O Mary, My Hope! By St John Damascene (675-749) Father and Doctor of the Church
I salute you, O Mary! you are the hope of Christians. Receive the prayer of a sinner, who loves you tenderly, honours you in a special manner and places in you the whole hope of his salvation. From you I have my life. You reinstate me in the grace of your Son: you are the sure pledge of my salvation. I beseech of you, therefore, to deliver me from the burden of my sins, dispel the darkness of my mind, banish from my heart the love of the world, repress the temptations of my enemies and so rule my whole life, that by your means and under your guidance, I may obtain everlasting happiness in heaven. Amen
Saint of the Day – 15 April – St Paternus of Avranches (c482-565) Bishop, Abbot, Monk, Hermit, Miracle-worker, Founder of Monasteries, local Missionary to the pagans. Born c482 at Poitiers and died c565 of natural causes. Also known as – Foix, Padarn, Pair, Patier.
Paternus was born at Poitiers, of illustrious Christian parents, about the year 482. His father, Patranus, with the consent of his wife, went to Ireland to end his days as a hermit in holy solitude.
Paternus, fired by his father’s example, embraced monastic life in the Abbey of Marnes, France. After some time, desiring to attain the perfection of Christian virtue by a life of penance in solitude, he retired with a companion Monk of the Abbey, Saint Scubilion. In the forests of the Diocese of Coutances near the sea, they embraced an austere anchorite’s life resembling that of Angels more than of men.
In 512, an Abbot of that region who knew of him recommended Paternus to the Bishop of Coutances, who Ordained him a Deacon and then a Priest. He and Saint Scubilion then evangelised the western coasts and established several Monasteries, of which he was the Abbot general. Many miracles honoured his apostolate among the pagan populations.
In his mature years, he was consecrated bishop of Avranches while his former companion, Saint Scubilion, had become Abbot of a Monastery founded by the two missionaries.
When Saint Paternus fell ill he felt his end was near and he sent to his dear friend to come and assist him in his last illness. But the same fate had befallen Scubilion, who, for his part had sent a messenger to Paternus! The two hermit-missionaries, each of whom had become the spiritual father of many, departed this life on the same day, 15 or 16 April 565, the thirteenth year of the Episcopate of Saint Paternus. They were afterwards buried on the same day in the Church of the Monastery of Scicy, a region they had evangelised together.
Statue of St Paternus at the Church dedicated to him in Avranches
Saint Anastasia of Rome (Died c 68) Martyr, Spiritual Student of St Peter the Apostle AND: St Basilissa of Rome (Died c 68) Martyr, Spiritual Student of St Peter the Apostle. put to death during the reign of Nero. They were among the first converts to Christianity in the 1st century after Christ. The Roman Martyrology states today: “At Rome, the Saints Basilissa and Anastasia. Of noble families, they were disciples of the Apostles and, as they persevered courageously in the profession of their faith, in the time of the Emperor Nero, they had their tongues and feet cut off, were put to the sword and thus obtained the Crown of Martyrdom.” Their Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/15/saint-s-of-the-day-15-april-saints-anastasia-and-st-basilissa-died-c-68-martyrs/
St Crescens of Myra St Eutyches of Rome St Eutychius of Ferentino
Bl Laurentinus Sossius St Maro of Rome St Maximus of Persia St Mundus St Nidger of Augsburg St Olympiades of Persia St Ortario of Landelles St Paternus of Avranches (c482-c565) Bishop
St Sylvester of Réome St Theodore of Thrace St Victorinus of Rome St Waltmann of Cambrai
Mercedarian Martyrs of Africa: A group of Mercedarian Monks sailing to Africa as on a mission to redeem capture Christians. Captured by Moors, they were tortured and executed for their faith. Martyrs. 1393.
Thought for the Day – 14 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Divided Heart
“Remember Our Lord’s warning that it is impossible to serve two masters. We cannot serve God and at the same time be preoccupied eith self-love, worldly pleasure and sin. Look at the Saints. Their hearts were never divided but belonged wholly to God. They did everything in their power to keep their hearts pure and burning with love for Him. They suffered because of their slightest imperfections and longed to remain always close to God. We should imitate them. We have to look after our daily duties, it is true but everything should be done for the love and glory of God. All our actions should constitute a spiritual ladder which brings us closer and closer to God.”
Quote/s of the Day –14 April – Easter Friday – 1 Peter 3:18-22, Matthew 28:16-20 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And behold, I Am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.”
Matthew 28:20
“Never separate yourself from the Church. No institution has the power of the Church. The Church is your hope. The Church is your salvation. The Church is your refuge.”
St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father and Doctor of the Church
Act of Spiritual Communion By St Bernard O. Cist (1090-1153) Mellifluous Doctor of the Church
As I cannot this day enjoy the happiness of assisting at the Holy Mysteries, O my God, I transport myself in spirit to the foot of Your Altar. I unite with the Church, which, by the hands of the Priest, offers You, Your adorable Son in the Holy Sacrifice. I offer myself with Him, by Him and in His Name. I adore, I praise and thank You, imploring Your mercy, invoking Your assistance and presenting to You, the homage I owe You as my Creator and the love due to You, as my Saviour.
