Posted in CHRIST the LIGHT, GOD ALONE!, Holy Name PRAYERS, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, NOTES to Followers, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, QUOTES on THE WORLD, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HOLY NAME

Update: Storms, Floods and Black-outs continue across the Cape

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Bless you all my dear Friends for your kind prayers and thoughts. After nearly 70 hours of darkness the power was restored overnight on Friday 16 June but sadly, as the storms continued, fallen tree branches, amongst other natural havoc, damaged many power lines and after about 10 hours of LIGHT, we were once again plunged into darkness. Another +-20 hours of darkness followed but is now once again restored. I pray that I will be back online tomorrow morning.

May God bless you all and shine his Face upon Cape Town! 🙏🙌💖🤗 Ana

“Most Holy Mary, may I follow your example here on earth.
Please lead us, together with your Divine Son, Jesus,
here in our earthly pilgrimage,
for you never once lost sight of God.
May the darkness of this world not encompass me,
for with you beside me and Christ around me,
I will be safe.
For the beauty of the created things
can be a snare of immense power.
May the Light of your Son,
be my beacon and Light my path
and intercede for me,
that I may ever radiate His Light.
Grant that I may see, in all things,
the Presence and Beauty of God alone,
so that I may always continue to advance,
nearer and nearer to Him.
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Daily Prayer to the Most Holy Name
By St Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444)
Apostle of the Most Holy Name

Jesus,
Name full of glory, grace, love and strength!
Thou art the Refuge of those who repent,
our Banner of warfare in this life,
the Medicine of souls,
the Comfort of those who mourn,
the Delight of those who believe,
the Light of those who preach the true faith,
the Wages of those who toil,
the Cure of the sick.
To Thou, our devotion aspires;
by Thee, our prayers are received;
we delight in contemplating Thee.
O Name of Jesus,
Thou art the glory
of all the Saints for eternity.
Amen.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 18 June – Blessed Hermann of Floreffe O.Praem (Early 12th Century- 1193)

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 18 June – Blessed Hermann of Floreffe O.Praem (Early 12th Century- 1193) Abbot, the 4th Abbot of Floreffe Abbey in Belguim (the same which **St Istfrid restored) and Canon of the Premonstratensians or Norbertines.

Blessed Hermann was born in the early 12th century in Germany. He joined the Premonstratensians which is also called the Norbertines after its founder, Saint Norbert of Xanten (ca. 1080-1134), or White Canon after the colour of the Order’s Habit. He became a Canon in their Monastery Floreffe near Namur in present-day Belgium. As one of the first Premonstratensian Abbeys, Floreffe was among the Order ‘s Primarii inter pares, or ‘Senior’ houses.

In 1173, Hermann was elected the fourth Abbot of Floreffe, a position he held for twenty years until his death. He was a pious and wise man who was very famous. Count Henrik of Namur chose him as his Confessor. Henrik so admired Him and the Monastery that he had a new Monastery Church built for our saint.

Hermann is also credited with a miraculous spring which springs up at the Church’s main portal. The water from this spring has cured many of the sick and lame and continues to do so.

During Hermann’s time as Abbot of Floreffe, the Monastery was severely damaged due to the war between Count Baudoin of Hainaut and Count Henrik of Namur. The community had to live scattered for six months. The holy Bishop **St Isfrid of Ratzeburg visited the Monastery after this catastrophe and assisted Hermann in the restoration work and succeeded in gathering the scattered Monks. St Istfrid also Consecrated the new Monastery Church in 1190.

After twenty years of fruitful labour, Abbot Hermann died in 1193. In Floreffe, a picture has been preserved that depicts him as blessed, with a spring at his feet. He is honoured as Blessed by the Premonstratensians with a memorial day on 18 June.

**We celebrated St Isfrid on the 15th – his life here: https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/15/saint-of-the-day-15-june-saint-isfrid-of-ratzeburg-o-praem-c-1115-1204/

Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, NOTES to Followers, Uncategorized

Storms, Floods, 3 Day Black-Out and counting ….

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Wishing you all, dearest Readers, a most Holy and Devout Feast Day of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus our Beloved Saviour.

As you see from the title, we are in darkness. I am writing this on my phone on borrowed signal from my neighbour’s solar driven wifi. We pray we will be restored to electricity today.

In the meantime, let us pray for the workers out there. Much love, hugs and prayer ANA

Posted in MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES for CHRIST, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR

Thought for the Day – 14 June – The Divine Worker

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Divine Worker

“We should accept our daily work and sanctify it with prayer as Jesus did.
“To pray and to work” was the ancient motto of the Benedictines.

All work which is done with and for God, becomes, as it were, a sacrament which purifies and sanctifies us.
When we offer the sweat of our brow to God it becomes like holy water which washes away our faults, while our weariness is converted into prayer.

Aspiration: Jesus, Divine Worker, bless me, help me and makle me holy.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/15/thought-for-the-day-14-june-the-divine-worker/
PART TWO:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/15/thought-for-the-day-15-june-the-divine-worker/

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, QUOTES on ALMS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on FRIENDSHIP, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on LOVE, SAINT of the DAY

Quote/s of the Day – 14 June – St Basil the Great

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 14 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Feast of St Basil the Great (329-379) Bishop of Caesarea, Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church.

“I tell you, this man went back to his home justified,
rather than the other;
for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled
but he who humbles himself,
will be exalted”
Luke 18:14

“Be on your guard, therefore
and bear in mind, this example
of severe loss, sustained through arrogance.
… Never place yourself above anyone,
not even great sinners.
Humility often saves a sinner,
who has committed many terrible transgressions!”

“A good deed is never lost;
he who sows courtesy,
reaps friendship
and he who plants kindness,
gathers love.”

“When someone steals another’s clothes,
we call them a THIEF.
Should we not give the same name
to one who could clothe the naked
and does not?
The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry;
the coat unused in your cupboard,
belongs to the one who needs it;
the shoes rotting in your drawer,
belong to the one who has no shoes;
the money which you hoard,
belongs to the poor.”

“I know many who fast, pray, sigh
and demonstrate every manner of piety,
as long as it costs them nothing,
yet, would not part with a penny
to help those in distress!”

“No Christian should think of himself
as his own master
but each should rather so think and act,
as though given by God,
to be slave to his fellow brothers and sisters.”

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/14/quote-s-of-the-day-14-june-st-basil-the-great/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/01/02/quote-s-of-the-day-2-january-the-memorial-of-st-basil-the-great-329-379-and-st-gregory-of-nazianzen-330-390-fathers-doctors-of-the-church/

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

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, ONE Minute REFLECTION, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The HOLY NAME, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 14 June – ‘ Christ has hidden enemies. …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 14 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Within the Octave of Corpus Christi – Feast of St Basil the Great (329-379) Bishop of Caesarea, Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church. –1 Corinthians 23-29, John 6:56-59 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“ … For he who eats and drinks unworthily, … eats and drinks judgement upon himself.”- 1 Corinthians 29

REFLECTION – “Christ has hidden enemies. All those who live unjust and irreligious lives are Christ’s enemies, even if they are signed with His Name and are called ‘Christians’ – I mean the ones to whom he is going to say, “I do not know you” and they say to Him, “Lord, in Thy Name we ate and drank. In Thy Name, we performed many deeds of power. What did we eat and drink in Thy Name?”

You see that they did not value their food very highly and yet, it was with reference to It that they said they belonged to Christ. Christ is the Food that is eaten and drunk. Even Christ’s enemies eat and drink Him! The faithful know the Lamb without spot on which they feed, if only they fed on It in such a way that they are not liable to punishment! The Apostle says, “Whoever eats and drinks unworthily, is eating and drinking judgement upon himself.” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 308).

