct himself according to the dictates of the Church. His dress was too luxurious; he spent too much time in idleness, gaming, dancing and other amusements; he was unrestrained and licentious in his conversation and conduct. He was seldom at prayer but frequently, in dangerous company. Tiburtius exhorted him most earnestly to change his unchristian behaviour. Torquatus feigned a determination to follow his advice but secretly went to the Judge Fabian and revealed to him that Tiburtius was a Christian.

This he did in revenge for the reproofs which Tiburtius had given him. But, that he might not be known as the accuser, he requested to be arraigned with Tiburtius. When this had taken place, the Judge asked Torquatus who he was. “I am a Christian,” was his reply, “and this man ,Tiburtius has converted me to the True Faith.” But Tiburtius said: “I have never recognised you as a Christian; for, your life has not been that of a Christian. To dress luxuriously, not to observe the fast days, to be indifferent to your prayers, to pass the day in idleness, to associate with the other sex, to be licentious in your words, are not the characteristics of a Christian. Christ does not recognise such as His followers.” Fabian the Judge, would not listen to these reproofs but, having the ground strewn with hot coals, he said to the Saint: “You have your choice either to throw incense over these coals and thus offer to the gods, or to walk barefoot over them.”

Tiburtius, without a moment’s hesitation, took off his shoes, and courageously stepping upon the coals, walked up and down over them, without a sign of pain. Addressing the Judge, he said: “See and know that the God of the Christians is the only God, Whom all creatures obey. Your live coals seem to me but lovely flowers.” The Judge, highly incensed, exclaimed: “I knew long since that your Christ instructed His followers in magic. I shall, however, pay no attention to it.” The holy Martyr rebuked this blasphemy and as Fabian saw that the heathens began to admire the God of the Christians, he ordered him to be beheaded, thus bestowing upon him the Crown of Martyrdom.

St Tiburtius walking barefoot on burning coals
Posted in SAINT of the DAY

St Philomena (Died 304), St Susanna of Rome (Died c 295) Virgins Martyrs, St Tiburtius (Died c286) Martyr, Layman and more Saints for 11 August

Posted on by AnaStpaul

St Philomena (Died 304) Virgin Martyr, “The Wonder Worker”
Her Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/08/11/saint-of-the-day-11-august-st-philomena-c-291-304-the-wonder-worker/

St Tiburtius (Died c286) Martyr, Layman

St Susanna of Rome (Died c 295) Virgin Martyr. Laywoman who had taken a private vow of Virginity.
Her Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/11/saint-of-the-day-11-august-saint-susanna-of-rome-died-c-295-virgin-martyr/

St Alexander of Comana (Died c 251 ) Martyr “The Charcoal Burner”
His Life and Death:
https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/11/saint-of-the-day-11-august-saint-alexander-of-comana-the-charcoal-burner-died-c-251-martyr/

St Cassian of Benevento
St Chromatius the Prefect
St Digna of Todi
St Equitius of Valeria

St Géry/Gaugericus of Cambrai (c550 – 626), Bishop of Cambrai, France, Founder of Monasteries, Churches and of St Géry Island off Belgium, Géry devoted himself to the fight against paganism, Miracle-worker.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/11/saint-of-the-day-11-august-st-gery-of-cambrai-c-550-626-bishop/

St Lelia
St Rusicola of Arles
St Rufinus of Marsi
Bl Theobald of England and Companion
St Taurinus of Evreux

Posted in MARIAN NOVENAS, THE ASSUMPTION

Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption – The Fifth Day, 10 August – Mary’s Glorious Entrance into Heaven

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, DAY FIVE

The Fifth Day:
Mary’s Glorious Entrance into Heaven

Preparatory Prayer
by St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

O Mary, Virgin most Blessed
and Mother of Our Lord
and Redeemer Jesus Christ,
through thy mercy I beseech thee,
to come to my aid
and to inspire me
with such confidence in thy power
that I may have recourse to thee,
pray to thee
and implore thy aid,
in all needs of soul and body.
Amen

Meditation:
Joy greater, than human heart can conceive, fills the heavenly spirits when a soul enters Heaven, to receive its reward. What jubilant transports, then, must those have been, with which they hailed the entrance into heavenly bliss of the most pure and holy Virgin, the Mother of the Son of God, body and soul, transfigured in glory!
And she is and shall be, for all eternity, their mistress and Queen!
What an ineffable joy, too, for the Blessed Virgin, to behold the countless numbers of Angels, to admire their beauty, their purity, their intense love of God!
But as the feeble light of a candle disappears before the splendour of the sun’s rays, thus are these choirs of Angels, obscured by the ineffable glory of her Divine Son, coming to welcome His Mother.
Who can describe this moving meeting?
What a superabundant reward for love and suffering!
What an ocean of joy and bliss, when the Son of God presented His Mother before the throne of His heavenly Father, Who greeted her as His Beloved Daughter!
What a joy to behold the Holy Ghost, Whose pure Spouse she had been, even on earth!
These transports of bliss baffle all attempts at description.

Practice: Although we are unable to have an adequate perception of Mary’s glory in Heaven, by which she is raised above all Angels and Saints, yet, it is in our power, to do one thing – we can rejoice at the glory of our Blessed Mother and join the heavenly spirits and the Saints, in paying homage to her.
Let us resolve to do this and never to forget that Mary attained to the largest share of her Divine Son’s glory because, she was foremost in sharing His sufferings. Let this encourage us to bear our cross, to bear it with our Saviour, even to the height of Calvary, there to die with Him.

Prayer of the Church: We beseech Thee, O Lord, pardon the shortcomings of Thy servants that we who, by our own works, are not able to please Thee, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Novena Prayer: Day Five

Glorious Virgin and Mother of God, Mary!
I beseech thee through the preparation
with which thou wast glorified by God–
by the Father ,as His most Beloved Daughter,
by the Son, as His Immaculate Mother
and by the Holy Ghost,
as His most pure Spouse, in Heaven;
obtain for me the grace
to share, to some extent, this,
thy glory and, therefore,
to live so that I may deserve it.
And too most Blessed Mother,
this, my special Petition: ………………….

Hail Mary …….

Ejaculation: Sweet heart of Mary be my salvation!

Indulgence. (1) 100 days, every time. (2) A Plenary Indulgence, once a month, on any day, to all who shall have said it everyday for a month, under the usual conditions.

Posted in CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on JUDGING, QUOTES on KINDNESS

Thought for the Day – 10 August – Rash Judgement

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Thought for the Day – 10 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Rash Judgement

“Let us contemplate Jesus as our model.
While He was hanging from the Cross, He looked down compassionately upon His jeering enemies.
Not only did He pray for them and forgive them but, He even made excuses for them to His heavenly Father.
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk 23:24).

It is still the same.
Very often, when people commit sin they do so because they have not reflected about what they are doing.

For this reason, we should always be kind in our judgements and prudent about expressing them.
A harsh judgement can cause irreparable damage to our brother’s character, whereas, a kind word, can lead him back from the path of evil!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/12/thought-for-the-day-12-august-rash-judgement/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/07/thought-for-the-day-7-august-rash-judgement/