Apply to my soul, I beseech You, O Merciful Jesus, Your infinite merits; apply them also to those for whom I particularly wish to pray. I desire to communicate spiritually, that Your Blood, may purify, Your Flesh, strengthen and Your Spirit, sanctify me. May I never forget that You, my divine Redeemer, died for me. May I die to all that is not You, that hereafter, I may live eternally with You. Amen.
“No tongue is able to declare the greatness of the love which Jesus bears to every soul and, therefore, this Spouse, when He would leave this earth, in order that His absence might not cause us to forget Him, left us, as a memorial, this Blessed Sacrament, in which He Himself remained; for He would not, that there should be any other pledge to keep alive, our remembrance of Him, than He Himself!”
St Peter of Alcantara (1499-1562)
“My dear souls, let us recognise, I pray you, Christ’s infinite charity towards us in the institution of this Sacrament of the Eucharist. In order that our love be a spiritual love, He wills a new heart, a new love, a new spirit for us. It is not with a carnal heart but with a spiritual one, that Christ has loved us with a gratuitous love, a supreme and most ardent love, by way of pure grace and charity. Ah! One needs to love Him back with one’s whole, whole, whole, living, living, living and true, true, true heart!”
One Minute Reflection – 14 April – “The Month of the Resurrection” – Easter Friday – 1 Peter 3:18-22, Matthew 28:16-20 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And behold, I Am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.” – Matthew 28:20
REFLECTION – “Christ, our Advocate (1 Jn 2 :1), sits at the Right Hand of the Father. He is no longer visible amongst us in His human nature but He condescends to remain with us until the consummation of the world, invisible under the appearances of bread and wine in the Sacrament of His Love. This is the great Mystery of a God, Who is present and hidden, Who will come one day to judge the living and the dead.
It is towards this great day of God that the whole of humanity progresses from ages past, present and future. It is towards this day that the Church advances, mistress of faith and morals, for all nations, Baptising in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And we, insofar as we believe in the Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth, in the Son, Redeemer of humankind, so we believe in the Holy Ghost.
This is the Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Son as their Consubstantial Love, promised and sent to the Apostles by Christ, on the day of Pentecost, the virtue from on high, Who fills them. He is the Paraclete and Comforter Who remains with them always, the invisible Spirit, unknown to the world, Who teaches them and reminds them of all that Jesus said to them.
Show Christians the Infinite Divine Power of the Creator Spirit, gift of the Most High, giver of every spiritual charism, most kind Consoler, Light of the heart, Who washes what is soiled within our souls, waters what is arid, heals what is wounded.
From Him, Eternal Love, descends the fire of that charity which Christ wishes to see kindled here below; the charity that makes the Church One, Holy, Catholic that animates her and makes her invincible in the midst of the assaults of the synagogue of Satan – the charity that unites, in the Communion of Saints; the charity that renews our friendship with God and remits sin.” – Venerable Pius XII (1876-1958) – Pope from 1939 to 1958 (Allocution to the Priests of Rome and the preachers during Lent, 17 February 1942).
PRAYER – Almighty and eternal God, in the Easter Sacrament Thou instituted the covenant, whereby Thou forgavest mankind; grant to our souls that what we outwardly profess, we may show forth in our deeds. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 14 April – “The Month of the Resurrection”
Easter Prayer of Praise By St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church
It is only right, with all the powers of our heart and mind, to praise Thee Father and Thine Only-Begotten Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Dear Father, by Thy wondrous condescension of Loving-Kindness toward us, Thy servants, Thou gave us Thy Son. Dear Jesus Thou paid the debt of Adam for us, to the Eternal Father by Thy Blood poured forth in Loving-Kindness. Thou cleared away the darkness of sin by Thy magnificent and radiant Resurrection. Thou broke the bonds of death and rose from the grave as a Conqueror. Thou reconciled Heaven and earth. Our life had no hope of Eternal Happiness before Thou Redeemed us. Thy Resurrection has washed away our sins, restored our innocence and brought us joy. How inestimable is the tenderness of Thy Love! Amen
Saint of the Day – 14 April – St Abundius the Sacristan (Died c564) Confessor, Sacristan of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Layman. Pope St Gregory I the Great wrote of his life, which was filled with many graces. Died in .564 of natural causes. Also known as – Abonde. Patronage – of Sacristans.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St Abundius, resdident Sacristan of the Church of St Peter.”
Abundius’ holy life was reportedly an inspiration to all who knew him and several miracles were attributed to him, during his life. For one, he is reported as having miraculously cured a gout sufferer by his prayers.
Another wonderful miracle wrought by the intercession of Abundius is told by Saint Gregory the Great in his Dialogues (Book III, Chapter 25). St Gregory reports that there was a young woman who was suffering from palsy and had been praying to Saint Peter to be cured. The Saint appeared to her in a vision and told her to go to Abundius to be cured. The woman did not know Abundius but sought him out at the Basilica and engaged in the following conversation with him:
“The maid … suddenly met with him whom she sought for and asking for him of himself, he told her that he was Abundius. Then quoth she: ‘Our shepherd and Patron, blessed St Peter the Apostle, hath sent me that you should help me of this my disease.’ ‘If you be sent by him,’ quoth Abundius, ‘then rise up’ and taking her by the hand, he forthwith lifted her up upon her feet and from that very hour, all the sinews and parts of her body became so strong that no sign of her former malady remained.”