PRAYER – We beseech Thee, O Lord, hear our prayers which we offer on the festival of blessed Basil, Thy Confessor and Bishop and through his intercessory merits, who had the grace to serve Thee worthily, absolve us from all our sins. 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).

Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love. 300 days ONCE A DAY – (Unless otherwise stated, e.g., “once a day,” a partial Indulgence may be gained any number of times in succession.) Pope Leo XIII 21 May.

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, DYING / LAST WORDS, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, HOLY COMMUNION, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Our Morning Offering – 14 June – Lord, I Know that I Am Not Worthy By St Basil the Great

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 14 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Feast of St Basil the Great (329-379) Bishop of Caesarea, Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church.

Lord, I Know that I Am Not Worthy
Prayer before Holy Communion
By St Basil the Great (329-379)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Lord, I know that I am not worthy
to receive Thy Holy Body and Precious Blood;
I know that I am guilty
and that I eat and drink
condemnation to myself,
not discerning the Body and Blood
of Christ, my God.
But trusting in Thy loving kindness,
I come to Thee, Who hast said –
‘Whoever eats My Body and drinks My Blood,
will dwell in Me and I in him’;
Therefore, Lord, have compassion on me
and do not put to shame Thy sinful servant
But deal with me according to Thy great mercy
And grant that these Holy Gifts,
may be for me,
healing, cleansing, enlightenment,
protection, salvation and sanctification
of soul and body.
May they cast out from me
every dark delusion,
sinful deed or work of the evil one.
May they move me to trust
and love Thee always,
to amendment of life,
increase of virtue,
obedience to Thy commandments,
communion of the Holy Spirit,
provision for my final journey
and a good defence before the dreadful
seat of judgement.
Amen.

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saints of the Day – 14 June – St Valerius and St Rufinus of Soissons (Died 4th Century) Laymen, Martyrs.

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saints of the Day – 14 June – St Valerius and St Rufinus of Soissons (Died 4th Century) Laymen, Martyrs.

The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Soissons in Belgic Gaul, today in France, the Holy Martyrs – Saints Valerius and Rufinus, who after enduring many torments, were condemned to be beheaded by the Governor, Rictiovarus, in the persecution of Diocletian.”

The Martyrdom of Sts Valerius and Rufinus

The two Martyred companions who are remembered on 14 June – Rufinus and Valerius, according to a legendary account of their Martyrdom, lived in the 4th century at the time of the Emperors Diocletian and Maximian.

They were warehousemen, in charge of supervising the imperial granaries, located in Braine downstream of Basoche (France), on the road which led from Rome to the sea to England.

They were fervent Christians and apostles of the Gospel but their profuse zeal caused the hatred of the barbarian leader Rictiovarus, who decided to eliminate them and hence travelled to Basoche. But the two Christians, having learnt of his intention in time, had fled, taking refuge in a nearby cave.

But a search discovered them, they were beheaded and their bodies thrown into the Vesle river. Christians rescued them and buried them in a marked grave. Although the date of their death is unknown, it must be placed at the beginning of the fourth century.

In c525, the Bishop of Soissons, a certain Bishop Wolf, founded a Chapter of Clerics to whom he entrusted the custody of the bodies of the Martyrs and where a Church was built over their graves. The Relics are currently placed in the Cathedral of Soissons.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Notre-Dame de la Treille / Our Lady of the Trellis, Lille, France (1234), St Basil the Great and Memorials of the Saints – 14 June

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Within the Octave of Corpus Christi

Notre-Dame de la Treille / Our Lady of the Trellis, Lille, Nord, Flandres, France (1234) – 14 June:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/14/notre-dame-de-la-treille-our-lady-of-the-trellis-lille-nord-flandres-france-1234-and-memorials-of-the-saints-14-june/

St Basil the Great (329-379) Bishop of Caesarea, Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church. From the 13th Century until 1969, St Basil’s Feast was celebrated today, 14 June.
It was combined with St Gregory of Nazianzen’s Feast in 1969.
https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/02/saint-s-of-the-day-2-january-st-basil-the-great-329-379-and-st-gregory-of-nazianzen-330-390-two-bodies-one-spirit/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/14/saint-of-the-day-14-june-st-basil-the-great-329-379/

St Anastasius of Córdoba
St Burchard of Meissen
St Caomhán of Inisheer
St Castora Gabrielli
St Cearan the Devout
Bl Constance de Castro
St Cyprien
St Cyriacus of Zeganea
St Davnet
St Digna of Córdoba
St Dogmael of Wales
St Elgar of Bardsey

St Elisha the Prophet “My God is salvation” (790 BC) Prophet was a disciple and protégé of St Elijah.
St Elisha!
https://anastpaul.com/2020/06/14/saint-of-the-day-14-june-saint-elisha-the-prophet-my-god-is-salvation-790-bc/

St Etherius of Vienne
St Felix of Córdoba
Bl Fortunatus of Napoli
St Gerold of Evreux
Bl Hartwig of Salzburg
St Joseph the Hymnographer

St Marcian of Syracuse (Died c 68) Bishop of Syracuse, Sicily, Italy Martyr. Disciple of and Consecrated by St Peter, Missionary, Evangelist.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/14/saint-of-the-day-14-june-st-marcian-of-syracuse-died-c-68/

St Mark of Lucera

St Methodius of Constantinople (born 8th Century – 847) Monk and and Bishop of Constantinople, “Defender of Icons”
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/14/saint-of-the-day-14-june-st-methodius-i-of-constantinople-8th-cent-847-defender-of-icons/

St Nennus of Arran
Bl Peter de Bustamante
St Protus of Aquileia
St Quintian
St Richard of Saint Vannes
St Rufinus of Soissons * (Died 4th Century) Layman, Martyr
St Theopista
St Valerius of Soissons * (Died 4th Century) Layman, Martyr

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, Fr Francis Xavier WENINGER SJ, JESUIT SJ, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 13 June – St Anthony of Padua and the Miracle of the Donkey which knelt before the Eucharist

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 13 June – Meditations with Father Francis Xavier Weninger SJ (1805-1888) (Austrian Jesuit Missionary and Author).

Practical Considerations
on the Life of St Anthony of Padua
The Miracle of the Donkey
which knelt before the Eucharist

“St Antony commands a senseless animal to fall down before the Blessed Eucharist and to honour it – the animal obeys and thus honours its Creator.
You have, in the Holy Sacrament, your Lord and God, your Redeemer and Judge before you.
You know the command of the Most High – “The Lord, thy God, thou shalt adore” (St Mark 4).
“For every knee shall be bowed to Thee ” (Isaiah 45).
The Church of Christ says to you … “Come, let us bow down and worship God; let us weep before God Who has created us because He is our God and we are His people.”

Are you not then ashamed, if, notwithstanding all this, you conduct yourself, in the Presence of the Holy Eucharist, with less reverence than an unreasonable animal?!
That those who are not Catholics should not manifest due honour to the Blessed Sacrament is wrong in them but they have, at least before man, the excuse that they do not believe in the Real Presence of Christ.
But how can you excuse yourself, either before God or man, you who believe in the Presence of Christ and yet, give no due honour to your God?
“If I believed,” said a Turkish Ambassador, one day, speaking of the little respect evinced by some Catholics in the Church, “that my God were substantially here, I would humble myself to the ground and if possible, even beneath it! ”

And what do you think, who believe it and are still too indolent to bend your knee before your God?
Do you not consider that your Divine Judge, Whom you honour so little, will one day punish your irreverence towards Him?
Reform, while you have time!”