In the same work, St Gregory also makes note of another saintly Sacristan of Saint Peter’s, Theodore, who lived before Abundius.
St Abundius is remembered at St Peter’s today where his holy Relics are enshrined.
St Bernard of Tiron (1046-1117) Monk, Abbot, Founder of the the Tiron Abbey and the Tironensian Order. St Bernard had a deep devotion to the Passion of Christ, teaching and instruction his disciples in the love of the Holy Cross. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In the Monastery of Tiron near Chartres in France, Saint Bernard, Abbot, who on several occasions gave himself up to a hermit life in the woods and on the Island of Chausey but also dedicated himself to instructing and guiding the disciples, who in great numbers, flocked to him.” St Bernard’s Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/14/saint-of-the-day-14-april-st-bernard-of-tiron-c-1046-1117/
St Domnina of Terni St Fronto of Nitria Bl Hadewych
Thought for the Day – 13 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Word of God
“In the parable of the sower (Cf Lk 8:5-15) Jesus tells us that the seed is the Word of God. Some seed falls by the wayside, that is, upon hardened and dissipated hearts which admit every kind of thought and affection, exdcept the love of God. The good seed cannot take root and the birds of the air come and eat it. Other seed falls upon rocky ground but, as soon as it has sprung up, it withers away for want of moisture. Other seed falls among thorns which choke it and prevent it from growing. Finally, some of the seed falls upon good ground and yuields fruit a hundredfold.
Let us read the parable and examine the way in which we hear the word of God. Are our hearts hard like the surface of the wayside, so that we are deaf and indifferent to the Word of God? Or do we receive it with joy and enthusiasm at first but, lack the constancy to put it into practice, so that the seed dies for want of moisture and we forget everything which we promised? Or are our minds and hearts caught up in a tangle of earthly preoccupations – business, pleasure and other interests – which choke the good seed and prevent it from yielding fruit?
Let us make a thorough examination of our attitude. If we fall into any of these categories, let us remind ourselves that one day soon, we shall have to render an account to God of all the gifts which we have received and the way in which we have used them.”
“ … Have perfect faith and love for Jesus Christ. These are the beginning and the end of life – faith the beginning, love the end. When these two are found together, there is God and everything else concerning right living follows from them. …”
“Nothing is hidden from the Lord but even our secrets are close to Him. Let us then, do everything, in the knowledge that He is dwelling within us that we may be His temples and He ,God within us.”
St Ignatius of Antioch (c35–c107) Bishop, Martyr, Apostolic Father
“If we follow Christ closely we shall be allowed, even on this earth, to stand, as it were, on the threshold of the heavenly Jerusalem and enjoy the contemplation, of that everlasting feast, like the blessed Apostles, who, in following the Saviour as their leader, showed and still show, the way to obtain the same gift from God. They said – See, we have left all things and followed You. We too follow the Lord and we keep His feast by deeds rather than by words.”
St Athanasius (297-373) Father & Doctor of the Church
“Is it possible that I have been loved and loved so tenderly, by my Saviour? That He thought of me personally in all these little events by which He has drawn me to Himself? How much then should we love, cherish and make good use of all this for our benefit! This is extremely kind. this loving Heart of my God thought of me, loved me and obtained for me a thousand means of salvation. This He did as though there was no other soul in the world He could think of!”
One Minute Reflection – 13 April – Easter Thursday – The Memorial of St Hermenegild (Died 585) Martyr, Confessor – Acts 8:26-40, John 20: 11-18 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“But Mary stood at the sepulchre without, weeping.” – John 20:11
REFLECTION – “Why are you weeping?” You yourself are the cause of your tears, you are the one who makes yourself cry … You cry because you do not believe in Christ: believe and you will see Him. Christ is there; He never misses those who look for Him. “Why are you weeping?” Tears do not serve you any good; you need to have faith, a living faith and worthy of God. Do not think about mortal things and you will stop crying … Why should you be weeping for what makes others rejoice?
“Whom are you looking for?” Can you not see that Christ is the Strength of God that Christ is the Wisdom of God that Christ is Holiness, Christ is Chastity, Christ is Purity, Christ was born of a Virgin, Christ comes from the Father and is with the Father and is always in the Father – born and, therefore, not created, not rejected but always loved, True God from True God? “They have taken away my Lord and I do not know where they laid Him” You are mistaken woman, you think that Christ has been taken away from the tomb by others and you do not believe that He has risen by His Own Power. But no-one can take away the Power of God, no-one takes away the Wisdom of God, no-one can take away His venerable Chastity. Christ is not taken away from the tomb of the just man, nor from the intimacy of the Virgin, nor from the secrecy of her faithful soul and even if there were someone who wanted to take Him away, they could not take Him away.
So the Lord tells her: “Mary, look at Me.” As long as she does not believe, she is called “woman” when she begins to turn towards Him, she is called “Mary.” She receives the same name as the one who gave birth to Christ; for it is the soul that spiritually gives birth to Christ. “Look at Me,” He says. Whoever looks at Christ, amends their life – we lose our way when we do not look at Christ. Therefore, as she turns around, she sees Him and says: “Rabbouni, which means Teacher.” The one who looks, turns around; the one who turns around, is better able to lay hold; the one who sees, progresses. This is why she calls “Teacher” the One she thought was dead, she found the One she thought was lost!” —St Ambrose (340-397) Bishop of Milan, Father and Doctor of the Church (Treatise on Virginity 17-21).