Fr Francis Xavier Weninger

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, PATRONAGE - LOST KEYS/LOST ARTICLES, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on MERCY, THE ASSUMPTION, The HOLY GHOST

Quote/s of the Day – 13 June – Prayer to St Anthony for the Restoration of Things Lost or Stolen and Prayers by St Anthony

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 13 June – The Feast of St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Cpmfessor, Evangelical Doctor of the Church

Prayer to St Anthony of Padua
for the Restoration of Things Lost or Stolen

O Blessed St Anthony!
the grace of God has made thee
a powerful advocate in all necessities
and the Patron for the restoration
of things lost or stolen.
To thee I turn today, with childlike love
and heartfelt confidence.
Oh, how many thousands
hast thou miraculously aided
in the recovery of lost goods!
Thou wast the counsellor of the erring,
the comforter of the afflicted,
the healer of the sick,
the raiser of the dead,
the deliverer of the captive,
the refuge of the afflicted.
To thee do I hasten, O Blessed St Anthony.
Help me in my present affliction.
I recommend that which I have lost to thy care,
in the secure hope that thou wilt restore it to me,
if it be to the greater glory of God
and to the spiritual benefit of my soul.
I pray too that I may praise and thank thee,
in time and eternity,
for thy glorious intercession on my behalf.
Amen

The Praises of Mary
“Assumption”
Poem by Saint Anthony

O how wondrous is the dignity
of the glorious Virgin!
She merited to become the mother of Him
who is the strength and beauty of the Angels
and the grandeur of all the Saints.

Mary was the seat of our sanctification,
that is to say,
the dwelling place of the Son
Who sacrificed Himself for us.

“And I shall glorify the place
where my feet have stood.”
The feet of the Saviour signify His human nature.
The place where the feet of the Saviour stood
was the Blessed Mary,
who gave Him His human nature.

Today the Lord glorifies that place,
since He has exalted Mary
above the choirs of the Angels.
That is to say,
the Blessed Virgin,
who was the dwelling of the Saviour,
has been assumed bodily into Heaven.

Mary, our Queen and Mother of Mercy
By St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231)
Evangelical Doctor of the Church

Mary, our Queen!
Holy Mother of God,
we beg you to hear our prayer.
Make our hearts overflow with Divine grace
and resplendent with heavenly wisdom.
Render them strong with your might
and rich in virtue.
Pour down upon us the gift of mercy
so that we may obtain the pardon of our sins.
Help us to live in such a way
as to merit the glory and bliss of Heaven.
May this be granted us, by your Son Jesus
Who has exalted you above the Angels,
has crowned you as Queen
and has seated you with Himself
forever, on his refulgent throne.
Amen.

O God, Send Forth Your Holy Spirit
By St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231)

O God,
send forth Your Holy Spirit
into my heart
that I may perceive,
into my mind,
that I may remember,
and into my soul,
that I may meditate.
Inspire me to speak with piety,
holiness, tenderness and mercy.
Teach, guide and direct my thoughts
and senses, from beginning to end.
May Your grace,
ever help and correct me,
and may I be strengthened now
with wisdom from on high,
for the sake of Your infinite mercy.
Amen

MORE:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/13/quote-s-of-the-day-13-june-st-anthony/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/13/quote-s-of-the-day-13-june-st-anthony-of-padua-2/

St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231)
Evangelical Doctor of the Church

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the SUN of JUSTICE, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, franciscan OFM, I BELIEVE!, INDULGENCES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, OUR Cross, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on JUSTICE, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, SAINT of the DAY, The FAITHFUL on PILGRIMAGE, The HOLY CROSS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 13 June – ‘ … Listen to Him …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 13 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – The Feast of St Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) Cpmfessor, Evangelical Doctor of the Church – 2 Timothy 4:1-8, Matthew 5:13-19 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“I have come, not to abolish but to fulfil.” … Matthew 5:17

REFLECTION – “In Him, the promise made through the shadows of prophecy, stands revealed, along with the full meaning of the precepts of the law. He is the One Who teaches the Truth of prophecy, through His Presence and makes obedience to the commandments possible, through grace.
In the preaching of the holy Gospel all should receive a strengthening of their faith. No-one should be ashamed of the Cross of Christ, through which the world has been redeemed.
No-one should fear to suffer for the sake of justice, no-one should lose confidence in the reward that has been promised. The way to rest is through toil, the way to life is through death. Christ has taken on Himself the whole weakness of our lowly human nature. If then, we are steadfast in our faith in Him and in our love for Him, we win the victory that He has won, we receive what He has promised.
When it comes to obeying the commandments or enduring adversity, the words uttered by the Father should always echo in our ears – “This is my Son, the beloved, in whom I am well pleased, listen to Him.” … St Pope Leo the Great (400-461) Father and Doctor of the Church (An excerpt from Sermo 51).

PRAYER – May the solemn feast of blessed Anthony, Thy Confessor and Doctor, make Thy Church rejoice, O God, so that, ever sustained by spiritual help, she may deserve to reap everlasting joy. 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).

MAY the Heart of JESUS in the most Blessed Sacrament be praised, adored and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the Tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time. Amen.
Indulgence 100 Days, Once a day. Raccolta 161 Pius IX, 29 February 1868.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, Holy Name PRAYERS, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY NAME

Our Morning Offering – 13 June – Sweet Jesus, Thy Name is Joy By St Anthony of Padua

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 13 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” and the Feast Day of St Anthony of Padua OFM (1195-1231) Confessor, Doctor of the Church

Sweet Jesus, Thy Name is Joy
By St Anthony of Padua OFM (1195-1231)
Doctor of the Church

Sweet Jesus,
is there anything sweeter than Thee?
To remember Thee is more delightful
than everything else.
Thy Name is joy – it is the true
Gate of our Salvation.
What else are Thou, Jesus,
if not our Saviour?
Be our Redeemer.
Give us the virtues of hope and love,
just as Thou hast given us faith,
our primary joy.
Give us the words which we need
to praise Thee always.
With the help and through the prayers
of Thy Mother.
Thou who art blessed throughout the ages.
Amen

Posted in SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 13 June – St Wilicarius of Vienne (Died 765) Bishop

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 13 June – St Wilicarius of Vienne (Died 765) Archbishop of Vienne, France, Monk. Wilicarius was the 45th Bishop of Vienne in Dauphiné in south-eastern France. Also known as – Wilicaire.

We have little information on the life of our Saint today. He is the last in the line of the first 45 Bishops of Vienne, to be venerated as Saints.

Wilicarius was Consecrated as the Bishop of Vienne around the year 740. He received the Palium from St Gregory III, whose reign was from 731-741.

According to historical reports, Wilicarius solemly translated the Relics of Saints Ferreol and Julien to Vienne when the Basilica housing them had been razed by invading Saracens.

Wilicarius resigned from his See in c752 when it fell under Frankish persecution. He took refuge in Rome and then finally retired to the Monastery of St Maurice d’Agaune in Valais, where he became the Abbot, being highly revered for his holiness.

During the Council of Attigny, convened around 762 by King Pepin, Wilicarius was present and signed the various Decrees as Abbot of the Abbey of St Maurice.

He should not be confused with Abbot Willicaire d’Agaune, who became Archbishop of Sens in 769.

There is some confusion about our Saint’s death – some say 765 and others 782. This latter date places him on the list of Abbots of St Maurice as having reigned from 760 to 782.

Abbey of St Maurice
Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

The Second Apparition of our Lady of Fatima – 13 June 1917; Madonna della Cava/ Our Lady of the Cave, Italy; Glorious St Anthony of Padua and Memorials of the Saints – 13 June

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Within the Octave of Corpus Christi

13 June 1917 – The Second Apparition of our Lady of Fatima

Madonna della Cava/ Our Lady of the Cave, Latera, Viterbo, Latium, Italy – 13 June:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/13/sunday-within-the-octave-of-the-sacred-heart-13-june-1917-the-second-apparition-of-our-lady-of-fatima-madonna-della-cava-our-lady-of-the-cave-latera-viterbo-latium-italy-and-memoria/

St Anthony of Padua OFM (1195-1231) Confessor, Evangelical  Doctor of the Church, Priest and Friar of the Order of Friars minor,Known as the Hammer of Heretics – Professor of Miracles – Wonder-Worker  – Ark of the Testament – Repository of Holy Scripture . Patronages – against sterility, against shipwreck, against starvation, American Indians, amputees, animals – both wild and domestic, asses, mariners, elderly people, expectant mothers, for faith in the Blessed Sacrament, fishermen, for good harvests, horses, lost articles, seekers of lost articles, posted articles, oppressed people,  poor people, swineherds, travel guides, travellers, Brazil, Portugal, Tigua Indians, 4 Diocese, 17 Cities. Noted by his contemporaries for his forceful preaching, expert knowledge of Scripture and undying love and devotion to the poor and the sick, he was one of the most-quickly Canonised Saints in Church history.   He was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XII on 16 January 1946.
The wonderful St Anthony:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/13/saint-of-the-day-13-june-st-anthony-of-paduao-f-m-evangelical-doctor-hammer-of-heretics-professor-of-miracles-wonder-worker-ark-of-the-covenant/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/13/saint-of-the-day-13-june-st-anthony-of-padua-o-f-m-evangelical-doctor-hammer-of-heretics-professor-of-miracles-wonder-worker-ark-of-the-tes/
AND A SERMON BY ST ANTHONY:
Actions Speak Louder than Words: https://anastpaul.com/2019/06/13/thought-for-the-day-13-june-actions-speak-louder-than-words/

Bl Achilleo of Alexandria
Bl Alfonso Gomez de Encinas
Bl Anthony of Ilbenstadt
St Aquilina of Syria
St Aventino of Arbusto
St Damhnade
St Diodorus of Emesa

St Eulogius of Alexandria (Died c 607) Archbishop of Alexandria, Confessor, Abbot, Defender of the True Faith against heresies. Great friend and correspondent of St Gregory the Great.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/13/saint-of-the-day-13-june-st-eulogius-of-alexandria-died-c-607-archbishop-confessor/

St Fandilas of Penamelaria
St Felicula of Rome
St Fortunatus of North Africa

Blessed Gerard of Clairvaux (Died 1138) – was the elder brother of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. He was a Soldier. When he was wounded in combat at the siege of Grancy, Gerard resolved to become a Monk. He became a Benedictine Cistercian Monk at Citeaux. He worked with Saint Bernard at Clairvaux and became his closest confidant. He died in 1138 of natural causes.

St Lucian of North Africa
St Mac Nissi of Clonmacno
St Maximus of Cravagliana
St Nicolas Bùi Ðuc The
St Peregrinus of Amiterno
St Rambert
St Salmodio
Bl Servatius Scharff
St Thecla

St Tryphillius (Died 370) Bishop of Nicosia, Cyprus, eloquent and learned Priest, Defender of the True Faith against Arianism and of St Athanasius of Alexandria.
His Lifestory:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/13/saint-of-the-day-13-june-saint-tryphillius-died-370/

St Victorinus of Assisi
St Wilicarius of Vienne (Died 765) Archbishop of Vienne, France, Monk

Posted in GOD ALONE!, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on GRACE, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on REPARATION/EXPIATION, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, SACRAMENTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 12 June – The Four Ends of the Holy Mass

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Holy Mass
The Four Ends of the Holy Mass

“Let us meditate on the fact, that the Sacrifice of the Eucharist, was instituted for four ends, namely:

1. TO HONOUR GOD
All the Angels and Saints of Heaven and all the human beings upon earth, could not possibly honour God, as He ought to be honoured because, they are creatures who derive everything which they possess from God.
Only Jesus the God-Man, could offer the Eternal Father, the infinite honour due to Him, by offering Himself.

2. TO MAKE ADEQUATE SATISFACTION FOR ALL OUR SINS
Insofar, as they are a revolt against God, our sins are, in a certain way, infinite.
This is because they offend an Infinite Being.
Only Jesus, being at the same time man and God, could offer for us, His brothers, an infinite satisfaction to the Eternal Father.
Only He, could redeem us from the debt of crime and punishment, which we had contracted, by offering Himself, without reserve, in the Eucharistic Sacrifice.
It must be explained, however, that although the Mass is of infinite value in itself, God applies this value to us in a finite way only, according to His good pleasure and according to our dispositions.
For this reason, we should do well to attend Mass, as often as possible and with the maximum fervour.

3. TO GIVE THANKSGIVING TO GOD for all the benefits which we have received from Him.

4. Finally, TO OBTAIN ALL THE GRACES AND FAVOURS of which we and others stand in need.
The Mass is an extraordinary gift.
Let us attend at Mass with recollection and devotion.
It will be for us, the source of every grace and virtue!”
Amen

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE:
https://anastpaul.com/2023/06/11/thought-for-the-day-11-june-the-holy-mass/

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, GOD ALONE!, ON the SAINTS, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, St Francis de Sales, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 12 June – ‘ … You will become altogether beautiful, pure and good.’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 12 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Within the Octave of Corpus Christi

“As mountain hares become white in winter
because they neither see. nor eat
anything but snow,
so, by adoring and feeding on
beauty, purity and goodness itself
in the Eucharist,
you will become altogether
beautiful, pure and good.“”

“Nowhere do we find our Saviour
more tender or more loving,
than here [in Adoration]
where He, so to speak,
annihilates Himself and reduces Himself
to Food, in order to penetrate our souls
and to unite Himself
to the hearts of His friends.”

“I often speak with my Teacher, Jesus,
in the Blessed Sacrament
because I learn from Him.
Jesus is the Teacher of the science of holiness.
I go to Him because I would like to learn,
from Him, how to become a Saint.
Of what use to me is all knowledge
and education, if I do not become holy?”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor Caritatis

Posted in CATECHESIS, CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, INDULGENCES, ONE Minute REFLECTION, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 12 June – ‘ … Who will dare … to dispute it? …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 12 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Within the Octave of Corpus Christiand the Memorial of St Juan de Sahagun (1419-1479) Confessor, Priest and Friar of the Order of the Augustinians – 1 Corinthians 23-29, John 6:56-59. – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For My flesh is food indeed and My Blood is drink indeed.”- John 6:56

REFLECTION – “Take and eat; this is My Body… Take and drink; this is My Blood.” (Mt 26:26.) Since then, Christ Himself clearly described the Bread to us in the words “This is My Body” who will dare henceforward, to dispute it? And since He has emphatically said, “This is My Blood” who will waver?… So let us partake with the fullest confidence that it is the Body and Blood of Christ. For His Body has been bestowed on you in the form of bread and His Blood in the form of wine, so that by partaking of Christ’s Body and Blood, you may share with Him, the same Body and Blood… This is how, in the blessed Peter’s words: “we become partakers of the divine nature” (2 Pt 1:4).

Christ once said in conversation with the Jews: “Unless you eat My Flesh and drink My Blood, you have no life in you” They were scandalised because they did not interpret His words spiritually… Even in the Old Testament, there were “Loaves of the Presence” but since they belonged to the old dispensation, they have come to fulfilment. But in the New Testament, the Bread is of Heaven and the Chalice brings salvation, (Jn 6:41; Ps 115:4) and they sanctify the soul and the body; for, as the bread relates to the body, so the word harmonises with the soul…

The Blessed David will inform you of the meaning of the Eucharist when he says: “Thou hast laid a table before me against those who oppress me” (Ps 22:5)… The only thing he can mean is that sacramental, spiritual table which God has made ready for us against the evil spirit… “And the chalice which inebriates me, how godly it is” (Ps 22), here he mentions the chalice which Jesus took in His Hand and giving thanks said: “This is the Blood which is poured out for many, for the remission of sins” (Mt 26:28)… David was speaking of this long ago when he sang: “Bread strengthens the heart of man, that he may make his face glad with oil” (Ps 103:15). So strengthen your heart by partaking of that spiritual bread and gladden the face of your soul.” – Catechesis to the Newly Baptised of the Church in Jerusalem (4th Century) No 4.