PRAYER – OGod, Who didst teach Thy blessed Martyr Hermenegild to choose a heavenly, rather than an earthly crown, grant, we beseech Thee, that we, like him, may so pass through temporal things that we finally miss not those which are eternal. Through esus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 13 April – Easter Thursday and “The Month of the Resurrection”
O Lamb of God By St Irenaeus (c130 – c202) Bishop & Martyr, Father of the Church
O Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, look upon us and have mercy upon us, Thou who art Thyself, both Victim and Priest, Thyself, both Reward and Redeemer, keep safe from all evil those whom Thou hast redeemed, O Saviour of the world! Amen
Saint of the Day – 13 April – St Hermenegild (Died 585) Martyr, Confessor, King. Born in Toletum, Vmodern Spain and died on 13 April 585 by beheading. Also known as Hermengild, Ermengild, Ermengildo.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Seville in Spain, St Hermenegild, son of Leovigild, Arian King of the Visigoths, who was incarcerated for the confession of the Catholic Faith. By order of his wicked father, he was beheaded because he had refused to receive communion from an Arian Bishop, on the Paschal Solemnity and thus exchanging an earthly for a heavenly Kingdom, he entered the abode of the blessed, both as a King and as a Martyr.”
Leogild, King of the Visigoths, had two sons, Hermenegild and Recared, who reigned jointly with him. All three were Arians but Hermenegild married a. zealous Catholic, the daughter of Sigebert, King of France and by her holy example he was converted to theTrue Faith.
The Baptism of St Hermenegild attr to Guercino 17th Century
His father, on hearing the news, denounced him as a traitor and marched to seize his person. Hermenegild tried to rally the Catholics of Spain in his defence but they were too weak to make any stand and, after a two year fruitless struggle, he surrendered on the assurance of a free pardon.
When safely in the royal camp, his father the King had him loaded with fetters and cast into a foul dungeon at Seville. Tortures and bribes were in turn employed to shake his faith but Hermenegild wrote to his father that he held the Crown as nothing and preferred to lose sceptre and life. rather than betray the Truth of God.
At length, on Easter night, an Arian Bishop entered his cell and promised him his father’s pardon if he would but receive Communion at his hands. Hermenegild indignantly rejected the offer and knelt with joy for his death-stroke.
The same night a light streaming from his cell told the Christians who were watching near by that the Martyr had won his crown and was keeping his Easter with the Saviour and His Saints in glory.
El Triunfo de San Hermenegildo by Francisco Herrera the Younger (1654)
Leovigild on his death-bed, although still an Arian, bade Recared seek out St Leander, whom he had himself cruelly persecuted and, following Hermenegild’s example, be was received by St Leander into the Church. Recared did so too and on his father’s death, laboured so earnestly for the extirpation of Arianism that he brought over the whole nation of the Visigoths to the One True Church.
“Nor is it to be wondered,” says St Gregory, “that he came thus to be a preacher of the True Faith, seeing that he was brother of a Martyr, whose merits did help him to bring so many into the lap of God’s Church.”
St Carpus of Pergamus Bl Edward Catherick Bl Francis Dickenson St Guinoc
St Hermengild (Died 585) Martyr, Confessor, King
St Ida of Boulogne Bl Ida of Louvain Bl James of Certaldo Bl John Lockwood
Blessed Margaret of Castello OP (1287-1320) Italian professed member from the Third Order of the Order of Preachers of St Dominic. Margaret was disabled and became known for her deep faith and holiness. Her body is incorrupt. Beatified on 19 October 1609 by Pope Paul V (concession of indult for Mass and Office). About Blessed Margaret: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/04/13/saint-of-the-day-13-april-blessed-margaret-of-castello-o-p-1287-1320/
St Martius of Auvergne Bl Miles Gerard St Papylus of Pergamus St Proculus of Terni St Ursus of Ravenna
Martyrs of Dorostorum – 3 Saints: A lector and two students Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian – Dadas, Maximus and Quinctillianus. Beheaded c303 in Dorostorum, Lower Mysia (modern Sillistria, Bulgaria.
Thought for the Day – 12 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Resurrection
“Our resurrection must begin in this life, however. Day-by-day, we must work hard for our spiritual resurrection. We should give this matter our special attention during Paschal time.
Our resurrection must be real and not apparent, like that of many people who celebrate Easter without any sincere intention of changing their lives. It should not be imperfect like that of Lazarus (Cf Jn 11:43) who rose for a while and died again but, perfect, like that of Jesus, over Whom death no longer has dominion (Cf Rom 6:9).
In other words, we must rise never again to die to sin which is the real death of the soul. We must rise also, to ascend higher and higher on the way of perfection and to carry out Our Lord’s command: “You, therefore, are to be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48).”
The Greatest Story Ever Told The Greatest Easter Painting Ever Made!