PRAYER – O God, Author of peace and lover of charity, Who endowed blessed John, Your Confessor, with a wondrous grace for reconciling enemies; grant by his merits and intercession that, being ourselves firmly rooted in Thy charity, we may not be separated from Thee by any temptations.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).

All praise, honour and glory to the divine HEART of JESUS. – Indulgence 50 Days, Once a day. Raccolta 168 Pope Leo XIII, 14 June 1901.

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Our Morning Offering – 12 June – Prayer in Adoration of the Sacred Heart in the Blessed Sacrament By St Margaret Mary Alacoque

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 12 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Within the Octave of Corpus Christi

Prayer in Adoration of the Sacred Heart
in the Blessed Sacrament
By St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)
Visionary and Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Jesus Christ, my Lord and my God,
Whom I believe to be really present
in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar,
receive this most profound Act of Adoration
to supply for the desire I have,
to adore Thee unceasingly
and in thanksgiving,
for the sentiments of love
which Thy Sacred Heart
has for me in this Sacrament.
I cannot better acknowledge them,
than by offering Thee,
all the Acts of Adoration,
resignation, patience and love
which this same Heart has made
during its mortal life
and which it makes still
and which it shall make eternally in Heaven,
in order that through it,
I may love Thee, praise Thee
and adore Thee worthily,
as much as it is possible for me.
I unite myself to this Divine Offering
which Thou dost make to Thy Divine Father
and I consecrate to Thee,
my whole being,
praying Thee, to destroy in me,
all sin and not to permit
that I should be separated from Thee,
in time and eternally.
Amen.

Posted in DYING / LAST WORDS, franciscan OFM, SAINT of the DAY

Saint of the Day – 12 June – Blessed Guy Vignotelli of Cortona OFM (c1185-1250) Priest

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 12 June – Blessed Guy Vignotelli of Cortona OFM (c1185-1250) Priest of the Friars Minor, Miracle-worker. Born in c1185 in Cortona, Italy and died in 1250 at the Franciscan Convent at Cortona, of natural causes. Also known as Guido, Giles. Blessed Guy was Beatified in 1583 by Pope Gregory XIII.

In the year 1211, when our holy Father St Francis of Assisi was preaching in Cortona on his first missionary journey through Italy, a certain young man was so touched by his words that, after the sermon, he entreated St Francis to dine at his house. The Saint accepted the invitation. When the young man learned further details about the newly founded Order, and witnessed the edifying conduct of the Founder, he fell at hs feet and begged for the Habit of the Order.

The young man was Guy, or Giles, first-born son of a distinguished family in Cortona. He had been reared in piety and virtue and was quite accomplished in the sciences. Francis directed Guy to distribute his wealth among the poor and gave him the holy Habit in the Parish Church of Cortona in the presence of a great concourse of people. Then Francis chose a spot in a secluded valley near Cortona, where, with the assistance of some devout persons, he built a poor Convent. For a few months the Saint himself instructed Guy and several other Novices there. At his departure, he entrusted to the blessed Gather Sylvester, his companion, the direction of the Novices, especially of young Guy, whose eminent holiness he foresaw.

In fasting, prayer and all the religious exercises, Guy evinced such perfection that he could be raised to the other Novices as a model. He would have preferred to spend all his life in the holy seclusion of the Convent but when he was Ordained to the Priesthood, St Francis commissioned him to go out and preach, for in accordance with the vocation of the Order, he was to sanctify not only himself but other souls too.

Filled with zeal for the salvation of souls, Guy left his seclusion. His words had great influence over the hearts of sinners, his holy life edified everybody and Almighty God confirmed his activities with extraordinary miracles. Once, Guy was quite ill with exhaustion and nothing but water was at hand by way of medicine. Guy made the Sign of the Cross over it and it became the most choice wine, which restored his health and what was lef, later healed the infirmities of others.

After a most blessed and successful career, Almighty God announced to Guy, in the sixtieth year of his life that his death was near at hand. St Francis, who had long ago entered into heavenly bliss, appeared to him and said:

“My son, after three days, at nine o’clock, I shall return and escort your soul to the eternal dwellings.”

His already decreasing strength then began to ebb rapidly. On the third day he received the last Sacraments with great devotion and when the appointed hour arrived, he called out:

“Behold our holy Father Francis!
Arise, let us go to meet him!”

With these words he jubilantly surrendered his pure soul into the hands of his Maker. It was 12 May 1250.

Upon receiving the news of his death, the people of Cortona came to bury Guy’s precious remains in the Parish Church. Amid the festive pealing of bells, with palm branches in their hands and singing hymns, they transported the holy body, in a long procession to the Town. There the remains were entombed in the principal Church. Many miracles were wrought through his intercession.

After some time enemies invaded the City, the Church was pillaged and the precious coffin containing the body of Blessed Guy of Cortona was carried away, although the sacristan hastily wrapped the head in linen cloths and hid it in a well near the Church. At the end of three years, when the Church was being restored, a mysterious light radiated from the well. Upon investigation, the head was found, not even moistened by the water! Amid the jubilation of the entire City, it was again emshrined in the Church.

Pope Benedict XIII approved a proper Mass and Office in honour of Blessed Guy of Cortona, for the Diocese of Cortona. Pope Innocent XII extended it to the entire Franciscan Order.

Posted in MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY

Madonna del Giorno di Montalto / Our Lady of Montalto, Italy (1294), St Juan de Sahagun and Memorials of the Saints – 12 June

Posted on by AnaStpaul

St Juan de Sahagun OESA (1419-1479) Priest and Friar of the Order of the Augustinians, Confessor, Preacher, Social Reformer, Defender of workers.
Biography:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/12/saint-of-the-day-12-june-st-john-of-sahagun-o-e-s-a/

Madonna del Giorno di Montalto / Our Lady of Montalto, Messina, Italy (1294) – 12 June:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/12/feast-of-the-immaculate-heart-of-mary-madonna-del-giorno-di-montalto-our-lady-of-montaltomessina-italy-1294-and-memorials-of-the-saints-12-june/

St Amphion of Nicomedia
Bl Antonio de Pietra
St Arsenius of Konev
St Christian O’Morgair of Clogher
St Chrodobald of Marchiennes
St Cominus
Bl Conrad of Maleville
St Cunera
St Cuniald
St Cyrinus of Antwerp
St Eskil
St Galen of Armenia
St Gerebald of Châlons-sur-Seine
St Geslar

Blessed Guy Vignotelli of Cortona OFM (c1185-1250) Priest of the Friars Minor, Miracle-worker.

St Pope Leo III (c 750-816) Bishop of Rome and Ruler of the Papal States from 26 December 795 to his death. Defender of the City ad peoples of Rome and of the Church. Peacemaker and restorer of Churches and Monasteries, Patron of the Arts and Apostle of the poor. Know as “Charlemagne’s Pope”
His Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/12/saint-of-the-day-12-june-st-pope-leo-iii-c-750-816/

St Odulf of Utrecht
St Olympius of AEnos
St Onuphrius of Egypt
Bl Pelagia Leonti of Milazzo
St Peter of Mount Athos
St Placid of Val d’Ocre
St Ternan of Culross
St Valerius of Armenia

Martyrs of Bologna: Three Christians who were martyred at different times and places, but whose relics have been collected and enshrined together – Celsus, Dionysius, and Marcellinus. Their relics were enshrined in churches in Bologna and Rome in Italy.

St Basilides and Companions / cMartyrs of Rome: Four members of the Imperial Roman nobility. They were all soldiers, one or more may have been officers, and all were Martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian – Basilides, Cyrinus, Nabor and Nazarius.
They were martyred in 304 outside Rome, Italy and buried along the Aurelian Way.

Three Holy Exiles: Three Christian men who became Benedictine Monks at the Saint James Abbey in Regensburg, Germany, then Hermits at Griestatten and whose lives and piety are celebrated together. – Marinus, Vimius and Zimius.

Posted in GOOD FRIDAY, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OUR Cross, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on SACRIFICE, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The PASSION, The REDEMPTION

Thought for the Day – 11 June – The Holy Mass

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

The Holy Mass

“The Sacrifice of the Mass is the noblest act of our religion.
In it is renewed, in a real but unbloody manner, the Sacrifice of Calvary.

Jesus desired to remain with us throughout the centuries in the Blessed Eucharist as our friend, comforter and spiritual food.
Similarly, not being satisfied with having shed His Precious Blood on the Cross for our Redemption, it was His wish that this sacrificial action should be renewed daily in every corner of the world, in such a way, that everyone could participate in it and benefit from it.
When we are present at Holy Mass, therefore, we should imagine that we are on Calvary at the foot of the Cross on which our Divine Redeemer is voluntarily giving His Life, as an innocent Victim, for our sins.
Let us see Him hanging between earth and sky, a holocaust of propitiation between God and men.
Let us see Him imploring with His dying glance, forgiveness for His executioners and for us sinners.

Let us imagine, moreover, His most Holy Mother as she gazes sorrowfully upon her suffering Son.
With love far greater than that of any other human creature, she offers herself in union with Jesus, for our salvation.

We should make a similar offering when we assist at the Sacrifice of the Altar.
We should sacrifice ourselves along with Jesus.
If we are tormented by sufferings, let us offer them up along with those of Jesus.
If we are troubled by passionate inclinations to sin, let us sacrifice these bravely, along with Jesus and for love of Him.
If we are full of hatred and coldness towards others, let us sacrifice these feelings for love of Jesus, Who forgave everyone who asked and repented and prayed even for His executioners.

Let us remember, that the Sacrifice of the Mass should be our sacrifice too,
It is not only the Priest who offers it but we offer it along with the Priest and with Jesus.
“Receive, O Holy Trinity, this oblation which we make to Thee.”
Let us unite the offering of our entire selves to the Sacrifice of Jesus and we sgall obtain great spiritual benefits.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in ASPIRATIONS and EJACULATIONS, AUGUST - The Immaculate Heart of Mary, CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, DOCTORS of the Church, DOGMA, EUCHARISTIC, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOD the FATHER, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, INDULGENCES, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, PARTIAL Indulgence, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, Quotes on SALVATION, SACRAMENTS, St JOSEPH, THE ASSUMPTION, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The REDEMPTION

Quote/s of the Day – 11 June – He left His Body and His Blood …

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 11 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – The Solemnity of Corpus Christi – 1 John 3:13-18, Luke 14:16-24. – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“… This Body which He took from us,
He gave wholly for our salvation.
For, He offered His own Body to God the Father,
upon the Altar of the Cross,
as a Victim for our reconciliation
and, He shed, His own Blood,
both to redeem and cleanse us
that we, being bought back
from a wretched slavery,
might be washed from all our sins.
And then, that the memory
of such a great benefit might abide in us,
He left His Body to be our food
and His Blood to be our drink
that the faithful might receive them
under the species of Bread and Wine.”

St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Doctor Angelicus/Doctor Communis

“I adore Thee at every moment,
O Living Bread of Heaven, great Sacrament!
Jesus, heart of Mary, I pray Thee, bless my soul.
Holiest Jesus, my Saviour, I give Thee my heart.”

(Indulgence of Two Hundred Days;
Pope Pius VII, 1915)

The Divine Praises

Blessed be God.
Blessed be His Holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus.
Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy.
Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be her glorious Assumption.
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints.

May the Heart of Jesus, in the Most Blessed Sacrament,
be praised, adored and loved with grateful affection,
at every moment, in all the Tabernacles of the world,
even to the end of time.
Amen.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, GOD ALONE!, ONE Minute REFLECTION, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 11 June – ‘ … Christ is Food and Drink, Bread and Wine…’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 11 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – The Solemnity of Corpus Christi and the Feast of St Barnabas Apostle – 1 John 3:13-18, Luke 14:16-24. – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“But I say unto you that none of those men who were invited shall taste of my supper.” – Luke 14:24

REFLECTION – “The Psalmist says: “Bread fortifies the heart of man and wine rejoices his heart” (Ps 103:15). For those who believe in Him, Christ is Food and Drink, Bread and Wine. He is Bread when He strengthens and establishes us according to Peter’s words: “After you have suffered a little, the God of all grace Who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will restore, strengthen and establish you” (1 Pt 5:10). He is Drink and Wine when He makes us glad according to the words of the Psalmist: “Gladden the soul of Thy servant, for to Thee, O Lord, I lift up my soul” (Ps 85:4).

Everything in us which is strong, steadfast, firm, happy and joyful to carry out God’s commands, bear with misfortune, act obediently, stand up for justice – all these things come from this Bread’s strength, this Wine’s gladness. Happy are they whose deeds are strong and joyful! And since no-one can do it of themselves, happy are they who have an eager desire to cleave to what is just and right and to be strengthened in everything and rejoice through Him Who said: “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Mt 5:6). If Christ is Food and Drink even now for the strength and joy of the righteous, how much more so will He be in the life to come, when He will give to the righteous without measure?!” – Baldwin of Canterbury (c1125-1190) Cistercian Abbot of Forde Monastery and Archbishop of Canterbury (The Sacrament of the Altar – II:3 ).

PRAYER – O God, Who gladden us by the merits and intercession of blessed Barnabas, Thy Apostle, mercifully grant that we, who ask of Thee favours through him, may obtain them by the gift of Thy grace.ThroughJesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).

All praise, honour and glory to the Divine Heart of JESUS.
50 Days Indulgence, Once a day, Raccolta, 168 Pope Leo XIII, 13 June 1901.

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, EUCHARISTIC, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Our Morning Offering – 11 June – Pange Lingua Gloriosi Corporis Mysterium

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 11 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – The Solemnity of Corpus Christi, The Most Holy Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ and Sunday within the Octave – The Second Sunday after Pentecost

Pange Lingua Gloriosi Corporis Mysterium
Sing, My Tongue
By St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Eng trans – Fr Edward Caswell CO (1814-1878)
(Excerpt on the image – the 4 last stanzas)

Sing, my tongue, the Saviour’s glory,
Of His Flesh, the Mystery sing;
Of the Blood, all price exceeding,
Shed by our Immortal King,
Destined, for the world’s redemption,
From a noble Womb to spring.

Of a pure and spotless Virgin
Born for us on earth below,
He, as Man, with man conversing,
Stayed, the seeds of truth to sow;
Then He closed in solemn order
Wondrously His Life of woe.

On the night of that Last Supper,
Seated with His chosen band,
He, the Paschal Victim eating,
First fulfils the Law’s command;
Then as Food to all His brethren
Gives Himself with His own Hand.

Word-made-Flesh, the bread of nature
By His Word to Flesh He turns;
Wine into His Blood He changes,
What though sense no change discerns.
Only be the heart in earnest,
Faith her lesson quickly learns.