“Look into Peter’s wide open eyes and John’s intense gaze. Their eyes contain a mix of anxiousness and hope, the way a parent or grandparent’s eyes look at the news of an impending birth. A new life is about to emerge but there is still uncertainty because it is a mystery beyond full human comprehension or control. Peter and John’s faces capture the same sense of anticipation. Burnand created a sparse, simple painting capturing two of the most important players in the greatest story ever told. Meditate upon their faces, as Burnand intended you to do and through them, discover the empty tomb.” (Elisabeth Ehrhard-Crises Magazine).
One Minute Reflection – 12 April – “The Month of the Resurrection” – Easter Wednesday – Acts 3:13-15; 3:17-19, John 21:1-14 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“ Simon Peter, when he heard that it was the Lord, girt his coat about him (for he was naked) and cast himself into the sea.. …” – John 21:7
REFLECTION – “The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter: ‘It is the Lord!’” The one who loved was the first to see! love casts a keener sight over everything; whosoever loves, always feels with greater vivacity. … What difficulty made Peter’s spirit so slow and prevented him from recognising Jesus first, as he had already done? Where is that unique witness which caused him to exclaim: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God?” (Mt 16:16) Where is it? Peter had entered the house of Caiaphas, the high priest, where he had heard the whispering of a servant without difficulty, yet, he delayed to acknowledge his Lord!?
“When he heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic, for he had nothing on.” How odd, my brethren! … Peter gets into the boat without anything on and jumps into the sea fully clothed!? … Those who are guilty always cover themselves, so as to disguise themselves. Like Adam, then, Peter wants to hide his nakedness after his sin; the two of them, before fishing, were only clothed with a holy nakedness. “He put on his tunic and jumped into the sea.” He was hoping that the sea would wash the dirty garment that was his betrayal. He jumped into the sea because he, who had been entrusted with the greatest responsibilities (Mt 16:18) wanted to be the first to return. He girded himself with his tunic because he was to be girded for the combat of martyrdom, according to the Lord’s words: “Another will gird you and take you where you do not want to go” (Jn 21:18). …
The others came with the boat, dragging their net full of fish. With a great deal of difficulty, they brought the Church back with them, tossed about in the winds of the world. This is what those men bore in the net of the Gospel to the Light of Heaven and which they pulled out of the deep, so as to lead it to the Lord.” – St Peter Chrysologus (c400-450) Bishop of Ravenna, Father and “Doctor of Homilies” (Sermon 78).
PRAYER – O God, Who dost every year fill us with holy gladness through the rising of the Lord, mercifully grant that these Feast-days which we are now keeping here in time, may be to us, a means whereby, in the end, we may worthily attain unto those pleasures which are at Thy Right Hand, for evermore.Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 12 April – Easter Wednesday – “The Month of the Resurrection”
O Most Compassionate Jesus! By Pope Pius IX (1792-1878) Indulgence of 100 days, once a day 6 October 1870
O Most compassionate Jesus! Thou alone art our Salvation, our Life and our Resurrection. We implore Thee, therefore, do not forsake us in our needs and afflictions but by the agony of Thy Most Sacred Heart and by the sorrows of Thy Immaculate Mother, succour Thy servants, whom Thou hast redeemed by Thy Most Precious Blood. Amen
Saint of the Day – 12 April – Saint Pope Julius I (Died 337) Bishop of Rome from 6 February 337 until his death on 12 April 352. He fought against the Arian Heresy and it is traditionally believed that he is the Pope who set 25 December as the date of the Birth of Jesus. Born at Rome, Italy and died on 12 April 352 of natural causes. Also known as – Jules I.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rome, the birthday of Pope St Julius, who combated vigorously for the Catholic Faith against the Arians. After a life of brilliant deeds and great sanctity, he rested in peace.”
Julius was the son of a Roman named Rusticus. He was elected Pope to succeed Pope St Mark on 6 February 337.
Julius was soon involved in the Arian controversy when Eusebius of Nicomedia opposed the return of Athanasius to the See of Alexandria in 338. Eusebius and his followers elected George, whereupon the Arians elected Pistus.
On his second banishment from Alexandria, St Athanasius came to Rome, and was recognised as the rightful Bishop by the Synod presided over by Julius in c340. In a letter to the Eusebian Bishops, Julius declared that Athanasius was the rightful Bishop of Alexandria and reinstated him. The matter was not finally settled until the Council of Sardica (Sofia), summoned by Emperors Constans and Constantius in 342 or 343, declared Julius’ action correct and that any deposed Bishop had the right of appeal to the Pope in Rome.
The Fathers of the Council of Sardica sent Pope Julius I the letter Quod semper credidimus, whose beginning we transcribe:
“The Bishops gathered in the City of Sardica, to our most beloved Brother Julius, Bishop of Rome.
We have always believed and professed that which we have now experienced and heard. What the Blessed Paul, Doctor of Nations, said about himself is true; to wit that since Christ the Lord dwelt in him, there can be no doubt that the Spirit spoke through his breath and resounded in his mouth. …
You also, beloved Brother, although separated from us in body, have been present with us, united in spirit and will. The reason for your absence was both honourable and compelling so that the schismatic wolves might not steal, nor treacherously waylay, any of the flock with their snares, or the heretical dogs, rabid with fury, disturb it with their mad barking, or, indeed that serpent spew forth the venom of his diabolical blasphemies. This certainly seems to be the best and most fitting course – that the Priests of the Lord, from each and every Province report everything to their Head that is, to the See of the Apostle Peter.”
Julius also built several Basilicas and Churches in Rome before his death on 12 April 337.
St Alferius Pappacarbone of La Cava (930–1050) Priest, Founder and Abbot of Arsicia (La Trinità della Cava) which follows the Benedictine Rule, nobleman, Diplomat to Prince Waimar III of Salerno, Cluniac reformer, cave Hermit, Mystic and Ecstatic, Miracle-worker. The Roman Martyrology states: “In the Monastery of Cava de ‘Tirreni in Campania, Saint Alferius, Founder and first Abbot, who, after having been adviser to Guaimario, Duke of Salerno, who became a disciple of Saint Odilone in Cluny, learned in an excellent way, the discipline of monastic life.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/12/saint-of-the-day-12-april-saint-alferius-of-la-cava-930-1050/
Blessed Andrew of Montereale OSA (c1479-1764) Priest and Friar of the Order oif the Hermits of St Augustine, renowned Scholar, Preacher, Teacher, Reformer. Confessor and Spiritual Director to the Royal Court of France, Miracle-worker. His life was devoted to teaching, preaching and leading the Augustinians from several positions of leadership. He was hailed, even during his lifetime, as a pious Miracle worker.
St Artemón of Caesarea St Basil of Parion St Constantine of Gap St Damian of Pavia St Erkemboden of Thérouanne St Florentin of Arles St Pope Julius I (Died 337) Bishop of Rome from 6 February 337 until his death on 12 April 352. St Lorenzo of Belem St Peter of Montepiano
St Sabas the Lector
St Tetricus of Auxerre St Victor of Braga St Vissia of Fermo St Wigbert
Thought for the Day –11 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Our Desires
“What desires have we? Are they all directed towards holiness and towards Jesus, our Lord and our Redeemer? Or are they all for useless worldly things? In times of physical or spiritual affliction, do we make sure that our desires are in conformity with and subject to, the will of God?
Let us examine ourselves seriously. If we find that any of our desires are vain or sinful, let us change this state of affairs at once. Let us make God the object of all the longing in our hearts. Let us ask Him always for those virtues which are really necessary for us, especially for an increase in our love for Him and in our readiness to do His will.”
Quote/s of the Day –11 April – The Month of the Resurrection” – Easter Tuesday
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!!! For with thee is the fountain of life and in Thy Light, we shall see light.
Psalm 36:9
“Do we, then, regard it as a great and marvellous thing, for the Creator of all things, to bring about the resurrection of those, who have served Him with holiness, in the assurance of a good faith?… With this hope, then, let our souls be bound to Him Who is faithful, to His promises and upright in His judgements. He, Who has commanded us not to lie will much more not lie Himself. For nothing is impossible to God except lying (Jn 32:17; Lk 1:37; 6:18).” (Letter to the Corinthians, #24-28)
St Pope Clement I (c 35-c 99) Pope from about 90 to 99 Apostolic Father
“Consider that after a deluge of sorrow, of torments and of anguish, Our Saviour rose from the tomb by His own power; He came forth by His own might. Behold your dear Jesus, more triumphant than ever; behold the sign of Jonah come to pass; behold your dear Jesus alive!
With what gladness, was the company of the Apostles ravished, when they saw, once more among them, the Holy Humanity of our Saviour, raised to life again and glorious. Consider how needful it was that the kind Saviour should go and visit His disciples. Their faith, their hope, their charity were all wavering. Our Saviour came to strengthen them. “It is I, Myself, My dear disciples, see My Hands and My Feet and the Wound in My Side.” (Meditation and Conferences)
One Minute Reflection – 11 April – “The Month of the Resurrection” – Easter Tuesday – Acts 13:16; 13:26-33; Luke 24:36-47 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“And He said to them: Why are you troubled and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?” – Luke 24:38
REFLECTION –
“This Gospel passage… shows us in truth, Who the Messiah is and who the Church … that we might understand well which Bride it is that this Divine Bridegroom has chosen and Who the Bridegroom of this holy Bride is … On this page we can read their deed of espousal …
You have learned that Christ is the Word, God’s Utterance, united to a human soul and human body … Here, the disciples thought they were seeing a ghost; they did not believe that the Lord had a real body. But since the Lord understood the danger of such thoughts, He made haste to snatch them out of their hearts … “Why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at My Hands and My Feet; touch Me and see because, a ghost does not have flesh and bone, as you can see I have.” Yet you, with these same questioning thoughts, strongly oppose the rule of faith you have received …
Christ is truly the Word, the Only-begotten Son equal to the Father, united to a truly human soul and a real body, clean of all sin. This is the Body which died, the Body which rose again, this Body was fastened to the Cross, this Body laid in the tomb, this Body is seated in the Heavens. Our Lord wished to persuade His disciples that what they were seeing was truly bone and flesh… Why did He want to convince me of this truth? Because He knew, just how much it was to my own good, to have faith in it and how much I had to lose, if I did not. You too, then, have faith – it is He, the Bridegroom!