Down in adoration falling,
Lo, the Sacred Host we hail,
Lo, o’er ancient forms departing
Newer rites of grace prevail,
Faith for all defects supplying,
When the feeble senses fail.

To the Everlasting Father
And the Son Who comes on high
With the Holy Ghost proceeding
Forth from each eternally,
Be salvation, honour, blessing,
Might and endless majesty.
Amen. Alleluia.

Written by St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) the Angelic and Common Doctor of the Church, for the very first Solemnity of Corpus Christi, this Hymn is considered the most beautiful of Aquinas’ Hymns and one of the seven great Hymns of the Church.

The last two stanzas make up the Tantum Ergo (Down in Adoration Falling) which is used at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The Hymn is also used on Maundy Thursday during the procession from the Sanctuary to the Altar of Repose, where the Blessed Sacrament is kept until Good Friday.

PANGE, Lingua, Gloriosi Corporis Mysterium

Corporis mysterium,
Sanguinisque pretiosi,
quem in mundi pretium
fructus ventris generosi
Rex effudit Gentium.

Nobis datus, nobis natus
ex intacta Virgine,
et in mundo conversatus,
sparso verbi semine,
sui moras incolatus
miro clausit ordine.

In supremae nocte cenae
recumbens cum fratribus
observata lege plene
cibis in legalibus,
cibum turbae duodenae
se dat suis manibus.

Verbum caro, panem verum
verbo carnem efficit:
fitque sanguis Christi merum,
et si sensus deficit,
ad firmandum cor sincerum
sola fides sufficit.

Tantum ergo Sacramentum
veneremur cernui:
et antiquum documentum
novo cedat ritui:
praestet fides supplementum
sensuum defectui.

Genitori, Genitoque
laus et iubilatio,
salus, honor, virtus quoque
sit et benedictio:
procedenti ab utroque
compar sit laudatio.
Amen. Alleluia.

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

Saint of the Day – 11 June – St Rembert of Hamburg (c830-888) Archbishop

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Saint of the Day – 11 June – St Rembert of Hamburg (c830-888) Archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen, Missionary, Miracle-worker, Founder of Churches and Monasteries, Disciple of St Ansgar (801-865) “The Apostle of the North.” Born in c830 in Denmark (probably) and died on 3 February in 862 or 888 of natural causes. St Rembert most famously wrote the Hagiography about the life Ansgar, the Vita Ansgari, one of the most popular hagiographies of middle ages. Patronage s- of the blind and those with eye diseases, against storms at sea. Also known as – Rembert, Rembertus, Rimbert. Additional Memorial 4 February the day on which St Rembert was chosen as the Archbishop. St Ansgar’s life here: https://anastpaul.com/2019/02/03/saint-of-the-day-3-february-saint-ansgar-osb-801-865-apostle-of-the-north/

The Roman Martyrology reads : “In Bremen in Saxony, in today’s Germany, Saint Rembert, Bishop of Hamburg and Bremen, who, a faithful disciple of Saint Ansgar and his successor, extended his ministry to the regions of Denmark and Sweden and, at the time of the invasions of the Normans, he took care of the ransom of the Christian prisoners.”

Engraving in the Austrian National Library in Vienna

Little is directly known about Rimbert, much of the information available regarding his life comes from the Vita Rimberti, a Hagiography written by an unknown author, likely produced some time in the 10th Century. We believe that Rembert might have been a Dane. He studied under St Ansgar near Bruges in the neighbouring Monastery of Turholt. St Ansgar called him to his assistance in his missionary labours and, in his last sickness, recommended him to be his successor, saying: “Rembert is more worthy to be Archbishop, than I to discharge the office of his Deacon.”

After St Ansgar’s death, in 865, Rembert was unanimously chosen as the Archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen and evangelised, governed and administered all the Churches of Sweden, Denmark and Lower Germany, finishing the work of their conversion. Rembert continued much of the missionary labours begun under St Ansgar, despite the lack of Royal or Papal support.

As Archbishop, he maintained the poorhouse in Bremen which had been established by St Ansgar and founded a Monastery at Bücken. Rembert, furthermore, obtained market, coinage and toll rights for the City of Bremen.

He also began the conversion of the Sclavi and the Vandals, now called Brandenburghers. He sold the Sacred Vessels to redeem captives from the Normans and gave the horse on which he was riding, for the ransom of a virgin taken by the Sclavi.

In 884 Rembert personally led a Frisian army against the Vikings and following the victorious Battle of Norditi, was able to drive them permanently out of East Frisia! This indeed, was a Saint of many talents.

It was also chronicled in the Vita Rimberti that our Saint had performed numerous miracles, many of which are associated with his missionary work in Sweden. The miracles attributed to him include calming stormy seas, restoring sight to the blind and in one instance, performing an exorcism on the son of Louis the German.

He was most careful never to lose a moment of time from serious duties and prayer and never to interrupt the attention of his mind to God in his exterior functions.

Rembert died on 3 February in 888 (or 862) but is commemorated also on the 4th of February, the day on which he was chosen Archbishop. Hewas buried on the outer wall of Bremen Cathedral next to St Willehad.

His life of St Ansgar is admired, both for the Author’s accuracy and piety and for the elegance and correctness of the composition. His letter to St Walburga, the first Abbess of Nienherse, is a vulnerable exhortation to humility and virginity.

Bremen Cathedral
Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN TITLES, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS

The Solemnity of Corpus Christi, Feast of St Barnabas the Apostle, Our Lady of Mantara / Our Lady of ‘Awaiting’ Lebanon (1721) and Memorials of the Saints – 11 June

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The Solemnity of Corpus Christi
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/16/the-festival-of-corpus-christi/

Sunday Within the Octave of Corpus Christi

Pentecost II

Feast of St Barnabas the Apostle (Martyred in c 61 at Salamis)
St Barnabas!
https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/11/saint-of-the-day-11-june-st-barnabas-apostle-son-of-encouragement/
AND:
https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/11/saint-of-the-day-st-barnabas-the-apostle-11-june/

Our Lady of Mantara / Our Lady of ‘Awaiting’, Maghdouché, Sidon, South Governorate, Lebanon (1721) – 11 June, 8 September:
HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/11/st-barnabas-apostle-and-martyr-our-lady-of-mantara-our-lady-of-awaiting-maghdouche-sidon-south-governorate-lebano-1721-and-memorials-of-the-saints-11-june/

St Blitharius of Seganne

Blessed Helen of Poland (c 1235-1298) Princess, Widow, Mother, Nun and Abbess of the Poor Clares, Apostle of the poor, the needy and the sick.
Her Life:
https://anastpaul.com/2021/06/11/saint-of-the-day-11-june-blessed-helen-of-poland-c-1235-1298/

St Herebald of Bretagne
Bl Hugh of Marchiennes
Bl Jean de Bracq

Bl Kasper of Grimbergen
St Maximus of Naples

St Parisius ECMC (c 1160-1267) Priest and Monk of the Camaldolese Hermits of Mount Corona, Spiritual Director, Reformer, Miracle-worker during his life and after his death.
A very long life of humble and loving service, for the glory of God!:
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Treviso, Saint Parisio, Priest of the Camaldolese Order, who for seventy-seven years took care of the spiritual direction of the Nuns with healthy advice, dying at the age of one hundred and eight.”
https://anastpaul.com/2022/06/11/saint-of-the-day-11-june-st-parisius-ecmc-c-1160-1267-a-very-long-life-of-humble-and-loving-service-for-the-glory-of-god/

St Rembert of Hamburg (c830-888) Archbishop
St Riagail of Bangor
Bl Stephen Bandelli OP
St Tochumra of Kilmore
St Tochumra of Tuam

Martyrs of Tavira – 7 Beati: Members of the Knights of Santiago de Castilla. During the re-conquest of the Iberian peninsula from the Muslims by Christian forces, in a period of truce between the armies, the group was allowed to leave the Portuguese camp to hunt. Near Tavira, Portugal, he and his companions were ambushed and killed by a Muslim force. Making a reprisal attack, the Portuguese army took the city of Tavira. The murdered knights were considered to be martyrs as they died in an action defending the faith.
They were – Blessed Alvarus Garcia, Blessed Beltrão de Caia, Blessed Damião Vaz, Blessed Estêvão Vasques, Blessed Garcia Roiz, Blessed Mendus Valle, Blessed Pedro Rodrigues’
They were Martyred in 1242 outside Tavira, Faro, Portugal. Their relics are enshrined under the altar of Saint Barnabas in the Church of Our Lady, Queen of the Angels (modern Santa Maria do Castelo) in Tavria, Portugal.