Now listen to what was said about the Bride… “The Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, is to be preached in His Name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” This is the Bride… the Church is spread all over the earth and has taken all peoples to her heart … The Apostles saw Christ and believed in what they did not see, the Church. We, on our part, see the Church; so let us believe in Jesus Christ, Whom we do not see and so, by holding onto what we see, we shall come to Him Whom, as yet, we do not see.” – St Augustine (354-430) Bishop, Father and Doctor of Grace (Sermon 238).
PRAYER – O God, Who art ever multiplying the children of Thy Church, grant unto the same, Thy servants that they may lead the rest of their lives, according to this beginning, wherein Thou hast given them faith to receive the Sacrament of the New Birth. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering – 11 April – Easter Monday and “The Month of the Resurrection”
He is Risen, Tell the Story By Father Willard F Janusch (1930-2018)
He is risen, tell the story to the nations of the night; from their sin and from their blindness, let them walk in Easter light. Now begins a new creation, now has come our true salvation. Jesus Christ, the Son of God!
Mary goes to tell the others of the wonders she has seen; John and Peter come a’running what can all this truly mean? O Rabboni, Master holy, to appear to one so lowly! Jesus Christ, the Son of God!
He has cut down death and evil, He has conquered all despair; He has lifted from our shoulders, all the weight of anxious care. Risen Brother, now before you, we will worship and adore You. Jesus Christ, the Son of God!
Now get busy, bring the message, so that all may come to know there is hope for saint and sinner, for our God has loved us so. Ev’ry church bell is a’ringing, ev’ry Christian now is singing. Jesus Christ, the Son of God!
A Parish Priest, Seminary Professor and prolific Musician and Hymnist, Fr Willard wa Ordained in 1956 and died at the age of 88 in 2018.
Saint of the Day – 11 April – Saint Godeberta (c640-c700) Abbess, Miracle-worker. Born in c640 near Amiens, France and died in c700 at Noyon, France of natural causes. Patronages – against plague/epidemics, for drought relief )fpr rain) , of Noyon, France. Also known as – Godeberta of Noyon, Godebertha, Godberta.Godeberta means “fervour.” Additional Memorials – 11 June, the Fifth Sunday after Easter.
Godeberta was born about the year 640, at Boves, a few leagues from Amiens, in France;. She was very carefully educated, her parents being of noble rank and attched to the Court of King Clovis II. When the question of her marriage was being discussed in the presence of the King, the saintly Bishop of Noyon, St Eligius, as if by inspiration, presented Godeberta with a golden ring and expressed the hope that she might devote her life to the service of God. Godeberta, moved by the Holy Spirit and feeling her heart suddenly filled with Divine love, turned away from the bright prospects before her and refused the advantageous offers which had been made by her noble suitors. She declared her willingness to be the spouse of Christ and asked the holy prelate to allow her to assume the veil.
The Legend of Saint Eligius and Saint Godeberta, by Petrus Christus.
In a short time all opposition to her wishes disappeared and she entered on her new life under the guidance of St Eligius. The King of the Franks was so impressed by her conduct and her zeal that he made her a present of the small palace which he had at Noyon, together with a little Chapel dedicated to St George. Godeberta’s example inspired a number of young women to follow in the same path and she founded in her new home, a Convent, of which she became the Abbess
Here she passed the remainder of her life in prayer and solitude, save when the call of charity or religion, brought her forth among the people, many of whom were still sunk in the vices of paganism. She was remarkable ,in particular, for the constant penances and fasts, to which she subjected herself. She had a wonderful faith in the efficacy of that ancient practice of the early Christians–the Sign of the Cross and, it is recorded, that on one occasion, in 676, during the Episcopacy of St Mommelinus, when the town was threatened with total destruction by fire, she made the Sign of the Cross over the flames,and the conflagration was forthwith extinguished.
The exact year of her death is unknown but it is said to have occurred on 11 June, on which day her feast is marked in the Proprium of Beauvais. In Noyon, however, by virtue of an indult, dated 2 April, 1857, it is kept on the fifth Sunday after Easter, the feast of 11 April appears to stem from the belief that this was the date of the translation of her Relics. The body of the Saint was interred in the Church of St George, which was afterwards called by her name.
In 1168 Godeberta’s body was solemnly translated from the ruined Church where it had rested for over 450 years, by Bishop Baudoin to the Cathedral of Noyon. Providentially her relics have escaped the ravages of time and fire and the malice of the irreligious. At the period of the Revolution a pious townsman secretly buried them near the Cathedral. When the storm had passed they were recovered from their hiding place and their authenticity, being canonically established, they were replaced in the Church.
A bell is still preserved which tradition avers, to have been the one actually used by Godeberta in her Convent. It is certainly very ancient and there seems no good reason, in particular from an archaeological point of view, for doubting the trustworthiness of the legend. In the treasury of the Cathedral, likewise may be seen a gold ring, said to have been that presented by St Eligius to the Saint. Mention is made in a record of the year 1167 of this Relic having been then in the possession of the Church of Noyon.
Unfortunately the most ancient documents we have giving details of Godeberta’s life do not, in all probability, date beyond the Eleventh Century, as the oldest “Vita” which, in truth, is rather a panegyric for her feast than a biography, is believed to have been composed by Radbodus, who became Bishop of Noyon in 1067. In those days, too, the aim of such writers was the edification rather than the instruction of the faithful, so we find in this life, the usual wonders related in such pious works of that period with but few historic facts. It is certain, however, that St. Godeberta was looked upon as a protector in the time of plagues and catastrophes and we have every reason to hold that this practice was justified by the results that followed her solemn invocation.