Mercedarian Martyrs of Damietta: Three Mercedarian Lay Knights who worked to ransom Christians enslaved by Muslims. During the 7th Crusade, a plague swept through the Christian army and these knights volunteered to work with the sick. During this work they were captured by Muslims and ordered to convert to Islam; they refused. They were tortured, taken to Damietta, Egypt where they were murdered for their faith. They were thrown from a tower in the mid-13th century in Damietta, Egypt.

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on KINDNESS, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on PRIDE

Thought for the Day – 10 June – “Learn from Me, For I Am Meek and Humble of Heart”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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

“Learn From Me, For I Am Meek
and Humble of Heart”

“Jesus is perfection itself.
In Him, therefore, every virtue is to be found.
He could truly claim that He fulfilled in Himself the precept: “You are to be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48).
Throughout His life, He performed in a perfect manner, the will of His heavenly Father:  “I do always the things that are pleasing to Him” (Jn 8:29).

Jesus Christ provided us with an example of every virtue.
As the foundation of all the virtues, He insisted on the great precept of loving God above all things and our neighbour as ourselves.
In proposing Himself as a model, however, this is what He said: “Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart and ou will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:29).
The outstanding example which Jesus gave us for our imitation, was this meekness and humility of heart.
We shall have peace of soul only, if we are meek and humble.

In what did the humility of Jesus consist?
He was God and He became man.
He, Who possessed everything was born poor in a wretched stable and lived as a lowly workman for thirty years.
He allowed Himself to be betrayed by one of His Apostles, to be sentenced to death as an evildoer and, finally, to be executed on the Cross.

He combined humility with gentleness.
He was happy when He could receive back penitent sinners and grant them forgiveness and peace.
Let us recall the examples of Mary Magdalen, the adulteress, the lost sheep, the prodigal son and, finally, the repentant thief, to whom He promised the reward of Heaven.
What greater gentleness and mercy could we ever find?

To the present day, moreover, Jesus Christ is hidden in the Blessed Eucharist under the consecrated species and appeals to us to imitate and love Him.

When we are disturbed by pride, ambition, or worldly desires, let us go to Jesus and kneel in silence before the Tabernacle.
“Learn from me,” He will say to us once more, “for I am meek and humble of heart and you will find rest for your souls.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on The SOUL, ROSARY QUOTES, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The WORD

Quote/s of the Day – 10 June – ‘… Let us ask for the life-giving Bread …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Day – 10 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Within the Octave of Corpus Christi – 1 Corinthians 23-29, John 6:56-59 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“He who eats My Flesh
and drinks My Blood,
abides in Me and I in him.”

John 6:57

“This bread you see on the Altar,
consecrated by the Word of God,
is the Body of Christ.
This cup consecrated by the Word of God,
or rather its contents, is the Blood of Christ.
In these two elements our Lord desired to hand over,
for our veneration and love,
His Body and Blood,
shed for the remission of our sins.
If you have received them with a good disposition,
then you are what you have received.
As the Apostle Paul declares:
“We are, all of us, one bread, one body”
(1 Cor 10,17)…”

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

“Enrich your soul in the great goodness of God –
The Father is your Table,
the Son is your Food
and the Holy Spirit waits on you
and then makes His Dwelling in you.”

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

“The soul must be nourished, as well as the body,
for it has its own life which is worn away
by the daily conflict against sinful inclinations
and by the constant struggle to achieve sanctity.
It needs to be nourished by the word of God,
by His grace and especially,
by receiving the Author of grace frequently
in Holy Communion. …
“Whoever eats this Bread shall live forever.”
Let us ask for the life-giving Bread,
for ourselves and for our unfortunate brothers
who are living apart from Jesus,
in a state of spiritual death.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, FATHERS of the Church, HOLY SPIRIT, LOVE of NEIGHBOUR, ONE Minute REFLECTION, PARTIAL Indulgence, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on MYSTERIES of our FAITH, QUOTES on SIN, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, QUOTES on THE WORLD, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The HOLY GHOST, The PASSION, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 10 June –  ‘ … They clothe themselves with the Lord Jesus Christ …’

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 10 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Within the Octave of Corpus Christi and The Memorial of St Margaret Queen of Scotland (1045-1093) Widow – 1 Corinthians 23-29, John 6:56-59 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/

“For as often as you shall eat this Bread and drink the Cup, you proclaim the Death of the Lord, until He comes.” – 1 Corinthians 11:26

REFLECTION – “In our offering of the Holy Sacrifice we fulfil the Command of our Saviour, as recorded by the Apostle Paul: The Lord Jesus, on the night in which He was betrayed, took bread and after He had given thanks, broke it and said: This is My Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me. The same way, after the supper, He took the Cup saying: This Cup is the New Covenant in My Blood. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as you eat this Bread and drink this Cup, you shall proclaim the Death of the Lord until He comes.

This Sacrifice is offered, then, to proclaim the Lord’s Death; it is offered in remembrance of Him, Who laid down His Life for our sake. As He says: Greater love than this no man has, that he lay down his life for his friends. Because Christ died for us out of love, we ask, when we make remembrance of His Death, at the time of Sacrifice, that we too may be granted love through the coming of the Holy Spirit. We pray, that by the Love which Christ had for us, when He braved the Cross, we may receive the grace of the Spirit and be crucified to the world and the world to us. The Death Christ died, He died to sin, once for all but the Life He lives, He lives to God. Let us imitate our Lord’s Death and also live a new life. Strengthened with the gift of His Love, let us die to sin and live for God.

For God’s Love has been poured out in our hearts, through the Holy Spirit, Who has been given to us. Indeed our sharing in the Lord’s Body and Blood, when we eat His Bread and drink His Cup, teaches us, that we should die to the world and that we should keep our life hidden with Christ in God, crucifying our flesh with its vices and evil desires.

That is why all the faithful who love God and their neighbour, truly drink the Cup of the Lord’s Love even though, they may not drink the cup of His Bodily Suffering. And becoming inebriated from it, they put to death, whatever in their nature is rooted in earth. They clothe themselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not indulge fleshly desires. They do not fix their gaze on visible things but contemplate things, which the eye cannot see. Thus they drink the Lord’s Cup by preserving the holy bond of love – without it, even if a man should deliver his body to be burned, he gains nothing. But the gift of love enables us to become, in reality, what we celebrate as Mystery in the Sacrifice.” – St Fulgentius of Ruspe (c 462 – 533) Bishop, Father (An excerpt from Against Fabianus).

PRAYER – O God, Who made blessed Queen Margaret glorious by her remarkable charity toward the poor; grant, by her intercession and example that Thy charity may continually increase in our hearts. 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).

MAY the Heart of JESUS in the most Blessed Sacrament be praised, adored and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the Tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time. – Indulgence 100 Days, Once a Day. Raccolta 161 Pius IX, 29 February 1868.