In 1866 a violent outbreak of typhoid fever occurred in Noyon, decimating the Town. On 23 May in that year, one of the leading citizens, whose child had just been stricken down, approached the cure of the Church and recalling the favours that had been granted in ages past to the clients of the Saint, earnestly asked that the Shrine containing her Relics should be exposed and a Novena of intercession begun. This was done the following day,and forthwith, the scourge ceased; it was officially certified that not another case of typhoid occurred. In thanksgiving a solemn procession took place under the guidance of the Bishop, Mgr Gignoux, a few weeks later, the Relics of St Godeberta being carried triumphantly through the town. A beautiful statue of the saint, the cathedral of Noyon, which was blessed by the Bishop on 25 February, 1867, perpetuated the memory of this wonderful event.
St Domnio of Salona Bl Elena Guerra St Eustorgius of Nicomedia Bl George Gervase St Godeberta (c640-c700) Abbess
St Guthlac of Crowland (674–715) Monk, Hermit, Ascetic. St Guthlac was from Lincolnshire in England. He is particularly venerated in the Fens of eastern England where many Churches are dedicated to him. His sister is venerated as Saint Pega, an anchoress. His body was incorrupt until its destruction in the 16th century by the dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/11/saint-of-the-day-11-april-st-guthlac-674-715/
St Hildebrand of Saint-Gilles St Isaac of Monteluco Bl James of Africa Bl John of Cupramontana Bl Lanunio St Machai St Maedhog of Clonmore Bl Mechthild of Lappion Bl Paul of Africa St Philip of Gortyna St Raynerius Inclusus St Sancha of Portugal St Stephen of Saint-Gilles
Thought for the Day – 10 April – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Easter: The Herald of Peace
“At the close of this meditation, let us ask the risen Christ to give us His peace which is the only true peace. “My peace I give to you” (Jn 14:27). Although it comes from Jesus, however, this peace requires an effort on our part too. We must build it up carefully within ourselves with the help of God’s grace. The foundations of interior peace, must be laid down, by controlling our passions, by avoiding the slightest trace of sin, by living the the life of prayer and of union with God, by loving Him above all things and creatures and by living and working for Him alone!”
Quote/s of the Day – 10 April – “The Month of the Resurrection” – Easter Monday – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“I Am the Resurrection and the Life”
John 11:25
“The Lord has turned all our sunsets into sunrises.”
St Clement of Alexandria (150-215) Father of the Church
“The people who sat in darkness, have seen a great light”
Matthew 4:16
Hymn I on the Resurrection
“Our Lord Jesus Christ Has appeared to us from the bosom of the Father. He has come and drawn us out of the shadows And enlightened us with His joyful Light.
Day has dawned for humankind, Cast out the power of darkness. For us, a Light from His Light has arisen That has enlightened our darkened eyes.
Over the world He has made His glory arise And has lit up the deepest depths. Death is no more, darkness has ended, The gates of hell are shattered.
He has illumined every creature, All the shades from times long past. He has brought about salvation and given us life; Next He will come in glory.
Our King is coming in His great glory: Let us light our lamps and go out to meet Him (Mt 25,6); Let us be glad in Him, as He has been glad in us And gives us gladness, with His glorious Light.
My friends, arise! make yourselves ready To give thanks to our Saviour King, Who will come in His glory and make us joyful With His joyous Light in the Kingdom.”
One Minute Reflection – 10 April – “The Month of the Resurrection” – Easter Monday – Acts 10:37-43, Luke 24:13-35 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“You know the word which hath been published through all Judea; for it began from Galilee …” – Acts 10:37
REFLECTION – “It is aptly said of our Redeemer that: “He is going on ahead of you into Galilee. You will see him there, as He said to you.” Galilee is interpreted: “the passing has been completed.” In truth our Redeemer had now passed from His Passion to His Resurrection, from His Death to Life, from punishment to glory, from corruption to incorruption. After His Resurrection, He was first seen by His disciples in Galilee because we will happily see the glory of His Resurrection later, if we now pass from vice to the height of virtue. There is a “passing” to be accomplished because, He, Who was proclaimed at the sepulchre, has to be seen in another place…
There were two lives. One we know about, of the other we are ignorant; One is mortal, the other immortal; One is corruptible, the other incorruptible; One ends in Death, the other in Resurrection. But the Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus (1Tim 2,5), came. He took upon Himself, the One and revealed to us, the other; the One He bore by Dying and the other He revealed by Rising. If He had promised resurrection of the body to us, who knew this mortal life but did not visibly manifest it, who would have believed His promises?” – St Gregory the Great (540-604) Pope, Father and Doctor of the Church (Homilies on the Gospels 21, 6-7).
PRAYER – O God, Who dost heal the sick world by the solemn gladness of the Passover, continue, we beseech Thee, to pour forth Thine heavenly gifts upon Thy people, until the same shall bring them into perfect liberty and finally, avail them unto life everlasting .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).
AnaStpaul 
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